Soccer kicks off in NYC

There's no disputing it, soccer is finally catching on in New York.

Everywhere you look there are signs, from the crowded pubs during last summer's World Cup to coed leagues popping up like so many spring flowers.

So it's no surprise the city is primed to watch the first game this Saturday pitting the New York Red Bulls against the Los Angeles Galaxy and its newly acquired $100 million mega-athlete, David Beckham.

More than a week before the match at Giants Stadium, the Red Bulls had already sold more than 50,000 tickets, an "unprecedented" number, said team spokesman Eric Tosi.

And that's despite the fact that Beckham is recovering from an ankle injury and may sit on the sidelines.

Even if you're not clamoring to glimpse the British midfielder, there are plenty of places to watch and play soccer in the city, whether you're a longtime footie or new to the game. Here's a list of some of the best citywide.

Where to watch
Nevada Smiths
Other pubs may tune in every four years during the World Cup, but no bar rivals Nevada Smiths in its 24/7 devotion to soccer. During big international tournaments, this East Village dive gets so full, bouncers have to turn jersey-clad fanatics away. Arrive early for the game, and soon you'll be in adrenaline-filled, beer-sloshing soccer heaven.
74 Third Ave. at 12th St.
212-982-2591

Mr. Dennehy's
This West Village bar has soccer in its DNA. Not only do seven plasma-screen TVs channel American, European and Latin-American matches from morning to night, but the staff even has its own team. Catch a game and enjoy an impeccable menu that transcends bar food status quo.
63 Carmine St. at Seventh Ave.
212-414-1223

The Starting Gate
Fans of U.K. soccer won't miss a single match at this Queens pub, where major cable feeds keep the games coming from 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Oh, and they tune in to American soccer, too.
59-10 Woodside Ave. at 61st St.
718-429-9269

Floyd
This Brooklyn pub sometimes charges a cover for early morning weekend matches, but a bonus is the authentic English breakfast soccer lovers can order from The Chip Shop next door. Not to mention the free indoor bocce court for post-game revelry.
131 Atlantic Ave.
718-858-5810

Where to Play
New York Coed Soccer League
Built for young professionals who want to socialize as much as sweat, this adult league welcomes everyone. With separate divisions based on experience level, its not hard to find the right comfort zone, whether players are new to soccer or have been wearing cleats since birth. Check out games Thursdays and Fridays at Chelsea Waterside Park or register for the fall season beginning August 21. As the league says, "Glory is only a kick away."
www.nycoedsoccer.com
Chelsea Waterside Park 11th Ave. at 23rd St.

Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Established in 1923, Cosmopolitan adult and junior leagues have been fielding teams since before Pelé was born. Today with 89 teams and two subdivisions for players over 30, there¹s no shortage of participation, including younger kickers hoping to make it to the professional ranks.
www.cslny.com, 201 943-3390

Chelsea Piers
If the winter months have you yearning to play indoors, this destination is the only spot that offers two state-of-the-art fields designed specifically for soccer. Kids as young as five can sign up for classes and leagues and adults can join a coed league for $230. Or if you don't want to be tied down to a team, use the field for just $9 an hour.

Manhattan Soccer Club
For kids who are ready for a bit of competition, this traveling club offers youth ages 9 and over a chance to test their skills against their rivals in Westchester. So if you think your kicker makes the cut, sign up for September tryouts.
Contact: Robert Ginzberg, tryout coordinator: rginzberg@roekramer.com

Red Hook Ball Fields
These outdoor fields are famed not only for great outdoor games but also for delicious Latin American food hawked on the sidelines. So when the city proposed starting a bidding war that endangered the taco sellers¹ permits, footies and foodies alike were up in arms. For now, you can still savor the tasty Mexican huaraches, Ecuadorian ceviche (raw fish) or Honduran burritos on freshly made wheat tortillas -- the city granted a respite to the vendors until the end of the soccer season in October.

More Leagues:
-New York Soccer Collective
Adults' coed

-Zog Sports
Adults' outdoor and indoor soccer

-Urban Soccer
Men's and women's leagues

-Metro Soccer
Adult and junior leagues

-West Side Soccer League
Kids' recreational teams

Related topic galleries: World Cup, Adults, Soccer, People, New York Red Bulls, Multi-Sport Events