They were all in their 20's, an age that might lead such a group to talk about soccer or romance.

"Not even 20 percent of them knew anything about soccer, except for driving their kids to practice."

I go to a lot of meetings where adults talk about soccer and what it means.

The men have to teach the women about soccer.

To be sure, not everyone in the Ironbound is passionate about soccer.

The customers remain passionate about soccer, however, as do the women.

Of course, they said the same thing about America and soccer.

I have never in my life heard a single American say a single nice thing about soccer.

About soccer, though, there appears to be an air of resignation.

"From now on, we have to think about serious soccer."