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!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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).
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