Monthly Archives: March 2009

St Louis United Waits To Join Major League Soccer

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St Louis Soccer UnitedYou missed a good game on Thursday if you were wrapped up in the NCAA early round games. The Seattle Sounders clobbered the NY Red Bull 3-0 which is a nice introduction to the league. They’ve got a 21 y.o. Columbian kid by the name of Freddy Montero you’ll be seeing a lot of this season.

Meanwhile, MLS Commission Don Garber was in Portland on Friday inviting them to join the league in 2010. It’s hard to hold it against them, they have a heck of a fan base. Pitch Invasion features a story on the Timbers Army that’s worth a read. Of course, the lack of a stadium was supposed to disqualify them. We’ll see how that plays out…

I’ll be drowning my sorry in St Louis this weekend, and plan on enjoying the Chivas USA vs Colorado Rapids match at 9:30 pm CDT. Both teams have goalies on the roster that are Missouri State Bear alum’s, maybe we’ll get to see one or both of them. The MSU website has a nice roundup on the two of them.

And of course, the Wizards game at 7:30 pm is also available, on Direct Kick for those with access. I also added the MLS National TV Schedule to my Soccer Calendar, so for those with ESPN-only, we can keep up there.

KC Wizards Open Season Saturday, Jack Jewsbury Featured

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MLS: KC Wizards host DC UnitedI use some hyperbole but you can forgive me when there are nice feature articles on Jack on the eve of the season, reflecting his role and responsibilities as one of the leaders on the KC Wizards squad S365 Exclusive: Jewsbury Settles In The Middle

Kansas City ace Jack Jewsbury could accurately have been described as a handyman for the first several season of his Major League Soccer career, but the Wizard says he has now found a more permanent home in holding midfield. Known for his versatility since entering the league in 2003, the native of nearby Springfield, Missouri will finally hold down the same position in 2009.

“Through my first six years, I think I grew a lot as a player,” Jewsbury told Soccer365. “I played all over the field – right back, left and right mid – pretty much anywhere you can think of, I played.” “Now, I’ve found a home at the central midfield. It’s a position I feel really comfortable with and feel like I can help the team most here.”

For feedback direct from Coach Onalfo and several of the players, click on this link for a video preview of the game

By the way, how’s your basketball pool holding up? I lost Clemson and Illinois. Here’s a short story about the Wizard’s players with an alma mater in the tournament.

Drury Panthers Spring Break Camp Next Week!

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Drury Panthers LogoThere are still spaces available for the Boys & Girls Spring Break Camp next week. The Camp is being run by Men’s Head Coach Ryan Swan and Drury Panther’s players. All funds raised go towards costs for their trip to England in August.

Spring Break Camp Registration

Dates: March 23 – 27
Time: Half Day 9 – 12 pm
Age: 5 – 7
Cost: $75.00

Full Day 9 – 3 pm
Age: 8 – 13
Cost: $100.00

Agenda: Technical work, small sided games, all activities will arranged in a fun, safe and skill appropriate environment.
Location: Drury University Campus (Harrison Stadium/Hutchens Field)

Contact: Ryan Swan (rdswan@drury.edu/417-873-7830)

Class 3 District 10 High School Girls Soccer Preview

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The regional papers are finally taking a look at Girls Soccer, almost on the eve of the season. Let’s see what they have to say:

Rolla Bulldogs vs Springfield Catholic at Rolla ClassicRolla Lady Bulldog soccer team on a mission to win

Mike Howard is accustomed to winning. And failing to get to the district finals for only the second time in the program’s history didn’t sit well with the only head coach the Rolla High School girls’ soccer team has ever known.

But that’s history. Howard has a deep and talented squad to make a push for the state playoffs this year. Rolla returns 11 varsity lettermen, including nine starters. And most of those players have been either two- or three-year starters for the squad.

In goal Rolla returns junior Adrian Pogue. At centerback is senior Rachel Zamazanuk and freshman newcomer Taylor Banholzer while the right outside back is senior Amanda Rogers and the left outside back is junior Katelyn Maddy.

The center-midfielders are senior Emily Spooner and junior Jaclyn Standfast while the outside midfielders are senior Kim Carter on the right side and sophomore Ellen Spooner on the left side. The starting forwards are senior Ashley Kerr and junior Olivia Cox.

All I can say is, wow! The Lady ‘Dog varsity team is slated to open play by hosting the Central Federal Savings & Loan/Rolla Invitational March 27-28.

Waynesville Tigers at Springfield Catholic Fightin' IrishWaynesville Lady Tigers soccer kickin’ it with new head coach

The Waynesville Lady Tiger soccer team will see a lot of changes this season. After losing 10 seniors to graduation, 8 of whom were starters and included second-team all-state forward Katie Pritchard, the Lady Tigers also have a new head coach. Mike Gow comes to Waynesville from Lebanon, where he was the head coach of the team that eliminated the Lady Tigers in the district semifinals last year.

“I have big hopes for Erica [Combs] and Orielle [Thomas, senior midfielders],” he said. “They’ll both have to be leaders.”
Combs, a team captain, agreed that this season might be a “rebuilding year” but there’s no lack of talent. “I think talent-wise, we’re just as solid as we were last year,” she said. “We lost 8 starters but we have 6 players with varsity experience.”

Plus, there’s a lot of parity in the Ozark Conference. No team, she said, looks overpowering, although Gow said he thinks that Rolla will be the team to beat.

The Lady Tigers will kick off their season next Tuesday March 24th against Jefferson City Helias.

Kickapoo Chiefs vs Camdenton Lakers
Camdenton Lady Lakers get set for soccer season

The Camdenton girls soccer team lost 15 seniors to graduation this offseason, but they might have the pieces to reload and continue their success, following last season’s 16-8 record.
“We have a pretty solid nucleus,” head coach J.D. Hunter said. “We’ll see where it takes us.”

A couple of returning midfielders, LaTea LaRue and Haley Baker will lead the charge in that department. Both are strong, physical athletes. Hunter said the pair should be a “force to be reckoned with.”
Up front, the Lakers return their No. 2-goal scorer from a year ago in senior Stephanie Kirvan.

The Lakers open their season on Monday March 23rd, hosting the Richland Bears.

Missing – Lebanon Yellowjackets and Jeff City Jays. I’ll update this story if anything comes out in the next couple of days.

Caylin Manary, Parkview Vikings

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A short visit to the home pitch of the Parkview Vikings on Wednesday afternoon to visit with the team, and in particular junior goalkeeper Caylin Manary. The Vikings have a Varsity roster with only 3 seniors, 5 juniors and 13 sophomores entering the season. I’ll let Caylin tell part of the story:

As befits a goalkeeper, she pointed to junior Jessica Maerz in the midfield and sophomore McKenzi Payton who will anchor the defense. For scoring, the Vikings will call on on jr. Shelby Stewart, probably the fastest forward in the region, and so. Kelsey Loderhose to help the Vikings compete offensively. It’s a solid core with the ability to score which will be necessary in the difficult District 11 lineup. Things were winding down Wednesday when I stopped by but you can see an example of Caylin’s ability, and Jess Maerz, in this short clip.

First game will be at Carthage, on Friday March 27th, against the first year team that will have had a pair of early games against Logan-Rogersville and Branson, also first year teams. The first District game will come the following Tuesday when they face Nixa. w00t!

Integrity Athletic Performance And Physical Therapy

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How are those 2009 resolutions holding up? Have you come up with any new ones based upon changes in your schedule or priorities? If you’re a player, are you competing at the level you had hoped you would entering the season?

If they entail physical fitness and training at any level, I’d like to suggest you check out my #1 sponsor, Integrity APPT

Soccer Specific Training
Our initial Edge sessions are currently all soccer specific. Each session includes a soccer skills warm up including topics such as improving your first touch, dribbling, ball striking, heading, passing, taking balls out of the air, creativity with the ball to name a few followed by dynamic and static stretching. The session continues with soccer specific speed, agility, plyometrics and fitness training followed by resisted weight training to increase strength, speed and confidence. If you want to be an elite player then this is where you should be.

Sport Specific Training
Integrity APPT is not just for soccer heads, it is for athletes. Any athlete that wants to run faster, jump higher and be stronger is welcome in our programs. As we expand, we will provide instruction to athletes from all sports. Contact us and we will make it happen.

Integrity APPT also provides Adult sessions and the Kids In Motion program as well as offering Outpatient Physical Therapy.

Headed by Cory Carr, PT, CWT, he has been involved with college, high school and youth athletics in southwest Missouri since graduating from Missouri State in 1997 where he was a member of the Bear’s squad. He has coached back-to-back State Championship teams for the Springfield Soccer Club and was named Missouri Coach of the Year for 2007. He holds degrees in Biomedical Science and Psychology, a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and is a Certified Weight Trainer.

Visit the website for more information and to sign up the Newsletter. Each issue will include program updates, monthly record holders and tips on health, wellness and motivation to reach your athletic and fitness goals.

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High School Schedules – Am I Missing Your Team?

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OK, spent the afternoon Tuesday entering schedules into my High School Calendar and I’m still missing quite a few. The only way I can cover your team is if I have your schedule and can identify games of interest. Please have your Coach or a member of the Booster Club send me the schedule. I need it as a spreadsheet!

If your team IS NOT on this list, then I NEED YOUR SCHEDULE!
Class 3 – Branson Pirates, Camdenton Lakers, Central Bulldogs, Glendale Falcons, Jeff City Jays, Kickapoo Chiefs, Neosho Wildcats, Nixa Eagles, Ozark Tigers, Parkview Vikings, Rolla Bulldogs, Waynesville Tigers
Class 2 – Carl Junction Bulldogs, Logan-Rogersville Wildcats, West Plains Zizzers
Class 1 – Springfield Catholic Irish, Greenwood Blue Jays

Here is a blank spreadsheet you can complete. Download googlecalendar_schedule and complete. Thanks!

Missouri State Lady Bears

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bearhead_125.jpgWell, the new Sports Information Director at MSU appears to be on the ball. We’re getting Spring soccer reports for the first time in my memory. While I was celebrating upcoming nuptials for my nephew Tim (Glendale 2003) on Saturday, the Lady Bear’s were picking up where they left off last Fall.

Aguilar Goal Helps Bears Past Drury in First Exhibition of Spring Season
Missouri State got a goal by Sam Aguilar in the second half and a shutout by Jessica Teahan to turn back the Drury Panthers in the Bears’ first women’s soccer exhibition of the spring season Saturday. Christine Cross and Kelsey Finders factored into the game’s only goal with assists for the Bears.

After a back-and-forth first half, Missouri State took control of the tempo in the second 45 minutes with improved scoring chances and combination play. The increase in energy led to Aguilar’s open look and goal on a solid strike.

In related news, the Lady Bears have a transfer player on campus this Spring who got some time in Saturday’s match. Jordi Ferrell has transfered from Murray State where she played in one game prior to being injured. Jodie is from Sikeston and has played for the RegionII ODP pool. I first noticed her in 2004 after the State Cup and saw that her photos were getting rated higher on Google than mine were. I’ve fixed that after four years of hard work and she’s continued on her path to a college career as peak at her recruiting site will indicate.

The Post-Dispatch also pointed this way recently, with Missouri State is counting on four soccer recruits

Missouri State is looking to four local athletes to further strengthen its soccer program, which finished 10-7-2 last season and fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Headlining the Bears’ recruiting class are midfielder-forwards Katelyn Frederickson (Nerinx Hall), Megan Jaskowiak (Althoff) and Becky Handley (St. Joseph’s), plus defender Claire Hulcer (St. Joseph’s).

Frederickson has helped Nerinx Hall to a combined 42 victories the past two seasons.

Handley and Hulcer are part of a St. Joseph’s program that has posted 61 wins over the last three years and finished no worse than third in the Class 2 state tournament.

Jaskowiak was an integral member of an Althoff team that was runner-up in the 2008 Class AA state tournament in Illinois.

Youth Soccer Tryouts In Joplin MO, Saturday March 28th

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The Greater Ozark Soccer Club will be hosting open try-outs on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Players of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Tryouts will be held at the Dover Soccer Fields in Joplin, MO. Click here for map. Dover Soccer Fields are located south of the intersection of Zora and Lone Elm Roads in Joplin, MO.

Contact Head Coach Johnny Adame (johnnyselene13@yahoo.com) for more information.

Represent SGFsoccer in Major League Soccer

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With the opening of the Major League Soccer season coming this weekend, it’s time for me to get caught up with the comings and goings on the MLS rosters. In particular, what’s up with the goalkeepers that Missouri State has sent to the major leagues. But before I dive into those details, a quick update on a new prospect.

Justin Alford (Poplar Bluff/Springfield SC) has been invited to tryout with Chivas USA for five days next week. It’s Spring Break for Justin and he’s ready to measure himself at the next level. I was fortunate to catch up with him Sunday after the Bear’s late afternoon practice.

I neglected to ask him but I’m guessing he has former Poplar Bluff classmate Tyler Hansbrough’s UNC team at the top of his March Madness brackets. How about you?

Lance Parker – Lance is now officially a member of the Senior Roster at Chivas USA, albeit with 0 years of experience. You may recall the Reserve League was eliminated which meant 100 players across 15 clubs were not re-signed. Lance played in the preseason game against the Fire, winning a 1v1 battle with Blanco I understand, and has also found a new place in LA that’s a mile from the beach. All excellent signs for the #3 keeper behind Zach Thornton and Dan Kennedy.

Matt Pickens – Matt returns to the MLS to play for the Colorado Rapids. We last saw him at the Chicago Fire before his short stint with Queens Park Rangers in England. The Rapids website notes that he’ll battle for the 1st team position with Preston Burpo who was 3-0-1 in September 2008.

Matt’s joined on the roster by another St Louis native, John DiRaimondo, who begins his second year on the senior roster after two years on the Reserve roster. DiRaimondo played at SLU/SLUH.