October 7, 1992
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)
Ryan Tinsley, a junior transfer from UC Irvine this year, is emerging as one of Fresno State soccer's top newcomers.
Tinsley had an assist credited to him in the Bulldogs' 1-0 win over Oregon State. He has started in all 10 games this season and has one goal--a game winner--and two assists for four points. He played at Irvine Valley College in 1990 before moving to UC Irvine last year.
"The quality of play wasn't near what it is at FSU, but I got some experience. Last year at UCI, the talent was there; however, it's nothing compared this level, Tinsley said.
"It's like another world. This is a big-time soccer program. We have much better support, bigger crowd, and better coaching. Everyone on this team is good, but we also have the team-player atmosphere."
Tinsley said those aspects were lacking somewhat at UC Irvine.
"When you don't win, people get mad. We had a lot of talent and we could have been good, but there was too much dissension. On this team, if we lose, we don't really worry because we know we'll win again. We know we'll win a lot of games, so we'l pull together and go out to win the next one."
Head Coach John Bluem is more than happy to have Tinsley on board.
"We're pleased with what he has done. He is a player with a good attack," Bluem said. "Ryan has the skills, and he's worked hard since he's got here."
As a result, the 5'9", 145-pound midfielder has won himself a starting position.
"He has been a pleasant surprise," Bluem said.
Tinsley decided to play at junior college upon graduating from high school rather than coming to a major college immediately.
"I was a decent player, but I didn't think I could play Division I right away. I got better each year, and I improved my game. The (Irvine Valley) JC coaches helped me a lot. We also had some good players ,which made it an experience worth having," he said.
He not only is a dedicated player, he follows the game and laments the lack of enthusiasm for soccer in the United States as was once seen.
"I try to stay up on it, and I get magazines about teams in other countries," he said. "But in order to be able to compete with them, the U.S. is going to have to have a pro league, like Brazil and Argentina do. We need to get pro stars and get some national talent that is on the level with everybody else.
"The World Cup coming here in '94 should help the game grow. Some people won't care, but I think people will pay close attention and be exposed to the game," Tinsley said.
"Soccer is very popular on the youth level because kids just want to play. They don't need bats, bases and balls, or pads, or an indoor court. All you need is a ball and a place to play. You don't have to be big--size means nothing--and you don't need much supervision. Just kick the ball. There's not nearly as much pressure on kids and that's why they like the game so much."
Bluem is hoping the Cup will help the game prosper here also. "Everyone involved with soccer is hoping that will take place, he said.
"Whether that will happen, we don't know, but that is what we hope."
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