The Springfield Soccer Club has initiated their Under 23 Men’s Program, which will open their season with a pair of games in St Louis this weekend and one in Bentonville on Sunday. For the 2008 season the team will play six away matches and three home matches at the Lake Country Soccer Complex.
The objective of the program is to provide a professional soccer environment for college age players. The program will offer many highlights for the college player; later start date so players can relax after the college spring semester is over, 6-8 matches so players have an appropriate level of training-match ratio. Additionally, players will participate in a 7 v 7 League which will allow for weekly opportunities to play during the summer.
“Having been a former coach in the PDL with the Chicago Fire Reserves (currently Chicago Fire Premier), I look forward to this program starting. We look forward to providing a professional environment, where college players can develop their game during the summer months. Players will also be taken care of like professionals, both when we travel and train.” said Jeremy Alumbaugh Director of Soccer Operations for Springfield Soccer Club.
Highlights of the match schedule will see the team traveling to Chicago for a weekend series of three games.
“After visiting with college coaches, many of them feel that too many of the current summer soccer programs place too much emphasis on games and not enough on training. We are going to try and provide a professional training environment with enough games to keep players sharp.” said Alumbaugh.
The team is made up from both local outstanding college players and significant Springfield Soccer Club Alumni, including 2007 NSCAA All-America Patrick Carver from Emory University as well as Alex Palmer, Danny Collins, Adam Peterson, Taylor Stacy and Stephen Conner from Drury; Alex Riggs, Kyle Windmueller, Brian Collins, Justin Alford and Nick Dryden from MSU; Ross Chaffin (Greenwood) from Denver University; John Duncan (Joplin) from Washington University; Nate Evans (Cassville) and Jesse Clevenger (College Heights) from MSSU; Heath Melugin (Kickapoo/MSU), Zack Hay (Kickapoo/ M S&T), TJ Martin (Webb City/Rogers State) and Michael Handley (Webb City/Ashford) as well as Springfield SC
Game Schedule
July 12 @ Metro United Collinsville, IL (CISA 11am, Illinois Fusion 3pm)
July 13 @ NWA Lightning Bentonville, AR
July 19 @ Schwaben FC 23 Chicago, IL (two games)
July 20 @ Galaxy SC Naperville, IL
July 23 HOME vs. NWA Lightning Springfield, MO
tbd HOME vs. Metro United
tbd HOME vs. Missouri Soccer League All-Stars
I’m planning on attending the game in Bentonville on Sunday against the Northwest Arkansas Lightning so there will be pictures to follow. Watch this site for updates on the home games.
Post a Comment