Soccer truly is a family affair for Douglas King and his partner of 27 years, Bob Dydas, though they actually are on different teams in the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association's ( CMSA's ) soccer league. Just consider:
— Foster son Pedro Guardian, 28, is the league's indoor soccer referee;
— Foster son Chucho Guardian, 23, the league's outdoor soccer referee;
— Foster son Juan Guardian, 30, played goalie on a Gay Games soccer team; and
— Juan's wife, Aneli, plays in the current indoor league, as does Chucho's wife, Therea.
'It's a family thing, for sure,' said King, 49, an architect who lives in Lakeview.
Playing is quite a new thing for King and Dydas. 'I've watched literally thousands of games over the last, oh, 15 years—from high school to college to club [ games ] . Now I'm actually out there [ playing ] . And it really is a lot of fun.'
This development is even more meaningful to King since everyone in his family, other than Dydas, is straight.
'We've always been active with sports, for years,' King said. 'In fact, we used sports initially to help transcend language barriers. Sports are just something we do, specifically, soccer.
'For me, soccer really is a social event. But we're really inspired by our loved ones.'
The CMSA's second indoor season wraps up with its championship on Jan. 19.
'Sure, soccer is a competitive environment, but the focus is on having a good time, developing and improving [ player's ] skill-level,' said Jason Weaver, the CMSA's soccer founder and coordinator. 'And, since this is the second indoor season, we definitely have seen that. Many players who played in the first indoor season have noticeably improved their skill level.'
Indoor soccer players—of which there are 55 this season, divided into four teams—range from their early 20s to middle 50s, with about 75 percent of the participants being male. The rosters feature teachers, consultants, graphic designers, students, interior designers and other professionals.
Players vary considerably in skill level, from novices to those who are very experienced. Some have played Division I soccer, while others are kicking the ball competitively for the first time in their lives.
'We wanted all four teams to have a competitive shot at winning every game,' Weaver said. 'Every team is fairly close [ in ] skill level.'
The season started in mid-November, with games held every Friday evening at the Windy City Fieldhouse.
'We've seen more emphasis this year on the social side of things,' Weaver said. 'The league really is a great outlet for people to get in a good workout, meet new people, see familiar faces and watch friendships evolve.'
The outdoor season last summer endured several rainouts and moved from the field at Pratt and Western to the field on Foster and Lake Shore Drive midway through the run.
'I was surprised after the first [ indoor ] season; I thought there would be more changes suggested or recommended, but there weren't any,' Weaver said. 'Indoor soccer really was popular; people have really enjoyed themselves and we've really had a good turnout.'
The next indoor season starts in February, and it runs through May. It was discussed to maintain the current teams for the third season, but it was rejected 'so players can get to know more players [ than ] those who they have simply played against,' Weaver said.
The February season will be about 60 players, mostly due to field restrictions. One more team might be added, Weaver said, thus allowing about 15 more individuals to play.
The CMSA's outdoor soccer roster will continue to expand, Weaver said.
The current indoor season has featured an undefeated team, players scoring the first goals of their competitive careers and, among other things, a soccer social at SoFo, 4923 N. Clark, with about 25 players attending.
About 15 CMSA indoor players are scheduled to travel to New York City in March for a gay five-on-five tournament, marking the first time Chicago is represented at the annual event.
Chicago had two men's and three women's teams participate in the Gay Games last summer. 'The Games certainly helped cement friendships in the soccer community,' Weaver said. 'All of the Chicago teams showed well [ in the Games ] , and that's what really helps get people motivated about the sport as a whole. I think the Gay Games were a really good steppingstone—a good launching-pad for gay soccer in Chicago.'
CMSA Indoor Soccer Players to Watch:
Nick Gehl, 26, is the league's leading scorer and one of the team captains. He plays midfield 'and really knows how to distribute and control the ball,' Weaver said. 'Plus, he's a great scorer.'
J.J. Lueten is a team captain and one of the standout female players in the league.
