It’s almost time to break open the great book of soccer cliches for the weekend. Viking Cup 2003 is set to descend on Little Norway with the fervor of a longtime fullback taking a rare shot at an opposing team’s goal.

More than 1,500 players are preparing to “take the field” around North Kitsap and beyond for the event. In soccer terms that is, of course, some 3,000 pairs of cleats. Crews of Washington State Ferries, which forbids the spiked shoes on the passenger decks, should have their hands full.

Indeed, Viking Cup has all the makings of a top notched soccumentary. Where else on the planet can one catch so much action, drama, athleticism and fun in one weekend?

While many locals will head for the hills to avoid seeing those “Life’s a pitch,” “Kick some grass” and “Only forwards really know how score” T-shirts, they will merely be missing out on the well orchestrated chaos that is soccer.

If you’ve never seen a game or think the true “football” is for foreigners, we encourage you to take a look this weekend. Show up at about any soccer field in the area and you’ll quickly discover what the excitement is all about.

Make a spectacle out of yourself, root for your favorites, cheer the refs… Cheer the refs?

Sure. After all those guys put up with on a weekly basis, we’d say they’ve definitely earned it.