Alabama Classic: RCU v Pumas Tomorrow Night

This Saturday's Alabama Classic (derby for you anglophiles, classico for you latinophiles) between Rocket City United (6 points from 4 games) and Pumas FC (6 points from 3 games) of Birmingham is a must win for both teams. RCU picked up their first victory of the season 5:2 in the away fixture of this match-up with a solid second half performance that saw RCU roar out to a five goal lead before Pumas netted two consolation goals. Coach Greg Petersen does not expect this game to follow that script as both teams are much improved since that evening in early May.

Petersen discuss the loss to Atlanta and the upcoming Alabama Classic

RCU is coming off a disappointing 0:2 road defeat to Atlanta FC where injuries and other personnel issues didn't help matters. Team Manager Chris Shaffer described the road trip as a "long day in hell" where nothing worked out for the boys in red, white, and black. RCU will look to sure up their defense with the return of central back, Norbert Webley, who was nursing a hamstring injury picked up early in the Chattanooga FC match.

Shaffer discusses the Alabamba Classic and describes what went wrong in Atlanta

Pumas has added a few dangerous players who have helped them to join the four-way crowd at the top of the Southeast Region table. During that time, Pumas is leading the NPSL Southeast Division in scoring, averaging 4 goals a game. After trailing 2:1 at the half against Saturn FC, Pumas struck 6 times in a victory that Saturn FC described as "worst humiliation ever in Saturn history".

The kickoff for tomorrow night's match and all remaining RCU home matches has been moved back to 7:30PM to accomodate the spectators who would be staring directly into the setting sun while sitting in the John Hunt Soccer Stadium's West Stand.

Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey Ladies! (Get FUN-ky!)

Rocket City United just got a little more "Brown Chicken, Brown Cow" with a Ladies Night promotion of this Saturday's home match against Pumas. All ladies in the house get half-off tix.


And it's for a good cause. Proceeds will go to the Hope Place, a shelter for domestic abuse victims.

After the game, RCU will host a Club Members party at 801 Franklin with free beer (yes, it said free beer!) from team sponsor and Huntsville's own Olde Towne Brewing Co. The party is free to Club Members and Season Ticket holders. RCU Club Membership is $45 for the season or $10 for a single game Club Membership.

It's Ladies Night and the feelings right....

MARS Soccer League Crowns Champion

A fifth minute goal by fleet footed winger Matt Peaslee was all that the Cosmos needed as they shut out the Red Shift 3:0 in the MARS Soccer League Final tonight at the Redstone Arsenal Soccer Field on Patton Road. Two insurance goals by Justin Waldon in the final five minutes put the nail in the coffin over the outmanned Red Shift who were missing key players and had only a single person on the substitutes bench .

Brian Sanders sends in a corner as MARS Soccer President Andy Heaton looks on

Both teams got early chances but it was the Cosmos who found net, as Victor Collazo-Perez swung in a cross that fell to Peaslee's favored right foot. Peaslee lined up the shot and drilled it into the near post past Hajin Kim in the Red Shift goal.

Devon Sanders nearly scores for Cosmos

Red Shift almost equalized a few minutes later, when Ricardo Simmonds was put through alone with Cosmos keeper Ken Morrison to beat. Simmonds found himself in two minds however, and Morrison came up with the big save to deny the opportunity.

Patrick Coleman wins a header for Red Shift

Cosmos continued to press the attack. Their shots found woodwork and side netting, but the second goal remained elusive. A perfectly weighted though ball from Devon Sanders found goal scorer Peaslee in stride but his sliced right footed effort spun just wide of the far post. Soon after, the halftime whistle was blown.

Matt Peaslee narrowly misses the target after a nice through ball from Devon Sanders

Red Shift came out for the second stanza rejuvenated. Forward Paul Lawson nearly struck when after slaloming the Cosmos defense, he sent a powerful drive that Ken Morrison could only parry to the ground. No Red Shift players were on hand to convert the loose ball, and the opportunity was swept away by the Cosmos defenders. Soon after, Boris Simmonds also had a good look from about 20 meters that sailed wide of the mark.

Red Shift's Boris Simmonds settles nicely and launches a shot just wide

The game then bogged down into a midfield battle, but Victor Collazo-Perez created some "Oohs and ahhs" with a nifty lob over goalkeeper Kim who had strayed from his line. The Red Shift defense was alert, however and cleared it out of danger.

As time wound down in the tight game, Red Shift sent players forward in droves and it almost paid off when Ben Donahue nearly hit the target from an acute angle. However, it wasn't to be as the lack of substitutes showed in costly mistakes. An errant back pass was intercepted by Waldon who calmly slotted home to double the score. Just seconds after, it was Waldon again making it 3:0. This time he tucked away a spilled ball off a shot from Sanders, and Cosmos had the title in hand.

MARS Champions: Cosmos

Don't Expect Much From Confederations Cup

Now that the US has avoided complete catastrophe in World Cup Qualifying (at least until they lose in Mexico in August), we can focus on the near impossible group in the FIFA Confederation Cup. I usually don't do predictions, but I see this playing out like our World Cup 2006 group.

The US starts off at 1:30PM on Monday afternoon on ESPN against Italy (#4 in the FIFA rankings). I fully expect a loss here. Italy will remember the classic night in Kaiserslautern and come out hard, not wanting to repeat it.

They then get a few days to lick their wounds and follow up with a 9AM Thursday morning matinee on ESPN2 against Brazil (#5 FIFA ranked). Believe it or not, I can see the US getting a point here through sure scrappiness and Brazilian overconfidence.

So, assuming they somehow get a point out of one of those matches, they'll go into their final match of the round on Sunday at 1:30PM on ESPN2 needing a victory over a dangerous Egyptian (40th in FIFA) team. Just as in WC06, they'll give up a silly goal (or two) and not be able to get the result. Three and out in CC09. Hopefully, this will give the boys a sour taste that they will not want to experience again in one year's time.

And maybe this time around, the US will have the soccer Gods on their side when the WC10 draw doesn't land them in another Group of Death. So, hopefully the failure in the CC09 will lead to group success in WC10.

BTW, all the matches will be in HD!

Rocket City United Blanked On The Road

RCU fell 0:2 to Atlanta FC on the road. The loss creates a log jam at the top of the Southeast Division with 4 teams sitting on 6 points. Detailed game report can be found below:

Undermanned RCU Drop Away Game 2-0 to Atlanta FC

RCU Looks For Revenge Against Atlanta FC Tonight

It was an agonizing defeat. The third game in three days in ninety-nine percent humidity and soaring temperatures. With several injuries depleting the squad, Rocket City United needed a two goal victory over Atlanta FC to take the US Open Cup birth outright. They got the first goal on a 25 yard blast off the foot of Rafa Barbosa and were pressing for the second when tired legs started to show. In a ten minute sequence, Atlanta FC stole two goals and the right to face the professional USL side Charleston Battery in the first knockout round of the US Open Cup.


Tonight, RCU would love to avenge that loss in league play. RCU will look to extend their first place lead in NPSL Southeast Region with a result on the road at the Hoskin Stadium in Sandy Springs, GA. Coach Greg Petersen should have the services of speedy winger Kempess Villafana after an extended rehab on a pulled hamstring.


Atlanta FC sits in third place and will look to close the gap the leaders in an effort to defend its NPSL Southeast Region title. AFC coach Ricardo Montoya will have to balance his teams efforts tonight with keeping an eye toward Tuesday's big US Open Cup game in Charleston. Kickoff is at 6PM Central.

RCU interviews from last Saturday

Halftime interview with RCU winger Paul Willoughby



Post game thoughts from Greg Petersen


Co-Man of the Match Norbert Webley on the performance against Chat FC and his new central defender position

RCU v Chat FC gallery

Here's a few photos of last Saturday's victory over Chat FC at John Hunt Soccer Stadium in Huntsville.

Norbert Webley stands his mark up.

Kirk Childers closes down his mark.

Joseph Omondi soars for a header.

The full gallery can be found here, courtesy of Chattanooga FC's Facebook page.

Ugh, So Let's Forget About That, Shall We

US National Team needs to channel Leonard from the film "Memento"

The sign of a great striker is a short memory. Miss a sitter from 2 inches out that your invalid grandmother could convert... No matter, put it out of your mind and convert the next chance. I wonder if that's the sign of a great team, too. The USMNT laid an egg last night. Now is the time to have a short memory, because with only two full days between last night and Saturday's match against Honduras, they need to forget it, fast.

Kitty Needs Your Help

Eight-year-old Catherine "Kitty" Jordan has been a soccer player since she was four. A fast and tenacious player on both offense and defense, she played at St. John’s Catholic School and participated in the Challenger Sports British Soccer camp in Madison, AL.

Catherine Jordan, aka "Kitty"

During this spring’s indoor season, the family noticed something wasn’t right when Catherine was often breathless after only a short sprint across the soccer field. Her words to a friend, “My energy is just not working.” At a weekend Girl Scout campout, Catherine grew so tired while hiking, she couldn’t make it back to the cabin on her own.

The family feared it might be anemia, a virus, or possibly asthma. However blood work confirmed a deeper horror: Leukemia. Her parents took Catherine to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama on April 6, 2009. The next few days produced a frightening diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) that would require intense chemotherapy and the need for a bone marrow transplant sometime later this year.


Complications from her first round of chemotherapy have kept Catherine from coming home between rounds; part of one of her lungs was removed. Mom lives at the hospital while Dad and brother, Patrick, travel back and forth from Huntsville to Birmingham on a regular basis. It is a difficult and painful process for any child and family to endure.

Catherine was blessed with a beautiful and strong spirit. In spite of the complications and hardships, she continues to live with the wonderful spirit that draws people close to her. Kitty, as she likes to be called, believes in her “girl power” and dreams of getting better, going home to her family, seeing her friends, and, of course, playing soccer.


To raise funds for Tennessee Valley families whose children are being treated for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, 10% of the ticket sales of the RCU vs Atlanta FC soccer game on June 27th will be donated to Kitty’s Miracle Fund and an additional $50 per goal scored by RCU will also be donated.

In September 2009, they will host our first-annual “Kickin’ for Kitty” charity soccer tournament. If you are interested in supporting this event, or if you are affiliated with a team that would like to participate, please visit our website, http://www.kittysmiraclefund.org, for more details.

US v Costa Rica World Cup Qualifier TONIGHT!!!

HUGE GAME! Tonight the USMNT will take a very tough Costa Rica squad on a difficult artificial turf in Saprissa Stadium. Here's last night's US press conference to get you in the mood.



One major programming note!!! The game broadcast has been moved from ESPN to ESPN2 and coverage will start at 8:30 PM.

RCU vs Chat FC Highlights

Here's the goals and Tyler Early's best saves from Saturday's RCU victory.

Concerned Soccer Lovers

American soccer lovers are a fretful bunch. It seems they are always defending the sport they love from attacks from ignorant fans of "real" sports and even those soccer lovers who look down on soccer in the USA as unrefined, the so-called "euro-snobs". This constant looking over their shoulder sometimes makes them a bit paranoid when it comes to the next big enemy of the game. Here are two articles that find that enemy in unexpected places.

Success of American Women Hurts MLS

USA vs Iran Friendly, Could It Hurt American Soccer?

HASL Declares Champions

Newly Crowned HASL Division II Champion, ManChest Hair United
Great Name and Shield

Last Friday saw the final matches of the HASL Spring 2009 season. Congrats to all of the division champions.

• Premiership : Foot Clan
• Division I : Shurke
• Division II: ManChestHair United
• Division III: Ta Sety Warriors

Rocket City United on TV

So, if you were not part of the 625 fans who packed John Hunt Soccer Stadium on Saturday night, you can still catch the game on TV. Here's how:

Huntsville1

In Huntsville, tune into Huntsville1, the city's information channel. Starting later this week (probably Wednesday), the games will be broadcast twice daily from in the evenings 4-6PM and in the mornings from 4-6AM. Blake from Huntsville1 is also trying to get prime-time slot for the game and will update us as he works the schedule out. Huntsville1 airs on channel 16 for Comcast subscribers and on channel 42 for Knology subscribers.


In Decatur, tune into WYAM TV 51, the station with vision. The games will be broadcast on Friday night at 7Pm and rebroadcast on Sunday afternoon at 4PM. WYAM airs on channel 20 for Charter subscribers and on channel 56 for PCL subscribers, and broadcast "over the air" on channel 51.

RCU vs Chat FC "Behind the Scenes"

As some of you know, I do TV commentary for Rocket City United along with my good friend and local soccer legend, John Moran. It's a lot of fun and also a lot of work. John and I prepare for the broadcast by spending hours trying to gather as much information as possible about RCU and their opponents. We do a lot of googling on the players, coaches, and the league itself. We also try to get out to practices a few times a week to get to know the tendencies of the players. Neither of us are expert broadcasters, but we do our best.

Here's a little behind the scenes peek at the RCU home opener last night.

John and Bill setting up the scaffolding where we shoot and do the broadcast.

This is a view of the press box from the field. For some reason the designers of the stadium press box did not account for video photography of the games being played at the stadium. So, we have to put the scaffolding up and shoot from there for unobstructed views.

RCU Head Coach Greg Petersen directs pregame warm-up

Referee Caleb Brown conducts the coin toss

These vids are shot with my hand-held Flip Mino video camera, as are most of the videos I post on the PWT-blog. Bill uses professional grade equipement and it really shows in the quality.

As the players walk out on the field, they aren't the only ones feeling the nerves. John and I are feeling them, too.

Norbert Webley gets wrapped by the training staff at halftime.

After talking for 90 minutes straight, John and I are surprisingly exhausted from the effort. Fortunately, we get to attend the post-game party and wet our tired lips at the Olde Towne Brewery.

After the hard fought game, players, team staff and members of the RCU Club attended the post game party at Olde Towne Brewery. The free beer alone is worth the price to join the RCU Club. :) For more info on how to join the Club, go here.

Rocket City United Tops Chattanooga FC in Home Opener

A crowd of over 600 packed the west stand of John Hunt Soccer Stadium and witnessed an exciting contrast in styles as RCU's flowing technical game lead them to a 2:0 victory over CFC's power and direct approach. CFC squandered chances early and late while RCU's Daniel Segewitz and Jesus Delgado made the most of their second half opportunities to give RCU the full 3 points that puts them on the top of the NPSL Southeastern Conference.

Full game reports can be found at the links below.

RCU Wins Home Opener, Beats Chattanooga FC 2-0

from the RCU website

Chattanooga FC loses well-played match to Rocket City United 2-0

from The Chattanoogan

Note: There wrongly credited the first goal to Norbert Webley.

RCU "Meet the Players" Happy Hour

Ketchup at Bridgestreet was the site of last night's Rocket City United "Meet the Players" Happy Hour sponsored by Ketchup and Olde Towne Brewery. While some great little chicken tacos and Olde Towne Amber (YUM!) were served by the gracious hosts, several prominent members of the community mingled with RCU players and staff.

I was able to get a little face time with one of RCU's newest additions, Kempess Villafana.


Kempess Villafana discusses his impressions of RCU and chance of playing tonight

The exciting winger is nursing a hamstring injury and is doubtful for tonight's game. Tickets for tonight's match are available at the gate of John Hunt Soccer Stadium and kickoff is at 7PM.

Rocket City United Home Opener Tomorrow Night

Rocket City United opens up its home schedule tomorrow night with a tilt against NPSL newcomer Chattanooga FC. RCU has the opportunity to go top of the Southeastern Conference table with a victory. Despite the heartbreaking failure to qualify for the US Open Cup last weekend, the club remains upbeat. Head Coach Greg Petersen kept practices this week light and loose as there are several players nursing injuries from the long weekend.


Nice end to end sequence during short sided game at RCU Practice

Chattanooga FC comes into tomorrow's match still searching for their first NPSL victory. Despite drawing an impressive crowd of over 1600 spectators to their inaugural match, the upstart club fell to the reigning NPSL Southeastern Conference champion Atlanta FC 1:3.


Petersen on what he knows about CFC

RCU will look to rebound from the disappointing results last weekend, and will also have to deal with some personnel issues, not the least of which is the absence of central defender Jason Sabio. Sabio is currently working out with the Philippine National Team who are ranked 166th in the FIFA World Rankings and looking to better that position. Add to that several players who are nursing injuries, and Petersen is definitely working with a short stack.

Game time is 7PM at John Hunt Soccer Stadium. There will be several special events including a kidzone, prize drawings for 2 season tickets, and a mini-ball giveaway to the first 100 fans through the gate. Mojo from WZYP will be broadcasting live from the stadium and there will be post game party for RCU Club members at the Olde Towne Brewery across the street from the stadium.

Also, if you're looking for something to do tonight, come out to Ketchup at Bridge Street Towne Centre at 5:30pm for a "Meet the Players" happy hour.

Rocket City United Press

I was out at RCU's practice last night and met Scott Theisen from WAFF 48 as he was filming for an upcoming story on RCU's home opener. I'm pretty lame and didn't stay up late last night to see if aired then, but it should be shown soon.

Also, here are some links from some recent newsprint articles about RCU and thier upcoming opponents, Chattanooga FC.

Huntsville Times article about RCU's second season

Chattanoogan article about CFC's home opener

Psyched Up!

Here's another sweet Champs League vid.

I Had A Dream

I woke up this morning with a vague recollection of a dream I had last night of a game I watched on TV that ended 6:5. What's that mean? Yep, today's match will end 0:0 and go to PKs.

Oh well, here are some more vids to get you hyped up even more.


ESPN's Champs League Commercial


Champs League Intro


Vintage Adidas Commercial

Where Are You Watching The CL Finals?

So, are you going to develop a case of 3 hour flu tomorrow afternoon? If so, where are you going to watch the Champions League final?

I know people are going to be at both local locations of Buffalo Wild Wings, and I heard that a few folks might go Monaco Pictures bar to catch the game. Personally, I like to watch at home, so I can scream at the TV in privacy.

What ever you do, please respect the hardworking souls who can't feign illness and are recording the game by not texting, emailing, or calling them with the results. That's just not fair. If you are going to watch the game and you have a HASL match tomorrow night, please don't jump out of your car and scream for all at Merrimack to hear, "Did you see that sick goal by Ronaldo/Messi/Henry/Rooney?!!!" The soccer gods do not take kindly to that type of behavior.



Anyway, here are some CL final related vids to enjoy.


The Making of Messi's Champions League Final Boots


Henry vs Giggs Rebok spot

RCU Out of US Open Cup

Rocket City United fell to Atlanta FC 1:2 yesterday in the penultimate match of the US Open Cup Region III Group II tournament eliminating RCU and seeing the Atlanta club into the next stage.

From the US Open Cup website... "After a scoreless first half, Rocket City scored the "coin flip" goal near the 65th minute, with players from Legends F.C. cheering on the sidelines. Almost three minutes later, Leonardo Sanchez scored for Atlanta off a corner kick, leveling the score at 1-1. Rocket City now needed a 2-1 win for a coin flip, and a 3-1 win to take the group outright. These hopes were dashed about ten minutes later, when Marcelo Garcia nodded in a cross from Abdul Bangura for a 2-1 Atlanta lead, which they would hold until the final whistle, becoming the first USASA team from Georgia to qualify for the Open Cup in the Professional Era."

RCU has its home opener this Saturday night against Chattanooga FC.

Goal, Gol, Tor, etc.

However you say it, it's fun to watch. RCU have uploaded some of the best goals of the 2008 season here.

RCU Need Win To Move On

After a 0:1 loss in difficult conditions to Legends FC of North Texas, RCU will need to win their Group II finale to for any hopes to advance to the knockout stages of the US Open Cup. Goalkeeper Jeffrey Preston was sent off for taking down the Legends forward on a breakaway resulting in a PK in the 68th minute. The kick from the mark was enough to give Legends the full points.

In a startling development, US Open Cup officials disqualified Dynamo New Tampa for fielding an ineligible player. FIFA rules dictate that all forfeits will be recorded as a 3:0 win for the opponent, thus negating RCU's 5:1 win over Dynamo.

These developments significantly effects the Group II table and not in favor of RCU. Prior to today's match, the updated table sees Atlanta FC sitting atop with 6 points (1 win, 1 forfeit) from 2 games and a plus 4 goal differential . Legends FC find themselves in second with 6 points from 3 games (1 win, 1 forfeit, 1 loss) and a goal differential of plus 3. RCU sit in third position with 3 points from 2 games (1 forfeit, 1 loss) and a goal differential of plus 2. Without the disqualifications RCU would be have 3 points (1 win, 1 loss) with a goal differential of plus 3.

So, where does this leave RCU now? Despite their current position, RCU still control their own destiny. A victory over Atlanta FC with more than one goal scored by RCU sees them through to the next stage uncontested. A loss or a tie for RCU would see Atlanta through to the next stage.

Interestingly, a 1:0 victory by RCU would cause the table to be knotted up like a debutante's stomach before the ball. All three clubs would be equal on Head to Head Results ,Goals Differential, Goals For, and Goals Against. A series of coin tosses would then determine the group victor. (Don't ask me for the procedure for the coin tosses.)

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Kickoff is 11:30 AM central time.

RCU wins USOC Opener

RCU started its US Open Cup run well by defeating Dynamo New Tampa 5:1 in its first match of the US Open Cup Region III Group II. They take on Legends FC of North Texas tomorrow before rounding out the qualification tournament against fellow NPSL squad Atlanta FC on Sunday. The group winner will advance to the final US Open Cup stage.


Rafa Barbosa opened the scoring for RCU on a cross from Paul Willoughby in the 20th minute. Dynamo leveled in the 51st minute, but RCU responded in the 55th with a blast off the foot of Michael Biggs. RCU doubled the lead in the 58th minute when it was Barbosa again from a nice set up from Sutton Shults.

RCU put the game out of reach when Shuts made his way through for a breakaway with only the Dynamo keeper to beat. The Dynamo keeper's challenge on Shults was a bit too "Mixed Martial Arts" for the taste referee's taste and the he was sent to the showers early for violent conduct. Barbosa converted the spot kick for his third of the match.

Peter Byarhuanga sealed the match with a kiss when in the second minute of added time he put home another Willoughby cross for the final score.

Each of the goals are important as the tie breakers for the group are as follows:

• Head to head result
• Goal Differential
• Goals For
• Goals Against
  
• Coin toss
  

Odds and Ends

HASL talk

Jacob over at Southern Soccer has posted his ideas on how HASL can improve.
He proposes:

• New division for Over-40
• New division for Women
• HASL Cup styled on the FA Cup
• Change in format to a 1 year

His ideas are very interesting. Go on over to his blog and get involved in the discussion. I'll have more on this later.

RCU Open Cup action

RCU in travel to Jacksonville, FL this weekend to take part in the US Open Cup play-in tournament. The format for qualification is two, four-team groups. The winner of each group will be entered into the final phase of the US Open Cup, a single elimination tournament where RCU could face professional opponents from USL1, USL2, and USL-PDL. If they keep winning, they could even face an MLS team.

"Kick Like A Girl"

For those of you with HBO, check out this show about a girls team who enters a boys league.

Weekend of Champions- HASL, EPL, La Liga, & Serie A Crown Champions

Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester United all claimed their titles and even HASL had champions crowned this weekend...

On HASL's website... "Due to this extremely unusual, weather –delayed season, HASL has determined that the Spring 2009 season will conclude with only eight games played per team. Thus, Friday’s matches will count in the standings. We have adjusted the standings to account for the shortened season and can now declare the Foot Clan as being the Premiership Champions. Schurke has claimed the Division I championship. Division II and Division III do not have champions declared as of yet. "

HASL will attempt to schedule the remaining games in order to determine the remaining champions and relegation/promotion spots.


Congratulations to all.

Grab The Remote

There should be some good soccer on TV this weekend. The MLS Conference leaders meet in a showdown Saturday night and three of top four leagues in Europe could be decided this weekend, while the fourth big league has four teams that could still win. Since it is supposed to rain so much anyway, this would be a good weekend to sit yourself in front of the TV and catch the action.


Eastern Conference leaders DC United travel out west to meet Western Conference leaders Chivas USA in MLS action. In England, ManU needs a draw to claim the EPL title. In Spain, Barca can claim the title with a victory or a Real Madrid loss. In Italy, a win will hand Inter the Serie A crown if AC Milan doesn’t lose on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is still wide open. Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin, and Stuttgart all still have a chance to bring home the title with two games to play. This could be the most exciting finish in Bundesliga history.

Here are the big games and where you can see them.

SATURDAY
England, Manchester United-Arsenal 6:40 a.m. Setanta
Germany, Hoffenheim-Bayern Munich 10:30 a.m. GolTV
Italy, Udinese-AC Milan 1:30 p.m. FSC
Spain, Villarreal-Real Madrid 3 p.m. GolTV
MLS, Chivas USA-D.C. United 10 p.m. FSC, FSE

SUNDAY
Spain, Mallorca-Barcelona 12 p.m. GolTV
Italy, Inter Milan-Siena 1:30 p.m. FSC

Foot Clan Win, HASL Premiership In Sight

On a soggy Grissom Soccer Stadium field, Foot Clan all but sealed up the Spring 2009 HASL Premiership title with a 2:1 win against defending champions Law Dogs. The always tightly contested fixture provided some great soccer for the approximately 50 spectators in attendance.

In the early moments of the match, it appeared that both teams were slow to adjust to the poor conditions. Throughout the first half, Foot Clan was content to keep men behind the ball and spring counter attacks, which lead to a few half-chances that perhaps the FC forwards would like to get another bite at.


Law Dogs were able to break through the solid Foot Clan defense only once in the opening period, when John Lawrence found himself through from a lofted Mike Trice ball. Lawrence expertly lobbed over the onrushing FC goalkeeper, but the goal bound ball was shepherded away by a trailing defender just a foot from the line.

It seemed the teams would go into the half knotted up at zeroes , but in the 45th minute, the Foot Clan counter attack sprung. A long diagonal was played into FC's William Jaggwe's path and he beat Law Dog defender Michael Haley to the ball and powered a low left footed drive that nestled in the corner of the net.

Both teams came into the second half determined, but Law Dogs began to gain confidence as they applied more pressure looking for the equalizer. In the 61st minutes, it was John Lawrence who broke the seal on the Foot Clan goal. A searching long ball found his brother Joseph Lawrence in the heart of the FC penalty area. Joseph laid off a perfect one time ball for John who hit a whistling half volley from just outside the area that was rising as it struck the back of the net.

Law Dogs continued to press for the winner with long balls over the top, but it was Foot Clan who would provide the remaining tally 10 minutes later. The ball fell to Brian Kimbugewe who made room for himself a few yards outside the area and struck a thunderous, swerving shot which the LD goalkeeper could not keep out of the net despite doing well to get a hand on it.

With legs tiring from the bog-like field, Law Dogs could not muster much of a threat on the Foot Clan goal, and FC saw out the remaining 20 minutes until referee Chuck Spaniola whistled for full time on a much deserved Foot Clan victory.

With two games remaining, Foot Clan now find themselves one result away from the Premiership title.

RCU Picks Up Year's First Victory

First, I must apologize for being tardy with this post. Mother's Day and work commitments got in the way. :)



Rocket City United got its first win of the 2009 campaign thumping Pumas FC of Birmingham 5:2 at the UAB 's West Campus Field. Light rain started to dampen the field before the game as a slight breeze cooled the crowd of about 100, but dark clouds loomed on the horizon foreshadowing the troubles RCU would cause the Pumas backline.

RCUs attacking throttle was wide open from the start as Kempess Villafana fired high from distance seconds after the opening whistle. This attacking mentality paid dividends shortly after, when winger Paul Willoughby beat Pumas defender Sibusiso Macwele to volley home a Daniel Segewitz cross to take the early lead. Macwele had been a target of RCU's brass before signing on with Pumas. RCU continued to press game as PT Huang and Jesus Delgado had quality looks only to have the woodwork and a fine save from the Pumas keeper deny their opportunities.

Thirty minutes in and Villafana's successful day ended early as he suffered a hamstring pull after creating excitement with his mazy runs. RCU's attack did not hesitate though, as Michael Biggs drew the attention of the Pumas defenders before allowing a cross to dummy onto the foot of Barbosa. The Pumas keeper responded in time to deny Barbosa's attempt. Villafana's replacement, Sutton Shults, got himself involved quickly by slamming his shot into near side netting just wide of the upright minutes after entering.

Jason Sabio commits to the tackle

Although the RCU offense had its boosters firing , the RCU defense had some initial trouble answering the Pumas midfield riddle. Pumas sported an unconventional 4-1-3-2 formation flooding the center of the pitch with bodies and using the outside backs to patrol up and down the touchline. RCUs defensive core wavered only once as Pumas forward Derek Rios slipped through with only RCU keeper Tyler Early to beat. Rios found his footing failed him and his shot skidded desperately wide from 12 yards out. RCU coach Greg Petersen recognized the Cats' ploys and countered by replacing the attack minded Huang with midfield sparkplug Enrici Simeone, and RCU ensnared Pumas in the offside trap time and again and the half ended with RCU up by a goal.

Pumas coach Rolando Hernandez had his squad motivated for the second stanza, and it was Rios who was denied an equalizing goal by Tyler Early's reflexes. The RCU substitute, Shults, continued to stir up trouble for the Pumas defenders with several deep runs and crosses. One of them was met by Delgado who found himself at the far post to nod home the game's second goal in the 57th minute.

It was Barbosa who then worked up a moment of brilliance to put the match out of reach. After muscling through 3 defenders who were seemingly attempting to disrobe him, Rafa found himself in front of the onrushing Pumas goalkeeper. Full marks go to the referee who realized he was witnessing a masterpiece in the making and allowed the artist Barbosa to place the final stroke. The Brazilian wonder scooped the ball up and over the keeper from 16 yards in a display strength and determination in an age when most forwards would have cynically fallen down and settled for a PK. Barbosa left the field to an ovation after he was replaced shortly thereafter by Derek Pirtle.

With the Pumas will broken, Michael Biggs rose to convert a Willoughby corner in the 68th minute. A few minutes later, Willoughby then book-ended his night with a nicely taken goal. After receiving a good ball from Jason Sabio out wide right, Willoughby rode Macwele's lunging challenge just inside the penalty area. He did well to keep his footing , recover, and chip the on-rushing keeper to the far post.

Then late in the second half, the rains came making visibility difficult and footing treacherous. It was Pumas who adjusted to the conditions better and were able to pull two goals back spoiling Tyler Early's shutout. Full time was called about 5 minutes early when lightening bolts danced a little too close for safety's sake, and Rocket City United picked it's first win of the season.

Notes: Rocket City United reserves fell 0:3 to the Pumas reserves prior to first team match… Rocket City United will host a College Scouting Combine in conjunction with Heroes Futbol Association at John Hunt Soccer Park on May 16-17. College soccer scouts will watch the areas top high school talent.

Couple of Scheduling Tidbits

The Alabama State High School Soccer Tournament will be held as scheduled this weekend. The semifinals will be contested on Friday with the finals are to be played on Saturday at the John Hunt Soccer Stadium. There had been fears that the swine flu school closures would cause a rescheduling of the tournament.

However, unrelated to the swine flu, the Rocket City United v Mississippi Brilla match scheduled for May 15th in Clinton, MS has been rescheduled to June 23rd. That will cut down on some of the early season travel RCU had planned that I mentioned in an earlier post.

RCU Come Up Short In Season Opener

Rocket City United fell to Saturn FC 1:2 in their NPSL Southeast Region opener Saturday night.

Forward Rafa Barbosa had a good night putting three past the Saturn FC keeper on Saturday. However, only one of those finished resulted in a legitimate tally as the ball was whistled out of play prior to his 18th minute header. In the 33rd minute, Barbosa finished his breakaway chance, but the flag had been raised for offside.

RCU Starting Eleven

Saturn FC put RCU in the hole as Dan Gilewicz rose to convert a 10th minute corner. After concerted pressure on the Saturn goal during the remainder of the first half, RCU responded early in the second stanza with Barbosa's 48th minute looping header from a Norbert Webley cross. It was just reward for the team's creative play.

Saturn FC retook the lead after nine minutes, when a SFC won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Spencer Davidson stepped up and slotted the spot kick past Jeff Preston in the RCU goal. The lead would stand as chances for both teams went unrewarded in the remaining time.


RCU will travel to Birmingham to meet the another new NPSL side Pumas FC this Saturday at 7pm.

On The Road Again... And Again... And Again

Let's hope the Rocket City United team bus gets good gas mileage. With 5 matches on the road before their home opener on May 30, RCU will travel 2464 miles round trip to face foes in four different states. I'm sure there are first division teams in Europe that don't travel that much in a full season.

RCU start their month long odyssey this weekend on the road against new NPSL squad Saturn FC of Atlanta. They'll follow that with relatively short jaunt to Birmingham next Saturday to meet another NPSL newcomer, Pumas FC. Then it's on to Clinton, MS the following weekend to take on the Mississippi Brilla of the United Soccer League's Premier Development League. Memorial Day weekend sees RCU travel to Jacksonville, FL for US Open Cup Qualifying for USASA Region III where they will play 3 matches in as many days.

RCU Crisscrosses the Southeast in May

About this weekend's game… RCU goes into the NPSL regular season with a preseason record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Meanwhile, Saturn FC comes into the season looking to rebound from it's disappointing 0:2 loss in the Atlanta Copa Hispana to fellow NPSL side and "Atlanta Classico" foe, Atlanta FC.

The teams have met before in Superliga competition, splitting their two matches in high scoring affairs. RCU took the first encounter in Huntsville by a score of 4:2. The return fixture saw RCU on the wrong end of 3:7 goal fest in the final game of Superliga season.

RCU Coach Greg Petersen is expecting "a competitive match" and by the goal tallies of there two previous meetings, the goalkeepers are sure to have a busy day.

Petersen's 730 WUMP Appearance

Rocket City United Coach Greg Petersen appeared on the Johnny "Ballpark" Franks show on SportsRadio 730 The Ump today. I didn't have a way to record the interview and I'm no stenographer. So, please for give me, Greg, if I misquote.

RCU's Greg Petersen

On the upgrade in personnel from last year, including what he looks for in players: "[RCU Players] must be good with the ball, including defenders... They must be intelligent and dynamic . Something that I think coaches in every sport are looking for. I really think that we've improved that dramatically [in the offseason]."

On local players to watch: Petersen talked extensively about Grissom grad, Paul Willoughby. "I wouldn't be surprised to see Paul sign a pro contract very soon." He also mentions UAH grad Rafa Barbosa and that he is exciting to watch.

On North Alabama in comparison to soccer in other parts of the world: "North Alabama has some of the best athletes in the country." He went on to describe Derek Pirtle and Sutton Shultz as terrific athletes with raw talent that he is exited to see develop.

On RCU President, Andy Zorovich: "Andy really knows the business side of the game… and how to engage the community." Petersen mentioned the recent very successful Blood drive sponsored by RCU.

On the first match this weekend against Saturn FC: "We are playing down in Atlanta against a team we know pretty well having played them in SuperLiga this summer. I'm expecting a competitive match… at this point, the more competitive the match, the better it is for us."

I'll have more on the upcoming RCU season later this week.

Catchin' Up Is Hard To Do

I'm back from vacation. So, here are few notables that occurred during my absence.

Rocket City United updates

RCU releases their 2009 roster and will take part in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament. They'll be taking on other tops teams from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. They'll be split into two groups of four playing a game each day over the Memorial Day weekend with the group winners advancing to the actual US Open Cup Tournament. Modeled similarly to the on the English FA Cup tournament, the US Open Cup is in its 95th year and open to all US Soccer affiliated clubs. It's a single elimination tournament and if teams continues to win, they get to play against the pros. It's great drama when the underdog pulls off the upset against the "big" clubs.

World Cup in Alabama update

As I mentioned in my prior post on the subject, several of the stadiums put forth in a list by US Soccer World Cup Bid organizers are not suitable for World Cup soccer matches. The list has now been pared down to 58. The only Alabama stadium surviving the cut down is Legion Field in Birmingham.

Just for fun

I'm not a big fan of the show "Lost", but I still thought this US Soccer/Lost cast look a like comparison was hilarious.

Out of Office

A few things before I go on a week long vacation tomorrow…


US Soccer has launched an official Supporters Club. For $49.95, you get:

• A special edition scarf
• Priority status to purchase 2010 World Cup tix prior to sale to the general public
• Priority status to purchase USMNT game tix prior to sale to the general public
• Team yearbook
• Discount at ussoccerstore.com

Fox Soccer Channel officially announced that they will indeed be broadcasting the UEFA Champions League starting next season, and it plans to be broadcasting in HD by the end of 2009. Here are some of the highlights of the announcement.

• Fox Sports Network channels including Fox Sports South will broadcast 16 live matches
• Final will be broadcast on FX
• FSC will show one live and 2 rebroadcasts each match day
• FSC will have live pregame and postgame shows from its LA studios
• FSC will have a 30 minute highlight show each matchday
• Foxsoccer.com will have video highlights
• Setanta will continue to air select matches

Last night, Rocket City United played an impromptu friendly against the newly crowned Over-30 Alabama champion Law Dogs.

RCU pressed their advantage in years and quickness early to score 2 quick goals within the first 10 minutes. With ages twice that of some of their competitors, the Old Law Dogs struggled to chase down the RCU attackers as they switched the ball from one attacker to the other. It didn't get much better for the Old Law Dogs as Rafa Barbosa, Derek Pirtle, and Norbert Webley of RCU seemed to have solved the finishing problems they experienced in the 2008 campaign. RCU found net several more times to end the first half at an astounding 8:0 advantage.


The onslaught abated only slightly after the halftime break. After capitalizing on an errant back passes and some breathless dribbling by Barbosa, RCU tallied 4 more times. However, all was not lost for the Old Dogs. After some nice combination work by Old Dogs' midfielders Donald Lao, Joseph Lawrence, and Yuni Heo, Steve Provencio was taken down from behind in the area only to have no whistle blow. Another chance fell to the ever present Lao, but the ball wouldn't settle for him from just above the spot and the chance was wasted. After several minutes of pressure, the break finally came. A poor clearance of an Old Dog corner kick fell to John "Nasty" Lawrence on the wing. Nasty did well to elude several challenges and send in a seeing eye cross for aerial specialist Ryan Harbaugh to nod down past a helpless Jeffrey Preston in the RCU goal. RCU calls for offside went unheard as Harbaugh timed his run to perfection. Shortly after, full time had been reached and handshakes were exchanged on a good run out for both teams.

RCU has added a home and away series with the Mississippi Brilla of the PDL to its 2009 schedule. Go here or more info and other RCU news.

HASL Anniversary and a Few Randoms...

HASL celebrates its silver anniversary this year. Read more about it here.

Clint Dempsey scored 2 in a win over Man City this weekend. Read more about it here. Note the description of Zamora's pass to set up Dempsey's second goal. That's the impetus for the name of the blog.

I thought that this was the goal of the week...



...Until I saw this one.



Now, that's a golazo-azo-aaaaaazoooooo!

Future World Cup Matches in Alabama?

Earlier this week, the US World Cup Bid Committee released a list of 70 possible stadiums that could host a world cup match should the USA be awarded the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. Included in that list are Legion Field in Birmingham, Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

As much as I'd like to see one of these stadiums host a World Cup match, this list should not be taken seriously. I'm sure the idea of releasing this impressive list is to drum up publicity about the USA bid and to insure to FIFA that there is no chance of the worries that stadiums will not be completed in time like they are currently experiencing in South Africa. If FIFA picks the USA to host , we will have a wide variety of large capacity all-seater buildings in place. All of these stadiums have the modern amenities like press boxes, built-in camera areas, concourses, and good access to transportation. FIFA would just have to say the word...

However, most of the stadiums on the list are American football stadiums that would require modifications (for example, laying down grass over artificial turf) or a relaxing of the FIFA field standards in order to host a World Cup soccer match. A field for World Cup play must be a minimum of 68 meters wide and must have at least 6 meters in width before the seating area. Many American Football stadium just aren't wide enough in the corners to meet this requirement.

Does this field meet the FIFA width requirement? Um, nope.

Even the ones that do meet the width requirement aren't built with soccer in mind. Take LP Field in Nashville. While it has successfully hosted several international matches already, the sight lines are built for American Football. The elevation and the steepness of the stands are designed to allow people to see over the 40-plus giant players and staff standing on the sidelines of each play. A spectator sitting in behind the first few rows cannot see near side touch line at all on a soccer field.

Unfortunately, the stadiums that are being built with soccer in mind, including all of the stadiums built by MLS clubs, are far too small in capacity to meet the minimum capacity to host a World Cup match of 40,000 seats. So, this is the type of list you see.

Of course, maybe an MLS team who hasn't yet built a stadium will take the leap and build one with a 40,000 seat capacity. Are you listening my beloved, DC United? Nope, you've probably got your head in the sand after PG County said "Take a hike!" to your latest stadium proposal. Oh well...

Ahh, Good Times

Sam's Army wooping it up

So, a good time was had by all. The boys put 3 past the bad guys. Sam's Army was out in force leading the south stands in all the usual songs. Almost 28,000 of crammed the lower bowl and spilled into the club section. Not really a bad seat in the house. The only complaint I can think of is that the near touchline wasn't visible from the sideline seats, but that's typical in games in football stadiums.

Seemed to me that everyone was having a good time, even the TnT fans , despite their team's poor performance.

TnT percusionist providing a great atmosphere

Hanging with My Hombres

One of the great things about soccer in the US is the approachability of the players. They don't have posses. They aren't rock stars. Ok, maybe Frankie Hejduk is a rock star.

"Hello, Nash-ville!"

Anyway, US pro soccer player aren't jaded by the spotlight or years of idolatry. In fact, they tend to be great guys.

My buddy Matt and his pals went down to Broadway after the match Wednesday night and ran into most of the US players just hanging out after the game. They were all very cool and took photos with anyone who asked.

US midfielder Sacha Kljestan and Leo

US Forward Brian Ching and Matt (not sure who's chin that is)

US star forward Landon Donovan and Matt with GK Brad Guzan (background)

US defender Danny Califf, Matt and US midfielder Pablo Mastroeni getting their "country" on

Random US soccer fan and US defender Carlos Bocanegra

Leo and US defender Jonathan Bornstein

RCU Announce New, New Uniform Supplier

Rocket City United has announced that it has ended its relationship with uniform supplier Baliston and replaced them with Bullfrog Sportwear. They've also replaced the black/white striped look with a broad red vertical stripe trimed with black with white down the sides and on the sleeves.

RCUs new shirt mockup

I like the new look. It's reminicent of the old Ajax Amsterdam look. Classic.

Customized shirts can be purchased here, but supplies are limited.

US Defends the Homeland in Nashville

Scoreboard at LP Field shows Man of the Match Altidore

The USMNT remained at the top of the Hexagonal table by getting it done at home with a 3:0 win over TnT. Jozy "is not a girl's name" Altidore tallied a hat trick as the US unwrapped the TnT defense time and again. Over 27,000 filled the lower bowl of LP Field to take part in what was the largest crowd to ever see a soccer game in Tennessee. So much for my concerns about attendance.

The US solves the TnT defense again, but can't convert

In addition to Altidore's finishing, Landon Donovan showed his class by assisting on all three goals. The first goal was set up with a precise laser to a steaking Altidore after a clinical flick on by hardworking Brian Ching.

Donovan serves up a free kick

Donovan deftly turned a defender, and streaked down the flank to drop the ball into Altidore's path for the second goal. Altidore did the rest by dancing past a clumsy challenge and slotting home from 10 yards. The final goal was a lesson in humility as both Michael Bradley and Donovan passed up golden opportunities to go to goal. Donovan passed back to an on rushing Altidore who smacked a low, hard one-timer that slipped through the TnT goalkeeper's grasp and nestled into the back of the net.

I'll have another post later on the fan experience at the game.