2011 Missouri State Cup Headed For St Louis

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Ole

From the Missouri Youth Soccer Association website – The MYSA Board of Directors has voted to award the 2011 State Cup to the St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) in St. Louis, MO. The event will be held June 11 – 15, 2011.

We would also like to officially thank Lake Country Soccer and Capital Soccer Club for submitting bids to host State Cup. Both bids were thorough and each demonstrated the operational ability to host a great event.

Further details regarding State Cup, including rules, entry fee, and housing information will be posted very soon.

Watch U17 MNT In 3 Games This Week On Fox Soccer Channel

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Ole

CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2010) – The 2010 Development Academy Winter Showcase and Nike International Friendlies will be held from Dec. 1-7 at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. All 78 Academy clubs will be on hand for three games of non-Conference play alongside the Under-17 Men’s National Teams from the U.S., Brazil, Korea Republic and Turkey.

Fox Soccer Channel will televise all three of the U.S. U-17 MNT games, starting with the match against Korea Republic on Dec. 1, Brazil on Dec. 3 and Turkey on Dec. 5, with all three games kicking off at 5 p.m. local time (6 p.m. CT). For the first time, the six-game round-robin event will be played as a tournament and crown a champion. It will be one of the last events for Wilmer Cabrera’s team ahead of the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship in February.

The event in Phoenix will mark the eighth Nike International Friendlies, previously called the Nike National Team Friendlies, since 2003. The U.S. U-17 MNT has participated in all eight competitions while Brazil will be appearing for the sixth time. The Reach 11 Complex will host the Winter Showcase for the second-consecutive year, with 18 fields, all equipped with lights, hosting as many as 60 games in a single day.

Missouri High School Soccer: Class 1 District 10 Recognition

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Ole

Taylor Arens, Springfield Catholic (2011)

2010 Class 1 District 10 All District Team as chosen by the Coaches. It includes Springfield Catholic, District Champion and 2nd place finisher at State this year along with Greenwood, New Covenant, College Heights and Thomas Jefferson.

Player of the Year – Taylor Arens, Sr, Springfield Catholic
Offensive P.O.Y. – Adam Entrup, Sr, Springfield Catholic
Defensive P.O.Y – Josh Moncada, Sr, Springfield Catholic
Keeper P.O.Y. – Levi Millsap, Sr, Springfield Catholic
Coach of the Year – Joe Kofron, Springfield Catholic

1st Team
Taylor Arens, 12 - Midfielder, Springfield Catholic
Levi Millsap, 12 – Keeper, Springfield Catholic
Adam Entrup, 12 – Forward, Springfield Catholic
Josh Moncada, 12 – Defender, Springfield Catholic
Stuart Beezley, 12 – Midfield, Greenwood
Devon Whitlock, 12 – Forward, Greenwood
Hawken Thieme, 12 – Forward, Greenwood
Brantly Gossett, 10 – Forward, College Heights
Evan Belk, 11 – Keeper, College Heights
Tanner Stever, 12 – Midfield, New Covenant
Josh Harrison, 12 – Midfield, New Covenant
Alex Oserowsky, 11 – Forward, Thomas Jefferson

2nd Team
Luke Straus, 11 – Forward, Springfield Catholic
Nick Kofran , 12 – Forward, Springfield Catholic
Connor Dahlberg, 12 – Defender, Springfield Catholic
Reid Harbach, 11 – Defender, Springfield Catholic
Cory McCoy , 12 – Defender, Greenwood
Ben Whitlock, 12 – Defender, Greenwood
Jack Hogan, 11 – Defender, Greenwood
Jake Hadcock, 12 – Defender, College Hieights
Dalton Zarrabi, 9 – Forward, College Hieights
Jeff Ruggeri, 11 – Defender, New Covenant
Michael Gloden, 12 – Keeper, New Covenant
Jake Hockman, 11 – Defender, Thomas Jefferson

Honarable Mention
Harrison Price, 12 – Defender, New Covenant
Jordan Johnston, 12 – Defender, Greenwood
Andy Godwin, 12 – Defender, Greenwood
Drew Satterfield, 10 – Midfield , College Heights
Mitchell Moncada, 10 – Forward, Springfield Catholic
Evan Craig, 10 – Midfield, Springfield Catholic
Xavier Welch, 11 – Goal Keeper, Thomas Jefferson

Missouri High School Soccer: Class 3 District 12 Honors

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Ole

Joe Curti, Carthage Tigers (2011) in 2010 Quarterfinal

2010 Class 3 District 12 Boys Soccer All District Teams as chosen by the Coaches, includes District champions Carthage, Joplin, Central, Willard, Webb City and Neosho.

MVP - Joe Curti, Sr, Carthage
Offensive - Parker Maher, Jr, Joplin
Defensive – Jackson Patillo, Sr, Willard
Goalie – Ludin Gonzalez, Jr, Carthage
Coach - Jacob Osborne, Carthage

1st Team
Austin Bolt, B - Joplin
Jacob Chappell, M - Willard
Joe Curti, F - Carthage
Nathan Fisher, M - Joplin
Ludin Gonzales, GK - Carthage
Kyle Handley, M - Webb City
Jared Hill, F - Neosho
Parker Maher, CM - Joplin
Mark Navarette, CM/D - Carthage
Jackson Patillo, D/CM - Willard
Jordan Salvato, D - Central
Ismael Serratos, F - Carthage

2nd Team
Cesar Aguirre, M - Carthage
Alex Christian, F - Webb City
Jace Cooke, F - Webb City
Lucas Kemper, F - Joplin
Ian Kelly, D - Central
Victor Lopez, F - Carthage
Manny Marquez, D - Carthage
Jaxn Rogers, D - Willard
Barac Sanchez, M - Neosho
Kyle Scranton, M - Central
Ryan Stober, F - Willard
Blake Ward, GK - Joplin

Honorable Mention
Walter Avalos, M - Carthage
Landon Baker, D - Neosho
Austin Drake, GK - Neosho
John Gilmore, GK - Central
Zach Harrell, F - Central
Walfre Hernandez, D - Webb City
Josh Lingurar, F - Willard
Griffen Locke, D - Joplin
Hernan Luna, D - Carthage
Joe Rice, F/M - Joplin
Brandon Shultz, M - Webb City
Garrett Welker, M - Willard

2011 Women’s World Cup Draw includes USA vs North Korea

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Ole

From US Soccer, via the draw in FRANKFURT, Germany (Nov 29, 2010) – The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Korea DPR, Colombia and Sweden in Group C at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place from June 26-July 17 in Germany. The Final Draw took place on Monday evening at the Frankfurt Congress Center in Frankfurt, Germany.

The U.S. will open Group C play against Korea DPR on June 28 in Dresden at the Rudolf-Harbig Stadium on the third match day of the tournament, face Colombia in Sinsheim on July 2 at the Rhein Neckar Arena and finish group play against Sweden on July 6 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Stadium Wolfsburg.

The USA’s group, which looks to be the most difficult of the four, features three of the top six teams in the world in the USA (1), Sweden (4) and Korea DPR (6).

“This is the best thing that could have happened,” U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage said. “It’s a tough group and that’s exactly what we need. Coming off qualifying and playing in the playoff, knowing who we’re playing and going forward puts us in an excellent position. We’ll have the chance to play against different opponents and we’ll have to adjust our tactics and that’s fun. It will be easy as we go from one game to another to focus on different things because we’re playing against different cultures.”

The USA will be grouped with Korea DPR and Sweden in first round play for the third consecutive Women’s World Cup, and Korea DPR for the fourth straight time. The meeting with Colombia will be the first-ever for the U.S. women.

Prior to the Final Draw, host Germany and the highest ranked teams in the current FIFA Women’s World Rankings from Asia, CONCACAF and South America were seeded. Germany was placed in Group A at A1, Japan was placed in Group B at B1, the United States was placed in Group C at C1 and Brazil was placed in Group D at D1.

Joe Kofron Steps Down At Springfield Catholic

Posted on November 25, 2010 by Ole

Joe Kofron, Springfield Catholic, between periods at Final 4 (2010)

Joe Kofron has stepped down as Head Coach of the Boys soccer program at Springfield Catholic.

Joe helped found the boys soccer program at Springfield Catholic, begun the Fall of 2007, and was named it’s first head coach. This year’s graduating class features the first group of boys who have played four years for the program and includes Joe’s eldest, Nick Kofron.

The team finished the year with a 22-6 record, reaching the State Final in Class 1 for the second straight year before finishing second behind Whitfield for the second straight year. Joe’s overall record is 81-25-1 and includes three District titles (his 2nd-4th years), a 3rd place finish in 2008 and the 2nd place finishes in 2009 and 2010.

The program has been graced with a high level of talent and Joe was named Co-Coach of the Year in 2008 when the team made their first visit to the Final 4, finishing 3rd with a 23-6 record, the program’s best. There were 7 All-Stater’s in 2009, including 1st team players Justin Bowenschulte, David Bailey and Taylor Arens, 7 All-Stater’s in 2008, including 1st team players Cullen Barr, Justin Bowenschulte and Taylor Arens and 3 All-Stater’s in 2007, including 1st team player Matt Libel. Taylor Aren’s should be the first 3 time All-State 1st team player in the program when the 2010 announcement is made in the next week or two.

Springfield Catholic, Aug 31 2007 after 1st win over Greenwood

Standing left to right. Josh Moncada 2011, Niko Temofeew 2011, Levi Millsap 2011, Brandon Kratz 2011, Sam Taggart 2008, Michael Wester 2008, Austin Lewis #21 2011, Jeff Wiegers 2010, Matt Liebel 2008, Adam Entrup 2011, Matt Simpson 2010, Brandon Lewis 2008, Elliot Scott 2009, Kneeling: Korbyn Behl 2009, David Bailey 2010, Nick Kofron 2011, Taylor Arens 2011, Max Holtmann 2011

Asked about his future plans

My future plans right now are to continue coaching with Springfield Soccer Club. I have already been helping with my daughter’s U9 team but will also get the chance to go back and coach alot of the boys that got me so involved with soccer to begin with by coaching the U18 boys team. The one negative side of coaching the High School boys was that MSHSAA rules did not allow me to coach anyone over the age of 11 the other 9 months of the year.

I also invited Joe to offer additional feedback on the program

It was not an easy decision to step down as I put my heart and soul into molding the program at Springfield Catholic. It seems like just yesterday that the program was finally allowed to evolve through some hard work and perserverance of a few. The biggest point I always tried to push was that to be the best we could not just have a soccer team but needed to have a soccer “program” as I called it.

This meant the boys and parents had to buy in to being the very best we could be. The team not only trains and plays games together but also bonds in other ways. The boys help with the summer camps, attend and support other activities at school including football, volleyball and even attend mass together on the weekends.

The boys program has come a long way these past four seasons with the help of people like Gary Lewis, Tami Millsap and Jim James to mention a few along with help from Tom Hoff (asst. coach), Zach Alumbaugh and other great coaches We have never settled for just being but instead wanted to be the best. I could certainly fill a book with all the great things that different parents have done to help the program and I am sure others will do in the future.

I have enjoyed the time with the boys the most. Sharing the ups and downs and always striving to become better is what the word “team” means to me and this has been one of the best teams (and I mean the last four years) I have ever been involved with as a player or coach. I will truly miss being apart of the great tradition these guys have started! We have had some great moments and a few not so great moments but have certainly learned through them all.

I also know that the Catholic Program can even be better than it is today and I am not referring to the win and loss column. With the passion people have that are involved with this sport on the boys and girls side Springfield Catholic should be the place that parents want their kids to be. There is nothing wrong with striving to be the best and if someone decides to put that into practice with the boys and girls side tied together in all sports than watch out because Catholic will be the place to be not only for its great education but also for its strong Athletic Program!

I asked Catholic AD Same Wutke who the new coach would be, his emailed response was

The decision on who will coach our boys soccer program has not been made and will not be made any time in the near future

A Slide Show from Years 1-3

Max Duncan Named To MVC All-Freshman Squad

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Ole

Joplin Eagles, Max Duncan (2010)

Congratulations to freshman Max Duncan (Joplin 2010) who was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman squad this season. Max joined the Drake Bulldogs following three years with the KC Wizards Junior program and four years as a starter with the Joplin Eagles where he tallied 84 career goals and 51 assists, en route to collecting second team all-state accolades as a senior.

Duncan appeared in 16 tilts for Drake, including nine starts, including the national webcast game between Drake and SLU in early September. Max’s older brother John just completed his college career as a starter for the Washington University Bears, who reached the 2nd round of the NCAA D3 tournament this year.

Max joins Heath Melugin (Missouri State 2012/Kickapoo 2008) as area players who were named to the All-Freshman squad.

Match Day 5 Tuesday and Wednesday

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Ole

Matchday 5 of UEFA Champions League group play takes place Tuesday and Wednesday. Soccer America offers a full listing of the games and I’ve got the Fox Soccer Channel schedule on the calendar on my website (look to your right and scroll down). TV programming is always subject to change. Check your TV listings.

You can also follow the games live at the UEFA website

TUESDAY, November 23

FOX SPORTS NET
UEFA Champions League CHELSEA-MSK ZILINA (live) 1:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
UEFA Champions League BRAGA-ARSENAL (live) 1:30 pm.
UEFA Champions League AJAX-REAL MADRID (delay) 4 pm.
UEFA Champions League CHELSEA-MSK ZILINA (delay) 6 pm.
UEFA Champions League AUXERRE-AC MILAN (delay) 11:30 pm.

WEDNESDAY, November 24

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
UEFA Champions League ROMA-BAYERN MUNICH (delay) 11 am.
UEFA Champions League RANGERS-MANCHESTER UNITED (live) 1:30 pm.
UEFA Champions League PANATHINAIKOS-BARCELONA (delay) 4 pm.
UEFA Champions League TOTTENHAM-WERDER BREMEN (delay) 6 pm.

Vote For Springfield In the Best of US Soccer Poll

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Ole

US Soccer has their Best of 2010 voting live on the website. The first category is BEST SOUTH AFRICA MOMENT NOMINEES and you have a chance to get Springfield some additional recognition by voting in this category.

The item of note is – U.S. Fans Unite Back Home, June 23, across the U.S.

This is the compilation video that included my video from Farmer’s Gastropub as Landon Donovan scored his stoppage time goal against Algeria.

You can also vote on favorite goal, assist and other categories. Visit the US Soccer website to vote.

Catholic vs Whitfield, The Rematch

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Ole

Taylor Arens, Springfield Catholic (2011)

Springfield Catholic – 0
Whitfield Warriors – 1
The Warriors, settled into defensive posture from the outset, won following a counter-attack, after a Catholic set piece, drew a foul in the 22 yard circle. The resulting direct kick by midfielder #22 went over the wall and under the crossbar into the left upper corner beyond the reach of the diving goalkeeper. The goal, scored in the 30th minute, would result lead Whitfield to their 2nd straight Championship win over the Irish, winning 1-0 as they did in 2009.

PHOTOS Gallery from Saturday’s Game

The Irish had opportunity early and then late, as the urgency of the situation set in. Sophomore Evan Craig ended up in the back of the net as his glancing header went wide as he struggled to get on the end of a ball that got past the Whitfield defense at the back post. Josh Moncada rang a shot off of the right-side upright with less than 5 min remaining. Neither were sufficient as Catholic ran out of time today. Whitfield in turn earned their 7th title in 9 years.

As a Catholic parent commented to me post-game, to be the best you must beat the best. The Irish Boys were the best Southwest Missouri had to offer this year, regarded of class. The dream of bringing a state title in Boys soccer will now be deferred as the first 4 year class to represent Springfield Catholic moves onto the next challenge. I’ll hold the memory of their performance in beating Pembroke Hill in a 110 minute marathon closest.

Pre-game notes: The teams meet for the third time in 12 months today in a rematch of last year’s Class 1 Title game. Since then, Catholic visited Whitfield and beat them 3-0 in early October so hopes are high that the senior class, freshman when the program started, can bring the ultimate trophy home. Senior Taylor Arens was the glue that held them together yesterday in the semifinal after Nick Kofron went down with the knee injury, helped along by a modified line-up. It’s not surprising he was responsible for the final PK in the win.

Photos from Friday’s game and today will be posted by Sunday. Be sure to come back!