NPSL Final Preview; NPSL Commissioner Speaks

NPSL Final Sets Up To Be A Classic

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.

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.

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."   

2011 NPSL Final Preview

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.

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."


NPSL Commissioner Is Excited About 2011 and Beyond

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.

NPSL Commisssioner Dan Trainor Interview

   

WWC Watch Party, RCU Finale Saturday, NPSL Tournament Taking Shape, RCI Coming Together

American Outlaws to Host Women's World Cup Final Watch Party at the Brickhouse

The new American Outlaws-Huntsville chapter will host a Women's World Cup Final watch party at the Brickhouse Sports Cafe 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!


Rocket City United Look to Pick Up First Home Win in Finale

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. 




NPSL Championships Taking Shape

RCU's match against the GA Revs will have postseason implications.  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 in their match against the Knoxville Force.    Only one of the other NPSL regional titles have been claimed as the Milwuakee Bavarians have won the Midwest.   The NPSL Championships will be hosted by RCU for the second consecutive year on July 28-30.

Rocket City Invitational

The 2011 Rocket City Invitational is coming together nicely, and Jacob and Co. over at Southern Soccer are looking at another smashing success of a tournament.  Photos of the tournament T-shirts were just released as have details of the tournament party at Amendment XXI.  Looks like it's going to be classic!

Poor Defending Costs Rocket City; High Drama in WWC

4-1 Defeat for RCU

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.

"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."

Cleary and company will now try to turn their attention to the final game of the season, next Saturday against the Georgia Revolution. "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."

Incredible US Comeback Against Brazil

If you didn’t watch the game, you really should.

Abby Wambach’s header in the 122^nd minute, Hope Solo’s penalty save (or was that two saves?) even Marta deserves some credit for her beautiful extra time goal. 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. Congrats on overcoming Marta, Brazil, and some downright confounding refereeing.

See you in the semis.

RCU Return Home; MLS Welcomes an Old Villain

Rocket City Faces Jacksonville United in Homecoming Match

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.

“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.”

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.



Toronto Brings in Two DPs
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.

Never hurts to have some quality villains in the league, and US fans have long memories.

Rocket City Falls 1-0 in Atlanta

Penalty Kick Sinks RCU, Cleary Questions Commitment
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. "We were playing an injured player at center back, a center midfielder at right fullback," he said, "it was strange."

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. "We’ve just got to see who comes to training. 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."

RCU Travel to Atlanta; Copa America on YouTube

Rocket City United return to Atlanta
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.

YouTube to Broadcast Copa America 2011 to Over 50 Countries

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, and Angel Di Maria...3-1-6 anyone?

RCU Away to Georgia; American Outlaws Huntsville Become Official

RCU Travel To Meet NPSL SE Surprise Georgia Revolution

Rocket City United will be looking to change the tenor of their season and build toward the future in this weekend's match away to NPSL Southeast region newcomer Georgia Revolution.  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. 



Local American Outlaws Chapter Becomes Official

The hard work and enthusiasm of its founding member Andrew Adams 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 Brickhouse Sports Cafe will server as the club's local bar to view all the US matches, including Saturday's Gold Cup final (Gametime is 7:30 PM).  Drink and food specials will greet chapter members.

Another RCU Loss to CFC, USA v Jamaica Watch Party at the Brickhouse on Sunday

RCU Loses to CFC Again

They say "the third time's a charm", but that wasn't the case for Rocket City United as they fell to Chattanooga FC by the same 2:0 scoreline for the third time in 4 weeks.  Goals from CFC's Mark Sharrod and Chris Ochieng sealed the three points for the Blues while torpedoing RCU's chance to play in the NPSL Championship in Madison at the end of July.



Gold Cup Quarterfinal: USA v Jamaica Watch Party at Brickhouse

The US Men's National Team's form hasn't been very good, but that is not for lack of support from the American Outlaws, and the local would-be Huntsville chapter has been stellar in that regard.  They have had terrific crowds for each of the three first round matches, and are hosting another watch party for the Gold Cup Quarterfinal match between the USMNT and Jamaica at the Brickhouse Sports Cafe on Sunday at 1:30PM.  Come out and join us and bring your father, too!

CFC at Pittsburgh in US Open Cup, Hassli Golazo!, Alaska Airline Commercial

CFC travel to Pittsburgh Riverhounds in Round 1 of US Open Cup

The NPSL Southeast Region's representative in the US Open Cup, Chattanooga FC will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the USL-Pro (3rd division) Riverhounds on Tuesday night.  We spoke with CFC's coach Brian Crossman about the rigors of the Open Cup match midweek between two NPSL matches against Rocket City United.

CFC Coach Brian Crossman on the US Open Cup Match vs Pittsburg

Golazo-azo-azo-azooooooooo!

Vancouver's Eric Hassli is perhaps more famous for his tendency to attract red cards, but it's that chip on his shoulder that led him to attempt and score with this strike.  Un-real!

Portland Coach Stars in Alaska Airline Commercial

This commercial staring the Portland Timber's Scottish Coach John Spencer tickles me.  Enjoy!

RCU Drop Another Heartbreaker To CFC 2:0

It's a script we've become used to around the Madison City Schools Stadium.  Rocket City United play well enough to win, but after 90 minutes come away with zero points.  This time losing 2:0 to Chattanooga FC.

 This time it was at the hands of Chattanooga FC who weathered the pressure from RCU for 80 plus minutes and found a nicely created goal against the run of play.  In the 83rd minute, CFC forward Chris Ochieng received a pass in the area, and realizing he was well marked, spun quickly to slide a pass for an on rushing and unmarked Michael Brooks.  Brooks took his time and slotted home to take the wind out of RCU's sails.  Then, deep into added time, it was Brooks earned his brace and sealed the match for CFC with another nice finish.

Coaches Quotes from RCU loss to CFC 

Now, RCU has to go on the road next Saturday against the same CFC team.  They'll have to show real mental fortitude to win in Finley Stadium, where no NPSL team has won since 2009.

RCU Fail To Hold Late Lead, Lose to Atlanta

It is said soccer can be a cruel game.  Rocket City United found out just how true the saying is on Saturday night in the Madison City Schools Stadium.  Holding a late 1:0 on a goal from newcomer Fatai Alabi, and with reports filtering into the stadium that the other NPSL Southeast Region matches had ended favorably for them, RCU needed only to see out the remaining few minutes of their match against the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves to see themselves alone at the top of the table.  However, any hopes of first place in the region faded as a poor defensive effort led to the first ASR goal.  As RCU pushed for a goal to regain the lead, a busted defensive assignment on a set piece led to the second ASR goal late into added time and a gut wrenching 2:1 loss for RCU.
   

RCU Coach Gerry Cleary After Loss to ASR

Winless at home, RCU will now have to regroup quickly as the defending region champions Chattanooga FC come to town next Saturday in what turns out to be a must win for both teams.

RCU Host Atlanta on Saturday

Rocket City United will attempt to get their first home win of the year on Saturday against the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves.  Head coach Gerry Cleary will be missing some first teamers in Kenniel Hyde who is out with a hamstring injury and Brian Kimbugwe who will be getting married. 

RCU Coach Gerry Cleary

RCU Falls To Chattanooga FC In USOC Qualifying

Saturday was not a good day for teams wearing red and black.  While Rocket City United weren't dominated in quite the same way their more famous United team were, both went down to superior sides.   CFC's star forward, Chris Ochieng, created one goal and finished the other.  And it could have been much worse as Tyler Early had a terrific match keeping CFC off the board for the first two thirds of the match.

RCU failed to generate much in the way of possession and attacking penetration and were punished by a 2:0 defeat and elimination from NPSL Southeast Region's US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament.  CFC will meet the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves in the Finals Sunday night.   ASR defeated Jacksonville United 3:1 on two very late goals.

RCU Blows Out FC Tulsa In USOC Opener

Rocket City United couldn't stop scoring Friday night in Chattanooga as they crushed FC Tulsa 7:1 in the NPSL Southeast Region's US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament opener. The win sets up Saturday night's 8 PM (7 PM Central) match with host Chattanooga FC in the tournament semifinals.  I'll be tweeting updates of the match.  Follow me @ryanogol. 

RCU forward Kenniel Hyde opened the scoring early with a classy slotted finish, and he wouldn't stop there.  After pouncing on a bobbled ball from the Tulsa goalkeeper, he finished into the open net to make it 2:0.  Minutes later FC Tulsa briefly made it interesting by scoring against the run of play on a counterattack.  However, RCU deliverd the knockout blow within seconds of the ensuing kickoff and it was Hyde who completed his first half hat trick.

USOC Qualifying: RCU v FC Tulsa

The second half was a glorified training session as RCU ran out several subs.  The substitutes would not take the foot off the gas, however.  Andrew Nkurunungi came off the bench to score a break away goal in the 59th minute.  Hyde then scored his fourth goal of the night and was immediately subbed off.  Shortly thereafter, Hyde's replacement Marco Nunez was hauled down by a Tulsa defender who was sent off for the action.  Nunez converted the spot kick himself.  The carnage wasn't over as center back Joseph Omondi got into the action with a long distance bomb to make it 7:1 shortly before the final whistle.  When it was all tallied up, RCU had set team records for goals scored and largest margin of victory.

In the night's other match, Jacksonville United defeated the Knoxville Force 1:0 to set up Saturday night's early match against the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves.

HUGE SOCCER WEEKEND!!! US OPEN Cup and Champions League

This weekend will be a huge weekend for soccer in the Tennessee Valley.  There are two high quality US Open Cup Qualifying tournaments within a two hour drive from Huntsville and a dream match up in the Champions League Final on TV.


US Open Cup Weekend in NPSL SE Region

The NPSL Southeast Region season will take a break for the week to focus on determining a qualifier for the US Open Cup tournament.  The NPSL has been given four automatic spots in the nearly one hundred year old knockout tournament.  Previously, each NPSL club had to qualify out of its USASA region to gain entry to the tournament (see next section).  Each NPSL region has been given free reign to decide how to determine its qualifier with the Southeast Region electing to hold a mini-tournament over the Memorial Day weekend at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.  Here's the schedule of games.

All times Eastern
Friday, 5:30 PM Knoxville Force v Jacksonville United
Friday, 8:00PM Rocket City United v FC Tulsa
Saturday, 5:30 PM Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves v Winner Friday 5:30 PM Game
Saturday, 8:00 PM Chattanooga FC v Winner Friday 8:00 PM Game
Sunday, 7:00 PM Winner Saturday 5:30 PM Game v Winner Saturday 8:00 PM Game

Tickets are available for $5 per game or $15 for all 5 games.  At this price, it's well worth the short drive up to Chattanooga.


USASA Region III US Open Cup Qualyfying in Tuscaloosa

Of course, if you wanted to drive in the other direction, you could catch some pretty good soccer in Tuscaloosa this weekend, too.  The US Amateur Soccer Association Region III will be holding its tournament over Memorial Day weekend, too.  Eight teams from six states (but none from Alabama) will compete for two slots in the US Open Cup.  The schedule will be published on Thursday night from a blind draw in Tuscaloosa.   Until the NPSL was granted the 4 automatic berths this year, the Region III tournament was the route teams like RCU would take to attempt to qualify.


Champions League Final on FOX!!!

Oh! BTW, there's a little soccer match on TV, too.  Manchester United doesn't often find themselves the underdog, but that's what they are in this match against Barcelona.  The game will be shown on FOX54.  That's right!  For the second year in the row, the UEFA Champions League will be shown over the air on FOX in America.  The broadcast starts a 1PM with the kickoff at 1:45PM.  If I hear of any watch parties, I'll let you all know.

RCU Victorious Over Struggling Jacksonville United

After going behind in the first ten minutes for the second game in a row, Rocket City United (2W-0D-1L) fought back to score three unanswered goals to defeat the winless Jacksonville United FC (0-0-4).  Two goals by debutante Kenniel Hyde and a third by super-sub Freddy Okello where enough to make the long ride home a happy one for RCU.  The three points bring RCU's total to six and enough to guarantee them third place in the table after this weekend's action is tallied.  

In the rest of the NPSL Southeast, it was a weekend of derbies.  The I-75 Derby saw Chattanooga FC (2-1-0) remain on top of the table by defeating the visiting Knoxville Force (1-0-2) 1:0.  On Friday night in the first of two weekend matches between the two Atlanta teams, the Georgia Revolution (2-0-0) traveled east to upend the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves (1-1-1) 3:2.  The same two teams will step on the field in Conyers in the Atlanta Derby rematch on Sunday.

NPSL Southeast Region Preview

Three new teams, two returning teams, and one rebranded team...  The NPSL Southeast Region has a very new look in 2011.  Matches begin this Saturday, May 7th as Jacksonville United travels to Chattanooga FC and the Knoxville Force hosts Rocket City United.  The teams will play ten matches home and away to the others with the top team at the end of league play advancing to the NPSL Championships held locally again at the Madison City Schools Stadium. 

In this post, I'll preview the teams.

Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves

Original NPSL Southeast team Atlanta FC had been on a downward trend.  After winning the inaugural NPSL Southeast title in 2008, Atlanta served as runner up the next season before finishing bottom of the table last season.  Then, last winter the team aligned themselves with the new NASL Atlanta Silverbacks pro team to become the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves.  The team will retain one of the most talented coaches in the region with Ricardo Montoya.  One of the reasons that AFC found themselves in such troubles last year was the absence of Montoya who was away for much of the season coaching overseas.  I fully expect the team to bounce back, find some new great talent, and battle for the regional title this season.   


Chattanooga FC

2010 NPSL Runner-up and Southeast Region champion Chattanooga FC will once again be impressive on and off the field.  The league's attendance leader has the majority of it's lineup back for the year, but coach Brian Crossman has two big holes to fill.  Forward Luis Salazar and goalkeeper Richard Masters have left the club for personal reasons.  Expect CFC to once again be in the hunt for a place in the NPSL Championships.


Georgia Revolution

The first of the new additions to the region, the Georgia Revolution hails from Conyers, GA which is an eastern suburb of Atlanta.  The team is owned by Rockdale Youth Soccer Association and will look to build a team using players from the many surrounding universities.  Eventually the RYSA would like to use the team as a top level in a player development structure from youth teams to pro.  Expect the Revs to have some growing pains as they adjust to the competition.  Will coach and general manager Rafe Mauran be able to mold the new group into a unit capable of making a dent in the region?   


Jacksonville United

The latest expansion team to the join the region is Jacksonville United FC.  The team from the Florida coast will draw many players form the successful Lynch's FC club and have added some former professional talent to their roster.  Expect JUFC to use the experience gathered from the Lynch's FC club to smooth some of the hurdles most expansion teams face.  


Knoxville Force

Another expansion club who will look to make an impact on the region is the Knoxville Force.  Experienced coach Derek Broadly would like his team to play "passing football" and will build a team with an eye to that end.  The top talent form Eastern Tennessee will fill the roster, and will be tested on Saturday when they host the region's opener against RCU.   I expect the Force to face some difficulties in their opening season.


Rocket City United

Rocket City United will likely have a rebuilding year.  New coach Gerry Cleary will serve as the third coach in as many seasons.  The lack of consistency in coaching and player personnel will make it hard to compete with the top teams in the region.  Only midfielder/defender Brian Hadley has played in every season for the club.  Two season ending injuries to Paul Willoughby and Derek Pirtle has hurt the depth in attack.  However, there are some exciting returnees form the 2009 championship squad including star defender Joseph Omondi.  Expect RCU to have trouble against some of the top teams and finish somewhere in the middle of the table.


UPDATE:  You may be asking, "What about FC Tulsa?"  As far as I can tell, FCT is still affiliated with the NPSL, but due to travel costs, the league decided to remove them from the Southeast Region.  The idea is that they will take part in a new region along with future teams from Texas, Oklahoma Arkansas, etc.

RCU Signs Omondi, Jacksonville United, and Law Dogs Over-30 State Final

RCU Signs 2009 Standout Joseph Omondi

Omondi (left) will suit up for RCU again in 2011

Rocket City United has signed Joseph Omondi for the 2011 season.  Omondi marshaled the RCU back-line on their way the 2009 NPSL SE Region Title and the clubs only appearance in the leagues championships.  Omondi, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, is coming off another successful year at Bethel University, where he led the Wildcats to NAIA quarterfinals while being named to the TransSouth all-conference team.    

Jacksonville United Confirmed As 6th NPSL SE Region Team

The NPSL Southeast Region schedule was released and it confirms the rumored Jacksonville United has indeed joined the league.  The new club from northeast Florida will round out a 10 game schedule for each of the NPSL SE Region teams. 


HASL's Law Dogs Play in Over-30 State Cup Finals

2009 Over-30 Champions Law Dogs will look to capture the title again Saturday

Local side Law Dogs are set to play in the Alabama Over-30 State Cup Championship match on Saturday in Birmingham.  They'll play Iguanas of Birmingham in a rematch of the 2009 final in which Law Dogs were triumphant in penalties. 

NPSL Southeast News, USMNT Bus

NPSL Southeast's New Look Keeps Changing?

With the previously announced two new teams in Knoxville and Conyers, GA and the rebranding of the Atlanta FC to Silverbacks Reserves, the NPSL Southeast Region will have a few new franchise locations and there could be an additional one on the way.  Rumor has it that a team from Jacksonville, FL will be added to the mix.  The league has not announced anything, but if it happens, it would make the already strong division even stronger.

Jacksonville is the home of the powerful amateur club Lynch's Pub and Lynch's could be an excellent addition to the league.  Lynch's battled RCU to a 2:2 draw in a friendly in 2009 and has had success in qualifying into the US Open Cup in 2007 and 2009.

Another potential organization involved in the rumored NPSL team is the youth club Jacksonville United FC. The newly formed youth club has high aspirations and could set up an NPSL squad to serve as their "senior team" similar to the Georgia Revolution's relationship with the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association. 



Take the Bus to Nashville

Rocket City United is providing a bus to travel up to LP Field for next Tuesday's USMNT match against Paraguay.  I've got my seat picked out, but the bus is filling up quickly.  So, contact Kristen Pierce (kpierce@rocketcityunited.com) to reserve your seat, free of charge!

Speaking of the USMNT, they arrived in Cary, NC for training camp prior to next week's games. 

RCU Offers 2 For 1 Deal, Nashville USMNT Friendly Update, Georgia Revolution

RCU Season Tickets 2 for 1

As I mentioned last week, Rocket City United is offering a great 2 for 1 deal on their season tickets.  For $50 you get tickets to each home game, tickets to each NPSL Championship Weekend game, and free food and drink at every home game.  The first 50 to take advantage of the deal will also get a free parking pass.  Act fast because the deal only lasts through March 14th.  Click here for more information.

BTW, here's a nice little article form the Madison Weekly about RCU's recent press conference.


Nashville USMNT Friendly Sale

As reported by Steve Goff in the Washington Post, the US friendly against Paraguay later this month in Nashville has sold over 13,000 tickets so far.   As Goff points out, the opponent doesn't carry the weight of the some of the other world soccer powers, and I think that anything other than a sell out of the lower bowl of LP Field would be a disappointment. 


More Georgia Revolution Info

One of the two new clubs in the NPSL Southeast has sprung to life.  The Georgia Revolution's creation has certainly not had the fanfare of the Knoxville Force or the rebranding of the Atlanta FC to the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves.  But the team has an innovative club model which will use the NPSL as a "senior team" for their youth soccer association.  I'm really interested to see how it turns out.  Looks like they will be holding tryouts at their Rockdale Youth Soccerplex in the next few weeks.