Gil Thorp by Henry Barajas and Rachel Merrill for September 14, 2016

“You’re right, coach. I like soccer, but it’s kind of a boring game for hipsters who want to pretend they’re Europeans.”

Took them four years to figure this out?

Disclaimer: I actually do enjoy soccer.

P2, says the math teacher who is forced to coach soccer.

Maybe Heather should try torch juggling.

Heh, I’m always sad in this strip: my favorite sports are ice hockey and soccer. Oops.

This is a major breakthrough for soccer in this strip: the coach appears in more than 2 panels, and she has a name! (Coach Dawes.) When we last saw a Mudlark soccer coach (Oct. 5-6, 2011), he was listed in the credits as “guy in a chair”.-

First EES of the season, some hand jive, intergender interaction and a P3 reference to that Debby Boone hit burning up transistor radios in The Valley. I am having Milford moustache withdraws.

Marty Moon should be breaking the news on this. “Milford Soccer Senior May Not Like The Game.” We’ll be taking calls all afternoon. Phone lines are still open.

P2, What’s not to love, coach. It’s The Beautiful Game. You run around a field for an hour and a half, nobody scores then you riot! I really love that part. That, and hitting the ball with my head but not using my hands. That’s really special.

P3, You know what really lights me up, coach? The showers! That’s my favorite part. Walk with me. Maybe we could start that part early.

My beloved FC Dallas won the US Open Cup last night. Heather didn’t suit up.

Coming Headline in the Milford News: Girl joins Thorp’s Football team; She’ll get her kicks wearing 66.

P-1: the Prophet from The Matrix predicts the futureP-2: Honesty, pass it on (brought to you by the Church of Later Day Saints)P-3: The EpiphanyP-4: Heather, walk with me. I’ll light you up.

P3.If I had to kick balls that large; wow

In all reality , Hey Coach ,Come on Baby light my Fire !

…where is Brody Abro now? It’s been 5 years, wow!

P3 – “You’re right, Coach. It’s not like I’d die for soccer…. Too soon?”

Considering she asked her to walk with her, they sure aren’t doing much walking. I’m just being honest here. You think Coach Dawes is on a roll? She’s really on a roll in today’s Mopped Up Thorp.

Today’s MUT is the best ever.

Where did the baby with that huge head that Coach Dawes is holding in panel three come from?