Soccer is quickly regaining popularity domestically, especially with the recent outstanding Team USA efforts in the international arena. Be ahead of the style curve and throw a Bumpy Pitch tee over your shoulders as you rejoice in the glory days, and cheer for the future of the sport with this retrospective line of t-shirts. Each super-soft shirt is well-constructed and emblazoned with a team logo ranging from the 1890s to the 1980s, like the Los Angeles Aztecs, San Francisco Gales, Brooklyn Wanderers, and Miami Gatos. Available in sizes S-XXL at bumpypitch.com, $36.


Leave the beach where it belongs, with this ingenious little problemsolver. Simply take the powder-filled pouch out of its carrying case, and use it to gently wipe sand off of your body. Someone who knows a lot about sand, Long Beach’s favorite pro beach volleyball player Misty May Treanor, loves and endorses this product. Available at powderpouch. com, $9.99.


In a beach city like ours, you see a lot of Crocs, and with good reason. They might not win the “Most Beautiful In Class” award, but they’re just perfect to slip on and off for watersports, walking on the beach and other leisurely activities. The new Crocs Prepair™ Collection is designed for more athletic endeavors. The three models in the line have been tested and proven to reduce peak pressure and muscular effort, enhancing recovery and helping you perform better in your chosen sport. Available at crocs.com, flip flop $29.99, slide $34.99, and clog $39.99.


The vast selection of nutrition bars on store shelves can be overwhelming to the average consumer, or even the elite athlete who is just looking for something to snack on that isn’t full of empty calories and empty promises. Sun Valley Bars were created by a sports nutritionist and registered dietitian, and are chock-full of things that are good for us: nuts, oats, fruits, seeds, whole grains and Omega-3 oils. (And they’re not short on flavor, either!) Available at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway, $1.69.


The big kids shouldn’t have all the fun — now little skaters and bikers can join in on the action and look cool doing so, with their new Bell Fraction helmet. Protect their noggins in style, with helmets that are dual certified for skating and biking, and feature a tough plastic shell outside and dual-density foam inside for a great fit. Available at Sport Chalet, 7440 Carson Blvd. Adult Faction and kids’ Fraction, $40.


Heading out for a late summer getaway? If you plan far enough ahead, you might be able to master the mother tongue of your destination. Or, at the very least, learn enough to order food and drinks, and understand directions to the next tourist trap. Two products can help in your quest.

Featuring Dynamic Immersion™, Rosetta Stone language-learning software (shown) is billed as “the fastest way to learn another language, guaranteed.” Available at kiosks in malls and airports across the country, and at rosettastone.com, Level 1, $259.

Once or twice — or more — you’ve no doubt had a song that just wouldn’t get out of your head, no matter how hard you try to stop thinking about it. The smart folks at earworms mbt® (musical brain training) have capitalized on this most human of annoyances to help teach a new language. Specially composed melodies are paired with words and phrases in another language (with the correct accent), to imprint on your auditory cortex and make for easier learning. Finally, a little ditty with lyrics that actually make sense. Available on CD at earwormslearning. com, for approximately $25