2011 SYA Cardinal Cup - August 13-14

Southwestern Youth Association is hosting the 8th annual Cardinal Cup August 13-14. SYA is expecting around 150-200 teams to this year’s event! 

EVENT DATE: August 13-14, 2011

U9-U19 boys teams and U9-U19 girls teams

LOCATIONS:

Field of Dreams

Poplar Tree Park

Kinchloe Park

TOURNAMENT FEATURES:

• U9-U19 1st and 2nd Place awards
• No 8:00 am games!
• Assigned by quality referee association
• Located in Centreville/Clifton Area
• Vendors at site with soccer products
• Minutes from historical attractions
• Veteran tournament management
• Field warmup times between games


TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Steve Lovgren, steve@cspsoccer.net , 804-833-2092

Experience Coaching an MLS Team

Coaches, have you ever wanted to experience the thrills of coaching a Major League Soccer team? D.C. United is offering all coaches the opportunity of a lifetime to see the ins-and-outs of being a professional coach at absolutely no cost!

Tuesday, August 2, D.C. United will open RFK Stadium for all local coaches to watch the first team practice on the main field. Following the morning training session, coaches will be provided lunch courtesy of Ledo pizza.

Following lunch and a brief address by Head Coach Ben Olsen, all attendees will be invited on the field for a 45-minute clinic hosted by Olsen and Assistant Coaches Chad Ashton and Pat Onstad.
But that’s not all! Throughout the day D.C. United will raffle of exclusive prizes and tickets. The Coaches Open Practice and Clinic is presented by Volkswagen and Verizon Wireless.

The first 200 coaches to arrive at RFK Stadium will receive a a cap courtesy of Verizon Wireless. All coaches must register in advance for this free event at www.dcunited.com/openpractice For more information contact Grassroots Marketing Coordinator Andrew Minucci at 202-587-5492 or aminucci@dcunited.com

A Conversation with Philadelphia Independence midfielder Sinead Farrelly | Our Game Magazine

University of Virginia alumni and 2011 WPS No. 2 overall draft pick Sinead Farrelly recently did the following interview, Courtesy of Our Game Magazine.


By David Bayer

Did you miss us? A minor thing called the "World Cup" interrupted our interview process. But we’re back, and we had a great time watching the games. We had a special treat this time … an interview with not only a player with our old hometown team, but an actual Philadelphia native!


Emma with Sinead Farrelly

 Sinead Farrelly – Midfielder – Philadelphia Independence
Birth date: November 16, 1989

Hometown: Havertown, PA

Nicknames: “Shin”, “Nade”, “Shinbad”. “Shay” is the newest one from her teammates.

Age she started soccer: 5

College: University of Virginia. She will be finishing electives in the fall towards a degree in sociology.

Why she wears number 14: It was the only number left. She originally wanted #17 – her college number.

Favorite pregame foods: Usually something high in carbs (chicken & pasta), but she loves sandwiches (chicken breast, spinach, tomato and onion…toasted)

Workout music: Anything upbeat (Black Eyed Peas, Nicki Minaj)

Superstitions: She doesn’t have any, but her trainer insists on always taping her right ankle first.

Favorite Cartoon Character: Not a fan of cartoons, but she does like reality TV. Keeping up with the Kardashians is a favorite. “When I don’t want to do anything, and I don’t want to think, I like to just sit down and watch something that will make me laugh.”

Favorite Movie: “Notting Hill” with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. She likes romantic comedies.

Favorite Actress: She has a “girl crush” on Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl)

Mentor: Her family has always supported her soccer playing. She’s had some great coaches, including Steve Swanson at the University of Virginia.

Favorite Charity: She and her family have done walks for breast cancer.

Favorite Players from the 1999 U.S. World Cup team: Shannon MacMillan & Michelle Akers

Surprising Fact About Sinead: Her family recently had a house built in Ireland, and she’ll be heading over there after the Fall. She lived in Ireland for three years.
Our thanks to Sinead for talking to us. You’ve heard about the typical Philly fan, right? Rude, crazy and obnoxious? (I can say that because I was one of them). Sinead was nothing like that at all.

Ultimate Cup Unveiled by Richmond Kickers, Chesterfield United

Locacl USL Soccer club Richmond Kickers are teaming up with Chesterfield United to bring a new tournament to the area. The Kickers and Chesterfield United are pleased to announce the Ultimate Cup, a new youth soccer tournament created by the merger of the Chesterfield United Icebreaker and the Kickers Invitational. The Ultimate Cup tournament will feature a Girls and a Boys weekend, scheduled to launch February 24-26, 2012 and March 2-4, 2012, respectively.  Registration is now available via UltimateCupRichmond.com.

"It has been a pleasure working alongside Chesterfield United on this unprecedented partnership opportunity,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “The Icebreaker and Invitational have proven successful and popular tournaments in their own right and we look forward to building on the strengths of both events to develop a truly unique tournament experience for the participating teams.”

“We are also pleased that by merging the two tournament weekends it will allow all Chesterfield County based teams the opportunity to participate, as well as the ability to create a significant economic boost to the region," continued Cowlishaw.

"This is a great opportunity for both clubs to share resources, provide a better environment for the boys and girls teams coming down for each weekend, as well as the potential to make a greater impact economically for the County of Chesterfield, which is why this whole idea was put into place," added Pat McStay, Chesterfield United Director of Operations.

With divisions for all levels of play from Classic to Elite, the Ultimate Cup will host games Friday through Sunday and features top-class facilities with access to some of the nation’s best natural grass playing surfaces as well as numerous synthetic turf fields, including the state-of-the-art home of the Richmond Kickers, Ukrop Park, the beautiful 80-acre Hensley Park, Point of Rocks, SportsQuest, United Training Center, Bryan Park, Warhill Park and Chesterfield County's forthcoming Stratton Park.  All of the tournament’s top bracket games will be played on natural grass surfaces, with synthetic turf field back-ups in case of adverse weather.   

The joint venture between Chesterfield United and Richmond Kickers will provide an extensive economic boost to the region, with 100% participation from Chesterfield County clubs, teams and players.  Additionally, players will have the opportunity to be scouted by a number of collegiate colleges from throughout the east coast, invited to attend the prestigious event and will be invited to attend a Pro-Am exhibition game featuring the nationally renowned Richmond Kickers professional soccer team. 

In each division, teams will compete for the prestigious Ultimate Cup, with finalists also being honored with a mini replica trophy.

Offering unbeatable value, the pricing for the 2012 Ultimate Cup ranges from $550 to $675 per team, and is considerably more affordable than comparable tournaments.  Learn more and register now at UltimateCupRichmond.com.

USMNT look for Revenge against Mexico in Philly Aug. 10

The USMNT is looking to exact revenge for their loss to Mexico in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup final in Pasadena, CA. They will not have to wait long as the USMNT is set to face Mexico in Philladelphia on August 10.

Tickets for the match are already on sale: Buy Tickets HERE

Former ODU Keeper Even Newton on loan to FC Tampa Bay

The Daily Press:

Not many soccer goalkeepers can say they took part in a victory against a team from the English Premier League, one of the best circuits in the world. But former Old Dominion standout Evan Newton of Virginia Beach can. Playing on loan to FC Tampa Bay of the North American Soccer League, he entered the game in the second half, made six saves and completed a 1-0 victory by the NASL squad before 3,914 in Tampa, Fla.

Read Full Story: Star Track: Former ODU goalkeeper Evan Newton, awaiting MLS playing time, helps FC Tampa Bay beat Bolton Wanderers of English Premier League

Krieger, Pope, and Harkes to play in Mia Hamm Celebrity Soccer Challange

The celebrity partipant list is starting to shape up for the upcoming Mia Hamm Celebrity Soccer Challange.

For the first time in its history Washington, D.C. will host the annual Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Kastles Stadium. Celebrities, professional athletes and local media personalities will participate in the 7 on 7 soccer match to support the Mia Hamm Foundation and Children’s National Medical Center. 





Confirmed players to date include:  

U.S. Women’s National Team players Alex Morgan and Ali Krieger have signed on to support the game. Morgan was the youngest player on this year’s World Cup team and made a big impact with two goals in five games. Krieger (Dumfries, VA) played every minute of the 2011 World Cup and has 24 caps in her career.

NBA star Jeff Green (Hyattsville, MD), who played collegiately at Georgetown University and now for the Boston Celtics. He was taken 5th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Celtics and after a trade to Seattle was subsequently named to the 2008 NBA All-Rookie team. Green was traded back to the Celtics this past year and had a great playoff run. 

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is a native of Natick, MA and naturally a fan of former Red Sox ace Nomar Garciaparra growing up. In his first full season he was named to the 2010-11 NHL All-Rookie Team.

Former DC United and Hall of Famer Eddie Pope returns to the pitch. Pope was a three-time World Cup competitor and played 11 seasons for DC United. Pope was voted into the 2011 Soccer Hall of Fame class earlier this year.

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will leave the sidelines and return to the pitch to play. As good as a player as he was he may be a better coach. He became the youngest UEFA Champions League winning coach in his first year and in his second won six titles in six competitions. Also, playing from FC Barcelona will be legendary goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.

John Harkes was the first American ever to play in the English Premier League is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He appeared in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, and won two MLS Cup titles with DC United. Now Harkes is a color commentator for the MLS on ESPN.

Host of ESPN’s Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption’s “stat boy” Tony Reali will display his soccer skills in the challenge.  

Area media members scheduled to participate include Mike Wise, a Washington Post columnist and host of WJFK The Fans’ Mike Wise Show;  Ivan Carter, the host of Comcast SportsNet Washington Post Live; WRC NBC4 sports anchor Dan Hellie;  Pamela Brown and Britt McHenry of WJLA ABC 7. WTOP sports director and DC United TV announcer Dave Johnson will bring his signature call of “It’s in the Net!” to Kastles Stadium. 

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

The annual soccer challenge is hosted by the Mia Hamm Foundation to create awareness on bone marrow diseases and assist in growing the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, now called Be The Match. The challenge will feature 30 celebrities and professional athletes. Immediately following the game, participants will be available for photos and autographs with fans and spectators. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit http://celebritysoccerchallenge.com/.

Kickers U14 Goalkeeper to attend National ID Camp

Local U14 Goalkeeper, Drew Romig of the Richmond Kickers, has been selected to attend the U.S. Soccer’s annual Under-14 National Development Program ID Camp.

This is a great honor for both Roming and the Kickers organization.

The camp runs from July 31 to Aug 6 and features 80 of the top young male players in the country, with the majority born in 1998.  Drew is a true U13 player who currently plays an age group up with the Kickers U14 Elite and two age-groups up on the Kickers U15 Super Y-League team.

“Drew has been part of the Richmond Kickers since joining the club while still U8, commented Ihor Dotsenko, Richmond Kickers Technical Director.  “He is one of the most hard-working and focused players in the club and is always looking to improve his game. We are very proud of Drew’s selection to the Under -14 National ID Camp and are confident that he will represent the club well.”

The Home Depot Center in Carson, California will host the selected players for seven days of training and evaluation. The camp generally consists of training in the morning and matches in the afternoon. The evening includes programming designed to introduce the athletes to the National Team environment and how to prepare themselves for potential call-ups to national teams in the future.

The players for the ID camp are selected by U.S. Soccer’s Technical Advisors and the national scouting network, a select group of scouts from throughout the United States. The Under-14 program introduces young players to a level of soccer they would not otherwise see at such a young age and allows the country’s top youths the chance to experience soccer at its highest level and in an international setting. Founded in 1997, the U-14 identification camp has produced such players as Michael Bradley (2001), Benny Feilhaber (1999) and Ricardo Clark (1997). 

Abegg, Goddard named to 2011 W-League All-Conference Team

The W-League has announced their selections for 2010 All-Conference Teams and D.C. United Women Defender Marisa Abegg made the Eastern Conference along with Stephanie Goddard of the Virginia Beach Piranhas.

Eastern Conference
GK – Ashley Baker, Atlanta Silverbacks
D – Sue Weber, Long Island Rough Riders
D – Blakely Mattern, Charlotte Lady Eagles
D – Ashley Swinehart, Charlotte Lady Eagles
D – Marisa Abegg, DC United Women
MF – Megan Tomlinson, Atlanta Silverbacks
MF – Samantha Huecker, Charlotte Lady Eagles
MF – Brittany Persaud, Dayton Dutch Lions
F – Stephanie Goddard, Virginia Beach Piranhas
F – Danielle Schulmann, North Jersey Valkyries
F – Tiffini Turpin, Atlanta Silverbacks

VYSA 2011-2012 State Cup Calendar

The Virginia Youth Soccer Association State Championships (or State Cups) is a state championships competition conducted annually by the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) for boys and girls teams in the Under 12 through Under 19 age groups. VYSA conducts State Cup competition two times each seasonal year: In the Fall, competitions are conducted for the Under 15-18 age groups, boys and girls. In the Spring, competitions are conducted for the Under 12-14 and Under 19 age groups, boys and girls.


2011-2012 State Cup Calendar

Soccer Jobs in Virginia

We have put together a quick reference to recently listed Soccer jobs right here in Virginia. Take a look and if you have a job you would like us to add just send an email to VASoccerNews@gmail.com.

Head Men's Soccer Coach - Bridgewater College

Assistant Women's Soccer Coach - Christopher Newport University

Assistant Women's Soccer Coach - George Mason University

Head Girls Soccer Coach - Brooke Point High School


Head Varsity Girls Soccer - Mountain View High School 

Head Boys Soccer Coach - Brooke Point High School

U.S. Paralympic Soccer Update w/ Nick Creasy

Nick Creasy is a Virginia Native and a member of the U.S. Paralympic men's soccer team which recently qualified for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Leading up to the 2012 Paralympic Games, Nick is going to be keeping VASoccerNews.com readers up to date on his progress and the progress of the team - providing guest post updates with an insiders perspective.

The U.S. team qualified for the tournament by finishing eighth among the 16 teams that competed in 2011 CPISRA Football 7-a-Side World Championships held in the Netherlands in late June. The top seven teams and host United Kingdom qualified for the 2012 Paralympic Games, to be held in late August and early September.

In the recent qualifying tournament in the Netherlands, the U.S. squad finished second in the four-team Group D, one of four such groups from which the top two teams in each qualified for next year's Paralympic Games. The U.S. team defeated Japan 4-0 on June 19 (in Assen), lost to Iran 7-2 on June 21 (in Emmen), and beat Ireland 3-2 on June 23 (in Hoogeveen), finishing with six points in group play. The victory over Ireland clinched the team's berth in the Paralympic Games. Had the Irish won, they, and not the Americans, would have qualified.


After group play concluded in the recent tournament in the Netherlands, there were three more rounds, the results of which were used to determine seedings in the Paralympic Games. Because the U.S. team lost all three of those matches (to Russia on June 26, to Scotland on June 29, and to Argentina on July 1), they will be seeded eighth.

The Paralympic Games, which provide competition for athletes with physical disabilities, always follow the Olympic Games and are held in the same city. Over the next 13 months the team will be training together frequently in preparation for the 2012 Paralympic Game in late August. They are scheduled to train three times, each week long training camps, before the end of the year on their road to the Paralympic Games.


Follow Nick Creasy on Twiter: @NickCreasey

Read More about Nick: Longwood junior competes on the U.S. Paralympic men's soccer team

Heat and Revolution prove too much for United

A missed penalty shot from leading D.C. United goal scorer Charlie Davies was a clear sign that the game against the bottom dwelling New England Revolution would not end well.

Davies has scored 8 goals this season most of them coming from penalty kicks but he was unable to get back to his scoring ways in a 1-0 loss at home to the Revoultion.

Coach Ben Olsen:

"[Charlie Davies] missed a penalty kick – I’ve missed them, we’ve all missed them. I’m not too worried about that; I thought he played better today. I thought he was pretty good running off the ball. It was just that final stuff that failed him tonight, but he got into some good spots and he was dangerous."

N.E. Goalkeeper Matt Reis:

On Charlie Davies’ missed penalty kick in the first half:
"[The missed penalty kick] was huge because we didn’t have to play from behind and also I thought even though it was maybe the correct call, I thought it was kind of a harsh call because Pat [Phelan] really didn’t know anything about [the call], but those are the rules."

In what has become a somewhat frustrating season for rookie defender Perry Kitchen the lone goal by scored by New England was the cause of a missed mark in front of the United goal by Kitchen. May it be time for Head Coach Ben Olsen to give the rookie some time on the bench or the reserve squad to get his form back?

Goalkeeper Bill Hamid did play another stellar game in net for the Black and Red but the lack of scoring from his teammates did little to help the cause. If D.C. United want to make a serious push towards the playoffs then the newly acquired players and the existing roster players need to get on the same page and do it immediately before this season slips away from them.

Next up for United: International friendly against Everton July 23.

Q&A Carla Manger William & Mary

TribeAthletics.com recently spoke with Junior goalkeeper Carla Manger of Arlington, VA.

Check out the 20 Questions Segment Here

Indoor Soccer News: Norfolk SharX Name Jon Hall Head Coach

Indoor Soccer News: Norfolk SharX Name Jon Hall Head Coach: "Today is turning out to be a very active day for team in the MISL as The Norfolk SharX made the announcement today that Northern Ireland ..."

USA Today Spotlights Virginia Native Ali Krieger

Read the full story from USA Today: Ali Krieger's fan club finds inspiration in her success - USATODAY.com

World Football Challange Update - New Manchester United Away Kit

The Herbalife World Football Challange is coming to the D.C. area when Manchester United take on F.C. Barcalona at FedEx Field. Check out the just released picture of Park Ji-Sung, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand sporting the new blue and black striped Man U Jersey. Be sure to get your tickets and witness two of the most popular soccer clubs battle in our city.



World Football Challenge on WhoSay

Do Not Let Soccer Fade Away into Oblivion

The morning headlines summarize what most Americans are feeling in the wake of the disappointing loss to Japan for our beloved USWNT:

• U.S. stunned by heartbreaking loss to Japan in Women's World Cup final
• Japan shocks U.S., wins World Cup
• Missed chances, shoddy defense dooms U.S.

The list of attention grabbing headlines goes on and on. Even though a U.S. win in the Women's World Cup would surely have produced more positive growth for WPS and soccer in general here in America the battle continues.

For those of us who dream of the day when soccer is not an afterthought or regarded as a substandard sport behind the "Major Four" (i.e. Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey) we must face the reality that our battle goes on.

True soccer fans in America must take responsibility to grow our sport by any means available and there are plenty available. Take for instance the creative yet simple idea behind The Free Beer Movement which encourages fans to "share our passion for the game with, and to educate, not-yet-converted, but willing, friends, family, and colleagues in exchange for a beer here and there".

There are many other ways to support soccer as well but the point is to simply do something, anything and since this is a capitalist society the most effective way to be heard is to put your money where your mouth is. Buy tickets to soccer games, purchase your favorite teams apparel as gifts for friends and family, watch soccer on T.V., play soccer, contact celebrity television hosts (Ellen DeGeneres maybe?) and tell them you want to see soccer starts on their shows, and quite possibly the most overlooked way to get heard = call your local sports talk radio shows and demand that they talk about soccer.

The formula is easy, supply and demand. Demand soccer and big businesses will supply it as long as they are making money. Mope around and complain about how soccer may never get respect or how you can't find the games on T.V. or that your favorite sports radio host does not talk soccer and you are doing nothing to benefit the cause.

Soccer is the biggest sport in the WORLD, now we need to speak up instead of sulk and make it the biggest sport in America. Why settle for 5th best? It's within your power and it is simply up to YOU!

Black and Red Round-up - July 18

Instead of posting multiple stories regarding D.C. United and all the news around the team this past weekend we will be wrapping all the story lines up in one nice, neat, little quick hitting post for you readers.

• D.C. United announced today the team has acquired midfielder Austin da Luz from the New York Red Bulls as part of the deal which saw DC send an international spot to New York on Saturday. (Read More)
• United collect a single point in match-up against FC Dallas on the road. (Read More)

  

• Copa D.C. XI Registration Now Open (Read More)
• July 20 - College Night, Tickets for $15 and Miliary Appreciation Night, Tickets for $18
• USMNT Goalkeeper, Tim Howard and Everton come to RFK July 23 for a friendly agianst D.C. United (Read More & Get Tickets)

Mason Men announce 2011 Schedule

Men's Soccer 2011 Schedule Unveiled - GoMason.com - The Official Athletic Site Of George Mason University

Virginia Women's Soccer lands a Winner

Not a bad way to start your colleg soccer career. And, a great sign of things to come for the University of Virginia Women's Soccer program.

Incoming Virginia women’s soccer player Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) was named the 2010-11 Gatorade National Female High School Athlete of the Year during a ceremony Tuesday at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. She becomes the first soccer player (male or female) to receive the honor in the nine-year history of the Gatorade National High School Athlete of the Year award.



A 5-7 midfielder, Brian will be a freshman on the 2011 Cavalier soccer team. She has served as captain of the United States U-17 National Team and was named the 2011 National Girls Soccer Player of the Year by both Gatorade and Parade. Brian had 71 goals and 30 assists in 20 games during her senior season at Frederica Academy and finished her high school career with 186 goals and 95 assists.

Brian was presented the award by former Gatorade winners Lisa Leslie, Jessica Mendoza and Allyson Felix. In addition, she was recognized on Wednesday during the telecast of the ESPY Awards.

Wambach Goal named ESPY Best Play for 2011

Should the U.S. go on to win their third Women's World Cup title against Japan this Sunday, the turning point for the USWNT will most surely be the goal from Abby Wambach against Brazil that tied the match and eventually allowed the U.S. women to win in penalty kicks. That goal has not only helped cement Wambach as one of the best USWNT players ever but has also helped raise awareness of soccer in America and united hardcore and casual fans alike. For that reason ESPN recognized Wambachs' goal and named it 'Best Play of 2011'.

Have a look again at the dramatic game leveling goal:




And yes, it was very similar to the goal Abby scored in teh Semifinal match against France:

Copa D.C. XI Registration Now Open

Last week we told you about the Copa D.C. XI Amateur Tournament and today D.C. United announced  the registration for Copa D.C. XI - presented by Volkswagen is open and available online for the first time ever. Entering its eleventh year, the 6 vs. 6 indoor soccer tournament will take place in October at the Rockville SportsPlex in Rockville, Md.

Group stage games will be played on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. Teams will play three games on one of these days depending on where they draw. Teams that make it through group play will compete in the knockout rounds, leading to the championship game on Saturday, October 8.

The champion of Copa D.C. XI will receive $3,000, a Championship Trophy and 12 first place medals. The runner-up will take home $1,500 and 12 second-place medals, and the third-place finisher will receive $1,000 along with 12 third-place medals.

Registration for Copa D.C. XI is open to 24 teams this year. Teams are encouraged to register early due to sellouts in past years. Registration is $449 per team ($499 after August 15) and includes: three guaranteed 40-minutes group stage games, 12 tickets to D.C. United’s September 24 match against Real Salt Lake, 12 Copa D.C. Uniforms (jersey, shorts, socks) and 12 D.C. United gift bags.

In addition, all teams are invited to attend the first ever Copa D.C. XI Kick-off party prior to the D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake home game at RFK Stadium, on September 24.

For more information or to register for this event, visit www.dcunited.com/copadc  or contact Andrew Minucci at 202-587-5492.

Wambach does it again as U.S. Beats France, advance to Women's World Cup Final

A strong header from forward Abby Wambach sealed the victory for the USWNT in their semifinal match against France.

For most of the first 60 minutes France controlled possession and former Wambach teammate, Sonia Bompastor beat U.S. keeper Hope Solo from distance to even the game at 1-1 early in the second half.

U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage made some important substitutions in the second half to help refresh the faltering U.S. attack by bringing in Megan Rapinoe and a short while later Alex Morgan.

Rapinoe looked to be the better of the two substitutions making her presence known on the left side of the attack for the Americans while Morgan struggled to finish a couple of good opportunities.

With nearly 20 plus minutes to go in regulation Wambach made a charge at the top of the box to seemingly be brought down by Bompastor of France but there was no call. A motivated Wambach charged right back moments later to connect on the end of a corner from Lauren Chaney. In a near replay of her goal against Brazil the former Washington Freedom star came to the rescue for the second straight match. Having started slowly this World Cup Wambach clearly has all cylinders firing.

On multiple plays substitute Alex Morgan was unable to finish on a couple of clear goal scoring opportunities and fell down on a play where had she kept her footing she would have easily had a one-on-one with the French goalkeeper. Instead Morgan eventually found the back of the net with a great left footed shot only minutes after Wambachs' go ahead goal. With the Morgan goal the U.S. had done it again and is now headed to the Women's World Cup final for the first time since 1999 where they won their second World Cup title.

Up next for the women representing the Red, White, and Blue is the winner of the other semi-final match between Japan and Sweden. Should Sweden advance it would set up a rematch for the U.S. against the only team to beat them this tournament when the USWNT fell to the Swedes 2-1 on July 6th.

Kickers Defeat Second Straight MLS Club, advance to U.S. Open Cup Semifinal

For the second straight U.S. Open Cup game, the Richmond Kickers (the only non-MLS club left) beat an MLS team. This time the Kickers went into Livestrong park and came away victorious with a 2-0 win over a solid Sporting KC team.

David Bulow scored on a penalty kick giving him 14 goals in U.S. Open Cup play - a modern era record - surpassing former D.C. United star Jaime Moreno who scored 13 times.


*Goal scoring stats compiled by TheCup.us

Professional Era Scoring Leaders (1995-present)

# – Player – Last Goal 14 – DAVID BULOW (RICHMOND)- 2011 13 – Johnny Menyongar (Multiple teams)- 2008 13 – Jaime Moreno (DC United) – 2010 12 – Melvin Tarley (Minnesota Thunder) – 2009 11 – Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders) – 2009 10 – Byron Carmichael (Multiple teams) – 2009 10 – Dante Washington (Multiple teams) – 2004 9 – Tomas Boltnar (Des Moines Menace) – 2006 9 – Randi Patterson (Multiple teams) – 2009 9 – Carlos Ruiz (Multiple teams) – 2007 9 – MATTHEW DELICATE (RICHMOND)- 2011 9 – Josh Wolff (Multiple teams) – 2005

Read complete game notesKICKERS OUST KANSAS CITY

Former Freedom players Wambach, Bompastor face off in Women's World Cup Semi

Once teamates for the Washington Freedom of the WPS, quarterfinal hero Abby Wambach is set to face her former Freedom teamate Sonia Bompastor as the USWNT battle France for the chance to advance to the 2011 Women's World Cup final in Germany.

As head coach Pia Sundhage stated after the match, "There’s something to be said about this team. This American attitude of pulling everything together and bringing out the best performance in each other is contagious. I am very, very proud and I’m very, very happy to be the coach for the U.S. team.”
While we're all proud of what the team accomplished, the players and coaches have turned their focus to what lies ahead as they seek to make the United States the first nation to win a third FIFA Women's World Cup title.


Sonia Bompastor of France w/Freedom scarf



The USA faces France in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 13, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m. ET live on ESPN, ESPN3.com and Galavision. Fans can also follow on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt.

Final Results - 3rd Annual Commonwealth Classic

The following report from the 3rd Annual Commonwealth Classic 11v11 adult soccer tournament held this past weekend at Patriot Park in Spotsylvania, Va. was provided by the tournament director, all photos property of http://www.commonwealthclassics.org/ :

The tournament was hosted by the Commonwealth Soccer League (CSL), the Fredericksburg area's only sanctioned adult outdoor soccer league, and sponsored in part by the Metro DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA).
In its first three years the tournament has seen it grow from nine teams in 2009 to 18 this year. The Fredericksburg area was well represented, while there were also teams representing Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach and for the first time ever out-of-state teams attended from Maryland.
Play kicked off with action at 9 a.m. on Saturday and continued until late in the afternoon. Preliminary round play concluded Sunday morning before before the finals took place that afternoon.

COED PREMIER DIVISION

The Coed Premier Division Final pitted two Northern Virginia Adult Soccer Association teams against each other after morning preliminary round results meant there would be a rematch in the Final .The championship saw the Commonwealth Wanderers (Fairfax, Va.) defeat D.C. Chillin (Arlington, Va.)—for the second time of the day—3-1.

COED COMPETITIVE DIVISION

The Coed Competitive Division used semifinals Sunday morning to determine its finalists. In the semifinals, the NVASA’s Blazers (Fairfax, Va.) defeated J.A. Crush (Fredericksburg, Va.) of the Commonwealth Soccer League 2-2 (3-1 in penalty kicks). In the other semifinal, CSL’s Misfits (Fredericksburg, Va.) upset NVASA’s Supreme Supremacy FC (Arlington, Va.) 3-1, setting up a rematch from Saturday’s preliminary round in the final. Blazers would go on to earn a 5-0 victory to take home the title.

MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION

After Sunday morning’s preliminary matches were concluded, the result worked out with the final seeing a rematch of Sunday morning’s action. Fredericksburg- and CSL-based teams Real International FC and Fredericksburg Elite faced off in the afternoon final after Real earned a 2-1 victory in the morning. Elite turned the tables in the Final with a 2-1 victory of their own to earn the title.

MEN’S COMPETITIVE DIVISION

The Men’s Competitive Division was a defensive affair with neither team able to break through on the score sheet through regulation and two overtime periods. With the score tied 0-0, penalty kicks were need to determine a winner and the Northern Virginia Soccer League’s Dulles Cannons (Chantilly, Va.) went on to top CSL’s Assassins (Fredericksburg, Va.) 2-0 to win the first-ever Men’s Competitive Division final.

In all, the tournament saw four new winners this year in each division.

For more information, complete results and much more, go to http://www.commonwealthclassic.org/

Virginia USL Round-Up - July 12

Another week in to the season for the many USL Leagues in Virginia, lets see how the teams did. Get caught up on the PDL, Pro, and W-League.

USL Pro -

Richmond Kickers: The Kickers faced Charlotte on consecutive days Friday and Saturday and split the game winning 1 and losing 1. Richmond trails first place Orlando City by 9 points.

Up next for the Kickers - At Kansas City for U.S. Open Cup play against MLS team Sporting KC.

 

USL PDL -

Fredericksburg Hotspur: The Hotspur where shutout by Carolina 4-0 and lost at Maryland 5-2 the next day.

Up next for the Hotspur - Home against Carolina on July 16th and Virginia Beach on July 17th.

Northern Virginia Royals: The Royals added 2 more wins this past weekend by beating Virginia Beach 1-0 and Carolina 2-0. Northern Virginia sits atop the South Atlantic Division in first place with 27 points.

Up next for Northern Virginia - A home double header Saturday and Sunday hosting West Virginia.

Virginia Beach Piranhas: The Piranhas lost at home to the first place Royals 1-0. The Piranhas are only 6 points ahead of last place Fredericksburg.

Up next for Virginia Beach - At Maryland Saturday and at Fredericksburg Sunday.

USL W-League -

D.C. United Women: The Women of D.C. finished up their season with wins against the NJ Rangesrs (3-1) and North Jersey (2-0). The Women of D.C. ended up in 2nd place during their first season of W-League play.

Fredericksburg Impact: Lost one, 7-0 to Atlanta,  and tied one, 0-0 with Charlotte, and where held scoreless in both.

Up next for Fredericksburg - Finish up the season at Northern Virginia and at Dayton.

Northern Virginia Majestics: Continued their losing ways suffering loses to Virginia Beach 3-1 and where held scoreless in their loss to Dayton 2-0.

Up next for Northern Virginia - Final game of the season hosting Fredericksburg July 13.

Virginia Beach Piranhas: The Piranhas won agian this time beating in-state rival Northern Virginia, 3-1.

Up next for Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach will wrap up the season agianst the top two teams with games at Charlotte Friday and at Atlanta Saturday.

Not so fast Dax - United and DeRo Beat New York

Thanks for the short lived memories New York. On April 21st the New York Red Bulls and striker Thierry Henry came into RFK Stadium and absolutely embarrassed D.C. United in front of their home fans with a 4-0 thrashing.

A member of the Red Bulls line-up that match was now part of the Black and Red. Dwayne De Rosario helped United avenge that April loss to Eastern Conference rival New York. De Rosario scored the lone goal for United to beat first place New York and MLS leading goal leader Henry at Red Bull Arena.

The important match saw trade pieces Dax McCarty and Dwayne De Rosario facing their former teams for the first time since the trade between the two clubs. Heading into the match, former United Captain McCarty wanted to prove that the Red Bulls got the better of the trade:

McCarty:

“They made the move; they felt they had to make a change. Obviously you never want to be traded, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I get to come to a team where I know my role, I’m very comfortable and this team’s challenging for MLS Cup. It’s definitely a little bit of a point to prove. I want to prove to the fans in New York and the staff and the players that they got the better end of the trade.’’

Not so fast Dax! After two games with D.C. United, De Rosario is easily making it look like D.C. in fact got the better of the deal.




Dwayne De Rosario On the Red Bulls midfield struggles since he was traded:


"No, I mean, those things could happen. They’re a team, so far, even when I was playing with them, we were great. We were getting a lot of opportunities. To stop them defensively was huge for us and I think when we look at these guys and say listen, we stopped some world class players tonight. To come in here and come out with a clean sheet, like I said hats off to the guys, that’s hard. They didn’t really have a good scoring chance because we limited every opportunity they had going forward and you have to continue to play that way not only on the road, but at home as well."

The win versus New York keeps United right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference with 22 points in 6th place, just 6 points behind league leader New York and Philadelphia who both have 28 points.

Up next for the reinvigorated Black and Red - Away at F.C. Dallas on July 16th. F.C. Dallas are in 3rd place in the West and have MLS All-Star First XI player Brek Shea who has already scored 8 goals this season.

USWNT Fight Back, Silince Critics



Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

 After all the unbelievable drama surrounding the 2011 Women's World Cup Quarterfinal match between the U.S. and Brazil it all came down to one play and one player who always seems to find herself right in the middle of most USWNT drama - goalkeeper, Hope Solo.

With quite possibly the most important penalty kick save in women's soccer history, Solo and the rest of the U.S. women not only silenced the many critics but also helped bring soccer back into the American conscious.

U.S. head coach PIA SUNDHAGE

On the drama of the match:

“I have no words. Phenomenal. The goal and then the PKs. Someone is writing this book. There is something about the American attitude to find a way to win. Unbelievable.“

With a slow start to this years World Cup Abby Wambach has now scored in two straight matches including her header that secured the tie for the Americans and kept them alive.

Abby Wambach On her goal:

“It was a perfect ball. (Megan Rapinoe) got an opportunity down the left flank and sent the ball in. It just popped over that defender's head. I was sitting on that back post. I’m so happy it went in.”

Now needing to beat France on Wednesday to advance to the Championship match of this years Women's World Cup in Germany, the USWNT will hope to ride the confidence earned from their amazing and surely instant classic win over 5-time FIFA Women's Player of The Year Marta and an always formidable opponent in Brazil.

The match will be July 13, 2011 on ESPN at 11:30 p.m.

3rd Annual Commonwealth Classic Kicks of Saturday

The 3rd Annual Commonwealth Classic 11v11 adult soccer tournament will be taking place this weekend at Patriot Park in Spotsylvania, Va. The tournament is hosted by the Commonwealth Soccer League (CSL), the Fredericksburg area's only sanctioned adult outdoor soccer league, and sponsored in part by the Metro DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA).

In the inaugural year of 2009, the tournament started with 9 coed teams and had 2 men's teams play an exhibition game. Last year, in 2010, the tournament grew to 16 teams (10 coed and 6 men's). This year, they will be hosting 18 teams (10 coed and 8 men's). There are several Fredericksburg-area-based teams, but also teams coming from Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia and our first-ever out-of-state teams coming from Frederick and Columbia, Md.

Play kicks of on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and runs into the afternoon. The action will continue on Sunday with the final preliminary round games in the morning and the four division finals taking place in the afternoon. There is no admission fee.
The tournament is also holding a raffle on Saturday with tickets available for purchase at the fields during the day and at the tournament Player Party at Cancun Mexican Margarita Bar & Grill located in Spotsylvania Towne Centre (near the Costco) beginning at 7:30 p.m. The tournament will be raffling off two tickets to the July 30 Manchester United-Barcelona game at FedEx Field, two upgraded tickets to any of D.C. United's remaining home games, a 3M Mini Pocket Projector, a mini speaker system for an IPod, PC, etc., and a sports bag or soccer equipment.
For more information and a complete schedule, go to http://www.commonwealthclassic.org/

Beat Brazil, Marta and USWNT advance to Semis

It is not an easy task by any measure but the equation is simple - beat Marta (click HERE to see what the U.S. defense faces) and Brazil to advance to the semi-final round of the 2011 Women's World Cup. Now all U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage has to do is figure out how to stop slow down 5-time FIFA Women's World Player of the year. Or, in the words of ESPN sportscenter anchors, you can't stop her you can only hope to contain her.

Sundhage On the USA's quarterfinal match with Brazil:


“What we will talk about from now on is playing in the final. In order to play in the final we need to step up and be sharper with our chances. We start with Brazil. That will motivate the players more and this is a big chance.”
 
This is not the easiest way to win a third Women's World Cup for the USWNT but it may be just the medicine this team needs. A win against a very strong Brazilian side would immediately pay dividends to boosting the confidence of the U.S. women (even though they say they already are confident).

The history is there for the Red, White, and Blue as well as for goalkeeping standout Hope Solo with the team having beat Brazil 1-0 to win the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in China.

Solo On facing Brazil in the quarterfinal:


"We knew it could happen. Brazil's a great team with great individual players. Of course they have the best individual player [Marta] but there are holes. You can find holes in their defense and their midfield and there's space to play. If we come to play and play as a team we can come out on top. If we play well we can really take it to Brazil."
 
The U.S. plays Brazil July 10 in Dresded, Germany. The game will be on ESPN at 11 a.m.

Copa D.C. XI Amateur Tournament

 

D.C. United is hosting the Copa D.C. XI amateur tournament at the Rockville SportsPlex with the winning team receiving $3,000.

 

This year the tournament will be 11v11 as opposed to the 6v6 indoor version of years past.

 

Be sure to get your team registered for your chance to participate in this great tournament and prove that your team is the best in the D.C. area.

• 24 Team tournament (Previous year's have been 16 teams)
• Each player will receive a ticket to D.C. United's 6.24.11 game against Real Salt Lake.
• D.C. United will host a Copa D.C. Kick-Off party prior to this game. Each team will learn what group they are drawn into and receive their uniforms.
• Each team will receive 11 field player uniforms (jersey, shorts, socks) and one goalkeeper uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Teams registering before 8.15.11 receive $50 off their registration ($449 as opposed to $499).

Spotlight on C.J. Sapong, PWSI and JMU Standout



photo property of: SportingKC.com

Sporting Kansas City rookie forward, JMU alum, and PWSI product C.J. Sapong is having a great first season in the MLS.

Sapong was selected No. 10 by Sporting K.C. in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft after a college career that saw the Manassas, VA product score 37 goals and tally 21 assists.

So far Sapong has produced 3 goals and 3 assists during the 2011 MLS season.

Check out this video of Sapongs' latest goal against the Portland Timbers last weekend:





JMUSports.com wrote this great piece about the former JMU Soccer standout, have a read:

Read full article: HERE

USWNT Poised to win Group C, Advance to Quarterfinal

No need to reinvent the wheel so we will simply state the obvious, the U.S. Women have played better than expected so far this World Cup and are in the perfect position to coast into the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany.




Check out this report on ESPN featuring Brandi Chastain and former USWNT Head Coach Tony DiCicco:





  

Will the USWNT win the 2011 WWC?

• Yes
• No

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Virginia USL Round-up (July 6)

Another week in to the season for the many USL Leagues in Virginia, lets see how the teams did. Get caught up on PDL, Pro, and W-League after the break:

World Football Challange coming to FedEx Field in July

Two of the most popular names in club soccer from Europe will be meeting this summer at FedEx field during the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challange. Manchester United will square off agianst Lionel Messi and Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona on July 30th.







The game will be a rematch of the 2011 Champions League Final. Be sure to get your tickets to this once in a lifetime match.

Who will win the World Football Challange match at FedEx field?

• Manchester United
• FC Barcelona

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United Squander Points in De Rosario Debut

In what has become an all to common occurrence, the Black and Red let two much needed points slip away in a home game against I-95 rivals Philadelphia Union. The match against the Eastern Conference leading Union was also the debut for newly acquired play-maker Dwayne De Rosario who made his presence known throughout the game and assisted on Uniteds' first goal to Captain Josh Wolff in the 43d minute.




The low light for United came from an own goal courtesy of rookie defender Perry Kitchen which leveled the game at 1-1. A close runner up for bad performance of the evening would have to go to D.C. United forward Charlie Davies who was barely heard from in this match. The leading scorer for United, fans had hoped to see Davies and De Rosario team up to be an unbeatable duo but where surely disappointed from the lack of results.

The highlight of the match was easily the goal from Andy Najar from an amazing distance out that put D.C. back up 2-1, possibly a goal of the year nominee.

Andy Najar talking about his goal:

I’m so happy for the goal I scored. I can’t believe I scored a goal like that from long distance.

However, with the game winding down and United only needing to fend off the Union for less than 5 minutes to assure the much needed 3 points, veteran Carlos Ruiz was able to easily get past the back line of D.C. and tie the game late. In a game where United could have easily made up some ground in the Eastern Conference they instead continued to suffer the same growing pains the team has dealt with all season. Hopefully head coach Ben Olsen can again work his magic to get the best from this lineup in time for a playoff run.

Ben Olsen speaking after the tie:

Overall I am very disappointed for not getting the three points, but I am pleased with some of the performances out there. And it’s not the end of the world. If that [Philadelphia Union] is the number one team in the East, I think we have a good chance. We just have to find a way to close our games when we are up.

Following the disappointing result D.C. United is in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points. Will United make the playoffs, only time will tell.

Will D.C. United make the playoffs?

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• No

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UVA Announce Men's and Women's Schedules

For fans of the University of Virginia soccer programs there is good news, you can now start planning which games you will attend this upcoming season.





Both the men and women have released their schedules for 2011:

UVA MEN 2011 SCHEDULE

UVA WOMEN 2011 SCHEDULE

Mia Hamm Foundation 4th Annual Celebrity Soccer Challange in D.C.

Former U.S. Women's national team star and Washington Freedom alumn Mia Hamm along with her husband Nomar Garciaparra are bringing their annual Celebrity Soccer Challange to Washington, D.C.

WHAT:  4th Annual Mia Hamm & Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Mia Hamm Foundation & Children's National Medical Center. 

WHO: Soccer Legend Mia Hamm, Baseball Great Nomar Garciaparra invite celebrity friends and soccer greats to join them in soccer challenge to raise funds and awareness for families needing marrow or cord blood transplants. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the Mia Hamm Foundation & Children's National Medical Center. 




For four years, the Mia Hamm Foundation organized the Garrett Game, an annual soccer exhibition named after Mia’s late brother, Garrett, who died in 1997 from a bone marrow disease. Held in Milwaukee, the funds raised went directly to bone marrow transplant patients and their families. In 2008, the event was re-launched as the Mia Hamm & Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge and found a new home, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.  In 2011, the fourth year of this annual event, the Soccer Challenge will move to Washington D.C. to be played on July 31, 2011 with local celebrities and media personalities scheduled to join Mia and Nomar in a 7 vs. 7 exhibition soccer game. This same weekend, FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United will play at FedEx Field on July 30th and Mia, a global ambassador for FC Barcelona, is proud to support the club’s visit to the U.S. 

WHERE:       Kastles Stadium at The Wharf 800 Water Street SWWashington, DC  20024 

WHEN:          Sunday, July 31st, 2011 at 11:00 AM EST TICKET INFORMATION: INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $23Tickets are on sale at http://celebritysoccerchallenge.com/.