College soccer

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An NCAA tournament game between Indiana University and the University of Tulsa in 2004

College soccer is a term used to describe soccer that is played by teams operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes. College soccer is probably most widespread in the United States, but is also important in South Korea and Canada.

In the United States, college soccer is divided into three NCAA Divisions, as well as the NAIA.

Many top American college soccer players play for separate teams in the Premier Development League (PDL) during the summer. One college club, the BYU Cougars, have foregone playing in the NCAA or NAIA and instead play their games in the PDL.

College soccer has slightly different rules than many other soccer leagues. College soccer allows for unlimited substitutions, although players are not allowed to reenter the game after being removed in the first half, and are limited to one reentry in the second half and overtimes. If a match is tied after regulation, two 10-minute golden goal overtimes follow. If neither team scores, the match ends in a draw. College soccer also do not have stoppage or injury time. The referee signals to a timekeeper for the clocked to be stopped on injuries, substitutions, and when he feels a team is wasting time. The clock counts down as opposed to up, and the game is over immediately when the clock reads 00:00, even if a shot is in flight.