Springfield SC U15 - 2010 MRL 1st Division Champions
This past weekend saw 3 Springfield SC teams travel to Overland Park, KS to play games in the Midwest Regional League (MRL). The 15I, 16, and 17 boy’s teams all currently play in the First Division. The weather was perfect for playing soccer. The 17 boys played their first game of the year against Springfield Fire (IL) and came away with a 4-1 victory. That’s a great way to start things off! The 16 boys played twice and came awaywith a split weekend. On Saturday they defeated KCFC (KS) 3-2 on a great goal right at the end of the game. Sunday saw things go the other way with a 2-1 loss to Omaha FC (NE). They played very well and were unlucky not to get 2 wins on the weekend.
The 15I boys played their last 3 games of the season. On Saturday they defeated NFC Qdoba (NE) 3-1 in the morning followed by a 4-0 win over Kansas City United (KS). Sunday saw the boys go up against the Kansas Rush (KS) and come away with a 5-0 win. That win put the boys at 6-0 on the season and a lock for first place. This marks only the 2nd time that a Springfield SC team has won the MRL First Division. This time around it also means that they are automatically promoted to the MRL Premier Division. In their six games, the boys scored 21 goals and while only giving up 2.
This is the 2nd team in SSC history to participate in the Premier Division, the other being the SSC 90/91 boys who went on to win the Premier League once in their two years as well as winning two State Championships in their age group.
“It’s a fantastic moment to win any league. It makes it even better that this time it is the Midwest Regional League and the boys are promoted into the Premier Division where every game will feel like a State Cup game. It feels wonderful to have Springfield SC once again represented among the elite. It speaks volumes to the work the boys have put in over the past months and years. We can enjoy this for a bit, before we get back into it and prepare for State Cup,” commented Eric Sorlie, Director of Soccer Operations. “I’m also looking forward to watching the other teams finish their MRL season on a strong note as there is still a lot to play for in both divisions”
Bottom Row L to R: Evan Loyd (Greenwood), James Straus (Catholic), Jesse Bihlmeyer (Nixa), Evan Craig (Catholic), Dallas Moses (Pershing Middle School), Turner Adams (Kickapoo), Matt Call (Glendale),
Middle Row: Aaron Strunk (Kickapoo)
Top Row L to R: Evan Garrad (Glendale), Hunter Durham (Kickapoo), Chase Grubb (Kickapoo), Josh McCutcheon (Kickapoo), Andrew Schenck (Nixa), Elliot Williams (Kickapoo), Braedyn Mitchell (Clever), Jakob Neidig (Ozark), Mitchell Moncada (Catholic), Head Coach Eric Sorlie
The photos below are from a game September 2008, the first season the boys played in the Midwest Regional League
Support This Site – Purchase photos of your favorite players!
Click on any photo to be taken to the Purchasing website
Springfield SC Players of the Year - Ian Kennedy and Shelby Stewart with Eric Sorlie
Springfield SC announced their Players of the Year for 2009 at their annual banquet last night. With an attendance of well over 500, the club recognized Ian Kennedy (Kickapoo) and Shelby Stewart (Parkview) as their Players of the Year. Chosen for their performance, team impact and sportsmanship, the two join a select group of players who have developed in the program.
Shelby Stewart has signed to play soccer for the Missouri State Bears next Fall. Shelby was featured here early in a report on her signing. Stewart heads into her senior year with the Vikings, where she will be a three year Varsity starter after not playing her freshmen season due to transfer limitations. Stewart scored 25 goals to go along with 11 assists her junior year at Parkview. Her speed and leaping ability are top-tier and will be critical elements in her development as a college player. She just wrapped up the basketball season where she was a starting forward for the Vikings, who lost to District finalists Branson Monday in the first round.
Ian Kennedy has signed to play soccer for the William Jewell Cardinals, a team that is moving from NAIA to Division II in the Fall of 2010, effectively trading Evangel and the HAAC for Drury and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Joining his former teammate from the two-time State Championship squad, Ryan Squires, Kennedy will likely play a similar role for the Cardinals as he did for SSC. Ian is coming off of the Quarterfinal run the Chiefs made in 2009 where he was the emotional leader that made Kickapoo the top team from the region. He will hone his play this year as a member of the defending MRL Premier Division champions this Spring.
UPDATE: as Prof Richard Garrad notes in the comments, “William Jewell will hopefully be provisionally accepted to Division II during the 2011-12 academic year, and become an active Division II program in 2012-2013″. He’s keeping a closer eye on the program then I since there is another Falcon playing for the Cardinal’s, his daughter Megan. A conversation on Monday with the coaching staff at MO S&T indicated that they are still working on the Fall 2010 schedule because it will include Wm Jewell.
I spent some time with Jeremy Alumbaugh, Director of the Springfield SC for the past six years. For those who missed the earlier announcement, Alumbaugh is headed for Collinsville IL where he is now responsible for the St Louis Scott Gallagher Metro Academy U18 team. That’s a mouthful and I’m going to dive into those details in a follow up conversation, along with some background on the US Development Academy, the top tier of youth soccer development in the United States. For now, let’s stay local and learn more about Jeremy and the Springfield Soccer Club.
Jeremy returned to Springfield in 2004 to take the Director of Soccer Operations role now filled by Alumbaugh’s friend, former MSU coach Eric Sorlie, of the newly created club. Formed from the merger of Springfield Premier (Kinne), Carl Rose Academy and Tracker SC (Kofron, Carter & Allen), the club has teams for youth 8-18 as well as adult programs for 19-23 year olds. The club has approximately 30 teams across the age groups and 20 coaches that includes a strong relationship with Missouri State and it’s staff.
In the interview below, Jeremy talks about the Club’s achievement’s that he is most proud of. It’s a legacy to his vision and his leadership capabilities as he has pulled together a team that has accomplished all that it has. And as any good leader must, he’s left a team in place that can continue the development of youth players in the Ozarks but we’ll leave that for another interview.
Springfield Soccer Club, 2004-2009
Player Development – from a starting class in 2005 that included Patrick Carver (D3 All-American), Brian Fishback (D2 GLVC Player Athlete of the Year), Josh Florez (D3), Katie Brooks (NAIA), Justin Alford (D1) and Nick Pfeiffer (D2) to a group that included 5 D1 players in 2009, there are now well over 100 alumni who have continued their soccer careers in college. These young men and women return regularly for alumni events and are role models for the youth in the club. Club Development – working in the model of the largest clubs in the country and across the world, SSC has invested in the community and established their own indoor facility and offices. With a pair of indoor fields as well as an exercise room equipped with current gear, players and their families have a reliable location for training and development. It also provides a home where members can enhance a sense of community among the teams and and offices for the full-time Directors of the Club.
Community – starting with the creation of the Southwest All-Star game which recognizes high school seniors from over 20 area counties, SSC has expanded their outreach. Whether it’s the Club Banquet that annually attracts 400 families, the 24 hour marathon game that has donated services and over $50K in contributions to regional non-profits in the last three years, or Alumni events that keep former players involved in the club, Springfield SC has offered a full range of services for it’s members.
For more background on Jeremy, here is the bio from the Springfield SC website:
Jeremy Alumbaugh is a former Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Missouri State University from 1996-2000. Alumbaugh helped the Bears to national prominence as they made appearances in the NCAA Division I Tournament in 1997 and 1999. He oversaw all recruiting efforts for the Bears. Prior to Missouri State he served as an Assistant Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Alumbaugh played for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh from 1991-1994 and helped the Titans reach the NCAA Division III Sweet 16 in 1991, Elite 8 in 1993 and the Final Four in 1994. He played at Champaign Centennial High School where he was an All-Conference selection.
Prior to returning to Springfield in 2004 he worked for the Chicago Magic S.C. from 2001-2004 where he coached several teams to National, Regional and State Championships. While in Chicago he also coached the Chicago Fire Reserves of the PDL and helped the franchise win consecutive Division titles. In 2003 he served as the Assistant Coach to Mike Matkovich as they finished as the PDL National Finalist.
During his time in Chicago he worked with several current MLS and US National Team players including; Ricardo Clark, Brad Guzan, Matt Pickens, Ned Grabavoy, Quavas Kirk, Eric Lichaj, Jed Zayner, Danny O’Rourke, Chris Rolfe, Josh Lambo and Dasan Robinson.
Currently, he holds a USSF National ‘C’ License, the NSCAA National Diploma and the NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. Alumbaugh and his wife Tammy have a daughter Sidney and reside in Springfield.
Press Release – Springfield Soccer Club Announces Changes to Administrative Structure
The Springfield Soccer Club is pleased to announce that beginning January 1, 2010 Eric Sorlie (pictured at left) will be assuming the roles and responsibilities of Director of Soccer Operations. Eric will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of the club both on and off the field. Current Director of Soccer Operations Jeremy Alumbaugh (center) will move into the role of Technical Advisor for the Springfield Soccer Club.
Along with this change is the announcement that Jeremy Alumbaugh has accepted a full-time position with St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Metro. Alumbaugh will serve as the Director of Player Development and Assistant to the Development Academy Director beginning January 1, 2010. “Jeremy will be a tremendous addition to the St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Metro Staff and Program. He was the moving force behind the scenes during the height of the Chicago Magic. After coming to Springfield, he then facilitated the ascendancy of the Springfield Soccer Club to a level of national prominence. He possesses finely honed insights into the game, has keen understanding of the administrative side of the business and develops teams that win.” said Dale Schilly, Program Director for St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Metro.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Metro is one of 77 clubs in the country that are members of US Soccer Development Academy which begins its’ third year of competition in September. The Development Academy is focused on improving the every day training environment for elite players, so they can fulfill their potential as international, professional or collegiate soccer players. Clubs in SLSG-Metro’s division include; Colorado Rapids, Colorado Rush, Real Coloroado, Chicago Magic, Sockers FC Chicago, Chicago Fire, FC Milwaukee, St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Missouri and the Kansas City Wizards-Juniors. Development Academy member clubs only compete against each other and do not participate in State Cup or MRL.
Alumbaugh has served as the Director of Soccer Operations for the Springfield Soccer Club since 2004. During that time the club moved into the Midwest Regional League, KC Heartland Soccer League, captured two MYSA State Cup Championships, three USYS Regional Championship appearances and one US Club Region Championship. Off the field the club is in its’ third year of having their own indoor training facility and offices. “First of all, the club is very excited for Jeremy. The role he will have with the St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Metro Club and Academy is a perfect step for him to continue up the ladder. He is one of the best coaches I have been associated with.” said Joe Kofron, Springfield Soccer Club Board of Directors-President.
“This is a bittersweet day. The past five years have been an unbelievable time here with the Springfield Soccer Club. Through the vision and support of the Board of Directors, to the dedication of the coaching staff and obviously the work rate and commitment of our players and parents we have all built this club into one of the most complete clubs in the Midwest.” said Alumbaugh.
The club has also reached over 100 alumni competing at the collegiate soccer level. “I’m very excited to begin this new opportunity with SLSG-Metro and be involved in the Development Academy. It also is important to me that the growth of the Springfield Soccer Club continues. I’m pleased to be staying on in the Technical Advisor role through the 2009-10 season where hopefully I can continue to bring insight and ideas to the club and help ensure a smooth transition process for everyone involved.” Kofron also echoed the thoughts of Alumbaugh. “I also believe that our club will continue to benefit from him being involved with the academy side of things. He will be able to bring back invaluable knowledge to us as our Technical Advisor. As sad as we are to lose him on a full-time basis it is a real compliment to him and the entire Springfield Soccer Club to have someone get the recognition he deserves.” said Kofron.
For more information please contact the Springfield Soccer Club Office at 417-832-1552.
The Springfield SC U-14 and U-12 Boys teams both won their age groups at the Metro Strikers tournament in St Louis recently. The games were held at the Sportport fields in Maryland Heights.
The U-14 boys beat Metro Strikers in the finals to win the championship.
Pictured are the U-12 Boys who beat Metro Strikers in the finals to win their championship as well. The boys accomplished their feat without giving up a single goal in the four games played, scoring 5 while winning three games and tying one. Wins came against Sysmex and Gibilterra while tying St Louis SC. The final was a 2-0 win over Metro Strikers Mannion. The team is coached by Eric Sorlie. Photo provided by Russ White.
The Springfield SC will be hosting a 3v3 Indoor Soccer League during June. Games will be played in their indoor facility off of Chestnut Expressway, just East of Lake Country Soccer. This is a Youth Soccer program for kids from Pee-Wee (3-4) up to Middle School age.
League Details
• 7 PLAYERS PER TEAM
• 6 GAME SEASON – 2 GAMES PER NIGHT
• ALL GAMES PLAYED IN JUNE @ SSC Indoor Facility
• EACH PLAYER & COACH RECEIVES A T-SHIRT
• TOP TWO TEAMS IN EACH DIVISION RECEIVE AWARD
• GAMES PLAYED ON BOARDED FIELDS FOR FAST ACTION!
Age Divisions
Pee-Wee (3, 4) U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 Middle School V & JV
Boys/Girls/Coed
Deadline May 19, 2008
Entry Fee – $105.00 Per Team
That’s right, our local boys have been invited to participate in the most significant Youth Soccer tournament held in the US. It’s a week long event that opens with a FIFA Reception (not US Soccer, but FIFA) on Saturday and today’s schedule includes the first two of a series of competitive Super League international youth matches
3:00PM Sao Paulo FC (Brazil) vs Andromeda SC (USA) Super Group Game
5:00PM Welcome World – Opening Ceremonies
7:00PM Liverpool FC (England) vs FK Slavija (Bosnia/Herzegovina) Super Group Game
Our boys are in Bracket A of the U17 Competition. They’ll play three games, one each Monday-Wednesday this week, against a tough, competitive line up that includes Tigres (Monterrey, Mexico), OSC Rage (Orange, California) and the North Texas Strikers (Dallas, Texas). SSC is 1 of 32 International teams competing in this age group. The winner of the bracket advances to Quarterfinal play on Friday, with the semifinal and final scheduled for Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Coach Cory Carr is being assisted this week by Eric Sorlie and Zach Alumbaugh. I asked Club Director Jeremy Alumbaugh to provide some background and thoughts on any goals the team, and club, have set for this tournament:
The Dallas Cup is by far the most prestigious youth soccer tournament in the United States if not the world. If you look at the number of professional international youth teams who are in attendance and then factor in every top youth club in North America is represented it is quite special.
For the Springfield Soccer Club and this entire area to be represented in this tournament is frankly amazing. Look at the population of the teams we will be competing against and to think that Springfield, Missouri is there with them is something no soccer person from this area would have imagined a few years ago. Congratulations to Coach Cory Carr and all of the players on this accomplishment.
For a team from a northern climate, it is always a difficult task to compete at the Dallas Cup. All three of our opponents are from southern climates where they have the luxury of constant outdoor competition and training. Hopefully, our recent run of outdoor games and good weather will allow us to compete. Dallas Cup is a tremendous tuneup for our upcoming MRL games and MYSA State Cup.
Springfield Soccer Club, in conjunction with Lake Country Soccer, is sponsoring the Midwest Indoor College Showcase on Monday, January 21, 2008. The Showcase is for High School Juniors and Senior that are interested in playing soccer at the collegiate level or at least would like to consider the opportunities available to them. Please click the bottom link to the left – Indoor College Showcase for details.
Monday, January 21st.
Open to boys and girls, juniors and seniors
Cost is $50
Receive a t-shirt and player info will be given to all college coaches
Indoor at LCS Soccer Dome
There are still spots available for both boys and girls, although it’s filling up fast. Players can encourage colleges not on the list to attend. it’s a great recruiting opportunity for the players as there is only one field for the college coaches to concentrate on. Perfect weather, perfect surface, perfect opportunity!
List of college coaches:
Missouri State University
Drake University
Bradley University
Butler Community College
University of Evansville
University of Central Arkansas
Drury University
Missouri Southern State University
University of Rolla
William Woods University
Lyon College
Columbia College
Avila University
William Jewell University
Wartburg College
UMKC
The cost is $50.00 per player which should be mailed in with the player application. Each player will receive a shirt to wear during the showcase and college coaches will receive a player profile booklet with profiles on each player in the showcase.
If you have any questions on the Midwest Indoor College Showcase please feel free to contact Eric Sorlie in the Springfield Soccer Club Office at 417-832-1552 or via email sorlie (at) springfieldsportsclub (dot) com. We look forward to your participation at the Midwest Indoor College Showcase in January.
