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. 

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).

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.

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.

UAH Alumni Game Recap and New Coach

Well, I screwed up. I got the date for the UAH Alumni game wrong and missed it. Thankfully, Joe Nezmer, the interim-Head Coach of UAH was kind enough to give us a recap of a great day on Saturday, March 27th, for UAH soccer in the first of what will hopefully be an annual event.

"The alumni game was a real interesting match up. With our back line and starting keeper not being able to play, we had to play some guys in positions they weren't accustomed to. I'm really happy with the alumni that showed up for the game. It was made of guys that are mostly less than five years removed from the program, and most of them are still playing in adult leagues throughout the area.

As far as the game itself, it ended in a 2-2 tie. The highlight of the game for us was a brilliant shot from about 20 yards by Oscar Leon, that was hit [into the] upper 90. Another highlight was former captain and goalkeeper (and assistant coach for the Women) Geoffrey Merry, netting the first goal for the alumni. The celebration was capped off with Geoff asking for hot dog.

All in all, it was a very good day and I'm glad that so many of our alumni made it out. I plan on increasing our numbers next year while also planning more alumni events during the fall season. I'm really looking forward to broadening our alumni base, and I think the game was a good step."

In other UAH news, a permanent replacement for Tafadzwa Ziyenge, who is off to head the Arkansas State women's program, is expected to be announced in a few weeks. The search for the new head coach is in its final stages, although it is not clear whether Nezmer will remain with the program in an assistant coaching role.

RCU Roster, No MLS Strike and Red Bull Arena Excitement

RCU Begins Roster Building

Rocket City United coach Desmond Armstrong has begun building its roster for the 2010 campaign. After a week of practices, Armstrong has begun the job of filling out the 26 man roster he hopes to use to defend the NPSL South East Region title. Most of the players participating in the workouts this past week were local talents including several members of the UAH and Alabama A&M squads. There were also several returning members from last year's RCU team who impressed during the preseason workouts.


Pshew! MLS Strike Averted
MLS and their players have agreed on a 5-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that has averted a threatened strike by the players. While not granted free agency, the players did win concessions to create a "re-entry draft" for out of contract players at each seasons end. Also, the majority of player contracts will be guaranteed and player pay will be increased with minimum salaries set at $40,000 and the salary cap increasing by $200,000.


Jewell of a Stadium

The New York Red Bulls successfully opened their stadium with a 3:1 defeat of Brazilian Club Santos. Here's a nice little video of all of the action in the stands and on the field.

UAH Alumni, Haiti Rebuilds, Dives, and Ugly 1860 Unis

UAH Alumni Game Still OnDespite the departure of the former head coach, UAH will go on with its Alumni match on March 27th. Interested players should contact interim head coach, Joe Nemzer.


Haitian Football Federation President Vows To Rebuild

The Haitian Football Federation Headquarters were destroyed in the earthquake. Photo via Getty Images.

During the earthquake that devastated the country the Haitian Football Federation's offices were destroyed along with over 30 Federation employees. Dr. Yves Jean-Bart survived and now vows to reconstruct the offices and the remainder of the soccer infrastructure in the country. He said this about the Haitian love for soccer.

"There is not one Haitian that has not touched a soccer ball. Football is part of the everyday life of Haiti, even with the scary living conditions in Port-au-Prince, even with the fields being occupied, they still play soccer. It is the only entertainment reserved for everybody. At the federation we had the great idea of distributing in the temporary shelters the few soccer balls we were able to recover and it was an explosion of joy. I think it is necessary and mandatory, to help with the psychological recovery of a major part of the population, to free the fields and allow the people to release some stress."

As you know, I am collecting soccer equipment to help bring their beloved game back to them. Please make your way down to Pete's Soccer Shop to donate your new or used shoes, balls, or any other equipment. Thanks, again.


Is It Always A Dive?
Studs Up is a comic strip about soccer. Today's strip is a funny look at diving.


1860, Was Denken Sie?

Yuck!

Let me be clear. Bayern Munich is my team, but ever since I visited Bavaria in college, I've had a soft spot for 1860 Munich. I love the classy look of their light blue kits with the lion crest. But they may have taken the prize for ugliest uniform ever with their shirt to celebrate their 150th year shown above. Yes, you are seeing that right. It's a collage of blue tinted historic photos on a soccer jersey with gold trim.

Oh, that's not so bad.

Well, maybe the powers that be anticipated this reaction because they made the shirt reversible and reveals a shirt that's not quite as revolting. Ahh, that's better.

Weekend Warrior, Super Games, and UAH prospect

Weekend Warriors Are Warming Up

Registration has closed and the schedule is set for the Weekend Warrior's tournament this Saturday and Sunday at John Hunt Park. Time to go dig into your closet to find your shoes and shinguards that you threw in there after your last HASL game a few months ago. While your in there, remember to grab your old soccer equipment to donate to help the Haitians.

Super Games


There were some big games this past weekend on the tube, and I'm not talking about the Super Bowl. Although the Merseyside Derby could have been mistaken for a gridiron game with all of the hits being dolled out. That game was lucky to finish with only two ejections. Also, Barcelona had to deal double ejections to get by Getafe and Drogba dealt a double blow of his own to Arsenal who were too busy playing keep away to bother with going at goal. I find it ironic that this team is called Arsenal when they never shoot!


UAH Gets One On Signing Day


According to the Westside Story student newspaper, Dylan Pepia of West Boca Raton High School signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville. It would appear that Tadfadwa Ziyenge's departure was not a factor in his decision.

Du Nord Links To PWT-Blog, Ziyenge, NPSL, and FSC Goes HD

PWT-Blog Gets Some Love From Du Nord


The Perfectly Weighted Through Blog got some love from Bruce McGuire's great daily soccer internet round up Du Nord when the PWT-blog article on the sale of the NASL.com domain name was linked on Tuesday, January 26. Du Nord links to all the best articles from all levels of the American game and International game. So, it's a pretty big honor to make the list. Thanks, Bruce.

More Ziyenge Links


As first reported here earlier this week, Tafadzwa "Lincoln" Ziyenge has moved on from UAH to Div I Women's program Arkansas State University.


NPSL Article
Ryan Knapp, PR director of the NPSL, spoke with the Kin of Fish blog about the league. The article does a nice recap of the advantages to the college player of playing in the NPSL.



FSC Goes HD!

Fox Soccer Channel has started broadcasting in HD! But that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll see it. Now's the time to bug you cable/sattelite provider to add FSC-HD! Here's the link to the channel finder again.

Head Coach Ziyenge Leaves UAH

Tafadzwa "Lincoln" Ziyenge has left UAH to become Head Women's Soccer Coach at the Arkansas State University. When asked to comment about his status at UAH, Ziyenge had this to say:

"I can confirm that I did turn in my resignation as men and women's coach at UAH this morning and will be leaving to be the women's head coach at Arkansas State University. I give all thanks to God for the priviledge he afforded me of being a student athlete and coach of both the men and women's teams at UAH. I have enjoyed my time here and will admit I was close to crying as I bid the players goodbye. I didnt realize how much I cared about these young men and women until they had left the room. It has been a blessing for me to be their coach and I have never been around a more determined group of boys and girls. The next coach is inheriting a great bunch of kids. I am indebted to the community for their warm words of encouragement especially when I was asked to coach both teams. I would never have won a single game without the help and support of the club and high school coaches. The true unsung heroes of my success tale are my two assistants Joe Nemzer and Geoffrey Merry. I credit them more than I credit myself for the success that was 2009. I have only fond memories of UAH. This is an excellent school and I am glad that I chose to begin my coaching career here and can only wish both soccer teams continued success in 2010 and beyond."

Ziyenge was named the 2009 Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year for leading the Chargers through a tough regular season and to a successful conference tournament in which the fell in the Gulf South Conference Finals after winning their first conference match in 10 years.

RCU, UAH and more

RCU Signs Willoughby for 2010

I'm not sure how I missed this earlier.... Rocket City United retained a key piece of their NPSL SouthEast Region Championship team from 2009 by signing winger Paul Willoughby. After losing forward Raphael Barbosa, the signing of Willoughby is a boon to RCU's offensive prowess.

Member of Willoughby's Army suggests the contract period she'd like RCU to sign.

Reportedly, the Huntsville native's fanclub, Willoughby's Army, could be heard squealing their approval from outside Parkway Place Mall at the news of the signing.


UAH Alumni Game on March 27

The UAH men's soccer team will welcome former players to Charger Field for an alumni game at on March 27th as part of a fund raising effort that includes a golf tournament the day before.


NPSL SouthEast Region Adds FC Tulsa

It looks like RCU will add a long road trip to Oklahoma this season when they face FC Tulsa. This news broke through Chattagnooga FC and RCU's twitter feeds.

"Welcome! RT @ChattanoogaFC: Verry interesting Chatt FC would like 2 welcome Tulsa FC (yes, of OK) to SE Region of NPSL. Load up the fan bus!"

FC Tulsa will replace Atlanta club Saturn FC whose owners relocated to New Jersey and can no longer support the team from afar. The rumored team in Nashville will not happen in 2010 as the interested ownership group removed their application in December.


African Football History


In what many are calling the year of African football, the BBC has released a two part podcast on the history of African football. Educate yourself and check out part 1 and part 2.


USMNT and Beer Pairings

Beer loving blog The Shin Guardian does a delightful post on what beers to pair with different types of US Men's National Team events. My only detrimental comment is that the PBR dude needs to open his palate to other brews.

College Roundup

A&M Wraps Up Rebuilding Year With A Loss

Alabama A&M finished the year on the road with a 0:2 loss at Central Arkansas University on Saturday. CAU's Joseph Cervantes provided all the offense that was needed. A&M finished the rebuilding year with a record of 4 wins, 12 losses, and 1 tie. A&M head coach Salah Yousif is looking forward to next year as he expects several prospects to strengthen a line-up that has gained valuable experience this year.

UAH Falls In GSC Final
University of Alabama-Huntsville fell to the University of West Florida in the Gulf South Conference Final on Sunday afternoon. UAH's stellar defensive corps could not stop the creative UWF attackers. In the 35th minute, UWF's Jay Mainville caught UAH on a breakaway and was able to slot the shot past Tyler Earley for the 1:0 lead. That scoreline held through the half.

In the 64th minute, UAH got a break when UWF's Sean Reynolds was ejected after a second bookable offense. While UAH pressed for the equalizer, it was UWF who added to their lead when in the 68th minute, Stephen Munoz stroked home a penalty to make it 2:0.

The teams were back on level footing in the 70th minute when UAH's Christian Ramirez was shown his walking papers after a second caution. In the remaining 20 minutes, the Chargers could not come up with the vital goals and the Argos were crown GSC Champions for a fourth straight year.

UAH had several representatives on the All-tournament team:

2009 GSC Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team

Most Outstanding Player
Frank Cope, West Florida

Stephen Munoz, West Florida
Matt Tanner, West Florida
Tyler Earley, Alabama-Huntsville
Kyle Goncalves, Alabama-Huntsville
Brian Hadley, Alabama-Huntsville
Oscar Leon, Alabama-Huntsville
Devin Schleif, Alabama-Huntsville
Tony Stock, Alabama-Huntsville
Robert Mingo, D, Christian Brothers
Payam Pourjavard, Ouachita Baptist

UAH Grab First GSC Tourney Win In 10 Years

University of Alabama-Huntsville took the rematch to last week's 0:0 draw with a hard fought victory 3:1 over Christian Brothers University in the Gulf Conference Semifinals in Pensacola, FL. The win sees UAH through to the Finals and is their first GSC tournament win since 1999.

UAH hit the ground running when in the 13th minute, sophomore forward Kyle Gonclaves scored the opener. CBU pressed for the equalizer and got the crucial goal in the 44th minute through Andrew Ballard who pounced on a loose ball in the area.

However, with the score knotted at ones, UAH came out in the second half determined to fight for a spot in the finals. They would find the breakthrough at the hour mark, when Toamaki Matsuo hit a long ball behind the defense for Gonclaves to run onto. Gonclaves finished off the lightning quick counterattack with aplomb to put UAH on top 2:1.

With their season in the balance, CBU charged forward leveling shot after wayward shot at Tyler Earley in the UAH goal. Of the 20 CBU shots, fully three quarters were off target and Earley was up to the ones that were. UAH snipers were more proficient with 5 of their 7 attempts on goal find the frame.

UAH found the insurance goal in the 75th minute. Junior midfielder Brett Hughson cashed in on a Sean Kerber corner to make the score 3:1. The UAH defense mopped up the rest of the way and UAH had punched a ticket to the GSC Final where they will meet top seeded West Florida on Sunday.

A Few Things

UAH Coach/Players Honored By GSC

GSC Coach of the Year and UAH Head Coach Tafadzwa Ziyenge

University of Alabama-Huntsville Head Coach Tafadzwa Ziyenge has been named Gulf South Conference coach of the year after guiding the Chargers to an undefeated conference season and second seed in the conference tournament.

Also, honored by the GSC were senior defender Devon Schleif and junior goalkeeper Tyler Earley who were name to the All-conference first team. UAH was also represented on the second team by senior Brian Hadley and Tomoaki Matsuo.

Soccernomics: Moneyball For Soccer Geeks


Moneyball was the seminal sports book about the business side of baseball and how the A's GM Billy Beane was able to scout players using statistical analysis instead of the tried and true methods that had been used by generations of previous baseball clubs. Well, when I heard that Soccernomics was coming out, it made it to the top of my Amazon.com Wish-list because it takes a look at soccer with the same kind of critical eye to uncover some surprising nuggets. The author Simon Kuper has been all over the soccer blogosphere lately and here is the best of the interviews.

Southern Soccer Is Looking For Your Help


The guys over at Southern Soccer are looking for ways to improve the tournaments that they offer the Huntsville soccer public. There running a survey here. So, head on over and click away.