VASoccerNews Q&A: Sterling native, D.C. United player Conor Shanosky on his Generation Adidas experience

The Generation Adidas Tour featured young players from across the MLS.  They toured Holland and played some of its best reserve teams including Ajax, FC Volendam, and Almere City FC.  Upon arriving home from the tour, Pat McStay of Virginia Online Soccer News was able to catch up with Conor Shanosky, current D.C. United player and one of four home grown players for United.  Shanosky grew up in Sterling, VA and was drafted at the age of 18, in 2010, forgoing his ability to play in college.  He played with the U.S. Youth National Team in the Milk Cup and is hoping for a breakout season in 2012.



 
VASoccerNews: I'm assuming the Generation Adidas tour was a great opportunity for you to play and train in Holland as well as take it all in.  Describe what your experience was like playing, training, and just being engulfed in the culture over there.

CS: The experience in Holland was great.  The facilities at Ajax were unbelievable and being able to take in a Champions League match was pretty unreal.  I really enjoyed being at Ajax because of the history of the club and their style of play.  It was definitely awesome just to be in Europe and see how the game is over there.

VASoccerNews:  Having a chance to reflect back on the tour, which team out of the three you played were the best? What were the training sessions like? How did you play and how do you think you compare with the rest of the players selected for the tour?

CS:  Back on the tour, I can take a lot away from it.  I received positive feedback, and I was pleased with how things went.  All three teams were good and played with similar styles, but Ajax was probably the best.  Our team was very good and filled with a lot of very talented players.  I think I learned a lot on the trip.  The training sessions were competitive and were high quality.  The coach emphasized being sharp with everything we did.

VASoccerNews:  Peter Vermes have anything to say to you or the players that really stood out as being something worth remembering? How did you like him as a coach-is he a players coach? How does he compare to Ben Olsen?

CS:  Coach talked to us about how every roll of the ball matters.  This is definitely one thing I took with me because it is very true.  In a highly competitive game everything matters, and I could really see this.  You have to do the little things to keep possession of the ball and create scoring chances.  Having the ball also makes it difficult for the opposing team to do what they want.  He is a really good coach because he demands a lot from his players while supporting them.

VASoccerNews:  Assume 6 years from now you are a seasoned MLS vet, do you take a chance overseas? What are your soccer aspirations? Do you just want to be a pro, continue through the ranks and one day play for our national team, coach when your done?

CS:  My aspirations are to be the best I can be as a soccer player.  I hope the future holds a lot more new opportunities for me.  I want to continue to do new things and experience the world of soccer.   I hope to be involved with soccer for a very long time because I love the sport and I am always interested in learning.  Hopefully that will help me in the future as a coach or a different role in soccer.

VASoccerNews:  Who has as been your biggest influence/fan in terms of giving you the ability and mental toughness to take a chance as a home grown player to try and make it professionally as a soccer player in the United States?

CS:  I am not sure if I have one person who is my biggest influence.  I just try to work hard and do my best and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.  My family and friends help me out by supporting me.

VASoccerNews:  You signed with DC 8/16/2010.  What was going through your mind that day? Can you describe the feeling of being a professional soccer player at age 18?

CS:  It was a great feeling to sign a contract.  It was a big goal for me in my life to become a professional soccer player so that will always mean a lot to me and it will always be something I am proud of.  It was all a little bit surreal to actually reach that goal.  I just remember being so excited on that day.

VASoccerNews:  You obviously are missing the chance to play in college right now.  Were you considering playing collegiate soccer? Where? What/Who were your influences to go the professional route and forego the opportunity to develop as a student athlete and come out 4 years later as a more mature, potentially, more put together player?

CS:  I was considering playing college soccer at George Mason University.  I think being in a professional environment everyday is the best thing about being a pro.  I think being able to train with and learn from a lot of great players has helped me become a better player.

VASoccerNews: Has anyone taken you under their wing? Dwayne De Rosario or Josh Wolff? What's the difference between the seasoned veterans like the two I mentioned and someone who is just breaking into the league?

CS: The older guys do a good job of helping the younger players.  I have talked to a lot of the older guys and they have given me great advice.  Those guys do a good job of demanding a lot from everyone and communicating.  Dwayne and Josh have both accomplished so much in their careers and when they speak everyone listens.  They have both given me some good advice.

VASoccerNews:  Did you end up becoming friends with through the tour?

CS: Everyone on the tour was really cool and it was cool meeting some new guys.  I had been good friends with Omar and Kofie before the trip so it was really good to see those guys again

Locals Hamid, Sapong selected to latest USMNT Camp

D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid and former JMU standout and 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year C.J. Sapong have been called into the upcoming U.S. Men's National Team camp to prepare for matches against Venezuela and Panama.

Hamid spent time during the offseason training with EPL team West Bromwich Albion and is eligible to compete in 2012 Olympic Games qualifying.

- Read Full U.S. Soccer Story:
Klinsmann Names 20 Players for January Training Camp and Matches Against Venezuela and Panama

Brian Span of UVA to sign with Swedish Top Flight Team, Djurgarded IF

The blog that follows UVA sports, Streaking the Lawn, is reporting that Virginia sophomore winger Brian "Cobi" Span signed a contract today with Djurgarden IF of Sweden's top flight, Allsvenkan.

Streaking the Lawn | UVA Soccer Standout Brian "Cobi" Span Signs With Djurgarden IF of Sweden

According to Ives Galarcap of Fox Soccer, Span is ranked as the 7th best player on the 2012 MLS Draft Big Board. Joining Span on the Big Board from UVA are Hunter Jumper, listed as the 21st best player available for the upcoming 2012 MLS Draft and Cavalier teammate Brian Ownby, ranked 23rd.

The 2012 MLS SuperDraft is scheduled for January 12 in Kansas City Convention Center. The first round of the SuperDraft will be broadcast by ESPN2 beginning at noon ET.

Futbolr interview with Eric Bird, UVA Men's player

By Pat McStay

Virginia Beach has already produced talented Futbolr’s: Corey Ashe, Angela Hucles, Wade Barrett, Evan Newton, and Steve Jolly to name a few. Eric Bird might be well on his way into this category. He has been a winner at every level of soccer so far in his career and plans on joining UVA’s rich history of accolades by the time he graduates. Just 2 seasons ago, UVA won a national championship and has been trying to reach the top since then. They were knocked out in the first round this year by Delaware and are looking forward to big things in 2012.

Read full interview: Futbolr.com: Bird of the Beach : Young Futbolr Profile

William and Marys' Shaffer named CAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Courtesy TribeAthletics.com
Mon, December 19, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. - Another week, another award for William and Mary Tribe women's soccer standout Mallory Schaffer, as the junior midfielder was honored as the CAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women's soccer, the conference office announced on Monday.  With the award, Schaffer becomes just the second Tribe player to earn the accolade, joining Abby Lauer who won in 2008.

Courtesy TribeAthletics.com

A Third-Team Capital One Academic All-American honoree, the Allison Park, Pennsylvania native was also a First-Team Academic All-District honoree this season.  Schaffer, a biology and pre-med major at the College, is also a three-time recipient of the CAA Commissioner's Academic Award.

On the field, Schaffer was just as spectacular as she was on the field, earning First-Team NSCAA and Second-Team Soccer America All-American honors.  The CAA and VaSID Player of the Year, Schaffer led the conference with 17 goals and 40 points.  A-First-Team All-CAA honoree, Schaffer also dished out six assists and netted a league-high six game-winning goals.

Schaffer's best stretch of the season came in six games spanning from September 11 to October 2.  In those six matches, Schaffer scored at least one goal each game, racking up nine goals in total.  The Tribe's junior captain also liked to score in bunches in 2011, racking up two goals in five separate matches.
For all the latest information on the William and Mary Tribe women's soccer program and all 23 Tribe athletic teams, be sure to go to TribeAthletics.com.

Virginia Intermont receives three commitments in two weeks

BRISTOL, VA - Virginia Intermont College has taken the steps to build a solid foundation for their first team that will take to the pitch next season. In two weeks, Head Coach Katy Stigers received two verbal commitments and signed her first player.

Her first signee was Abby Stephenson from Elizabethton High School. Abby was a four-year starter at goalkeeper for the Cyclones. She recorded 21 shutouts during her career at EHS and was named the teams defensive player of the year her last two years in high school.

Abby is a tremendous athlete, a two sport athlete in soccer and softball, said VIs Head Coach Katy Stigers. She helped her team win the region championship and was named the teams defensive player of the year the last two seasons and above all of that, she is a great student.

This week Stigers received verbal commitments from two defensive players, one coming from Florida in Daryl Fuentes. An "iron woman" on the field, Fuentes has played started every match for two years as a Titan. She is coming off of her second year as a member of the All-Region team for region 8 of the NJCAA. Prior to her success at the college level Fuentes was a first-team All-County selection for Palm Beach County's Seminole Ridge HS and her team's leading scorer and Most Valuable Player.

Daryl is going to be a huge asset to our young team due to her excellent college experience as well as playing against top Florida teams as a club player." Said Stigers.

Shortly before receiving a commitment from Fuentes, Stigers landed Gate City High School stand out Dallas Burton. Burton is a defender and midfielder and was a three-year starter for Gate City and made the All-District team.

"I have really enjoyed getting to know Dallas as a person during the recruiting process, said Stigers. I am excited about what she brings to the VI campus in terms of character and work ethic. I look forward to her development as a college player. I think she has great fundamentals and has had the opportunity to play in a great team environment."

Virginia Intermont College is restarting their soccer program and will be coached by Katy Stigers. The program will compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and will begin play in the fall of 2012.

FAC Unlimited: IPL Soccer: Patrick Thompson nets late game-winner...

FREDERICKSBURG--Dulles A.C. rallied from a three-goal deficit to take a 6-5 lead late in the fourth period only to see the Virginia Beach Sol score twice in the last three minutes to take home a 7-6 Indoor Premier League victory on Saturday night at Fredericksburg Field House.

 

-Read full story-

Two Virginia players make Inspirium Soccer Awards 12 Finalists

Christian Metzler of Woodbridge,VA and Gaela Normile from Virginia Beach, VA have been named to the final 12 players in the nation as finalists for the 2011 Inspirium Soccer Awards.

The final results will be announced January 3, 2012.

SharX Remain Winless in 7 MISL matches

NORFOLK SHARX STILL HUNGRY FOR FIRST WIN

Drop home match to Missouri 15-4

Norfolk, Virginia – The Norfolk SharX looked threatening in the first half of Saturday night’s game against Missouri at Norfolk Scope Arena but were only able to capitalize once for two points during the first two periods. Vahid Assadpour and Byron Alvarez both scored for the Comets before the SharX got on the board on Matt Clare’s goal in the 5th minute assisted by Gersen Dos Santos. His strike made the score 4-2 but Missouri added three more goals, two by Geison and one by Neto in the second period to take Comets up 10-2 by halftime. Missouri only outshot the SharX 14-9 in the half.



SharX Miguel Ferrer fouled by Comet Stefan Stokic in 4th quarter


Missouri’s John Sosa added another goal in the second minute of the third quarter to make it 12-2 before Norfolk’s Brady Bryant took the ball the entire Missouri defense and the length of the field at Scope and blasted a shot through Missouri keeper Boris Pardo to make it 12-4.  Lucas Rodriguez then scored a 3-pointer on a Comets power play to make the final 15-4.

The SharX next match is Sunday, December 18 at 4:30 p.m. against the Baltimore Blast. 

On hand to meet all the SharX fans will be Santa Jaws himself with special Santa gameday giveaways.  Look for special promotions on http://www.norfolksharx.com/ in the next few days.

For more information about the Norfolk SharX, Norfolk’s newest professional sports team, including sponsorships, tickets, internships or to volunteer, please call 757-419-3317 or visit http://www.norfolksharx.com/.

Local teams named USL Organizational Awards Finalists

The USL announced the list of finalists for the annual USL Organizational Awards and some local clubs are well represented in many different categories.

D.C. United Women, Fredericksburg Hotspur/Impact, Virginia Beach Piranhas, Richmond Kickers, and the NoVa Majestics and their administrators have all been named as finalists in the following categories:

2011 USL Organizational Awards Finalists

Rookie Franchise of the Year

W-League

D.C. United Women

Fredericksburg Impact

PDL

Fredericksburg Hotspur

Marketing Award

W-League

D.C. United Women

Virginia Beach Piranhas

  

Media Award

W-League

D.C. United Women

Virginia Beach Piranhas

Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award

W-League

Remy DuCote, NoVa Majestics & D.C. United Women

PDL

Carol Senechal, Virginia Beach Piranhas

Executive of the Year

USL PRO

Shelley Sowers, Richmond Kickers

W-League

Tim Schweitzer, NoVa Majestics & D.C. United Women

Organization of the Year

USL PRO

Richmond Kickers

Brian and Miller from Virginia named All-Americans

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Two Virginia women’s soccer players were named All-Americans as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) announced its 2011 awards on Friday. Freshman midfielder Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) was named a first-team All-American and junior forward Caroline Miller (Rockville, Md.) was named a third-team All-American.

Brian becomes the sixth Cavalier to be named a first-team NSCAA All-American, joining Amanda Cromwell (1991), Andrea Rubio (1991, 1992), Becky Sauerbrunn (2003, 2007), Nikki Krzysik (2007, 2008) and Sinead Farrelly (2010). She joins Sauerbrunn as the only Virginia first-years to be named a first-team All-American. Brian was the only freshman to earn first-team All-America honors this season.
 Brian, the 2011 ACC Freshman of the Year, had 11 goals and eight assists during her rookie season. An All-ACC first team selection, seven of her goals came against conference foes, including all three of her game-winning goals. She was one of 15 semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top player.
Miller earns All-America honors for the first time in her career, as she and Brian become the 18th and 19th players in school history to be named All-Americans. An All-ACC first-team selection, Miller led the team in scoring this season with 15 goals and four assists for 34 points. Her 15 goals are the fifth-highest single-season total in school history.

Brian and Miller were also named first-team All-Southeast Region by the NSCAA, as was freshman defender Olivia Brannon (Troy, Mich.).

Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament joins NSCAA Showcase Series

Reisterstown, Md. – The Washington Area Girls Soccer League is proud to announce that its annual showcase event, the WAGS Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament, will join the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s showcase series starting in 2012.

A 36‐year‐old event which takes place in the Washington, D.C. suburbs every Columbus Day weekend, the WAGS Tournament draws hundreds of the top girls' club teams in North America with its quality facilities and fierce competition.

It becomes the fourth tournament in NSCAA’s showcase series, joining other featured events in Overland Park, Kan., Geneva, Ohio and Baltimore, Md. staged and executed by NSCAA’s partner Elite Tournaments.

“We’re so excited about joining with NSCAA and Elite Tournaments,” said WAGS president Kathie Diapoulis. “Our tournament has been a great event for more than three decades, but with their expertise, this partnership will take us to the next level and make it a can’t‐miss destination for the nation’s best teams.”
NSCAA showcase tournaments are attended by college coaches from across the nation, who have the opportunity to participate in NSCAA educational courses following the close of match action.

Clubs and players receive sustained exposure to top NCAA and NAIA programs at these NSCAA events – as well as a complimentary one‐year NSCAA membership for each team entered – while college coaches can take advantage of recruiting and continuing education opportunities at the same location.

"The WAGS showcase is one of the premier girls’ tournaments in the U.S.," said Joe Cummings, NSCAA's CEO and Executive Director. "This is a fantastic opportunity for the NSCAA to further our brand message, the NSCAA College Showcase Series and our partnership with Elite Tournaments."

Elite Tournaments will assist WAGS with the tournament’s planning and execution, a process which is already set to begin this month with preliminary site evaluations. The nation’s leading tournament coordinator, the Maryland‐based company organizes some 50 events per year.

“The WAGS Tournament is one of the oldest and most prestigious girls’ soccer events in the country,” said Mike Libber, founder and president of Elite Tournaments. “Adding the WAGS Tournament to the NSCAA Tournament Series was an opportunity that all three parties could not pass up.”

The next edition of the WAGS Tournament Presented by NSCAA is scheduled for Oct 6‐8, 2012.

About WAGS
Founded in 1974 by Mavis Derflinger and Rael Vodicka, the Washington Area Girls Soccer League is one of the premier girls’ soccer associations in the United States. Today’s membership includes some 600 teams from across D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, competing in a variety of divisions ranging from Under‐9 to Under‐19 age levels.

About the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
Based in Kansas City, Kan., the NSCAA is the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world. Since its founding in 1941, it has grown to include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition program that presents nearly 10,000 individual awards every year. It fulfills its mission of coaching education through a nationwide program of clinics and week‐long courses, teaching more than 6,000 soccer coaches each year.

About Elite Tournaments
Founded in 2000 as a small family business, Elite Tournaments (http://www.elitetournaments.com/) has organized over 150 youth soccer events for nine different clubs, colleges and international and professional organizations. The company oversees over 50 tournaments a year across the United States. Elite Tournaments' staff includes former high school and college coaches, referees and standout players whose own experiences inform the company's professional approach to event management. Elite Tournaments prides itself on organization and communication with tournament stakeholders in order to create successful events and lasting relationships.

Two Virginia players invited to MLS Player Combine

Each year Major League Soccer holds it's Player Combine leading up to the MLS Draft to give coaches and scouts an up close look at possible draft picks.

This year two players from the University of Virginia where invited to the MLS Player Combine.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Virginia seniors Hunter Jumper (Plano, Texas) and Brian Ownby (Glen Allen, Va.) each have been invited to participate in the 2012 adidas Major League Soccer Player Combine. MLS today announced the initial list of 52 college seniors from 31 Division I schools who have been invited to participate in the combine.

The combine will be held Jan. 6-10 at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The MLS SuperDraft then will take place on January 12 in Kansas City. The first round of the SuperDraft will be broadcast live on ESPN2 beginning at noon.

Ownby played at midfield and forward for the Cavaliers this year and was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2011 after earning first-team All-ACC honors last year. He scored six goals and added a pair of assists in 18 games for UVa. Ownby also was the 2009 ACC Freshman of the Year and scored 21 goals while assisting on 10 more during his UVa career.

Jumper started 17 games this season and finished his UVa career with 79 starts. He started 15 of his 17 games this year at left back. Jumper was named to Capital One Academic All-District First Team in 2011 and also earned a spot on the ACC All-Tournament Team for the third straight year. He finished the season with a pair of goals and four assists.

Coaches and technical staffs from all 19 MLS clubs will be in attendance to scout the top talent at the 17th annual player combine.

The initial player list was determined by a panel of Division I college coaches, representing all conferences, who nominated and voted for players in conjunction with MLS coaches. These players will be joined by Generation adidas players, international invitees, additional collegiate players from NCAA Division II and III schools, NAIA schools and Division I alternates. The final player list of approximately 66 athletes, as well as additional Combine coaches and team assignments, will be announced at a later date.

This year, the MLS SuperDraft will include two rounds and 38 overall selections, with the expansion Montreal Impact selecting first overall. A four-round Supplemental Draft will take place January 17.

MLS Player Combine Invitees List

John Daly: NCAA Proposals Damaging to Women's Soccer

The following is a post provided to VASoccerNews.com by John Daly. Daly is Head Coach of Women's Soccer for the College of William & Mary. Daly has an impressive resume having won 10 CAA Championships, 12 CAA Regular Season Championships, and 24 NCAA Appearances.


By John Daly

Currently there are far reaching and damaging proposals being considered by the NCAA as a result of the Presidential Working Group recommendations. These recommendations also affect other “Olympic Sports” such as Field Hockey, Lacrosse and Volleyball.

Where women’s soccer is concerned the following recommendations are alarming:

• Elimination of the competitive element of the spring (non-traditional) season. Currently Division One schools are permitted five playing dates in the spring.
• Reduction of the traditional season number of games by 10%, i.e. 18 games instead of 20.
• Elimination of international tours.

All three recommendations are baseless in reason. W & M for instance spends very little on its spring season. We usually will travel to Richmond, Charlottesville or Norfolk, using vans and will have meals provided by our parents. The importance of the spring is reflected in the fact that, for instance, Dani Rutter played very little for us as a freshman. In the spring she performed extremely well, earned a starting spot for the fall and was our second leading goal scorer this fall!

Most programs carry between 24 and 30 players of necessity. With the season so short, injuries occur and depth is required to remain competitive. It must also be said, although I do not agree with this policy, that a number of coaches believe in using a high number of substitutes during the season. Eliminating the spring season would be extremely detrimental to both the men’s and women’s game.

The reduction of 10% in the traditional season, although not as contentious as the spring elimination, also defies logic, when you consider the number of games basketball and baseball, for instance, play, and therefore the number of missed classes. What the NCAA fails to recognize is that soccer players are dedicated individuals who love to play the sport of soccer. It seems the NCAA views Collegiate Athletics as exploiting student athletes. There are those who are of the opinion that that may be the case in the big money sports. However, if you talk to the majority of soccer players, they love to play the sport and they realize that they only have four years at a high level. Beyond college soccer there are very few who will actually play professionally, or even play at a high competitive non-professional level once they graduate from college. This means that many of them have around 80 games and then their career is over. Even cutting that by 10% would meet with disapproval from the majority of players.

International tours have been an important part of William and Mary men’s and women’s soccer programs for more than two decades. The women, for instance, have visited Australia and New Zealand twice, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales three times, and Italy once. The men have visited England, Bermuda, Jamaica and Greece. These trips have provided wonderful memories for our student athletes. They experienced different cultures, visited some of the most popular “Bucket List’ destinations in the world, and here is the kicker…….William and Mary did not pay for these trips. The players, their families, and their efforts at fundraising made these trips possible. This is actually the case with the majority of institutions which undertake international trips. Again, the bad publicity surrounding some institutions has trickled down, affecting everyone one, and unfairly so.

Finally, Rob Kehoe of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (of which I am a member and the women’s college representative on the Board of Directors) recently put together a survey which was sent to male and female soccer players at the D1 level asking their opinions on the above recommendations. Over 10,500 responded, of which 95-97% were opposed to all three recommendations!

Brian, Schaffer, Smith 2011 Hermann Trophy Semifinalists

The 2011 Missouri Athletic Club announced this years Hermann Trophy Semifinalists on December 4th.

On the women's semifinalist list where University of Virginia Freshman Morgan Brian well as Mallory Schaffer, Midfielder from William & Mary.

Only one player made the men's list for a Virginia school - Junior Forward Yannick Smith of Old Dominion.

There has never been a women's winner from a Virginia school.

The University of Virginia has had five different past winners of the Hermann Trophy on the men's side: John Harkes (1987), Tony Meola (1989), Claudio Reyna (two-time winner 1992 & 93), Mike Fisher (1996), and Alecko Eskandarian (2002).


For the complete list of 2011 Women's Semifinalists: CLICK HERE

For the complete list of 2011 Men's Semifinalists: CLICK HERE

Kickers sign former FC Dallas forward



Jason Yeisley | Photo property of Matthew Visinsky

 RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, December 6, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that former FC Dallas forward and USL PRO All-League player Jason Yeisley recently signed a long-term contract, pending USSF approval.     

“This is a significant signing for the Kickers,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer.  “Securing the talents of one of the best forwards in USL PRO is a sign of our ambition to strengthen our squad and improve upon last season’s performance.  Jason was our number one target in the off-season and we are delighted he has agreed to a long term contract.”

Drafted by FC Dallas in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, Yeisley made six appearances with the Major League Soccer Club, making his professional debut on April 22 against the Seattle Sounders, before signing with the Kickers USL PRO rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2011.  Earning USL PRO All-League Second Team honors last season, the 6’1” native of Allentown, PA led the Riverhounds with five goals and two assists for 12 points logging over 1,600 minutes on the campaign.

Yeisley posted 63 career games at Penn State University, tallying 24 goals and 16 assists over four seasons.  Finishing his senior season tied for second on the team in scoring with eight goals and five assists en route to an undefeated regular season home record, the two-time All Big Ten Conference First Team selection was named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.

A Conversation with SharX Head Coach Jon Hall

The currently winless Norfolk SharX (0-6) recently released the following conversation with their Head Coach, Jon Hall regarding the rough start to the MISL season.

Norfolk, Virginia - Norfolk SharX head coach Jon Hall is not accustomed to losing. The 2007 Premier Development League Coach of the Year has always had success outdoors on the pitch. Historically, his teams have won far more than they have lost. But this season with the Norfolk SharX, he is starting from scratch – building a new franchise in the Major Indoor Soccer League – from the ground up. And it’s an entirely different kind of soccer. “I have enjoyed the whole experience,” he said. “Make no mistake, though. I don’t like losing. The only things I’d change about the season so far are the results.” The SharX are winless in their first six games.

“We are building a new franchise,” he said. “The biggest thing I have learned is the huge difference between the indoor and outdoor games. We are learning systems, player roles, set pieces, and how to blend it all to succeed on the field. We have learned so much in the past month. Even with the games that we have lost, I think we have made great strides in the past seven weeks. Winning will come.” 

There are only seven professional indoor soccer teams in the country. And only four of the teams in the Major Indoor Soccer League have a history – Baltimore, Milwaukee, Missouri and Wichita. In addition to Norfolk, there are two other new expansion teams, Syracuse and Rochester, both of whom have been able to draw on local players with professional indoor experience. For the Sharx, there are few local players with professional indoor experience from which to draw. 

“We have never had high level indoor soccer here,” Hall continued. “Mainstream adult leagues have only been around here for about a year. In Milwaukee, for example, due to the winters, they have had a plethora of indoor leagues for many years, at all levels. There is not the same indoor foundation here, which is something we would like to play a big part in changing. We have come into the top league in the country a bit fresh-faced – sometimes like a deer caught in the headlights. We are learning and our players are understanding their roles. We are creating something from nothing.”

Hall has developed very good working relationships with the other coaches in the league – all of whom want the franchise to succeed – except on the field. “There is a difference between where those teams are and where the SharX are,” he said. “Playing wise, we’ve only been doing this for around 50 days, some of the other teams have been around for thirty years. The coaches of the other teams have been terrifically supportive and comment that we are not that far away. The other teams certainly don’t take us lightly. They do respect us.” 

Hall concluded by saying, “We have good guys who come in every day and work hard and train hard. We have a great organization from upper management to our game day interns, who are all working hard to make our club successful. The only thing we don’t have here is a win . . . yet.” The SharX

SharX remain winless in MISL following loss to Wichita

The newest professional soccer team in Virginia, SharX struggling for first win

Park City, Kansas – The Norfolk SharX went up 4-0 on the Wichita Wings early in the game Saturday night, on back to back goals from Cecil Lewis assisted by Gersen Dos Santos and Matt Clare’s unassisted strike, and had a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. The score was an even 4-4 at the end of the first half, but Norfolk’s frustrations continue and the SharX fell to Wichita 17-4 after allowing 13 unanswered points in the second half.

Jamar Beasley had two goals and an assist and Carlos Farias added four assists for the Wings plus goals by Kevin Ten Eyke, Brian Cushing, Victor Quiroz and Bryan Perez rounded out the scoring for Wichita.

Norfolk keepers Jamie Lieberman and Brian Sowell faced 27 shots and Wing’s goalies Sanaldo Carvalho and Nic Martinez faced 13.

“The teams in this league are strong and we’re the new kids on the block,” said head coach Jon Hall.  “This is an intense game and there is nowhere to hide when mistakes are made because this game is so fast.”

“Even though as a building and learning year, this has been good,” ”Hall continued. “It’s a hard learning process. We will keep working and training towards that first win and when we get home on Sunday we will all hit the training field hard and be ready for Missouri at Scope next Saturday. We are not giving up.”

The SharX will host the Missouri Comets on Saturday, December 10th at Scope.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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U.S. UNDER-17 MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM CROWNED 2011 NIKE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES CHAMPION

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2011) - The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team won the Nike International Friendlies for the first time, beating Brazil 3-1 in the final game of the tournament in front of a capacity crowd at the Premier Sports Campus.

The U.S. went into the match knowing a victory would secure the championship. First half goals from Rubio Rubin, Tyler Turner and Wesley Wade sprung the U.S. into the lead, and they withstood severe pressure from Brazil in the second half to earn the victory.

Locals Calix, Mejia-Flores named to U.S. U-17 Men's National Team Roster for 2011 Nike International Friendlies

Rubin gave the U.S. an early lead just two minutes in, notching a goal with the first shot of the game. ussoccer.com Man of the Match Junior Flores delivered a free kick into the area that was headed towards Rubin, who skillfully flicked the ball over his shoulder past the unsuspecting Brazil goalkeeper.

The goal stunned Brazil back to life, and in the 12th minute they strung together a trademark passing sequence that led to the equalizer. Walney centered the ball into the area and an attempted clearance sat up for Matheus Queiroz, who tagged a laser into the upper right corner.

The next 20 minutes were an entertaining back and forth affair as both teams pressed for a second goal, and the U.S. got there first thanks to a Turner strike from close range in the 31st minute. Flores once again whipped a dangerous delivery towards the six-yard box, and the ball ping-ponged in the area until it reached the feet of Turner. Displaying slick close control, he created space and smacked a shot into the upper right corner that sparked a jubilant celebration with the players and fans.

As the clock wound down on the opening stanza, the U.S. struck gold once again just before halftime. Flores made a dazzling run through midfield to gain space on the left flank before centering for Wade, who had made a timely run into the area. Wade snuck in front of Brazil goalkeeper Guilherme and re-directed the ball to the far corner to send the USA into the locker room with a 3-1 lead.

Brazil turned up the heat at the start of the second half in search of a goal that could put them back into contention, and the U.S. defense would bend but not break. While the Brazilians posted the majority of shots, they were rarely able to create real danger.

Flores came close to scoring when he got in behind the Brazil defense in the 75th minute, hitting the outside netting that fooled many in the pro-U.S. crowd into thinking he had the USA's fourth.

The U.S. repeatedly closed down Brazil's forays toward goal for the rest of the match, with Connor Donovan making several good clearances while U.S. forwards Corey Baird and Christopher Lema worked hard to help pressure the Brazilian defenders and help see out the game.

Brazil managed one final legitimate chance, but Paul Christensen handled Abner's effort from 15 yards out.
At the final whistle, the U.S. team received the 2011 Nike International Friendlies championship trophy from U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. Brazil finished the tournament in second place with four points, while France claimed third place with three points from three ties. Turkey came in fourth after winning last year's tournament.