tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84438691531241144832024-03-13T18:14:18.191-05:00Perfectly Weighted Through BlogA blog about soccer from a Huntsville perspective.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-90446036606081157932013-09-05T13:25:00.001-05:002013-09-05T13:25:22.366-05:00Pulled from the Stands to Score a Goal!This is too good not to share.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/05/harry-redknapp-played-fan-west-ham">The day Harry Redknapp brought a fan on to play for West Ham</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POWqIjjG69I/UijL5y8Dk-I/AAAAAAAAB4w/2nkMwf0O8CE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-05+at+1.22.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POWqIjjG69I/UijL5y8Dk-I/AAAAAAAAB4w/2nkMwf0O8CE/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-09-05+at+1.22.00+PM.png" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photograph: Steve Bacon</span>Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-30689597334727731272011-10-01T11:06:00.000-05:002011-10-01T11:06:06.114-05:00Soccer on TV/Computer This Weekend<b>NASL Play-offs Free Stream and </b><b>EPL On FOX Again and</b><br />
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Every weekend, we fortunate soccer fans in the Huntsville area have a wealth of soccer options to watch on TV and the Internet. I've compile a list of games I'll be trying to catch on Saturday and Sunday. This week will include the NASL. The USA's second division playoffs begin on Saturday evening and they are being <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/nasllive1#events">streamed for free via U-Stream</a>. Also, for the second time this season, FOX54 will be airing a tape delayed game from the EPL. This time the North London Derby will be feature as Spurs and Arsenal line-up against each other at White Hart Lane at 1 p.m. on Sunday.<br />
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Here's the weekend's offerings with the my picks for the <b>best games in bold</b>. <br />
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SATURDAY<br /><b>England, Everton-Liverpool 6:30 a.m. ESPN2<br />Germany, Hoffenheim-Bayern Munich 8:30 a.m. GolTV</b><br />Germany, Hertha Berlin-Cologne 11:30 a.m. ESPN3.com<br /><b>Italy, Inter Milan-Napoli 1:30 p.m. Fox Soccer</b><br />MLS, Houston-Chicago 3 p.m. Telefutura<br />Mexico, Morelia-Tecos 5 p.m. Fox Deportes<br />NASL, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers-FC Edmonton, U-stream<br />
NASL, FC Tampa Bay-NSC Minnesota Stars, U-steam <br />
MLS, Toronto-New York 6:30 p.m. Fox Soccer<br />MLS, New England-Seattle 6:30 p.m. Direct Kic <br />
MLS, Colorado-Dallas 8 p.m. Direct Kick<br /><b>MLS, Los Angeles-Real Salt Lake 9:30 p.m. Direct Kick</b><br />MLS, San Jose-Kansas City 9:30 p.m. Direct Kick<br /><br />SUNDAY<br /><b>England, Spurs-Arsenal 10 a.m. Fox Soccer<br />Germany, Hamburg-Schalke 10:30 a.m. GolTV</b><br />Spain, Gijon-Barcelona 1 p.m. GolTV<br />England, Spurs-Arsenal 1 p.m. FOX<br /><b>Italy, Juventus-AC Milan 1:30 p.m. Fox Soccer</b><br />MLS, Columbus-D.C. United 4 p.m. Direct Kick<br />Spain, Espanyol-Real Madrid 3 p.m. ESPN2<br /><b>MLS, Vancouver-Portland 4:30 p.m. Direct Kick</b><br />MLS, Chivas USA-Philadelphia 7 p.m. Direct Kick <br />
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<br />Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-15109627989415582162011-09-24T12:41:00.000-05:002011-09-24T12:41:19.684-05:00Best League in the World?; UAH Wins at Home, Loses on the Road; UAB Cracks the Top 25<b>What is the best league in the world?</b><br />
<br />
Lately, there's been <a href="http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/ussoccerplayers/2011/09/the-best-soccer-league-in-the-world.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ussoccerplayers+%28USSoccerPlayers%29">a lot of debate in soccer circles</a> as to what is the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/569129-iffhs-rank-la-liga-as-best-league-in-the-world-english-premier-league-second">best league in the world</a>. No doubt, some of that debate is spurred by <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-08-18/player-movement-shows-mls-moving-toward-big-league-play">statements by the MLS brass</a> that they have shifted thier focus from a survival mode to a quest to become the "best league in the world". It's an interesting question, but what exactly do we mean when we say "best league in the world"?<br />
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Surely, we can narrow the list of hopefuls down immediately to the
European leagues, sometimes called the big four, the English Premier
League (EPL), the German Bundesliga, the Italian Serie A, and the Spanish Premira (La Liga).
Sadly, as much as I believe that Major League Soccer is underrated, the
reality is that MLS doesn't yet come close to being included in the
conversation. An argument could possibly be made to include the
Mexican and Brazilian top flights, but world wide reach of those leagues
aren't anywhere near the top four. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDK-DqpjNPE/Sl4t0S9Jv4I/AAAAAAAAAOI/wPoVD78edWg/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDK-DqpjNPE/Sl4t0S9Jv4I/AAAAAAAAAOI/wPoVD78edWg/s200/Picture+2.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLS not in this debate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For me, the best league in the world must have: <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Quality teams: From top to bottom the teams must be good and able to make for exciting matches. In other words, there must be parity, so that a league leader's match against a cellar dweller is not a forgone conclusion. The EPL certainly has strong teams from 1-12, but there are some stinkers at the bottom. La Liga sees a major drop off after the top 8. The Bundesliga has good parity throughout making even the bottom table match-ups exciting. Serie A has pretty good parity this season.</li>
<li>Fan participation and attendance: There's no question that games with fans who are into the what's happening on the field dial up the intensity and excitement. However, a few thousand die-hards just can't make up for tons of empty seats in a stadium. So, attendance across the league must be good. The Bundesliga surely has the advantage here, as they are the best attended league in the world, and their stadiums rock for each match. Too many of the EPL, La Liga, and Serie A matches are half empty toward the end of the season. </li>
<li>Champion diversity: Perhaps this is just different version of my first point about league parity, but a league with one or two teams who dominate the league is a bummer for everyone. All the league's have deficiencies in this area. See Madrid and Barcelona, Inter and Milan (maybe not this season), Chelsea and ManU, and Bayern Munich.</li>
</ol>
From those requirements, my pick for the best league in the world is the <a href="http://www.bundesliga.de/en/">Bundesliga</a>.<br />
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Although they might not have the best teams in the world (Manchester United and Barcelona lead that debate), the league top to bottom provides the most exciting and entertaining games. Each Bundesliga game is played at a very high level with exciting, attack-minded tactics in front of loud, boisterous crowds. Despite Bayern's relative dominance in the competition, there have been 4 different champions in the past 5 seasons that provides a level of parity not seen in the other leagues.<br />
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<br />
<b>UAH Split Results Against Georgian Opposition</b><br />
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Last Saturday, UAH matched its win total from the previous season with a 5:0 shutout of Georgia Southwestern. The goals came from five different scorers as Mitch Wilson, Jared Muggleton, Kyle Simmons, Oscar Leon, and Brandon Lemier each notched one. The performance capped an excellent week from Kyle Simmons who was named GSC Player of the Week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O_NJfjqfiZo">UAH 5:0 Georgia Southwestern</a></div>
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The Chargers then took to the road for the first time this season at North Georgia State. A slow start saw UAH down three goals after only 22 minutes. Despite waking up and attempting to make a game of it with two goals from Ragnar Gunnarsson before the end of the first half, NGSU ended all doubts with three unanswered in the second half to hand UAH a 6:2 loss. <br />
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UAH (4-3-0) will try to turn things around when they travel to take on St. Leo on Sunday. <br />
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<br />
<b>UAB Ranked in National Polls</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_GFAM89RdI/Tn4WEOtOAbI/AAAAAAAAB20/BitHbD6Bg3c/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-24+at+12.39.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_GFAM89RdI/Tn4WEOtOAbI/AAAAAAAAB20/BitHbD6Bg3c/s320/Screen+shot+2011-09-24+at+12.39.53+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
After starting the season with seven games without a loss, UAB, the only Division I NCAA team in Alabama, have been honored with rankings as high as the 20th position in <a href="http://www.nscaa.com/seniorRes.php?it=1641">the various national rankings</a>. Surely a loss to a tough Portland team will knock UAB down a few notches, but the Blazers expect to continue their early success in the hopes of making an appearance in the NCAA College Cup <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2010/07/ncaa-championships-in-alabama-more.html">to be held in Hoover, AL this year</a>. Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-4096282574135425492011-09-17T10:15:00.000-05:002011-09-17T10:15:59.617-05:00I HEART DirecTV, EPL on FOX on Sunday<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DirecTV Still The Way to Go in Huntsville</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkFocYHwz9k/StiwhYqoDZI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Yk2KMiR5VIM/s1600/soccerTV.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkFocYHwz9k/StiwhYqoDZI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Yk2KMiR5VIM/s320/soccerTV.png" width="288" /></a></div>
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A few years ago, I posted a study on <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2009/02/soccer-on-huntsville-tv.html">which Huntsville area TV package provides the most soccer for the discriminating fan</a>. Since that post nearly two years ago, the landscape of soccer on TV has changed a little bit; FOX networks showing EPL and Champions League; NBC and NBC Sports (Versus) soon to show MLS matches; and Sentanta is replaced by FOX Soccer Plus. However, my recommendation remains the same. <a href="http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/sports/soccer">DirecTV is the soccer lovers choice</a> here in Huntsville.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgVSfJ7SFf4/S3GMJutGw_I/AAAAAAAABAg/ja0diJfGXJw/s1600/DirecTV+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgVSfJ7SFf4/S3GMJutGw_I/AAAAAAAABAg/ja0diJfGXJw/s1600/DirecTV+Logo.png" /></a></div>
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Note: The development of soccer on the Internet is a greatly welcomed addition to soccer viewers choices. From MLS Matchday Live, ESPN3.com, foxsoccer.tv, and the various reliable (and nefarious) live streams of matches across the globe adds literally hundreds of additional choices to the soccer fan's menu. I won't attempt to describe these here, but they are still a viable option for someone looking to view matches on the cheap.<br />
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So, here's some update info for soccer on TV in Huntsville.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Leagues/Competitions</span>: Networks<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">American MLS</span>: ABC, ESPN2, FOX Soccer (FSC), FOX Soccer Espanol (FSE), MLS Direct Kick, RSNs, (2012: NBC, NBC Sports) <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">English EPL</span>: FOX, FSC, FSP. FSE, RSNs, <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Italian Serie A</span>: FSC, FSP, FSE<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Spanish La Liga</span>: GolTV, DirecTV LaLiga Channels<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">German Bundesliga</span>: GolTV<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Brazilian Pulista Championship</span>: GolTV<br />
<b>Columbian League:</b> GolTV<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Australian A League</span>: FSC<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Scottish Premier League</span>: FSP<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mexican MFL</span>: FSE, GolTV, Univision, Telemundo<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">UEFA Champions League</span>: FOX, FSC, FSP, RSN, DirecTV Europa Channels<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">UEFA Cup</span>: GolTV, DirecTV Europa Channles<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Copa Libertadores</span>: FSE<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Concacaf Champions Cup</span>: FSC, FSE<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">World Cup/Friendlies</span>: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNClassic, FSC, FSP, FSE, GolTV, Univision<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">American USL/NASL</span>: FSC<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">NCAA Soccer</span>: CBS CS, FSC, ESPN2, ESPNU, RSNs<br />
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To catch all of this soccer action here are the packages you need.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">DirecTV Premier Package</span>: Includes FOX, ABC (WAAY), ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Classic.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">DirecTV Sports Pack Package</span>:
Includes the major Soccer related channels like Fox Soccer Channel,
Fox Sports Espanol and GolTV. Also included are the regional sports
networks (RSNs) and others channels that show the occasional Soccer
match or two (ESPNU, CBS College Sports, etc.) This package also
includes at no extra charge the DirecTV Europa Channels (480-489) and Spanish LaLiga (477-479) channels which show all of the Champions
League and Europa League matches including a mix channel to watch them
all simultaneously. If you've not seen this Mix Channel in action, you
are missing out. I often record the games with Americans and watch
later. IT ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DirecTV's Europa Mix Channel is Awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
*<span style="font-weight: bold;">FOX Soccer Plus</span>:
This is a channel that DirecTV offers that is not included in the
Sports Pack and used to be called Setanta. You must pay an extra $15 a month for the channel. It broadcasts EPL
matches, SPL, Italian Serie A, and English 1st division
matches. I personally don’t think it is worth the extra money, and that's probably why Sentanta went out of business. I
suppose if I followed a certain team in one of those competitions, I
might reconsider. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">MLS Direct Kick</span>:
This is the best deal around. For a once a year fee of $70, you get
all of the MLS matches not shown on ABC, ESPN2, FSC, or Telefutura including
play-off games. That’s over 200 games a year. This is how I watch my
beloved DC United.<br />
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So, as you can see, there is plenty of soccer to be seen, if you know where to get it.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FOX54 To Show ManU-Chelsea on Sunday</b></span><br />
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Keeping with the soccer on TV theme of this post, <a href="http://www.fox54.com/category/220070/other-sports">FOX54 will air the Manchester United-Chelsea match</a>
at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The local over-the-air FOX affiliate will show the
tape delayed match that will originally air on FOX Soccer earlier in the
day. The match-up of EPL giants will go up against prime NFL
broadcasts including the Chargers-Patriots game over on WHNT.<br />
<br />
It
will be interesting to see if any casual gridiron fans will be turned
to the dark side by this game. I feel conflicted about this for a <a href="http://www.matchfitusa.com/2011/09/soccer-sunday-on-fox.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MatchFitUsa+%28Match+Fit+USA%29">couple of reasons that are well put by Jason Davis at Match Fit USA</a>. And then again, maybe I'm just afraid that my love of the game will be <a href="http://bayern.theoffside.com/team-news/being-a-fan-in-footballs-hinterlands.html">overtaken by bandwagon jumpers</a>.<br />
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This
isn't the only broadcast of EPL matches this season. There will be at
least two more broadcasts in the next two months. As always, I'll let
you know when they do.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-32467490154480154822011-09-15T08:45:00.001-05:002011-09-15T09:16:36.314-05:00UAH Drops Montevallo In Impressive Fashion, 3:1<br />
Behind two goals from freshman Kyle Simmons, University of Alabama-Huntsville took a large scalp in the fourteenth ranked University of Montevallo. UAH came out with their hackles up and tallied first after 15 minutes. Kyle Simmons volleyed Felix Hjalmarsson's cross in from close range. Montevallo, stunned, attempted to put together a response on Jordan Steelman's goal. Steelman was making his first start as UAH first choice keeper Kel Markert is serving a suspension. The Falcons nearly equalized on several occasions only to be frustrated by the Assistant Referee's flag each time. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FcEVyYrf7YU">UAH GoalMeister Kyle Simmons</a></div>
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However, the Falcons would find the equalizer off a second half corner kick from when Jackson Tolleson nodded home Tyson Eyo's delivery in the 54th minute. UAH and Simmons were quick to respond when 3 minutes later fellow freshman Mitch Wilson danced around two defenders and served up a ball for Simmons to jackhammer home with his noggin for his team leading 6th goal in 5 games.<br />
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The Chargers weren't finished though. In the 75th minute, Jarrod Muggleton delivered a precise free kick that Hjalmarsson met with aplomb to put the match out of reach and give UAH its biggest win in years. UAH is brimming with confidence heading into its next match at Charger Field on Saturday at 3PM against Georgia Southwestern.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-67290483311915434692011-09-09T10:02:00.000-05:002011-09-09T10:02:45.967-05:00UAH Wins, Maryland-Under Amour Soccer Boots<b>UAH Shuts Out Christian Brothers</b><br />
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University of Alabama-Huntsville picked up its <a href="http://www.uahchargers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1760&Itemid=239&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UniversityOfAlabamaInHuntsvilleuahAthleticsNews+%28University+of+Alabama+in+Huntsville+%28UAH%29+Athletics+News%29&utm_content=FaceBook">second win of the season</a> on the back of a strong defensive effort and the creativity of sophomore forward Felix Hjalmarsson. Coming off a soggy 1:2 overtime loss to at home to Lincoln Memorial University on Sunday, the Chargers (2-1) shutout victory give the team confidence through the 3rd of their season opening 6 straight home games. <br />
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The Charger defense held strong through out the match, and the Icelandic forward Hjalmarsson would reward them with a goal in the 80th minute from a nice combination with midfielder and fellow Icelander Ragnar Gunnarson. It was the frosty forward's second goal of the season. Hjalmarsson wasn't finished as he and freshman forward Mitch Wilson combine to seal the win with Wilson's goal in the 83rd minute. <br />
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The Charger's will hope to keep the momentum going when they host Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday at 2:30 PM at Charger Field.<br />
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<b>University of Maryland Flag Soccer Boots Are Awesome!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear the Turtle!</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=university+of+maryland+uniforms&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=university+of+maryland+uniforms&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=1eN&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivnsu&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=rCFqTo-6AoGtgQeb47HsBQ&ved=0CDAQqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=59e64c866a79411f&biw=1112&bih=625">University of Maryland's throwball team</a> has been getting an huge amount of press about their uniforms, but it's the <a href="http://www.kckrs.com/these-maryland-university-under-armour-soccer-cleats-are-well-just-look-at-them/">Terps soccer boots</a> that I'm interested in. The Under Armour Blur boots (and the uniforms) are based on the flag of Maryland with feature the Black and Gold banner of the Calvert family, and the Red and White banner of the Crossland family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-_rQos5GbY/Tmojr8Qp3aI/AAAAAAAAB2s/WCwSjyibRlY/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-09+at+9.32.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-_rQos5GbY/Tmojr8Qp3aI/AAAAAAAAB2s/WCwSjyibRlY/s320/Screen+shot+2011-09-09+at+9.32.26+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Terps soccer team also features the Calvert banner</td></tr>
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Confession: I'm was born and raised in Maryland's Calvert County. So, my opinion in these matters may be a little biased. I fully understand people who think they are bufugly, but I think they are awesome! Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-61128980782709543492011-09-02T08:51:00.000-05:002011-09-02T08:51:39.937-05:00UAH Season Opener, USA v Costa Rica Viewing Party, TV Updates<b>UAH Kicks Season Off Thursday</b><br />
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UAH hosts Talladega in their season opener at 2PM on Thursday. Coach Mike Mitchell is looking forward to playing the NAIA school to guage his teams progress from a disappointing season last year.<br />
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<b>American Outlaws host USA vs Costa Rica Viewing Party Friday at the Brickhouse</b><br />
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The local American Outlaws chapter will be hosting a viewing party for the USA v Costa Rica match this Friday at the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/soccer-bar-review-brickhouse-sports.html">Brickhouse</a>. Game time is at 10PM and as always there will be food and drink specials.<br />
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<b>Soccer On TV Just Got Sexier</b><br />
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Soccer on TV in the USA has reached a few milestones recently. <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/10/mls-nbc-sports-agree-three-year-broadcast-deal">MLS has announced a major deal with NBC Sports</a> where 45 MLS and USMNT matches will be shown on NBC and the NBC Sports Network (currently called Versus). Originally, I was lukewarm about the deal, but in the days since, <a href="http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2011/08/22/Media/Sports-Media.aspx">NBC has announced a major effort to challenge ESPN's dominance </a>and will feature live sporting events like MLS and NHL. <br />
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Another sign that soccer is coming to the mainstream sports consciousness is <a href="http://www.socceramerica.com/article/43580/fox-to-air-four-epl-games.html">FOX's announcement that they will broadcast 4 EPL games this season</a>.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-79263716171419102252011-08-27T12:11:00.000-05:002011-08-27T12:11:47.628-05:00PWT-blog Goes To Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently got back from a fantastic trip to Germany to partake in two of my loves, soccer and beer. My traveling companion John and I planned a great weekend with 3 professional matches mixed in with many visits to the local Biergartens. Unfortunately, on our second day in country before we had a chance to see any matches, John had a medical incident that forced him into the hospital for the entire weekend. He was good humored throughout and forced our host Jan and I to attend the matches that we had spent so long planning to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InyduOFBh78/TlkCrYUYK-I/AAAAAAAAB1c/-S-L4MyMSkM/s1600/DSCN0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InyduOFBh78/TlkCrYUYK-I/AAAAAAAAB1c/-S-L4MyMSkM/s320/DSCN0742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FC Nuernberg Stadium</td></tr>
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The weekend started with a drive past the FC Nuernberg stadium on the way to the Bundesliga 2 match-up between Bavarian sides Greuther Furth and Ingolstadt. The Furth stadium has old timey feel and is nestled in a quiet neighborhood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJvMaDOYtvc/TlkDBlOQNiI/AAAAAAAAB1g/gvkqlRY3TAY/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJvMaDOYtvc/TlkDBlOQNiI/AAAAAAAAB1g/gvkqlRY3TAY/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Greuther Furth Terraces</td></tr>
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Jan and I were able to score some tickets in the Furth terraces with the fanatics where there was some impressive chanting accompanied by the best drummer this side of the Who's Keith Moon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN9XBd8Z6mQ/TlkDnNBgRmI/AAAAAAAAB1k/oRJb84W-p98/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN9XBd8Z6mQ/TlkDnNBgRmI/AAAAAAAAB1k/oRJb84W-p98/s320/IMG_1253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer and Brats at the Furth Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furth clears the danger</td></tr>
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At half time, we moved into the seated section to enjoy the rest of the match from a different and more low-key perspective. Furth would dominate the match and come away with the easy 3:0 win. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izCIzyhbvxs/TlkF8x1zRbI/AAAAAAAAB1s/_fOU-IYaMJo/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izCIzyhbvxs/TlkF8x1zRbI/AAAAAAAAB1s/_fOU-IYaMJo/s320/DSCN0761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcel, Jan, and I outside the Paulener Bier Garten and Alianz Arena</td></tr>
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Our next destination saw us move from the neighborhood stadium in Furth to the corporate behemoth that is Bayern Munich's Alianz Arena for the Bayern v Hamburg match. For the match, Jan and I were joined by German ex-pat living in Birmingham, AL, Marcel. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qeMMAR5kZg/TlkGzEb33cI/AAAAAAAAB1w/NAtB5kDm2-s/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qeMMAR5kZg/TlkGzEb33cI/AAAAAAAAB1w/NAtB5kDm2-s/s320/IMG_1282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Alianz Arena's press area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oO-p7XnU88/TlkHYaE1plI/AAAAAAAAB10/2a0iDnxrqvM/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oO-p7XnU88/TlkHYaE1plI/AAAAAAAAB10/2a0iDnxrqvM/s320/IMG_1281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayern's Beer and Pretzel</td></tr>
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We were fortunate to get tickets through my good friend and Bayern season ticket holder, Juergen. Juergen is a former soccer journalist and current publicist for many of the Bundesliga's biggest players. He let me use his journalist ticket to get a view from the press area which is very close to the action. We also joined Juergen and freinds in his normal seats in the upper tier to watch the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bz_BQfbsV0/TlkIJIwIl1I/AAAAAAAAB14/RXllTkERT6M/s1600/DSCN0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bz_BQfbsV0/TlkIJIwIl1I/AAAAAAAAB14/RXllTkERT6M/s320/DSCN0766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a happy Bayern fan after watching 5:0 win</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gCf-6-7Ba4/TlkIXHgMnQI/AAAAAAAAB18/OBYPAzHL8k8/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gCf-6-7Ba4/TlkIXHgMnQI/AAAAAAAAB18/OBYPAzHL8k8/s320/DSCN0781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Alianz Arena from the autobahn. The stadium lights up Bayern Munich red after the match.</td></tr>
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As a Bayern fan, I'm happy to report that Bayern had no troubles with Hamburg. Marcel, who is an HSV Hamburg fan, was not so happy to see his team go down 5:0 to Bayern. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aJs97q-Gu0/TlkJNqWTU6I/AAAAAAAAB2A/xVZyb9rvjkM/s1600/DSCN0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aJs97q-Gu0/TlkJNqWTU6I/AAAAAAAAB2A/xVZyb9rvjkM/s320/DSCN0784.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Mainz Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziB0NdsodSQ/TlkJa5XTrLI/AAAAAAAAB2E/sg-unD_ZhuI/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziB0NdsodSQ/TlkJa5XTrLI/AAAAAAAAB2E/sg-unD_ZhuI/s320/IMG_1289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mainz Boys dominate in the old stadium</td></tr>
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The next day, Jan and I visited a smaller Bundesliga club in Mainz. Mainz has recently built a brand new stadium, but first, Jan and I went to the old stadium to watch the U-19 Mainz 05 team play Eintract Frankfurt in a youth Bundesliga match. Can you imagine playing a youth match in a 20,000 seat stadium?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dM-m1RXRRw/TlkNI0TUcsI/AAAAAAAAB2I/9I2iNyOXwcw/s1600/DSCN0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dM-m1RXRRw/TlkNI0TUcsI/AAAAAAAAB2I/9I2iNyOXwcw/s320/DSCN0787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New Mainz Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feuerwurst (spicy sausage) and Beer in the Mainz stadium</td></tr>
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Jan formerly coached two talented Mainz youth players in Marcel and Niko Seegert who were kind enough to provide us with tickets to the senior team's match against Shalke 04 later that day.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/28236466">A Fussball Day in Mainz with the Seegerts</a></div>
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The Mainz v Shalke match was a great game
for the neutral. Mainz came out of the gates on fire and were up 2:0
after the first quarter hour, but missed chances would doom them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-513yk1BfajU/TlkOYzPtKXI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/7EW9XSN69-g/s1600/DSCN0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-513yk1BfajU/TlkOYzPtKXI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/7EW9XSN69-g/s320/DSCN0791.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the new stadium before the game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqOGy6sXM3I/TlkOmfi3gHI/AAAAAAAAB2U/wybi3XcSpus/s1600/DSCN0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqOGy6sXM3I/TlkOmfi3gHI/AAAAAAAAB2U/wybi3XcSpus/s320/DSCN0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA international Jermaine Jones warms up for Shalke</td></tr>
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After the half, Shalke made some changes and scored 4 unanswered to travel home with the full three points and the 4:2 win.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNdsUVUIwOs/TlkPbi82MTI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/PtKkQgQEdwg/s1600/DSCN0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNdsUVUIwOs/TlkPbi82MTI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/PtKkQgQEdwg/s320/DSCN0804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SV Silber Workers Schorndorf e.V. </td></tr>
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After watching all that soccer, we had to try some of the moves out ourselves. We picked up John from the hospital and drove down to hang out with Juergen and his buddies from the Silber Workers soccer team. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KpPbvHxamo/TlkQd7d_pUI/AAAAAAAAB2c/J675mV1lJ6U/s1600/DSCN0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KpPbvHxamo/TlkQd7d_pUI/AAAAAAAAB2c/J675mV1lJ6U/s320/DSCN0821.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Bierakademie after the match</td></tr>
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We built up quite a thirst kicking around and had to refresh ourselves at the Beer Academy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuttgart practice</td></tr>
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After showing off our skills, we went back to learn from the professionals at the VfB Stuttgart practice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoffenheim's Stadium from the Autobahn</td></tr>
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With the trip nearly over, we zoomed past the Hoffenheim stadium on the autobahn.</a>Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-14714910405736649572011-08-05T08:24:00.000-05:002011-08-05T08:24:25.841-05:00USA v Mexico Watch Party; HASL Season Kicks Off; UAH Preseason Predictions<b>AOs to Host USA v Mexico Viewing Party at Brickhouse</b><br />
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The American Outlaws-Huntsville will be hosting a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180869288644846">Viewing Party for the USA v Mexico friendly</a> with food and drink specials at the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/soccer-bar-review-brickhouse-sports.html">Brickhouse Sports Cafe</a>, next Wednesday, August 10. Several AOH members will be making the trip up to Philadelphia to support the team in person, but for those of us with "real jobs", the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/p/soccer-bar-reviews.html">local soccer bar</a> is the place to be. I hope to have more on the trip up to Philly by the local boys next week.<br />
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<b>HASL Season Kicks Off On Sunday</b><br />
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The Huntsville Adult Soccer League kicks off its Fall 2011 season on Sunday. The league will once again consist of five divisions of six teams who will play ten matches to determine division champions. Also, for the second season, there will be a small sided Women's division. For more information, <a href="http://www.hasl.org/">check out the HASL website</a>.<br />
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<b>UAH Preseason Predictions</b><br />
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The <a href="http://www.uahchargers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1739&Itemid=239&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UniversityOfAlabamaInHuntsvilleuahAthleticsNews+%28University+of+Alabama+in+Huntsville+%28UAH%29+Athletics+News%29">University of Alabama-Huntsville Men's Soccer team</a> has been picked to finish third in the Gulf South Conference in 2011. The preseason predictions come just a few weeks before the season begins on September 1. Returning for the Chargers will be pre-season all-conference player Jarrod Muggleton. There are also a pair of incoming local freshmen, who are expected to make an impact on the team. Midfielder Kyle Simmons from Bob Jones and Forward Mitch Wilson from Grissom will look to help UAH drive the Charger's attack. Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-4873681350144678232011-07-31T00:58:00.000-05:002011-07-31T00:58:09.610-05:00Jacksonville United Captures 2011 NPSL ChampionshipIn a thrilling final, first year side Jacksonville United FC complete the incredible midseason turnaround to take home the NPSL Championship with a 3:2 win over Hollywood United. After losing its first four matches, JUFC turned the results around and rode three goals in Saturday's final from Tommy Krizanovic to finish its season with 8 straight wins and raise the NPSL Championship trophy. <br />
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Krizanovic opened the Jacksonville scoring in the 16th minute with a left-footed 15 yard drive across the width of the Hollywood goal before settling just inside the far post. Hollywood responded shortly thereafter when Arturo Albarran cheekily swivle kicked a cross to the head of Emmanuel Bentil. Bentil's downward header was knocked down by a Jacksonville defender's arm and the referee pointed to the spot. However, Hollywood would fail to convert the spot kick, when Albarran crashed his attempt off the crossbar. <br />
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Albarran would make up for that mistake with a wonder goal just minutes later. After receiving the ball in space about 30 yards from goal, Albarran laced into a curling drive that swerved into the far side netting and equalized the match. But it would only take 11 minutes for Jacksonville to retake the lead when Ramak Safin found Krizanovic for the finish in the 37th. The 2:1 scoreline would be taken into halftime.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27105663">2011 NPSL Final Quotes</a></div>
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After the break, Hollywood implemented its possession oriented game, and patiently probed the Jacksonville defense with good work from Nick Blanco and Jose Miranda coming close several times but unable unlock the Jacksonville defense. In the 76th minute, the breakthrough came when substitute Brent Whitfield broke into the penalty area and was taken down for a penalty. Albarran showed real moxie to step up and atone for his previous miss by slamming home his second penalty attempt of the night to level the score.<br />
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Hollywood continued the persistent pressure while looking for the winning goal, but in the 88th minute it was Jacksonville who struck against the run of play. Despite being outnumbered in the Hollywood penalty area, Ramak Safi danced to the endline and sent in a cross for Krizanovic to head home and spark jubilant celebration for the Jacksonville faithful. <br />
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After 4 minutes of desperate attacking from Hollywood in an attempt at a third equalizer, the referee blew full time and Jacksonville United captured the 2011 NPSL Championship.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-65827051579957068752011-07-30T08:25:00.001-05:002011-07-30T08:27:54.807-05:00For the Love of the Game: A Soccer Conversation with Donal LogueI love this gig I have. I've met many of my boyhood soccer idols. That's just one of the terrific things about my involvement in the game. Recently, this gig had me crossing paths with another of my non-soccer heroes. It was with great pleasure that I was able to spend a few short minutes talking soccer with one of my all time favorite actor/directors and friend in football, Donal Logue.<br />
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Since this is my blog, I can digress a little off the topic of soccer, if I feel the whim. So, bear with me and I'll warn you, skip the next few paragraphs, if you're not interested in reading some deeply personal revelations about how Mr. Logue's work has affected me in a very real sense. <br />
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Donal is an actor of immense talent and starred in one of my favorite movies ever, the 2000 independent romantic-comedy, "The Tao of Steve". In it, Donal played the philisoph-slacker, Dex, who laid down some simple tenets for life (and for picking up women, coincidentally) which can be distilled into the following, "Be desireless, be excellent, be gone".<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/D-B23kX0cXk">The Tao of Steve</a></div>
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For me, a guy who struggled with self-image problems, especially around women, these ideas were a revelation. After dozens of viewings, my roommate and I could be heard around the apartment quoting lines from the Buddha and discoursing on solipsism. Yes, we were wild and crazy guys.<br />
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However, those six words became a personal mantra of sorts and I used them to help get over a very real problem with social anxiety and a general lack of confidence. By clearing my mind of desire or the need to be seen as something other than who I was, I was able to stand tall in who I actually was. (Does that make sense?) The second tenet was working hard to be excellent at whatever I chose to do in life; career, hobbies, soccer... These first two led me to the third tennant of "be gone" which I interpreted as being unafraid to face new challenges, which has eventually led me to the adventure of moving out of my comfort zone I'd built in Maryland and building a life here in Huntsville. <br />
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I know, it sounds kind of silly that a rom-com could affect a person so fundamentally, but life is like that sometimes. All the personal reflection that the movie inspired gave me the confidence to approach, woo, and eventually win over the smart and sexy woman I now call my wife. It has also led me to explore and enrich my life through soccer by giving me the confidence to appear on camera as a part time TV soccer analyst and play-by-play announcer. Art really can influence you in profound ways.<br />
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Now, Donal also wrote, directed, and starred another of my favorite movies, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413356/">Tennis, Anyone...?</a>" about the celebrity tennis circuit. My father was the local tennis pro in the rural part of Maryland where I grew up. So, I certainly spotted some of the same types of egos in the movie that would swing the rackets around on my father's courts while I was rollerskating outside the fence to retrieve errant tennis balls in the late 70s/early 80s.<br />
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Plain and simple, I really appreciate Donal's work and he has more recently appeared in many successful movies and network shows including "Life" and "Terriers". Now that I've gushed on about my man crush on the guy, we can get down to the heart of the post.<br />
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It just so happens that Donal is also a soccer geek like me and has poured his passion into his club Hollywood United. He's "living the dream" of soccer ownership. His club will be playing for a National championship in the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/07/npsl-final-preview-npsl-commissioner.html">2011 NPSL Finals on Saturday night</a>. Here are some excerpts from our conversation a few days ago.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27053839">Hollywood United Owner and Actor Donal Logue Interview</a></div>
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BTW, the debate is now raging about whether you can use my name in your next game of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Degrees_of_Kevin_Bacon">Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon</a>.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-29468243641450373862011-07-30T00:35:00.000-05:002011-07-30T00:35:42.217-05:00RCU Finally Win at Home vs All-stars; Erie beats Milwaukee<b>RCU Drills All-stars 3:1 for First Home Win</b><br />
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Rocket City United's head coach Gerry Cleary hasn't had much to smile about after home games this season, but he was beaming after Friday night's All-star game. His side who finished last in the Southeast Region took on and thumped a side filled with the best talent in the NPSL. On each side of the break, Keniel Hyde took advantage of All-stars defensive errors to give RCU the 2:0 lead. The All-stars were able to answer back through a familiar face. RCU's lone All-star representative, Joseph Omondi, scored a poachers goal to pull the All-stars back within one. But in the dying seconds of the match a brilliant mazy 60 yard run and finish from Andrew Nkururnungi sealed the victory for the home side. <br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27078864">2011 NPSL All-star Game</a></div>
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<b>Erie Admirals Claim Third Place</b><br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27078811">2011 NPSL Third Place Match</a></div>
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Disappointed about their loss on Thursday, the Erie Admirals emphatically staked their claim as the third place team with a 5:0 drubbing of the Milwaukee Bavarians on Friday night. Erie was paced by Gavin Falconer who scored twice. Aaron Meehl came off the bench to bag a goal before Erie added two goals at the death by Michael Blythe and Shane Howard.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-68298876867683988852011-07-29T10:49:00.002-05:002011-07-29T10:52:13.768-05:00NPSL Final Preview; NPSL Commissioner Speaks<b>NPSL Final Sets Up To Be A Classic</b><br />
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Two newcomers to the NPSL will kick off Saturday night to crown a national champion. The match-up will be the second year in a row that the champions of the West and Southeast regions meet to determine a national champion. Hollywood United will be looking to be the third West Region team in a row to be crowned champion (Sonoma '09, Sacramento '10). While Jacksonville United is attempting to bring home the winners medals to the Southeast for the first time in NPSL history. Atlanta FC, Rocket City United, and Chattanooga FC have all failed to raise the Cup for the Southeast region in years past.<br />
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If they are to buck the trend, the odds will be stacked against the Florida eleven. Jacksonville United is undoubtedly the underdog in this match. The first year club scraped into the post season by the slimmest of margins. However, coach Eric Dade is not concerned with the early season sluggishness, and has seen his team grow into a side capable of good things, "I think a lot of guys were on a very good men's adult team, and then all of a sudden, we're pros." He explained that as the season wore on the JUFC's professionalism and consistency took hold and the good results followed.<br />
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JUFC is certainly riding a wave of moment while on a 7 game winning streak and Dade is looking forward to the final on Saturday night, "I think it'll be a good game. I think you'll see two teams play with similarity. Hopefully, we'll find a way to be there at the end of it." <br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27049126">2011 NPSL Final Preview</a></div>
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Hollywood United is also in its first year in the NPSL having moved over from the USL PDL, but is loaded with professional and international experience. For instance, both of Hollywood's goalscorers in the semifinals came to the squad with experience in top global professional divisions. The Hitmen's first scorer, Emmanuel Bentil was captain for the U-17 Ghana team that captured the World Youth Cup winner's medal. That experience led to three years on the books at Bayern Munich, before injuries led to time with other teams around Europe. Not to be outdone, two goal scorer Brent Whitfield spent time in the USA's Major League Soccer with Chivas USA.<br />
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Coach Jose Botello will be looking to use that experience against a JUFC side that he thinks plays an attractive game, "Jacksonville looks to knock it, looks to play, and get behind through short passes." Botello urges that a possession style game is also key to Hollywood's success, "It's something we stress. We want to keep the ball, and possession moving forward. At times, we struggled moving forward [in the semifinal]. That final pass wasn't there in the beginning of the game, but toward the end, we were much better."<br />
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<b>NPSL Commissioner Is Excited About 2011 and Beyond</b><br />
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Dan Trainor has seen his league grow from a provincial outfit to a nationwide developmental league in a very short time and he is excited about the future. The twinkle in his eye is fully evident when speaking of the "continued steady growth" of the future of the 4th division circuit.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27049833">NPSL Commisssioner Dan Trainor Interview</a></div>
Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-11493360748477182212011-07-29T00:33:00.001-05:002011-07-29T01:10:43.307-05:00NPSL Finalist Set; NPSL All-star Game; RCU's Sabio's Phillipines Out of World Cup<br />
<b>NPSL Finals Set: Hollywood United v Jacksonville United</b><br />
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The <a href="http://nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/547655.html">2011 NPSL Final</a> will be a battle of Uniteds as Hollywood United will take on Jacksonville United on Saturday at 7:30PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.<br />
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<i>Semifinal 1</i>: NPSL newcomer and West Region champion Hollywood United scored three second half goals on their way to defeating Midwest Region champion Milwaukee Bavarians. The teams ended the first half scoreless despite several good chance from Hollywood. The second half would see Hollywood continue the pressure and a golazo from Emmanuel Bentil two minutes after the break opened up the match. Bentil roped a drive into the top corner of the goal from outside the area. Shortly after, second half sub Brent Whitfield made the most of his fresh legs as he paced the Hitmen with a brace of goals on their way into Saturday nights final.<br />
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<i>Semifinal 2</i>: The second semifinal was a wild affair. Twice the Erie Admirals took 1 goal leads and twice Jacksonville United battled back to equalize before adding two late goals to take seal JUFC's place in the final. Erie started the scoring in the 22nd minute with a headed goal from Gavin Falconer off a nice cross from Shane Howard. Jacksonville United got the equalizer before the break when Tyler Williams scored on the second effort after his first shot was knocked down. Erie then benefited from a deflected cross from Michael Kennedy that found the net for the 2:1 lead in the 58th. JUFC only took 3 minutes to respond with a blast from Tommy Krizanovic. Just 10 minutes later, JUFC took the lead for good with a Akinwale Leyimu tally followed two minutes later by a Nick Salafrio's effort that just crossed the line before the Erie defense could clear. The wild game wasn't over yet as JUFC keeper Stuart McCrory turned away an Erie PK attempt in the waning minutes to keep the score 4:2 in favor of JUFC.<br />
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The third place match between the Erie Admirals and the Milwaukee Bavarians will take place Friday night at 5:30PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.<br />
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<b>NPSL All-stars take on RCU</b><br />
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Rocket City United will suit up one more time this season, as they take on the NPSL All-stars Friday night at 8 PM. RCU will have their work cut out for them as a strong NPSL side has been selected from over 60 recommended all-star players from around the league. RCU defender Joseph Omondi will have the rare privilege of suiting up against his current club as he was selected for the All-stars. When asked about which team he'd play for in Friday's match Omondi broke out in his trademark smile, "I've been asked that a couple of times now. Being selected [to the all-star team], it' s a big honor for me. So, I think I'll be playing against Rocket City, and it's just going to be a fun game for me." NPSL Technical Director and All-star head coach claims this year's all-stars a much more talented side than the one that beat RCU 2:0 in last year's exhibition match.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27038854">2011 NPSL All-star Press Conference</a></div>
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<b>RCU's Jason Sabio and the Phillipino National Team fall to Kuwait in World Cup Qualifying</b><br />
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Rocket City United defender Jason Sabio and his Phillipino National Team fell to Kuwait 5:1 on aggregate in the second round of the Asian Football Confederation's World Cup Qualifying. The Askals needed a miracle win by 4 goals in the return leg in Manilla after losing in Kuwait 3:0 in the first leg. Sabio did not appear in the second leg as the team fielded an attacking line-up in an effort to maximize its goal scoring capability. The miracle looked possible after the Azkals took an 1:0 halftime lead, but as they pressed for goals, Kuwait struck twice and eliminated the Phillipines' and Sabio's World Cup dreams.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-59596600703448869362011-07-28T14:50:00.005-05:002011-07-29T00:20:52.904-05:00NPSL Semifinals Tonight!<i>First, I must apologize to my loyal readers (all three of you, not including my mom) for my lack of posting recently. I was out of town and on my way back into town I caught a bug of some sort and have been "laid low" for nearly two weeks. In the meantime, RCU finished up it's <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/07/home-win-eludes-rcu-in-final-game.html">regular season,</a> and Jacob and the guys over at Southern Soccer hosted another wildly successful <a href="http://southernsoccer.net/blog/?p=1514">Rocket City Invitational tournament</a>. </i><br />
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<i>And I have to give a special thanks to an outstanding young writer and friend, Drew Wooley, who stepped in and kept you all up to date on the all things RCU. Thanks, Drew. We'll miss you when you move on to bigger and better things.</i> <br />
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<b>NPSL Semi-finals Tonight</b><br />
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It's a great time to be a soccer fan in Huntsville-Madison. The <a href="http://www.rocketcityunited.com/news_content.cfm?showNews=349&subHeader=News">NPSL Championships</a> area upon us again. This is the second straight year that the championships of the nation wide league in the fourth division of the US soccer pyramid will be hosted by Rocket City United at the Madison City Schools Stadium. Last year, we were treated to five fantastic games including a <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2010/07/rcu-falls-to-npsl-all-stars.html">great all-star match</a>, a tremendous <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2010/08/sacramento-gold-fc-claims-2010-npsl.html">NPSL Final won by Sacramento</a>, and appearances by some <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2010/07/us-soccer-stars-turn-out-for-npsl-all.html">US soccer celebrities</a>. This year's championships are looking to live up to last years event.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/27020668">2011 NPSL Championship Coaches Press Conference</a></div>
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<b>Semifinal 1 at 5:30PM</b>: Hollywood United (2) v. Milwaukee Bavarians (3).<br />
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<a href="http://hollywoodutd.com/">Hollywood United</a> (not to be confused with FC Hollywood as German giant FC Bayern Munich is often called), is a first year NPSL team. Hollywood United has had an impressive Western Region season going 14W-1D-2L in their first year after switching over from the USL-PDL. The Hollywood in the name is also well deserved since the club was founded by several musicians, actors, and Hollywood celebrity types. One of my favorite actors, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006610/">Donal Logue</a>, is part owner of the club and was spotted in Madison today documenting the club's time here at the championships. Hopefully, I'll get to sit down with him sometime this weekend and discuss his club and his views on soccer in America.<br />
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HU's opponent is no slouch either. Midwest Region champions <a href="http://www.bavariansoccerclub.com/main.php">Milwaukee Bavarians</a> are one of the most storied clubs in American soccer, and I'll be honest. They will be my sentimental favorite in the tournament, because they were founded in 1929 as FC Bayern, a similar name to my favorite European club (the previously mentioned "FC Hollywood"). Like their German namesakes, they have really come into their own as a soccer power in the last 30 years and are only slightly less decorated by silverware. The club holds 6 National Amateur and Open Cup trophies, and dominated this year's NPSL Midwest Region with a record of 8W, 2D, 2L. <br />
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<b>Semifinal 2 at 8PM</b>: Erie Admirals (1) v. Jacksonville United (4)<br />
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Northeast region champion <a href="http://www.erieadmirals.org/index.html">Erie Admirals</a> are making their 2nd appearance in the NPSL championships in three years. You might recall it was this same side that dashed Rocket City United's 2009 NPSL Championship hopes in Madison, WI <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2009/08/rcu-falls-in-npsl-semis-erie-vs-sonoma.html">by handing RCU a solid 4:2 drubbing in the semifinal</a>. Erie is coming into the finals as the number one seed due to Points-per-game. They will be without one of their top players in Afrim Latifi who had a personal commitment out of the country and could not travel with the team.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jacksonvilleunited.com/">Jacksonville United</a> is the surprise of the tournament. A 2011 NPSL newcomer, the Florida team had trouble adjusting to the league initially, dropping their first four matches in the NPSL Southeast Region. JaxU then performed a remarkable about-face and reeled off six straight victories to pull level on points at 6W-0D-4L with fellow Region leader Georgia Revolution and qualified for the Championships based on number of wins. Despite the rough start Jacksonville is an experienced side in American soccer with many team members gaining US Open Cup experience with Lynch's Pub FC.<br />
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<b>Sad Note:</b><br />
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The NPSL lost a member of its family as <a href="http://www.wisconsinsoccercentral.com/amateur/madison-56ers-npsl/3234-56ers-mainstay-billings-passes-away">NPSL Board Member Charles Billings</a> was found dead of what appears to be natural causes in his home this week. Billings was the Midwest Region Commissioner and GM of the Madison 56ers and was scheduled to travel to Madison, AL for this weekend's festivities.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-44243080689168197632011-07-17T17:45:00.005-05:002011-07-28T13:00:04.160-05:00Home Win Eludes RCU in Final Game<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJBaLlzxHIA/TiNnPVHhZMI/AAAAAAAAABo/-XjBsmL_25g/s1600/rcu.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630457472207643842" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJBaLlzxHIA/TiNnPVHhZMI/AAAAAAAAABo/-XjBsmL_25g/s320/rcu.png" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 188px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 110px;" /></a> <style>
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Looking desperately for their first home win on Saturday, Rocket City’s final home game of the season went the way of most of their season.</div>
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“We dug a hole by going down 2-0,” said Cleary. “We got back in the game at 2-2, had two chances to make it 3-2. Then we give up another silly goal to go down 3-2 and you’re chasing the game. </div>
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“This is the story of our season,” he added, “we get back in it and then we kick ourselves in the teeth.”</div>
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While the regular season is over, Rocket City will close out the summer with a 6v6 tournament, followed by an exhibition game against the NPSL All-Stars. </div>
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As for his future with the club, Cleary seems open to returning but recognized that his record will not be his greatest selling point.</div>
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“I don’t know whether they’ll want me back,” he said, chuckling after Saturday night’s loss. “Instead of me they might need a good coach. But we’ll see.”</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-9426641012898108282011-07-17T08:17:00.002-05:002011-08-01T08:39:35.814-05:00PWT-blog Visits Red Bull ArenaOn my recent vacation I had the opportunity to visit the Red Bull Arena for the New York Red Bulls v Toronto FC match. Although TFC didn't put up much of a fight in a <a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2011/07/recap-red-bulls-leave-no-doubt-5-0-win-over-tfc">5:0 loss to NYRB</a>, I had a fantastic night at a great soccer stadium. And as a DC United fan, it really pained me to write that last sentence. Anyway here are some of the action from that night.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8xRrgZdNGQ/Th46wFflq4I/AAAAAAAAB08/OdHw5rywjA0/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8xRrgZdNGQ/Th46wFflq4I/AAAAAAAAB08/OdHw5rywjA0/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving up to the Stadium</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q74H79iF9so/Th47FCxyS7I/AAAAAAAAB1A/8C1sn3bo8pY/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q74H79iF9so/Th47FCxyS7I/AAAAAAAAB1A/8C1sn3bo8pY/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A converted old warehouse turned parking garage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imug36qerm4/Th5CehpLmiI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Z18PPY_e974/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imug36qerm4/Th5CehpLmiI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Z18PPY_e974/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tailgate in the Warehouse</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2a9xJCbJDY/Th5Cu2bHLYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/c8CkHxr09Ig/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2a9xJCbJDY/Th5Cu2bHLYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/c8CkHxr09Ig/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids game outside the stadium</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuSwu4pCKec/Th5C_7333HI/AAAAAAAAB1M/RW-_OeRPp7M/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuSwu4pCKec/Th5C_7333HI/AAAAAAAAB1M/RW-_OeRPp7M/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RBA</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXapzdOO_KQ/Th5DaJoTQII/AAAAAAAAB1Q/PoaNm2LZmdE/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXapzdOO_KQ/Th5DaJoTQII/AAAAAAAAB1Q/PoaNm2LZmdE/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZtS1ggZnf8/Th5Ds793QzI/AAAAAAAAB1U/ry_REOhakOs/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZtS1ggZnf8/Th5Ds793QzI/AAAAAAAAB1U/ry_REOhakOs/s320/IMG_1101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the action from our seats</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-87990850198289495222011-07-13T19:29:00.001-05:002011-07-13T19:29:30.033-05:00WWC Watch Party, RCU Finale Saturday, NPSL Tournament Taking Shape, RCI Coming Together<b>American Outlaws to Host Women's World Cup Final Watch Party at the Brickhouse</b><br />
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The new <a href="http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/">American Outlaws-Huntsville</a> chapter will host a Women's World Cup Final watch party at the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/soccer-bar-review-brickhouse-sports.html">Brickhouse Sports Cafe</a> on Sunday at 1PM. After the US Women took care of business in Wednesday's 3:1 semi-final win over France, they'll look to bring home their first World Cup trophy since 1999's memorable triumph at the Rose Bowl. Let's get out there and support our ladies! HAIL, COLUMBIA!<br />
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<b>Rocket City United Look to Pick Up First Home Win in Finale</b><br />
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The ad says, "We must protect this house!" Rocket City United must not have seen that one. The team is strangely more successful on the road then they are in the confines of the Madison City Schools Stadium. Coach Gerry Cleary is at a loss to explain the losses in which RCU seems to be the better side, "Again we’re saying Rocket City should have won a game when we didn’t win, but maybe we’re just not that good." RCU has its final opportunity to win at home of the 2011 regular season Saturday night against expansion side and surprise of the NPSL Southeast Georgia Revolution. <br />
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<b>NPSL Championships Taking Shape</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA3Cf7sQQ1E/Th4z_qvR14I/AAAAAAAAB04/_BBK0JPGhwA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-13+at+7.10.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eA3Cf7sQQ1E/Th4z_qvR14I/AAAAAAAAB04/_BBK0JPGhwA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-13+at+7.10.05+PM.png" /></a></div>
RCU's match against the GA Revs will have postseason implications. <a href="http://chattahooligan.com/cfc/win-or-go-home">GAR sits in second in the Southeast region and can take the top spot with a win and loss or a tie by Chattanooga FC</a> in their match against the Knoxville Force. Only one of the other NPSL regional titles have been claimed as the <a href="http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/543610.html">Milwuakee Bavarians have won the Midwest</a>. The NPSL Championships will be hosted by RCU for the second consecutive year on July 28-30.<br />
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<b>Rocket City Invitational</b> <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--euNlEEYZiI/TDsi4mvdWHI/AAAAAAAABow/0PraZcW550c/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-07-12+at+9.12.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--euNlEEYZiI/TDsi4mvdWHI/AAAAAAAABow/0PraZcW550c/s200/Screen+shot+2010-07-12+at+9.12.23+AM.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://southernsoccer.net/blog/?p=1446">2011 Rocket City Invitational</a> is coming together nicely, and Jacob and Co. over at Southern Soccer are looking at another smashing success of a tournament. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RocketCityInvitational">Photos of the tournament T-shirts were just released</a> as have details of the tournament party at <a href="http://www.amendmentxxihsv.com/">Amendment XXI</a>. Looks like it's going to be classic!Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-66660383840565052882011-07-10T15:27:00.005-05:002011-07-10T15:59:04.437-05:00Poor Defending Costs Rocket City; High Drama in WWC<span style="font-weight: bold;">4-1 Defeat for RCU<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTUNiUh2_rE/ThoLyikCI_I/AAAAAAAAABQ/hvMUGGt81YA/s1600/rcu.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 188px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTUNiUh2_rE/ThoLyikCI_I/AAAAAAAAABQ/hvMUGGt81YA/s320/rcu.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627823647252161522" border="0" /></a> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" >Rocket City United were looking for their first home win of the season last night. What they found instead was a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Jacksonville United. Early goals for both sides were followed by 3 unanswered goals for the visitors to give RCU their worst loss of the season.<br /><br /></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" >"The lads are trying but if they were a little smarter in the final third then it’d be a lot easier," said Gerry Cleary after the game. "We were just stupid. They were little school girl errors that we made tonight, it’s ridiculous."<br /><br />Cleary and company will now try to turn their attention to the final game of the season, next Saturday against the Georgia Revolution. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" >"There’s always a chance," Cleary said of the odds that his team can get a win at home next week. "If it’s one in a million then it means there’s a chance."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> </p> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Incredible US Comeback Against Brazil<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2u0S8WyyMew/ThoPWX5taBI/AAAAAAAAABY/7qsHJkU115E/s1600/Abby-Wambach-celebrates-a-007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2u0S8WyyMew/ThoPWX5taBI/AAAAAAAAABY/7qsHJkU115E/s320/Abby-Wambach-celebrates-a-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627827561400461330" border="0" /></a><br /> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; 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mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">If you didn’t watch the game, you really should.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Abby Wambach’s header in the 122<sup>nd</sup> minute, Hope Solo’s penalty save (or was that two saves?) even Marta deserves some credit for her beautiful extra time goal. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The United States women put together a dramatic performance in Germany every bit as nail-biting and, in the end, euphoric as the men’s last second win against Algeria last summer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Congrats on overcoming Marta, Brazil, and some downright confounding refereeing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">See you in the semis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></p> <br /><span style=" ;font-family:Cambria;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} -"</style><br /><span style="font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-61719492475854650062011-07-07T10:13:00.005-05:002011-07-07T10:52:57.254-05:00RCU Return Home; MLS Welcomes an Old Villain<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rocket City Faces Jacksonville United in Homecoming Match<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpfAWNNJJIY/ThXUHPRbcoI/AAAAAAAAABA/zbdwJEHuZ4w/s1600/rcu.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpfAWNNJJIY/ThXUHPRbcoI/AAAAAAAAABA/zbdwJEHuZ4w/s320/rcu.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626636530293109378" border="0" /></a><br />Rocket City United will finally return home this Saturday after a three game road trip to play their last two games in front of their home fans. After last weekend's disappointing loss to Atlanta, RCU can no longer win the region. Gerry Cleary is adamant, however, that these last two games will not be used to run-out young players.<br /><br />“We’re not running out, we’re still going to stick to the same team,” he said. “Stay with our philosophy and do something we haven’t done all season which is win at home.”<br /><br />They will face Jacksonville United on the 9th, a team they beat 3-1 earlier this season. RCU will hope to repeat that result, but it won't be easy with JUFC on a four game win streak.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Toronto Brings in Two DPs<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRLioz51Hp0/ThXVFr-YxHI/AAAAAAAAABI/2OmZW9hF0N0/s1600/frings.htm"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRLioz51Hp0/ThXVFr-YxHI/AAAAAAAAABI/2OmZW9hF0N0/s320/frings.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637603149759602" border="0" /></a>Toronto has bought two designated players in an attempt to revitalize their less-than-stellar season. One of them is German international Torsten Frings, who US fans are sure to remember for his infamous handball in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal. Frings comes in alongside striker Danny Koevermans in a move that Toronto are hoping can help them push for a playoff spot. <br /><br />Never hurts to have some quality villains in the league, and US fans have long memories.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-57012445368714332862011-07-03T19:38:00.004-05:002011-07-03T19:52:39.581-05:00Rocket City Falls 1-0 in Atlanta<span style="font-weight: bold;">Penalty Kick Sinks RCU, Cleary Questions Commitment<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqlDpWdgyww/ThEL6pL1GXI/AAAAAAAAAA4/sNfihAj6R9o/s1600/rcu.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqlDpWdgyww/ThEL6pL1GXI/AAAAAAAAAA4/sNfihAj6R9o/s320/rcu.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625290511678249330" border="0" /></a>United played their final road game of the season last night, falling 1-0 on an Atlanta penalty just before halftime. RCU had a spot kick of their own earlier, but Kenniel Hyde was unable to beat the Atlanta goalkeeper. Gerry Cleary felt that his side played well, especially considering that he only had 14 players to choose from. "<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1</style>We were playing an injured player at center back, a center midfielder at right fullback," he said, "it was strange."<br /><br />Cleary expects that the final two games of the season will be less about giving young players run-outs and more about determining who will stay and who will go for next season. "<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><span style="font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:100%;" >We’ve just got to see who comes to training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’re lacking commitment right now at this part of the season and we just need to see who’s committed to Rocket City and we’ve got to take notes for next season."</span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-68528572177730668002011-07-01T14:27:00.007-05:002011-07-01T15:19:52.620-05:00RCU Travel to Atlanta; Copa America on YouTube<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rocket City United return to Atlanta</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUh-9vtJ_5s/Tg4mmrY08cI/AAAAAAAAAAo/lYnDztwWRXI/s1600/rcu.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUh-9vtJ_5s/Tg4mmrY08cI/AAAAAAAAAAo/lYnDztwWRXI/s320/rcu.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624475430556070338" border="0" /></a>After bagging their first win in the last five games against the Georgia Revolution, RCU travel back to Atlanta this weekend to face the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. ATL handed United a heartbreaking loss at home in their last meeting, so the visitors will be hungry to return the favor on Saturday. Rocket City will be doubly motivated as a victory would lift them to third place in the region, giving them a chance, albeit a slim one, to salvage something from a trying season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YouTube to Broadcast Copa America 2011 to Over 50 Countries</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cOFUJUKG-Y/Tg4nVcb051I/AAAAAAAAAAw/Omy-r0MntWA/s1600/copa_america_2011_logo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cOFUJUKG-Y/Tg4nVcb051I/AAAAAAAAAAw/Omy-r0MntWA/s320/copa_america_2011_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624476233995970386" border="0" /></a>The Copa America kicks off tonight with Argentina taking on Bolivia. The tournament can be difficult for American viewers to see, but no worries. YouTube will be broadcasting every game of the tournament to over 50 countries on their Copa America page: www.youtube.com/copaamerica. Watch to see if Argentina literally explodes from their wealth of attacking talent. Leo Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> Angel Di Maria...3-1-6 anyone?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-57387504489283841292011-06-27T11:17:00.002-05:002011-06-27T11:17:31.984-05:00On VacationI'll be away on vacation and won't be posting for a few weeks. Take care all!Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-86808346789869013172011-06-24T19:36:00.002-05:002011-06-24T20:14:23.653-05:00RCU Away to Georgia; American Outlaws Huntsville Become Official<b>RCU Travel To Meet NPSL SE Surprise Georgia Revolution</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_B9j8PsF6c/ShcKeoslsPI/AAAAAAAAAIA/BX0g2ikg_3U/s1600/rcu.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_B9j8PsF6c/ShcKeoslsPI/AAAAAAAAAIA/BX0g2ikg_3U/s1600/rcu.png" /></a></div>Rocket City United will be looking to change the tenor of their season and build toward the future in <a href="http://www.rocketcityunited.com/news_content.cfm?showNews=332&subHeader=News">this weekend's match away to NPSL Southeast region newcomer Georgia Revolution</a>. GAR have been the surprise of the region topping the table for several weeks and now sit in second with 11 points. While not mathematically eliminated, RCU is essentially eliminated from contention for the NSPL Southeast region title. As a result, RCU is expected to use the remaining matches of the season to build confidence and experience for its younger players. <br />
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<b>Local American Outlaws Chapter Becomes Official</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmRAbup0xsY/TdRnrtzDNAI/AAAAAAAABzk/aQJwVadi3jE/s1600/AOHA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmRAbup0xsY/TdRnrtzDNAI/AAAAAAAABzk/aQJwVadi3jE/s200/AOHA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The hard work and enthusiasm of its founding member <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/aoha-gold-cup-watch-party-usa-v-canada.html">Andrew Adams</a> has its rewards as Huntsville has been granted an official chapter of the American Outlaws. It was announced Thursday AOHA has become the 55th AO chapter in the US. The <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/soccer-bar-review-brickhouse-sports.html">Brickhouse Sports Cafe</a> will server as the club's local bar to view all the US matches, including <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/gold-cup-final-usa-v-mexico-watch-party.html">Saturday's Gold Cup final</a> (Gametime is 7:30 PM). Drink and food specials will greet chapter members.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443869153124114483.post-9213204721573462522011-06-23T20:23:00.001-05:002011-06-23T21:22:33.710-05:00Gold Cup Final: USA v Mexico Watch Party at Brickhouse on Saturday<b>Gold Cup Final Watch Party at Brickhouse </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5CHhZrn0ME/TgPz6zdM4NI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/sVIt1nlMDQQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-23+at+9.17.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5CHhZrn0ME/TgPz6zdM4NI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/sVIt1nlMDQQ/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-23+at+9.17.46+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div> The Gold Cup Semifinal watch party last Wednesday night was a huge success. The place was standing room only; songs were sung; the ubiquitous U-S-A, U-S-A chant rang out; and most importantly <a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/06/US-Beats-Panama-1-0-Advances-to-Gold-Cup-Final.aspx">the US won</a>. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25535619?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/25535619">Gold Cup Semis USA 1 0 Panama AO-Huntsville at the Brickhouse</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>USA vs Mexico is the final everyone wanted and that's what we got. So now, join the American Outlaws - Huntsville for the Gold Cup Final watch party at the <a href="http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com/2011/06/soccer-bar-review-brickhouse-sports.html">Brickhouse Sports Cafe</a> on Saturday night at 8PM. It's bound to be a classic.Ryanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787105492553577235noreply@blogger.com0