Soccer archive

Is soccer finally getting some respect in this country? NBC is banking on the growing popularity of the sport as it prepares to broadcast the English Premier League in the U.S. beginning on Saturday.

Over the next year, NBC Sports Network will air around 1,600 hours of soccer programming. At the same time, rivals Fox and ESPN have also added more soccer programming.

“There’s certainly a risk of putting too much supply out there in the market,” says Gabe Feldman, who directs the Tulane sports law program. “But with the World Cup a year away, and soccer becoming more and more popular here, I think it’s certainly a risk worth taking because every network out there is looking to fill some air-time with live sports programming. And this might be the next great frontier for them.”

But international soccer could cannibalize the market for domestic soccer.

“There’s always been a tension over 'How do we want to grow soccer in the U.S.?'” says Feldman. “Do we grow it domestically? Or do we grow it by making fans here interested in the international game? And there’s a question now -- can we do both at the same time?”

Others wonder if there is enough U.S. audience for international soccer by itself. Morningstar senior equities analyst Michael Corty has reservations about NBC’s $250 million dollar deal.

“I’m not sure if it makes sense financially,” says Corty.

He doesn’t buy the hype about soccer becoming the next big thing, saying “I’ve heard that for 10 or 20 years.”

But Corty says the move does make more sense as a way for NBC to grow its cable sports brand.

“A lot of the quality, highly-viewed sports programming is tied up in long-term contracts. And soccer was a set of rights that was available. NBC needed to get more live programming on its sports network,” says Corty.

If soccer mania finally takes off, NBC has a winner. If not, soccer may be just a place-holder until more popular sports programming becomes available.



NBC bets big on British soccer | Marketplace.org

One heck of a summer, eh? No, not here. There.

An ocean away the party has been virtually non-stop. In a rare summer of success, British sports fans have had plenty to celebrate.

First, there was a homegrown winner at Wimbledon. Andy Murray's grinding victory on centre court -- the first British men's champion since Fred Perry in 1936 -- puts him in line for a knighthood and a statue at London's All England Club.

Then, there was an English winner in the Tour de France. Chris Froome pedalled home ahead of the pack to claim victory in the 100th edition of cycling's most prestigious and now, apparently, clean race.

To top it off, England won The Ashes. One of sports' oldest rivalries, England against Australia in cricket has, from time to time, been unfriendly and downright hostile. The latest skirmish was decisively settled, but only until the next time.

Throw in the royal baby for good measure and there seems no end to the celebration.

But enough with the fluff.

The cycling, tennis and cricket were fun, allowing a nation of sports fans to beat their sunburnt chests in pride.

Now comes the serious business.

The English Premier League has come of age. 21 years after breaking away from the century old Football League, the EPL has a fresh look about it for a brand new campaign.

For the first time since its inception, Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer a factor. The surprise retirement of the "Grand Master" will come as a huge relief to match officials and media alike. Manchester United fans, meanwhile, will be holding their breath wondering what happens now the autocratic Fergie has taken his leave.

Will it be business as usual at Old Trafford? David Moyes, Ferguson's handpicked replacement, is tasked with keeping United at the front of the line. But Moyes is under immense pressure before a ball is kicked.

Ferguson's formidable track record allowed him the occasional misfire, domestically and in Europe. Moyes, who won nothing yet achieved minor miracles on a shoestring budget at Everton, is unlikely to be afforded such latitude should United fail to be a title contender at home or abroad.

The very absence of Ferguson gives everyone else hope. He defined United in the modern era and his yardstick measured all others. He has left a legacy, of course. But he also casts a huge shadow over everything that comes after his glorious reign.

A posse of other clubs, retooled on and off the field, will sense their opportunity. As Moyes comes to grips with the enormity of expectation, so too will others be planning some dynasty building of their own.

The "Special One" is back for more. While Jose Mourinho might have been hoping for a phone call from Old Trafford, he can settle back into familiar surroundings at Chelsea. Mourinho was the one who led the Londoners to back-to-back EPL titles seven years ago. But whether he can repeat his magic remains to be seen. The league he left has changed significantly.

During Mourinho's previous stint, the Big Four were fixtures year in and year out. He returns to an EPL in which Liverpool is no longer a member of the elite, Manchester City's buying power has made it a major player and Chelsea itself is no longer guaranteed top-four status.

The noisy neighbours need to calm down.

The very public and extremely undignified way in which Roberto Mancini left Manchester City lends an air of uncertainty. His successor, Manuel Pellegrini, has been left to pick up the pieces and restore some sense or order and discipline in an alien environment.

Pellegrini, the first Chilean to coach in the EPL, has bags of experience, though not in this neck of the woods. Despite his excellent work in Spain, with Malaga, it is worth remembering he didn't even last a year at Real Madrid and his new paymasters in Manchester may also become trigger happy should the transition prove problematic.

The managerial merry-go-round might just play straight into the hands of Arsenal. Ferguson's exit leaves Arsene Wenger as the longest-serving, single-club coach in England's top flight.

The Frenchman knows the secret of success -- he has three English titles to his name -- but the trophy cabinet has been left undisturbed for eight long seasons. A lack of significant activity during the transfer window does nothing to suggest the barren spell is about to end.

Then, there's the new crop.

For the first time in EPL history, there are two Welsh clubs. Cardiff City, last season's runaway Championship winner, joins Swansea, aiming to keep pace with neighbours and rivals. Wales will come to a virtual standstill when the two teams go head-to-head for the first time on Nov. 3.

Hull City is back, with a new look and name. The owner, aiming to maximize the club's appeal from an international perspective, is rebranding the team the Hull City Tigers and reviving the black-and-amber striped jerseys. Here's hoping Steve Bruce can produce a winning team or, very soon, the headlines will be all about the "Toothless Tigers."

Crystal Palace, winner of the Wembley playoff final, finished 15 points behind Cardiff, but has made its intention clear by signing Arsenal misfit Marounane Chamakh. Palace has also embraced hypnotherapy in a bid to boost the players' belief and self-confidence.

If London's sixth EPL club survives, the mind games will all have been worth it.



EPL returns without United legend | Soccer | CBC Sports

Mark Bushman was one of the first players in the Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association when his dad, Bill Bushman, founded it 30 years ago.

To now see FASA open its own soccer complex, Bushman said after a ribbon-cutting Saturday, is “really cool.”

The group has built fields and parking on land at the intersection of Routes 2 and 17 in Spotsylvania, with plans for 16 fields, a pavilion and concessions by next year.

While FASA teams have been playing on the new fields since June, Saturday marked the new facility’s official opening.

General manager Pete Cinalli said the facility was about eight years in the making. Spotsylvania supervisors approved it about two years ago; the price tag for the first seven fields was about $3.5 million, and the Virginia Youth Soccer Association is building another nine fields that are expected to be done sometime next year.

FASA has a membership of nearly 2,000 players, most of whom are from Fredericksburg or the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline.

FASA wanted its own fields, rather than competing with other soccer clubs in the area to use existing fields. Having a dedicated complex, Cinalli said, will help the group host tournaments, camps and games.

One tournament, the Washington Invitational, was going on behind the group of ribbon-cutters Saturday morning. Every field was full; parents lined the sidelines in fold-up lawn chairs and the new parking lot was full, cars spilling onto the sides of the entrance road.

“This is going to look like this pretty much every weekend,” Cinalli said.

Spotsylvania County Supervisor Gary Skinner said those weekend games—with teams coming in from other regions, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants—should create “a minimum of a million [dollars] worth of revenue coming in … I think that’s a conservative estimate.”

Skinner said youth sports leagues help teach kids social interaction and values like responsibility, confidence, and respect that they might not learn in schools.

“This is where they really learn, and we shape their lives,” Skinner said. “This is a win–win for everybody.”

Skinner also used the ribbon-cutting to announce that real estate developer the Walton Group is donating $15,000 to FASA to help it build a concession stand and pavilion.

Mindy and Kyle Hibbs’ three children have played with FASA, and two are still playing with the club’s teams.

They talked about tournaments in which they had to juggle three kids playing on three teams at different fields because there weren’t enough fields at any one site for the whole tournament.

The new complex will help ease such organizational difficulties, Kyle Hibbs said, and make the club look more professional.

Their daughter Kiera, 12, just likes that the new fields are smooth and easy to play on.

“It’s not as bumpy as all the other fields,” said Kiera, a goalie with the FASA Premiere Impact team.



Soccer association

A grassroots soccer player from Karia in Kirinyaga Central, has not only earned himself stripes as a ruthlessly efficient defender in the area, but is also a celebrity of sorts due to his unique approach to the much loved game.

Locals have branded him names for his peculiar soccer tactics, but the most common one which locals have nicknamed him is Maguru (legs). Maguru, who has played for Karia FC for more than a decade, is termed by many local soccer fans as not only one of the most consistent players, but also the defender to watch in local tournaments.

Stable

However, as this writer established, the most mysterious thing about Maguru is that in all his years on the pitch is that he has never played in boots. And even in situations where league sponsors provide such gear, Maguru insists on playing barefoot.

Titus Kariuki, who claims to be a football tactician from the area, recalls one incident when Maguru missed the ball only to leave an opponent hobbling on crutches! “The guy’s foot is like an iron-steel alloy. I remember once when he missed the ball and slashed a striker’s ankle. The victim spent months in hospital before he could walk again,” recounted Kariuki.

Maguru is also alleged to be very stable on the pitch, in any weather as his feet are alleged to be very adaptive even to the most slippery football pitch. An ardent local soccer fan, who requested to remain anonymous claiming to be Maguru’s buddy, said that this is the secret that enables Maguru to tactfully dodge the ball, even as his opponents armed in soccer boots slide and fall on slippery pitches.

Muratina

“With a heel as rough as Maguru’s, you do not need any boots to defend a goal even against Lionel Messi, on a slippery football pitch,” he said.

Others also credit Maguru for being one of the most disciplined defenders, although he is rumoured to always guzzle a few litres of an illegal substance before he gets on the pitch. It is alleged that to aid his prowess on the pitch, Maguru ideally gobbles down not less than five litres of Makabo or Muratina and interesting, he never disappoints.

“Maguru is really mysterious. He can swallow a whole jerry can of the alcohol, but neither his speed nor his stability will be compromised on the pitch. I understand that the more the substance shakes in his stomach, the more stable he becomes,” commented another soccer fan.

Apparently, even referees know that Maguru drinks before getting on the pitch, but they have no qualms since he is known to be very peaceful. He has never unnecessarily run riot or disrespected the match officials, even in as much as some of his mates and fans clobber referees once in a while for real or imagined inconsistent or poor officiating. In fact, it is rumoured that Cobra FC — their arch rival club within their locality — are scheming to poach the boy.



Standard Digital News - SDE - Entertainment - Pulse - Crazy World - The Barefoot Soccer Celebrity With Toes of Steel

The Scottish Football Association is accusing one of its players of gambling on matches he personally played in.

Ian Black, a 28-year-old midfielder for the Glasgow Rangers, is said to have wagered against his own team on occasions over the past seven years, according to Scottish sports TV station STV.

On top of those three games, Black supposedly bet in favour of his team 10 different times. The SFA is also accusing him of putting money down on 147 other games, all of which he was not directly involved with.

In the matches Black competed in, the SFA believes he did not influence the proceedings of the game for his own benefit.

The betting came to the SFA’s attention when Black’s online betting account was discovered.

If found guilty, Black could face a fine a massive $1.3 million fine. There's a possibility the punishment could include a ban from playing soccer in the country.

The alleged bets took place from March 4, 2006 to late last month.

Black played for two other teams in the Scottish League One –- Inverness CT and Hearts -– during the time period in question.

A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 12.



www-torontosun-com/2013/08/19/professional-soccer-player-accused-of-gambling-against-own-team

“Did you play for a specific team?”

A group of about thirty boys and girls from Chelsea Piers Elite Soccer were gathered in the middle of one of the turf fields at the Field House, just off the Hudson River. On the plexiglass door hung the day’s schedule; listed in between “11:30 SNACK” and “1 P.M. LUNCH” was “12-1 Soccer clinic with Mia Hamm and others.” The others were Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy, Hamm’s teammates on the U.S. women’s national squad that won the World Cup in 1999.

For someone who, as a fourth grader, wrote and rewrote her fan letter to Mia Hamm until it was absolutely perfect, it was like watching Michael Jordan field a question about what position he played. Together, the trio that stood in front of the campers have played in over seven hundred games for the U.S. women’s soccer team, earning two gold medals, five CONCACAF Gold Cups, and one World Cup in the process; until earlier this summer, Hamm had scored more international goals than any other player, male or female.

But given that women’s soccer has seen two of its attempts at developing professional leagues collapse in his lifetime, Archie, age ten, could be forgiven for wondering whether Hamm, Chastain, and Foudy ever played for anyone other than the U.S.A. Like most of his fellow campers, who ranged in age from nine to fourteen, Archie wasn’t even alive during the hot summer weeks of 1999 that marked a breakthrough for the three women, their team, and women’s soccer, as Americans went to stadiums across the country and turned on their TVs in record numbers to watch the U.S. women win the World Cup in unforgettable fashion.

That performance is the subject of “The ’99ers,” a new documentary film premièring tonight as part of ESPN’s Nine for IX series, a collection of nine features focussing on women’s athletic achievement to mark the fortieth anniversary of Title IX. Although the story of the U.S. women’s national team has been told before, most notably in the 2005 HBO documentary “Dare to Dream,” the series slate—which includes films about Venus Williams, Katarina Witt, and Pat Summitt—needed soccer to feel complete. After all, the 1999 World Cup final is a seminal moment in women’s sports; played in front of a sold-out crowd of over ninety thousand people at the Rose Bowl, and forty million more watching the live broadcast on ABC, it remains the most watched women’s sporting event in history. Foudy, one of the documentary’s producers, happened to be in New York at the same time as the director Erin Leyden this past winter, and they sat down to talk about the possibilities for a new movie.

“We felt like the ’99 story had been told,” Foudy said. “And then it hit me, like thirty minutes into the conversation—Oh, my God, I had a camera, I have all this footage that I had kind of forgotten about, that nobody had ever seen.”

Foudy’s video from 1999 is an unvarnished look at the locker room and team bus, with spontaneous dance moves, post-game pep talks punctuated by profanity, and uncomfortable grimaces caught on camera. The film that emerges is more of a fifty-minute travelogue than a polished documentary—albeit one punctuated by penalty kicks that can still put you on the edge of your seat more than a decade later.

Recent performances on the international stage have made U.S. players like Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan household names. But for all of the star power on the national roster, there’s still an awful lot of handwringing about the state of the sport in the U.S. The United States Soccer Federation has launched three professional leagues for women. The first two failed after three seasons each; the third, the N.W.S.L., is heading into its inaugural postseason this weekend. While the national team has turned in three straight gold-medal performances at the Olympics, 1999 remains the last year that the U.S. won the World Cup, despite a brilliant run to a final with Japan in 2011.

Still, the three seem confident of their place in history, not just as a notable performance but also as a seminal moment for women’s sports. “Our biggest fear looking back is that this would be a one-off,” said Hamm. “We wanted this to be the legacy, the new standard of how it should be … You want to leave the game in a better place, you want it to continue to grow.”

“Over all, more teams are more athletic, faster, stronger,” said Chastain, who worked as a studio commenter for ESPN during the 2011 tournament. “To see a team like Japan—a team that was always really technically good, but now they can play over the whole field—that’s been great, and good for our team because it shows that a team that can play over distance and space can also play small, too. So I think there’s a lot that the teams are learning from one another.”

“Our success spurred a lot of countries to start to focus on their programs,” said Hamm. “We had so many players who came and played in the first league saying, my federation saw ‘99, and all of a sudden they were saying why don’t we have women’s programs, why aren’t we funding them—the Englands, the Frances—”

“And to those who didn’t, it was almost embarrassing!” Chastain interjected.

“And now some of those countries are passing us by,” mused Hamm.



The Summer That Changed Women's Soccer : The New Yorker

A sniper team peered down from one corner of the bleachers, another perched atop the roof of the VIP area, trucks with machineguns were parked at the stadium gates and hundreds of shield-toting riot police stood between the stands and the field.

Even the blimp floating nearby was NATO’s, not Goodyear’s, its job to warn of incoming missiles and mortar shells rather than to sell tires.

The trappings for Afghanistan’s first home match against its arch-frenemy Pakistan in more than 35 years were what you would expect for a high-profile soccer game in a city that is a frequent target for terrorists.

Adding to the game’s baggage were the facts that Afghans believe Pakistan controls those terrorists, Pakistanis blame Afghanistan for violence in their nation, and the two countries only months ago were shooting at each other in the latest of years of border skirmishes.

In the end, though, it was a just a game, a faint whiff of normalcy in a city where not so long ago the Taliban used another soccer field for public executions.

For many in the sellout crowd of 6,000 wildly enthusiastic soccer fans, it was a particularly special break from the stress of living in such a place. And a chance to savor a dominating 3-0 victory over a longstanding rival, and to mark Kabul’s return to hosting international soccer matches for the first time in a decade.

Other than national pride, little was at stake in the match, which was the kind known in the soccer world as a friendly. The organizers played on that, dubbing it the “Friendship Match” and promoting the game as soccer diplomacy.

Many in the stands said that made sense, especially now that diplomatic tensions between the two countries seem to be easing a bit in the wake of the recent election of a new prime minister in Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced recently that he planned an official visit to Pakistan late this month. The agenda is expected to include discussions about how the two countries can work together to fight terrorism in the region and to get the insurgents to the peace table.

“Look, the squabbling is just a blame game between the two countries,” said Muhamed Tamim, a 20-year-old university student from Logar province who follows the famed Spanish professional team Real Madrid. “We blame them, they blame us, but I really think this game can help improve the relations, and I hope that it will. And it’s just great to be able to come and see a game like this again."

Even the losing coach said he admired the enthusiasm of the crowd, and how smoothly the match went, at least off the field.

“I am really satisfied that I was part of this lovely event and part of this lovely crowd and Afghanistan people,” said Zavisa Milosavljeviae after the game.

There was an edge to the crowd’s enthusiasm, though, that went beyond a love for soccer. At halftime, a section of the bleachers began chanting “Long live Afghanistan! Death to the enemies of Afghanistan! Long live the Afghan National Army!”

One in the group carried a sign that said: “Pakistan should not taste the flavor of victory in Afghanistan.”

The game they saw was not exactly a clash between soccer titans. Afghanistan entered the match ranked 139th in the world, Pakistan 167th.

Both teams were sloppy in the early minutes, and Afghanistan was conservative, passing the ball around among its defensive players to an unusual degree.

But the home team found its offense and energy late in the first half, and after it scored its first goal it was able to control the rest of the game. Pakistan could muster almost nothing that resembled offense.

The quality of play wasn’t stellar, but there were few intentional fouls and there seemed to be no animosity between players, even after a couple of minor injuries.

And the level of play was just fine for the mass of spectators, with non-stop cheering from fans in a city that hadn’t been able to host an international match in more than 10 years.

They were nearly delirious when the Afghan team sealed its victory with a third goal, a rocketing shot off a rebound. The crowd roared so hard that fear showed on the faces of some of the riot police guarding the field, and a few tentatively lifted their shields.

But it wasn’t that kind of day in Kabul. The celebration was long and loud.

And peaceful.

Read more here: A peaceful soccer match ends with an Afghan win over Pakistan | McClatchy

Just another high school soccer practice in New York state in August — except for when the president dropped in.

President Obama and his bus, en route to a town hall at Binghamton University on Friday, stopped to chat with soccer players at Tully Junior-Senior High School in Tully, N.Y.

"I was driving by and I thought, you know, I need to kick around a ball a little bit," said Obama, who proceeded to do just that for a few minutes.

Three teams of Black Knights spoke with the president: girls junior varsity soccer, girls varsity soccer and boys varsity soccer.

"How's it going everybody?" Obama asked. "How long ago did practice start?" (8 a.m.)

"How are you guys feeling?" he said. "Did you practice during the summer? ... What grade are most of you in?"

Obama, who will spend Friday wrapping up a two-day bus tour of New York and Pennsylvania, cited the reason for the trip: promoting his latest education plan.

"I'm traveling around the area talking about college, making sure that young people can pay for it," he said. "I'm assuming everybody here's gonna want to go to college? So part of what we want to do is make sure that whatever school you decide to go to that you can afford to do it, get grants, loans and don't end up having too much debt."

At the prodding of a coach, one girl told Obama that meeting the president had been on her "bucket list."

When Obama asked the girl how old she is, she said 9.

Obama said, "Here's the general rule: When you're 9, you don't need a bucket list. When you get to be 52, then you might start wanting to draw one up. But you've got a lotta stuff going on ahead of you."

Obama asked the girls' teams, "Can you beat the boys?"

Yes, came the reply.

"If I go over there and tell them you said that, would that be OK?" Obama asked.

One of the girls replied, "Bring it!"

While visiting the boys' team, Obama said, "Can I just say though, I hate to stir up trouble, but the girls said they could beat you. ... I'm just saying. That's what they said."

The boys disputed that assessment.

When Obama repeated the comment about "bring it," one of the coaches said, "That was probably my daughter."

On his way back to the bus, Obama greeted some school administrators and parents, one of whom asked about his soccer skills.

"They were trying to recruit me!" Obama said. "I told them I was too old."

He added, however, "I've got some game."



Obama drops in on soccer practice

When it comes to gambling it is the norm to have rules that players in the bet upon games must adhere too. Usually it is absolutely no betting by players and staff related to the players coaches or any one connected with the games.
A recent report from Scotland indicates there may very well be an issue there regarding wagering on sports. Midfielder of the Rangers, Ian Black was recently accused by the Scottish Football Association of gambling on football games.

Ally McCoist the team manager told the S F A, that wagering a few on Scottish Football is the norm and not a random event. McCoist revealed he had a list of over 100 players and officials involved with the organization who he claims gamble on football matches.
This is seen as a threatening situation for the Scottish Football Association is the Ranger manger makes the list public.
The disclosure of the names on the list of alleged gamblers is not to happen says McCoist. He was adamant that there should be measures taken to ensure the guidelines are adhered to by all the participants in the games.
McCoist commented, “What I’m asking for is for everybody to get around a table, whether it’s the SFA, the players’ union, bookmakers, whoever,” McCoist continued, “Let’s all sit around a table and find out what’s allowed, what’s not allowed and then we can start again.”

There is already a zero tolerance policy is in place in Scotland, restricting players from staking money on any football matches anywhere in the world.
McCoist was also making noise about how Black was the only player to incur the association’s investigations. “If you’re asking me why the account was opened in 2006 and it’s taken until 2013, I don’t know the answer to that, if that’s the question you are asking me,” the Rangers manger said, “It’s a valid question but I don’t know the answer to it.”


Online Gambling on Scottish Football Rampant

Although South Florida still awaits a Major League Soccer team, it continues to grow as a major soccer market and destination for soccer-related events.

The newest one is the upcoming Florida Soccer Expo, a two-day event at Sun Life Stadium that is aimed at coaches, fans, referees, vendors, youth clubs and anyone else with an interest in the Beautiful Game and the soccer industry. The Expo is Sept. 14 and 15, and will include a trade show, seminars, coaching clinics, an indoor 3-on-3 tournament, and interactive games.

Organizers are expecting more than 8,000 people to attend over the two days. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Miami Dolphins, Florida Youth Soccer Association, Florida State Soccer Association and the sports commissions of Miami and Broward are partnering with event director Fernando Descatelli for what they hope will become a growing annual event.

Among the exhibitors are ESPN Sports, Telemundo, Diloa Sports, Admiral and Soccer Locker.

Three new soccer hybrid sports also will be presented: Futtoc, a cross between soccer and table tennis, Footgolf and Futwall, a new game in which you play soccer to music. Sun Life Stadium will offer event-goers behind-the-scenes tours of the stadium and locker rooms. The 3-on-3 tournament will be played on six indoor fields set up on the 200-level concourse.

Descatelli, who has been involved in youth soccer for a long time, said he is patterning the event after SoccerEx, a global soccer convention that is taking place in Rio de Janeiro in late November. That event is held every three years and draws thousands of soccer leaders for five days of networking and business.

“I don’t think there’s a soccer expo anywhere in the United States, and Miami seems like the perfect place,” Descatelli said. “Of course, people in this area go to Sun Life to see the big teams like Real Madrid and Chelsea, but there is a huge soccer industry underneath that level. There are 300 soccer clubs in Florida alone and each of those has between 200 and 4,000 kids. We have parents and coaches who are from Latin America, Europe and the United States. This Expo is a chance for all those people to come together.”

He hopes to eventually make it more of an international convention. This year he has attendees signed up from Italy, Mexico and Ukraine.

The Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds of food and beverage sales will go toward helping Fugees Family, a nonprofit organization that helps child survivors in war-torn areas rebuild their lives through soccer.

Tickets are $17 per day for adults, $9 for kids under 18 and $12 for seniors 65 and older. Family four-packs are available for $36. To purchase tickets, visit FloridaSoccerExpo-com, Ticketmaster or Sun Life Stadium’s box office. Exhibitor space is still available. Contact [email]exhibitors@floridasoccerexpo-com[/email].

• Dempsey is a draw: A crowd of more than 67,000 is expected at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday for Clint Dempsey’s home debut for the Sounders. His arrival, coupled with the fact that the game is against archrival Portland, makes it a must-see for fans in the Northwest. It could wind up being the second-largest regular-season crowd in MLS history.

A few weeks ago, Dempsey, the U.S. national team forward, got a huge ovation at the stadium when he was introduced after his transfer from Tottenham. But he didn’t play in that game against FC Dallas.

“The game versus Dallas where the presentation was, that was incredible. That was like a movie,” Dempsey said. “So I can’t even imagine when the whole stadium is completely packed and they are behind us. We’ll feed off that energy and do everything we can to make sure they go home happy.”

Dempsey has played two matches so far, a win at Toronto and a loss at Houston. He hasn’t scored yet, but has had chances. If he scores Sunday, the roar might be heard all the way in Miami.

Read more here: Michelle Kaufman: Two-day Expo set to turn Miami into soccer central - Michelle Kaufman - MiamiHerald-com

Thunderdome was quiet now. It was half an hour after the final whistle when Seattle Sounders majority owner Joe Roth sauntered onto the playing surface at CenturyLink Field and approached the gladiator his club is paying $24 million over the next three and a half seasons.

Clint Dempsey was wearing a giant ice pack on one leg and a smile after the Sounders' 1-0 victory over the archrival Portland Timbers. It had been a brutal game at times -- "a man's game," as Dempsey put it -- but in the end, in a match Seattle was under heavy pressure to win, the Sounders found a goal through a second-half Eddie Johnson header to delight the crowd of 67,385, the second-largest standalone attendance in MLS history.

After giving Dempsey a bro-hug, Roth pulled out an artifact from Dempsey's home debut and showed it to his star: A two-dollar bill bearing (on the front) the printed hashtag #DEUCEDOLLARS and the outline of a soccer field, and (on the back) the printed face of Dempsey (above "In God We Trust") and NOW HERE. A Sounders fan had been handing the bills out in envelopes before the game outside the stadium.

Dempsey took a closer look. "Is that a real two-dollar bill?" he asked.

It sure looked like it. "Maybe you can pay me in these," Dempsey joked to Roth, and everyone laughed. That would be a tall stack of #DEUCEDOLLARS.

Dempsey Mania has taken over Seattle, and yet the vibe is hardly just about the U.S. national team captain who signed here earlier this month. This city is in love with the Sounders as a team -- the giant pregame fan tifo included four players not named Dempsey -- and attending a rivalry game here doesn't just feel major league for the United States; it feels major league for any soccer game in any country in the world.

"It's awesome to play here in front of 67,000," Dempsey said afterward. "It's what you dream about as a kid. Having their support helps you. They're the 12th man. They help us keep going and stay confident and keep pushing. I think that's what helped us get the goal."

Or, as Seattle coach Sigi Schmid put it, "Phenomenal. It was fantastic when you walked out there as the teams marched out for the national anthem. You saw everything full. I still pinch myself every time I see that. It's unbelievable."

The match itself wasn't exactly a work of art. Rivalry games rarely are. Portland was slightly better in a scoreless first half, and its own designated player signing, the Argentine Diego Valeri, was the best player on the field. Valeri hit the post once, and he had four remarkable passes that could have resulted in goals. (On one, Ryan Johnson got stoned on a breakaway by Michael Gspurning.)

But in the second half Seattle had the advantage as the game started to get more physical. The big moment came just 10 minutes after the break, when Schmid substituted Mauro Rosales for Shalrie Joseph, who'd been hobbled and ineffective. Rosales had a near-instant impact, firing the through-ball that Johnson ran onto for the free kick that led to his goal.

Moments of the second half got ugly. Portland defender Pa-Modou Kah should have seen a straight red card on two separate occasions: once when he took out Johnson from behind, and once when he kneed a prone Johnson in the head. (The MLS Disciplinary Committee will no doubt be handing Kah a suspension this week.)

As for Dempsey, he had his moments, showing enough pieces of flair to make an Office Space restaurant manager happy: flicks, scissor-kick attempts, no-look passes, even "a little ninja kick" in front of the goal, as he put it later. Yes, Dempsey is still looking for his first goal after three games in a Seattle uniform, but he also has two wins in those three games, which is something in itself.

"All in all, I'm getting good looks, putting people through," he said. "It's just a matter of time before the goals and assists start coming, but I'm very happy with the touches I was getting. But more importantly, I'm happy with the way the team played and getting three points. I don't care if I score at all as long as we keep winning."

Said Schmid about his star, "He's still a little bit in preseason. I thought his energy was good until about maybe with 10 to 12 minutes to go in the game. At that point he was pretty tired ... He's still gaining his sharpness, still gaining his fitness, but it's definitely coming along. It was a hard game for him today. The stats say he got fouled four times, but I thought he got fouled more often."

The race in MLS's Western Conference is wide open, but no team has a higher upside than Seattle, especially if the Sounders can get all their top players on the field at the same time. (Obafemi Martins missed Sunday's game with an ankle knock.) Due to quirky scheduling, Seattle has played just 23 league games, fewer than any other MLS team, and if it can make the most of its games in hand the standings logjam might not be one much longer. Consider: Seattle has the ninth-most points in the league but the third-highest points per game.

With the big-money signings of Dempsey and Martins, there's also more pressure than ever on Seattle to win its first MLS Cup title. But if that can happen, Dempsey will be earning every bit of his many #DEUCEDOLLARS.

Read More: Dempsey Mania the newest craze in soccer-mad Seattle - Soccer - Grant Wahl - SI-com

Fresno City College opened its women's soccer season Tuesday with a 2-0 nonconference win at Sierra — ranked No. 4 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America — in Rocklin.

"We were anxious to get started and see where we were as a team," Rams coach Oliver Germond said. "It's nice to be successful, especially when you're on the road."

Skyler Cissel scored in the 27th minute and Jenna Thomason in the 89th.

The eighth-ranked Rams face Miramar on Friday at the Ventura tournament.

Read more here: Fresno City opens with soccer win | Sports | FresnoBee-com

Today’s Big Winner: Fans of boring soccer games.

Yesterday, Chelsea and Manchester United played in one of the most publicized games of the early Barclay’s Premier League season. This was a huge match for NBC Sports, as the network was broadcasting the two teams that most pundits believe will challenge for the league title. It was two of the biggest teams in the world facing off on England’s equivalent of Monday Night Football. The stage was set.

And the two teams delivered a boring, completely forgettable 0-0 tie.

American Twitter laughed. Heck, world Twitter laughed. They compared the game to the famous Simpsons soccer scene. Here was another big chance for soccer to make a mark on the American consciousness, and the teams delivered a boring, goalless game. I’m tired, as an American soccer fan. Tired of trying to explain to friends how gorgeously compact and steadfast Chelsea’s defense was. How meaningful it was for returning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to go into Manchester United’s Old Trafford and get a result. How organized the Manchester United’s 11 players remained through the match.

The game was boring. It was. I’m tired of trying to argue otherwise.

There’s an idea floating around that maybe will make this all better, though. An idea so simple and gorgeous that it could change it all. And if the EPL (or BPL as they’re asking to be called) is really serious about growing this sport in America, it is an idea they would be wise to implement.

Punish both teams for a 0-0 tie.

Currently in the Premier League, and just about every other league in the world, a win is worth three points in the standings and a tie is worth one point for both teams. Here’s the idea: In a 0-0 tie, both teams get zero points.

No points for anyone in the standings. It’s as if both teams lost the game.

The last ten minutes — man, the last 30 minutes — of any scoreless game would instantly be changed. No more hanging back and settling for a point. No more cautious play, waiting for the final whistle. A 0-0 tie would be the same as a loss, so there would be a strong impetus to go out and get a goal.

Is the idea radical? A little crazy? Maybe. But it would make the game more exciting, encourage teams to attack at the end of games, and (hopefully) destroy those awful final ten minutes where both teams simply accept their fate, too afraid to do anything and lose the game. Guess what? With a 0-0 tie, it’s the same as a loss.

(I also wish I could claim the idea as my own. It’s been kicking around, no pun intended, for a while. I wish I could find the source, but I have been unable to locate it.)

Let’s try it out, EPL. Or at least you try it, MLS. Let’s make the end of games more fun, and let’s kill off the dreaded 0-0 tie.


Soccer should punish teams for scoreless ties | For The Win

After reaching the semifinals five times in eight years, the Concord High boys’ soccer team took a step back last season. Actually, the Crimson Tide took a leap back, and a big leap at that, finishing 2-13-1 and out of the Division I playoffs altogether.

“We’ve talked about (last season) once in a while, and the players bring it up themselves, but we’re really focused on going forward and what we can be,” Concord Coach Scott Dunlop said.

With three top players returning from Seacoast United, a couple of talented freshman, and last year’s experience serving as a growth opportunity for the rest of the team, what the Crimson Tide can be, once again, is a contender.

“The expectations are pretty high,” Dunlop said. “I think we can be a tough team day in and day out. We can play with high pressure, show some skill and talent, and pressure other teams to play their best against us.”

Last fall, when U.S. Soccer required players to choose between playing for their high school or its Development Academy programs (like Seacoast United), it affected many teams in New Hampshire, but maybe none more than Concord, which lost four players to the new rule – Kyler Thayer, Jordan Misiri, Dan Vignati and Augustine Fornor. The rule is still in place, but Vignati, Thayer and Fornor, all seniors, decided to come back to the Crimson Tide for one more season.

“I liked playing for Seacoast, but I chose to come back to Concord because I think we have the potential to be really good this year, and I definitely wanted to be a part of that,” Vignati said.

Vignati added that he did miss playing with his schoolmates last season, and while he and the other Concord-based Seacoast players talked about returning to the Crimson Tide this year, “we all made our own decision as far as that goes, but we all definitely saw the potential with this team.”

Fornor and Vignati will be part of a completely revamped back line, along with junior Gaston Arocena and freshman Emmanuel Smith, who Dunlop described as “a very skillful, very talented player.”

“The back line has size, technique and a ball-winning mentality,” Dunlop said.

They’ll be playing in front of junior keeper Andrew Grondin, who took over as the starting goalie at the end of last season and benefited from that experience. He’s shown marked improvement during the preseason and has taken confident control of the back line.

Thayer started at right back for Concord as a sophomore, but he’ll be playing in the central midfield this year next to junior Matt Chartier. Those two are the team captains, so they’ll be in the middle of things both off and on the field.

“We’re going to have those two play together and be our schemers, our playmakers,” Dunlop said. “Those are the guys we’re going to run things through.”

And no matter what the Tide is trying to run, it will try to do it fast.

“We’ve been working on playing quick, and I think that will be our strength,” Chartier said.

Senior Isaac Dugas, junior Danny Nkhalamba and sophomore Trevor Devanny are all vying for the two outside midfield starting spots. All three will see plenty of time there, with senior Ben Picard and junior Nick Dupree playing prominent backup roles.

Junior Dominique Girard, who played defense last year due to injuries and inexperience, has moved up top to forward, a more natural position for him. He’ll be joined there by freshman Chris Pinkham, the grandson of George Pinkham, the former Concord High soccer coach who has been leading the Bow boys’ soccer team since 1997.

“Both (Girard and Pinkham) are very creative and hardworking forwards,” Dunlop said. “We want them to play that high-pressure style and be relentless on the backs.”

The Tide’s senior class gives Concord mature depth all over the field. Liam Richards is the backup goalie, Matt Bodwell and Alex Judge will fill in on defense, Josh Owen will play a backup role in the midfield, and Mohamed Mohamed and Brad Wheeler can come off the bench to spell the forwards.

Concord’s revamped team will open its season today at Spaulding and get its first big test on Tuesday when Exeter, a perennially strong program, visits Memorial Field.

“Most games will be challenging,” Dunlop said, “but we’re definitely a different side from last year.”



Concord boys

With Landon Donovan back in the fold, the U.S. resumes World Cup qualifying next week with its deepest team yet.

Donovan was among 23 players selected Thursday by coach Jurgen Klinsmann for upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico. Klinsmann snubbed the Americans' career scoring leader for the last round of qualifiers, saying Donovan needed to work his way back onto the team following his offseason sabbatical.

But Donovan redeemed himself — and then some — with his play in last month's Gold Cup, scoring five goals as the Americans won the title. He has continued his dazzling play with four goals in three games for the Los Angeles Galaxy, which on Wednesday rewarded him with a new, long-term contract.

"He got himself back into the team during the Gold Cup," Klinsmann said. "He did a wonderful job there."

While it's hard to imagine a starting lineup without Donovan when the Americans resume qualifying at Costa Rica on Sept. 6, Klinsmann now has multiple options at almost every position. He used two almost completely different rosters for the last round of qualifiers and the Gold Cup, and the Americans responded with a record 12 straight wins.

It is the longest streak in the world currently, and three shy of the record set by Spain in 2009.

The winning streak, and the depth behind it, has given the Americans a swagger normally reserved for European and South American teams.

"We have a lot of respect for Costa Rica. (We) can expect a really very, very intense game, high-energy game," Klinsmann said. "But I think we have the quality and the mindset to be confident enough to say, 'We're going to go there for three points.'

"This is what we're trying to build," Klinsmann added. "More and more, this belief is getting bigger. It's growing throughout the entire group. We've got a deeper roster now than ever before. Hopefully, we can take that mindset down to San Jose and win there for first time ever in World Cup qualifying."

After playing at Costa Rica, the Americans return home to face archrival Mexico on Sept. 10 in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. is atop the qualifying group from North and Central America and the Caribbean region, leading Costa Rica by two points with Mexico five points back.

The top three teams advance to next year's World Cup in Brazil, with the fourth-place team going to a playoff with the Oceania winner.

"If we're able to get three points in San Jose next Friday, we're almost there. We're almost in Brazil," Klinsmann said. "I don't want players to think, even for one second, about Mexico in Columbus. I want them to tune in to Costa Rica and give everything they have."

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake);

Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Michael Orozco (Puebla);

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Roma), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City);

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC).



Landon Donovan highlights US soccer's World Cup qualifying roster

Egypt’s national soccer team often plays to empty stadiums these days, under orders from security forces. Some of the players don’t get paid. And recently, many team members got stranded at Cairo’s airport by the 7 p.m. curfew.

In a time of revolution, even Egypt’s beloved soccer stars have suffered from violence and economic crisis. Now, an unusual figure — an American — is trying to hold the team together in its improbable quest to qualify for the World Cup despite a military crackdown that has divided the country.

“Inside our team, clearly not everyone sees things the same way,” said Bob Bradley, who became Egypt’s coach two years ago after managing the U.S. men’s national soccer team. “Like everywhere in Egypt, that means there are discussions and disagreements. But inside the team, there’s still a strong bond.”

The stakes for the Pharoahs, as the team is known, go well beyond a few soccer games. The squad has vaulted into the final stage of qualifying for the World Cup, a tournament that Egypt hasn’t reached for nearly a quarter-century. Winning one of the 32 berths in the 2014 tournament could rally a nation rent by politics and religion, where more than 1,000 people have been killed since the military deposed an unpopular elected government on July 3.

“The national team is the only thing that unites all Egyptians,” said a fan, pharmacologist Marwan Mohammad, 28, who was attending a packed “friendly” match Sunday between two domestic teams, Al Ahly and Shibin.

In this soccer-mad nation, the national pastime has long been more than just a sport. Toward the end of President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year reign, hard-core soccer fans known as “ultras” often skirmished with police, a sign of how Egyptians were chafing under authoritarian rule. The ultras of Al Ahly turned into the toughest defenders of Tahrir Square during the 2011 uprising that toppled Mubarak, and soccer die-hards have played a role in demonstrations since then.

Bradley, a bald New Jersey native with a no-nonsense manner, is well aware of how politics has been entwined with soccer in Egypt. He has been trying to keep the national team from getting sucked into the fray.

“This is a difficult period, a tough time in the country,” said Bradley, muscular and fit at 55, in a blue Nike T-shirt, shorts and sneakers, as he sat in a cafe overlooking the Nile one recent afternoon. “Throughout all of that, we always tried to talk [with players] about the fact that during this period, we had a chance to do something special, something that was important to everyone in Egypt, and that we had a big responsibility.”

Just months after Bradley started his job, he got a taste of how political tensions could flare in Egyptian soccer. In February 2012, Al Ahly fans were attacked by ultras of their rival, Al-Masry, in the Suez Canal city of Port Said. Police looked on impassively as at least 74 people were killed with knives and clubs. Al Ahly fans claimed that police allowed the bloodbath in revenge for the ultras’ role in bringing down Mubarak, a charge denied by the government.


Amid strife, Bob Bradley tries to get Egypt’s soccer team to World Cup - The Washington Post

DURHAM, N.C. (August 30, 2013) – The Rutgers men’s soccer team opened the 2013 season on Friday night in a 1-1 tie with Duke at Koskinen Stadium, site of the Duke Soccer Classic.

Senior forward Kene Eze (Sayreville, N.J.), last season’s leading scorer for the Scarlet Knights, opened the 2013 season right where he left off in 2012. Closing last season with a golden goal in the season finale with Villanova, Eze scored RU’s first tally of the year. Eze managed to slip past Blue Devil goalie Alex Long for an open net goal in the game’s 21st minute.

RU held on to a 1-0 lead until the final minute of regulation. The Scarlet Knights, who held an 8-6 advantage in shots in the first half, were outshot, 17-3, in the second half. Duke’s Brody Huitema collected a rebound off his own blocked shot, setting up Zach Mathers to find the back of the Scarlet Knight net with only 13 seconds left in second half play to force overtime.

While Duke totaled four attempts at the RU net, the Scarlet Knights had a pair of corners to try and break the stalemate in overtime. However, after two 10 minute extra sessions, the contest ended in a draw.

David Greczek (Fairfield, N.J.) made his Rutgers debut in goal recording six saves during the 110 minutes of play. Long finished the night with five stops in goal for the Blue Devils.

“We came out in the first half and played really well,” said head coach Dan Donigan. “The ball got through on a deflected shot off one of their forwards. Obviously we are disappointed, but we still had the resiliency to not get down once Duke scored.”

“Some teams may squander that type of opportunity during overtime and come away with a loss, but we at least managed to walk away with the tie,” added Donigan. “We didn’t get the win, but it’s still a decent showing by our young team against a very talented Duke team that’s going to win a number of games. Our guys can certainly build upon this game and it will help propel us into Sunday’s match against a very good Elon team.”

The Rutgers men’s soccer team closes out action at the Duke Soccer Classic on Sunday at noon in a match-up with two-time SoCon champions, Elon. Elon tied Northeastern, 1-1, in the first game of the Duke Soccer Classic. Live stats will be available at GoDuke-com.



Rutgers Men?s Soccer Ties Duke 1-1 in Season Opener

The haggling is done. The deal is complete. Now the question: is he really worth it?

Gareth Bale is finally the property of Real Madrid. The blockbuster transfer of 2013 makes him the costliest player in soccer history. The Spanish giants were determined to get their man Sunday but even by their exorbitant standards the young Welshman has cost an arm and a leg.

Clichéd though it sounds, it is nonetheless true: every player has his price. The valuation, in Bale's case reported to be 100 million euros ($132 million US), is the result of one reluctant vendor and one zealous purchaser settling on an acceptable number. Both walks away from the bargaining table believing he has the better part of the transaction.

Whether you and I think this new world record transfer fee is insane is irrelevant. Madrid could have spent the cash paying off the national debt of a small third world country but this is the entertainment industry where box office is king.

Brazilian starlet Neymar is now wearing a Barcelona jersey. Madrid was forced to respond with a big money signing of its own. For Madrid, being the second best team in Spain is simply not an option. The ongoing game of One-upmanship between Spain's twin juggernauts will continue until Hell freezes over.

Bale a 'masterpiece'

Bale's value lies in his rarity. Like a masterpiece at auction there is only one original and a whole pile of dubious quality fakes. To own it reinforces ones reputation and makes a powerful statement rivals are unable to ignore. Adding Bale to its collection simply enhances Madrid's status.

It will also shift truckloads of merchandise. Replica jerseys bearing Madrid's famous logo and Bale's number 11 will be disappearing faster than they can print them. In the reality of 21st century professional football, being a player of rare talent is only part of the equation. From a business perspective, marketability to the masses is a vital ingredient

Bale gets what he wants. Having recently turned 24 he has cashed in on a stellar season at Tottenham Hotspur, though his stock has been steadily rising for a number of years. Madrid's epic pursuit is not based on a single domestic campaign; they will have followed his development closely since that stunning Champions League hat trick at the San Siro three years ago.

It is also a win-win for Madrid's new manager. Carlo Ancelotti is not only getting the hottest soccer property in Europe, in Bale he is acquiring an ideal professional. Madrid will never lose Bale to a World Cup or a European Championship. Sadly, Wales will probably never qualify so Bale will come back fit and fresh for each preseason.

Mature enough?

The big question is not the transfer fee per say. Rather it is whether Bale, himself, is mature enough to embrace his new life and the expectation which comes as standard with a move of this magnitude. Bale, the man, will want to focus on his football but that will be easier said than done now he has been thrust into the middle of the goldfish bowl.

History is not on his side. Brits abroad generally don't work. Since time immemorial, British players have been lured by the glamour and frankly the weather to Europe's sunnier climes. The vast majority have been a bust and after a season or so in Italy or Spain have caught the next plane back to the UK.

Performing outside their comfort zone in countries where the English language, culture and a nice cup of tea are hard to find is more than most can handle.

Easy for us armchair critics to sit back and say they should be more professional. They have every luxury at their fingertips -- but money cannot buy contentment. Wives and girlfriends often find it hard to settle and when they're unhappy, the man of the house can find concentrating on the job at hand isn't as straightforward as it used to be.

A lot of it can be blamed on a lack of education. Most British footballers are talented athletes with their brains in their feet. Their chances of learning a new language or exploring a new culture are roughly equivalent to me being the next man on the moon.

It is what it is, but by and large it is not a recipe for success. There is no question Bale has the talent to succeed but coming to terms with being merely a squad player combined with domestic distractions will be the acid test.

Gareth Bale is now rich beyond his wildest imagination. He has his dream move. He will play for the one of the world's most prestigious clubs with some of the world's finest players.

He has proved he belongs in their company. Whether or not he stays among them and enhances his own career rather than Madrid's global image remains to be seen.



Boom or bust for Gareth Bale? | Soccer | CBC Sports

Buckingham Palace's back garden, best known for the queen's sprawling tea parties, will host its first-ever soccer match next month, thanks to "footy" fan Prince William.

British media today report that William, as president of the all-important Football Association, helped arrange for two of England's oldest amateur football clubs to play a match at the palace on Oct. 7 as part of the FA's 150th anniversary year.

The FA tweeted the news, adding that Will will host the event and distribute medals to honor 150 volunteers, part of the army of hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help run matches every year.

Football, or "footy," is king in the U.K., but maybe not so much at Buck House, where Queen Elizabeth II prefers the more elite sport of breeding and racing Thoroughbreds.

Instead, the 40-acre palace garden is the regular venue for multiple tea-and-cake garden parties hosted by the queen for thousands of people per party every summer. Now the royal gardeners will have to prepare the grounds for something entirely different — a "pitch," or soccer field.

The two teams to play are called Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC, and both are based in the west London neighborhood of Chiswick.



Prince William sets up soccer match at Buckingham Palace

DeMatha soccer coach Dafydd Evans broached a sensitive subject when he addressed his team prior to Tuesday’s season opener against Maret. He brought up last season’s loss in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference tournament championship game, when the Stags lost in penalty kicks to bitter rival Gonzaga. It was the team’s first loss in nearly three years, spanning 62 games. And it was a wound that was rarely reopened during the offseason.

“To be honest we haven’t talked about it too much. We talked about it a little bit before the game today, you know, we’ve had long, long streaks before,” Evans said. “We still think last year was a huge success. The pressure, we hadn’t lost in two years. It hurt that night [of the loss to Gonzaga], but overall the work was outstanding from the guys.” But Evans went to that place, in large part, to remind his team of expectations, real or not. And his players promptly took the field with their eye on a new streak. The Stags were dominant in a 3-0 win over the Frogs at Allen Pond Field in Bowie. DeMatha (1-0) rarely allowed Maret into its backfield, and displayed midseason form offensively, using two goals from Arion Sobers-Assue.

And after Sobers-Assue’s second goal, DeMatha continued to control the pace — so much so that Maret’s coaching staff were simply pleading with their players to focus on patience and discipline with the ball late in the second half.

Evans is tasked with replacing first team All-Mets in Chris Odoi-Atsem (Maryland) and Wes Suggs (Virginia), but he returns a talented cast of players that make the Stags both a heavyweight in the WCAC and in the nation.

The Stags return important senior leaders in midfielder Julian Dove and goalkeeper Mac Burke (a second-team All-Met last fall) and Sobers-Assue, who scored nine goals a year ago, is expected to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the area.

“There’s nothing like high school soccer. First game of the season, we’re just trying to get the team back together and get us on pace for the [WCAC] championship game,” Sobers-Assue said. “Last year was probably the worst feeling, which motivates us more this year. We disappointed ourselves because we knew we had the chance to win the championship, and we didn’t. So this year we want to get that back.

The WCAC will again test DeMatha. Defending champions Gonzaga has been hit hard by graduation, including All-Met Player of the Year Nicko Corriveau (Virginia) and former Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year Ian Harkes (Wake Forest). But Coach Scott Waller might have two of the better midfielders in the conference in Philip Littleton and Avery Beddard, as well as a dangerous forward to watch in Grant Johnson. Paul VI, Good Counsel and O’Connell are expected to contend, and St. Mary’s Ryken should be improved with first team all-league returners Colin Travis and Luke Blevins.

Among other privates, defending DCSAA state champs St. Albans, Landon, Sidwell Friends and St. Stephens/St. Agnes are all expected to contend in the Interstate Athletic Conference, while Potomac School is another private school team to watch. The Quakers upset Saint James Wednesday, 1-0.

DeMatha plays a difficult nonconference schedule the next few weeks, including games against Loyola Blakefield and Wootton, the defending 4A Maryland state champions who graduated first team All-Mets Matt Hoy and Sam Summerlin. The Patriots are expected to be a favorite in Montgomery County again this fall (among returners is Jared Nozick, who had nine goals and nine assists in 2012), Walter Johnson (has new coach in former Sherwood skipper Hector Morales) and Whitman, who returns the talented Vegas Kastberg to the team after the senior opted to play with the D.C. United academy last fall.

The Post Top 10

Gonzaga opened the year strong Tuesday, taking down Loyola Blakefield 4-2 in Baltimore behind goals from Philip Littleton, Ned Tracy and Devin Hannon. . . . Marriotts Ridge, which has won four consecutive Maryland 2A state titles, will open its season Saturday against Whitman. . . . St. Albans graduated talent from last year’s 18-win team, including goalkeeper Luke Duffy, but do return a core of seniors led by talented midfielder Nick Notaro. . . . Sidwell Friends opened its season with a thrilling 4-3 win over Wilson Tuesday. . . . St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes striker Graham Guidry, a second team All-Met selection a year ago, scored a goal to help the Saints salvage a 2-2 tie in its opener against St. Christopher last weekend.

1. DeMatha (16-1-1)

2. Gonzaga (18-1-1)

3. Marriotts Ridge (17-0)

4. Reservoir (13-6)

5. St. Albans (18-2-1)

6. Sidwell Friends (11-5-6)

7. Wootton (17-1-1)

8. Paul VI (12-6)

9. Severna Park (18-2)

10. St. Stephens/St. Agnes (16-5-1)

Bubble: Potomac School (5-11-2), Broadneck (6-7-2), Walter Johnson (14-2)

(Final records from 2012.)



DeMatha’s soccer team ready to start another winning streak - The Washington Post