Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Javanon '94 off to a National League flyer

Javanon ’94 got off to a flyer in the US Youth Soccer National League at the weekend.
Coach Jason Bell’s charges played four games in Wilson, North Carolina and came through all four of them unbeaten to sit atop the eight team U17 Blue Division.

After opening with a 2-2 draw against WAZA – ranked sixth in the nation -- on Thursday night, Javanon then went on to beat Blast FC of Ohio South (1-0) and fourth ranked Sereno of Arizona (1-0).
It rounded out the trip with a 2-0 victory over RSL Florida, who was last year's national runner-up.The team mates attracted plenty of interest from college and national coaches with their performances.

The second round of games will take place from February 19-21 in Weston, Florida, when Javanon will encounter crunch matchups against joint leaders Tulsa TSC (Oklahoma), Annandale United (Virginia) and PSC Coppa (Pennsylvania).

Should Javanon win its league, it will automatically punch its ticket to the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Phoenix, Arizona next July.

Next up for the team is the Disney Soccer Showcase in Florida from December 27-30.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Red Devils and Bulldogs meet again

There is no magic formula — just doing the small things right and a dash of good luck.

That’s what New Albany boys’ soccer coach Dutch Vigar puts the team’s postseason success in recent years down to.

The small things and some good fortune are a couple of the reasons why we said goodbye to Hoosier Hills Conference champions Floyd Central, who had gone unbeaten all season until Saturday (and remain unbeaten in the regular season). The Highlanders’ 15-1-2 achievement should not go forgotten.


Brian Fischer: 21 goals this season.

After a repeat of 2009’s IHSAA sectional championship penalty shootout victory over the Highlanders — and its third sectional title in a row — New Albany (6-9-2) will face Jeffersonville (16-2) Wednesday night in the second successive regional semifinal between the teams (Floyd Central, 8 p.m.).

Last year, New Albany won a tight encounter, courtesy of a Kameron Jenkins header, before going on to beat Seymour in the regional final on penalties.

This time, Carson Webb's Jeffersonville will be hoping to avoid a bus crash (no one hurt) before the game and a clean bill of health (three Red Devils missed the game due to sickness) for all its players.

That’s the easy part.

Although the Red Devils had a comfortable 4-0 victory over New Albany in the regular season, they should well know by now how resolute the Bulldog defense is this time of year.

The Red Devils do have, however, a strong attack. Brian Fischer has continued his regular-season form into the state series, already bagging five goals — including a hat trick against Providence in the Jeff Sectional decider on Saturday — to bring his tally this fall to 21.

Then there’s Jordan Vejar, who has 16 goals; Roberto Martinez (12); Gavin Leavell (11) and Vincent Straight (10).

Lucas Rigsby, who scored two goals against New Albany in the regular season, has eight goals and leads the team’s assists column with 19.

If the Bulldog rear guard, which includes goalkeeper C.J. Reynolds, Jordan Blessinger, Nick Blackwell, Luke Lete and Omar Garcia, can hold strong, it will be hoping its midfield and strikeforce can penetrate a Jeffersonville three-man defense.

Jenkins has six goals of his own in the postseason, while teammates Justin Oliver and Sean O’Connor also will be looking to catch the Red Devils on the break.

The winner of Jeffersonville and New Albany will be playing for a third IHSAA regional championship, as both have won it twice. The sectional count now stands at five and six, respectively, as we enter a two-class system next year when both teams are likely to return to facing off against each other before any regional takes place.

For the record, the Bulldogs also won a state championship in 1975, were state finalists in 1978, and won three regional and semistate championships in ’75, ’77 and ’78 before the IHSAA-organized tournament kicked off in 1994.

In the first of Wednesday night’s semifinals (6 p.m.), five-time sectional champs Madison (13-6-2) — 5-1 winners over Southwestern on Saturday — will take on Trinity Lutheran (15-2-1), which beat Seymour 5-2 to claim its first sectional championship.

The winner will get a chance to play for its first regional title in the final game at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Marlin Shattering Records

(Published Evening News & The Tribune, October 8)

The marlin is an incredibly fast billfish with a spear-like snout. The largest of the species is found in the Atlantic Ocean.

Namesake Casey Marlin also dazzles with her speed and unleashes venomous shots resembling spear-like missiles at opposition goalkeepers. She can be found in the fall on the soccer fields of southern Indiana wreaking havoc amongst hapless defenses.

This week, the 16-year-old striker brought her season tally to 26 and her high school career total to 56, breaking the Providence school record of 50 held jointly by Alix Hughes (2006 graduate) and current Manchester College leading scorer Laura Jenkins (2009).

And she’s still a junior.

“I wanted to break one record at Providence, and this is kind of like a way for me to be remembered after I leave,” says Marlin. “I don't have a number that I'm specifically aiming for by senior year; I just really wanted to beat it this year.”



Casey Marlin (right), with sister Caley. Photo by Kevin McGloshen, Evening News & The Tribune.

In fact, she will get a chance to break a second record on Monday when the Lady Pioneers line out against New Albany in the sectional quarterfinals for the third successive year. Jenkins’ season best of 27 (set in 2008) is looking a little bit shaky right about now, and could be broken post-season by one of her biggest admirers.

“Laura has actually been a huge influence on the way I play,” says Marlin. “I've always looked up to her, so it means so much that I can be recognized with her.”

After starting her playing days with local girls’ club Net-Surfers, which she says “definitely” had an impact on her, Marlin moved onto Javanon.

“My coach, Ntando Tsambo, taught me how to strike the ball with all my strength,” she says, “Every day at practice we would work on foot skills, and that made me a lot better. I learned how to dribble at speed with control, which is very important.”

Marlin is now part of Mockingbird ’94, where team mates include a couple of high school rivals in Floyd Central’s talented junior trio Taylor Patty, Lauren Haley and Rebekah Burgan.

She says that the Lady Highlanders – winners of the sectional championship for the past four years -- are “always very good” about marking her. It goes without saying that if Floyd Central, New Albany or anyone else in the nine team sectional have designs on this year’s title, they may have to come up with a way to stop the diminutive (about 5’ 3” but physically strong) goal getter.

The bad news for the opposition is that Marlin believes she’s learned to cope with the receipt of special attention.

“It is harder when a team man-marks me, but my coach (Dave Smith) has taught me to use my speed to my advantage,” she says. “I do like to think that I fool defenders by my appearance. I look small, but I can be pretty tough.”

Marlin is acutely aware, however, that without her team mates -- who have been dubbed the “Kick Chicks” -- she wouldn’t be breaking any records. On Wednesday, the Lady Pioneers – with a goal from Marlin -- defeated Louisville’s Mercy Academy 3-1 to end its regular season 14-1-1, the best in the school’s history.

“I definitely couldn’t do it without my team,” she says. “They know where and when to pass to me when I make runs. Lauren Holland (junior) especially knows every move I make before I make it. We have great chemistry together on the field - our whole team does.”

Others she is happy to be playing with, as opposed to playing against, are junior Kelsey Rogers and sophomore Leah Mattingly.

“I'm grateful that Kelsey is on my team that's for sure,” she says. “I think she's one of the best defenders in the area. It's very difficult to get past her, and the same with Leah.”

However, the one who makes her play her hardest, she says, is her sister Caley, a senior.

“Caley is an amazing player,” she says. “I am very lucky to be able to play with her. We can be honest with each other and help each other on the field, although we do argue sometimes!”

Providence coach Dave Smith says he expects the college offers to be flooding in for Marlin when she hits the showcase circuit this fall and next spring.

“Casey is a very unselfish player, often man-marked or at the very least given special attention by the defense,” says Smith. “This makes her accomplishments that much more impressive.

“These are legitimate goals scored, and never do we allow her to drop in five to 10 in one match against a lesser opponent.”

Marlin is level headed about a prospective college soccer career.

“I would definitely love to play in college,” she says. “I'm not sure if I would be ready to play at a Division 1 school, but I've got some time to think about it.”

And some time to wreak more havoc on the fields of southern Indiana!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Getting Passionately Pink again

New Albany and Floyd Central girls will be going pink for the second time at Prosser Field this Thursday (7 p.m. approx) in an effort to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research.

On the same day, the grandmother of twins Selena and Stephanie Iglesias -- members of the New Albany girls’ varsity team -- will undergo surgery to have a breast removed due to the disease.

Marcella Clements said she was “amazed” that her doctor chose the date of the game for the surgery.

“I think it is God's way of giving me hope while allowing me to share my story with others, possibly giving them hope as well,” said Clements. “Breast cancer is a disease that affects many people and because of fundraisers like this, doctors have made progress over the years.

“This game and what it stands for allows young people to see how they can help others and I think it is wonderful to see how the school supports giving back to the community.”

It’s a stark reminder, if one is needed, that breast cancer affects almost everyone in one way or another, be it directly, through a family member, or through a friend.

Rhonda Iglesias, Clements’ daughter and the twins’ mother, will represent all those affected by breast cancer from the New Albany team, while Floyd Central will also have its own representative this evening.


Action from last year's inaugural Passionately Pink game, held at Floyd Central.

The game between the two local rivals, entitled Passionately Pink for the Cure, is expected to bring out a big crowd. It will be preceded by a boys’ varsity game between the two schools (5.30 p.m.), and gate proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which said 75 per cent of the money raised for the charity stays in the local area. Donations will also be taken at the venue.

The Bulldogs will be suited up in hot pink t-shirts and white socks, while the Highlanders will be wearing light pink t-shirts and socks. Corporate sponsorship has been secured from local businesses to purchase the jerseys for both teams.

In support of Youth Soccer Month, recreation teams from both Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers have been invited to parade out with New Albany and Floyd Central ahead of the game.

The boys’ teams, meanwhile, will be wearing pink warm-up shirts for their games, and it is expected that they will become full partners for the third annual game next year. Both teams want to join the cause as the disease affects both women and men.

Last year, about $650 was raised. New Albany coach Julie Deuser said they are expecting to make a lot more money this time round.

In fact, the organizers said they are aiming to exceed $2,000, as a number of other events have already been held, including fundraising car washes at Ideal Fitness and Jacobi's gas station, as well as an all-you-can-eat Krispy Kreme donut breakfast at Mt. Tabor School last Saturday.

“I have a great group of parents who have been working hard at fundraising,” said Deuser. “We have several sponsors and donors this year, which is really great. The girls are excited to play and we hope there is a big crowd to not only support us, but also this worthy cause.”

Deuser got the idea from her own high school team, East Jessamine, which played its cross town rival West Jessamine two years ago in a successful fundraising game entitled Rivals with a Cause. When she spoke with Floyd Central coaches, they were very interested and excited to be involved.

New Albany, with a 4-4 record after losing 2-1 to Seymour last Thursday, has been trying to cope with the loss of Kayton Cole, a two time member of Kick It’s Team of the Season, due to an ACL and MCL tear which will see her sidelined for nine months.

“We are really young and trying to adjust to new positions,” said Deuser. “Losing Kayton has caused us to mix up the lineup and have girls try new positions. With each game we are gaining more and more confidence. I am really proud of how hard the girls are working.”

Goalkeeper Taylor Briscoe has, in particular, stood out and Deuser said she has had “an unbelievable season” so far.

“She has grown so much as a goalie over the last few years,” she said. “She is truly the anchor to our defense.”

Floyd Central has a 6-3-2 record following a 3-3 tie with Seymour on Tuesday. In the past week the Highlanders also lost 2-1 to Providence and drew 1-1 with Columbus East.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Strikers face off in rival clash

Tonight sees one of the highlights of the girls’ regular season when Floyd Central hosts rival Providence (7 p.m.).

Both teams have gotten off to good starts, with the Highlanders standing at 6-2-1, while the Pioneers are 5-1-1.

And both feature standout strikers in the shape of juniors Taylor Patty (Floyd Central, 10 goals) and Casey Marlin (Providence, 12 goals).

So far, Floyd Central has had good 1-0 wins against Mercy Academy (Louisville) and Jasper. Defeats came at the hands of Manual of Louisville (3-1), a team ranked No. 2 in Kentucky at the time, and Evansville North (3-0) at this weekend’s Hoosier Cup in Bloomington, which coach Lewie Stevens described as “a very disappointing showing.”

Taylor Patty: Hoping to add to her 10 goal tally tonight against rival Providence. Photo by Deede O'Farrell.

Patty racked up four of her total at the tournament, with a hat-trick in the 8-0 demolition of Vincennes Lincoln, and another in the Highlanders’ win against Christian Academy of Indiana.

It’s by no means a one-woman show, however. Also expect attackers Lauren Haley and Kady O’Farrell, Cassie Holland in midfield, and seniors Emily Foster and Alysen Shireman to play an important role. Cassie Sakai, meanwhile, is a senior transfer from California and plays in goal and in midfield.

Meanwhile, Providence’s five wins have included victories over Columbus East, Forest Park and Jeffersonville, while it tied with Christian Academy of Louisville. Its lone loss thus far came against Indiana ‘Team to Watch,’ South Dearborn.

The Pioneers will be hoping Marlin – who has fired in three hat-tricks to date -- can add to her impressive tally tonight, and to the goal she scored in last year’s 2-1 regular season triumph over Floyd Central.

Coach Dave Smith is also expecting the likes of Leah Mattingly, Kelsey Rogers, Cristian May-Boquiren, Erin Duncan, Lauren Holland and freshman Kasey Wallace to step up to the plate in the hope of reversing the scoreline when the rivals last met. That was a 2-0 post-season win for Floyd Central, achieved on its way to a fourth consecutive sectional triumph.

Chelsea’s Toppers top Kaitlin’s Aces

Western Kentucky University, featuring Jeffersonville’s Chelsea Grover, proved too strong for Evansville, with New Albany’s Kaitlin Robinett in its lineup, last Friday.

The Hilltoppers (1-2-1) put four past the Purple Aces at Bowling Green, with goals from Mallory Outerbridge (2), Sydney Sisler, and Chrissy Tchoula.


WKU's Chelsea Grover

Robinett was a starter in defense, while Grover, a senior and captain of the team, played 50 minutes.

Evansville, however, bounced back Sunday to record its first victory of the season
(1-3-1), beating Middle Tennessee 2-1.

Both play again on Friday, with WKU at home to Ball State, while Evansville hosts Tennessee-Martin.

Dunk’em at Youth Soccer Day

You’ll be able to dunk a politician, buy some interesting items, and, of course, play the beautiful game at Youth Soccer Day in Community Park, New Albany this Saturday (September 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

The day long event is one of many activities planned for the eighth annual Youth Soccer Month, which is being organized by local clubs Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers.

Games take place all day, while you’ll be able to pick up some bargains at the special soccer yard sale, visit informational tables, and avail of freebies and door prizes.

Rumor has it that in addition to local soccer coaches getting dunked by the kids, state representative Ed Clare will also take his turn on the hot (or should that be wet) seat.

“It will be a fun, family day to celebrate youth soccer,” said SIU’s vice-president Debbie Webb.



Along with club president Jim Kotowski, Webb collected the merchandise for the yard sale.

“There will be soccer items for sale at ridiculous prices, and no item will cost more than $5,” she said.

Other events as part of Youth Soccer Month will be tonight’s Floyd Central/Providence and Christian Academy of Indiana/Silver Creek girls’ matchups, two of many high school games this month when you can wear your club jersey and get in free.

SIU will spend an evening with the University of Louisville’s men’s soccer team this Friday, ahead of the Cards’ home game against Fordham (7 p.m.), while Ultimate Soccer Mom (and Dad) Appreciation Day will take place on Wednesday, September 22.

For further information on this month’s events, log on to www.siusoccer.com.


Above: Southern Indiana United president Jim Kotowski and vice president Debbie Webb collect items for the yard sale at Youth Soccer Day, which will be held this Saturday (Sept. 11) at Community Park, New Albany.