Rebecca Bobrow ’11
Features Editor

Soccer is an international game. It is the most popular sport on the planet. It is played in over 200 countries. This season, Staples soccer, can claim to be international. Its worldliness has been increased with the addition of two international athletes to its roster. Lars Aanestad ’12, of Norway, and Felipe Troncoso ’12, of Chile.“We are delighted to have them both, and to expand Staples Soccer to two new countries,” said head soccer Coach Dan Woog.

While both have been playing soccer since they were young, the transition to American soccer required some adapting for Troncoso.

“The biggest difference is the way of play. Here it is all teamwork and strategy, in my country we play in a more personal way,” Troncoso said.

Not only did Troncoso need to adjust to a new style of play, he also to using English when communicating across the field.

“I am not quite fluent,” he said. “Sometimes it is very difficult.”

However, the team has been working to help him.

“All the guys are so nice and friendly with me, they make fun of me sometimes but in a good way. I am understanding much more now,” Troncoso said.

As he continues to adjust, Troncoso hopes to contribute to the team with his high energy. Woog agrees, describing Troncoso as an “outgoing, free spirited person with a great mentality, who plays with a creative style of soccer.”

Using this style, Troncoso hopes to score goals this season.

Aanestad, a center midfielder, said the transition from his old team to Staples was not difficult.

“Soccer is played the same way all over the world,” he said.

Unlike Troncoso, a Rotary exchange student, Aanestad attended an international school where he spoke English before moving here with his family, so he is not troubled by a language barrier on the field.

For Aanestad, there have been no problems.

“It is all fantastic. I especially enjoy the cinnamon raisin bagels before away games,” Aanestad said.

To him, this is a “a new American experience.”

His goal for the season is to “win it all.” With Aanestad this may be possible—he is “talented. He plays simply and has great vision and touch,” Woog said.

There are hurdles for all new players to get over, Woog said, and for these two new players it was no different.

“They had to figure out the team’s style of play and each individual’s style. While [the returning players] had to adapt to two new players, Felipe and Lars had to adapt to 24 others,” Woog said.

However, being a new student on a team has its advantages.

“Being able to come in and have a place and have made friends before school even started, I think was great for them,” Woog said.

Troncoso agrees as he was happy to meet all of the individuals on the team. He is enthusiastic about being able to learn all the differences in the sport and the culture.

Some aspects of the culture may have stunned them at first as American soccer is not typically considered to be the most influential sport in the country. This is unlike other countries around the world.

“Both of them were a little surprised by the high standard of play here in Westport,” Woog said. “I think they are impressed that soccer has such a high status here.”

Troncoso has loved seeing the talents of the players at Staples.

“I have seen a lot of sick tricks. We have a very good team and everyone has something to show,” Troncoso said.

The new players have brought new perspectives to the field and a new dynamic to the team for the team and the spectators.

“It is fun for both the players and fans, through Lars and Felipe, to be part of the world game,” Woog said.