The team includes Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis, who is a SLU Billiken and Chaminade HS grad. Davis will join the national team camp in Cleveland, Ohio on May 27 following Houston’s game at Sporting Kansas City on May 26 and be with the team for its friendly against Belgium on May 29. Davis will be available to the national team through the World Cup qualifier against Honduras on June 18.

Brad Davis, 31, has earned seven caps with the U.S. men’s national team, including an appearance in a 0-0 draw at Mexico on March 26 for his first cap in a World Cup qualifier. Davis has two goals and three assists in nine games this season for the Dynamo after scoring a career-high eight goals in 2012. The five-time MLS All-Star has recorded 12 or more assists for the past four seasons.

The U.S. then resumes World Cup qualifying with its third road match in four games at Jamaica on June 7 in Kingston. Four days later, the U.S. returns stateside to host Panama on June 11 at CenturyLink Field (TICKETS) in the USA’s first qualifier in Seattle since 1976. The team concludes the three-match set at sold-out Rio Tinto Stadium when it welcomes Honduras on June 18 to start the second half of the final round.

Currently in second place in the Final Round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. could earn as many as nine points in the trio of qualifiers ahead. The team is riding a 21-0-2 unbeaten streak at home in World Cup qualifying and is coming off a pair of impressive results, having collected a 1-0 win against Costa Rica before earning a point in qualifying in Mexico for only the second time in team history.

The roster is stacked with nearly the complete group from those matches, including the game-winning goal scorer against Costa Rica, Clint Dempsey, and Budweiser Man of the Match DaMarcus Beasley (listed as a defender). In addition, both Tim Howard and Fabian Johnson return to the fold after missing the March games through injury.

- See more at US Soccer

Fellow soccer fans,

Some of my fondest memories were playing pickup soccer with my friends. Games were competitive and nobody was getting hurt (except Golo).

Well there is a new pick up league starting in Springfield. This league is called, Play for Springfield. It will be a pick up league where each player donates $5 to play and the money goes to charity. We will get into more details at the field.

I think this is a great chance for us to play soccer, have fun and not worry about whether or not we have a number on our jersey or shinguards and help the community out.

The league starts next Wednesday, May 22nd at the rugby fields at National and Montclair. We can hit up a bar after too!

If you have any questions feel free to email or call 417-719-8398 buddycoulter@gmail.com
We will be setting up a facebook at twitter account soon.

Thanks and look forward to seeing you all out there! Invite your friends.

Buddy

On a related note, you can find Golo, Buddy and many others at American Outlaw – Springfield watch parties downtown. Tell them Ole sent you!

District 10 at Lebanon
#2 Camdenton wins 3-2 over #3 Waynesville
#1 Jefferson City wins 8-0 against #4 Lebanon – Natalie Vance scored a pair of goals while Grace Haarmann, Eden Hoogveld, Kaley Ruff, Sarah Luebbert, Courtney Kolb and Megan Martens each had one goal.

I expect Jefferson City to advance but the Camdenton vs Waynesville game is a toss up. Camdenton beat the Tigers 2-1 on April 9th but then fell to JeffCity 0-4 two days later. An offensive explosion in the final seven games, following an 0-1 loss to Class 2 Rolla, saw more than 60 goals scored while giving up 10. One loss, to Heritage (AR). Waynesville will be prepared this time and have some offensive weapons of their own to counter-attack with.

The Final Thursday, at 6:00 pm, features #1 Jeff City vs #2 Camdenton. The winner advances to play the District 9 Champion on May 21st

District 11 at Nixa
Tuesday
5:00 pm #1 Glendale vs. #4 Branson
7:00 pm #2 Nixa vs. #3 Ozark

It would be an upset of major proportions for the Final on Thursday (at 6:00 pm) to not feature the two top seeds. The big question is when Nixa will finally shake of the burden of never having beaten Glendale. The talent is there this year but is the mindset? The winner of this District will advance to Quarterfinals on May 25th.

Aspen Hawkins, Central Bulldogs (2014)

The most competitive District of the four, I expect Kickapoo to advance against a young Joplin squad, assuming Megan Melugin has returned from injury.

For the Central Bulldogs, defense of their District title will be a huge motivation for them. If they can get past the Vikings, they’ll face a Chief’s team that beat them 4-2 in mid-March, an eon ago.

The Final is Friday at 6:00 pm

Carmen Boessen, Rock Bridge Bruins, 2010 Kickapoo Shootout

The big question here is whether Hickman, who have lost to Rock Bridge 3 times already this season, will be able to win the most important game of the past four years? Rock Bridge has a string of four straight District championships under their belts but lost to BSS in OT in early April. Hickman fell 0-3 to the Jaguars.

The final is between #1 Blue Springs South and #3 Hickman and will be played Thursday at 6:00 pm.

SGFsoccer.com – the only source for informed soccer commentary in Southwest Missouri

Glendale continues in the #8 ranking while Jefferson City is solid number nine.

I’m on the road covering the Missouri Rush Mother’s Day Classic, doing this on my iPhone. I’ll be back with analysis later.

GIRLS SOCCER POLL #3 (5-10-13)

Class 3
Rank Team Record Points
1 St. Joseph’s (6) 13-2-0 104
2 St. Teresa’s Academy (4) 12-1-0 96
3 Eureka (1) 15-1-0 94
4 Nerinx Hall 16-4-0 71
5 Summit 18-2-1 55
6 Webster Groves 20-2-1 53
7 Lee’s Summit West 16-2-1 52.5
8 Glendale 15-4-0 22.5
9 Jefferson City 12-3-1 19.5
10 Kirkwood 15-4-0 12.5
Others: Jackson 12, Nixa 6, Staley 6, Pattonville 2

Class 2
Rank Team Record Points
1 St. Dominic (7) 15-0 79
2 Kearney (1) 21-0 73
3 Incarnate Word 11-6-3 62
4 MICDS 14-1-1 49
5 Visitation 12-3 48
6 Smithville 16-3-1 41
7 Rosati Kain 13-6-1 28
8 Helias 12-7 23
9 Rolla 15-4 19
10 Union 15-5 15
Others: Platte County 2, Hannibal 1

Class 1
Rank Team Record Points
1 Saxony Lutheran (8) 18-1 80
2 St. Pius (Festus) 14-2 72
3 O’Hara 12-3 53
4 Maryville 12-3 43
5 Lutheran St. Charles 12-5 40
5 Duchesne 7-9 30
7 Springfield Catholic 10-9-1 28
8 Osage 14-4 18
9 Barstow 9-6-1 18
10 St. Vincent 9-11 14

Others: St. Pius (KC) 10, Sacred Heart 9, St. Paul Lutheran 6, Pembroke Hill 3, John Burroughs 3, Kennedy 2, Lutheran (KC) 2, Principia 1, Trinity 1

Jamie Trecker looks at the match on Fox Soccer – The Latics were heavy underdogs even before Tuesday’s collapse, but given the way Wigan self-destructed against a weakened Swansea side, few observers are giving them a chance against one of the best teams in the Premier League. For the enthusiastic fan, there is plenty more on Fox Soccer’s FA Cup section.

Soccer America notes that this is the 150th renewal of the world’s oldest sporting club competition (first played in 1872). Manchester City won its fifth FA Cup two years ago; Wigan is playing in its first final. Manchester City has won both Premier League meetings this season, taking a 1-0 victory at home and beating Wigan, 2-0, away.

Regardless of the result or whether it is relegated, Wigan’s appearance in the final guarantees it a place in the 2013-14 Europa League competition. The FA Cup winner earns an automatic berth, and since Manchester City has already qualified for the Champions League and a team cannot play in both competitions in the same season, the spot goes to Wigan.

On a related note, there will also be a “Road to Wembley” 30 minute special immediately after the game, on the upcoming Champions League Final.

Jack Jewsbury, April 2008

But that’s exactly what has developed for the versatile Springfield Kickapoo (’99) and St. Louis University (’99-’02) product.

During his time at Kickapoo Jewsbury gained lots of attention by putting up scoring records for both season (59 his senior year) and career (124) that were among the best in the state.

Jack Jewsbury, SLU Billikens

But a chance encounter during the MLS combine that winter ended up changing the course of Jewsbury’s professional career forever.

When he showed up for the MLS combine, still with an offense-first mind about him, there was a spot on his team for a defensive midfielder, even though he had never played the position he decided to give it a shot.

“My options were to start as a defender and be guaranteed playing time or to take the chance of sitting the bench and waiting to get my time to play.”

The then coaching staff of the Kansas City Wizards were in charge of is combine squad and quickly took notice that Jewsbury had ability to play defense at the next level. “It is funny how it all changed over a month. I went from being a forward to attacking mid, to a holding midfielder so they drafted me in that position.”

The connection and exposure to the Wizards coaches turned out to be a blessing. He was drafted by the Wizards 43rd overall in the draft. Kansas City was as close as you get to Springfield and his hometown. But that didn’t mean much as he still had to earn his spot among the regular players.

“Getting drafted by Kansas City was great but I felt like I was on a trial the whole first year,” he said. Limited playing time saw Jewsbury get into only two games in his rookie season.

“I was able to solidify myself in the second year and looking back on it now that I am in my 11th year, it has been a long and fun ride for sure.”

Looking back on his now long career Jewsbury said he would have never suspected that he could be among the leagues “senior” players while he was growing up and cutting his teeth on the pitches in Springfield.

“I would have never guessed it,” he said. “I think at the time your aspirations are college and then whatever happens from there. You have the goals of one day playing for a living but you never know if that dream will become a reality.”

During his time in Springfield Jewsbury was part of the Titans Soccer Club, but he admits that in reality it wasn’t a “club” but just one team. Looking at the landscape of Springfield soccer now and the number of burgeoning club teams that exists is something Jewsbury takes great pride in.

“I was in that group of guys around my age before club soccer really came about in Springfield,” he said. “The reality is that it is a smaller town and you aren’t going to have as much talent to choose from but it has been pretty neat over the last five-plus years to see the kind of club soccer and talent that is coming out of Springfield. Teams are doing well at state and going on to regionals”

Jewsbury was a part of the now defunct Olympic Development Program which was designed to create a pool of players from the entire country and give them exposure to national team trainers and coaches.

His time in the ODP program eventually led to an invite to play club soccer in St. Louis where he joined the Busch Soccer Club in order to increase the level of competition that he was playing with, and against, on a regular basis. That of course meant a great deal of concessions on him and his family. He credits his parents for making those sacrifices and helping his career develop.

“It was difficult in a sense,” he said. “They (Busch coaching staff) knew I wasn’t going to be there for every training session but I would try to make it once a week and for games. It was a big commitment for me but even more so for my parents. They had to get up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday after they had worked all week just to drive me for a practice for an hour and half and then turn right back around.

It was crucial in my development and helped me along the way,” he added. “There is an outlet for the kids today and that is great because there wasn’t that structure and outlet when I was there.”

Because of his scoring ability Jewsbury was a heavily recruited prospect. He also was coming out of high school at a time when the Missouri State program was among the top in the Missouri Valley Conference and making appearances in the NCAA tournament. Decided where to continue his career was a hard one but ultimately made easy once he visited SLU.

“It was even just St. Louis and Missouri State,” he said. “There were lots of options for me and having that chance to play in my hometown meant a lot. But St. Louis just clicked for me when I went on the visit and it made a lot of sense because it was still close to home. The recruiting process can be a drag and wears on you but I knew SLU was the place for me.”

Jewsbury said he doesn’t stay on top of the current college scene as he would like but does feel that SLU has lost some of its luster by playing the A-10 instead of Conference USA, the league he played in and was once named player of the year in (2000) and was twice named to the All-Conference first team.

“It was a very competitive conference with nationally ranked teams all over it,” he said of the C-USA. “There were a lot of great rivalries that were right in the Midwest as well and I know they lose that with the A-10.”

After a steady run in Kansas City with the Wizards Jewsbury was not eager to leave the team but knew a great opportunity was presenting itself in joining the Portland Timbers in its inaugural season in MLS.

“Playing eight years in Kansas City was ideal for me,” he said. “I was close to friends and family and I loved the area. There were no hard feelings when I left here and it made sense for both sides. It was a big change for me and my family but it has been great.”

Jewsbury and his wife Brittany had one young daughter at the time of his move. Now with their second girl in the fold he admits the hardest part is being away from the family. He admits family isn’t around as much when they lived in Overland Park, but between visits to Portland and then back to Springfield are frequent enough keep the family ties strong.

Jack Jewsbury, Portland Timbers vs Chivas, Photo: Gary Sheldon | ProstAmerika.com

Jewsbury is a central figure in that atmosphere. He was named the team’s captain that first season and even though he doesn’t wear the armband this season he remains “club captain” for Portland to signify his role as a leader among the players.

“To be named the first captain of the MLS ear and lead those guys was something very special to me,” he said. “I will always cherish that and will always remember and hopefully something I can do for a few more years.”

Now in his 11th year as a pro Jewsbury is still locked in to the next opponent and getting the most out of his career, but he does admit that he has started to think about what will be in his post-playing future.

“I would love to play as long as I can but you never know,” he said. “You have to be smart about it because you never know if you have one year left or three. But the reality of our sport is that we don’t make enough as players to just retire so you have to start thinking about what is going to be your next career after playing.”

Jewsbury was part of the founders for Puma FC in Kansas City and admits being around the club season and helping develop players was something he got great enjoyment out of during that process.

He’s in no rush to make retirement plans though, nor should he be. He’s started six games in the early goings this season and has helped fuel the Timbers to a 3rd place position in the Western Conference table. Eight games into this season Portland has yet to lose a game on the road with three ties and one huge win against Sporting Kansas City.

“We feeling pretty good about ourselves right now,” he said. “We are doing well on the road and we always feel like we have a chance at home with the environment we have there. This should be a good year for us.”

This story is by Kevin Smith, KC Correspondent for SGFsoccer.com and SoccerSTL.net

Game information this weekend included so players are listed in the order of the games. If you are unfamiliar with a player, check out our individual pages on each player for their background. If you have something you’d like to see added, use the Contact Page or leave a comment. This is an abreviated version of the complete story that can be found on SoccerSTL.net.

Portland vs. New England, Thursday May 2 at 9:30 pm CT on Univision Desportes

Jack Jewsbury, Portland Timbers vs Chivas, Photo: Gary Sheldon | ProstAmerika.com

BTW, if you haven’t read about how the Timbers made Atticus’ Dream Come True, grab some tissues and make some time to watch this wonderful story.

Luis Soffner, New England Revolution (via Indiana, SLUH and SLSG)
Soffner has yet to make his MLS debut in the net for New England but he also hasn’t be relegated to the squads full-time reserve unit either. Head coach Jay Heaps has kept Soffner with the main club during trainings as he is on record as saying he prefers having three keepers with the first unit. This is a good sign for Soffner once New England gets into U.S. Open Cup play in late May. Of course any back-up goalie knows they are an injury (or two) away from being called into action at any moment as well.

Saturday May 4th, Columbus vs. New York at 3 pm CT on NBC Sports
Brandon Barklage, New York Red Bulls (via SLU and CBC)

Saturday May 4th, Colorado vs. Toronto 8 pm CT on Direct Kick/MLS Live
Matt Pickens, Colorado Rapids (via Missouri State and Washington MO)

Saturday May 4th, Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver 8 pm CT on Direct Kick/MLS Live
Tom Heinemann, Vancouver Whitecaps (via Rockhurst and )
Cole Grossman, Real Salt Lake (via Duke and SLUH)
Chris Schuler, Real Salt Lake (via Creighton, AC St Louis and father is in Springfield)

Sunday May 5, Sporting KC vs. Chivas USA 4 pm CT on UniMas (formerly Univision)

A rematch of the 2012 MLS Cup Sunday May 5th, 10 p.m. – LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo on ESPN2
Tommy Meyer, LA Galaxy (via Indiana, SLUH and US Residency Program)
Will Bruin, Houston Dynamo (via Indiana, DeSmet and SLSG)
Brad Davis, Houston Dynamo (via SLU and Chaminade)

Republic are the defending champions but Willard joins the District this year after moving from Class 3 down to Class 2. Willard were top seed last year in Class 3 District 12 but lost to Central in the Final. The senior class will remember the schools first District title, won in 2010 via PK’s over Joplin. Current seniors who were part of that team include Macie Cotter, Lindsay Owen, Regan Textor and Jessie Stoll. Miriam Dashtipour, part of the group as a freshman but not playing this year, can be seen scoring on a 79th minute direct kick at Hillcrest, to tie the game, in the video below.

Will this group finish the way they started?

The Republic Tigers are hosts this year. All games will be played at the school, located at 4370 S RepMo Drive in Republic.

SEEDING
Seed – School – Record
#1 Willard (15-1)
#2 Republic (11-6)
#3 Liberty (Mountain View) (8-7)
#4 Hillcrest (4-14)
#5 West Plains (1-14)

SCHEDULE

Monday May 13, 5:00 pm
#4 Hillcrest
#5 West Plains

Wednesday May 15 at 4:00 PM
#1 Willard
Hillcrest/West Plains winner

Wednesday May 15 at 6:00 PM
#2 Republic (11-6)
#3 Liberty Mountain View

Friday May 17 at 5:00 PM – Final

The Missouri Class 3 District 12 soccer playoffs open May 14th and the Kickapoo Chiefs are top seed. The Chiefs join the District this year for the first time since 2008. There were two classes at the time and Ozark defeated Kickapoo in penalty kicks to win their only district title to-date. The Champions League final that year featured Chelsea vs Manchester United.

The Central Bulldogs are the defending champions.

The games will be played at Kickapoo High School.

Class 3 District 12
Seed, School, Record
#1 Kickapoo (7-9)
#2 Parkview (9-8)
#3 Central (6-6)
#4 Joplin (7-11)

May 14 at 5:00 PM
#1 Kickapoo (7-9)
#4 Joplin (7-11)

May 14 at 7:00 PM
#2 Parkview (9-8)
#3 Central (6-6)

May 17 at 6:00 PM – Championship game

Springfield Soccer – your source for informed commentary in the Ozarks!

St Teresa Academy, 2013 Heart of America champions

For a complete analysis of the five districts represented by this list (Blue Springs South moved into District 9 this year) and the potential implications for Districts and State, visit SoccerSTL.net. That’s where Ole’s broken it all down for you.

St Teresa Academy received all 11 First Place votes in the poll.
Also receiving votes: Park Hill & Belton

When: June 3 – 6 for boys and girls
Ages 6 to 10 – 5:30 until 7:15 (The critical age for developing top level ball control)
Ages 11 – 16 – 6:30 until 8:45 (Refine skills and advance your tactical play)

Download the 2013 Nixa SC Summer Camp Flyer for registration

At the Nixa Community Center Soccer Fields

Paige Townsend, Nixa (2014) after beating Ozark for COC Title

Why: Low coach to camper ratio resulting in more quality time with campers. Low cost – $50 per participant in advance, $60 at the camp. Two family members only $85. Three or more family members only $100.

Train with the best and be the best you can be. Receive a free T-shirt if you register by May 23.

For more information: www.nixasoccerclub.org or email tsterling@nixasoccerclub.org or dboehmer@nixasoccerclub.org. You may also contact us via phone at 417-830-4515

Osage Indians, 2013

Glendale continues in the #8 ranking while Jefferson City has jumped up into a tie with the Falcons. Nixa remains on the bubble.

Rolla comes in at #7 while Willard has fallen out of the rankings completely. I wonder if the Class 2 programs will get together and offer us a Southwest Region Coaches poll this season?

Catholic drops into a tie at #5 (from #4). The School of the Osage jumps all the way to #7, a first for the program, after being on the bubble in the first poll. They’ll be co-hosting the Laker Invitational this weekend (weather permitting), so more on them soon. It is only the third year for the program located in the Lake of the Ozarks.

GIRLS SOCCER POLL #2 (4-26-13)

Class 3 Poll
Rank	Team	Record	Points
1	St. Joseph's (7)	9-1-0	97
2	Rockwood Summit (1)	15-0-1	96
3	St. Teresa's Academy (3)	8-1-0	90
4	Eureka	10-1-0	80
5	Nerinx Hall	12-2-0	68
6	Lee's Summit West	10-1-1	49
7	Webster Groves	15-2-1	28
8	Glendale	11-4-0	19
8	Jefferson City	7-2-1	19
10	Staley	13-2-0	16
Others:	Jackson 11 – Kirkwood 11 – Cor Jesu 10 – Nixa 3 – Park Hill South 2 – Pattonville 2

.

Class 2 Poll
Rank	Team	Record	Points
1	St. Dominic (9)	8-0	94
2	Kearney (1)	16-0	80
3	Incarnate Word	8-4-2	72
4	MICDS	11-0	62
5	Visitation	8-3	62
6	Smithville	11-2-1	55
7	Rolla	15-1	36
8	Rosati-Kain	9-5	28
9	Union	9-3	26
10	Platte County	8-4	20
Others	Helias 10 – Villa Duchesne 4

.

Class 1 Poll
Rank	Team	Record	Points
1	Saxony Lutheran (8)	15-0	106
2	St. Pius (Festus) (3)	8-2	96
3	O'Hara	8-3	75
4	Maryville	11-1	53.5
5	Barstow	7-2-1	44
5	Springfield Catholic	7-7-1	44
7	Osage	10-2	29.5
8	Lutheran St. Charles	8-5	29
9	Duchesne	3-7	28
10	St. Vincent	8-8	27
Others	St. Pius (KC) 25 – Pembroke Hill 19 – Trinity 8 – Principia 7 – Kennedy 5 – Summit Christian 4 – St. Paul Lutheran 3 – Lutheran Kansas City 1 – Sacred Heart 1

As always, Springfield Soccer is the place for informed commentary on the beautiful game in the Ozarks. Keep coming back and share with your friends!