With about 80 players spread over six teams, the women's soccer league within the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) is playing games this summer outdoors on the turf 11 against 11 for the first time.
It's just the way Angela Bonfiglio, for instance, grew up playing the sport.
Bonfiglio, 33, who lives in Carol Stream and works as a purchasing agent, is a captain for The Orphans, with their orange uniforms. She played four years of high school soccer locally and then moved on to Harper College in Palatine, where he played two seasons.
"It's fun, exciting," Bonfiglio said. "I'm really glad [CMSA] created 11-on-11. There are a lot of good players in this league; you see a lot of good skills, a lot of good athletes. And we definitely have a lot of fun playing."
Maureen Macpherson also played high school soccer in her native Michigan, and she certainly enjoys/appreciates the 11-on-11 format, too.
"The league is a lot of fun. The games really put me on a great high and for me they are a great stress reliever," Macpherson said. "They feel like [how] soccer games were played while growing up
Macpherson, 30, who lives in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and is a policewoman, has played in local leagues indoors and outdoors for several years. Her favorite soccer player is Abby Wambach, who she tagged as, "5'11" of gorgeousness."
Macpherson enjoys the competitiveness of the league, and certainly also its social aspect. "It's a great way to hang out with people without [consuming] alcohol," she said.
Sam Hamilton is the commissioner of the 11-on-11 women's soccer league that will run through the end of August. The top four teams make the playoffs.
Hamilton said a fall outdoor league is being planned.
"There is a spot for everyone in this league, regardless of talent level," Hamilton said.
Players range in age from 20 to 50.
See www.chicagomsa.org .
Olympics has its
LGBT moments
LGBT athletes have been increasingly part of the global sports scene, so it should come as no surprise that there have been gay-related moments during the Summer Olympics.
According to Gay Star News, on July 26 spectators cheered Chris Basiurski—who chairs Gay Football Supporters Network in Great Britain—when he kissed partner James during Basiurski's stretch of carrying the torch that lit the giant Olympic flame. Earlier that day, comedy gay icons Edina and Patsy of the TV show Absolutely Fabulous also became torch-bearers.
On July 23, gay-rights activist Mark Healey carried the torch. He was chosen because of his work founding a charity set up in tribute to the victims of the London nail-bomb attacks on venues including a gay bar; that attack killed three people and wounded 70.
The July 27 Opening Ceremonies also had some LGBT-related instances, including British director (and ceremony mastermind) Danny Boyle showing the first-ever televised lesbian kiss, which aired in 1993, according to a separate article. Another film clip showed the scene in Billy Elliot where his male friend is wearing a dress. Bisexual singer David Bowie was also featured.
