All eyes will be on Cape Town, South Africa this Friday when the draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is made(noon, live on ESPN2).
The United States — currently ranked 14th in the world — will be hoping for a favorable draw, but it is more likely they will face tough opposition after the four pots were finalized today (Wednesday).
The seeded teams include Spain, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Holland, England, Argentina and host nation South Africa in Pot A.
The remaining 24 teams are divided into three pots based mainly on geographical factors.
The U.S. is in pot 2 with Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Honduras.
Pot 3 features five African and three South American teams, while the eight remaining European teams are in Pot 4.
Most U.S. fans would probably be grateful for a group including South Africa, Uruguay/Algeria and Serbia/Slovenia. Not so welcome would be something along the lines of Brazil, France/Portugal and Cameroon.
Such a scenario would have Bob Bradley’s men facing teams all ranked higher in what would invariably be labeled the “Group of Death.”
Whoever the U.S. is teamed with, it will be hoping for better fortunes than in Germany in 2006, when it crashed out in the early stages after losing to the Czech Republic and Ghana, and tying with eventual winners Italy.
Pot 1 (seeds) — South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England.
Pot 2 (Asia, Oceania and North/Central America) –Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Honduras.
Pot 3 (Africa and South America) — Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay.
Pot 4 (Europe) — France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jaguars jubilant!
I bet there aren’t too many of you out there — even in soccer circles — who are aware Kentuckiana just produced a national high school championship winning team.
Meet the River City Jaguars, winners of the National Home School Soccer Championship title in Fort Wayne recently.
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Coach Jon Sweetland of New Albany steered the Jaguars to the Division II national title after a season which did not suggest such lofty heights were about to be reached.
Having lost more games than it won, River City went on an unbeaten four-match run during the tournament held at Kreager Park in Fort Wayne. Co-team manager, Janet Eldridge of Floyds Knobs, whose son Ryan is a senior on the team, said it was a major surprise, even to them.
“Everything just pulled together,” said Eldridge. “Our win-loss record for the season, we would not have predicted it. We were just thrilled. We had an awesome bunch of players and families this year.”
The run included group-stage victories over the SE Wisconsin Saints (6-1) and the Kalamazoo Cougars of Michigan (2-1). Then, in the semifinal, the Jaguars beat Traverse City, also from Michigan, 3-0, before triumphing over Metro United of Minnesota by a 1-0 score in the final.
The 19-strong coed roster from grades 7-12 comprises players from far and wide, including New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Floyds Knobs, Borden, Pekin, Corydon, Georgetown, Louisville and Shepherdsville, Ky. They receive the majority of their education in a home school environment.
“One of the things we try to do as a Christian program is character-build,” said Eldridge. “You don’t have to play the way that girl did (referring to the recent, well-publicized antics of New Mexico’s Elizabeth Lambert).”
The Jaguars, who play their home games at Cannon Acres and practice twice a week, were founded in 2004 by Charlestown’s Jenny Stopher at a time when there was no fall soccer team for her son Aaron to play on.
Stopher used her experience as team manager at Southern Indiana United to get a squad of home-schoolers together through word of mouth and an e-mail network. Then, she got googling and found a similar home school team in Lexington, Ky. (Bluegrass United), who became the Jaguars’ first and only opponents that year.
The Jaguars’ schedule nowadays is a little busier and comprises a mix of home school and Indiana high school teams, while this was their third time competing at the national championships.
Stopher’s involvement in the team ended after her son graduated two years ago. But she is still kept in the loop in regards to team news and she said she is “tickled pink” with the recent success.
“It was a rough first year, but I think God laid it on my heart to build a team for future years,” said Stopher. “The kids bonded and it brought them some consistency year to year. The consistency is something that really helped my son.”
And long may the consistency continue.
Meet the River City Jaguars, winners of the National Home School Soccer Championship title in Fort Wayne recently.
.JPG)
Coach Jon Sweetland of New Albany steered the Jaguars to the Division II national title after a season which did not suggest such lofty heights were about to be reached.
Having lost more games than it won, River City went on an unbeaten four-match run during the tournament held at Kreager Park in Fort Wayne. Co-team manager, Janet Eldridge of Floyds Knobs, whose son Ryan is a senior on the team, said it was a major surprise, even to them.
“Everything just pulled together,” said Eldridge. “Our win-loss record for the season, we would not have predicted it. We were just thrilled. We had an awesome bunch of players and families this year.”
The run included group-stage victories over the SE Wisconsin Saints (6-1) and the Kalamazoo Cougars of Michigan (2-1). Then, in the semifinal, the Jaguars beat Traverse City, also from Michigan, 3-0, before triumphing over Metro United of Minnesota by a 1-0 score in the final.
The 19-strong coed roster from grades 7-12 comprises players from far and wide, including New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Floyds Knobs, Borden, Pekin, Corydon, Georgetown, Louisville and Shepherdsville, Ky. They receive the majority of their education in a home school environment.
“One of the things we try to do as a Christian program is character-build,” said Eldridge. “You don’t have to play the way that girl did (referring to the recent, well-publicized antics of New Mexico’s Elizabeth Lambert).”
The Jaguars, who play their home games at Cannon Acres and practice twice a week, were founded in 2004 by Charlestown’s Jenny Stopher at a time when there was no fall soccer team for her son Aaron to play on.
Stopher used her experience as team manager at Southern Indiana United to get a squad of home-schoolers together through word of mouth and an e-mail network. Then, she got googling and found a similar home school team in Lexington, Ky. (Bluegrass United), who became the Jaguars’ first and only opponents that year.
The Jaguars’ schedule nowadays is a little busier and comprises a mix of home school and Indiana high school teams, while this was their third time competing at the national championships.
Stopher’s involvement in the team ended after her son graduated two years ago. But she is still kept in the loop in regards to team news and she said she is “tickled pink” with the recent success.
“It was a rough first year, but I think God laid it on my heart to build a team for future years,” said Stopher. “The kids bonded and it brought them some consistency year to year. The consistency is something that really helped my son.”
And long may the consistency continue.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
UofL heartbreak
University of Louisville’s men’s soccer team narrowly missed out on a place in the Big East Championship final when losing to Notre Dame 4-3 on penalty kicks last night in West Virginia. The game was scoreless after 90 minutes and two overtime periods. The Irish will take on St John’s in Sunday’s decider (12 noon).
a little too physical ..
This ESPN clip, which came to our attention last week, received quite a bit of nationwide publicity today. It features the somewhat ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior of New Mexico’s Elizabeth Lambert in the college’s Mountain West Conference Championship semi-final game against BYU in Utah last Thursday. By the way, it took 77 minutes before Lambert was finally yellow carded! And no, she wasn’t sent off, although she has since been indefinitely suspended from participating in all team games or practices. Lambert’s apology also appears on New Mexico’s website. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4628040&categoryid=2378529
Change format?
Here’s the link to the column of changing the IHSAA State tournament format.
http://www.newsandtribune.com/localsports/local_story_306225322.html?keyword=topstory
http://www.newsandtribune.com/localsports/local_story_306225322.html?keyword=topstory
Monday, October 26, 2009
Fab Four make District
(Published in the Evening News & Tribune, October 27, 2009)
Four of the area's high school soccer players have been named on the 2009-10 All-District teams chosen by the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association.
Seniors Jordan Adams (Floyd Central) and Drew Mattingly (Christian Academy of Indiana) are part of the District 5 boys' first team for the second successive year, while Kaitlin Robinett (New Albany) was picked on the girls’ first team.
CAI’s prolific scorer, Andrew Rosenberg, was chosen on the second team.
CAI coach Will Lorigan said goalkeeper Mattingly had an outstanding season, which included eight shutouts.
“Over the last couple of years the team has grown in confidence and the quality of play and Drew's leadership has played a large part in this transformation,” said Lorigan.
“Drew has outstanding technical ability and reflexes, and has read and directed the game well for us at the back all season. This is Drew's second year in a row on the first team which is a testament to the respect and recognition that not only Christian Academy has for Drew but the teams we play, especially some of the larger schools.”
Of Andrew Rosenberg, he said it is “quite an achievement” considering he often plays with two or three players marking him.
“He still manages to score and create opportunities for other players,” said Lorigan.
Jordan Adams, meanwhile, finished the season with 29 goals and the senior is now the Highlanders’ all-time leading scorer with 73 goals. His tally this year matched last fall’s number.
Kaitlin Robinett
Kaitlin Robinett was the only girl from the area selected on the District 5 first team.
She had 21 goals and six assists this season and ended with 77 career goals and 24 career assists.
"I am proud to be selected for the team and can't wait to represent southern Indiana at the showcase tournament,” Robinett said. “The years of hard work are finally paying off."
New Albany coach Julie Deuser said she is proud that Robinett, who is now bound for University of Evansville, has earned this top honor.
“She has been so much fun to coach these past two years,” she said. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving. She is one of the most talented, skilled players I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. I was constantly impressed with her natural ability as well as her unmatched work ethic.”
All-District Showcase games will be held between Indiana’s six selected teams, boys and girls, on November 21 and 22 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Coaches nominated players by submitting profiles in advance of their district meetings last week and every member coach in attendance had 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 at the showcase games.
Not all of the area’s coaches signed up with the ISCA this year, and therefore were not eligible to nominate players off their teams. And not all of those that were signed up submitted nominations.
There were 14 players from the area nominated -- nine girls and five boys. They included Casey Marlin, Caley Marlin, Kelsey Rogers, Cristian May-Boquiren, Alyssa Hendershot (Providence), Rebekah Burgan, Brittney Lipps and Devin Conway (Jeffersonville) among the girls. The boys included Floyd Central’s Zach Brutscher and Will Spiller.
Over 700 players were nominated throughout Indiana. Below is a full list of the District 5 teams. For all teams, check out www.hoosierfutbol.com.
District 5 – Boys' first team
Matt McKain (Columbus North); Caleb Colby (New Palestine); Aaron Brown (Seymour); Matthew Depue (East Central): Devon Moore (Seymour); Dylan Lax (Columbus North); Andy Kaplan (Columbus North); Nick Hollenkamp (Columbus East); Jordan Adams (Floyd Central): Jeffrey Keyler (Roncalli); Zachary Deak (Columbus East); Axel Rosado (Columbus North); Seth Martin (Mt. Vernon); Cody James (New Palestine); Derek Getz (Oldenburg Academy); Christian Wilson (Warren Central); Drew Mattingly (Christian Academy of Indiana): Aaron Frizzell (Lawrenceburg).
Second team
Jeremey Barnes (Columbus North); Teddy Cooley (Batesville); Andrew Rosenberg (Christian Academy of Indiana): Elliot Lehn (Lawrenceburg); Seth Taylor (Brown County); Dean Suddarth (Greenfield Central); Blake Stegemiller (Roncalli); Louie Souza (Columbus North); Caleb Depue (East Central); Ian McGarry (Madison Consolidated); Wes Cook (Oldenburg Academy); Kirk Graber (Brown County); Manfredo Hernandez (Indianapolis Howe); Jacob Hicks (Madison Consolidated).
District 5 -- Girls’ first team
Sarah Patterson (Center Grove); Jordan Roell (East Central); Kate Macyauski (Batesville); Elena Cirstofoli (Center Grove); Kate Woessner (Center Grove); Annika Jordan (Columbus East); Emily Wheeler (Columbus North); Katie Dana (Columbus North); Kayleigh Steigerwalt (Columbus North); Morgan Proffitt (Columbus North); Stacie Roth (East Central); Gabby Colina (Jennings County); Tori Magner (Jennings County); Brianna Offutt (Lawrenceburg); Estee Outcalt (Mooresville); Kaitlin Robinett (New Albany); Colleen Diemer (Plainfield); Allison Reed (Seymour).
Second team
Olivia Blanken (Batesville); Lindsey Ivey (Centerville); Jordan Cates (Center Grove); Stacey Klene (Center Grove); Rebecca Reutell (Columbus East); Emma Smith (Columbus North); Ashley Roberts (Columbus North); Amber Ginn (East Central); Vanessa Benham (Franklin); Ellen Weigel (Greensburg); Olivia Euler (Jennings County); Nicki Logsdon (Lawrenceburg); Logan Bowling (Mooresville); Audrey Rozman (Oldenburg); Heather Jones (Seymour).
Four of the area's high school soccer players have been named on the 2009-10 All-District teams chosen by the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association.
Seniors Jordan Adams (Floyd Central) and Drew Mattingly (Christian Academy of Indiana) are part of the District 5 boys' first team for the second successive year, while Kaitlin Robinett (New Albany) was picked on the girls’ first team.
CAI’s prolific scorer, Andrew Rosenberg, was chosen on the second team.
CAI coach Will Lorigan said goalkeeper Mattingly had an outstanding season, which included eight shutouts.
“Over the last couple of years the team has grown in confidence and the quality of play and Drew's leadership has played a large part in this transformation,” said Lorigan.
“Drew has outstanding technical ability and reflexes, and has read and directed the game well for us at the back all season. This is Drew's second year in a row on the first team which is a testament to the respect and recognition that not only Christian Academy has for Drew but the teams we play, especially some of the larger schools.”
Of Andrew Rosenberg, he said it is “quite an achievement” considering he often plays with two or three players marking him.
“He still manages to score and create opportunities for other players,” said Lorigan.
Jordan Adams, meanwhile, finished the season with 29 goals and the senior is now the Highlanders’ all-time leading scorer with 73 goals. His tally this year matched last fall’s number.
Kaitlin Robinett
Kaitlin Robinett was the only girl from the area selected on the District 5 first team.
She had 21 goals and six assists this season and ended with 77 career goals and 24 career assists.
"I am proud to be selected for the team and can't wait to represent southern Indiana at the showcase tournament,” Robinett said. “The years of hard work are finally paying off."
New Albany coach Julie Deuser said she is proud that Robinett, who is now bound for University of Evansville, has earned this top honor.
“She has been so much fun to coach these past two years,” she said. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving. She is one of the most talented, skilled players I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. I was constantly impressed with her natural ability as well as her unmatched work ethic.”
All-District Showcase games will be held between Indiana’s six selected teams, boys and girls, on November 21 and 22 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Coaches nominated players by submitting profiles in advance of their district meetings last week and every member coach in attendance had 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 at the showcase games.
Not all of the area’s coaches signed up with the ISCA this year, and therefore were not eligible to nominate players off their teams. And not all of those that were signed up submitted nominations.
There were 14 players from the area nominated -- nine girls and five boys. They included Casey Marlin, Caley Marlin, Kelsey Rogers, Cristian May-Boquiren, Alyssa Hendershot (Providence), Rebekah Burgan, Brittney Lipps and Devin Conway (Jeffersonville) among the girls. The boys included Floyd Central’s Zach Brutscher and Will Spiller.
Over 700 players were nominated throughout Indiana. Below is a full list of the District 5 teams. For all teams, check out www.hoosierfutbol.com.
District 5 – Boys' first team
Matt McKain (Columbus North); Caleb Colby (New Palestine); Aaron Brown (Seymour); Matthew Depue (East Central): Devon Moore (Seymour); Dylan Lax (Columbus North); Andy Kaplan (Columbus North); Nick Hollenkamp (Columbus East); Jordan Adams (Floyd Central): Jeffrey Keyler (Roncalli); Zachary Deak (Columbus East); Axel Rosado (Columbus North); Seth Martin (Mt. Vernon); Cody James (New Palestine); Derek Getz (Oldenburg Academy); Christian Wilson (Warren Central); Drew Mattingly (Christian Academy of Indiana): Aaron Frizzell (Lawrenceburg).
Second team
Jeremey Barnes (Columbus North); Teddy Cooley (Batesville); Andrew Rosenberg (Christian Academy of Indiana): Elliot Lehn (Lawrenceburg); Seth Taylor (Brown County); Dean Suddarth (Greenfield Central); Blake Stegemiller (Roncalli); Louie Souza (Columbus North); Caleb Depue (East Central); Ian McGarry (Madison Consolidated); Wes Cook (Oldenburg Academy); Kirk Graber (Brown County); Manfredo Hernandez (Indianapolis Howe); Jacob Hicks (Madison Consolidated).
District 5 -- Girls’ first team
Sarah Patterson (Center Grove); Jordan Roell (East Central); Kate Macyauski (Batesville); Elena Cirstofoli (Center Grove); Kate Woessner (Center Grove); Annika Jordan (Columbus East); Emily Wheeler (Columbus North); Katie Dana (Columbus North); Kayleigh Steigerwalt (Columbus North); Morgan Proffitt (Columbus North); Stacie Roth (East Central); Gabby Colina (Jennings County); Tori Magner (Jennings County); Brianna Offutt (Lawrenceburg); Estee Outcalt (Mooresville); Kaitlin Robinett (New Albany); Colleen Diemer (Plainfield); Allison Reed (Seymour).
Second team
Olivia Blanken (Batesville); Lindsey Ivey (Centerville); Jordan Cates (Center Grove); Stacey Klene (Center Grove); Rebecca Reutell (Columbus East); Emma Smith (Columbus North); Ashley Roberts (Columbus North); Amber Ginn (East Central); Vanessa Benham (Franklin); Ellen Weigel (Greensburg); Olivia Euler (Jennings County); Nicki Logsdon (Lawrenceburg); Logan Bowling (Mooresville); Audrey Rozman (Oldenburg); Heather Jones (Seymour).
SIU Tryouts
Southern Indiana United tryouts for the 2010 travel soccer spring season will be held for boys aged 15 and over at Prosser Field this Wednesday and Thursday (Oct. 28 and 29, 5.30 p.m.)
The U15s (players born 8/1/1994 - 7/31/1995) will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League and join up fee is $400.
The U16s (players born 8/1/1993 - 7/31/1994) and U17s (players born 8/1/1992 - 7/31/1993) will play in the Indiana Soccer League and the fee is $425.
The U18s (players born 8/1/1991 - 7/31/1992) will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League and the fee is also $425.
Players must attend both nights and a $200 deposit will be due immediately (Nov. 1), with the balance due in full on Feb. 1. Fees cover two tournaments, salaries and travel expenses for coaches, referee fees for all league games, field maintenance costs, registration and administrative fees.
For further information, contract Debbie Webb at 812-945-5627 or check online at www.siusoccer.com.
The U15s (players born 8/1/1994 - 7/31/1995) will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League and join up fee is $400.
The U16s (players born 8/1/1993 - 7/31/1994) and U17s (players born 8/1/1992 - 7/31/1993) will play in the Indiana Soccer League and the fee is $425.
The U18s (players born 8/1/1991 - 7/31/1992) will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League and the fee is also $425.
Players must attend both nights and a $200 deposit will be due immediately (Nov. 1), with the balance due in full on Feb. 1. Fees cover two tournaments, salaries and travel expenses for coaches, referee fees for all league games, field maintenance costs, registration and administrative fees.
For further information, contract Debbie Webb at 812-945-5627 or check online at www.siusoccer.com.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What a wild few days
The last seven days have been pretty eventful in the world of southern Indiana high school soccer, eh?
I’m not quite sure where to kick off, so I’ll start in the middle and end with the beginning. And I’ll present it to you as thus: Four statements we can all keep in mind going into the future.
1 Girls are unpredictable
This is one I learnt from an early age, ever since a young colleen called Lisa (or was it Sharon) gave me my first kiss at the age of six or seven. If I thought we were destined to be together for all eternity, my illusions were shattered the next day when she told me she had acquired another boyfriend.
Every year, for fun and debate, I try to predict girls’ sectional games and every year I end up with all sorts of egg on my face, no matter how many times I see the main protagonists in action.
Going into sectionals, the Bulldogs would have been pretty confident of beating the Pioneers in the quarter-finals after a decisive 5-3 regular season win at Prosser Field. Having seen the game, it would have taken a small leap of faith to plump for Providence.
However, New Albany was just plain flat, while Providence showed up ready on the night and was a deserving winner.
The answer to whether the Lady Bulldogs would have given Floyd Central a good battle in the semi-final was consigned to the guesswork department and the Highlanders remain the area’s dominant force.
Speaking of Bull Dogs, next up for Lewie Stevens’ girls is regional foe Columbus North (17-2-1), and the pair clash for the third year in a row tomorrow (at Columbus North, 7 p.m.).
Last year, North won 5-0, while the year before, it was 2-0. This year, number 12 ranked Bull Dogs have scored 14 goals in its three post season games and conceded none. However, you won’t be getting a prediction from me.
2 Rip up the form book
I think I can safely say there is no one around that has seen more of New Albany boys this season than yours truly, other than those who are directly connected to the team in some way.
If you had told me after the Bulldogs’ 2-1 home loss to Corydon at the end on August that here was a team that was going to win sectional, progress further than any other school in the area and become regional champion, I would have been straight on to the men in white coats and requested that they take you away.
However, Ben Vigar – in his first season as head coach -- did a great job turning New Albany’s fortunes around after its 4-0 defeat to Floyd Central in mid-September. While only posting four regular season wins, it improved after that one sided affair with Highlanders and its ensuing losses were by one goal margins to decent enough teams. One of those losses was to Jeffersonville, a defeat it avenged when beating the Red Devils in the regional semi-final on Saturday. So may ripping up the regular season form book before playing for hardware isn’t such a bad idea.
3 Play to the whistle
Last Monday, on an evening when seven sectional boys’ and girls’ games were up for decision, one was always going to grab the headlines the following morning.
However, Jeffersonville’s boys’ sectional final battle with rival Providence was thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
At the time of writing, the match report on the Evening News And Tribune's had attracted over 40 comments. (www.newsandtribune.com/archivesearch/local_story_286003857.html)
Among the contributors thus far have been parents, players, and referees.
Providence coach Adam Giovenco (who has since announced his resignation to the team due to family commitments) was, to put it mildly, unhappy with a decision made by the referee team with just over six minutes to go.
At the time, the Pioneers were 2-0 up and looking the likely winner. Then their central defender, Keenan Spark – arguably the best player on the field that evening -- picked the ball up in the box to toss it back to the keeper after he thought the ball had gone out past the goal line.
The resultant penalty kick was converted and some four minutes later Jeffersonville equalized to send the game to overtime. Jeff went on to win the game on penalties.
I was standing only yards from where the incident took place and I couldn’t tell if it was out or not. What I can tell you though is that, as a player, we were constantly told to play to the referee’s whistle.
4 It’s only a game
It was the great Liverpool coach Bill Shankly that said, oft quoted, that, "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death … it is much, much more important than that."
Maybe said a little tongue-in-cheek, but when all is said and done, soccer is actually only a game. Arguably the best game there is, but a game nonetheless.
It can be a welcome distraction from life’s worries and concerns, whether you support club, high school, college or country. And for those who play it, it’s pretty healthy exercise, when you don’t get injured, of course.
Some of the anger vented at officials during and after the above mentioned game was uncalled for, heat of the moment or not. As have been some of the comments I’ve read from both sides. We all feel hard done by at one stage or another, and what comes round usually goes round, but stick the to the futbol, debate it in a dignified manner, and remember that most of you will all probably meet again in not too distant future!
I’m not quite sure where to kick off, so I’ll start in the middle and end with the beginning. And I’ll present it to you as thus: Four statements we can all keep in mind going into the future.
1 Girls are unpredictable
This is one I learnt from an early age, ever since a young colleen called Lisa (or was it Sharon) gave me my first kiss at the age of six or seven. If I thought we were destined to be together for all eternity, my illusions were shattered the next day when she told me she had acquired another boyfriend.
Every year, for fun and debate, I try to predict girls’ sectional games and every year I end up with all sorts of egg on my face, no matter how many times I see the main protagonists in action.
Going into sectionals, the Bulldogs would have been pretty confident of beating the Pioneers in the quarter-finals after a decisive 5-3 regular season win at Prosser Field. Having seen the game, it would have taken a small leap of faith to plump for Providence.
However, New Albany was just plain flat, while Providence showed up ready on the night and was a deserving winner.
The answer to whether the Lady Bulldogs would have given Floyd Central a good battle in the semi-final was consigned to the guesswork department and the Highlanders remain the area’s dominant force.
Speaking of Bull Dogs, next up for Lewie Stevens’ girls is regional foe Columbus North (17-2-1), and the pair clash for the third year in a row tomorrow (at Columbus North, 7 p.m.).
Last year, North won 5-0, while the year before, it was 2-0. This year, number 12 ranked Bull Dogs have scored 14 goals in its three post season games and conceded none. However, you won’t be getting a prediction from me.
2 Rip up the form book
I think I can safely say there is no one around that has seen more of New Albany boys this season than yours truly, other than those who are directly connected to the team in some way.
If you had told me after the Bulldogs’ 2-1 home loss to Corydon at the end on August that here was a team that was going to win sectional, progress further than any other school in the area and become regional champion, I would have been straight on to the men in white coats and requested that they take you away.
However, Ben Vigar – in his first season as head coach -- did a great job turning New Albany’s fortunes around after its 4-0 defeat to Floyd Central in mid-September. While only posting four regular season wins, it improved after that one sided affair with Highlanders and its ensuing losses were by one goal margins to decent enough teams. One of those losses was to Jeffersonville, a defeat it avenged when beating the Red Devils in the regional semi-final on Saturday. So may ripping up the regular season form book before playing for hardware isn’t such a bad idea.
3 Play to the whistle
Last Monday, on an evening when seven sectional boys’ and girls’ games were up for decision, one was always going to grab the headlines the following morning.
However, Jeffersonville’s boys’ sectional final battle with rival Providence was thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
At the time of writing, the match report on the Evening News And Tribune's had attracted over 40 comments. (www.newsandtribune.com/archivesearch/local_story_286003857.html)
Among the contributors thus far have been parents, players, and referees.
Providence coach Adam Giovenco (who has since announced his resignation to the team due to family commitments) was, to put it mildly, unhappy with a decision made by the referee team with just over six minutes to go.
At the time, the Pioneers were 2-0 up and looking the likely winner. Then their central defender, Keenan Spark – arguably the best player on the field that evening -- picked the ball up in the box to toss it back to the keeper after he thought the ball had gone out past the goal line.
The resultant penalty kick was converted and some four minutes later Jeffersonville equalized to send the game to overtime. Jeff went on to win the game on penalties.
I was standing only yards from where the incident took place and I couldn’t tell if it was out or not. What I can tell you though is that, as a player, we were constantly told to play to the referee’s whistle.
4 It’s only a game
It was the great Liverpool coach Bill Shankly that said, oft quoted, that, "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death … it is much, much more important than that."
Maybe said a little tongue-in-cheek, but when all is said and done, soccer is actually only a game. Arguably the best game there is, but a game nonetheless.
It can be a welcome distraction from life’s worries and concerns, whether you support club, high school, college or country. And for those who play it, it’s pretty healthy exercise, when you don’t get injured, of course.
Some of the anger vented at officials during and after the above mentioned game was uncalled for, heat of the moment or not. As have been some of the comments I’ve read from both sides. We all feel hard done by at one stage or another, and what comes round usually goes round, but stick the to the futbol, debate it in a dignified manner, and remember that most of you will all probably meet again in not too distant future!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Highlanders to face Panthers
Floyd Central and Corydon advanced to the girls' Sectional 28 final after victories over Providence and Silver Creek respectively.
The Highlanders scored early in each half to down the Pioneers 2-0. The first was scored by Lauren Haley after just three and a half minutes of action, with the second coming two and a half minutes after the break when Jenny Miller fired home following a corner.
In the first semi-final, Corydon proved too good for Silver Creek in a 4-0 win. The Panthers will now take on Floyd Central on its own patch on Monday (October 19) at 6 p.m., in what will be a huge uphill battle to overturn the Highlanders, going for its fourth straight sectional championship.
The Highlanders scored early in each half to down the Pioneers 2-0. The first was scored by Lauren Haley after just three and a half minutes of action, with the second coming two and a half minutes after the break when Jenny Miller fired home following a corner.
In the first semi-final, Corydon proved too good for Silver Creek in a 4-0 win. The Panthers will now take on Floyd Central on its own patch on Monday (October 19) at 6 p.m., in what will be a huge uphill battle to overturn the Highlanders, going for its fourth straight sectional championship.
Seymour and New Albany advance
In today's boys regional semi-finals at Floyd Central, Seymour comfortably made it to the final with a 4-0 win over Madison. New Albany beat Jeffersonville 1-0 in the second semi-final with a headed goal from Cameron Jenkins after 26 minutes. The final between Seymour and New Albany will take place on Monday (October 19) at 8pm.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Love the sectionals, hate the predictions ...
This is the time of year I both love and secretly dread.
Eight weeks of intense high school regular season soccer comes to a shuddering halt. In its place, a few days of exciting sectional and regional fare begins.
Great, except I now have to unearth my trusty crystal ball (I call her Gayle) from the increasingly crowded attic, and make some picks in public. And boy will I hear it when we both get it wrong.
To be fair to Gayle, she’s not done too badly over the past few seasons, but every now and again she gets a bit fuzzy and unclear, leaving it all up to me to make some tough choices. (I’m a Libra: we’re pretty useless at making decisions.)
First up are the boys, and the sectionals at Jeffersonville and Floyd Central this Thursday (Oct.8) and Saturday (Oct.10).
So c’mon Gayle, let’s see who’ll be singing ‘I’ll Get Over You,’ or whose brown eyes will be going blue ...
Jeffersonville (four teams):
Match 1 – Providence vs. Christian Academy of Indiana (Thursday, 5.30 p.m.)
Super. Right out of the traps we’ve got a game that is ripe for an upset. Last year, two days before sectional, Christian Academy defeated Providence 4-3 to signal its intent ahead of the big dance. It was a far cry from the 13-0 sectional defeat of 2005 to the same school.
However, Jeffersonville ended the Warriors’ hopes in game one with a 2-1 victory and that was the end of that.
One year on and CAI , with a record of 11-3-1, is confident of causing the upset. With All-District 5 goalkeeper Drew Mattingly and striker Andrew Rosenberg (36 goals thus far) in its squad, it has every reason to feel that way.
However, one of Providence’s strengths is center-half Keenan Sparks, who should be capable of taming Rosenberg, and while CAI has some useful players, it doesn’t quite have the strength in depth of the Pioneers, which could be the deciding factor.
Point of Note: Both teams played each other on Tuesday, with the game called of after 15 minutes. CAI was leading 1-0,after Rosenberg had scored on 13 minutes. Verdict: Providence.
Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Jeffersonville (Thursday 7.30 p.m.)
Jeffersonville will be fancying its chances to win not only sectional, but regional this year. After a 14-0 regular season victory against the Pirates, there shouldn’t be too much worry about reaching the sectional decider. Verdict: Jeffersonville.
Championship – Providence vs. Jeffersonville (Saturday, 7 p.m.).
Last year, the Pioneers won sectional against rival Jeff after a pulsating 2-2 matchup which went to penalty kicks.
This year, the Red Devils will be hoping to reverse the outcome, should they face Providence, and do so in 80 minutes.
Having won the regular season tie against the Pioneers in convincing fashion by a 4-2 scoreline, Ryan Bixler will be looking to the likes of Lucas Rigsby, Jordan Vejar, Vincent Straight, Spencer Whiteman and Gavin Leavell to secure a fourth sectional title.
Providence, meanwhile, will be hoping goalkeeper Taylor Hamblin and his defense can keep the Red Devils at bay, and that Andrew Gillenwater can take advantage of any glimpses of goal that come his way. Verdict Jeffersonville.
Floyd Central (five teams):
Match 1 – New Albany vs. Corydon Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
The last time New Albany met Corydon in sectional play was in 2005 when the Bulldogs ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.
Four years on and the gap in quality between the two programs no longer exists, exemplified by the Panthers’ upset 2-1 victory against New Albany in August.
Although the Bulldogs finished the season 4-10-1, Ben Vigar’s boys have strung together some good displays in recent weeks, losing out narrowly to Jeffersonville, Madison, and Columbus East, while finishing off with a 3-2 win against Evansville North on Saturday.
It’s that form, not their previous performance against Corydon, which should see them through to the semi final. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – North Harrison vs. Floyd Central (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
The Highlanders will be hoping to exert as little energy as possible in this morning matchup ahead of the evening final, and the indications are that they should get their wish. Verdict Floyd Central.
Match 3 – Silver Creek vs. New Albany (Saturday, 1 p.m.)
Last year, the Dragons narrowly missed out on a final appearance after losing on penalty kicks to Salem. While Silver Creek – now in its third year as a soccer program -- has beaten the likes of Henryville (twice) and Charlestown, defeats to Jeffersonville (8-0), Corydon and Christian Academy (both 4-0) suggest Israel Benitos’ boys won’t be getting as close to reaching the final this time round. Verdict: New Albany.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. New Albany (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
The last time these two met in the championship decider -- in 2007 – they provided a thrilling encounter that finished 2-2 and went deep into penalty kicks before Floyd Central prevailed.
Then last year, when staged on New Albany’s home turf, the Bulldogs overcame their rivals in the semi-finals before going on to take the championship.
Floyd Central played four games in as many days that week and tiredness seemed to catch up on them. With their last regular season game tonight against Butler, and with no game to play on Thursday, the Highlanders will go into Saturday a much fresher outfit than last year, you would imagine.
Should the championship decider be New Albany versus Floyd Central, they will take to the field in confident mood, having beaten their rivals 4-0 in September.
The Bulldogs will be wondering how to put a stop to goalscoring machine Jordan Adams (on 24 goals before last night’s game). In fairness, New Albany has shown improvement since that game, helped in part by switching Nathan Blair into the middle, with Brandon McLaughlin playing defense.
However, with others such as Max Orwick, Chase Holland, Alec Steele and Matt Kelecy in the side, it is hard to see coach Zach Watson’s charges losing this one.
Verdict: Floyd Central.
Eight weeks of intense high school regular season soccer comes to a shuddering halt. In its place, a few days of exciting sectional and regional fare begins.
Great, except I now have to unearth my trusty crystal ball (I call her Gayle) from the increasingly crowded attic, and make some picks in public. And boy will I hear it when we both get it wrong.
To be fair to Gayle, she’s not done too badly over the past few seasons, but every now and again she gets a bit fuzzy and unclear, leaving it all up to me to make some tough choices. (I’m a Libra: we’re pretty useless at making decisions.)
First up are the boys, and the sectionals at Jeffersonville and Floyd Central this Thursday (Oct.8) and Saturday (Oct.10).
So c’mon Gayle, let’s see who’ll be singing ‘I’ll Get Over You,’ or whose brown eyes will be going blue ...
Jeffersonville (four teams):
Match 1 – Providence vs. Christian Academy of Indiana (Thursday, 5.30 p.m.)
Super. Right out of the traps we’ve got a game that is ripe for an upset. Last year, two days before sectional, Christian Academy defeated Providence 4-3 to signal its intent ahead of the big dance. It was a far cry from the 13-0 sectional defeat of 2005 to the same school.
However, Jeffersonville ended the Warriors’ hopes in game one with a 2-1 victory and that was the end of that.
One year on and CAI , with a record of 11-3-1, is confident of causing the upset. With All-District 5 goalkeeper Drew Mattingly and striker Andrew Rosenberg (36 goals thus far) in its squad, it has every reason to feel that way.
However, one of Providence’s strengths is center-half Keenan Sparks, who should be capable of taming Rosenberg, and while CAI has some useful players, it doesn’t quite have the strength in depth of the Pioneers, which could be the deciding factor.
Point of Note: Both teams played each other on Tuesday, with the game called of after 15 minutes. CAI was leading 1-0,after Rosenberg had scored on 13 minutes. Verdict: Providence.
Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Jeffersonville (Thursday 7.30 p.m.)
Jeffersonville will be fancying its chances to win not only sectional, but regional this year. After a 14-0 regular season victory against the Pirates, there shouldn’t be too much worry about reaching the sectional decider. Verdict: Jeffersonville.
Championship – Providence vs. Jeffersonville (Saturday, 7 p.m.).
Last year, the Pioneers won sectional against rival Jeff after a pulsating 2-2 matchup which went to penalty kicks.
This year, the Red Devils will be hoping to reverse the outcome, should they face Providence, and do so in 80 minutes.
Having won the regular season tie against the Pioneers in convincing fashion by a 4-2 scoreline, Ryan Bixler will be looking to the likes of Lucas Rigsby, Jordan Vejar, Vincent Straight, Spencer Whiteman and Gavin Leavell to secure a fourth sectional title.
Providence, meanwhile, will be hoping goalkeeper Taylor Hamblin and his defense can keep the Red Devils at bay, and that Andrew Gillenwater can take advantage of any glimpses of goal that come his way. Verdict Jeffersonville.
Floyd Central (five teams):
Match 1 – New Albany vs. Corydon Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
The last time New Albany met Corydon in sectional play was in 2005 when the Bulldogs ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.
Four years on and the gap in quality between the two programs no longer exists, exemplified by the Panthers’ upset 2-1 victory against New Albany in August.
Although the Bulldogs finished the season 4-10-1, Ben Vigar’s boys have strung together some good displays in recent weeks, losing out narrowly to Jeffersonville, Madison, and Columbus East, while finishing off with a 3-2 win against Evansville North on Saturday.
It’s that form, not their previous performance against Corydon, which should see them through to the semi final. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – North Harrison vs. Floyd Central (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
The Highlanders will be hoping to exert as little energy as possible in this morning matchup ahead of the evening final, and the indications are that they should get their wish. Verdict Floyd Central.
Match 3 – Silver Creek vs. New Albany (Saturday, 1 p.m.)
Last year, the Dragons narrowly missed out on a final appearance after losing on penalty kicks to Salem. While Silver Creek – now in its third year as a soccer program -- has beaten the likes of Henryville (twice) and Charlestown, defeats to Jeffersonville (8-0), Corydon and Christian Academy (both 4-0) suggest Israel Benitos’ boys won’t be getting as close to reaching the final this time round. Verdict: New Albany.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. New Albany (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
The last time these two met in the championship decider -- in 2007 – they provided a thrilling encounter that finished 2-2 and went deep into penalty kicks before Floyd Central prevailed.
Then last year, when staged on New Albany’s home turf, the Bulldogs overcame their rivals in the semi-finals before going on to take the championship.
Floyd Central played four games in as many days that week and tiredness seemed to catch up on them. With their last regular season game tonight against Butler, and with no game to play on Thursday, the Highlanders will go into Saturday a much fresher outfit than last year, you would imagine.
Should the championship decider be New Albany versus Floyd Central, they will take to the field in confident mood, having beaten their rivals 4-0 in September.
The Bulldogs will be wondering how to put a stop to goalscoring machine Jordan Adams (on 24 goals before last night’s game). In fairness, New Albany has shown improvement since that game, helped in part by switching Nathan Blair into the middle, with Brandon McLaughlin playing defense.
However, with others such as Max Orwick, Chase Holland, Alec Steele and Matt Kelecy in the side, it is hard to see coach Zach Watson’s charges losing this one.
Verdict: Floyd Central.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sectional pairings provide intrgue
(Published inthe Evening News & Tribune, September 29)
The draws for the boys' and girls' 16th annual IHSAA Soccer State Tournament series were made yesterday – throwing up some interesting early round ties.
The Jeffersonville and Floyd Central boys' sectionals (59 and 60 respectively) kick off on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the finals on Oct. 10.
The big area teams have avoided each other in the early stages, but at the Jeffersonville sectional, Providence will not enjoy having to play Christian Academy of Indiana in the semi-final.
CAI coach Will Lorigan said the draw sheds new light on its regular season game with Providence on Oct. 6 – two days before they both meet in sectional.
Last year, the Warriors beat the Pioneers 4-3 but were downed by Jeffersonville just days later at sectional.
“ I am not sure it changes our approach,” he said. “We should expect to have to play and beat the best teams in our sectional. We have been preparing for this all season and hopefully we can bring it all together when we need to. We have a solid group of core players and some good young players so if we play to our potential I believe we can complete well with anyone.”
Jeffersonville coach Ryan Bixler will be feeling pretty satisfied with the draw, which sees the Red Devils pitted against Charlestown, a team it beat 14-0 in regular season.
“The great thing about the post season is that everybody qualifies, and essentially we all get to start over with a record of 0-0,” he said. “We will focus on continuing to improve over the next week in preparation for Charlestown. Our team is fully aware that there is only one team that is unbeatable in the last three weeks of October.”
At Floyd Central, the hosts should overcome North Harrison to reach the final, while New Albany will be looking to avenge its regular season 2-1 defeat to Corydon. Silver Creek awaits the winner in the semi-final.
The Jeffersonville and Floyd Central sectional winners will take on each other in the regional semi-final on Oct.14, with the winners of the Seymour and Madison sectionals playing in the other semi. The regional final will take place on Oct.17. All three games are at Floyd Central.
In fact, the Highlanders’ revamped soccer ground will also be the venue for the nine team girls' sectional this, which moves from Jeffersonville and sees games on Oct. 12, 13 and 15, before the final on Oct. 17.
And the tie to catch the imagination again is the sectional quarter-final rematch between New Albany and Providence. Last year, the Bulldogs beat the Pioneers 4-1 before going on to lose to Floyd Central in the final.
Coincidentally, the pair meet tonight at Prosser Field in what could be seen as a dress rehearsal for the big show.
New Albany coach Julie Deuser, now in her second year at the helm, said it looks like another challenging sectional draw for her girls.
“We got the same draw as last year, so we are ready for the challenge,” she said. “Providence is an excellent team and we know we need to be ready for them.”
Pioneers coach Dave Smith said, “We're satisfied with the draw and wish all teams the best of luck in the tournament.”
Floyd Central, winner for the past three seasons, have been drawn against North Harrison, with the winner taking on Jeffersonville in the quarter-final. The winner of that will then play New Albany or Providence in the semi-final.
Jeffersonville coach Michael Dennis said whoever comes out of these battles will be the most likely champion.
“To get to the finals Floyd Central, New Albany, Jeffersonville and Providence all would face off an eliminate each other before the final match,” said Dennis.
What that means is that Charlestown, Silver Creek, Christian Academy of Indiana or Corydon Central will find themselves in the final, as they are drawn in the other half.
The girls' winner at Jeffersonville will play the winner of the Seymour sectional in the regional final at Columbus North on Wednesday Oct. 21.
Boys’ and girls’ semi-state finals will be held on Oct. 24, with the state finals taking place at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on Oct. 31.
Boys’ Sectional Draw (games to be played Oct. 8 and 10)
59. Jeffersonville (4): Match 1 – Providence vs. Christian Academy of Indiana.
Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Jeffersonville. Championship – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2.
60. Floyd Central (5): Match 1 – New Albany vs. Corydon Central.
Match 2 – North Harrison vs. Floyd Central. Match 3 – Silver Creek vs. Winner of Match 1. Championship – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3.
Girls’ Sectional Draw 28.
Floyd Central (9) Match 1 - North Harrison vs. Floyd Central. Match 2 - Charlestown vs. Silver Creek. Match 3 - Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Corydon Central. Match 4 - New Albany vs. Providence. Match 5 - Jeffersonville 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.
ENDS
Strikers hit the target at Winchester
Southern Indiana United’s U13 Strikers weathered the storms to win the Winchester Classic in Kentucky recently.
Paul Duckworth’s charges beat Commonwealth Blue from Lexington 2-0 and Marietta of Ohio 1-0, before tying with Montgomery Thunder 0-0 in a game shortened by storms.
Strikers then displayed plenty of effort and teamwork against Commonwealth Gold to win the championship 3-1 in a game that had two weather delays.
The draws for the boys' and girls' 16th annual IHSAA Soccer State Tournament series were made yesterday – throwing up some interesting early round ties.
The Jeffersonville and Floyd Central boys' sectionals (59 and 60 respectively) kick off on Thursday, Oct. 8, with the finals on Oct. 10.
The big area teams have avoided each other in the early stages, but at the Jeffersonville sectional, Providence will not enjoy having to play Christian Academy of Indiana in the semi-final.
CAI coach Will Lorigan said the draw sheds new light on its regular season game with Providence on Oct. 6 – two days before they both meet in sectional.
Last year, the Warriors beat the Pioneers 4-3 but were downed by Jeffersonville just days later at sectional.
“ I am not sure it changes our approach,” he said. “We should expect to have to play and beat the best teams in our sectional. We have been preparing for this all season and hopefully we can bring it all together when we need to. We have a solid group of core players and some good young players so if we play to our potential I believe we can complete well with anyone.”
Jeffersonville coach Ryan Bixler will be feeling pretty satisfied with the draw, which sees the Red Devils pitted against Charlestown, a team it beat 14-0 in regular season.
“The great thing about the post season is that everybody qualifies, and essentially we all get to start over with a record of 0-0,” he said. “We will focus on continuing to improve over the next week in preparation for Charlestown. Our team is fully aware that there is only one team that is unbeatable in the last three weeks of October.”
At Floyd Central, the hosts should overcome North Harrison to reach the final, while New Albany will be looking to avenge its regular season 2-1 defeat to Corydon. Silver Creek awaits the winner in the semi-final.
The Jeffersonville and Floyd Central sectional winners will take on each other in the regional semi-final on Oct.14, with the winners of the Seymour and Madison sectionals playing in the other semi. The regional final will take place on Oct.17. All three games are at Floyd Central.
In fact, the Highlanders’ revamped soccer ground will also be the venue for the nine team girls' sectional this, which moves from Jeffersonville and sees games on Oct. 12, 13 and 15, before the final on Oct. 17.
And the tie to catch the imagination again is the sectional quarter-final rematch between New Albany and Providence. Last year, the Bulldogs beat the Pioneers 4-1 before going on to lose to Floyd Central in the final.
Coincidentally, the pair meet tonight at Prosser Field in what could be seen as a dress rehearsal for the big show.
New Albany coach Julie Deuser, now in her second year at the helm, said it looks like another challenging sectional draw for her girls.
“We got the same draw as last year, so we are ready for the challenge,” she said. “Providence is an excellent team and we know we need to be ready for them.”
Pioneers coach Dave Smith said, “We're satisfied with the draw and wish all teams the best of luck in the tournament.”
Floyd Central, winner for the past three seasons, have been drawn against North Harrison, with the winner taking on Jeffersonville in the quarter-final. The winner of that will then play New Albany or Providence in the semi-final.
Jeffersonville coach Michael Dennis said whoever comes out of these battles will be the most likely champion.
“To get to the finals Floyd Central, New Albany, Jeffersonville and Providence all would face off an eliminate each other before the final match,” said Dennis.
What that means is that Charlestown, Silver Creek, Christian Academy of Indiana or Corydon Central will find themselves in the final, as they are drawn in the other half.
The girls' winner at Jeffersonville will play the winner of the Seymour sectional in the regional final at Columbus North on Wednesday Oct. 21.
Boys’ and girls’ semi-state finals will be held on Oct. 24, with the state finals taking place at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on Oct. 31.
Boys’ Sectional Draw (games to be played Oct. 8 and 10)
59. Jeffersonville (4): Match 1 – Providence vs. Christian Academy of Indiana.
Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Jeffersonville. Championship – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2.
60. Floyd Central (5): Match 1 – New Albany vs. Corydon Central.
Match 2 – North Harrison vs. Floyd Central. Match 3 – Silver Creek vs. Winner of Match 1. Championship – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3.
Girls’ Sectional Draw 28.
Floyd Central (9) Match 1 - North Harrison vs. Floyd Central. Match 2 - Charlestown vs. Silver Creek. Match 3 - Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Corydon Central. Match 4 - New Albany vs. Providence. Match 5 - Jeffersonville 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.
ENDS
Strikers hit the target at Winchester
Southern Indiana United’s U13 Strikers weathered the storms to win the Winchester Classic in Kentucky recently.
Paul Duckworth’s charges beat Commonwealth Blue from Lexington 2-0 and Marietta of Ohio 1-0, before tying with Montgomery Thunder 0-0 in a game shortened by storms.
Strikers then displayed plenty of effort and teamwork against Commonwealth Gold to win the championship 3-1 in a game that had two weather delays.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sideline rage rages on
(Published Evening News & Tribune, Sept 22 '09)
Every fall, there are parents ejected from high school soccer fields for unsportsmanlike behavior.
In the past few seasons, I can remember five ejections while doing my rounds at games. And I know there have been more.
The latest was during the Floyd Central/New Albany girls’ rival matchup last Thursday. The game, as you may already know, also served as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and research. Both teams wore pink for the occasion and a good crowd at the Highlanders’ field ensured that the event was a success.
However, an angry parent was requested to leave in the second half after some persistent verbal abuse aimed in particular at one of the assistant referees. It all started after a somewhat controversial decision which resulted in the rewarding of a corner for New Albany.
The AR – a very experienced match official – warned the parent he would be ejected if it continued. It continued, and the parent was ejected.
There were some other flashpoints in the game which annoyed the crowd, and, while not in total agreement with every decision made (whoever is?), I feel the three officials did a very good job in an atmosphere which felt at times far from friendly, making some in attendance uncomfortable.
Last year, a study was published that found ego defensiveness, one of the triggers that ignites road rage, also kicks off what’s known as parental “sideline rage” at soccer games.
Jay Goldstein, who studies sports psychology at the University of Maryland, analyzed 340 parents after they had watched their children play soccer matches ranging in age from 8-15. He asked the parents to fill out questionnaires about whether the game had made them upset.
There wasn’t too much uncontrollable rage -- some brief temper flares – but more than half of all the parents (53 per cent) reported getting angry during the course of the game.
Of those, a third actually vented their anger, and a quarter of them said the anger had to do with their own child, or the performance of their own child. Discourteous opponents, hostile remarks or gestures, coaches and illegal play were among other irritants.
These are just the ones who admitted to getting angry. Goldstein believes the number who actually got angry and “lost it” was probably much higher. The parents he dubs THOSE (Tempestuous, Harried, Overwrought, Self-absorbed and Emotional) tend to underreport negative behavior.
The study also found that those who lost it during games tended to be both control freaks and people who measured their own worth by criteria established by others: The kind of people who were willing to get themselves deep in debt to buy a luxury car to keep up with the Joneses.
They tended to see questionable calls by the referee, or poor performance by their children or their children's teams, as being personal reflections on their own honor.
Some US youth leagues are taking parental sideline rage seriously, and have introduced “Dum Dum” brigades -- people designated to go up to parents who can't shut up and stick a lollipop in their mouths.
Not a bad idea, but seeing that the officials prompt much of the sideline anger, some organizations are looking at more thorough referee training, as well as training parents better on the rules of the game. It’s a weak grasp of the latter which can cause most confusion and unnecessary anger.
Maybe schools could help sponsor courses for parents in conjunction with our local referees’ associations, while those ejected should be made do an exam on the laws before they’re allowed back to see a game. Actually officiating a matchup prior to their return mightn’t be a bad idea either.
Not only would that help bolster referee numbers, but it would also ensure that fewer referees -- especially younger ones -- are frightened away from the middle by the sideline ragers.
Every fall, there are parents ejected from high school soccer fields for unsportsmanlike behavior.
In the past few seasons, I can remember five ejections while doing my rounds at games. And I know there have been more.
The latest was during the Floyd Central/New Albany girls’ rival matchup last Thursday. The game, as you may already know, also served as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and research. Both teams wore pink for the occasion and a good crowd at the Highlanders’ field ensured that the event was a success.
However, an angry parent was requested to leave in the second half after some persistent verbal abuse aimed in particular at one of the assistant referees. It all started after a somewhat controversial decision which resulted in the rewarding of a corner for New Albany.
The AR – a very experienced match official – warned the parent he would be ejected if it continued. It continued, and the parent was ejected.
There were some other flashpoints in the game which annoyed the crowd, and, while not in total agreement with every decision made (whoever is?), I feel the three officials did a very good job in an atmosphere which felt at times far from friendly, making some in attendance uncomfortable.
Last year, a study was published that found ego defensiveness, one of the triggers that ignites road rage, also kicks off what’s known as parental “sideline rage” at soccer games.
Jay Goldstein, who studies sports psychology at the University of Maryland, analyzed 340 parents after they had watched their children play soccer matches ranging in age from 8-15. He asked the parents to fill out questionnaires about whether the game had made them upset.
There wasn’t too much uncontrollable rage -- some brief temper flares – but more than half of all the parents (53 per cent) reported getting angry during the course of the game.
Of those, a third actually vented their anger, and a quarter of them said the anger had to do with their own child, or the performance of their own child. Discourteous opponents, hostile remarks or gestures, coaches and illegal play were among other irritants.
These are just the ones who admitted to getting angry. Goldstein believes the number who actually got angry and “lost it” was probably much higher. The parents he dubs THOSE (Tempestuous, Harried, Overwrought, Self-absorbed and Emotional) tend to underreport negative behavior.
The study also found that those who lost it during games tended to be both control freaks and people who measured their own worth by criteria established by others: The kind of people who were willing to get themselves deep in debt to buy a luxury car to keep up with the Joneses.
They tended to see questionable calls by the referee, or poor performance by their children or their children's teams, as being personal reflections on their own honor.
Some US youth leagues are taking parental sideline rage seriously, and have introduced “Dum Dum” brigades -- people designated to go up to parents who can't shut up and stick a lollipop in their mouths.
Not a bad idea, but seeing that the officials prompt much of the sideline anger, some organizations are looking at more thorough referee training, as well as training parents better on the rules of the game. It’s a weak grasp of the latter which can cause most confusion and unnecessary anger.
Maybe schools could help sponsor courses for parents in conjunction with our local referees’ associations, while those ejected should be made do an exam on the laws before they’re allowed back to see a game. Actually officiating a matchup prior to their return mightn’t be a bad idea either.
Not only would that help bolster referee numbers, but it would also ensure that fewer referees -- especially younger ones -- are frightened away from the middle by the sideline ragers.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Rivals with a Cause
Both the Floyd Central and New Albany girls soccer teams will be going pink this Thursday in an effort to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research.
The game between the two local rivals — entitled “Passionately Pink for the Cure” — is sure to bring out a big crowd at Floyd Central (8 p.m.). It will be preceded by a boys’ varsity game between the two schools (6 p.m.), and half of the gate proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Donations will also be taken at the venue.
The Bulldogs will be wearing hot pink T-shirts and socks, while the Highlanders will be suited up in light pink shirts with white socks.
New Albany coach Julie Deuser said she got the idea from her own high school team, East Jessamine (Ky.), who played its crosstown rival West Jessamine (Ky.) last year in a successful fundraising game entitled “Rivals with a Cause.”
“I spoke with one of the coaches about it and he said it was great for the girls and the community,” Deuser told “Kick It.” “I thought it would be a good idea for our girls to get involved in this since so many of us know someone suffering from cancer. When I spoke with the Floyd Central coaches, they were very interested and excited to be involved.
“We hope to bring some recognition and awareness to breast cancer as well as raise money for research to one day find a cure for this disease. It is going to be a great event.”
Highlanders’ girls’ coach Lewie Stevens said he loved the idea when it was presented to him by Deuser, and both schools' athletic directors got on board immediately.
“What we hope to achieve is awareness about this disease that touches so many families,” said Stevens. “As a coach of a girls’ team, I think it is particularly important and appropriate to try and highlight prevention and early diagnosis. Our girls can benefit by being aware of something that may potentially affect them either directly or indirectly.”
Stevens said they also hope to raise the level of attention that girls’ soccer gets around the community.
“If nothing else, we would like to get the kids at (Floyd Central) down to the field in big numbers for support,” he said.
Meanwhile, the game itself is much anticipated. New Albany, going into it unbeaten (7-0-1), will be confident of reversing last year’s 3-0 sectional final defeat against Floyd Central.
The Highlanders (4-4-2), however, will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 defeat to another rival, Providence. On Saturday, it had a scoreless tie against Columbus East, and had the same 0-0 result against Seymour last night (Tuesday).
The game between the two local rivals — entitled “Passionately Pink for the Cure” — is sure to bring out a big crowd at Floyd Central (8 p.m.). It will be preceded by a boys’ varsity game between the two schools (6 p.m.), and half of the gate proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Donations will also be taken at the venue.
The Bulldogs will be wearing hot pink T-shirts and socks, while the Highlanders will be suited up in light pink shirts with white socks.
New Albany coach Julie Deuser said she got the idea from her own high school team, East Jessamine (Ky.), who played its crosstown rival West Jessamine (Ky.) last year in a successful fundraising game entitled “Rivals with a Cause.”
“I spoke with one of the coaches about it and he said it was great for the girls and the community,” Deuser told “Kick It.” “I thought it would be a good idea for our girls to get involved in this since so many of us know someone suffering from cancer. When I spoke with the Floyd Central coaches, they were very interested and excited to be involved.
“We hope to bring some recognition and awareness to breast cancer as well as raise money for research to one day find a cure for this disease. It is going to be a great event.”
Highlanders’ girls’ coach Lewie Stevens said he loved the idea when it was presented to him by Deuser, and both schools' athletic directors got on board immediately.
“What we hope to achieve is awareness about this disease that touches so many families,” said Stevens. “As a coach of a girls’ team, I think it is particularly important and appropriate to try and highlight prevention and early diagnosis. Our girls can benefit by being aware of something that may potentially affect them either directly or indirectly.”
Stevens said they also hope to raise the level of attention that girls’ soccer gets around the community.
“If nothing else, we would like to get the kids at (Floyd Central) down to the field in big numbers for support,” he said.
Meanwhile, the game itself is much anticipated. New Albany, going into it unbeaten (7-0-1), will be confident of reversing last year’s 3-0 sectional final defeat against Floyd Central.
The Highlanders (4-4-2), however, will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 defeat to another rival, Providence. On Saturday, it had a scoreless tie against Columbus East, and had the same 0-0 result against Seymour last night (Tuesday).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Watch out!
(Published Vype High School Magazine, September '09)
You won’t see a lot of hardware in the trophy cabinets of these players’ teams, but watch out for them this season. They -- and their programs -- may surprise you!
Boys
Layth Masri, Louisville Collegiate
It may have never won a district, regional or state championship, and it may have only 100 plus boys in upper school, but look out for Louisville Collegiate this fall.
In particular, pay attention to Layth Masri.
Described by his coach Brad Davies as "special," Masri has just returned from England after he was chosen along with Javanon '92 teammate Taylor Hafling (Male) to train and compete at Chelsea FC in London.
The pair also participated in the US Youth Soccer National Championships for the second successive season with Javanon.
"Technically and tactically, Layth is very good, and he is a fantastic athlete," says Davies. "His biggest asset, and the one that will help his game continue to improve in college and beyond, is his psychological approach to the game. Layth embraces a growth mindset. As a result, mistakes are not moments where he begins to doubt or criticize himself, but rather opportunities to learn and become better."
Davies says Masri, who has verbally committed to Northwestern University, competes with class. "He is the best player on our team, but has not fallen victim to the narcissism that can often accompany high praise.”
Since 2000, Collegiate has enjoyed seven winning seasons and some very exciting district and regional championship games.
"We believe our program is making great progress," says Davies. "Competing with the larger schools is a very fun challenge."
Drew Mattingly/Andrew Rosenberg, Christian Academy of Indiana
Christian Academy of Indiana sounded a warning shot last year days ahead of sectionals that they were no longer cannon fodder for powerhouses Jeffersonville and Providence. They knocked off the Pioneers 4-3.
Helping the Warriors that day was goalkeeper Drew Mattingly, who made 11 saves, and Andrew Rosenberg, who scored a hat-trick.
In fact, Rosenberg, whose season tally was 24, was ranked ninth in goals scored in Indiana last year.
"Andrew has great footwork, explosive speed and can put away shoots on goal with both feet," says CAI coach Will Lorigan. "He has emerged over the last two years as a genuine goal scoring threat regardless of the opposition."
Mattingly, a senior, has recorded 16 career shutouts, seven of them last year, earning him a place on the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association's All-District 5 first team.
CAI also has a solid core of lower and upper classmen to add strength, experience and ability to the lineup, highlighted by junior sweeper Ross Heinz and sophomore midfielder Chris Smith.
Rob Daugherty, Bullitt East
This year's Bullitt East boys' team will be the best in its history, says coach Mike Brangers, thanks in no small part to a senior group which started playing in the Bullitt County YMCA and became part of first competitive soccer team in the county, YMCA Thunder.
One of them is standout senior Rob Daugherty, who as a junior was one of the top strikers in the area with 15 goals.
"Rob has the respect of his team, coaches and opponents," says Brangers. "Most of the team's defense key on Rob from the kick off - his effort in a match is top notch."
Bullitt East is clear in its goal this season, says Brangers: to win an elusive district championship, and a trip to the regional final.
With 15 returning seniors, the Chargers may achieve it.
Taylor Shaver, Shelby County
Shelby County has been overshadowed by district rivals Oldham County, North Oldham and South Oldham for years, but confidence is high that this year the Rockets will finally secure some hardware.
Coach BJ Andriot, who was a member of the first Shelby County team founded in 1984, says striker Taylor Shaver will have a big say in the destination of trophies as he spearheads a 4-3-3 formation.
"He is an amazing hold-up player who is very crafty, and for a 6-foot guy, moves a lot and combines well with the midfield," says Andriot.
In fact, Shaver scored the opening goal in the Rockets’ first game of the season against reigning state champion St Xavier. Although going down narrowly 2-1, the team drew a lot of confidence from the game.
It's by no means a one-man show at Shelby County, which returns 10 seniors. Other Rocket men of note are junior Brandon Shuck, Carlos "Mighty Man" Carias, Louis Cervantes, John Lisby and David Breen.
"I think, teamwise, this is the best we've had -- there are no weak links," says Andriot.
Girls
Lucijana Vrebac, Atherton
It’s the Atherton girls' misfortune that they are in a district which features two of the best girls’ teams in Kentucky in the shape of Sacred Heart and Assumption.
However, Atherton is no slouch, finishing 2008 with an 8-6 record. And in 2007, it posted a 13-4 record and scored 73 goals, placing it among the top six teams in Kentucky in scoring.
According to coach Carlo Ellard, the Rebels have a good incoming freshman class which must fill the gaps left by six senior starters from last year. "If everyone can stay healthy, I believe we will have a successful year," he says.
One player he will be praying the soccer gods will sprinkle full fitness dust on is Croatian born Lucijana Vrebec.
Vrebac has scored 60 goals in her high school career thus far, netting 14 last year to add to the 26 and 20 goals in her sophomore and freshman years respectively. As a sophomore , she was an honorable mention member of the all-regional team.
Vrebec attended Noe Middle School and played soccer on their all-boys' team. In fact, she's played against males a lot. She lives near Douglas Park, where playing pickup soccer with boys and grown men has helped cultivate her creativity.
"One interesting thing about Luci is that she [would] rather meg a player than score, which points to the fact that she loves being creative on the pitch," says Ellard. "I believe this was something born out of the pick-up soccer she played at Douglas Park. It is something that at one point I tried to temper but I now realize it needs to be encouraged." [ED: What does “meg a player” mean?]
Meredith Garner/Margaret Giesel, Kentucky Country Day
Most of the players on the Kentucky Country Day roster have built the four-year-old program from the ground up. Several of the girls have made a huge impact, says coach Sarah Shartzer, especially juniors Margaret Giesel and Meredith Garner.
Giesel is the team's primary keeper, but moves out and up to forward when KCD needs to make an offensive push.
Garner, the school's leading scorer and offensive MVP last year, is primarily an outside midfielder, but can play almost anywhere.
"We have a huge group of juniors on the team, but these two have really stood out in terms of commitment, knowledge of the game and athletic ability," says Shartzer. "At keeper and forward, they are able to control both ends of the field for us, but they probably have an even bigger impact on the rare occasions we get a chance to put them together in the midfield."
Emma Wesp, Jordan Dent, Sophie Higazy, Charlestown
Charlestown introduces a girls' varsity soccer program for the first time this year, making it an exciting one for coach Marcy Satkoski and her 19-strong squad. Five of the team have already tasted action as part of the Pirates' coeducational team, including its three co-captains, Emma Wesp, Jordan Dent and Sophie Higazy.
Wesp, a sophomore, took on the boys as a freshman and also managed to find the net a couple of times.
"I want to see the team grow this year and continue to improve over the next few years," she says.
Also captaining the team are senior Dent and junior Higazy, who will bolster up defense.
Satkoski says all three are great players and have strong leadership skills, and are joined by a nice mix from all grades.
This is Satkoski's first role as head coach, having been an assistant at New Albany for six years. She says she looks forward to the future of the program. "The girls have fantastic attitudes and have been working very hard. We're excited to get out there and see how we match up against other girls' teams."
Ginny Zimlich, Presentation Academy
It is no coincidence that goalkeepers are high profile players, as they are often seen as leaders on the field. Presentation Academy senior Ginny Zimlich fits that bill.
"She is now a three-year starter and very much the 'leading-by-example' leader of this team," says coach Brad Lipe. "She is a 'first to show, last to leave' kind of player when it comes to practice. She even puts in time after practice to work out and fine tune the skills needed to be an effective goalkeeper."
Lipe, a graduate of Bellarmine University where he was a vital member of the men's soccer program, says a couple of sophomores are also expected to step up and take more of a leadership role this year -- Shelby Minton and Andrea Koesters.
"Both provide a lot of athleticism, the ability to learn quickly, and dependability," he says.
Junior Maddy Clark, a vocal leader, will inherit the role of center midfield from Allyson Palmer, now playing at Bellarmine.
You won’t see a lot of hardware in the trophy cabinets of these players’ teams, but watch out for them this season. They -- and their programs -- may surprise you!
Boys
Layth Masri, Louisville Collegiate
It may have never won a district, regional or state championship, and it may have only 100 plus boys in upper school, but look out for Louisville Collegiate this fall.
In particular, pay attention to Layth Masri.
Described by his coach Brad Davies as "special," Masri has just returned from England after he was chosen along with Javanon '92 teammate Taylor Hafling (Male) to train and compete at Chelsea FC in London.
The pair also participated in the US Youth Soccer National Championships for the second successive season with Javanon.
"Technically and tactically, Layth is very good, and he is a fantastic athlete," says Davies. "His biggest asset, and the one that will help his game continue to improve in college and beyond, is his psychological approach to the game. Layth embraces a growth mindset. As a result, mistakes are not moments where he begins to doubt or criticize himself, but rather opportunities to learn and become better."
Davies says Masri, who has verbally committed to Northwestern University, competes with class. "He is the best player on our team, but has not fallen victim to the narcissism that can often accompany high praise.”
Since 2000, Collegiate has enjoyed seven winning seasons and some very exciting district and regional championship games.
"We believe our program is making great progress," says Davies. "Competing with the larger schools is a very fun challenge."
Drew Mattingly/Andrew Rosenberg, Christian Academy of Indiana
Christian Academy of Indiana sounded a warning shot last year days ahead of sectionals that they were no longer cannon fodder for powerhouses Jeffersonville and Providence. They knocked off the Pioneers 4-3.
Helping the Warriors that day was goalkeeper Drew Mattingly, who made 11 saves, and Andrew Rosenberg, who scored a hat-trick.
In fact, Rosenberg, whose season tally was 24, was ranked ninth in goals scored in Indiana last year.
"Andrew has great footwork, explosive speed and can put away shoots on goal with both feet," says CAI coach Will Lorigan. "He has emerged over the last two years as a genuine goal scoring threat regardless of the opposition."
Mattingly, a senior, has recorded 16 career shutouts, seven of them last year, earning him a place on the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association's All-District 5 first team.
CAI also has a solid core of lower and upper classmen to add strength, experience and ability to the lineup, highlighted by junior sweeper Ross Heinz and sophomore midfielder Chris Smith.
Rob Daugherty, Bullitt East
This year's Bullitt East boys' team will be the best in its history, says coach Mike Brangers, thanks in no small part to a senior group which started playing in the Bullitt County YMCA and became part of first competitive soccer team in the county, YMCA Thunder.
One of them is standout senior Rob Daugherty, who as a junior was one of the top strikers in the area with 15 goals.
"Rob has the respect of his team, coaches and opponents," says Brangers. "Most of the team's defense key on Rob from the kick off - his effort in a match is top notch."
Bullitt East is clear in its goal this season, says Brangers: to win an elusive district championship, and a trip to the regional final.
With 15 returning seniors, the Chargers may achieve it.
Taylor Shaver, Shelby County
Shelby County has been overshadowed by district rivals Oldham County, North Oldham and South Oldham for years, but confidence is high that this year the Rockets will finally secure some hardware.
Coach BJ Andriot, who was a member of the first Shelby County team founded in 1984, says striker Taylor Shaver will have a big say in the destination of trophies as he spearheads a 4-3-3 formation.
"He is an amazing hold-up player who is very crafty, and for a 6-foot guy, moves a lot and combines well with the midfield," says Andriot.
In fact, Shaver scored the opening goal in the Rockets’ first game of the season against reigning state champion St Xavier. Although going down narrowly 2-1, the team drew a lot of confidence from the game.
It's by no means a one-man show at Shelby County, which returns 10 seniors. Other Rocket men of note are junior Brandon Shuck, Carlos "Mighty Man" Carias, Louis Cervantes, John Lisby and David Breen.
"I think, teamwise, this is the best we've had -- there are no weak links," says Andriot.
Girls
Lucijana Vrebac, Atherton
It’s the Atherton girls' misfortune that they are in a district which features two of the best girls’ teams in Kentucky in the shape of Sacred Heart and Assumption.
However, Atherton is no slouch, finishing 2008 with an 8-6 record. And in 2007, it posted a 13-4 record and scored 73 goals, placing it among the top six teams in Kentucky in scoring.
According to coach Carlo Ellard, the Rebels have a good incoming freshman class which must fill the gaps left by six senior starters from last year. "If everyone can stay healthy, I believe we will have a successful year," he says.
One player he will be praying the soccer gods will sprinkle full fitness dust on is Croatian born Lucijana Vrebec.
Vrebac has scored 60 goals in her high school career thus far, netting 14 last year to add to the 26 and 20 goals in her sophomore and freshman years respectively. As a sophomore , she was an honorable mention member of the all-regional team.
Vrebec attended Noe Middle School and played soccer on their all-boys' team. In fact, she's played against males a lot. She lives near Douglas Park, where playing pickup soccer with boys and grown men has helped cultivate her creativity.
"One interesting thing about Luci is that she [would] rather meg a player than score, which points to the fact that she loves being creative on the pitch," says Ellard. "I believe this was something born out of the pick-up soccer she played at Douglas Park. It is something that at one point I tried to temper but I now realize it needs to be encouraged." [ED: What does “meg a player” mean?]
Meredith Garner/Margaret Giesel, Kentucky Country Day
Most of the players on the Kentucky Country Day roster have built the four-year-old program from the ground up. Several of the girls have made a huge impact, says coach Sarah Shartzer, especially juniors Margaret Giesel and Meredith Garner.
Giesel is the team's primary keeper, but moves out and up to forward when KCD needs to make an offensive push.
Garner, the school's leading scorer and offensive MVP last year, is primarily an outside midfielder, but can play almost anywhere.
"We have a huge group of juniors on the team, but these two have really stood out in terms of commitment, knowledge of the game and athletic ability," says Shartzer. "At keeper and forward, they are able to control both ends of the field for us, but they probably have an even bigger impact on the rare occasions we get a chance to put them together in the midfield."
Emma Wesp, Jordan Dent, Sophie Higazy, Charlestown
Charlestown introduces a girls' varsity soccer program for the first time this year, making it an exciting one for coach Marcy Satkoski and her 19-strong squad. Five of the team have already tasted action as part of the Pirates' coeducational team, including its three co-captains, Emma Wesp, Jordan Dent and Sophie Higazy.
Wesp, a sophomore, took on the boys as a freshman and also managed to find the net a couple of times.
"I want to see the team grow this year and continue to improve over the next few years," she says.
Also captaining the team are senior Dent and junior Higazy, who will bolster up defense.
Satkoski says all three are great players and have strong leadership skills, and are joined by a nice mix from all grades.
This is Satkoski's first role as head coach, having been an assistant at New Albany for six years. She says she looks forward to the future of the program. "The girls have fantastic attitudes and have been working very hard. We're excited to get out there and see how we match up against other girls' teams."
Ginny Zimlich, Presentation Academy
It is no coincidence that goalkeepers are high profile players, as they are often seen as leaders on the field. Presentation Academy senior Ginny Zimlich fits that bill.
"She is now a three-year starter and very much the 'leading-by-example' leader of this team," says coach Brad Lipe. "She is a 'first to show, last to leave' kind of player when it comes to practice. She even puts in time after practice to work out and fine tune the skills needed to be an effective goalkeeper."
Lipe, a graduate of Bellarmine University where he was a vital member of the men's soccer program, says a couple of sophomores are also expected to step up and take more of a leadership role this year -- Shelby Minton and Andrea Koesters.
"Both provide a lot of athleticism, the ability to learn quickly, and dependability," he says.
Junior Maddy Clark, a vocal leader, will inherit the role of center midfield from Allyson Palmer, now playing at Bellarmine.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Press box dedication to “ultimate soccer mom”
Providence’s new soccer press box was dedicated in honor of soccer fan Kathy Brown last Tuesday ahead of the Pioneers’ girls’ rival game against Floyd Central.
Brown was married to local soccer coach Tim, and was the mother of Providence varsity team members, juniors Trent and Wade, as well as U10 Net-Surfer, Bailey. She died after a brave battle with colon and liver cancer in January.
“Kathy was a loving mother, faithful supporter of Providence and avid soccer fan,” said Pioneers girls’ coach Dave Smith.
Located a lot closer to the action than the previously used baseball press box, it will be blessed by Father Mathew Choorapanthiyil, resident priest and junior high theology teacher at Providence. A brass plaque will be affixed to the exterior in Brown’s honor.
The structure, which measures 28' x 14' and is two stories tall, contains a storage area on the ground floor, and a viewing area on the second floor to accommodate media, photographers, scorekeepers, timekeepers and announcers.
A new public address system and electronic LED scoreboard with wireless controls, which will serve both the soccer and baseball programs, have also been installed.
Construction of the edifice and other improvements was made possible through the generous donations of an anonymous benefactor. In fact, it was the donor’s suggestion to dedicate the box to the memory of Brown.
Kathy's husband, Tim, said he could not think of anything more fitting to honor his wife.
“All I can say is that we all -- Wade, Trent, Bailey and I -- are very honored to have the press box dedicated in Kathy's memory,” he said. “We would like to express our deep thanks to the anonymous donor for honoring her in this special way.
“The boys are honored to be playing in front of a press box dedicated to the memory of their mother, and Bailey hopes to play in front of it one day.”
Tim said that his wife’s courage fighting her cancer was “amazing.”
“Kathy was the ultimate soccer mom who touched a lot of people with her
positive and energetic can-do attitude,” he told Kick It this week.
“She got sick just before the start of the boys’ freshman year, so she really did not get much of an opportunity to support the boys’ soccer program. If she hadn’t have been sick, she would have been right in the middle of the action, working the gate or the concession stand.”
Tim said Kathy had colon cancer that had already gone to her liver before she was diagnosed.
“People should be screened at age 50, or earlier of there is family history of colon cancer,” he said. “Kathy was 47 when she was diagnosed and had no family history of it.”
Brown said the family is greatly appreciative of all of the support it has received
from Providence, Holy Family Church, friends, family, and the local soccer community.
*For more about Kathy and her battle with colon and liver cancer, check out: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathybrown
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Trio gets set for Hoosier Cup
Three of the area’s high school teams will be involved in this year’s prestigious Hoosier Cup, which takes place in Bloomington this weekend.
Providence and Christian Academy of Indiana boys’ varsity squads will be joined by Floyd Central girls at the tournament, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at three locations and will feature 48 teams from Indiana and Kentucky.
All will face tough opposition in their respective divisions, none more so than reigning sectional champion Providence.
The Pioneers will be pitted at Karst Park against Brownsburg on Friday, before taking on South Bend Adams and Washington — ranked 14th in the latest Indiana Soccer Coaches’ Association poll — on Saturday.
Providence is 1-1-1 after a 2-2 tie with Floyd Central last week and hopes to add to the win column ahead of the Hoosier Cup with a victory at Jennings County tonight.
Christian Academy of Indiana will face Madison at Edgewood High School on Friday night, and it then will take on Edgewood Saturday morning, before finishing out with a matchup against Vincennes, both at Karst Park.
CAI is 3-1-0 this season, following its first defeat on Saturday, a 2-1 loss to Jeffersonville. The Warriors will be hoping to bounce back with a victory at Silver Creek at 6 tonight.
Another of our sectional champions, the Floyd Central girls’ team, will play the current ISCA team to watch Guerin Catholic of Noblesville on Friday evening. The Highlanders will then play Edgewood and Richmond on Saturday. All games will be at Karst Park.
The Highlanders moved to 2-1 on the new season in the past week after a 2-0 defeat at Mercy Academy of Louisville last Thursday, followed by a 3-0 victory over South Dearborn on Saturday. It will prepare for the Hoosier Cup with a game at Jasper this evening.
Brothers in arms! All set for the Hoosier Cup, which takes place in Bloomington this weekend, are Providence’s three sets of brothers (from left): Cody (freshman) and Weston Schrank (junior); Pierce (freshman) and Zev Crawley (senior); and Trent and Wade Brown (both juniors). Says Zev Crawley, “l like playing with Pierce because when I tell him to do something on the field, I don't have to sugarcoat it. He knows I love him regardless. As for playing with the other brothers on the team, it is fun to see how each one reacts when I tell them the other brother is playing better!”
Providence and Christian Academy of Indiana boys’ varsity squads will be joined by Floyd Central girls at the tournament, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at three locations and will feature 48 teams from Indiana and Kentucky.
All will face tough opposition in their respective divisions, none more so than reigning sectional champion Providence.
The Pioneers will be pitted at Karst Park against Brownsburg on Friday, before taking on South Bend Adams and Washington — ranked 14th in the latest Indiana Soccer Coaches’ Association poll — on Saturday.
Providence is 1-1-1 after a 2-2 tie with Floyd Central last week and hopes to add to the win column ahead of the Hoosier Cup with a victory at Jennings County tonight.
Christian Academy of Indiana will face Madison at Edgewood High School on Friday night, and it then will take on Edgewood Saturday morning, before finishing out with a matchup against Vincennes, both at Karst Park.
CAI is 3-1-0 this season, following its first defeat on Saturday, a 2-1 loss to Jeffersonville. The Warriors will be hoping to bounce back with a victory at Silver Creek at 6 tonight.
Another of our sectional champions, the Floyd Central girls’ team, will play the current ISCA team to watch Guerin Catholic of Noblesville on Friday evening. The Highlanders will then play Edgewood and Richmond on Saturday. All games will be at Karst Park.
The Highlanders moved to 2-1 on the new season in the past week after a 2-0 defeat at Mercy Academy of Louisville last Thursday, followed by a 3-0 victory over South Dearborn on Saturday. It will prepare for the Hoosier Cup with a game at Jasper this evening.
Brothers in arms! All set for the Hoosier Cup, which takes place in Bloomington this weekend, are Providence’s three sets of brothers (from left): Cody (freshman) and Weston Schrank (junior); Pierce (freshman) and Zev Crawley (senior); and Trent and Wade Brown (both juniors). Says Zev Crawley, “l like playing with Pierce because when I tell him to do something on the field, I don't have to sugarcoat it. He knows I love him regardless. As for playing with the other brothers on the team, it is fun to see how each one reacts when I tell them the other brother is playing better!”
Youth Soccer Month is here
Today (Sept. 1)is the first day of the seventh annual Youth Soccer Month and there are many local activities planned throughout September.
One of the highlights to look out for is Youth Soccer Day at Community Park in New Albany on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The event will feature mini-clinics and friendly matches led by Southern Indiana United coaches, as well as a yard sale of soccer items with nothing costing more than $5. You can still drop off donations for the yard sale at Community Park the day before the event (Saturday, Sept. 12) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
There also will be a soccer fair on the day with information on proper nutrition and hydration during games, refereeing and coaching and prevention and treatment for common soccer injuries.
Another highlight of note is the SIU club night with the University of Louisville men’s soccer team at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at Cardinal Park.
The Cards will play their first regular-season home game that night against SIU-Edwardsville, and SIU’s coaches will get the opportunity to sit in on the pre-game talks, while the U12 girls’ team will retrieve the balls during the game.
Its U9 Academy will participate in the “Little Kickers” program and will be walking out with the team to be recognized. All youths (18 and under) wearing their SIU jersey will be admitted free.
Other activities throughout September include a number of “Wear Your Jersey to School” days, a Gatorade hydration day, and youth soccer nights at local high school games, which youth soccer players can gain free entry to by wearing their club jersey.
“This is such an important initiative to help make our communities more aware of the impact youth soccer brings throughout Indiana,” said Shannon Stuart of Indiana Youth Soccer. “We want to emphasize the fun, fitness, family and friendship elements of our sport.”
A proclamation has been signed by New Albany Mayor Doug England in which he encourages all citizens of the city to observe Youth Soccer Month.
For further information on events, log on to www.siusoccer.com. If you want to help out with activities, contact Debbie Webb at 812-945-5627 or 502-523-4382.
One of the highlights to look out for is Youth Soccer Day at Community Park in New Albany on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The event will feature mini-clinics and friendly matches led by Southern Indiana United coaches, as well as a yard sale of soccer items with nothing costing more than $5. You can still drop off donations for the yard sale at Community Park the day before the event (Saturday, Sept. 12) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
There also will be a soccer fair on the day with information on proper nutrition and hydration during games, refereeing and coaching and prevention and treatment for common soccer injuries.
Another highlight of note is the SIU club night with the University of Louisville men’s soccer team at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at Cardinal Park.
The Cards will play their first regular-season home game that night against SIU-Edwardsville, and SIU’s coaches will get the opportunity to sit in on the pre-game talks, while the U12 girls’ team will retrieve the balls during the game.
Its U9 Academy will participate in the “Little Kickers” program and will be walking out with the team to be recognized. All youths (18 and under) wearing their SIU jersey will be admitted free.
Other activities throughout September include a number of “Wear Your Jersey to School” days, a Gatorade hydration day, and youth soccer nights at local high school games, which youth soccer players can gain free entry to by wearing their club jersey.
“This is such an important initiative to help make our communities more aware of the impact youth soccer brings throughout Indiana,” said Shannon Stuart of Indiana Youth Soccer. “We want to emphasize the fun, fitness, family and friendship elements of our sport.”
A proclamation has been signed by New Albany Mayor Doug England in which he encourages all citizens of the city to observe Youth Soccer Month.
For further information on events, log on to www.siusoccer.com. If you want to help out with activities, contact Debbie Webb at 812-945-5627 or 502-523-4382.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Jeff siblings have Seoul!
A Jeffersonville soccer mad brother and sister revisited the place of their birth and got to meet their heroes thanks to a winning YouTube video.
Brian (14) and Sarah (10) Fischer were adopted as infants from South Korea and realized they had a fantastic opportunity, not only to return there, but also to meet the players of their favorite team, Manchester United, who were on an Asian tour.
They made a short video on their own explaining how they were adopted, wanted to return to Korea and how they have been playing soccer since they were little.
Brian is a freshman at Jeffersonville High School, and plays for Southern Indiana United U16s, while Sarah is a 10th grader at St Anthony's and plays with Net-Surfers U11s.
Their entry was a hit with the judges, and was chosen as one of five winning entries out of about 200 submitted. The contest was sponsored by the City of Seoul as part of an on-going effort to increase tourism there.
The prize was an all-expenses paid trip to Korea to see Manchester United play FC Seoul, and other winners came from England, China, Nepal and Germany.
The day before the game, Brian and Sarah got to participate in a skills clinic with United's junior team coach, and a celebrity exhibition game where they played with and against some United players, including Ji Sung Park, who is also Korean, and Dimitar Berbatov, John O'Shea, Johnny Evans, and Gary Neville.
Others taking part included the Mayor of Seoul, "Rain" (Korea's version of Justin Timberlake, we are told!), and a select Korean team of talented 10-11 year-olds.
"As far as the experience goes, it was amazing, and being able to play with part of Man Utd was amazing too," said Brian. "I myself took several different interviews for the newspapers and tv stations there. It kind of felt like being a celebrity for a day.
"The fact South Korea is mainly mountainous, made for many stairs. Anywhere we went there were tons of stairs or hills we would follow our tour guide on. However whenever we reached the top the view was spectacular and the city was so lighted up at night."
If you want to check out the winning video, log onto: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7XzXcF6Ba4&feature=PlayList&p=1B9B61D63AD029FA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=69
Above: Jeffersonville's Brian and Sarah Fischer are pictured with Manchester United coach Mickey Phelan during their trip to South Korea, which they won after submitting a YouTube video.
First week in the books
The first week of the new high school fall soccer season in southern Indiana is in the books and it turned out to be a good one for two of our squads at the Columbus North District 5 round robin tournament.
Both New Albany and Providence's girls' varsity teams chalked up a pair of victories with 15 goals between them. The Bulldogs beat South Dearborn 5-0 and Lawrenceburg 1-0, while the Pioneers comfortably held off Cascade (3-0) and Oldenburg Academy (6-1).
The third of our participants at the tournament, Jeffersonville, lost narrowly in a goalfest to Cascade 5-4, and went down 3-0 to Oldenburg.
We recently featured the new Charlestown girls' program, and it played its first game against Switzerland County Saturday. The Lady Pirates found the opposition tough, losing 6-0, but it's early days at Charlestown and lots of improvement should come with experience.
Over to the boys and another team we featured, Christian Academy of Indiana, got off to 100 per cent start in its two weekend games, with a 3-1 victory over South Ripley, and a 6-1 win against Scottsburg. We told you to look out for striker Andrew Rosenberg, and he followed up his pair in the South Ripley triumph with five against Scottsburg. For the record, Paul DeVore (South Ripley) and Chris Smith (Scottsburg) were the other scores for the Warriors.
CAI will play at unbeaten Jeffersonville (2-0) on Saturday (11 a.m.) in a game not to be missed. The last time the pair met was at the 2008 sectional, when the Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners.
New Albany, with Ben Vigar as new head coach, lost its first game of the season at home to Forest Park 2-0. The Bulldogs' next matchup is against Corydon on Thursday (5.30 p.m.), before heading to the Shelbyville tourney on Saturday.
Both New Albany and Providence's girls' varsity teams chalked up a pair of victories with 15 goals between them. The Bulldogs beat South Dearborn 5-0 and Lawrenceburg 1-0, while the Pioneers comfortably held off Cascade (3-0) and Oldenburg Academy (6-1).
The third of our participants at the tournament, Jeffersonville, lost narrowly in a goalfest to Cascade 5-4, and went down 3-0 to Oldenburg.
We recently featured the new Charlestown girls' program, and it played its first game against Switzerland County Saturday. The Lady Pirates found the opposition tough, losing 6-0, but it's early days at Charlestown and lots of improvement should come with experience.
Over to the boys and another team we featured, Christian Academy of Indiana, got off to 100 per cent start in its two weekend games, with a 3-1 victory over South Ripley, and a 6-1 win against Scottsburg. We told you to look out for striker Andrew Rosenberg, and he followed up his pair in the South Ripley triumph with five against Scottsburg. For the record, Paul DeVore (South Ripley) and Chris Smith (Scottsburg) were the other scores for the Warriors.
CAI will play at unbeaten Jeffersonville (2-0) on Saturday (11 a.m.) in a game not to be missed. The last time the pair met was at the 2008 sectional, when the Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners.
New Albany, with Ben Vigar as new head coach, lost its first game of the season at home to Forest Park 2-0. The Bulldogs' next matchup is against Corydon on Thursday (5.30 p.m.), before heading to the Shelbyville tourney on Saturday.
Pioneers extinguish Jeff at Firefighters' Cup
Providence pipped hosts Jeffersonville to the boys' junior varsity Firefighters' Cup at the weekend.
In the first game of the three team tournament played last Wednesday, the Pioneers beat Butler 3-0 thanks to an Andrew Wimp hat-trick.
The deciding matchup between Providence and Jeffersonville on Saturday was a tight affair, with the game scoreless at the half. However, the deadlock was broken with five minutes remaining when sophomore Grant Vance netted what turned out to be the clincher.
In the final game of the tournament, Butler took a 2-0 lead against Jeffersonville but the Red Devils staged a comeback to run out 4-2 winners, thanks in no small part to a hat -trick by junior Gavin Leavell.
Providence's boys' junior varsity squad celebrates after clinching the Firefighters' Cup at Jeffersonville on Saturday. Photo by Dana Crawley.
In the first game of the three team tournament played last Wednesday, the Pioneers beat Butler 3-0 thanks to an Andrew Wimp hat-trick.
The deciding matchup between Providence and Jeffersonville on Saturday was a tight affair, with the game scoreless at the half. However, the deadlock was broken with five minutes remaining when sophomore Grant Vance netted what turned out to be the clincher.
In the final game of the tournament, Butler took a 2-0 lead against Jeffersonville but the Red Devils staged a comeback to run out 4-2 winners, thanks in no small part to a hat -trick by junior Gavin Leavell.
Providence's boys' junior varsity squad celebrates after clinching the Firefighters' Cup at Jeffersonville on Saturday. Photo by Dana Crawley.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Warriors sound a battle cry!
Providence and Jeffersonville be warned: Christian Academy of Indiana boys' varsity soccer team intend to do more than make up the numbers at sectional this year.
As a new high school soccer season kicks into gear this week, the Warriors have sounded a battle cry to the two powerhouses ahead of what should be an interesting fall.
Coach Will Lorigan said he is intending to build upon last year's foundation of 9-3-3. One of those wins included a 4-3 triumph over Providence.
That victory raised expectations going into the sectional championship, coming as it did days before its post-season game against Jeffersonville.
However, CAI was downed by the Red Devils 2-1 after a below par performance. It was a valuable experience they can learn from, said coach Lorigan, who has five returning senior starters.
"We felt we had a decent shot of competing last year for a sectional title but the Jeff game was one of our worst of the year," he said. "Maybe it was stage fright, or maybe it was being overwhelmed playing on a big field in front of a big crowd. Anyway, I think the team has learnt from that experience."
Key to their challenge will be goalkeeper Drew Mattingly and striker Andrew Rosenberg.
Mattingly, who Lorigan believes is the best keeper in southern Indiana, has been a starter since freshman year, a captain for two years, and the team MVP three times.
He has recorded 16 career shut outs - seven of them registered last year. His 2008 performances earned him a place on the Indiana Soccer Coaches' Association's All-District 5 first team.
Andrew Rosenberg, meanwhile, racked up 24 goals last season, including a hat-trick in that win against Providence. He was ranked ninth in goals scored in Indiana last year, while also providing 10 assists.
"Andrew has great footwork, explosive speed and can put away shoots on goal with both feet," said CAI varsity coach Will Lorigan. "He has emerged over the last two years as a genuine goal scoring threat regardless of the opposition."
The team also a solid core of lower and upper classmen to add strength, experience and ability to the line up. This is highlighted by junior sweeper Ross Heinz and sophomore midfielder Chris Smith.
"Building on last season, they should provide valuable skill and leadership from their respective positions," said Lorigan.
CAI plays its first game of the new season away to South Ripley on Friday (5.30 p.m.), while its first home game is against Scottsburg on Saturday (10 a.m.). It is also scheduled to take part in the very competitve Hoosier Cup in Bloomington on September 4 & 5.
And if ever a confirmation of growing respect from its opposition was needed, CAI has now been added to Jeffersonville's regular season schedule for the first time (August 29), while Providence has moved them to earlier in the fall (September 14), from a slot traditionally a few days before the big show.
CAI, it seems, is no longer considered just a warm up act.
Photo above: Christian Academy of Indiana's Andrew Rosenberg is hoping to add to the 24 goals he scored last season
Jamborees kick off season in the sun
The soccer gods shone done favorably on the start of the high school fall season Saturday, when glorious weather was the order of the day at the Floyd Central and Providence jamborees.
Kick It was at Floyd Central, where the field has been shifted a few hundred yards during a revamp to make way for the football stadium.
The host's boys' and girls' varsity teams entertained visiting rivals New Albany and Jeffersonville.
The Highlander boys took on Jeffersonville in the first 20 minute matchup and came out on top by a 2-0 scoreline thanks to goals from Matt Kelecy and Jordan Adams.
However, the night belonged to New Albany and new coach Ben Vigar, who has moved up from the shadows of assistant after his father Dutch was appointed the school's athletic director.
The Bulldogs tied its first game 0-0, but beat Floyd Central 2-0 with goals from Steve Dobson and Cameron Jenkins.
In the girls' games, Floyd Central and New Albany just edged out Jeffersonville, both with 1-0 wins. On target for the Highlanders was Elizabeth Doody, while Kamaren Cole scrambled in a last minute winner against the Lady Red Devils.
In the much anticipated game against Floyd Central and New Albany, who played each other in last year's sectional final, the game finished scoreless.
Kick It was at Floyd Central, where the field has been shifted a few hundred yards during a revamp to make way for the football stadium.
The host's boys' and girls' varsity teams entertained visiting rivals New Albany and Jeffersonville.
The Highlander boys took on Jeffersonville in the first 20 minute matchup and came out on top by a 2-0 scoreline thanks to goals from Matt Kelecy and Jordan Adams.
However, the night belonged to New Albany and new coach Ben Vigar, who has moved up from the shadows of assistant after his father Dutch was appointed the school's athletic director.
The Bulldogs tied its first game 0-0, but beat Floyd Central 2-0 with goals from Steve Dobson and Cameron Jenkins.
In the girls' games, Floyd Central and New Albany just edged out Jeffersonville, both with 1-0 wins. On target for the Highlanders was Elizabeth Doody, while Kamaren Cole scrambled in a last minute winner against the Lady Red Devils.
In the much anticipated game against Floyd Central and New Albany, who played each other in last year's sectional final, the game finished scoreless.
Lady Pirates set to sail!
Charlestown's Lady Pirates' soccer team is ready to set sail for the first time and its maiden voyage will be a game against Switzerland County on August 22.
It was only a matter of time before Charlestown, which has up to now had a co-educational team under the guidance of coach Richard Stephens, would introduce a girls' squad. The majority of those turning out to play the game in recent years have been female.
In fact, five of the girls from last year's co-ed team are among the 19 strong squad available to newly appointed coach Marcy Satkoski.
It comprises a mix from all grades, with a strong young representation of nine sophomores and four freshman, with three juniors and three seniors adding some experience to the team.
"Everything is going great," coach Satkoski told The Evening News & Tribune. "The girls have fantastic attitudes and have been working very hard to prepare for the fall season. After completing our first week of practice, we are excited to get out there and play to see how we match up against other girls' teams."
Satkoski said they have some dynamic leaders emerging in the group, including co-captains Jordan Dent, Sophie Higazy and Emma Wesp.
Dent, a senior, said she is "very excited" to finally have a girls' team.
"We've wanted this for a long time," she said. "I'll be thrilled to see how this year goes."
Higazy, a junior, said the Pirates are a very strong unit.
"We're all in this together in this and very supportive of each other," she said. "Because we are close, I believe we'll be successful this year."
The third co-captain is sophomore Emma Wesp. She said she wants to see the team grow this year and continue to improve over the next few years.
This is Satkoski's first head coaching job. She was the assistant coach at New Albany for six years under Sara Dickman, and has also coached at SIU. She played at Hanover College, and was a member of Center Grove High School’s (Greenwood, Ind.) varsity team.
Her assistant coach is state trooper Katrina Smith, who was also an assistant at New Albany during Dickman's tenure.
It was only a matter of time before Charlestown, which has up to now had a co-educational team under the guidance of coach Richard Stephens, would introduce a girls' squad. The majority of those turning out to play the game in recent years have been female.
In fact, five of the girls from last year's co-ed team are among the 19 strong squad available to newly appointed coach Marcy Satkoski.
It comprises a mix from all grades, with a strong young representation of nine sophomores and four freshman, with three juniors and three seniors adding some experience to the team.
"Everything is going great," coach Satkoski told The Evening News & Tribune. "The girls have fantastic attitudes and have been working very hard to prepare for the fall season. After completing our first week of practice, we are excited to get out there and play to see how we match up against other girls' teams."
Satkoski said they have some dynamic leaders emerging in the group, including co-captains Jordan Dent, Sophie Higazy and Emma Wesp.
Dent, a senior, said she is "very excited" to finally have a girls' team.
"We've wanted this for a long time," she said. "I'll be thrilled to see how this year goes."
Higazy, a junior, said the Pirates are a very strong unit.
"We're all in this together in this and very supportive of each other," she said. "Because we are close, I believe we'll be successful this year."
The third co-captain is sophomore Emma Wesp. She said she wants to see the team grow this year and continue to improve over the next few years.
This is Satkoski's first head coaching job. She was the assistant coach at New Albany for six years under Sara Dickman, and has also coached at SIU. She played at Hanover College, and was a member of Center Grove High School’s (Greenwood, Ind.) varsity team.
Her assistant coach is state trooper Katrina Smith, who was also an assistant at New Albany during Dickman's tenure.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ex-Card faces old team mates
A former University of Louisville star will feature as part of the Republic of Ireland women's soccer team when it takes on her alma mater at Cardinal Park this Saturday, August 8 (7 p.m.).
Shannon Smyth has already played two 45 minute halves for the Girls in Green, who are on a 10 week training camp in the United States preparing for its important upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
So far, the trip has gone exceptionally well for Ireland, which has beaten Women's Professional League outfit Chicago Reds Stars, FC Indiana of the W-League, and Chicago Breeze. After the Louisville game, Ireland will finish out against Notre Dame on August 11.
Smyth, whose father was born and raised in the southside Dublin town of Dun Laoghaire, said she is greatly looking forward to taking on her old team mates. That includes senior Lindsay Boling who has been helping Smyth with coaching duties at Net-Surfers.
"I'm very excited to be back and playing at Cardinal Park," said the diminutive 5'3" forward. "U of L has treated me like family and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be back here with my Irish team mates."
She added that Karen Ferguson-Dayes, entering her 10th season as Cardinal coach, has been a major support in her aspirations to play for Ireland.
“Karen has prepared me well over the past four years to progress to the international, and hopefully professional, level,” she said.
"I'm currently exploring the best option to sign a professional contract in Europe. I'm not ready to hang up the boots yet, so we'll see what transpires for me over the next year as I have been blessed with the opportunity and support from my family and coaches to continue to play."
Ireland’s goal is to be in tip-top shape for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland, Kazakhstan and Russia in September and October, and Smyth’s objective is to be part of the 18 strong squad which will face them. The roster currently stands at 25 plus.
"All players here are quality and bring different strengths, so at the end of the day it is a matter of the right combination of players,” said Smyth. “I'm honored to be here training for my country alongside the best team mates and coaches Ireland offers. I'm learning a lot and couldn't ask for better teammates to train with everyday.”
Shannon Smyth (left) and Lindsay Boling spent the spring season coaching southern Indiana’s Net-Surfers while team mates at University of Louisville. This Saturday, the pair will be on opposing teams when Smyth kits out for Ireland, who will be taking on Boling and the Cardinals in Louisville.
As well as playing out her final year at Louisville, Smyth has spent 2009 coaching Net-Surfers’ U17 girls, along with U of L's Lindsay Boling.
"The girls and their parents were always supportive of their daughters and my development plan for them," she said. "I hope they learned as much from me as I did from them."
Also helping her development as a player has been her time with FC Indiana (11-1-2), one of the top women’s soccer teams in the country, which recently fell 2-1 Ottawa Fury in the W-League Central Conference Championship game.
“FC Indiana was a great experience for me,” she said. “I came in toward the end of their season and couldn't have asked for a better training environment. Shek Borkowski and his coaching staff are second to none and the variety of players from such diverse backgrounds offered so much creativity and inspiration.”
Shannon Smyth has already played two 45 minute halves for the Girls in Green, who are on a 10 week training camp in the United States preparing for its important upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
So far, the trip has gone exceptionally well for Ireland, which has beaten Women's Professional League outfit Chicago Reds Stars, FC Indiana of the W-League, and Chicago Breeze. After the Louisville game, Ireland will finish out against Notre Dame on August 11.
Smyth, whose father was born and raised in the southside Dublin town of Dun Laoghaire, said she is greatly looking forward to taking on her old team mates. That includes senior Lindsay Boling who has been helping Smyth with coaching duties at Net-Surfers.
"I'm very excited to be back and playing at Cardinal Park," said the diminutive 5'3" forward. "U of L has treated me like family and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be back here with my Irish team mates."
She added that Karen Ferguson-Dayes, entering her 10th season as Cardinal coach, has been a major support in her aspirations to play for Ireland.
“Karen has prepared me well over the past four years to progress to the international, and hopefully professional, level,” she said.
"I'm currently exploring the best option to sign a professional contract in Europe. I'm not ready to hang up the boots yet, so we'll see what transpires for me over the next year as I have been blessed with the opportunity and support from my family and coaches to continue to play."
Ireland’s goal is to be in tip-top shape for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland, Kazakhstan and Russia in September and October, and Smyth’s objective is to be part of the 18 strong squad which will face them. The roster currently stands at 25 plus.
"All players here are quality and bring different strengths, so at the end of the day it is a matter of the right combination of players,” said Smyth. “I'm honored to be here training for my country alongside the best team mates and coaches Ireland offers. I'm learning a lot and couldn't ask for better teammates to train with everyday.”
Shannon Smyth (left) and Lindsay Boling spent the spring season coaching southern Indiana’s Net-Surfers while team mates at University of Louisville. This Saturday, the pair will be on opposing teams when Smyth kits out for Ireland, who will be taking on Boling and the Cardinals in Louisville.
As well as playing out her final year at Louisville, Smyth has spent 2009 coaching Net-Surfers’ U17 girls, along with U of L's Lindsay Boling.
"The girls and their parents were always supportive of their daughters and my development plan for them," she said. "I hope they learned as much from me as I did from them."
Also helping her development as a player has been her time with FC Indiana (11-1-2), one of the top women’s soccer teams in the country, which recently fell 2-1 Ottawa Fury in the W-League Central Conference Championship game.
“FC Indiana was a great experience for me,” she said. “I came in toward the end of their season and couldn't have asked for a better training environment. Shek Borkowski and his coaching staff are second to none and the variety of players from such diverse backgrounds offered so much creativity and inspiration.”
Bulldogs in cyberspace
Many school sports teams are now starting to create their own websites to keep fans and players alike abreast of all the up to the minute news.
One of the latest to join the soccer information superhighway is New Albany High School’s girls’ team (freeteams.net/NAHSGirlsSoccer).
The site has many sections, including previous years statistics, the latest news and schedules for varsity and junior varsity, an archive section and a links page.
Web administrator Judy Hoke said there will be constant updates to news and photos as the imminent fall season begins to unfold.
“Fans can also leave good luck messages on the forum on the website,” she said.
New Albany kicks off its season at the Floyd Central jamboree on August 15, which we will have more on next week.
One of the latest to join the soccer information superhighway is New Albany High School’s girls’ team (freeteams.net/NAHSGirlsSoccer).
The site has many sections, including previous years statistics, the latest news and schedules for varsity and junior varsity, an archive section and a links page.
Web administrator Judy Hoke said there will be constant updates to news and photos as the imminent fall season begins to unfold.
“Fans can also leave good luck messages on the forum on the website,” she said.
New Albany kicks off its season at the Floyd Central jamboree on August 15, which we will have more on next week.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Javanon '91 -- national finalists
There was heartbreak for Javanon '91 at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts at the weekend after South Carolina's Discoveries SC Green foiled Louisville's finest not just once, but twice.
Having got off to a flyer with a 3-1 victory in its opener against New York's East Fishkill Thunder, and then securing a point in a 1-1 tie against Westside Metros Internationals of Oregon, Javanon found Discoveries too good in the final group game, losing 4-2.
However, Graham Merryweather's boys had accumulated enough points in the round-robin to earn themselves a final berth and a rematch against the number one ranked team in the nation.
The championship decider didn't start well for Javanon, with Enzo Marinez putting Discoveries up after seven minutes. Then the promising Juan Velasquez, Golden Boot recipient with five goals, doubled the lead with a 44th minute strike.
Javanon fought back with goal six minutes later from Vinny Paiva, and piled on the pressure in the dying minutes without any reward.
There was some consolation for the team, as it received the U18 Fair Play Award.
Jacob Kemper celebrates his goal against Discoveries in the group stages with Kyle Shickel
Assistant coach Lee Weyland said the boys completed a phenomenal season, culminating in a "heartbreaking" loss.
"We are only the third team from Kentucky to ever play in the national championship final and I am proud of every player and how they represented our state by earning the Fair Play Award," he said. “This is a memorable experience for the players, who have achieved something that most youth soccer players only get to dream about.”
Vinny Paiva, scorer in the championship game, said it was a great experience he was privileged to have been a part of.
"I got to spend a week with 18 of the best soccer players I know. And to have been able to make it to the finals and compete for a national championship was great," he said. "It saddened many of the players to lose but when you look back on it, second in the nation isn't bad at all. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it."
This was the first time that Louisville, or indeed Kentucky, had two teams at the national championships in the same year. It produced national champions in 1997 (U16 boys) and 2006 (U19 boys).
The second team at the championships was Javanon '92, returning to the big stage after defending its Midwest regional crown with a penalty shootout victory against Chicago Fire Juniors.
The U17 section was tough to say the least, with six of the best teams in the US challenging for the title.
In its first game, Tim Chastonay's charges faced Lower Merion Velez of Pennsylvania, a team it beat 2-1 at last year's competition in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite going 1-0 up with a 29th minute goal from South Oldham HS's Will Vitalis – who also scored when the teams last met -- Javanon conceded four without reply.
Unfortunately, it didn't get any better, as the boys lost to CZ Elite of California South 4-0, and rounded out its tournament with a close 1-0 defeat to Triangle United of North Carolina. CZ Elite won the title, beating Triangle 3-2 in the championship decider.
The US Youth Soccer series began with over 10,000 teams and 185,000 players competing for 55 state association titles. Twelve national champions were crowned in Massachusetts from U14 to U19, both boys and girls.
Having got off to a flyer with a 3-1 victory in its opener against New York's East Fishkill Thunder, and then securing a point in a 1-1 tie against Westside Metros Internationals of Oregon, Javanon found Discoveries too good in the final group game, losing 4-2.
However, Graham Merryweather's boys had accumulated enough points in the round-robin to earn themselves a final berth and a rematch against the number one ranked team in the nation.
The championship decider didn't start well for Javanon, with Enzo Marinez putting Discoveries up after seven minutes. Then the promising Juan Velasquez, Golden Boot recipient with five goals, doubled the lead with a 44th minute strike.
Javanon fought back with goal six minutes later from Vinny Paiva, and piled on the pressure in the dying minutes without any reward.
There was some consolation for the team, as it received the U18 Fair Play Award.
Jacob Kemper celebrates his goal against Discoveries in the group stages with Kyle Shickel
Assistant coach Lee Weyland said the boys completed a phenomenal season, culminating in a "heartbreaking" loss.
"We are only the third team from Kentucky to ever play in the national championship final and I am proud of every player and how they represented our state by earning the Fair Play Award," he said. “This is a memorable experience for the players, who have achieved something that most youth soccer players only get to dream about.”
Vinny Paiva, scorer in the championship game, said it was a great experience he was privileged to have been a part of.
"I got to spend a week with 18 of the best soccer players I know. And to have been able to make it to the finals and compete for a national championship was great," he said. "It saddened many of the players to lose but when you look back on it, second in the nation isn't bad at all. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it."
This was the first time that Louisville, or indeed Kentucky, had two teams at the national championships in the same year. It produced national champions in 1997 (U16 boys) and 2006 (U19 boys).
The second team at the championships was Javanon '92, returning to the big stage after defending its Midwest regional crown with a penalty shootout victory against Chicago Fire Juniors.
The U17 section was tough to say the least, with six of the best teams in the US challenging for the title.
In its first game, Tim Chastonay's charges faced Lower Merion Velez of Pennsylvania, a team it beat 2-1 at last year's competition in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite going 1-0 up with a 29th minute goal from South Oldham HS's Will Vitalis – who also scored when the teams last met -- Javanon conceded four without reply.
Unfortunately, it didn't get any better, as the boys lost to CZ Elite of California South 4-0, and rounded out its tournament with a close 1-0 defeat to Triangle United of North Carolina. CZ Elite won the title, beating Triangle 3-2 in the championship decider.
The US Youth Soccer series began with over 10,000 teams and 185,000 players competing for 55 state association titles. Twelve national champions were crowned in Massachusetts from U14 to U19, both boys and girls.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
High School changes boost regional hopes
High School changes boost regional hopes
With the 2009 spring travel soccer season now a memory, thoughts are turning to the fall high school campaign.
There will be some 288 member schools offering boys' soccer in Indiana and this year's alignment will see just one minor change in the sectional championship.
However, the most significant change as far as teams in Floyd and Clark county are concerned is the fact that the regional championships will not feature reigning champion Columbus North, even if it does win its sectional again. That’s because the Bulldogs will now host a sectional in which its winner will move forward to the East Central regional instead of the one hosted here by Floyd Central.
Sectional 60 will feature Floyd Central, New Albany, North Harrison, Corydon Central and Silver Creek. Salem, which reached last year's final against champion New Albany, will now be in Sectional 57 with Seymour, Trinity Lutheran, Austin and Brown County.
Sectional 59, which includes Jeffersonville, Rock Creek Academy, Providence, Charlestown and Christian Academy of Indiana, doesn't change.
The sectional tournament will take place on October 8 and 10, with the regional competition being played on October 14 and 17.
Meanwhile, the area's girls' teams will play in the eight team Sectional 28, which will include defending champion Floyd Central, New Albany, Providence, Jeffersonville, North Harrison, Corydon, Silver Creek and newcomers Charlestown. Games will be played on October 12, 13, 15, and 17.
A record 249 member schools look like offering women's soccer this fall (245 entered the state tournament last year). It is just seven short of the 256 schools needed to consider class soccer.
With the 2009 spring travel soccer season now a memory, thoughts are turning to the fall high school campaign.
There will be some 288 member schools offering boys' soccer in Indiana and this year's alignment will see just one minor change in the sectional championship.
However, the most significant change as far as teams in Floyd and Clark county are concerned is the fact that the regional championships will not feature reigning champion Columbus North, even if it does win its sectional again. That’s because the Bulldogs will now host a sectional in which its winner will move forward to the East Central regional instead of the one hosted here by Floyd Central.
Sectional 60 will feature Floyd Central, New Albany, North Harrison, Corydon Central and Silver Creek. Salem, which reached last year's final against champion New Albany, will now be in Sectional 57 with Seymour, Trinity Lutheran, Austin and Brown County.
Sectional 59, which includes Jeffersonville, Rock Creek Academy, Providence, Charlestown and Christian Academy of Indiana, doesn't change.
The sectional tournament will take place on October 8 and 10, with the regional competition being played on October 14 and 17.
Meanwhile, the area's girls' teams will play in the eight team Sectional 28, which will include defending champion Floyd Central, New Albany, Providence, Jeffersonville, North Harrison, Corydon, Silver Creek and newcomers Charlestown. Games will be played on October 12, 13, 15, and 17.
A record 249 member schools look like offering women's soccer this fall (245 entered the state tournament last year). It is just seven short of the 256 schools needed to consider class soccer.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Javanon teams head to nationals -- though you wouldn't know it!
(Published Evening News & Tribune, June 30 '09)
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Javanon 91
Last Wednesday was important for United States soccer.
Beating Spain -- the number one ranked team in the world -- in the FIFA Confederations Cup by a 2-0 scoreline brought with it publicity not normally associated with the sport in this country. Spain had not lost a game in its last 35, so it was a big deal. Really.
And it became water cooler talk. Or toilet talk, depending on where you like to have your work conversations.
Then Team USA almost beat Brazil -- sure to become the new No. 1 nation in FIFA rankings -- in the final. Finding itself up 2-0 at the half, Bob Bradley’s boys succumbed to the mass yellow wave in the second 45 minutes, conceding three.
For those that don't know, the competition --- the eighth time it's been held -- is a dress rehearsal to the World Cup, held one year before the main event. It takes place in the World Cup host city -- in this case South Africa -- in preparation for the biggest and most widely viewed sports event on the planet (Yes, it is has more viewers than the Olympics.)
It comprises the current champion from each continent (or confederation), the hosts, and the current World Cup champion. Participating nations also welcome the opportunity to play in stadia being used in a year's time, not to mention acclimatizing to what will be unusual weather for this event, as it will take place during South Africa's winter.
So while the performances brought a timely boost to the squad and attracted attention from those normally oblivious to all matters soccer, it is getting a little ahead of ourselves to believe the US will be winning the 2010 World Cup.
What it has done, though, is give a confidence to the US, as well as show the world that the team is a force to be reckoned with.
On the same day, Javanon Soccer Club from Louisville won two US Youth Soccer Region II titles in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Altogether, some 212 teams from 13 states battled for a place at the national championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts from July 21-26.
You wouldn't have known it in the immediate aftermath, however, if you had been depending on the Derby City's broadcast and print media to provide you information on it.
While it had no problem jumping on the US/Confederations Cup bandwagon, it practically ignored the achievements of local youth soccer players. But the irony is that if the USA's performances get more people interested in the game -- and playing it -- then more people might want to know about achievements like Javanon's.
Both teams feature players from southern Indiana. Javanon '92, winning its second consecutive regional title, has amongst its ranks defender Trevor Bruner from Jeffersonville, while Javanon '91 includes Nathan Driggers, a graduate of New Albany High School and now playing college soccer with Ohio State.
Javanon 92
Javanon '92s final victory was a thriller. Facing the mighty Chicago Fire Juniors, the game remained scoreless for 90 minutes, but Javanon exploded in the fourth minute of overtime with a Dimitri DeChurch-Silva goal. However, Juniors equalized to take the game to penalties.
With the Illinois champion missing one early, and with Javanon’s first four spot kick takers all hitting the net, the stage was set for keeper Taylor Hafling to make himself a hero and he duly obliged when saving Chicago Fire’s final penalty.
On a nearby field, Javanon '91 was going for its first ever Midwest regional title in a final showdown with last year's finalist Scott Gallagher from St Louis, Missouri.
The game was scoreless after regulation time in a tight encounter, but the deadlock was broken by a 94th minute effort from Vincius Paiva and coach Graham Merryweather’s boys held on to make it a historic double for Javanon.
The squad, sicx time state champion, features a core of eight players who have been together since U-11. Driggers, normally deployed as a striker, has stepped in as Javanon's central attacking midfielder, a move which seems to have worked well.
Meanwhile, Javanon is appealing for donations to help with the huge expense that will be incurred traveling to Lancaster. If anyone can help, they can contact the club's development director, Kay Maum, at 502-299-3865.
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Javanon 91
Last Wednesday was important for United States soccer.
Beating Spain -- the number one ranked team in the world -- in the FIFA Confederations Cup by a 2-0 scoreline brought with it publicity not normally associated with the sport in this country. Spain had not lost a game in its last 35, so it was a big deal. Really.
And it became water cooler talk. Or toilet talk, depending on where you like to have your work conversations.
Then Team USA almost beat Brazil -- sure to become the new No. 1 nation in FIFA rankings -- in the final. Finding itself up 2-0 at the half, Bob Bradley’s boys succumbed to the mass yellow wave in the second 45 minutes, conceding three.
For those that don't know, the competition --- the eighth time it's been held -- is a dress rehearsal to the World Cup, held one year before the main event. It takes place in the World Cup host city -- in this case South Africa -- in preparation for the biggest and most widely viewed sports event on the planet (Yes, it is has more viewers than the Olympics.)
It comprises the current champion from each continent (or confederation), the hosts, and the current World Cup champion. Participating nations also welcome the opportunity to play in stadia being used in a year's time, not to mention acclimatizing to what will be unusual weather for this event, as it will take place during South Africa's winter.
So while the performances brought a timely boost to the squad and attracted attention from those normally oblivious to all matters soccer, it is getting a little ahead of ourselves to believe the US will be winning the 2010 World Cup.
What it has done, though, is give a confidence to the US, as well as show the world that the team is a force to be reckoned with.
On the same day, Javanon Soccer Club from Louisville won two US Youth Soccer Region II titles in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Altogether, some 212 teams from 13 states battled for a place at the national championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts from July 21-26.
You wouldn't have known it in the immediate aftermath, however, if you had been depending on the Derby City's broadcast and print media to provide you information on it.
While it had no problem jumping on the US/Confederations Cup bandwagon, it practically ignored the achievements of local youth soccer players. But the irony is that if the USA's performances get more people interested in the game -- and playing it -- then more people might want to know about achievements like Javanon's.
Both teams feature players from southern Indiana. Javanon '92, winning its second consecutive regional title, has amongst its ranks defender Trevor Bruner from Jeffersonville, while Javanon '91 includes Nathan Driggers, a graduate of New Albany High School and now playing college soccer with Ohio State.
Javanon 92
Javanon '92s final victory was a thriller. Facing the mighty Chicago Fire Juniors, the game remained scoreless for 90 minutes, but Javanon exploded in the fourth minute of overtime with a Dimitri DeChurch-Silva goal. However, Juniors equalized to take the game to penalties.
With the Illinois champion missing one early, and with Javanon’s first four spot kick takers all hitting the net, the stage was set for keeper Taylor Hafling to make himself a hero and he duly obliged when saving Chicago Fire’s final penalty.
On a nearby field, Javanon '91 was going for its first ever Midwest regional title in a final showdown with last year's finalist Scott Gallagher from St Louis, Missouri.
The game was scoreless after regulation time in a tight encounter, but the deadlock was broken by a 94th minute effort from Vincius Paiva and coach Graham Merryweather’s boys held on to make it a historic double for Javanon.
The squad, sicx time state champion, features a core of eight players who have been together since U-11. Driggers, normally deployed as a striker, has stepped in as Javanon's central attacking midfielder, a move which seems to have worked well.
Meanwhile, Javanon is appealing for donations to help with the huge expense that will be incurred traveling to Lancaster. If anyone can help, they can contact the club's development director, Kay Maum, at 502-299-3865.
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Balls Please!
Children in Kenya are replacing soccer balls made out of garbage bags for the real deal thanks to local generosity.
Southern Indiana's Net-Surfers are among those helping the Hearts4Kenya charity, and the all-girls' team recently donated 20 balls, which made it to Africa with volunteer Sara Dickman, former varsity girls' soccer coach with New Albany HS.
Also helping the cause are Kraatz Sporting Goods, which has donated 25 balls, and The Quest Class of Trinity Methodist Church, giving 10 balls and 10 hand pumps. Uniform sets were also donated by various local schools.
Dickman said children of all ages play the game in Kenya, usually with a group of discarded garbage bags that are wound with any available string.
"These balls have an amazing bounce but are not close to the touch of a regulation size leather ball," she said.
She added that the regulation balls are a "gift from heaven" to the schools and orphanages in the rural communities of Oyugis and Amani, while the uniforms help the children play in tournaments.
"There will be young men and women who will have qualified to participate in a tournament, but thought they could not as they didn't have the required shirts," said Dickman.
"It is amazing that we put our players in shin guards, long socks, arch supports and braces, and a good pair of cleats. In this area of Kenya, in order to participate in tournaments the teams must have one game ball per team, and matching uniform shirts. Every other part of the uniform may be mis-matched or missing. Most of the players we have watched play barefooted.
“Every year at least one boys' team and one girls' team is able to advance due to the generosity of this community."
Net-Surfers' secretary Jamie Fischer said that this is the second time the club has donated balls to the cause.
"As a club, we feel this a worthwhile endeavor to help kids in a less fortunate situation enjoy the game of soccer," said Fischer. "We want to thank Southern Indiana United U16 coach Bruce Rigsby for helping us obtain the soccer balls at a very reasonable rate and providing them to us for the donation."
Hearts4Kenya, a charity based in Louisville, helps combat poverty, hunger and disease in small, agrarian communities in the Nyanza province of Kenya. Now in its 11th year, it has successfully completed a wide range of projects, including the construction or repair of several churches, clinics, orphanages, playgrounds and a tree nursery.
In recent years, hybrid seed, fertilizer and the instruction of irrigation and planting techniques have been introduced, enabling the people to become self-sufficient.
For more information on the charity, log on to : www.heartsforkenya.org
Pictured above: Children in Oyugis, Kenya play with one of locally donated soccer balls.
Charity soccer auction in Molly's
While we are on the subject of charity work, autographed team jerseys from Tim Howard and Freddy Adu will be among the items you can bid on during a fundraising soccer memorabilia auction being held at Molly Malone's Bar on Baxter Avenue (8 p.m.)
There will also be a World Cup trivia contest and juggling contest, while we are told there will also be soccer celebrities from around the world.
The evening will benefit the Derby City Kicks Back charity, which supports other charities such as Soccer For Kids' Sake, which provides inner city soccer programs, and the Adam Bender Foundation, which brings sports awareness and opportunity to physically challenged children.
Tickets are $50 at the door, or $25 in advance. And if you mention the password 'Man City' the night of the event, you can get in for half price. For more information, call Molly Malone's at (502) 473-1222.
There will also be a World Cup trivia contest and juggling contest, while we are told there will also be soccer celebrities from around the world.
The evening will benefit the Derby City Kicks Back charity, which supports other charities such as Soccer For Kids' Sake, which provides inner city soccer programs, and the Adam Bender Foundation, which brings sports awareness and opportunity to physically challenged children.
Tickets are $50 at the door, or $25 in advance. And if you mention the password 'Man City' the night of the event, you can get in for half price. For more information, call Molly Malone's at (502) 473-1222.
The benefits of staying put
Last week, I touched on the issue of how the standard of soccer in southern Indiana could be improved if the will was there.
I felt it was a topic worth discussing because five of the best teams from Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers went to the preliminary rounds of the Indiana State Cup recently, played 15 games, and came home without a single win.
There are many ways improvements could be made, and I mentioned just a few. An adequate indoor sports facility would be a big plus, and a number inside the game have suggested this could be supported by the parks department. Another is the addition of tournament standard fields, which wold bring in significant revenue.
The need for organized soccer leagues in elementary and middle schools; a successful academy system for those being introduced to the game for the first time; having a paid staff at club level; and the recruitment of the finest coaches who could attract players to local clubs are also worth noting.
So too is a unity from everyone in the area who has a common dream or goal for the benefit of the soccer community. All easier said than done, I know.
When the best teams are across the river, and the opportunity to play against top opponents regularly and be noticed for college scholarships is dangled carrot-like in your direction, it is hard to resist, and therein lies the difficulty in stemming a tide going in the opposite direction.
Therefore keeping players locally is a problem, but there are now some returning after a stint in Louisville. It’s a start.
Debbie Webb, SIU's vice president with responsibility for select soccer, said they are coming back for a number of reasons.
"Some are returning because they did not make a Louisville team, but also some are coming back because of the cost and the family friendly atmosphere that SIU offers," said Webb.
"Many see Javanon, United and Mockingbird as a better program but I guess it all depends what you are looking for in a travel soccer program. It is true that Javanon, United and Mockingbird have many more state, regional and national championships than SIU will ever have, but there is no guarantee that switching from SIU to one of these clubs will assure you a spot on a winning team. The skill level from age group to age group is not the same."
One to return is Jacob Trulock, who plays for SIU's U10 team. His mother, Donna Trulock-Jones, said they first started their journey into select soccer with Javanon.
"Jacob had fun playing with the other players and his love for the game developed," she said. "We enjoyed the experience and made some good friends along the way. We as a family had fun traveling with the other parents."
But something was missing, said Trulock Jones. Actually, time was missing.
"Our family spent an insane amount of time in the car traveling, 45 minutes back and forth to practices missing out on other events for siblings. This is not to mention, homework and just having a few moments of family time a night to get caught up on how everyone’s day was. That is when we decided to come back across the bridge and give it another try."
Donna said Jacob has excellent coaching, and a special goalie coach in Michael Davis.
"Since the spring, SIU has allowed the goalies for each team to work one on one with a goalie coach," she said. "In one season, Jacob's skills have improved tremendously. This is a great addition to the club.
"He also loves playing with kids that are from his community. It is also nice for him to get together with his soccer team and play on a non game day, since the families live so close."
Paul Chrisco's son, Kevin, started playing select for Javanon at U9 level.
"The first year was fun but it was a lot of work getting him across the bridge to practices," said Paul. "It really hit home when we passed one of the SIU practice fields half an hour into our trip home from a Javanon practice at the end of last season. When Kevin realized how much less driving would be involved playing for SIU we decided to try out for the SIU U10 team."
It ended up being the right choice for the family, said Paul.
"Practices are literally minutes from our house," he said. "Two of Kevin's friends from his school also made the team and I was able to get involved as the assistant coach.
"During his first year at Javanon it seemed as though our lives revolved around soccer. While soccer is important to our son, we don’t want it to completely dominate our lives."
Debbie Webb believes SIU can offer a player much more than the Louisville clubs at the U9-U14 age groups.
"When you get to U15 and older, which are college recruiting ages, Louisville clubs are definitely the best bet for the player who hopes to play in college. This is because of their focus on winning and exposing their players to the most competitive -- and expensive -- leagues and the most competitive, prestigious -- and expensive -- tournaments. This is more than SIU can do.”
And more than they want to do, she revealed.
“ We really don't want to be like Javanon or United or Mockingbird. We do not have the fields or other resources to do so. We want to offer a quality, affordable and fun program in southern Indiana."
And, of course, the expense is a big issue.
"SIU's travel program operates on a zero budget - we only charge what we must in order to run the program and most years we end with a loss," said Webb. "We are not in this to make money but to provide a service. We work with families who need to make payments on their fees."
Meanwhile, Net-Surfers' ability to hold tryouts earlier than usual has paid dividends, it has said. The girls' club received permission from the Indiana Youth Soccer Association for the exemption after the club complained that it would lose numerous players if it couldn't tryout until a month after Louisville teams.
"Players that tryout for clubs in Louisville will have to commit and may not risk that they will have a team to play with or make a spot if so for our club," said Greg Reger, the club's president, in a letter to the IYSA.
As a result of the exemption for Net-Surfers, tryouts were held on June 3 and 4, and coaches believe it has helped save one team and improve others. It will be interesting to see whether the club reaps benefits from the move come next season.
I felt it was a topic worth discussing because five of the best teams from Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers went to the preliminary rounds of the Indiana State Cup recently, played 15 games, and came home without a single win.
There are many ways improvements could be made, and I mentioned just a few. An adequate indoor sports facility would be a big plus, and a number inside the game have suggested this could be supported by the parks department. Another is the addition of tournament standard fields, which wold bring in significant revenue.
The need for organized soccer leagues in elementary and middle schools; a successful academy system for those being introduced to the game for the first time; having a paid staff at club level; and the recruitment of the finest coaches who could attract players to local clubs are also worth noting.
So too is a unity from everyone in the area who has a common dream or goal for the benefit of the soccer community. All easier said than done, I know.
When the best teams are across the river, and the opportunity to play against top opponents regularly and be noticed for college scholarships is dangled carrot-like in your direction, it is hard to resist, and therein lies the difficulty in stemming a tide going in the opposite direction.
Therefore keeping players locally is a problem, but there are now some returning after a stint in Louisville. It’s a start.
Debbie Webb, SIU's vice president with responsibility for select soccer, said they are coming back for a number of reasons.
"Some are returning because they did not make a Louisville team, but also some are coming back because of the cost and the family friendly atmosphere that SIU offers," said Webb.
"Many see Javanon, United and Mockingbird as a better program but I guess it all depends what you are looking for in a travel soccer program. It is true that Javanon, United and Mockingbird have many more state, regional and national championships than SIU will ever have, but there is no guarantee that switching from SIU to one of these clubs will assure you a spot on a winning team. The skill level from age group to age group is not the same."
One to return is Jacob Trulock, who plays for SIU's U10 team. His mother, Donna Trulock-Jones, said they first started their journey into select soccer with Javanon.
"Jacob had fun playing with the other players and his love for the game developed," she said. "We enjoyed the experience and made some good friends along the way. We as a family had fun traveling with the other parents."
But something was missing, said Trulock Jones. Actually, time was missing.
"Our family spent an insane amount of time in the car traveling, 45 minutes back and forth to practices missing out on other events for siblings. This is not to mention, homework and just having a few moments of family time a night to get caught up on how everyone’s day was. That is when we decided to come back across the bridge and give it another try."
Donna said Jacob has excellent coaching, and a special goalie coach in Michael Davis.
"Since the spring, SIU has allowed the goalies for each team to work one on one with a goalie coach," she said. "In one season, Jacob's skills have improved tremendously. This is a great addition to the club.
"He also loves playing with kids that are from his community. It is also nice for him to get together with his soccer team and play on a non game day, since the families live so close."
Paul Chrisco's son, Kevin, started playing select for Javanon at U9 level.
"The first year was fun but it was a lot of work getting him across the bridge to practices," said Paul. "It really hit home when we passed one of the SIU practice fields half an hour into our trip home from a Javanon practice at the end of last season. When Kevin realized how much less driving would be involved playing for SIU we decided to try out for the SIU U10 team."
It ended up being the right choice for the family, said Paul.
"Practices are literally minutes from our house," he said. "Two of Kevin's friends from his school also made the team and I was able to get involved as the assistant coach.
"During his first year at Javanon it seemed as though our lives revolved around soccer. While soccer is important to our son, we don’t want it to completely dominate our lives."
Debbie Webb believes SIU can offer a player much more than the Louisville clubs at the U9-U14 age groups.
"When you get to U15 and older, which are college recruiting ages, Louisville clubs are definitely the best bet for the player who hopes to play in college. This is because of their focus on winning and exposing their players to the most competitive -- and expensive -- leagues and the most competitive, prestigious -- and expensive -- tournaments. This is more than SIU can do.”
And more than they want to do, she revealed.
“ We really don't want to be like Javanon or United or Mockingbird. We do not have the fields or other resources to do so. We want to offer a quality, affordable and fun program in southern Indiana."
And, of course, the expense is a big issue.
"SIU's travel program operates on a zero budget - we only charge what we must in order to run the program and most years we end with a loss," said Webb. "We are not in this to make money but to provide a service. We work with families who need to make payments on their fees."
Meanwhile, Net-Surfers' ability to hold tryouts earlier than usual has paid dividends, it has said. The girls' club received permission from the Indiana Youth Soccer Association for the exemption after the club complained that it would lose numerous players if it couldn't tryout until a month after Louisville teams.
"Players that tryout for clubs in Louisville will have to commit and may not risk that they will have a team to play with or make a spot if so for our club," said Greg Reger, the club's president, in a letter to the IYSA.
As a result of the exemption for Net-Surfers, tryouts were held on June 3 and 4, and coaches believe it has helped save one team and improve others. It will be interesting to see whether the club reaps benefits from the move come next season.
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