Fonso Bennett-Williams, a foreign exchange student from London, has experienced soccer in the United States and London and has been adapting to the rule and style changes between the two countries.
“The game is a lot more physical here,” said Bennett-Williams, a junior business management major from London. “The pace of the game is a lot faster and that takes a little getting used to.”
Switching from one country to another to play soccer or any sport can always have some variations between the rules. Between the U.S. and England, when it comes to soccer, the main difference is the regulations on substitutions.
In Europe, you are only allowed three substitutions per game and once a player comes out, they cannot go back in. In the U.S., you are allowed unlimited substitutions and players can come back in.
This difference in the rules makes teams use completely different strategies. Rudy Pompert, head coach of the men’s soccer team, has played soccer in the Netherlands and has seen this difference first hand.
“When you are on the field and have to play 90 minutes of soccer, you cannot just run around like a headless chicken,” Pompert said. “In the U.S. you can do that because they can take you out and put you back in.”
In Europe, the key is to slow it down and be smarter with how you conserve your energy. In the U.S., you can apply a lot more pressure and play a more athletic style because you can be substituted out for a break.
When watching Bennett-Williams in practice, it is evident that he is working on things he is not used to. An example of this is in one-on-one drills, when the more athletic style of play really sticks out.
In London, the game is more about passing and finding an open shot rather than constantly pressing the defender. Bennett-Williams is working on stopping the other player’s first move and knocking the ball away before they can get a good shot.
Although the changes add another dimension to Bennett-Williams’ experience as a student-athlete, he has taken all of them in stride and said he wants to improve on all he can while he is here.
“One thing that I’m not used to playing on turf,” he said. “I have always been used to playing on grass, so I want to improve on that.”
A big key to Bennett-Williams adapting so far is the way he has been able to connect with his teammates.
During practice, you can see Bennett-Williams talking and laughing with his teammates while taking the help and guidance from coaches and players in stride so he can improve on the skills he needs to succeed in this new style.
“He is always down to have a fun time,” said Anthony Appiani, a sophomore economics major from North Tonawanda who plays defense with Bennett-Williams, “but he is also ready to win right when he steps onto the field just like the rest of us.”
Even though each country has their own style of play and some rule changes, players are used to subtle changes in the game. If they can adapt and be a team player, Bennett-Williams has shown they can be successful anywhere.
Max Borsuk can be reached by email at bscrecord@gmail.com.