Spirit shutout Tarheels 2-0 in preseason college series

GERMANTOWN, Md. (Mar. 30, 2013) - The Washington Spirit professional women's soccer team defeated defending NCAA champions North Carolina 2-0 today in front of 1725 fans at the sunny Maryland SoccerPlex. The Spirit have yet to concede a goal, in what was their third preseason exhibition game in two weeks, with two more to go until starting their first National Women's Soccer League season in Boston on April 14.

The Spirit have now played 270 minutes of scoreless soccer at the back, despite starting today without several players expected to patrol the back line for the regular season, including missing international veterans Ali Krieger, Robyn Gayle and Candace Chapman. Krieger, Gayle, Ashlyn Harris and Diana Matheson all missed today's game while on international duty. Chapman has nearly recovered from off-season knee surgery, and was out of uniform today. 

Richmond Kickers 21st Birthday Party Giveaway

 

The Richmond Kickers are turning 21! To help celebrate, VA Soccer News and the Richmond Kickers are going to be giving away a prize pack that includes four tickets to the April 6 home opener (Kickers vs Riverhounds) and a limited edition Kickers scarf.

As most Kickers fans know, the Richmond Kickers have recently partnered with 4-time MLS Champions, D.C. United. In recognition of turning 21, beer will be sold at the stadium for the first time EVER!

So, enter our giveaway (it's FREE) and don't miss this amazing opportunity to come out and celebrate with the Richmond Kickers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tribe Soccer Program Lends Helping Hand in the Community

Courtesy TribeAthletics.com

Tue, March 26, 2013 

 

Courtesy TribeAthletics.com

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William and Mary men’s and women’s soccer programs recently volunteered in the Williamsburg community over the weekend.  Both programs devoted their time to helping out Child Development Resources (CDR) with their 35th Annual Bid’n Buy Auction, which was held at the Williamsburg Hotel & Conference Center.

 

“Assisting CDR with their 35th Annual Bid ‘N Buy Auction was a terrific service experience for us,” stated men's head coach Chris Norris.  “We are humbled by the work they do for families in our community and grateful for the opportunity to help them raise funds and awareness.”

 

Child Development Resources (CDR) was founded in Williamsburg in 1966 as a preschool for special children. Today, CDR benefits and cares for an estimated 1,000 children and their families each year. An extensive asset for parents, teachers and physicians, CDR spearheads Virginia's Infant and Toddler Specialist Network.

 

For all the latest on William and Mary soccer check out TribeAthletics.com.

7th annual Sueño MLS nationally televised search for America’s best undiscovered youth soccer player

NEW YORK (Sunday, March 24, 2013) – The wait is over for hundreds of aspiring young soccer standouts as registration opens for Sueño MLS 2013 – Presented by Allstate, the premier, nationally televised search for the best undiscovered soccer talent in North America.

Starting today at 2 p.m. ET, hopefuls will be able to register at www.SuenoMLS.com for an opportunity to participate in one of the three open tryouts.  The competition will be chronicled in a unique “reality show within a show” format by Univision Network’s popular weekly sports entertainment program “República Deportiva” (Sports Republic). Co-hosted by legendary sportscasters Fernando Fiore and Félix Fernández, “República Deportiva” airs every Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.  

Now in its seventh year, Sueño MLS 2013 – Presented by Allstate will be staged by three Major League Soccer teams, including first-time host Colorado Rapids, as well as returning hosts D.C. United and LA Galaxy.  Up to 500 tryout spots will be made available in each city on a first come, first served basis.  In past years, spots have filled up in only a few hours following the start of registration.  A waiting list will be available.  

In each city, field players will be battling for one of five invitations to a week-long trial with their respective youth development host club and an invitation to the exciting four-day National Finals that will be held in the greater Los Angeles area and be hosted by Sueño MLS Ambassador and Colombian soccer great, Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama.  The finals will include training sessions, scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts and an opportunity to meet some of the League’s biggest stars.  The Sueño MLS 2013 – Presented by Allstate winner will be crowned on Sunday, May 12, live on República Deportiva (see calendar below for more information).

Brad Guzan, USMNT get point with 0-0 draw in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (March 26, 2013) - For just the second time in U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup Qualifying history, the USA earned a point at Estadio Azteca with a 0-0 draw against Mexico in front of a massive crowd. 

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan made three saves to record his second-straight clean sheet, and the young center back duo of Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler showed tremendous poise and grit in helping the USA earn a historic result. The only other World Cup Qualifying point earned by the USA in Azteca came during another scoreless draw on Nov. 2, 1997.


The draw in the USA's third of 10 matches in the Final Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying moved the Americans to 1-1-1 (4 points) in the Hexagonal and into a three-way tie for second place with Honduras and Costa Rica behind Panama (1-0-2, 5 points) at the top of the table. Mexico (0-0-3, 3 points) is in fifth place, and Jamaica (0-1-2, 2 points) sits in sixth. The top three finishers qualify directly to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Duke hold Washington Spirit to scoreless draw

GERMANTOWN, Md. (Mar. 24, 2013) - Fielding a lineup mirroring one that could easily start the NWSL season April 14, the Washington Spirit battled the Duke Blue Devils to a entertaining, yet disappointing 0-0 draw in front of 544 fans at the Maryland SoccerPlex home today. The match is the second of a five-game preseason college exhibition series planned by the Spirit as they prepare for their first season in the National Women's Soccer League.

All games in the series are free to attend, with the Spirit taking on the defending National Champion North Carolina on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the SoccerPlex. Over 2,200 tickets have been claimed for the match so far; with fans wishing to attend only needing to claim passes at tickets.washingtonspirit.com.

Playing in their only game of the preseason due to upcoming national team games, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Diana Matheson, and Robyn Gayle all started in Mike Jorden's 4-3-3 formation. It was also the debut for U.S. international Lori Lindsey, who is expected to remain with her Spirit teammates for the duration of preseason, barring a late call-up.

Florida draftee Holly King also made an appearance today while home on spring break. The third round draft pick is finishing school before joining the Spirit full time in May.

Five Virginia Clubs Establish New Youth League to Further Player Development

RICHMOND, VA  - (Saturday, March 23, 2013) -  Through the collaboration of three VCCL and U.S. Soccer Development Academy members, the VA Premier League has been established to provide a high level of competition and a professional, player-centric environment designed to enhance player development at all levels.  Founding members Chesapeake United, Chesterfield United, Richmond Kickers, Richmond Strikers and Virginia Rush are slated to begin play in the newly created, club-format league in the fall 2013. 

"The Richmond Strikers are very pleased to be a founding member of this new league, commented Bob Jenkins, Richmond Strikers Technical Director.  “The VA Premier League represents club collaboration at its best with the expressed goal of establishing a competitive environment for our players that fosters real development."

D.C. United U23 NPSL Player Combine and Federal City FC Summer Academy Teams

D.C. United U23 NPSL Player Combine
May 3, 4 - Available to the First 50 Players that Sign Up.
 
D.C. United U23 NPSL will be hosting Open Tryouts for the 2013 National Premier Soccer League and Federal City FC Reserve League seasons. Our player combine is limited to the first 50 players that apply. This is the best opportunity to be seen by our staff for evaluation.

Register for Tryouts

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Federal City FC Summer Academy and College Combine Tryouts
Tryouts April 7, 21 (U16 and U18) - Available to the First 50 Players that Sign Up.

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Federal City FC Academy - Summer Teams
U16 & U18
 
Tryouts - Players selected for the Federal City FC "College Combine Program" are the ONLY players that will be considered for our Academy teams(No Exceptions). Identified players from the College Combine Program will be offered roster positions for the Academy team(U16 or U18) on June 15.

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D.C. United U-23 Academy team set to compete in the NPSL in 2013
Black-and-Red forms partnership with Federal City FC
D.C. United has formed a partnership with the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side Federal City FC. With this agreement, the D.C. United U-23 Academy team will compete in the NPSL's Southeast Conference in the summer of 2013.

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Former UVA Goalkeeper, National Champ Diego Restrepo signs with Rowdies

Former University of Virginia goalkeeper Diego Restrepo has signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL. Restrepo helped Virginia to a National Championship in 2009. Congrats to Diego.

Official Rowdies Player Announcement: click here

Soccer Walking DC with Jared Montz

Soccer Walking DC was filmed on 3/12 and 3/14. Thanks to D.C. United, Washington Spirit, Parkville United, Joe Perrault, Khal Srour, Lori Lindsey, David Ross and the Georgetown University students for taking part and helping to make this happen! Thank yall so much!

Special Thanks to our Sponsors!
Eurosport / Soccer.com http://bit.ly/WDEj6z
American Airlines http://bit.ly/WXtKPC
Rise & Shine Jay Demerit Story http://bit.ly/ZXciGm
Aptitude Sports



Join us and Juggle to Save Lives on April 25th at http://bit.ly/YcfcN4

Participate anywhere in the world you have a ball!
$10 Sends a Net and Saves a Life!

Become a Juggler and Fundraise at http://bit.ly/11lgrpS

Make a One Time Donation at http://bit.ly/10o8gdu

Four Key FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil Asian Qualifying Matches Made Available on Broadband as Special Promotion

NEW YORK – March 21, 2013 – ONE World Sports, the English-language sports network with exclusive world-class competitions from around the globe, will broadcast live its exclusive World Cup qualifiers on its network and in a special broadband preview on Tuesday, March 26^th.  The fourth round of the Asian regional qualifiers – a series of four match-ups critical in determining the participating teams of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil -- will be made available by ONE World Sports, for the first time, on broadband at no charge.

Those who want to enjoy free access to this special preview of ONE World Sports will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire via oneworldsports.com.

On Tuesday, March 26^th, ONE World Sports will broadcast and stream the following games:

Australia v. Oman                           4:30AM ET (live, exclusive)

Korea Republic v. Qatar                 7:00AM ET (live, exclusive)

Jordan v. Japan                              10:00AM ET (live, exclusive)

Uzbekistan v. Lebanon                    12:00PM ET (delayed, exclusive)

USWNT players Krieger, Lindsey officially join Washington Spirit

Now that U.S. Soccer and the Women's National Team Players Association have finalized material terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, USWNT players are beginning to join their clubs to prepare for the upcoming inaugural NWSL season.

Both Ali Krieger and Lori Lindsey arrived at Spirit facilities on March 20 to start working with their teammates.

Video: Washington Spirit first game in franchise history vs Penn State

It's official, professional women's soccer has returned to the DMV! Checkout highlights from the first game in Washington Spirit franchise history. More exciting professional women's soccer is coming soon.

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Kickers 15th Annual Player Combine, March 22-24

RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, March 20, 2013) – Nearly 100 players will attend the Richmond Kickers 15th annual player combine this weekend, March 22-24, at the Kickers state-of-the-art sports complex, Ukrop Park.  Players representing 25 countries from around the world, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Egypt, El Salvador, England, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Malawi, Nigeria, Poland, Senegal, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States will participate in three days of intense training, including small-sided games, speed testing and full-sided matches.

"We are searching for one or two additional players to add to the team,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “We have a very talented group in place and are hopeful we can find a couple of strong players from this weekend's event to add depth to the squad."

Attendance at the player combine is one of the best ways to ensure that a player’s complete soccer resume and professional evaluation is in front of key decision makers for the Richmond Kickers. Training sessions will take place in front of professional coaching staff, led by Kickers Director of Soccer, Leigh Cowlishaw, who will be joined by an array of experienced technical staff and former professional players.

Past Kickers trials have produced such prominent players as Clyde Simms (New England Revolution, D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL-2 MVP and Ugandan National Team).

Simms is one of 18 D.C. United players who played with the Kickers over the past two decades, with the roster of former Kickers players also including 2011 Major League Soccer MVP Dwayne De Rosario, Mike Burke, Jeff Causey, Ben Crawler, Brian Kamler, Mike McGinty, Richie Williams, Mark Simpson and Robert Ssejjemba. Players who have featured with the Kickers on loan include Brian Carroll, John DiRaimondo, Justin Mapp, Andy Metcalf, Bryan Namoff, Anthony Peters, Long Tan and Ethan White. In franchise history, 22 players have progressed from the Richmond Kickers into Major League Soccer.

The Lonely Position - NWSL, Pre-Season with the Washington Spirit

By Lloyd Yaxley

So here we are 3rd time lucky with the formation of a new women's professional league in America. In previous years there was the WUSA (Women's United Soccer Association) this league lasting under two years three seasons.

Next was the WPS (Women's Professional Soccer) this league lasting three seasons.

And now here we are at the beginning of a new era. The NWSL (National Women's Soccer League). Before you all click the red cross in the top right hand corner I have neither the time or knowledge to decipher why the two previous leagues failed and I'm certainly not going to bore you on "what we are going to do differently".

What I am going to do though is say LETS LOOK TO THIS EXCITING FUTURE!  AND GET BEHIND IT!

There was a mixture of allocations, drafts, and free agents whilst beginning to form the eight teams (basic outline there! really basic!!).

So what next....... that's right Pre-Season! 

I'm really fortunate to be given the opportunity to coach the goalkeepers for one of these teams -- The Washington Spirit. 

Our pre-season camp started last Monday where I met one of the goalkeepers, Chantel Jones, whom I will be working with throughout the season. Chantel played at UVA and had just returned from playing in Iceland. Meanwhile our other goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris, was away with the US Women's National team making her international debut against Sweden in the Algarve Cup.

So unluckily for Miss Jones she has had to deal with me alone for the time being.

This week for me has been about a few different things: 1) getting to know my player/players, 2) seeing what level of fitness she is at! 3) pushing her as much as I can to perform even when exhausted.

Day 1 was ladder work variations, into basic handling saves, after a brief rest then we where using the width of the 18 yard box to do what I would call "up and down' variation  drills! i.e. dive to left..get up...dive to right...get up dive to left etc etc etc all the way across the width of the penalty area. Quote from day one "I'm not as fit as I thought I was!" 

Day 2 was.....wet .....very wet- again a tonne of footwork.

Day 3 Windy....very windy!!!! Today we focused on our core lots of sit up kind of drills with volleys as rest periods,  by now I'm sure a picture of me was on a dartboard in Chantel's house.

Day 4 Medicine ball and upper body work- again volleys for rest periods, in the afternoon we where inside working on handling and reaction times with a shot coming off the wall.

Day 5 Lighter- kicking back passes talked about pre-game warm up.

In between all of this we where integrated with the rest of the team for other exercises.

So the week has been filled with fitness, wind, rain and saving everything the field players hit at us!! 

Even with a statement "I'm not as fit as I thought I was" which I thought was a little harsh on herself, Chantel took everything I threw her way and worked her butt off the whole week. She has a fantastic work ethic, great attitude, and is constantly looking to improve her game. These three attributes are why she is a professional soccer player.

Game day rolled around on Sunday where we played Penn State- winning the game 1-0.

Two big break-away saves in the 2nd half when the game was tied at 0-0 which all of the coaching staff were very happy with. All in all a decent performance- all goalkeepers are looking for perfection, there were some things we spoke about that we felt she could have done better during the game but sorry, that discussion will remain between us! I can guarantee you those things will be tidied up over the next few weeks.

This past week has just been the start of the journey, next is where the competition for that starting spot really begins when Ashlyn and the other internationals join the squad! I am confident that both these players will push each other to perform to their absolute max. 

Next up, more training followed by Duke at 3pm on Sunday. Come out and watch, tickets are free so you have no excuse! Then you can see what all these hours of training go towards.

Again, any comments tweet me @GKeepersUnited and come to support the Washington Spirit.

www.washingtonspirit.com (go here for your Free Tickets for the pre-season friendlies)

The Lonely Position: Voodoo Goalkeepers

Radford Men's Soccer Team Takes the Polar Plunge

via  RadfordAthletics

The Radford University men's soccer team participated in the Highlander Polar Plunge® Celebration benefiting Special Olympics Virginia last weekend. The Highlanders exceeded their fundraising goal of 900 dollars during the event.

D.C. United Academy u18, u16 teams top Match Fit Academy FC

U-18s and U-16s top Match Fit Academy FC over the weekend
 

Washington D.C. (March 19, 2013) – D.C. United Academy’s U-18 and U-16 teams resumed play in the 2013 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season this weekend, with both sides nabbing wins against Match Fit Academy FC.

The U-18s (10-5-1) squared off against Match Fit Academy FC (3-9-2) yesterday, bringing home a 2-1 victory over the 11th-place team in the USSDA U-18 East Conference, Atlantic Division. After a 45-minute snow delay at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ and an ensuing venue change, the game finally kicked off. In the 42nd minute of the match, Michael Sauers (Glen Arm, Md.; Baltimore Bays Chelsea) drew a penalty in the box, with Ian Harkes (Fairfax, Va.; Herndon Youth Soccer) converting the penalty kick chance to open the scoring account. Jorge Calix (Alexandria, Va.; Team America Premier) would make it 2-0 for the United Academy U-18s in the 70th minute, Match Fit Academy FC getting on the score sheet late to end the game 2-1.

“This was a better team performance,” said U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “We've placed a lot of emphasis on finishing the final 10 matches of the season strong, improving each match, so this was a positive result to that end.”

Meanwhile, the U-16s (13-1-2), who currently sit atop its age division, grabbed a 2-0 victory over Match Fit Academy FC U-16s (4-9-1) with a splendid display of set piece scoring. Coming up from the center back position on corner kick opportunities, central defender Josh Bender (Baltimore, Md.; Baltimore Blues) connected on two Gerson Umana (Lorton, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) corner kicks in the first half and dominated possession throughout the match, creating multiple chances to increase its lead throughout the game.

“Overall, it was a great away showing for the boys,” said U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “They showed a lot of quality with their style of play and were able to put [Match Fit] under a lot of pressure. We would have liked to see them finish one of their chances in the run of play, but that will take a little more training to fix the timing in the final third.”

The U-18s and U-16s will head to Richmond, Va., next to face the U-18 and U-16 Richmond Strikers at West Creek Fields on Saturday, March 23.

Socket Soccer Ball Creates and Stores Energy

Soccket stores the kinetic energy built up while you play using a pendulum-like mechanism. Thirty minutes of kicking around can power an LED lamp for three hours. Check out the video, above, to see how it works.

Virginia native Bill Hamid named MLS Player of the Week

Annandale, VA native Bill Hamid was voted MLS Player of the Week following his shutout of the New York Red Bulls this past weekend. Hamid is a product of Premier Athletics Club. 

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2013) – D.C. United announced today that goalkeeper Bill Hamid was selected by the North American Soccer Reporters as MLS Player of the Week. Hamid earned the honors after a strong performance and second straight shutout against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Hamid was tested often and helped preserve the shutout with an impressive seven saves.

Hamid’s final save of the game came during stoppage time as he cleared a Brandon Barklage shot off the line with a last-ditch effort to preserve the clean sheet. Hamid, who won Major League Soccer’s Save of the Week in week one, is also leading the League in shutouts (two) and saves (13).

READ/WATCH: A closer look at Hamid’s impressive day

The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected each week of the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.

D.C. United returns to action on Saturday and will look to extend its home undefeated streak to 20 games over the 2012 and 2013 Major League Soccer campaigns.

VCU defender Juan Arbelaez signs with Richmond Kickers

RICHMOND, VA - (Friday, March 15, 2013) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Virginia Commonwealth University defender Juan Arbelaez, pending USSF approval.

“We are fortunate to sign another talented VCU product,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “Juan will be a great asset to the squad as he is comfortable in both the right defense and right midfield positions. He is a very attack-minded player and has shown an enthusiastic attitude during pre-season. We expect him to compete for a starting position right away.”

Selected by the Montreal Impact in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Arbelaez spent two seasons at VCU, making 38 appearances and tallying one goal and five assists for seven points.  The native of Pereira, Colombia transferred his junior year from Georgia Perimeter College where he claimed All-Region recognition in 2010 after scoring eight goals and 11 assists as a freshman, helping lead GPC to a national runner-up finish.  Prior to college, the 2009 Gainesville Times Player of the Year racked up 51 goals and 70 assists at West Hall High School in Oakwood, Georgia. 

Don't miss a minute of exciting Kickers Pro action as they kick off their 21st season on Saturday, April 6.  Richmond Kickers season passes offer unbeatable value, VIP benefits and incredibly low prices to all regular season home games. Guaranteed to see at least 14 USL PRO games for the best possible pricing, Kickers games are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable entertainment experience - order now!

Win an Autographed Washington Spirit training tee

Jared Montz of Online Soccer Academy is giving away an Autographed Washington Spirit Jersey training tee. Watch the video with Jared and USWNT and Spirit player Lori Lindsey to find out how you can win!

Lil Dap! Soccer Walking America Making first stop in D.C. Tuesday

Jared Montz, former pro and founder of Online Soccer Academy, has officially started the Soccer Walking America tour! First stop... DC!

Jared will be filming with D.C. United, Washington Spirit, and Lori Lindsay.


Subscribe to VLOG at http:///www.youtube.com/LittleDap

AmeriCorps Works for DC: Cory Chimka

via Serve DC:

Cory Chimka, Program Director for DC SCORES, explains how AmeriCorps members have been critical to DC SCORES' success and what AmeriCorps members can glean from working with DC SCORES. DC SCORES is the largest after-school program in the District of Columbia. They serve more than 1,450 low-income youth at 42 schools, improving physical fitness, developing self-expression, and establishing deep community connections through an innovative model that combines poetry, soccer, and service-learning.

AmeriCorps Works for DC: Cory Chimka from Serve DC on Vimeo.

The Lonely Position - Voodoo Goalkeepers!

By Lloyd Yaxley

For many athletes leading up to a game there are certain things they need to do to physically and mentally prepare.

The physical warm-up is pretty self explanatory - i.e. a basic warm up would be some jogging, stretching, catch some volleys, take a few collapses, collect some crosses, some kicking then maybe take some shots. Then its whistle and game time.

But what about the mental preparation? I know many young players get to the game, stand in goal, and have shots blasted at them before game time. Have they visualized the game? Have they mentally prepared for situations soon to be coming their way?


This week I want to talk about rituals, habits, and superstitions!

I was at the Washington Capitals game last night and had great seats right behind the net. It was great to watch Capitals goalkeeper Braden Holtby in his warm-up and throughout the game. At every stoppage he would spray his water in the air and then watch it as it falls from the sky then he would take a drink! I started looking further into his superstitions this morning and came across "Holtbyisms".

Watching Holtby made me think about myself when I played and the little rituals I had and still do have. So I wanted to delve further into little rituals that many pro goalkeepers have?


Myself, I always put my left socks, cleats and gloves on before the right, my gloves I strap-unstrap then strap again. Water goes in the bottom right of my goal and I would never touch the pk spot before kick-off. For those attending the Washington Spirit games you will get to see some of these little rituals I still do, even as a coach, including at the end of the national anthem stubbing my toe to the ground!

Iker Cassilas, after each goal that his team scores, touches the crossbar and  the jerseys he wears he cuts the sleeves off to make them short!

His Spanish colleague, Liverpool's Pepe Reina, has a list of superstitions starting the night before with a cheese and ham toastie along with a glass of wine. On Game day he goes to the same gas station and puts gas in his car even if it is not needed! At the ground he always parks in bay 39.

On game day Reina Says :
"When I cross the white line I have to do it twice with my right foot. Stepping on, then off and then back on again. For some reason – and probably not a very good one – it helps keep me calm."

"As I get to my goal, I go straight to the right post, bang my studs against it, then touch the crossbar, then bang my studs against the left post, then go back to the middle. Next, I take six steps to the edge of the six-yard box, another six steps to the penalty spot, another six to the edge of the 18-yard box and then do the same thing in reverse" 

He finishes by saying "Anyone who is watching must think i'm crazy, but it works for me!"

I could spend all day finding different goalkeepers' superstitions and there are plenty ranging from Shay Given taking holy water into his goal when he plays for Ireland to David James spitting on the wall before he goes out. In reality I think the last quote from Reina sums it up "it works for me". I'm not by any means saying to play at a higher level you need to have all these crazy rituals. What I am saying is to get to the next level you need to learn how to focus and calm your nerves before a game and become mentally tougher.

Thank you for taking your time to read this; please share any thoughts with me at @GKeepersUnited.


The Lonely Position: Introduction to Lloyd Yaxley

Capital Soccer Classic | U.S. Soccer Foundation

The Inaugural Capital Soccer Classic
Presented by Johnson & Johnson

Wednesday April 24, 2013
 4:00pm - 8:00pm Galludet University - Hotchkiss Field 800 Florida Ave NE Washington, DC 20002

Complete event information: Capital Soccer Classic | U.S. Soccer Foundation

Women's Soccer Star, Ali Krieger, Coming Home

A News4 Video Report:

Ali Krieger made a name for herself playing soccer around the world, but she might soon be playing in our area with a new women's soccer league. News4's Carol Maloney reports.

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.

With Dero suspended, United fall to Houston in MLS season opener

D.C. United opened the 2013 MLS season without their team captain and former league MVP, Dwayne De Rosario. Dero was serving the first game of a two game suspension resulting from a skirmish during United's pre-season match with rivals Philadelphia.

VIDEO: Krieger Has the Spirit

Check out Virginia native and Washington Spirit player Ali Krieger.

via U.S. Soccer YouTube channel

Few U.S. players have played as many professional club matches as Ali Krieger. For five seasons in Germany, she represented FFC Frankfurt, one of the top clubs in Europe and the world. She came back to the USA to play in the new National Women's Soccer League and is looking forward to having those same lessons learned in the highly competitive pro game replicated on U.S. soil so that she, and many other American players, can maximize their potential.

Follow Ali Krieger on Twitter: @AlexBKrieger

More info: http://www.nwslsoccer.com
NWSL
...on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NWSL
...on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NWSL