Today from University Soccer, We are going to talk about how an American university season works, some curiosities and things you should know before getting your soccer scholarship in the United States.

If you prefer to listen, here is a video where we explain it, otherwise keep reading:

US College League Season

First of all, it's a very short season. It usually lasts about two months, between September and November, in addition to the two weeks of preseason. All the teams have the same preseason time so that there is equality. Then, depending on when you are eliminated and if you qualify for the National Tournament, you could finish in November, once November is over, or even before you reach November.

It is also important to know that time goes backwards. That is, the first half does not begin at minute 1, but at minute 45, and time runs backwards until it reaches 0. Another curiosity is that the referee can make a cross sign with his arms, which means that the Time will stop when he considers: injury, loss of time, if the ball goes out, when there is a goal, etc. But it is always the referee who decides. Therefore, there is no added time.

TO Americans don't like ties and they try to ensure that there are not any during the regular season, in such a way that there is overtime and golden goal. Then, there are two extra 10-minute halves, in case a winner is not determined during regular time.

On the other hand, the games usually take place every 3 or 4 days, which means that it is a demanding season. That's why it's also shorter. How is that season divided? There are 3 phases:

1. Regular season:

In the regular season you play against the teams in your league, which is called the “conference.” Also, it is played only once. Since there is no round trip, you will have to play with each team either at home or away.

2. Playoffs:

Then, the best teams from the regular season, once they have played all against all, qualify for the playoffs. Normally there are quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, but there may be conferences where there is only, depending on how you qualify, semi-finals and finals. That way you avoid playing in the quarterfinals if you have been one of the best teams. Therefore, the playoffs are a maximum of three games.

3. National tournament:

After the playoffs, you could qualify for the National Tournament. But how do you do it? We will explain that in another video, because there are several options.

The life of a student and footballer

Lastly, you may be wondering, what happens if I miss a lot of classes because I have a lot of games? Obviously, the season is on while you have classes, but that's why you don't have to worry: at the beginning of the season, they usually give you a calendar with all your games and when the team is going to travel (for example, if the day before you have to fly , it will tell you the travel time). You just have to hand it to your teachers, and they will already know that you will not be in class on those days because you are traveling or playing. The teachers are understanding and understand that you are part of a team, so don't worry.

I hope it has helped you and that you have gotten an idea of how a season at University in the United States works. If you have any other questions, you can leave a comment. Thank you so much!