Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Kermit gets MLS Cup final gig


Kermit Quisenberry (far right) preparing with fellow referees before a big game

Louisville's Kermit Quisenberry has been chosen to officiate at this Sunday's MLS Cup final which sees Columbus Crew take on surprise packet New York Red Bulls (3.30 p.m.).

Quisenberry was one of six US referees officiating at the Beijing Olympic Games in August. His assignments included assistant referee for the Cameroon/Korea group game and the memorable Holland/Argentina quarter-final.

Two weeks ago, he was named MLS Assistant Referee of the Year, and has now been chosen as AR for the biggest occasion in United States soccer, which takes place this year at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

In 1997, Quisenberry moved to Florida to take a job as an assistant athletic trainer at Jacksonville University and became a national referee the following year. Attending amateur regional and youth games there helped him advance onto the USSF’s panel for FIFA, soccer’s world governing body.

Fab Five make District team

Five of the area's high school soccer players have been named on the 2008-9 All-District teams chosen by the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association.

Seniors Ben Hughes (Providence) and Dylan Abrahamson (Jeffersonville), and juniors Jordan Adams (Floyd Central) and Drew Mattingly (Christian Academy of Indiana) are part of the District 5 boys' team. Floyd Central's senior midfield maestro Nikki Korte is on the girls' team.

Both Hughes and Abrahamson were named on the second team last year, but it is the first time for all five to be named on the first team.

New Albany's Stephan Kossis and Providence's Nathan Marshall were chosen on the second team.

All-District Showcase games will be held between the six selected teams this Saturday and Sunday (November 22 and 23) at North Central High School in Indianapolis.

Coaches nominated players by submitting profiles in advance of the their district meetings in October and every member coach in attendance has the opportunity to present and promote any players from their roster who are listed on the district ballot.

Each District selects 18 first team and 12 second team players. From this list, the top 18 junior and senior players are offered roster positions for the teams that compete against each other this weekend.

The stats don't lie

When I moved to the States I have to admit I was taken aback at how many statistics were out there in the sporting world, especially at high school and college level.

When I was at school, we either had a good game, a bad game or a so-so game. And you knew it too if the coach threw a lone shoe hurtling in your direction in the dressing room after said game. We remembered if we scored an amazing 40-yarder, or would remind those who were beneficiaries of our generosity after we "made" them a goal (what you call assists).

I think there can be an overkill on statistics, however, and it shows painfully so in some newspaper reports across the nation which can become a trudge to get through because of their over reliance on said facts.

However, there are times when they are useful. As they say, statistics don't lie. (Unless, of course, they are inaccurate.)

Last week came my way the stats for the Indiana High School season.
Six of the area's players are amongst the girls’ statistical leaders, compiled by DigitalSports, "the IHSAA’s exclusive athletic statistics reporting and publishing service."

What leaps out is how well New Albany junior Kaitlin Robinett and Providence senior Laura Jenkins fared. According to the statistics, Robinett was fifth highest in the state for goals per game (16 games, 30 goals, 1.9gpg), and sixth in the "points per game" list, which takes in goals and assists.

Laura Jenkins was joint 17th for goals per game (17 games, 23 goals, 1.4gpg), and joint 20th for points per game. She was also 15th for assists, averaging 12 per game.

Also listed is Providence's Casey Marlin for assists (nine assists per game) and points, while freshman Kameron Cole made a splash in her first season with New Albany and is listed with 17 games and 15 goals.

Alyssa Hendershot (Providence) and Taylor Briscoe (New Albany) make the goalkeepers' list, with goals against averages of 1.26 and 1.38 respectively.

So it begs the question: didn’t the area deserve to have more players on the All-District teams (mentioned above)?

Friday, November 14, 2008

Chelsea happy with "unbelievable" season

Jeffersonville's Chelsea Grover and Western Kentucky University just missed out on an automatic bid into the NCAA Division I soccer tournament at the weekend following a 2-0 loss to Denver in the final of the 2008 Sun Belt Conference.

The Lady Toppers (15-2-4) advanced to their first championship match in their history after victories over Florida International and North Texas.


Despite a good first half defensive effort by WKU in the deciding game, Denver broke through in the second half with goals from Taryn Hemmings and Brook Lamphere in the 58th and 68th minutes.

Sophomore Grover, a defender who played in all 21 games, said it was "awesome" to be part of the first Lady Toppers team to make it to the SBC Championship game.

"It was disappointing to lose because everyone wanted so badly to win, but our coaches are still very proud of us on our unbelievable season," said the Jeff High School graduate. "We all can't wait until next season for another shot at the title."

She said she was "extremely happy" to play in every game -- and even got to play in goal for a couple of minutes against Morehead State.

"I am now a retired goalie as I broke my finger in practice," she joked. "Morehead didn't take any shots on me so I didn't have to work too hard back there, but it is pretty cool to say that I have played goalie in a collegiate game."

Tigers on the maul

If you think you've caught a dose of the "deja vu" flu when reading the following couple of paragraphs, it's probably because you read them last year.

Louisville's St Xavier are the Kentucky's boys' soccer champs; Louisville's Sacred Heart are best of the girls; and Evansville Memorial are IHSAA boys' victors.

And, like last year, I will say something about it being a shame that the Evansville Memorial Tigers and the St Xavier Tigers don't square off in an exhibition type battle of Indiana and Kentucky, seeing that both are ranked amongst the top 20 teams in the latest National Soccer Coaches' Association of America poll.

Just a thought, but with only 123 miles and two hours' drive separating two of the best high school teams in the United States, wouldn't it be a great spectacle to see a match-up between the pair?
Senior Andrew Estopinal from Jeffersonville was part of the rampant St Xavier squad (22-1) which won the Kentucky's High School State championship Saturday with a 7-2 thrashing of Highlands from Fort Thomas. St Xavier won its ninth title overall, tying Ballard for most Kentucky titles won in history.

Sacred Heart (21-1-3) regained the girls' championship crown by defeating Highlands 2-0 thanks to goals from Lucy Chauvin and Jenna Price.

Meanwhile, Evansville Memorial (23-0-2) won its 12th Indiana state title since 1979 - and second IHSAA tournament - by beating Zionsville in a thrilling penalty shootout 3-2 (5-4 PK) at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis last week.

It was a historic day for Memorial, as it became the first school to win both the boys' and girls' soccer championships in the same year. The Lady Tigers defeated Fort Wayne Snider 2-0 in the girls' final.

Spare a thought for Noblesville, which went through the entire regular and post seasons without conceding a single goal, but fell to Memorial in the semi-final on penalty kicks after a scoreless encounter.

Not such a Nightmare for Net-Surfers

Southern Indiana's Net-Surfers U12 girls were finalists at the Nightmare at the Rock tournament held at Center Grove Soccer Club in Gilbertsville, Indiana recently.

After winning their division bracket, which included wins against Mockingbird and SCSA Lightning, Net-Surfers met Kings Soccer Academy Elite Jones in a championship game which they lost in overtime after a 2-2 tie during regulation.

The team, coached by Marlon Jones, includes Maddie Burns, Jordan Reger, Alyssa Jones, Ashley Bittenbender, Fatima Maxwell, Alexis Lete, Leah Ellis, Rachel Labby, Taylor Haley, Emily Lewis and Madeline Coffey.

Javanon fundraiser

Javanon Soccer Club of Louisville, which features a number of southern Indiana players on its teams, will be holding its first gala at Holy Spirit, Lexington Road on November 15 (7pm).

The event will feature a silent and live auction, and music will be provided by Sound Decision.

All proceeds will benefit the 23,000 sq ft training facility which began construction in 2007. The facility features an indoor turf field and three outside fields. The facility is also in the process of completing a media center for coaches and players to review film, administrative offices and concession area.

The club plans to add a strength and conditioning room over the next several years along with additional playing fields. For more information about the gala or to make a donation to the club, visit www.javanon.com, or contact Kay Maum at 502-299-3865.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

For St Paul's it's elementary!

If the standard of soccer players in southern Indiana is to improve, then more must get involved in the game at an earlier age.

One welcome addition to the area in recent years has been the New Albany Deanery Leagues for 3rd to 8th graders. Founded in 2006, it saw over 300 children form nine schools participate this spring.

Another worthwhile program which caters for students at an even younger age is the one at Our Lady of Lourdes in Louisville, which sees students from a number of schools grades 1 through 8 play each fall and spring.

The lone school involved from this side of the river is St Paul's of Sellersburg, which joined the league three years ago. St Paul's athletic director, Harold Davis, had been no stranger to the program, as his eldest daughter played in the same league 18 years ago.

According to Davis, over 100 children at the school -- K through 6 -- participated in soccer this year, which is approximately one third of the student population. Five teams play at Our Lady of Lourdes (K through 2), and four in the aforementioned New Albany Deanery Leagues in the spring (3rd-6th grades).

The program at Our Lady of Lourdes is committed to teaching the basics of soccer, with an emphasis on good sportsmanship, while developing children's confidence and self-esteem.


Logan Barber of St Paul's (center) takes on the St Francis of Assisi defense during a game at the Our Lady of Lourdes soccer league in Louisville this fall.

One of the coaches, Paul Barber -- whose daughters Grace and Logan are in kindergarten and second grade respectively at St Paul's -- said the league delivers on that in every way, and everyone at the school is appreciative to be a part of it.

"For me, the reward is seeing the transformation of the kids," he says. "Every year at our first practice I see two or three kids clinging to a parent's leg, fearful to participate. With each practice and kick, you can see the apprehension being chipped away. Also, because the fall soccer program begins at the same time as the first days of school, I think it helps ease the transition into a new setting, especially for the kindergartners. It is no surprise that the friends closest to my daughters at school are the ones they play soccer with."

Although St Paul's doesn't stress winning games, the school believes it does good job of coaching the game of soccer and competing.

"A lot of the skills we teach are similar to the ones kids are learning at soccer clubs such as Southern Indiana United, Net-Surfers, and Mockingbird Valley," said Barber. "The drills are fun and designed to develop skills with lots of ball touches, sparring, and scrimmaging. We encourage kids to have fun, play their hardest, and do the best they can. I feel like the word is out that soccer at St Paul's is fun, and kids as well as parents want to get involved."

For the soccer program to succeed at St Paul's, however, a high level of involvement from volunteers is crucial.

"Harold (Davis) and his wife Jan have done a great job running the athletic department, and their job is made easier by the number of people that give their time," says Barber. " There is no way St Paul's could provide this privilege without the help from many parents and volunteers. Also, St Paul's is fortunate to have the level of support from the community."

Barber said he hopes to see other schools from southern Indiana introduce soccer programs – especially public schools – to the point where a fun league could be developed for children K through 2.

"It would benefit southern Indiana and the soccer base here, that's for sure," he said.


Logan Barber of St Paul's takes on the St Francis of Assisi defense during a game at the Our Lady of Lourdes soccer league in Louisville this fall.


ENDS

For more soccer stories, check out Aidan Kelly's blog at www.socccerindiana.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Don’t kill the atmosphere!

In 2006,after my first year of covering high school soccer in southern Indiana, I noted some of my observations at the end of the season.

As I was doing some autumn cleaning at the weekend (my wife hates that I hoard newspapers), my observations flew off one of the cupboard shelves and clunked me in the head, knocking me off the chair and knocking a few whiskers off one of the cats.

It was interesting to look back on my first impressions and compare them to how I feel two years on, now that the 2008 season is in the books for the area's teams.

I'm glad the column revisited me because it reminded of something that has irked me greatly a couple of times in recent weeks.

The first issue I mentioned two years ago involved atmosphere at rival games. While obviously not in the same ballpark as that of basketball or football, it was nonetheless entertaining on first witness.

Most of it was good humored: Male cheerleaders and that kind of stuff. Maybe the seniors back then were more fun, or maybe gamegoers’ attempts to add a bit of noise and fun to proceedings is being halted in its tracks.

I can’t help but feel match night atmospheres all over the state are slowly being suffocated in the name of “sportsmanship” and nobody seems to be challenging the authorities to bring it back to life.

Prohibited at post-season games are noisemakers, sirens, cheerleaders, bands, balloons, banners, posters and tailgating. It's a wonder the two participating teams and the coaching staff aren't banned from games also, considering they are not adverse to having their say in the heat of the moment.

I didn't see anything in the rules about singing or being "too loud." Yet certain sections of the crowd at largely attended games were being told to pipe it down. So some matchups that started with a good atmosphere (it was encouraging to see the large crowd at the New Albany-Providence girls’ sectional game at Jeffersonville) went eerily quiet considering the numbers.

I didn't hear anything that sounded too offensive, but then again, in my younger days in Ireland, I was well used to being heckled by “supporters” and having eggs thrown in my direction from the sidelines by mischievous kids (I’m not making that last bit up.)

If there are troublemakers, throw them out. Nobody condones unsportsmanlike behavior. Otherwise, leave the fans be and allow them add color and noise to an occasion if they so wish.

I’m sure the authorities have their good intentioned reasons for banning what they ban, be it to prevent altercations or to comply with noise ordinances. (Remind me to tell you the story someday of the couple in Philadelphia who sued a middle school this year because its soccer games and practices were too loud). But there’s got to be a happy medium surely.

By the way, I would love to hear the views of those who have been involved in the area’s high school sports scene – not just in soccer – for many more years than this “blow in” has been around. Do you sense the death of the “atmosphere” is nigh?

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Noble effort!

One of the most remarkable stories in Indiana high school soccer this season has been the performance of the Noblesville girls’ varsity team (19-0-2).

It’s one thing to go through the whole season unbeaten, a feat reserved for some state winners in the past. However, it’s quite another to go through the season — and thus far postseason — unbeaten and not even concede a single goal.

Even the great Carmel team of 2002 conceded goals during its unbeaten and untied season (25-0).

In fact, the closest anyone has come to stopping the Millers in their tracks was co-No. 1 Carmel itself in the sectional final, with the game going to penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie.

Noblesville now plays Evansville Memorial (20-2) in the state finals at Kuntz Stadium on Saturday. The winner will face the victor of Culver Academies (18-0-1) and the winner of the Fort Wayne Snider semistate final — which takes place tonight — later on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the boys’ state finals will see Evansville Memorial (21-0-2) — conquerors of Columbus North (who in turn beat Providence in the regional final) — take on the winners of the Fort Wayne Snider semistate, delayed due to inclement weather. Mishawaka Marian (15-6) will play Zionsville (19-3-1) for the other spot in Saturday evening's final.

Net-Surfers Kick-Around

Net-Surfers will be hosting a "Kick-Around" for girls who are currently high school sophomores and juniors at the Nazarene fields (near Floyd Central) this Sunday at 1.30 p.m.

The kick-about, for those interested in playing competitive soccer in spring 2009, is part a tryout and partly to gauge the interest for certain age groups.

There is no cost and all you need to do is dress appropriately to play soccer (according to the weather), bring a soccer ball and water.

Net-Surfers is a competitive all-girls’ club (U10-U17) that has been established in Southern Indiana for over 15 years.

For further information, contact Dave Smith at 812-945-3350 or 812-283-6084, or visit the website at www.Net-Surfers.net.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

St X and Sacred Heart still tops

Below are the the latest boys' and girls' Kentucky High school soccer polls ahead of post-season play, which commences Monday.

Current state champions St Xavier (boys) and Sacred Heart (girls) of Louisville head the polls.

Boys: 1. St. Xavier, 2. Trinity, 3. Oldham County, 4. Bowling Green, 5. Lexington Catholic, 6. Henry Clay, 7. Manual, 8. South Oldham, 9. Woodford County, 10. Highlands, 11. Bethlehem, 12. North Oldham, 13. Male, 14. Christian Academy, 15. West Jessamine, 16. Covington Catholic, 17. Lafayette, 18. Madisonville-North Hopkins, 19. Franklin County, 20. Paul Dunbar, 21. Pulaski Southwestern, 22. Conner, 23. Heath, 24. Lexington Christian, 25. Montgomery County

Girls: 1. Sacred Heart, 2. Manual, 3. West Jessamine, 4. Lexington Catholic, 5. (tie) Notre Dame, Highlands, 7. Ohio County, 8. South Oldham, 9. Greenwood, 10. Elizabethtown, 11. Marshall County, 12. Assumption, 13. Oldham County, 14. Woodford County, 15. Boyle County, 16. Anderson County, 17. St. Henry, 18. Lexington Christian, 19. Daviess County, 20. North Oldham, 21. Newport Central Catholic, 22. Tates Creek, 23. Murray, 24. Campbell County, 25. Paul Dunbar

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The ball has it all ...

It's time again for the old crystal ball to come down from the dusty attic as we head into the post-season soccer sectionals.

After a good polish to wipe away the cobwebs and a couple of bounces against the wall in a desperate attempt to readjust its accuracy, the ball is ready to roll and enlighten us as to how events will unfold at this week's IHSAA Soccer State Tournament boys' sectional championships at Jeffersonville and New Albany.

Will Providence get the chance to avenge last year's heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to the Red Devils? Will the Bulldogs finally overcome the obstacle known as Floyd Central if the pair collide in the semi-finals? And which of the newer school soccer programs is about to make it to its first championship game? Read on: The ball has it all!

New Albany sectional
Match 1 – New Albany vs. North Harrison (Wednesday 5 p.m.).
This year's sectional, normally held at Floyd Central, has been switched to New Albany's pad at Prosser Field because of ongoing works at the Highlanders' ground. Will home advantage aid Dutch Vigar’s troops to sectional success? That remains to be seen, but their opener against North Harrison shouldn't cause them too many problems. Both teams have met in the early rounds for the past two years, with the Bulldogs winning 6-0 on both occasions. Verdict: New Albany.

Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. Corydon Central (Wednesday 7 p.m.).
Both of these teams have also met two years on the trot, with the Highlanders coming out on top 2-0 (2006) and 5-1 (2007). Expect this game to be closer, regardless of the 5-0 scoreline between the pair last night. The Panthers have done well against teams in this sectional in recent weeks. They have beaten North Harrison, Salem and Silver Creek, and lost just 2-0 to New Albany. If you look at teams in the Jeffersonville sectional, they also beat Charlestown, Rock Creek Christian and tied with Christian Academy. That puts the Mid Southern Conference champions at the head of a pack bidding to close the gap with the traditional powerhouses. Look out for top scorers Matt Rhoads and Isaac Smith. Verdict: Floyd Central.

Match 3 – New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday 5 p.m.)
If New Albany and Floyd Central do prevail in their first round fixtures on Wednesday, then this will be seen by many as the "final." In last year's decider, Floyd Central came out on top after an epic battle which went all the way to penalties. To be honest, the Highlanders' should never have even been given the opportunity to make it to PKs, but they did, and that was down in part to the sound tactical maneuvering of coach Scotty Hollis and his assistant Zach Watson. Watson now takes over the reins of an improved Floyd Central team, which has already beaten New Albany 1-0 in regular season. A lot will depend on the performances of striker Jordan Adams, midfielder Chase Holland, defender Ben Todd, freshman Matt Kelecy and goalkeeper Daniel Neeld, last year's hero of the hour. New Albany will look to Stephan Kossis, Brandon McLaughlin, Steven Dobson and Keegan O’Connor offensively, and Chris Newland, Sheldon Albertson and goalkeeper Zach Litzelswope at the back. Verdict: Floyd Central.

Match 4 – Salem vs. Silver Creek (Thursday 7 p.m.).
Both these sides are only in their second year of their soccer programs (Silver Creek’s first varsity schedule) and one of them is about to play in a final. Salem won the game between the pair earlier in regular season, giving them a slight edge. Francisco Bravo, Matt Steggeman and goalkeeper Luke Minter should feature for Salem, while the Dragons will look to juniors Ethan Dolbeare, Cody Staton and Evan Wray, as well as sophomore Tyler Schroeder. Verdict: Salem.

Championship – Floyd Central vs. Salem (Saturday 7 p.m.)
Whoever comes through the tougher half of the draw will be rewarded with a game on Saturday likely to be used as a good preparation for the regional championship next week. It may be that neither of these teams will reach the final, but if they do, it will be a repeat of last year's first round tie, when Floyd Central beat Salem 10-1 -- a baptism of fire for the Lions. However, they were only 2-1 down at the half and showed enough with 10 freshmen to suggest there will be improvement this time round. Verdict: Floyd Central.

Jeffersonville sectional
Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. Rock Creek Academy (Thursday, 6 p.m).
Last year, Rock Creek Christian Academy of Sellersburg went out 4-0 to Christian Academy, and Chris Butler's charges will need to improve greatly on last year's performance to trouble Jeffersonville. Verdict: Jeffersonville.

Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Providence (Saturday, 9 a.m.).
Providence beat Charlestown 7-0 last year and the Pioneers should not be troubled by the Pirates this time either. Verdict: Providence.

Match 3 – Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Jeffersonville (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Christian Academy of Indiana made it to the final last year, where it went down 2-0 to Jeffersonville. This year, the Warriors under coach Will Lorrigan are fielding an all-boys' team for the first time, one which has had some good results against the likes of Charlestown (6-0) an Scottsburg (2-0). CAI players to look out for are juniors Drew Mattingly (goalkeeper) and Paul DeVore (midfield), and senior sweeper Michael Wilson. While the Red Devils not had the best of regular seasons -- losing to Providence, New Albany and Floyd Central -- they should still come out on top here. Verdict: Jeffersonville.

Championship – Providence v Jeffersonville (Saturday, 8 p.m.)


Providence's Omar Salguero

Last year, this game was a semi-final clash which saw a battle to the end, won by Jeffersonville on penalties. The recent matchup between the pair, which the Pioneers won by a convincing 4-0 scoreline, suggests there will no penalty shoot out this time round. However, the Red Devils do have home advantage and Ryan Bixler’s boys won't give up their sectional title easily. To repeat, it will need big performances from the likes of seniors Dylan Abrahamson and Scott Meneou, juniors Spencer Whiteman and sophomore Lucas Rigsby. Providence, meanwhile, will look to All-District midfielder Ben Hughes, defender Nathan Marshall, and all-rounder Keenan Sparks for inspiration, while Omar Salguero, Zev Crawley and keeper Spence Kraft should also be instrumental for Adam Giovenco’s charges. Verdict: Providence.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Draws produce interesting sectional tilts

The draws for the boys' and girls' 15th annual IHSAA Soccer State Tournament series were made yesterday – throwing up one outstanding early round tie.

The Jeffersonville and New Albany boys' sectionals (59 and 60 respectively) kick off on Thursday, Oct. 9, with the finals on Oct. 11.

The Jeffersonville girls' sectional - comprising a record nine teams this year, with the addition of newcomers Salem, Silver Creek and Christian Academy of Indiana - starts Oct. 13, with the final on Oct. 18.

There are no prizes for guessing the tie of the early rounds, with New Albany's Lady Bulldogs being drawn against Providence in what is effectively a quarter-final matchup. Both teams have beaten reigning sectional champion Floyd Central this year, and both are in fine form going into post-season.

Pioneers coach Dave Smith is also director of coaching at girl travel soccer outfit Net-Surfers, and Bulldogs boss Julie Deuser coaches there also.

"Coach Julie has been with the Net-Surfers for many years and has done a marvelous job for us, just as she and assistant coach Jason Crane have in their short time with the Bulldogs," said Smith. "We're pleased with the draw, and have great respect for the New Albany team and coaching staff."

Coach Deuser said she believes they are prepared for “any team out there.”
“I like doing things the hard way,” she said. “ I think that the game against Providence will be a challenge, but it is not something we can't succeed at. These girls have worked hard all season and I believe they can beat any team they play.
“I spoke with the girls and they are ready for the challenge. They are pumped up and ready to go as far as they can.”

And if anyone wants to search for clues as to how the game might pan out, they can catch the pair this evening at Providence (action starts at 5.30 p.m.).

Floyd Central should have a reasonably comfortable trip to the finals, as they have drawn the winner of North Harrison and Corydon in the quarter-final. The winner will face Jeffersonville or Christian Academy of Indiana in the semi-final.

In other first round ties, Salem will take on Silver Creek, with the winner going on to play New Albany or Providence.

The girls' winner at Jeffersonville will play the winner of the Columbus North sectional in the regional final on Oct. 22.

In the Jeffersonville boys sectional, the Red Devils and Providence will be happy to have avoided each other this year after last year's epic semi-final battle. Holders Jeff take on Rock Creek for the opportunity to face Christian Academy, who they met in last year's final.

The second semi-final will see Providence against Charlestown in a repeat of last year's first round game, which the Pioneers won comfortably. Pioneers coach Adam Giovenco said, "One thing I can say for sure is I'm much happier about playing Charlestown in the semi-finals as opposed to the play-in game on Thursday. We can't overlook anybody at this point in the season though, but having said that, I think we will be ready to play."

The New Albany sectional will see the hosts most likely meet Floyd Central in the semi final after they were drawn to play North Harrison, while the Highlanders will face Corydon.

What that means is that either Salem or Silver Creek will reach the final for the first time.

The boys' sectional winners progress to the four team regional finals (with Seymour and Madison winners) at Floyd Central on Oct. 15 and 18. The victors of that progress to semi-state at Evansville Central on Oct. 25.

The boys' and girls' state finals will be held at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on November 1.

Sectional draws
Boys: Jeffersonville (5) Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. Rock Creek Academy. Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Providence. Match 3 – Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Winner of Match 1.Championship – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3
New Albany (6) Match 1 – New Albany vs. North Harrison. Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. Corydon Central. Match 3 – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2. Match 4 – Salem vs. Silver Creek. Championship – Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4.
Girls' sectional at Jeffersonville (9) Match 1 – North Harrison vs. Corydon Central. Match 2 – Silver Creek vs. Salem. Match 3 – New Albany vs. Providence. Match 4 – Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Jeffersonville. Match 5 – Floyd Central vs. Winner of Match 1. Match 6 – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3. Match 7 – Winner of Match 4 vs. Winner of Match 5. Championship – Winner of Match 6 vs. Winner of Match 7.

Coaches vs Cancer success

A large turnout at the Providence/Jeffersonville boys' varsity game on Saturday ensured more than $2,000 for the "Coaches vs. Cancer" fundraising effort.

The money raised from gate receipts and raffles will go towards Livestrong — the organization founded in 1997 by champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. As reported last week, the idea of a Coaches vs. Cancer game -- which was held in conjunction with Providence's senior night -- came about as a response to what has been an epidemic among parents of the team’s players.

“We have had at least five parents affected by cancer in the last five years,” said Pioneers coach Adam Giovenco. “ It was just our little way of saying we care.”
The winner of the Manchester United Henrik Larsson jersey was Penny Neace, mom of freshman Max from the JV team.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Team mates battle for bragging rights



They're the best of team mates in the spring, but come fall they're the fiercest of rivals.

And tomorrow (Monday), that rivalry will be firmly in the spotlight when 11 members of Southern Indiana United's U18 boys' soccer team feature as New Albany hosts Providence at Prosser field (varsity 5.30 p.m. kick off).

The SIU players --- all seniors -- are split six for the Bulldogs and five for the Pioneers.

In the red and black corner, you have Sheldon Albertson, Alex Blum, Stephan Kossis, Chris Newland, Keegan O'Connor and Zacharia Litzelswope.

In the blue and white corner, you've got Nathan Marshall, Ben Hughes, Steven Meyer, Andrew McCartin and Nick Knear-Bell. Another, Patrick Leistner, also played with the team in the past.

Add to that the fact that many of the schools' underclassmen play for other SIU teams and you've got all the ingredients for a tasty tie.

New Albany forward Stephan Kossis said that the Providence clash is one they always love playing because it gives the winner bragging rights for the remainder of the year.

"It's an advantage playing against Ben, Nathan, and the other guys from SIU who are my teammates in the spring but my rivals in the fall," said Kossis. " I know their tendencies and their weaknesses and it enables us to exploit them. Throughout the game we are pushing and shoving, but at the end of the game we all shake hands and laugh it up."

Trying to blank out Kossis and the rest of the Bulldogs will be Providence defender Nick Knear-Bell, who says he is looking forward to playing against his 'own team'.

"Since I have played with them, I think that will give me an advantage in helping to defend Providence's goal," said Knear-Bell. "Providence has the majority of the defenders and mid-fielders and only a couple of the offense from our SIU team. Come on out and watch one of the most exciting soccer games of the fall high school season."

There hasn't been much of an opportunity for either team’s players to brag in recent years, as the last two games between the sides have ended deadlocked (0-0 in '07 and 2-2 in '06).

Providence are 7-4 on the season after last night's 4-0 thumping of rivals Jeffersonville, with all of its losses coming to Kentucky opposition, including state champion St Xavier (2-0) and Oldham County (4-2).

New Albany, meanwhile, comes into the game in good heart after a morale boosting 3-2 victory over Jeffersonville on Tuesday, and a 1-1 tie against Eastern High School -- securing a share of the spoils after a goal in the dying seconds -- on Thursday.

Photo above - Team mates become rivals(from left to right): Zacharia Litzelswope, Steven Meyer, Keegan O'Connor, Nick Knear-Bell, Sheldon Albertson, Ben Hughes, Stephan Kossis, Andrew McCartin, Alex Blum, Nathan Marshall, Chris Newland and Patrick Leistner.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Devils lock horns with Pioneers

The regular season clashes between Jeffersonville and Providence boys' varsity teams can be a good indicator as to how the legendary sectional battles are going to go, and this Saturday should prove to be no exception.

The last time these two teams met -- in last year's sectional semi-final -- the Red Devils came out on top of a penalty shoot out following an exhausting, energy sapping 94 minutes which had the teams deadlocked at 1-1.

In regular season play, Jeffersonville also got the better of Providence with a 1-0 victory, so the Pioneers will be looking to turn around their fortunes when Saturday comes at Providence (6 p.m.).

The game, which is also Providence’s senior night, will be titled “PHS Coaches vs Cancer”. All gate money will be donated to cancer research.

“We have had at least five parents affected by cancer in the last five years,” said Pioneers coach Adam Giovenco. “ It's just our little way of saying we care. We are looking to have a great crowd for a great cause.”

Giovenco believes his team, now sitting at 6-4 this season, is gaining momentum coming into this week, having beat Madison 4-1 last night.


Providence midfielder Ben Hughes, who scored twice for the Pioneers against Madison last night (Tuesday), will be in action against rivals Jeffersonville Saturday.

"I have been fairly pleased as to how the season has gone so far," said coach Giovenco. "We had a poor showing in the Hoosier Cup, losing to two teams we should have beat, but we followed that up with a very good win against Jennings Co. 6-2, and a great effort against St. Xavier (ranked #3 in the country at the time)."

On the Jeffersonville game, Giovenco said they have had some great battles with their rivals over the last three or four years.

“No matter who has had the upper hand talent wise, it always seems to be a close game and I expect this to be no different,” he said. “ Ryan Bixler is a great coach and gets the maximum out of everybody on his team. He'll have them ready to play. We'll see if we can match their level of play.”

Jeffersonville, meanwhile, suffered defeat at the hands of New Albany last night (3-2)-- its senior night -- and coach Ryan Bixler says the team -- which is 5-6 at present -- has played "very inconsistent" this year.

"We are having trouble putting 80 good minutes out on the field. We have good 10 minute spurts here and there, but 10 minutes here and there doesn't amount to much. We definitely still have a lot of improving to do before we are playing at a high level consistently, and with only two weeks left in the season time is not on our side."

Bixler believes Providence are as strong as they have been in the last three or four years.

" I expect them to be our toughest opponent so far this year, and playing on their home field will make it even tougher," said Bixler. "It will take the best 80 minutes we are capable of playing to get a good result."

Girls set for battle royal

The girls' varsity results in southern Indiana to date are pointing to a battle royal when sectionals come round in October.

First you had Providence knock off reigning sectional champion Floyd Central 3-2 in a barnburner of a game two weeks ago.

Then you had new kids on the block, New Albany, beat the Highlanders 3-2 last week, informing anyone who hadn't already listened that they will be in the mix come sectionals, which commence at Jeffersonville on October 13.

All of which you will imagine will have Floyd Central coach Lewie Stevens and his talented bunch all fired up when it comes to the business of retaining its title. That crown is one the Highlanders have split 2-2 with Providence over the past four years, winning the last two.

And now with the Lady Bulldogs getting stronger under new coach Julie Deuser, we’ve got a third team with real prospects of lifting the hardware. (Let’s not also forget that Corydon Central, Jeffersonville, North Harrison, Salem and Silver Creek are involved, and getting stronger.)

So you may want to catch New Albany’s visit to coach Dave Smith’s Providence next Tuesday (Sept 30, action starts 5.30 p.m.) – a game definitely worth putting in your diaries if you’re looking for clues as to how post-season will shape up.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Not so wise Owls!

Jeffersonville has filed a protest with the IHSAA following its 2-1 varsity boys' loss to Seymour Tuesday.

Apparently, the Owls had a player on the field for all four halves of the junior varsity and varsity games. The IHSAA rule states that in a single session (i.e. jv and varsity game right after each other), a player can only play in three halves. Oops!

Seymour, admirably, has also reported itself to the IHSAA for the rule violation, and will likely have to forfeit the game as soon as there is a ruling on it.

For the record, Seymour's goals were scored by Mahlon Davis and Chaz Hague, while Lucas Rigsby netted for the Red Devils.

Golden MEAD win for Javanon


Congrats go out to Javanon's U13s, which beat top sides from Indiana, Cincinnati and Missouri to take the 29th annual MEAD Cup in Dayton, Ohio over Labor Day weekend.

The tournament for U8 through U14 boys and girls had some 475 teams participate. Coach Greg Robinson's boys won the U13 Gold Division title by going five games unbeaten against Carmel United from Indianapolis (twice), Cincinnati Soccer Alliance, Southern Cincinnati Soccer United and TKO from Kalamazoo, MI.

Three players on the Javanon team are from southern Indiana – Evan Hollkamp, who goes to Providence Jr. High; Varun Alse, who attends Highland Hills Middle School; and Grant Hollkamp, who goes to St. Paul’s Elementary School.

For more info on the MEAD Cup, check out www.meadcupsoccer.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sites worth a visit

Southern Indiana's Providence High School has had a site dedicated to its boys' varsity and junior varsity soccer teams for some time, but now it has added a section for the girls' teams. You can check it out at www.phsboyssoccer.com.

Good job by soccer parent Tim Brown (sons are sophomore twins Wade and Trent Brown) on this season's match reports, which are pretty thorough.

Another school site worth checking out is that of Eastern High School of Louisville (http://www.ehssoccer.com/default.htm), which has -- amongst other things -- information on its recent soccer extravaganza.

If you know of any decent school soccer sites worth visiting, give us a shout here atthe blog.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

High school spotlight

The high school soccer season is in full swing and already teams are giving a good indication as to who will be playing for honors come October.

One of the teams we advised you to watch out for this fall as far as southern Indiana is concerned is New Albany's Lady Bulldogs.

Yesterday (Saturday), we watched Julie Deuser's charges beat Bedford North Lawrence 11-2 in its Hoosier Hills Conference opener to go 4-0 on the season. Having beaten Forest Park 3-0, North Harrison a whopping 20-1, and Silver Creek 8-1, they have now averaged over 10 goals a game.

Standout Kaitlin Robinett scored three (to bring her season tally to eight), while Mackenzie Nash and Kameron Cole each scored two. Kayton Cole, Chelsea Cotner, Kelsey Graeter and Whitney Smith also found the net.

However, it would be fair to say that New Albany could easily have doubled its tally if its shooting had have been a little more accurate.

The sectional will come down to the Bulldogs, Providence and reigning champion Floyd Central. The Highlanders started off the season well at the Eastern College Extravaganza in Louisville last week with a 4-0 win against Meade County, and followed it up with a 3-2 victory over Mercy Academy a couple of days later.

However, FC was up against it at the weekend at the Hoosier Cup in Bloomington, losing 4-1 to both Indianapolis Roncalli and Evansville Mater Dei. It did finish the tourney on a winning note, beating Lafayette Central Catholic 4-0.

Also taking part in the Hoosier Cup was Providence boys' team and Christian Academy of Louisville, with the latter running out 2-1 victors in the game between both. Scorers for CAL were Jacob Scearce and Tanner Wilcox, while Ben Hughes netted for the Pioneers.

Providence also lost to Ryle by a 1-0 scoreline, but finished on a high note with a 5-0 victory against Edgewood with goals from Steven Meyer, Omar Salguero (2) Keenan Sparks, and Patrick Leistner. Meanwhile, CAL lost 6-1 to Indiana's No #7 ranked Zionsville.

Elsewhere, reigning KHSAA girls' champion Sacred Heart has signalled its intent to repeat its fine 2007 season with an unbeaten start (6-0-1) which included a 2-0 victory over rivals Assumption. Its tie (1-1) was against Notre Dame of Park Hills yesterday, state winners in 2004 and a team expected to go far this year.

DuPont Manual is another team with high hopes. It has started the campaign 6-0, and has already proven too strong for North Oldham, South Oldham and Lexington Catholic.

On the boys' side, 2007 KHSAA champion St Xavier is 3-0 after a 2-0 win against Erie Cathedral of Pennsylvania, while Trinity won its fourth game on the trot when beating Louisville Collegiate 1-0.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Offer accepted ...

The results are in - 82.3% of 7,452 members who voted said Ebbsfleet United should accept the offer for John Akinde.

The club will now go ahead and carry out the supporters' wishes by transferring Akinde to English Championship side Bristol City for about $248,000.

Our chairman John Moules said the decision was the "feather in the cap" for the MyFootballClub concept.

"This shows again the responsibility of the 30,000 owners," he said.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Will we sell striker today?



Forget the long running transfer sagas of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Barry. Today sees the biggest transfer news of the season.

By 2p.m. EST, I will have decided along with 30,000 of my fellow Ebbsfleet United members whether our club should transfer one of our players.

And it will be the first time ever that such a decision will be made via thousands of supporters voting on the internet.

We have to decide whether our club, which plays in England's Blue Square Premier League and won the FA Trophy in May, should accept a £140,000 offer from an unnamed club for stiker John Akinde.

As members of MyFootballClub, we paid £35 ($71.35 at the time) to provide a £700,000 takeover pot, take control of The Fleet,and receive an equal share in the club.

Since then members -- from 122 countries acorss the globe -- have voted on a number of major decisions affecting the club, including the price of season-tickets to watch Ebbsfleet, but this is the first time a transfer will be decided by us.

We basically have had 48 hours to decide whether we should sell the highly rated 19-year-old striker, who has played fewer than 20 games for Ebbsfleet.

He has already been watched by Chelsea scouts and we have already turned down an offer for Akinde from League One side Peterborough.

Our coach Liam Daish and our board has recommended the striker should be sold to allow him to play at a higher level.

Players who have recently turned professional like Akinde are unlikely to be earning more than £200 ($367.12) a week.

To see how we decide, stay tuned!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Super Strikers!




Southern Indiana United's U12 Strikers landed a big catch by winning the recent Pike Fest Tournament in Indianapolis.

In its first game, it beat Dynamo FC Black 1-0 with a goal from Kyle Hercamp and an assist from Zach Yagle. It then tied 2-2 with Henry Co Dynamite with goals by Jacob Hedrick and Nick Davis.

A late winner from Parker Davidenkoff against Center Grove Clash ensured Paul Duckworth's charges a championship game against Fusion Navy.

Nick Davis scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to get Strikers off to a flyer. A third was added before the end of the first half when Alex Duckworth fired home a penalty after a Fusion player had hand balled in the box and was duly sent off.

The second half saw Fusion come back, but a Jacob Hedrick goal secured a 4-2 win for SIU.

Pike Fest 2008 was Pike Youth Soccer Club's 13th annual soccer travel tournament for teams in the U9 to U14 boys' and girls' categories. Games were played at Pike's facility, the Mary and John Geisse Soccer Complex, Eagle Creek.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Kermit ready for Beijing kick off

One local man will play an essential role in the Beijing Olympics' soccer tournament, but he won't be winning any medals.

Kermit Quisenberry, 39, of Louisville will be one of six US referees officiating at the men's and women's soccer tournaments, which start today (Wednesday) ahead of Friday's opening ceremony.

Along with his referee team of Jair Maruffo and George Gansner, Kermit’s first assignment is the Group D match between Cameroon and Korea at Qinhuangdao on Thursday.


Kermit Quisenberry (far right) is pictured with Jason Cullum, Jason Anno and Jozsef Batko at a Major League Soccer game in Houston.

Now employed at Taylor Middle High School in Pierson, Florida, Kermit was directing students out of the parking lot on April 17 when he received a call from Paul Tamberino, national director of referees.

"He told me that I had been selected and that I was one of the six officials going to the Olympics. It was a huge surprise," he told The Evening News & Tribune.

Surprise to Kermit, maybe, but if you talk to his peers in Louisville and southern Indiana, the Male High School graduate's rise to the top of his profession has been well earned: A journey that has been, in his own words, a "long, tough road with a few bumps."

Kermit's start in the game came at Sawyer Youth Soccer in Louisville at the age of 10 and it wasn't long before the prospect of refereeing was put to him.

"When I was 13 or 14 years old, my coach Kent Powell, came to practice one day and said that the SYSA program needed referees and they would pay our way through the clinic,” says Kermit. “All we had to do was referee one game a day on the weekends for about six weeks. I enjoyed it and it was an easy way to make money."

He went to a United States Soccer Federation course taught by local referees Brian Darling and Bill Beatty, and from there began working many youth tournaments.

His big break came when he was invited to referee the first ever women’s league final in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1995. It was there that he was spotted by the national director of officials, Vinny Mauro, and was given the opportunity to referee at the youth national finals in Indianapolis.

After that, he was chosen to become an assistant referee in what was then the new Major League Soccer.

In 1997, Kermit moved to Florida to take a job as an assistant athletic trainer at Jacksonville University and became a national referee the following year. Attending amateur regional and youth games there helped him advance onto the USSF’s panel for FIFA, soccer’s world governing body.

"By meeting new people and proving that I had the ability to referee at the highest level, it opened the doors to being appointed to the international panel," he says.

Since hearing the news that he is Beijing bound as an assistant referee, Kermit has had a hectic schedule, comprising a lot of training and meetings.

"My referee team has worked 2010 World Cup qualifiers (including Costa Rica against Grenada, and Cayman Islands against Bermuda), as well as MLS games together in order to get better prepared on how to act and react in different situations,” he said.

They arrived in China last Thursday (July 31), and when the 16 team men’s tournament commences on Thursday - a day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony - they will have already had meetings and training sessions every day in order to prepare them for the games.

Although he hopes he won't be too much in the spotlight, Kermit will still have many supporters cheering him on, none more so than his family, who are steeped in soccer.

His mother, Estelle, has been a referee assignor since 1984, becoming a high school assignor for the Louisville area in 1998. His father, Gordon, is a referee assessor and instructor, who got involved in the game when Kermit's teams in high school didn’t have enough officials to go round. And his brother, Mark, has also attained the grade of state referee.

They -- and Kermit -- know that a good performance during the competition could see him in line to officiate at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

You can follow his progress on the US Olympic Referees’ blog at Olympicrefs.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

High school season nears

(Published Evening News & Tribune, July 29 '08)

High school soccer teams across Southern Indiana are now preparing for the fall season, which is nearly upon us.

Games will start on Aug. 18 — with most of the area's teams taking to the field on Aug. 21 — but two jamborees will be held in the area in the week leading up to the big kick-off.


The Floyd Central Jamboree, which will feature the host school, Jeffersonville and New Albany, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16, while Providence hosts a jamboree on the same day with North Harrison and Corydon visiting. Keep it here to stay in tocuh with all the latest news.


Brigid Morrissey (Floyd Central) and Sara Moore (Providence)

Locals take on nation's elite soccer players

Javanon’s U16s, featuring Jeffersonville’s Trevor Bruner and New Albany’s Keenan Sparks, took on best teams in the country last week and proved it was not out of place at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Little Rock, Ark.

The journey may have started with two consecutive losses for the defensive duo and their teammates, but it ended with a victory —and the realization that the area’s players can compete with youth soccer’s elite.

The tournament at Burns Park Soccer Complex saw 56 boys’ and girls’ clubs from U14 through U19 battle to become best in the nation. They had risen above 10,000 teams and more than 185,000 players from 55 state associations.

Javanon got off to an immediate flyer. In the first game against Real So Cal of California, a goal from Tyler Riggs in the 23rd minute — on a blistering shot from 25 yards out — and a follow-up goal by Jack Goblirsch in the 35th minute put the Louisville side ahead 2-0 at the break.

However, Real So Cal produced an impressive second-half rally, as Javanon struggled collectively to deal with the heat. Goals in the 43rd and 54th minutes saw the Californians knot the score, and it used its new-found energy and skill to finish off the job with goals in the 71st and 79th minutes.

Somewhat deflated, Javanon put up a brave showing against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania — which also lost its first game — the following morning. An unfortunate own goal in the 18th minute put YMS ahead and it held on for a 1-0 victory, with Javanon failing to capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

Javanon coach Tim Chastonay told The Evening News & Tribune, “The boys were definitely down after losing the 2-0 lead (against Real So Cal) and ultimately losing the game, but came back strong the next day (against YMS). They played a more complete game on the second day, but just could not find the net.”

Knowing that it would not be progressing to the final, the boys were determined not to return home without a win, and made sure that would not be the case with a battling 2-1 victory against Lower Marion Velez, also from Eastern Pennsylvania.

It didn’t start all that well for Javanon, which fell behind behind after only two minutes. But goals from Will Vitalis in the 26th minute and Brycen Howard in the 71st ensured that the team returned home with three points from three games.

“I think they definitely learned a bit individually what they need to work on and then what we needed to do better as a team," said Chastonay. “They left in high spirits after the third game and looked as if they really wanted to get back to this position.”

Mike Sparks, father of Keenan, a student at Providence, said it was an amazing achievement that his son even appeared at the tournament, given what he had to overcome as a young child.

“To think 16 years ago, that my little baby boy, born with club feet (both feet were turned 90 degrees inward and 90 degrees upward toward the shins) would take the pitch for a national championship someday is just awesome,” he said. “Keenan didn't even walk until he was about 18 months. He wore casts, braces, open-toed corrective shoes, and had two surgeries on his tendons just so he could walk.”

Terri Bruner, manager of Javanon and parent of Trinity student Trevor, described the tournament as “a great experience.”

“The boys did realize that they can compete with the best and are already setting goals for next year,” she said.

Dallas Texans, a team Javanon didn't take on in pool play, went on to win the tournament, beating Real So Cal 2-0 in the final.

The U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships two-hour highlight show will air on the Fox Soccer Channel on Aug. 9 at 1 p.m.

A Straight win!


Vincent Straight (left) and Jordan Vejar

We reported a couple of weeks ago that Indiana's 1995 Olympic Development Program, featuring New Albany High School coach Dutch Vigar and Jeffersonville midfielder Pierce Crawley, came out on top at a regional soccer camp in Rockford, Ill.

Since then, there's been more success for the state and the area as Vincent Straight — bound for Jeffersonville High School this fall — was part of the Indiana ODP '93 team which beat Ohio North 1-0 in the regional final.

In the group stages, Indiana tied with Kentucky 2-2, beat Missouri 1-0 and then disposed of Ohio South 3-0. A 2-0 victory against Kansas in the semi-final set them up for the final.

Mike Vejar, Indiana Youth Soccer's district commissioner for the area, said that he is proud of Straight, who he has mentored for seven years.

“It is a very talented group and for Vincent to have made it was a huge accomplishment for this young man,” he said.

“It's also a huge deal to win this tournament, given the level of talent from all other states. Vincent's team has a number of national team-level players on it already.”

It looks good for Jeff High's future in the next few years as Vejar's son, Jordan -- headed for the school in 2009 — was chosen as an alternate for the '94 regional pool team. This means he could be called up to join the team over the next 12 months when they participate in national and international tournaments.

At the camp, Vejar scored for Indiana against the Kentucky ODP team in a 1-1 draw.

“This is a big deal for him to fit in at this level of play, so we're very proud of him,” said father Mike.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Sparks, bruner headed to big stage

(Published in the Evening News & Tribune, July 22 2008)

They're part of one of the meanest defenses in the country and this week they're out to prove it.

Jeffersonville's Trevor Bruner and New Albany's Keenan Sparks will take to the field at Burns Park Soccer Complex in Little Rock, Arkansas with their Javanon U16 team mates gunning for glory at the US Youth Soccer National Championships.

The southern Indiana pair, who attend Trinity and Providence High Schools respectively, bolster a back four that went through the Kentucky State Cup conceding just one goal and posted four straight shutouts.

They then went the region II championships in Rockford, Ill. and subdued the best attacks around, including Vardar of Michigan and powerhouse Eclipse Select of Illinois.

Its attack scores for fun too, racking up 29 at the Kentucky State Cup, and 17 at the regionals, more than any other team in the nation.

Coach Tim Chastonay is proud of all 18 of his squad, but says, "Trevor and Keenan both are part of a solid back four that has been stingy all season and does not give up many goals."

Today, the pair will be part of a player luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center, which will be attended by the 56 best boys’ and girls’ teams in the nation from U14 through U19.


Keenan Sparks (New Albany, left) and Trevor Bruner (Jeffersonville) of Javanon '92, pictured preparing for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, which open today and run until July 27. Javanon plays its first game against Real So Cal Blues Wednesday.

The week leading up to the tournament has been a busy one. Detailed preparation aside, the team was paraded in front of well attended media day last Wednesday, while nine of the team, including Bruner, were in Rockford this weekend with the Kentucky '92 Olympic Development Squad. After it, they traveled in the lap of luxury when flown to Little Rock on Sunday afternoon.

It is the fourth time that Javanon will be represented at the national championships, having won it twice - - in 1997 (U16 boys) and 2006 (U19 boys). In fact, it has quite a good record at U16 level, as it was also national semi-finalist at that age level in 2003.

This time round, there are six U16 boys’ teams at the finals, comprising the four regional winners and best two performers in the new US Youth Soccer National League. Each team will have three games, with the top two points getters going on to the final.

First up for Javanon is a game against Region IV victors Real So Cal Blues of California Wednesday (10.30 a.m. EDT), followed by an even earlier game against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday (8.30 a.m.).

It will complete round robin play Friday with a game against Region I winners Lower Merion Velez, also of eastern Pennsylvania (12.30 p.m.).

The other two participating teams, which Javanon don’t play in the early stages, are Triangle United Gold of North Carolina (Region III champions) and Dallas Texans. The U16 boys’ final will take place on Sunday July 27 (11.15 a.m.).

There is real belief in the camp that the team can put up a strong showing. According to coach Chastonay and his assistant Derek Willis, the four time state champions are peaking at the right time, having played their best soccer at midwest regionals.

And team manager Terri Bruner, parent of Trevor, believes this is due in no small part to the loyalty and hard work ethic built up over a long time - qualities that will stand to them this week.
“This is the eighth year this team has been together,” he said. “Several have been together from season one and that’s half of their lives.”

If you want to keep abreast of how Javanon fair at the nations, check out the team's blog daily at: 92javanonboys.blogspot.com. A wrap up of the national championships will also be televised on Fox Soccer Channel on August 9 (1 p.m.)


Path to the Nationals
Kentucky State Open Cup
Beat LSA 5-0
Beat United 1996 Premier 8-0
Beat LFC Classic 9-0
Beat LFC Premier 5-0 (semi-final)
Beat United 1996 Intl 2-1 (final)

Region II Championship (Rockford, Illinois)
Beat Vardar West (Michigan) 5-1
Lost to KCFC Striker (Kansas) 1-2
Beat PSA Ohio North 5-2
Beat Vardar Red (Michigan) 3-1 (semi-final)
Beat Eclipse Select (Illinois) 3-1 (final)



Keenan Sparks (New Albany, left) and Trevor Bruner (Jeffersonville) of Javanon '92, pictured preparing for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, which open today and run until July 27. Javanon plays its first game against Real So Cal Blues tomorrow.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Indiana ODP tops

Indiana's 1995 Olympic Development Program came out on top at the weekend's regional soccer camp in Rockford, Illinois.

And helping them succeed were New Albany High School coach Dutch Vigar and Jeffersonville midfielder Pierce Crawley.

Indiana got off to a flying start, beating Kentucky 6-2, before disposing of Minnesota by a whopping 10-0.

It lost 1-0 to a very strong Illinois team in the third of its pool games but had done enough to reach the semi final stage, where it proved too good for Iowa when prevailing by a 7-3 scoreline, with Crawley pitching in with a goal and an assist.
In the final on Saturday, it met Illinois once again but overcame the underdog tag and gained revenge with a 1-0 win.

Crawley, who will be an 8th grader at Providence Junior High this fall and plays for Javanon U13s, said it was a pleasure to play against good players from other states in the Midwest and get to know new people.

“The best part, however, was beating Illinois in the finals of the state team tournament,” he said. “I look forward to going back to the camp next year and competing to make the regional team again."



This was Crawley's second year at the camp, but was coach Dutch Vigar's first time to participate on the ODP staff. As one of three assistant coaches, the journey began for him and Crawley in October with a training session in New Albany in an effort to identify those from this area who had potential to make the state pool.

Training sessions were then held, mostly in the Indianapolis area, at least once every month - and sometimes twice a month - between November and June. Many of the 60 plus players who participated in this endeavor were from Indianapolis and northern Indiana, but Vigar said the number of players from this area that are participating annually is on the increase.

After the March training sessions, the state player pool was narrowed down to 36 players.

"The selection process was a bit difficult and a challenge for me," said Vigar. "The task was probably less difficult for the head coach and other assistants because they were with many of the players from last year. Given that we had four coaches assessing the players did make the task a little easier.

There was much discussion and interaction among the coaching staff about players in making the decisions for final selection."

Once this weekend's camp was over, a 36 player "callback" pool - including four from Indiana - was named, from which a regional team will be chosen. Some of these will also have a chance to play on the ‘95 national team.

Vigar said it has been a very educational, rewarding and positive experience for him.

"It is great having the opportunity to work with so many young talented players," he said. "Having the opportunity to work with the regional coaches was a great and valuable experience. Working with coaches from other parts of the state was equaling rewarding.

"This experience will definitely help in my leadership role as the director of coaching for SIU. The first time players can participate in the ODP program is when they become U10 players. I would recommend any player who wishes to play at higher levels in soccer to get involved with ODP.”

Javanon ready for the big one

The US Youth Soccer National Championships are now just days, and the excitement is mounting at Javanon, whose U16 team is preparing for battle against the best teams in the US.

The event, the opening ceremony of which takes place at Little Rock, Ark. next Tuesday, comprises 56 boys’ and girls’ teams in the U14 through U19 age groups.

There are six U16 boys’ teams at the finals, comprising the four regional winners and best two performers in the new US Youth Soccer National League. Each team will have three games, with the top two points getters going on to the final.



First up for Javanon is a game against Region IV victors Real South California Blues next Wednesday (July 23), followed by an early morning game against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday.

It will complete round robin play Friday with a game against Region I winners Lower Merion Velez, also of eastern Pennsylvania.

The other two participating teams, which Javanon don’t play in the early stages, are Triangle United Gold of North Carolina (Region III champions) and Dallas Texans. The U16 boys’ final will take place on Sunday July 27.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Red really is the color!

You may remember a piece we had in this column some months ago about the color red, and our suggestion that you might want to have a word with your coach about changing your strip if it was any other shade.

Well, we may have said it in jest, but the theory really does seem to have stood the test this season.

Two English universities - Durham University and the University of Plymouth - came to the conclusion that red is the most successful team strip in soccer.

Researchers at the colleges analyzed data on English league results since the second World War. They found that red, in nature, is often associated with male aggression and display.

"It is a testosterone-driven signal of male quality, and its striking effect has even been harnessed by soldiers in the past," said the report.

It concluded that supporters are subconsciously more attracted to a club wearing red, so the club develops a bigger resource base within its community, while there is also a positive psychological boost from wearing red that is reflected on the field of play.

You may have noticed that Spain won the European Championship against Germany on Sunday, decked out in glorious red.

That followed hot on the heels of Manchester United’s success, the Red Devils winning the English Premiership and the European Champions' League in May.

And then, of course, there is Javanon’s U16s, featuring our very own Trevor Bruner and Keenan Sparks, winners of the US Youth Soccer Region II championship. All the club’s state champions get to wear a red jersey, and they relished the opportunity to play in theirs when overcoming Eclipse Select of Illinois last Wednesday.

Incidentally, the least successful colors are yellow and orange, which probably explains why Holland (orange), Sweden (yellow) and Romania (yellow) didn’t have too much luck at Euro 2008.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Javanon heads for nationals


Congratulations to Javanon's U16s, who became US Youth Soccer Region II champions after a 3-1 victory against powerhouse Eclipse Select of Illinois in the final Wednesday.

They will now travel to play at the US Youth Soccer National Championships at Burns Park Soccer Complex in Little Rock, Arkansas from July 22-27.

The Louisville outfit got off to great start in the final when Brandon Causey put them 1-0 up after five minutes. Tyler Riggs doubled their lead on the half hour mark, before Eclipse pulled one back two minutes later.

However, a third from Will Vitalis in the second half after 72 minutes sealed the deal for the team's first regional triumph - and the first for Javanon since 2006, when its U19s went all the way to national glory.

Coach Tim Chastonay told The Evening News & The Tribune the team has been progressing all year and really started to peak at the right time.

"They have played their best soccer through State Cup and now Midwest Regionals," he said. "If they continue to work hard over the next month, they will certainly make a solid showing in Little Rock."

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Hoosiers make it to regional semis

(Published Evening News & Tribune, June 24, '08)

Two southern Indiana players have made it to today's US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championship semi-finals in Rockford, Ill.

Trevor Bruner of Jeffersonville and Keenan Sparks of New Albany are part of Javanon's U16 team, which won a tough bracket courtesy of a superior goal difference. They play Vardar Red of Michigan this morning (10 a.m.) for a place in tomorrow's final.

The boys will need no motivation for what will be one of the biggest games of their lives to date, as they lost to Vardar in the Midwest Regional League earlier in the season and will be gunning for revenge.

The team got off to a flyer on Saturday against another Michigan side, Vardar West, when running out 5-1 victors, but then lost narrowly on Sunday to KCFC Strikers of Kansas 2-1.

However, a 5-2 win against PSA United (Ohio North) yesterday put them atop the bracket after KCFC Strikers lost to Vardar West.

Over 200 teams and 4,000 players from 14 state associations descended on Rockford this week for the Region II Championships. The bracket games took place Saturday, Sunday and yesterday, with the semi-finals down for decision today, and the finals tomorrow.

Among them were a number of the area's top players, including New Albany's Kaitlin Robinett, who starred for Mockingbird's U16 girls Sunday when scoring both her team's goals in a 2-1 victory or South Dakota.

The girls, the club’s sole representative at the championships, tied their first game against FC Milwaukee Blue, and beat JUSC Premier of Iowa 3-0, but agonizingly went out on goal difference to Milwaukee despite an unbeaten run.

Also unlucky to miss out was Javanon's U13 girls, a team featuring Leah Mattingly of Floyds Knobs. They faced an uphill battle after losing their opening day game to KCFC Force from Kansas by a lone goal, but bounced back to beat Rushmore of South Dakota 4-1, and then Toro Booyah of Nebraska 2-1. Only a tiebreaker prevented them from going any further.

Pierce Crawley's Javanon U13s also lost out on goal differential. They got off to a great start on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Michigan Elite, but hit a flat spot on Sunday when going down 4-0 to CASA of Ohio. Undeterred, the boys put in a good performance against Bangu Tsunami Blue of Minnesota to finish on a high and second in a three way tie at the top of the table.

One of the most anticipated games of the tournament was the U17 Kentucky Open State Cup final rematch between winners United 1996 and Javanon, and it didn't disappoint. Javanon, featuring New Albany's Nathan Driggers, took a 3-1 lead, only to lose the game 5-3. United progress to the semi-finals after three victories and will play against Scott Gallagher (MO) at 12 noon today.

Javanon's U14s feature Providence's Daniel Wilburn and Floyd Central's Matt Kelsey. For Wilburn, from New Albany, the week got off to a nightmare start after he broke his foot in practice just three days before regionals. They lost to FC Milwaukee 2-0 (WI), Cleveland 3-1 (Ohio North) and Michigan Jaguars (3-2) . Wilburn has been blogging his team's exploits on US Youth Soccer's website (championships.usyouthsoccer.org/ChampionshipsBlog.asp)

United 1996's U19s featured New Albany's Derek Webb and Jefforsonville's TJ Fox, who lost to FC Milwaukee (WI), Arsenal Bluejays (NE) and KC Wizards (KS).

Jefforsonville's Chelsea Grover was part of Javanon U19 team which tied to PSA Gunners (MN) and FC Milwaukee (WI), before losing to Eclipse Select (IL).

The third team from Louisville to make today's semi-finals are Javanon's U18s, who play Shattuck St Mary's from Minnesota (10 a.m.). They had wins agains FC United (IL) and Cup Red (Ohio South), and tied with Arsenal Hibernians (NE) after coming from 2-0 behind to tie 2-2.

Gus Bender, president of Illinois Youth Soccer and host for the regional championships, said, "“This (US Youth Soccer National Championship Series) is the greatest tournament in the United States. Everyone in the nation knows that when you win a regional or national championship you have really done something."

Tomorrow's regional winners from U14 to U19 will go on to play at the US Youth Soccer National Championships at
Burns Park Soccer Complex in Little Rock, Arkansas from July 22-27.

Awesome Arshavin lights up Euros


The clash of the busiest period in the club youth soccer calendar with the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria has prevented me from commenting on the latter, which reaches its final stages this week.

To date, there have been many memorable games and some fine football (or futbol as my editor keeps reminding me) to keep the interest, despite the absence of all British teams and Ireland.

Standout games have included the quarter-final involving Croatia and Turkey, where a crazy final couple of minutes led to a penalty shoot out won by the Turks, and the 'Cardiac Turks' again when coming from 2-0 behind to beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in the group stages.

However, my advice to any youth player in the area is to get their hands on a recording of the quarter-final clash between the Netherlands and Russia, where the performance of Andrei Arshavin was simply phenomenal. He was at the heart of every Russian move and sliced the Orange defense like a knife on numerous occasions. The tireless energy and skill of the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker was a joy to behold, as was the performances of his team mates such as Sergei Semak and Konstantin Zyryanov.

For one, I'm looking forward to seeing awesome Arshavin in Russia's semi-final on Thursday against Spain, who are no slouches themselves with a lethal strike force comprising Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Valencia's David Villa. Arshavin missed the group game between the two, when Spain ran out 4-1 winners.

First up, though, is another intriguing semi-final tomorrow, when Germany take on Turkey. Both games are on ESPN, while the final, which will be held on Sunday, will be on ABC. All games are at 2.45 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Ready for Rockford!

A record number of Southern Indiana players will travel to Rockford, Ill. this week to participate in the U.S. Youth Soccer Regional Championships.

They will be part of teams from Javanon, United 1996 and Mockingbird, who recently won the Kentucky State Open Cup in their respective age groups at the end of May.

Javanon once again dominated at the State Open Cup finals held at Bowling Green and Lexington — picking up eight titles — while two went to United 1996, and one to Mockingbird.

The teams will take on champions from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, South/North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota.

There are high hopes for Javanon's U13 girls, a team which includes Leah Mattingly of Floyds Knobs.

Dave Griffiths, girls’ technical director at the club, believes her team is a very good group which has a serious chance of making it out of its bracket.

“I feel good about their chances,” he said. “They are in a good bracket with teams from South Dakota (Rushmore Gold), Kansas (KCFC Force), and Nebraska (Toro Booyah).”

Griffiths is also coach of the U19s, a team which will travel to its seventh straight regional championship and is crammed full of college players, including Jeffersonville’s Chelsea Grover, who plays at Western Kentucky University.

“The girls are looking for their breakthrough year, but the likes of Bloomfield Force from Michigan would be big favorites,” he said.

One of the most fascinating brackets is at the U17 level, where Kentucky champions United 1996 have been drawn with local rivals Javanon, who they beat 2-1 in the final.

The pair have been drawn in the “Group of Death” with Michigan Wolves — last year's regional winners and national runners-up — and Ohio North's Pacesetter Premier. Javanon's team includes recent New Albany High School graduate Nathan Driggers, who is bound for Ohio State.


Pierce Crawley of Jeffersonville (right) and Javanon U13 team mate Brad Schickel after their Kentucky State Open Cup success.

Pierce Crawley of Jeffersonville will be part of the Javanon U13 team which has high hopes after scoring 23 goals in the state Tournament without reply. Crawley, who attends Providence Junior High, was recently selected for Indiana's Olympic Development Program U13 team.

Trevor Bruner, also of Jeffersonville and a Kentucky ODP player, and New Albany's Keenan Sparks are part of a Javanon U16 team which won its fourth state title. The team is having a great season in the Midwest Regional League, where they beat FC Pride, ranked fifth in the nation. That means confidence is high going into the regional championships.

Providence’s Daniel Wilburn and Floyd Central’s Matt Kelsey are part of the Javanon U14 side, which progressed to Rockford thanks to a thrilling 2-1 final victory over rivals Mockingbird.

New Albany High School's Kaitlin Robinett is part of Mockingbird’s only State Cup representatives. Her U16 team face a tough bracket, with FC Milwaukee, Dakota Gold Destiny and Johnston Freedom from Iowa.

Coach Larry Raible said, "We have some injuries that are a little troubling at the moment, but hopefully we will have all but two back for this weekend. I believe we will be ready to play, and I know that when we are focused and ready we can compete with the very best teams in our region."

United FC's U19 boys’ team includes New Albany's Derek Webb and goalkeeper T.J. Fox of Jeffersonville.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, with the bracket games taking pace Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The semifinals will be held on Tuesday and the finals on Wednesday.

Success at the regionals would see the winners progress to the national championships, which take place at North Little Rock, Arkansas, from July 22-27.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Will gas prices hit standard of soccer?

(Published Evening News & Tribune, June 11, 2008)
We are now in the midst of the busiest time in the youth travel soccer calendar.
Unfortunately for soccer mom and dads, it has coincided with gas prices hitting an all time high at $4 a gallon.

But how much of an impact will it have? Will we see it hit the standard of soccer, with less participation at the higher level?

There have been reports in recent weeks of kids cutting back on athletic leagues in all sports all over the country as parents struggle to balance fuel prices with the travel demands associated with their children's sports activities. Recreational leagues are being preferred because they cost less. We're talking about the likes of basketball, baseball and softball.

Also expected to be hit is the strange creature we call travel soccer, seen by many as the domain of the upper-middle class of society in the US.

Consider this: You live in southern Indiana and your little Johnny or Mary is on a successful travel team, say Javanon, for example. One week you're traveling to Lexington for the Kentucky State Open Cup preliminaries; the next, you're down in Bowling Green for the final stages.

And now little Johnny's, or Mary's, team has made it to the regional championships in Illinois (which take place from June 20-25), where you will probably stay over for a couple of nights - catch the opening ceremony and the first three games. Maybe even stay until finals day. This is all in the space of a four week period.

I hear all sorts of tales about the expense of soccer, including one family which has estimated it forked out about $16,000 in one year watching their son, a successful regional Olympic Development Program player, all over the United States.

I'm no expert in how rich upper middle class Americans are, but I'm sure there's a fair few travel soccer families that are simply struggling right now, so that their talented children can follow their dreams; maybe get themselves a soccer scholarship at an NCAA Division 1 university.

There is, I have to say, a certain irony in the fact that parents could be seen at tryouts over the past couple of weeks with concerned looks and bitten down nails, hoping their children would be the ones to make it onto their travel teams of choice.

In fact, there were quite a few of them, as numbers were reportedly high at trials for a number of teams across Louisville and southern Indiana, so you would have to assume that prices don't seem to be bothering too many folks right now, despite the national mood.

However, the current economic climate could be a blessing in disguise for the sport in the US. I feel that if there was more concentration on local competition, with the creation of more teams within shorter distances and less emphasis on traveling long distances to numerous “prestigious” tournaments (maybe one or two a season), then more kids would be able to afford participation at said competitive level and the overall talent pool quality would increase.

As a matter of fact, the vast majority of players in the US play at the recreational level anyway. It would give those who are talented enough - but not rich enough - a chance to play travel. Call me stupid, but I would have thought that could only help the standard of the game.

There are those involved in travel soccer that are suited just fine by the status quo - they are not in a rush to change it. So maybe being forced to change it is the only way forward.

Mavericks oh so close

(Published Evening News & Tribune, June 8, 2008)
It was oh so close for Southern Indiana United’s U14 Mavericks, who earned themselves a runner-up spot at the Indiana State Challenge Cup at Fort Wayne Sunday.

They swept through the preliminary round two weeks ago, with wins
over Indiana Invaders (2-0), Lawrence Soccer Club (5-0), and Pumas (3-1).

As bracket winners, they moved on to finals weekend where they faced Tippco Blue Heat (Lafayette) in the quarter final Saturday.

Jordan Vejar opened the scoring with a left footed blast for a 1-0 lead and the flood gates opened from there. Vincent Straight followed with two more blasts from long range, with Keegan Leuthart finishing off the scoring by slipping through the Tippco defense.

On Sunday morning, Mavericks faced Columbus Orange Crush, Indiana Soccer League champion and reigning 2007 Challenge Cup holders, in the semi-final. They gained revenge for a 1-0 defeat earlier in the season by squashing the Crush 2-1.

Vincent Straight opened the scoring from a throw in by Danny Laird as he slipped through the defense for a long blast that caught the goalkeeper off guard. After an equalizing score by Columbus, the Mavericks composed themselves and won the game with three minutes left on a
cannon by Kameron Jenkins who hit it so hard it knocked the Columbus' goalie into the net.

So to the final against familiar foe Indy Burn, a team they've beat, lost to and tied with over the past year in ISL and tournament play.

Indy Burn started energetically and took an early two goal advantage, but the Mavericks fought back to go in at half time down 2-1 after Cauldon Feldhaus finished off a Cray Trimble through ball to the far post.

Indy Burn came out strong in the second half again and scored twice more to almost put
the game out of reach, but the Mavericks never quit and scored two goals in the final six minutes courtesy of Jordy Rigsby and Kameron Jenkins to make it 4-3.

However, Mavericks could not tie the game despite intense pressure on Indy Burn’s defense.

Coach Mike Vejar said he was “overwhelmed with pride” because of the way team performed in the tournament, which had 28 participating teams this year.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Record number witness State Cup joy

A record number of southern Indiana players have tasted success at the Kentucky State Open Cup tournament finals held at Bowling Green and Lexington.

Some 181 teams from U13 to U19 took part in what is the first step in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the nation's premier youth soccer tournament.

The first team crowned state champ was United FC's U19s, which includes New Albany's Derek Webb and goalkeeper TJ Fox of Jeffersonville.

Webb had the assist on United's first win against Bluegrass SC 1-0 in Lexington on May 24, before they went on to beat Owensboro United 3-0 in the three team round robin the following day.

Last Wednesday, Javanon's U19 girls, featuring Western Kentucky University's Chelsea Grover from Jeffersonville, beat Louisville SC 5-0 to earn the right to represent Kentucky at the regional championships. Playing on LSC's team was Floyd Central graduate Chelsea Stanley, who plays at Center College.

However, it was over the past weekend that the majority of finals were held at Lover's Lane Soccer Complex in Bowling Green, and a number of the area's players were on winning teams.

Pierce Crawley of Jeffersonville was part of the ruthless Javanon team that beat Northern Kentucky United 4-0 in the U13 boys' final. They scored 23 goals in the whole tournament and kept clean sheets throughout. Crawley, who attends Providence Junior High, was recently selected on Indiana's Olympic Development Program U13 team.

Trevor Bruner, also of Jeffersonville and a Kentucky ODP player, and New Albany's Keenan Sparks, were part of a Javanon U16 team that won its fourth state title - and second in succession - when beating United 1996 2-1 in the final. Bruner attends Trinity, while Sparks goes to Providence.

The team is having a great season in the Midwest Regional League, where they beat FC Pride, ranked fifth in the nation, so confidence is high going into the regional championships.

Providence's Daniel Wilburn and Floyd Central's Matt Kelsey were involved in what was probably one of the most exciting games of the weekend, with their Javanon U14 side beating Mockingbird 2-1 in a nail biting contest, scoring with just seconds remaining on the clock.


Mockingbird's Kaitlin Robinett (pictured right)

New Albany High School's Kaitlin Robinett was part of Mockingbird's only State Cup success of the weekend, when her U16 team beat Northern Kentucky United for the second successive year in the final, this time by a 2-0 scoreline. It is their third state title, and was achieved with 16 goals scored and just one conceded.

Of the 14 titles on offer, eight were won by Javanon; two each by United 1996 and Lexington FC; and one each by Mockingbird and Central Kentucky SC.

Next up for the victors is a trip to the regional championships in Rockford, Illinois, which will be held from June 20-25. State winners from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, South/North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota will be involved.

The national finals will be held at Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock, Arkansas, from July 22-27.