Albert Pujols. Isaac Bruce. Vedad Ibisevic. Different audiences, same passion.

Ibisevic is a native of Bosnia who played soccer one year for St. Louis University before moving to Paris in 2004 for a major European team. Bosnians in St. Louis follow his exploits through newspapers and cable television.

Bosnians love to follow soccer, and adults and teenagers frequently meet for scrimmages in city parks. Many are skilled ballhandlers.

Emir Mulalic, coach of a prominent local club team, said about 100 young Bosnian immigrants in St. Louis had made it to college teams. Mulalic's team, known by the acronym NKBIH, plays locally in an adult men's league and against Bosnian teams from other Midwestern cities.

His team captain is Vedad Alagic, 27, who played for St. Louis U. Alagic said his teammates respect the talent of American players who, he said, "are more run and pass. We play more finesse."

Alagic said Bosnians follow soccer passionately because it is the major European sport and "a release from pressure and strain. It's an escape."

Just like baseball and football fans.