NPSL, HASL, and New Referee Clinic

14 New Teams including Knoxville Join NPSL

The NPSL announced today that there will be 14 new teams joining the nationwide league, including a club from Knoxville, TN.  The league also announced that it has gone from a non-profit to a for profit entity.  Update:  In addition, it has been learned that NPSL teams will now have the option to become professional or to stay amateur. 

The Knoxville Force is expected to join the Southeast Region.  The team will play its home matches in the University of Tennessee's Regal Stadium that holds 3,000 spectators.  It is expected that they will take the place of Tulsa FC in the Southeast Region.  Tulsa is likely to play its 2011 in a new region to include teams from Oklahoma, Texas, and perhaps other states.


HASL Spring 2011 Set to Begin February 23rd

The Huntsville Adult Soccer League held its Captains Meeting Sunday.  There will remain 30 teams in 5 divisions for the Spring 2011 season that is set to start on February 23rd.   This season for the first time ever, there will also be a Women's Division for adult women ages 18 and up.  If you or a woman soccer player you know is interested in joining the six-aside league, contact Suzy Permar at discosoccer11@yahoo.com.


Give Back to the Game:  Become a Ref

There is a shortage of referees in Northern Alabama.  For years, HASL has not been able to add interested teams beyond its current number of 30 due to the lack of referees to officiate matches.  In an attempt to combat this problem, the North Alabama Soccer Officials Association is sponsoring a USSF Referee Clinic for entry-level referees (USSF Grade 8 and 9).  This is also the perfect time for all of you players who complain about the quality of referees in the area to put up or shut up.  In fact, all HASL players who sign up for the clinic will be reimbursed 50% of the certification costs once they referee 3 HASL matches!  The clinic costs $40 and will be held on January 28, 29 and 30th at the First Christian Church at 3209 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville.  For more info, go to the NASOA website.

  

Update:   I've had several requests for info on other clinics being offered in Alabama from folks who can't make the NASOA clinic.  My expert in all things refereeing, Darrell Schmidt says,

"Alabama referee clinics are posted at:

 

http://alabamayouthsoccer.org/Referees/index_E.html

Click on the link “Referee Clinic Schedule” under Related Links on the left side of the page.  Looks like there is referee clinic in February in B’ham."

Now, you have no excuses!

HASL League Meeting, Youth Coaching

HASL Captain Meeting Tomorrow At Pete's Soccer Shop

The Spring 2011 Huntsville Adult Soccer League's Captains Meeting will be held Sunday at 2PM at Pete's Soccer Shop.  The league officers and captains will discuss the upcoming Spring 2011 season and other developments like the new Womens Division.


Youth Coaching, Where Less Is More

Steve Davis wrote a great blog post about how he has learned to be a better coach by just shutting up and letting the kids play and figure out the game by themselves.  If you're a coach, read it; learn it; do it.

USMNT in Nashville, Montgomery Soccer Complex and NPSL Meetings

USA Coming Back to Nashville

LP Field rocked the last time the US played in Nashville

The US Men's National Team will return to LP Field for the first time since the spring of 2009 when they face Paraguay on March 29th.  


Montgomery to Build Soccer Complex

Artist Rendering of the Montgomery Soccer Complex by McKee and Associates

Decatur's successful Jack Allen Soccer Complex has other Alabama cities taking note.  Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange announced plans today that it will partner with YMCA to build a multi-million dollar complex which they hope will attract the same type of tournaments that JASC has been able to attract.
 

NPSL League Meetings Held In Baltimore

The National Premier Soccer League is holding its annual league meetings this week in Baltimore, MD during the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's convention.

Several new teams and perhaps a new conference or two are expected to be announced.  I hope to have some of the details of the meeting for you next week.

One Year Later: Still Helping Haiti

Today is the anniversary of the earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince in Haiti.  I thought I'd share some photos of the collection of used soccer equipment that you, the Huntsville soccer community, so graciously donated in conjunction with the Haiti Food Drive.

Drop-off at the Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur

A few months ago, my wife and I drove the donations down to Decatur to meet the Warehouse Supervisor Ray who catalogs and readies all donations for transport to on-site locations.  We spent a few hours with Ray helping around the warehouse and got an idea of just how much help is needed in Haiti.  He was truly excited about the soccer equipment donations and thought it would be a great thing for those in need.

Warehouse supervisor Ray boxing up the balls

I'd been meaning to share these for a while now and the anniversary seemed like an appropriate time to do so.

Thank you all for your donations.

This and That

Champions League on FOX through 2015

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


NAIA Women's Tournament

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


Oh Yeah, This Happened

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

U-20 USA v Mexico

USA v Mexico U-20s line up before the match

The United States U-20 team took on regional rival Mexico in the Torneo de las Americas tournament, yesterday.  In a chippy game that typifies all USA v Mexico matches, the teams drew 1:1, but the rules of the tournament dictated PKs, which Mexico won 4:2. 

Kennesaw State Soccer Stadium

I was excited to go see this game for a few reasons.  First, the game was played in one of the newest soccer specific stadiums in the US at Kennesaw State University outside of Atlanta.  I've been to many of the south's stadiums and this one, which also serves as the home stadium of the WPS' Atlanta Beat, is one of the nicest.  It seats about 5,000 and and has a nice polished feel to it.  It leaves you with the impression that a professional outfit plays here, and is not just a pile of bleachers with a new coat of paint.

The stands are close to the natural turf field, and there are no benches; everyone gets an actual seat.  Several suites run along the west side of the field, and there's a cool, tiered lounge-type area for eating and imbibing while not missing the action.   BTW, even though the stadium is was built as a partnership with KSU, it does not sit on University property and can server beer.  Bonus!

Future USA World Cup stars?

Another reason for excitement was the chance to see the next stars of North American soccer play up close.  Jaun Agudelo, the 18 year old who just a week prior to this tournament scored in his debut for the senior US team, was a force in the match and made the life of the Mexican left back difficult for the entire 90 minutes.  But still,  I had to keep reminding myself that despite their physical maturity and great skills, these players on the filed in front of me are teenagers.  For every graceful maneuver and breathtaking run was a ball played to no one, or a forced ramble that lead to a turnover.   A few more years of seasoning will serve these youngsters well.

U-20 Friendlies, NAIA in AL, and New NPSL Team in Atlanta?

U-20 Friendlies

 There will be lots of high quality soccer in the south this week beginning with the Torneo de las Americas outside of Atlanta featuring the U-20 teams from the United States, Columbia and Mexico.  The tournament culminates with a meeting of neighboring rivals USA and Mexico on Sunday afternoon at the new soccer stadium in Kennesaw, GA.  But the games won't end there as Mexico and Columbia will travel up to Chattanooga to face each other next Tuesday night.   If you're not able to make it to Sunday's match in Kennesaw, here's your chance to catch some of the next World Cup's stars less than a two hour drive from Huntsville.



NAIA Championships in Alabama

I've already told you that the NAIA Women's Championship will be held in our backyard, but the 2010 NAIA Men's Soccer Championship will also be held in Alabama.  Orange Beach will host the final 16 teams in a knockout style tournament.

 As for the Women's tournament, Decatur's Jack Allen Soccer Stadium will feature four games daily at 10 AM, 1, 4 and 7 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  The four teams that make it through will meet in the semifinals at 1 and 3 PM on Friday.  The championship will be held on Saturday night.  Come out to Jack Allen or follow the action here.  I hope to see you out there as I'll be calling several of the games including the semifinals and finals.

New NPSL Team in Atlanta?

Atlanta FC no more?

The latest rumor has it that Atlanta FC will be replaced in the NPSL Southeast Region by a team called Diablos Atlanta.  It appears the club will be led by former Mexican International Jose Manuel Abundis.  Plans are for the Diablos to play it's home matches in ReMax Stadium.  The stadium is also the home of the Atlanta Silverbacks who are to play their first season in the new NASL next year.

Catching Up

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


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

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

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

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

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

UAH Score But Still Lose At Montevallo

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

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

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

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.  

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.

Trials of the Professional Referee

I'm a referee supporter.  These are guys who get no respect and are only noticed when they make mistakes.  It boggles my mind why someone would put themselves in the "line of fire" of the criticism that is hurled their way.  This criticism is often gloriously ignorant.  That is... Unless the criticism isn't wrongly placed. 

Remember the Hand of Gaul goal last fall?  In the video below, Martin Hansson, the Swedish referee who missed the blatant handling by Thierry Henry that sent France through to the World Cup, is followed by a film crew as he prepares to qualify for the World Cup.  Although subsequent evidence appeared that vindicated that Hansson could not have seen the infraction, Hansson faced criticism from the entire footballing world and a multitude of death threats. 

Rättskiparen | The Referee [2010]

The video is about 30 minutes long, but it's well worth your time.  It's a fascinating look at what makes a high level ref tick and the multitude of pressures he feels.

Some good may have come from the awful mistake, however.  Along with several controversial calls in the World Cup, FIFA has finally recognized that something may have to change.  Debate about goal line technology and replays has been at an all-time high.  UEFA has even added two extra goal-line referees to have more eyes on the action.  Let's hope the authorities continue to provide help the the men in the middle.

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).

Huntsville Women's Soccer Picking Up Steam

Ladies, lace up your boots.  There has been a groundswell of interest in organizing women's soccer in Huntsville over the past year or so.   Now, you have a place of your own to play. 

Directions to Kiwanis Soccer Field from I-565:  Exit on to Jordan Lane (Exit # 17A). Take a right on Jordan Lane, Take a right at the second stop light on to Bob Wallace Avenue. Turn left at the first drive. There is a sign for the Botanical Gardens "Mulch Pile". Follow the drive up and to the left for the field.




Starting next week (September 9th) there will be a weekly women's pick-up game open to adult ladies at the Kiwanis Soccer Field on the corner of Bob Wallace and Jordan Lane from 6 to 8PM.  The hope is that enough interest will be generated to start a Women's league next spring.  

For more information, contact Suzy Permar at spermar11[at]gmail[dot]com.

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

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

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

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


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

HD Soccer on DirecTV!

I'm in the midst of taking a break from the blog for a few weeks, but I had to let you all know that if you have DirecTV, you now have all your HD soccer needs fulfilled.  Fox Soccer Channel will go HD today.  GolTV went HD last Wednesday.   Yippee!  No word yet on if or when the other carriers around the area will pick up the HD channels. 

Also, if you have DirecTV, you'll see every Champions League and Europa League match and exclusive La Liga matches (the ones without Barca and Real). 

It's obvious that if you are a soccer fan, DirecTV is the carrier that you must have.  Now, if only the Fox people would stop with the ridiculous fees for Fox Soccer Plus. 

Anyway, it's time to call DirecTV, and mention that you heard it from me, so I can get the credits!  :)

NPSL Final Interviews

I was having some technical difficulties with my video camera yesterday, but now I've gotten them straightened out.  Here's a few interviews from Saturday night's NPSL Finals.

NPSL Commissioner Dan Trainer present the 2010 NPSL Championship Trophy to the Sacramento Gold.

NPSL Championship Trophy Presentation

Sacramento Gold Coach Rick Caldwell discusses the win.

Sacramento Gold's Rick Caldwell Talks About NPSL Final

Chattanooga FC Coach Brian Crossman discusses his teams efforts in the Final.

Chattanooga FC's Brian Crossman talks about the NPSL Final

Sacramento midfielder and Man of the Match Ernesto Carranza gives us an interview and gets a shaving cream pie for his efforts.

Sacramento Gold's Ernest Carranza

Sacramento Gold FC Claims 2010 NPSL Championship

Behind two goals from Ernesto Carranza, the Sacramento Gold FC defeated Chattanooga FC in the championship match of the 2010 edition of the NPSL Final Four.  Over 1,000 fans saw Chattanooga take an early lead when in the 12th minute Fynn Glover, who is more known for his timely tackling, struck a low drive from 22 yards that beat Conor McNulty in goal for Sacramento.

Just as they did in the semifinal match, Sacramento's attack was spurred to life after conceding the first goal.  This time, it took nearly the entire first half to break down the CFC defense, but when they did, they struck twice in quick succession.  In the 41st minute, a long penetrating pass was knocked down by CFC defender Andrew Stewart, but only as far as Carranza, who smashed a wicked volley from 25 yards that left Richard Masters in the CFC goal no chance.

A minute later, Sacramento followed up the golaso with a well taken corner from Eliot Chambers who found center back Utodi Madu.  Madu made no mistake when his header found the underside of the crossbar and bounded into the net.  The first half action wasn't over, however.  Shortly before the halftime whistle, a foul in front of the CFC bench left CFC midfielder Drew Courtney and Sacramento midfielder Hector Bermudez tangled up in a heap.  As the two player extracted themselves from each other tempers flared and Bermudez struck out with a kick to Courtney, resulting in a caution for Courtney and an ejection for Bermudez.

Down to ten men, Sacramento could have been content to sit back and defend, but instead decided to continue to attack throughout the second half.  The only change during the interval was Sacramento's Max Herera replacing McNulty in goal.  On the other end, Richard Masters was forced to make several interventions on his teams behalf.

Masters heroics seemed to help CFC gain confidence, and it looked as if the tide had turned in CFC's favor when in the 65th minute, good combination work from substitute Moises Drummond led to a strong run from Irvin Espinal.  Espinal played a nice ball to Luis Salazar whose return pass for Espinal was played into the penalty area, but Espinal would not get to the ball as his progress was impeded by a Sacramento defender and the penalty was awarded.

Espinal's game leveling penalty attempt was denied however by Herera who had confidently lunged to his left to parry the ball away.  CFC continued to apply pressure, but it was be Sacramento who ended the doubt in the 86th minute when Manolo Pina found Caranza in the penalty area.  Caranza cut the ball back to create space for a right footed shot that slid under Master's reach for the 3:1 scoreline and the championship trophy for the Sacramento Gold FC.

The Sacramento Gold FC celebrate the 2010 NPSL Championship

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

NPSL Finals Tonight in Madison, AL

Chattanooga FC will face the Sacramento Gold at 7:30 PM Central at the Madison City Schools Stadium in Madison, AL.
 

Click Here To Watch Live!!!

RCU Falls To NPSL All-Stars

RCU Shut-out By All-Stars 2:0

Despite dominating possession for the majority of the match Rocket City United gave up two late goals to the NPSL All-Stars in the team's final appearance of the 2010 season.  RCU looked the better team in first half as forward Andrew Nkurunungi menaced the back four of the All-stars with his speed and strength, but his lack of finishing the plays frustrated RCU coach Desmond Armstrong.  "[Nkurunungi] was very exciting in the first half.  He got himself into some great situations, taking on one and two players at one time and getting into the goal area and then, he doesn't pull the trigger."  That lack of killer instinct in the box would cost RCU on the night.

RCU's Armstrong on NPSL All-Star game

As would be expect for a team that had less then twenty-four hours to prepare for the match, the NPSL All-stars struggled to connect well.  The talent was evident, but RCU held the advantage until the 70th minute when Armstrong emptied his bench and the RCU reserves made crucial mistakes.  On a free kick from 45 yards out, Spencer Shastri of the Pocono Snow ran through the heart of the area completely unmarked and powered a header easily into the net for the NPSL All-stars to take the lead.  Shortly thereafter another bad giveaway from the RCU defense, led to FC Tulsa's Abed Elkour converting from 15 yards for the games final goal.

Earlier in the night in the NPSL Third place match, FC Sonic defeated the Madison 56ers 3:1 on the back of 3 goals in the first 25 minutes.  Madison was able to pull a goal back in the final seconds, but the team from Lehigh Valley, PA claimed third place.

A Chat with Chattanooga's Sheldon Grizzle

I was able to speak to Chattanooga FC's Sheldon Grizzle about the organization's highly successful year.  He discusses the team's trip up to DC and announces that DC United will be coming down to Chattanooga next year to return the favor.   

Chattanooga FC's Sheldon Grizzle

After winning the semifinal, the team is expecting several hundred Chattahooligans to make the short drive down US 72 to cheer on the Blues.  It should be a raucous atmosphere at the Madison City Schools Stadium tonight.

2011 NPSL Finals To Be Hosted By Rocket City United

In Thursday's press conference prior to the kick-off the 2010 NPSL Final Four, NPSL Commissioner Dan Trainer announced that Rocket City United had won the bid to host next year's Final Four.

"[Due] to all of the community support [in the Huntsville/Madison area], we are also awarding the 2011 Finals here.  That is the first time that we have done it back to back.  Andy [Zorovich], Rocket City United, and all of the local municipalities have done a great job of welcoming us here and making sure that the facilities are good."

Following the announcement, I was able to ask Dan about the decision to award the 2011 Final Four to Rocket City United and the future of the NPSL in general.

NPSL Commissioner Dan Trainer

UPDATE:  The league is looking to expand into the south-central US states (TX, AK, OK) and re-establish themselves in the southwestern states (southern CA, AZ, NM, NV).  So, to include all of the regional champions, next year's event will no longer be called the NPSL Final Four.  There may be as many as six teams from the various regions taking part in next year's event. 

RCU Faces NPSL All-Stars Tonight and NPSL Video Broadcast Info

Rocket City United has the unenviable task of playing the a team made up of the top players from around the NPSL tonight in the NPSL All-Star match at 8 PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.  The NPSL All-Stars head coach Matt Driver is very excited about the opportunity for these players to be seen by professional scouts.

NPSL All-star coach Matt Driver

FC Buffalo star Dan Stevens isn't too happy with the humidity in Alabama, but is very excited about playing in the All-Star game.

NPSL All-star Dan Stevens

Chicago Fire NPSL goalkeeper Ryan Schwarz is predicting a win for the All-Stars.

NPSL All-star Keeper Ryan Schwartz

Game time for NPSL All-Stars v RCU is 8PM.  The game will follow the NPSL Third Place match featuring the Madison 56ers v FC Sonic at 5:30 PM.  Tonight is Military Appreciation night and several hundred soldiers from Redstone Arsenal will be honored by RCU during the game.


NPSL FINAL FOUR VIDEO

If you can't make it to the stadium, you can watch the action live streamed on the Web on Ustream. 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!!!

NPSL Semifinal Recaps

FC Sonic 1:4 Sacramento Gold

After taking a lead in the 72nd minute on a Cody Altinini goal, Northeast Region Champion FC Sonic gave up four goals in the final 18 minutes to fall to the Sacramento Gold FC in the first match of the NPSL semifinals Thursday night. 

The Altinini goal woke up the game that had been a bit listless in the first 70 minutes.  West Region Champion Sacramento pushed into the attack in an effort to equalized and found paydirt when Manolo Pina's cross was mishandled by FC Sonic goalkeeper Sam Bishop.  Bishop's attempt to clear was slapped down off off his own defender AJ Barnhold's leg and into his the net.

Minutes later Sacramento scored two goals that would not be mislabeled as "golasos".  Hector Bermudez created some space at the top of the penalty area and rifled a left-footed curling shot into the far side of the net.   As FC Sonic switched into full attack mode in an attempt to save their season, Sacramento struck again.

This time it was the NPSL's leading goal scorer, Manolo Pina, who made an impressive solo run down the right side of the field.  As he rounded the final defender and charged into the penalty area at a tight angle, Pina showed why he's had such success this season.  Seeing that he had no help, he slapped a low drive with the outside of his right foot that eluded Bishop and nestled into the far post to ice the match.

Sacramento substitute Chris Akwaja added an empty netter deep into injury time for the final scoreline of 4:1.


Chattanooga FC 2:0 Madison 56ers

Southeast Region Champion Chattanooga FC has given up the fewest goals of any team in the NPSL this year and it was their stellar defense that led them to their 2:0 victory over the Midwest Region Champion Madison 56ers in the second NPSL semifinal on Thursday night.

Centerback Thomas Clark provided the difference on both sides of the field as he headed home the game winning goal from a corner kick in the 51st minute.  Clark was making his first start in the place of CFC captain Russell Courtney, who went down to a knee injury in last Saturday's friendly against DC Untied's Super-20 team.

Madison looked dangerous in the midfield, but were only able to break through the CFC defense on a single occasion.  Minutes after CFC's goal, 56er's forward Henry Aiyenero found himself with a free header from 8 yards.  Aiyenero powered his shot toward the corner, only to have it palmed away by Richard Masters in goal for CFC.

CFC's Brian Crossman on NPSL Semifinal Win

Madison continued to pressure the CFC defense but were consistently denied by timely tackles from Clark and fellow center back Andy Stewart.  As Madison threw numbers forward, CFC sealed the match in the 85th minute on a beautifully executed counter attack goal.  Substitute Sasha Viatrov found himself breaking down the left side with fellow substitute Robbie Hill streaking across the field on a 70 yard run from inside his own half.  Viatrov played a brilliant cross that left only Hill with a chance to play the ball, and Hill did not leave any doubt as he redirected the ball back against the grain and into the 56er's net.

NPSL Final Four: FC Sonic Coach, NPSL PR Director, Broadcast Info

Meet FC Sonic's Coach Dave Whitesman

I was able to talk to FC Sonic coach Dave Whitesman at his teams final training session prior to the NPSL Semifinal against Sacramento Gold FC tomorrow night at 5:30 PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.

FC Sonic Coach Dave Whitesman

NPSL PR Director on NPSL Final Four

Ryan Knapp, the NPSL PR Director, has a nice little post on his personal blog about the NPSL Final Four and the important part leagues like the NPSL have in the US soccer community.

"It is still shocking to me the stigma carried by anything less than MLS in the US.  I’ve seen  plenty of amateur games played in the NPSL and PDL and have been mostly impressed by the quality I’ve seen."

Following the Action:  Your Choices

 John calls last years NPSL Final

If you can't make it out to the Madison City Schools Stadium, you can still follow the games by tuning into the audio webcast or via several twitter feeds.   My broadcast partner, John Moran, and I will be calling the play-by-play on the field that will be streamed live by Teamline.  There's also been a rumor of a video webcast, but a few of the details need to be worked out.  I'll let you know if it will comes to be.