If you Google "Soccer Ball Quilt..." you will get listings of blogs and patterns. The one I like is from CuttingEdgeQuilt...March 2009 blog entry. She uses a white circle and appliques black pentagons on it. She has a centered one, then the ones that are on the edges of the ball, she modifies (shortens sides, etc). Take a look at her photo and it will be self-explanatory. Hope this helps.
Anita