UAH Drops Montevallo In Impressive Fashion, 3:1

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. 

UAH GoalMeister Kyle Simmons

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.

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.

UAH Wins, Maryland-Under Amour Soccer Boots

UAH Shuts Out Christian Brothers

University of Alabama-Huntsville picked up its second win of the season 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. 

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.

The Charger's will hope to keep the momentum going when they host Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday at 2:30 PM at Charger Field.


University of Maryland Flag Soccer Boots Are Awesome!

Fear the Turtle!

The University of Maryland's throwball team has been getting an huge amount of press about their uniforms, but it's the Terps soccer boots 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.

The Terps soccer team also features the Calvert banner

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!

UAH Season Opener, USA v Costa Rica Viewing Party, TV Updates

UAH Kicks Season Off Thursday

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.

American Outlaws host USA vs Costa Rica Viewing Party Friday at the Brickhouse

The local American Outlaws chapter will be hosting a viewing party for the USA v Costa Rica match this Friday at the Brickhouse.  Game time is at 10PM and as always there will be food and drink specials.



Soccer On TV Just Got Sexier

Soccer on TV in the USA has reached a few milestones recently.  MLS has announced a major deal with NBC Sports 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,  NBC has announced a major effort to challenge ESPN's dominance and will feature live sporting events like MLS and NHL.  

Another sign that soccer is coming to the mainstream sports consciousness is FOX's announcement that they will broadcast 4 EPL games this season.

USA v Mexico Watch Party; HASL Season Kicks Off; UAH Preseason Predictions

AOs to Host USA v Mexico Viewing Party at Brickhouse

The American Outlaws-Huntsville will be hosting a Viewing Party for the USA v Mexico friendly with food and drink specials at the Brickhouse Sports Cafe, 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 local soccer bar is the place to be.  I hope to have more on the trip up to Philly by the local boys next week.


HASL Season Kicks Off On Sunday

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, check out the HASL website.


UAH Preseason Predictions

The University of Alabama-Huntsville Men's Soccer team 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. 

RCU Wins One, Ties One in Preseason Friendlies

Rocket City United beat UAH 3:0 and drew Young Harris College 1:1 in Saturday's preseason friendlies.  The two 60 minute games gave the RCU staff a good opportunity to gauge the team's preparedness and to trial several players in a game situation.  With about a month to go until the season opener, the team is looking to fill out depth in several positions and looked at 8 new players to fill those needs.

RCU Preseason v UAH and Young Harris

 

 In the day's first match against UAH, RCU came out flying netting 3 goals in the first 10 minutes and then let the foot off the gas and coasted to the victory.  The second game an hour later saw a tiring RCU squad much less sharp against Young Harris College.  After RCU went up with a nice goal early in the second half, Harris Young equalized with a nice headed goal from a corner.

Building a team:  RCU's Director of Operations Jan Henner (left), President Andy Zorovich (center), and Gerry Cleary (right) discuss what they saw during Saturday's matches

RCU coach Gerry Cleary was pleased with the outing that exposed the team's lack of fitness.  "It's just fitness.  They need to run on their own... But it was better than last week."  The team has 4 full weeks of training prior to the May 7th opener in Knoxville.  Most of the team will be in camp by next weekend.  However, there are several players who will join the team at the end of April due to school commitments.

Local Sides in Action Today

Rocket City United, UAH, Martin Methodist College and Georgia's Young Harris College will take the field for a series of freindly matches Saturday morning in Decatur.  RCU is preparing for the NPSL season while the college sides are getting in some spring workouts.  The games are open to the public and will be held at Wilson Morgan Park.

9am MMC vs. UAH

10am RCU vs. UAH

11am  Harris Young vs. MMC

12am Harris Young vs. RCU

RCU Preseason Friendly This Saturday

Rocket City United has announced that they will play Martin Methodist College this Saturday at 1 p.m. at John Hunt Soccer Complex.  New RCU coach Gerry Cleary will be busy as he also serves as the head coach for MMC.

RCU and MMC Coach Gerry Cleary, center in black, instructs his players.

Here's the press release from RCU:

Rocket City United will kick off their preseason preparations with a friendly match against Martin Methodist College during the Southern Soccer Challenge this Saturday.   The tournament features high school teams from all over the area and will be played at the John Hunt Soccer Complex. 

Group stage matches are scheduled for Friday March 26.  On Saturday, teams will play the semifinal rounds at 9 and 11AM before the two division finals at 3:30 and 5:30PM. 

Between these rounds, at 1PM, RCU will play their first test game of the preseason.  Fans will be able to watch returning players as well as new test players who may factor into the squad come the regular season.  Rocket City as an organization is excited to start building their relationship with Martin Methodist College, as well as for the new season.  RCU’s home opener is May 14 against the new Knoxville Force as Madison City Schools Stadium.

This and That

Champions League on FOX through 2015

FOX has extended its contract with UEFA to broadcast the UEFA Champions League.  FOX Sports will show matches through FSC, FSP, and the regional FOX Sports stations.  The CL Final will continue to be broadcast in HD on the main FOX network, including the local FOX54, for the next 4 years.


NAIA Women's Tournament

Two Saturday's ago, I called the play-by-play for the 2010 NAIA Women's Championship Final.  Lee University took home their third straight national title in a 3:0 victory over Cinderella story Hastings College to end another exciting tournament.   I'd like to thank the hardworking folks at the Decatur Parks and Rec. department and Jack Allen Soccer Complex, Amanda Dahl from the NAIA's media relations, and my buddy Juergen Beck from Freedom Light Productions, who runs a mean camera while catching all the action and braving the weather. 


Oh Yeah, This Happened

If you've followed this blog for a while, you already know that I believe FIFA's only reason for existing is to line the pockets of the bigwigs in charge.  On December 2nd, they erased all doubts of their corruption by naming Russia and Qatar as the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.  Don't believe me?  Below is the BBC's Panorama program that ran on the eve of the bid award, and casts a critical eye at the behavior of many FIFA Excutive Committee members who cast the votes to send the World Cup to Russia and Qatar.

Catching Up

As you can tell, I've been taking a break from the blog.  Running the PWT-blog is a voluntary effort on my part and after the NPSL Championships last August, I was burned out.  So, in an effort to prevent future bouts with burn out, don't expect the frequency of future post to quite meet past levels.


So, what has happened in the Huntsville soccer scene since my last post?

Alabama A&M's men's team played their final match, an 0:8 nationally televised loss to the University of Memphis to finish 0-0-11.  A sad ending to a once great program.

 Rocket City United parted with its third coach in its four year existence.  Desmond Armstrong will not remain in the club, but will remain a feature in the area by opening Desmond Armstrong's Soccer Village in Greenbrier.   RCU will looked to better 2010's third place finish in the NPSL Southeast Region.  To help in this effort, RCU has hired Jan Henner to be it's Operations Manager.  Henner was previously on the staff at Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim, and will run the RCU Academy.  As for the top position, it appears the leading candidate for head coach at RCU is Martin Methodist College Women's coach Gerry Cleary.  Next year's team will begin taking shape this Saturday, when RCU holds tryouts at Pt. Mallard Park in Decatur.   

Speaking of Martin Methodist, they will serve as the virtual home team during the 2010 NAIA Women's Soccer Championships held in Decatur next week.  I'll be calling several of the games from the Jack Allen Soccer Stadium including the final next Saturday at 5PM.  You can watch the live webcast of all the matches.

A women's league will begin this spring in affiliation with HASL.  The league format will most likely be four teams playing 6 to a side.  For more information, contact Suzy Pelmar.

UAH Score But Still Lose At Montevallo

At first glance the scoreline of yesterday's 3:2 loss to the University of Montevallo would tell you that UAH has finally broken through their scoring funk, but the circumstance of the UAH goals indicate that assumption is not necessarily true.  As UAH were outshot 24-6 (10-4 on goal) by the 13th ranked Falcons, the Chargers are clearly still searching for answers in the attacking third.

Montevallo's Stephen Beatty opened the game with poacher's goal, cleaning up a rebound from a Tyler Early save.  UAH then ended its goal drought from an unexpected source.  A Falcon defender sent a looping backpass over his keeper's head and into the net for an own goal, UAH's first goal of the season after 279 scoreless minutes.

Five minutes after the halftime break, the Charger's took their first lead of the season when sophomore forward Tony Stock converted from the penalty spot.  Eight minutes later, Beatty scored his second of the match to level the score.  The score remained locked at twos until the second overtime when Vance Curro pounced on a bounding ball in the penalty area and stroked home the winner.  It is the second straight double overtime loss for UAH in what has become a frustrating early season run.

College Weekend Wrap-up

This weekend brought more of the same from the local outfits.

A&M Swept Aside in Two Blow-outs

It was anything but classic for Alabama A&M team that has been a shadow of their former selves at the Evansville Classic tournament this past weekend.  The Bulldogs fell at the feet of University of Evansville 9:0 on Friday night.  In the second match yesterday afternoon, Abraham Kassaye provided the only bright spot with a 25 yard blast to keep A&M from the shutout in a 7:1 drubbing against Bradley University.

UAH Falls To Union 1:0 in OT on Own Goal

After a 251 minute drought, UAH had finally scored a goal as Tomoaki Matsuo rose to meet a well driven Jarred Muggleton free kick.  Matsuo nodded a looping header back across the goal and over the heavy footed Union University goalkeeper, but as the Chargers exclaimed with relief to cheer the long awaited goal, the celebrations were muted by the AR's flag snapping to attention.  No goal.  Offside.

In a match that was dominated by strong defending, neither the Chargers or Union was able to create many chances.  Union preferred spraying shots from distance while UAH attempted to attack without much midfield support.  Despite this, UAH had the better looks at goal.  In addition to the previously mentioned nullified goal from Matsuo, the Charger's lanky forward Tony Stock came closest to breaking the deadlock when he strode into the penalty area and lashed a vicious stroke that left the Union keeper hoping for intervention.  That intervention came in the way of the right post and the regulation time ended scoreless.

As the sun began setting the first overtime period passed without note and only 1:27 into the second a harmless cross passed across the UAH goalmouth.  Inexplicably, UAH defender Dylan Peppia dropped to the ground and attempted to head the ball clear, but only managed to direct it into his own net.  The mistake from the freshman ended the match in a decidedly frustrating fashion, another 1:0 loss for the Chargers.

The scoreless streak?  It's now 282 minutes without a goal.

Wallace State Cruises to Another 3:0 Win

To keep this post from becoming all "doom and gloom", I'd like to report that Wallace State Community College in Hanceville is having a stellar season.  WSCC defeated Hinds CC 3:0 behind two goals from Luis Helguera and solid goalkeeping from Huntsville's own Drew Hannan.

College Round-up

Huntsville Teams Both Start Season With Losses

Both Alabama A&M and UAH have gotten off to a rough start with two losses in their first two games.

A&M's final season started off in an inauspicious manner as the Bulldogs gave up 13 goals in a weekend tournament in Las Vegas, losing to UC-Riverside 5:0 and tournament host UNLV 8:1.  Abraham Kassaye tallied the team's only goal.

UAH seem to have a tough time scoring goals, as the Chargers fell on the road to Lincoln Memorial University 1:0.  The home opener yesterday was not much better when UAH was dropped 3:0 by Clayton State University.  In both games, UAH registered only a single shot on goal.

Ugh, it could be a long year for the local college teams.

Huntsville's PT Huang's Virgina Tech To Feature On FSC

Former Grissom High player and current VaTech redshirt freshman PT Haung may make his national television debut Friday night at 7PM during the NSCAA's Game of the Week on Fox Soccer Channel.  The game will feature the Hokies (0w-0d-2l) and South Florida (1w-2d-1l).

2010 Season To Be The Last For Alabama A&M Men's Program

Of course, while I'm taking a break from the blog, one of the biggest stories of the year breaks.

Yesterday, the Alabama A&M athletic department announced the elimination of the Men's Soccer program after the 2010 season.  Citing budgetary cuts, Athletic Director Betty Austin decided to end one of the most successful programs in the school's history.   A winner of two national championships under the stewardship of head coach Sallah Yousif, the program compiled over 200 wins in 21 years. 

Phone calls and emails to the A&M Athletic Department have not been returned at the time of this post.


This is a truly sad day in Huntsville soccer and the community as a whole.  The program has not only recruited great soccer players to the area but valuable members of the community, who after their playing days were over continued to contribute to the value of the area. 

High School Elite, More NCAA, College Player Development

Times Releases Elite High School Players List

The Huntsville Times has released its list of Boys and Girls "TimesElite" High School soccer players.  Grissom swept the Player of the Year awards with Jonathan Ray and Courtney Hurt being honored.


NCAA Men's College Cup Coming To Alabama

Yesterday, it was announced that the 2011 NCAA Men's College Cup would be hosted in Hoover.  Here's a video on the announcement.




Is There Room For College Soccer In US Player Development

Speaking of college soccer, there's a debate raging within the US soccer community (and in our comments section) over the role that college soccer has in player development.  Some feel that reliance on the college game to develop truly elite players is hindering the progression of US soccer and that the better options is developing players in a professional environment.  Other feel that college soccer allows a good environment for players who mature later than their counterparts in the professional ranks. The Washington Post has an interesting article with quotes from some big names in the college game.

NCAA Championships in Alabama, More Atlanta Soccer News, NPSL All-stars Announced

Hoover to Host 2011 College Cup

The city of Hoover, AL has been awarded the 2011 Men's NCAA National Championships including the semifinals on Dec. 9th and finals on Dec 11th.  The University of Alabama-Birmingham will serve as the host institution for the first NCAA Men's Soccer Championships to be held in Alabama.  The matches will be held at Regions Park Stadium, home field of the Birmingham Barons baseball team, and will be reconfigured for soccer.

Alabama has become a destination for college soccer as Orange Beach, AL will be hosting the 2010 and 2011 NAIA Men's Soccer Championships.  Decatur's Jack Allen Soccer Stadium was the site for the 2009 NAIA Women's Soccer Championships and will host the Women's Championship again this year from November 29-December 4.


Atlanta Forms "Soccer Cabinet"

A few days ago I wrote about a rumor that an EPL team was interested in starting an MLS club in Atlanta.  I was somewhat dismissive about the veracity of the rumor, because, let's face it, we've heard it all before.  Now, a group of business officials from the Atlanta area have created a "Soccer Cabinet" to explore ways to engage the soccer community in Atlanta and help Atlanta's international reputation by embracing the world's game.  They've even come up with a five point plan to address those goals.  Maybe something good will come of this.


NPSL All-star Roster Announced

The NPSL has released the list of players who will take on Rocket City United in the NPSL All-star Game that will be played next Friday, July 30th at 8PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium as part of the NPSL Final Four festivities.

UAH Names Mike Mitchell As Coach

UAH announce today that veteran college soccer coach, Mike Mitchell, was tagged to the vacant head coaching position of both the Men's and Women's program. Mitchell, who has coaching experience at various programs around the south, will take over the position for Tafadzwa Ziyenge who left UAH to run the women's program at Arkansas State.

UNA FC, Forbes.com, and Buddle vs Gomez

UNA Students Establish A Soccer Club

University of North Alabama FC was established last fall. Yep, that FC as in Futbol Club. UNA students AJ Santos and Loic Dimithe established the club as an outlet for UNA students to play the sport they love. UNA does not have a men's soccer program, but UNA FC hopes to take on other collegiate club teams soon. UNA FC is recognized by the University and is open to male and female students of all skill level players, the best of which will fill out the competitive roster.


My Favorite New Soccer Website, Forbes.com. Huh?

Forbes.com has been publishing some very interesting articles in the past week. The first is a very detailed article on ESPN's coverage of the World Cup. Later this week, it published its list of most valuable teams. Included on that page are links to other interesting rankings, such as highest earners list of players and soccer's billionaire owners.


Buddle vs Gomez

Both Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez are tearing it up as the World Cup approaches. With the thin talent pool in that position on the US National Team, there peaking at just the right time to catch Bob Bradley's eye. Here's a video of their recent goals, along with some highlights of Alejandro Bedoya who is also a contention for a spot on the team.

UAH Win Final Spring Scrimmage 4:3

After leading at halftime 3:1, UAH saw their lead over Faulkner University disappear as Faulkner scored two second half goals before an 80th minute Andres Flores free kick decided the victor on Saturday afternoon at the UAH practice facility. Flores played a short ball to Oscar Leon who stopped the ball at an optimal angle for Flores to blast through the broken Faulkner wall and into the net from 24 yards to end spring training for UAH on a high note.

UAH Men's Soccer Nemzer discuss spring training from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.

In other UAH news, a full time head coach for the program is expected to be announced on Monday.

UAH's Joe Nemzer on Recruiting Players

The National Collegiate Scouting Association ran an interview with UAH Interim Head Coach Joe Nemzer. In the article, Nezmer talks about his coaching style, the work ethic of his teams, and the great educational value of UAH.
Nezmer also gave this important tip for young players who are looking to get recruited,

"A common misconception among high school athletes is that “If I’m good, colleges will find me.” While this may be true in some cases, for the most part, you won’t be recruited unless you are proactive."

He also recommends sending out highlight videos, schedules and soccer resumes.

NAIA Men's National Championships in Alabama

Last week the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that the 2010 and 2011 Men's Soccer National Championships will be held in Alabama. The University of Mobile will host the tournament at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, AL. The competition will feature the top 16 men's soccer teams in the NAIA in a knockout style tournament held over a one week period. This year's tournament will be held November 26-December 4.
The NAIA Soccer Committee must enjoy the comforts of Alabama as Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile have all hosted the men's tournament in the past. Decatur hosted a successful Women's Championship this past December and Jack Allen Recreation Complex will continue to be the site of 2010 and 2011 Women's Championships.