NPSL Finalist Set; NPSL All-star Game; RCU's Sabio's Phillipines Out of World Cup

NPSL Finals Set:  Hollywood United v Jacksonville United
 
The 2011 NPSL Final 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.

Semifinal 1:  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.

Semifinal 2:  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.

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.


NPSL All-stars take on RCU

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.

2011 NPSL All-star Press Conference

RCU's Jason Sabio and the Phillipino National Team fall to Kuwait in World Cup Qualifying

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.

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 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.

RCU Open Season, NPSL News, and FOX Soccer Night In America

RCU Open Season in Knoxville On Saturday

  Rocket City United hits the road tomorrow to open the 2011 season against one of three new teams in the Southeast Region, the Knoxville Force.  The Force will play their inaugural game in University of Tennessee's Regal Stadium.  Don't expect a beautiful game during this one.  Neither team will be at full strength and each will likely try to grind out a results until their full complement of players arrive in the next few weeks.

Video of RCU Coach Gerry Cleary on the Season Opener vs Knoxville Force

RCU has made seats available on the team bus for fans who would like travel to the game.  This is a unique experience in sports and any fan interested should contact Director of Operations Jan Henner for more details.


BTW, here's a nice league-wide season preview from the Wisconsin Soccer Central website.


NPSL In Talks with Jamaica's Premier League Clubs

NPSL Technical Director Matt Driver will participate in the International Alliance Symposium hosted by the Jamiacain Premeier League Clubs Association.  "The mission is to have the top U-21 players from both of our leagues have access to different markets, different stages to play on," says Driver.  Hmm, I wonder what this is about.  A player sharing scheme?  An international competition between the leagues? 


Chattanooga FC to Host DC United U-23s

Chattanooga FC has announced that they will host the DC United U-23 team at Finley Stadium on July 23rd at 7PM eastern.  DCU's U-23 is coached by the legendary Jaime Moreno and features the DC Metro areas top college prospects.  The teams met last year at RFK stadium in Washington with the DCU defeating the eventual NPSL Finalists 3:0. 


FOX Soccer Night in America

FOX Soccer Channel has rebranded its weekly MLS broadcast into Soccer Night In America, and it will begin with the Portland Timbers v Philadelphia Union match on Friday night at 9PM.  Also, as part of the festivities for those without FSC (Hello, Knology customers!!!) MLS is offering access to the 2011 MLS Matchday Live online streaming service for free for all of this weekend's matches. 

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 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.

RCU News, Sabio Plays for Phillipines, USA 90 Music Video

RCU to Upgrade Website, Hold Tryouts

Sources indicate that Rocket City United is planning to upgrade their website.  RCU already boasts one of the best sites in the NPSL, but a few features I would like to see are live streaming of matches, archiving of the matches, and more player bio information/stats.  Hopefully, some of those features are part of the plans.

RCU is holding another set of tryouts this Saturday morning at 1 PM at Pt. Mallard Park in Decatur.  RCU is looking to add firepower after learning that former RCU winger Paul Willoughby is out for the season with a serious knee injury after resigning with the team. 


Sabio and Azkals Advance

Huntsville native and UA law student Jason Sabio started and played the entire match for the Philippines in the second leg of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifying against Mongolia in Ulon Bator.  The Azkals dropped the game 2:1 but won the tie 3:2 and move on to play in Group A of the Challenge Cup later this month.  Sabio was in the center of a major talking point of the match when he was whistled for a penalty leading to Mongolia's second goal.

Sabio and his teammates had planned on training in Japan leading up to the match, but last week's massive earthquake understandably upset those plans.  


The "Running Man" is the "Stanky Leg" of the Late 80s

Is that former RCU coach Desmond Armstrong doing the "running man" to the terrible rap song produced to celebrate the USMNT's qualification for the 1990 World Cup?

The only thing worse than the song are the "soccer rocker" haircuts.  So glad I didn't have one of those.

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. 

Cleary Named New RCU Head Coach

As the Perfectly Weighted Through Blog speculated a few months ago, Rocket City United announced this morning that Martin Methodist Women's Coach Gerry Cleary will take the reigns for the 2011 season.

New RCU Coach Gerry Cleary from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.
Cleary spoke about building a foundation for Rocket City United and bringing consistency to the coaching staff.  After three different coaches in four seasons, consistency is certainly something that could help RCU.  Notice that RCU's most successful season when they won the 2009 Southeast Regional Championship came in the second season under Greg Petersen.

2011 Schedule

RCU also announced its 2011 season schedule.  The regular season is in the familiar home and away format to determine the Southeast Region Champion.  All RCU home matches will be held at 7:30 PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.

• May 7 @Knoxville
• May 14 home vs. Knoxville
• May 28-30 NPSL US Open Cup Qualifying in Chattanooga
• June 4 home vs. Atlanta
• June 11 home vs. Chattanooga
• June 18 @ Chattanooga
• June 25 @ Georgia
• July 2 @ Atlanta
• July 16 home vs. Georgia
• July 28-30 NPSL Final Four + All-Star Game

The NPSL will have 4 automatic qualifiers into the US Open Cup this year and the Southeast Region's qualification tournament will be hosted by Chattanooga on Memorial Day weekend.  The format of the tournament will be announced in a few weeks.

RCU will host an exhibition match against an opponent to be named later on July 9th.
 
Other RCU News

RCU announced a partnership with the YMCA to help with the soccer program at the Y by holding coaching clinics and other special appearances by RCU players and staff.

I was finally able to get with RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner about how he came to RCU and the partnership with the Y.

RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.

RCU season tickets are on sale now for $50.  If you buy now, you'll get a great deal, because for a short time only, it's buy one, get one free!  With you're season ticket, you'll receive 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.  That's the best deal I've ever seen for a season ticket package.

RCU To Announce Coach, Schedule Next Week

Rocket City United has announced a press conference to introduce their new coach who will guide them through the 2011 season next Wednesday March 2nd at 9:30 AM at the Madison YMCA.  RCU will use the new Hogan Family YMCA located off Hughes Rd in Madison that opened last fall to announce a partnership with the YMCA.

RCU is also set to unveil the 2011 schedule which will feature matches against the two new NPSL Southeast Region clubs, the Knoxville Force and Georgia Revolution. 

Let me know if you have any questions that you want answered.

NPSL Gains Automatic Berths In US Open Cup

US Soccer has released its schedule for the 2011 US Open Cup, and for the first time, the NPSL has gained four automatic qualification slots.  The qualification process for the NPSL slots has not been finalized and will be released in a few weeks.
  
The US Open Cup is single elimination tournament similar to the FA Cup in which teams from all level of the game in America compete.  In the past, the NPSL teams would participate in the US Amateur Soccer Associations (USASA) regional qualification process.  Atlanta FC (now the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves) qualified through this process in 2008 and was knocked out of the tournament the fully professional Charleston Battery.

RCU has participated in the tournament each of the past three years, but has failed to qualify for the US Open Cup.  The addition of 4 automatic berths may benefit NPSL teams.  The late spring timing of the USASA's qualification often punished NPSL teams who were largely composed of college players who had not been released from their school commitments and could not participate.

RCU Signs Maxwell, Olde Towne Closes Doors

Rocket City United announced the signing of Jamaican Youth International Ryan Maxwell this morning.  Maxwell is a midfielder who starred at the University of Tampa before being drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLS Superdraft by the New England Revolution.

RCU's newest player, Ryan Maxwell

Maxwell also has some international experience with the Jamaican U-20 national team.  MLS scouting expert, Buzz Carrick of the blog 3rd Degree, said this after seeing Maxwell at the 2009 MLS Combine, "Crazy fast wide mid, arguably the fastest player at the combine.  With or without the ball he beat players to get results."

NSR:  Olde Towne Brewing Co. Says Goodbye

Former RCU sponsor Olde Towne Brewing Co. is ceasing operations.  Established in 2004, Olde Towne blazed the trail that many Huntsville Breweries have followed.  A farewell party will be held this Saturday afternoon at the Nook with many of Olde Towne's employees in attendance.  Time to go to the local beer joint and stockpile all the Olde Towne.

UPDATE:  According to the Huntsville Times, Olde Towne may not be closing, but may be sold to fellow Huntsville brewing company Straight to Ale.   One thing is for certain, they are shutting down the bottling line indefinitely.  So, stock up on the bottles.

NPSL Southeast Region Takes Shape With Two New Teams

It appears Rocket City United will have two new opponents on the 2011 schedule.  The Georgia Revolution will join the Knoxville Force as the region's new additions.  According to their Wikipedia page, the team will be run by the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association in the eastern Atlanta suburb of Conyers.  The page lists two head coaches and the team will play home matches at the RYSA Soccerplex with a listed capacity of 1,000. 

It appears all of the teams from the 2010 Southeast region will return.  If the region plays the standard home and away schedule against each team, RCU will play a 12 game regular season.  That makes for a busy summer of soccer in the Madison City Schools Stadium of 6 regular season home matches and the 2011 NPSL Championships.

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.

Munro Named 2010 MVP for RCU

Rocket City United has announced that Alexi Munro has been named the team's Most Valuable Player.  Munro recorded two goals and one assist in helping his team to a 3-3-2 record and third place in the NPSL Southeast Region.

2010 RCU MVP Alexi Munro

Munro, a South African native, is hoping to earn a contract with a Premier Soccer League (South Africa's first division) team, and had nothing but good things to say about his times with RCU when I spoke to him after the season.  

US Soccer Stars Turn Out For The NPSL All-Star Game

Rocket City United's Desmond Armstrong was not the only US soccer celebrity in the Madison City Schools Stadium Friday night.  Several US soccer stars were in attendance for the NPSL All-star game featuring Rocket City United and the NPSL All-Star squad.

Jeff Agoos at the NPSL All-Star Game

In the stands was 1998 and 2002 USA World Cup player Jeff Agoos who was scouting the match for the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.  Agoos had 134 caps for the USA and won 5 MLS championship, the most of any player.

Fernando Clavijo at the NPSL All-Star Game

Also in attendance was former 1994 USA World Cup player Fernando Clavijo.  Clavijo was representing Traffic USA, a player agency based in Miami, FL.  Clavijo earned 61 caps for the USA and has coached MLS clubs the New England Revolution and the Colorado Rapids and the Haitian National Team.

John and I posing with some of our USA heroes.

Left to right, Ryan, Desmond, Fernando, Jeff, and John