Araton, a columnist for the New York Times, had been writing about sports for nearly two decades and cheering his sons' various teams, but nothing prepared him for his wife's entry into the world of soccer at age 40. Beth Albert, a public relations executive, began playing soccer with other mothers in suburban Montclair, N.J. Almost from the first practice, she and her teammates were hooked. They juggled work schedules, found babysitters, started a league and made time for practice and competition. The women became as serious about soccer as any high school athletes. Araton chronicles the team's events, focusing more on the women and less on the games, behind which are the real stories—struggles with family problems, including one player's ongoing battle with cancer. The sport brings the women together off the playing field as well as on. Any baby boomer who has pursued athletic or other extracurricular endeavors in middle age can identify with the achievements of these soccer moms. Agent, Shari Wenk. (Sept.)
