Before Mark Paver, the Martyrs' player-coach, entered the seminary, he had a semiprofessional career in England's gritty lower leagues.

WSJ: American Team Reigns in This Devout Soccer League

From the main road to the front door, the area surrounding the property is lined with paver stone and protected by a gated entry and security system.

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In a recent game, he held his tongue after some clumsy tackles, but when a defender brought him down with something between a bear hug and a rugby tackle, Mr. Paver couldn't turn the other cheek.

WSJ: American Team Reigns in This Devout Soccer League

"I played an awful lot of soccer growing up, in parks and pub teams, and you've got to protect yourself a lot more than you do in this environment, " said Mr. Paver, who plays with the Americans because his diocese is in New York.

WSJ: American Team Reigns in This Devout Soccer League