Soccer Glossary
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1. Advantage rule
A clause in the rules that directs the referee to refrain from stopping play for a foul if a stoppage would benefit the team that committed the violation.
2. Advantages
Situations where a team has possession of the ball and out-numbers the opposition;
Situations where the opposition may have a player or players suspended through red cards.
3. American Football
Used by non-Americans to distinguish between the American sport of football from soccer, which they call football.
4. APSL (A-League)
The A-League or the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) was a professional soccer league in North America. FIFA sanctioned the A-League Division 2 soccer in the United States and Division 1 soccer in Canada. It existed from 1990 to 1996.
5. Assist
A pass from a teammate that results in a goal.
6. Attacking
When a team has possesion of the ball, and is working their way upfield.
7. Attacking Half
When the ball is in the opposing teams half of the field.
8. Attacking Midfielder
Plays behind the forwards but in front of the midfielders. The player who "creates" the attack.
9. AYSO (American Youth Soccer Oraganization)
A national, non-profit organization that provides soccer instruction and development for children between the ages of 4 and 19. Made up of volunteers who serve as administrators, coaches, and referees.
10. Back Door
The area referring to the back of the goal. Oppsite side of where the ball is.
11. Back Post
Refers to the goal-post furthest from the ball. Also known as Far-Post.
12. Ball Carrier
The player with the ball at his feet.
13. Bicycle Kick
A kick perfomed in mid-air when the ball is above the players head, resulting in the player landing on his back
14. Booking
When the referee issues a yellow or red card to a player or coach .
15. Boot
The British term for a soccer cleat.
16. Breakaway
A fast-paced situation when an attacking player has a goal scoring opportunity with only the golie to beat.
17. Caps
A term for the number of times a player has been selected to represent his or her national team to play a soccer match.
18. Cards
There are two kinds of cards issued by a referee for disciplinary action:
Yellow Card: A warning, A caution
Red Card: Suspension, from this game and the next
If a player receives two yellow cards in the same game he or she is issued a red card.
Also see: Red Card,
Yellow Card
19. Carry
To dribble
20. Caution
An official disciplinary action taken by the referee to warn a player or coach with a yellow card.
21. Center Back
The player assigned to play in the center of defence.
22. Center Circle
The circle in the middle of the field with an 8 yard radius. Where the kick-off is taken.
23. Center the Ball
See Cross
24. Challenge
An attempt to steal the ball from a player.
25. Chilena
see Bicycle Kick
