There are few more pure moments in sport than seeing a soccer ball nestle into the back of the net after gilt-edged build-up­­players communicating on a subconscious level, thriving on instinct where the spoken word is unnecessary.

Commentators from different countries are lined side-by-side describing the action for their countrymen in various corners of the world. An English anchor exudes: "Oh my word__what a goal." Just a few feet away, an American yells: "He scooooores." But the most animated is the Spanish-speaking commentator. He has erupted with joy and screams: "GOOAAALLLLL!!!!!". Wipe away the context of the moment and it would appear as if he is in pain­­his cries last more than minute. It is perhaps the most famous piece of soccer commentary on the face of the planet­­regardless of an individual's linguistic speaking background__the expression is universal and it leaves little doubt as to what just occurred. But once the final whistle has been blown, the crowds empty from the stadiums and life returns to normality­­or as normal as it can be for a professional soccer player. Interviews with the media, post-game team meetings and greeting fans is where the spoken word is the essence of communication. Los Angeles Galaxy midfield star Mauricio Cienfuegos is one player who is forced to deal with the language barrier. The 31-year-old El Salvadorian, who grew up in a working class neighborhood of San Salvador, speaks only limited English.

"It is personally frustrating for me," he said through a translator ­­the Galaxy's Director of Media Relations, Luis Garcia. "I don't grasp English all that well yet. But it is definitely something I want to learn because I think it is very important."

Despite the language barrier, Cienfuegos' value in the Galaxy's midfield is unquestioned. He is a goal scorer, a passer and a leader. So much so, he is just one of only three players remaining on the LA Galaxy's roster since the team's, and Major League Soccer's inception three years ago. Sport provides a unique situation for an objective, involving the many, to be completed with few complex on-field verbal exchanges. In the heat of battle, the language barrier matters little as Cienfuegos harmonizes with teammates, such as United States international Cobi Jones, shifting the ball across the field, penetrating opposing defenses. There is no need for a translator when the ball's in play, just sure feet and sharp instincts.

The language dilemma is not just a problem for the LA Galaxy, it is a worldwide epidemic as many of the game's greatest players are touting their wares on foreign soil. Brazilian demi-god Ronaldo and French World Player of the Year Zidane both play in Italy. Italian players litter the English game.

Each and every player must cope with cultural differences and, of course, the language barrier. Cienfuegos, one of El Salvador's most popular and recognizable players, does not ignore the importance of learning English but his busy schedule does affect his ability to learn.

"I am taking classes at the moment but the problem is, playing professional soccer, the team leaves three days before away games­­ there is no regularity for me in attending classes," he added. The team's Media Relations Manager Patrick Donnelly said the Galaxy will assist any non-English-speaking player to become proficient in the language.

The club's General Manager Sergio del Prado has told fans through the Galaxy's newsletter that: "The Galaxy's goals are to provide its fans with an exciting and attractive brand of soccer; be a model franchise that serves and represents the community is which we liveŠ".

A large majority of the Galaxy's fans have Hispanic roots and Cienfuegos' language-learning plight is something they can identify with, especially in the wake of the ground-breaking Proposition 227, which bans bilingual education in Californian schools.

Despite speaking only Spanish, the transition from the El Salvadorian league to the U.S. MLS in 1996, Cienfuegos said, was not a difficult one.

"I really didn't have a problem­­I had an advantage because a lot of people in Los Angeles speak Spanish, also, Lothar Osiander spoke Spanish, Octavio Zambrano [both former Galaxy coaches] also spoke Spanish, so everything was pretty much translated.

"That's why it wasn't so much of a problem at the start ­ but I want to learn it now."

Ceinfuegos is not alone when it comes to speaking limited English in the MLS. Teams are allowed four foreign signings in a 20-man squad each year.

The talent pool in South America has become a large player source for each of the 12 teams. The Dallas Burn's Leonel Alvarez, Jorge Rodrigues and Oscar Pareja are also planning to learn English and are about to enroll at a junior college in Dallas.

The Burn's media director Chris Ward said Colombians Alveraz and Pareja were "pro-active in learning English." Ward added: "At the team dinner, just the other night, Leonel was picking words, like Œsawdust', and asking the meaning of them. Both are very keen to learn English." The Burn's assistant coach is bilingual and at present translates for the players. As the Millennium approaches the number of players, as well as coaches, moving to foreign shores in the search for bigger stages and more money will not decrease.

No longer are the world's best soccer leagues stocked by home grown talent __they are a reflection of the wide variety of fans around the world that support them. Europe's current champion, England's Manchester United, is perhaps the most complete example of this. United has arguably the biggest supporter base of any club, a large percentage of that number comes from Asia, South America and Europe.

Language-learning is becoming a major issue within all sports, especially soccer, and it requires continued attention.

If clubs want to get the best out of their players it is important to educate them and most, such as the Galaxy and Burn, have realized this and work closely with those in need.

But when all is said and done and the whistle has blown, regardless of what language each player speaks­­universal understanding is reached through the World's Game, and what a beautiful way to communicate it is.