WSU gets a taste of international soccer

 
The winning Saudi team.
 
 
PULLMAN, Wash. – World Cup-style soccer was introduced at Washington State University Pullman during fall semester by students who wanted a more familiar experience and international presence.
 
“It was meant for all international students at WSU to overcome the homesickness challenges and get to know each other,” said Saad Athbah, sport officer for the Saudi Students Club. The club created the International Students Soccer League, which included four teams representing their home countries: China, Mexico, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
 
“Participation meant more than just a game; it has started building relationships with students of several different cultures and countries,” said student Khaled Abu Algyth.
 
The World Cup is the world’s most widely viewed sporting event. Held every four years, the tournament is an international association football competition contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport’s global governing body.
 
The WSU teams accumulated points through competition. The final game concluded with a Saudi team win over the Mexican team. The Saudi Student Club awarded five cups: first and second place teams, best player, best goalkeeper and high score player of the league.
 
“We hope this international student soccer league will be held each fall semester,” Athbah said.