Virginia Online Soccer News

Altidore and USMNT continue to roll through World Cup Qualifying with 1-0 win over Honduras

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:35:56 PDT

U.S. Men's National team forward Jozy Altidore did something that only five other American players have ever done - scoring a goal in four straight games. The others include William Looby, Eric Wynalda, Brian McBride, Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan (twice). - See more at: ussoccer.com

See the game winning goal by Altidore agianst Honduras, pretty much one of the only highlights of the match for the U.S. squad on a difficult evening in front of a lackluster Utah crowd.

UVA Midfielder Morgan Brian makes USWNT debut

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:54:38 PDT

Morgan Brian Makes US Women’s National Team Debut

Cavalier midfielder earns first cap in 4-1 victory over South Korea

Morgan Brian

FOXBORO, Mass. – Virginia rising junior midfielder Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) made her debut for the United States Women’s National Team in a 4-1 victory over South Korea Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. She became the seventh Virginia player to earn a cap with the full national team when she entered the game as a substitute in the 77th minute.

Brian is only the second Cavalier to make an appearance for the national team while still an active player for Virginia. In 1991, Amanda Cromwell earned her first cap before the start of her senior season.

Former Virginia defender Becky Sauerbrunn (Class of 2007) also played in Saturday’s game, playing the full 90 minutes as she made her 43rd appearance for the United States.

The United States Women’s National Team will return to action on Thursday, June 20, with another friendly against South Korea. That match will be played at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. and will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

VIDEO :: World Cup Qualifier Preview | USMNT vs Honduras

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:44:02 PDT

via MLS

MLSsoccer.com has a full preview of the World Cup Qualifier showdown between USA and Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Documentary :: American Pharaoh: Bob Bradley and the Egyptian Soccer Team, the Inside Story

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:09:30 PDT

via Soura Films

If you are a fan of soccer, this film is a must see. Former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley is the focus of a new documentary:

Bob Bradley

An hour-long documentary by Soura Films, 2013.

In the middle of the Egyptian revolution and in a region where American policies are not welcomed, Bob Bradley takes the job of the Manager of the Egyptian National Soccer Team. The film follows the rebuilding of Egypt towards democracy alongside Bradley's rebuilding of the team and taking Egypt to the World Cup, Brazil 2014.

The unprecedented access and the behind the scenes of Bob and Lindsay Bradley, their personal ups and downs in Egypt, the heated political situation in Egypt, and the unique coverage of the Egyptian team's camps and games, all of this make this film a must see.

Hossam Aboul-Magd, Director | Director of Photography
Charlie Stuart, Executive Producer
Sandy Petrykowski, Producer
Lesley Kubistal, Editor

Watch the Trailer after the break

American Pharaoh: BOB BRADLEY AND THE EGYPTIAN SOCCER TEAM, THE INSIDE STORY from Soura Films on Vimeo.

10 Americans I wish played in MLS

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:56:22 PDT

After watching some of the best American soccer players compete in recent World Cup qualifying matches in front of huge U.S. crowds I couldn't stop myself from daydreaming about the opportunity to see some of them playing on MLS squads.

Here is a list of ten Americans I wish played in MLS. Feel free to leave your top 10 list below in the comments:

Dero hat-trick leads D.C. past Philly, United advance to Quarterfinal of U.S. Open Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:47:41 PDT

Not much has gone right for D.C. United so far in 2013. United are currently in dead last in the MLS Eastern Conference and have only one win the entire season (1-10-3). Last night however former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario gave fans of the Black-and-Red reason to cheer. Dero netted a hat-trick and helped D.C. defeat rival Philadelphia to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Washington D.C. (June 12, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that the club will host the New England Revolution in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md., on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. D.C. United advanced to the quarterfinal round by defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1, courtesy of a Dwayne De Rosario hat trick tonight. New England claimed victory over its fourth-round opponent the New York Red Bulls by a score of 4-2.

This contest will mark the fourth occasion in which the Black-and-Red will face New England in Open Cup competition. In the 2001 semifinals round, D.C. United fell 0-2 to New England. The two sides did not meet again until the 2008 semifinals where United defeated the Revolution 3-1 en route to claiming its second Open Cup title. The third meeting came in 2011, where United was downed 2-3 in second-round qualifying. D.C. United hosted New England in all three prior matches.

The cost of attending the quarterfinal match against the New England Revolution is $20 for general admission and $10 for D.C. United ticket-plan holders with an ID card. Youth ages 16 and under will be able to enter for free with a purchase of an adult ticket (must be one-for-one).

D.C. United has won the U.S. Open Cup twice in its 18-year history. In 1996, D.C. United pulled off the first ‘double’ in League history, winning both MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. The Black-and-Red beat the second division Rochester Raging Rhinos 3-0 in the 1996 Open Cup final, on the strength of goals from Eddie Pope, Jaime Moreno and Raul Diaz Arce. In 2008, United captured its second Open Cup title when it beat the second division Charleston Battery 2-1, with goals from Fred and Luciano Emilio.

The 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup includes a random selection process for determining home teams from the first round through the finals among clubs that have applied to host. The process, decided by a coin flip, gives participating teams with venues meeting tournament standards an equal chance at hosting its possible opponent. In years past, the two semifinal matches and the final were determined through a ‘sealed-bid’ process.

The 2013 tournament features 68 teams, an increase from the 64 that competed last year, marking the largest field in the modern era (1995-present). This year also marks the second-consecutive year in which all U.S.-based Division I, II and III teams will participate in the tournament proper: 16 from Major League Soccer, six from the North American Soccer League and 12 from USL PRO. All Division II clubs and eight of the Division III sides entered the competition in the second round while Division I teams received a bye to the third round.

Soccer Myths: Is 2-0 the Most Dangerous Lead in Soccer?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:47:21 PDT

It is often refereed to as "The most dangerous lead in soccer", 2-0. But is this actually the case? Here is an interesting infographic created by Football Myth Busters (@fbmythbusters) that seemingly proves this myth - false!

Johnson, Altidore lead Americans past Panama into top spot in Hexagonal

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 06:34:21 PDT

Eddie Johnson made the fans of Seattle proud once again, this time scoring for the U.S. Men's National team in front of his MLS home city fans in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying match against previously undefeated Panama. The 40,847 fans at CenturyLink was the seventh largest crowd for a home FIFA World Cup Qualifier and the second largest ever for a U.S. MNT match in the Pacific Northwest.

USA soccer jersey | Centennial 2013 jersey

Eddie Johnson / Jozy Altidore U.S. Soccer Instagram Photo

U.S. Sits atop the group in the Final Round after First Five Games for Second Time in Last Five Cycles
U.S. improves to 3-1-1 in the Hexagonal, including three shutouts
Jozy Altidore Scores in Third Straight Match
U.S. MNT Continues 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on June 18 against Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah; Game Will be Broadcast on ESPN, WatchESPN and UniMas at 7 p.m. MT

Eddie Johnson Goal Jozy Altidore Goal

Video :: Kickers vs Hammerheads Game Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:46:44 PDT

Check out highlights from the match between Richmond and Wilmington this past weekend. The Kickers kept their unbeaten streak in tact with a draw.

Seattle artist Art Chantry designs custom U.S. Soccer poster

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:30:52 PDT

SEATTLE (June 9, 2013) - Local Seattle artist Art Chantry has designed a game-specific poster for the U.S. Men's National Team's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Panama on June 11 at CenturyLink Field.

U.S. Soccer Poster by Art Chantry

Chantry is a graphic designer based in the Northwest whose lo-fi, high contrast designs have been used by famous rock bands such as Nirvana, Hole, Gang of Four and several others. His low-tech design approach has also been showcased at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum of Modern Art, the Seattle Art Museum, the Smithsonian and the Louvre.

The limited-edition poster will be available for purchase at the U.S. Soccer Pep Rally at Cinerama on Monday night (door open at 7:30 p.m.) and on ussoccerstore.com. There will also be a limited number of posters signed by Chantry for sale only on ussoccerstore.com.

"Having seldom executed 'sports' posters before, I realized that there was little I could do to actually compete against the standards within the genre of sports graphics," said Chantry. "So, I decided to treat the idea of a sports poster as if it were a grunge rock gig poster. All the graphic elements in the poster carry along that aged, worn feel along with a casual disregard for formal restraints."

Chantry utilized the dynamic movement of a soccer player in motion to capture a design that is literally throwing itself off the frame of the poster's edge.

"I captured that moment of impact between the kicking foot and the flying ball," said Chantry. "That split second when the world stops mid-motion, when you don't know which way it's all going to go. It can fly directly into the goal, or it can fall off the poster entirely."

Kickers draw Hamerheads, 1-1

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:57:14 PDT

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers kept their unbeaten streak alive, battling the Wilmington Hammerheads to a 1-1 draw Saturday night on a pair of second half goals in rapid fire succession. Scoreless through the first half, the Kickers broke the ice on a Philippe Davies strike in the 78^th minute before conceding a Steven Perry goal thirty seconds later.

In a defensive battle riddled with set pieces, the Kickers nearly capitalized on a free kick in the 12^th minute. Dangerously positioned near the top of the 18, midfielder Nate Robinson drilled a determined strike on target, forcing Hammerheads goalkeeper Troy Hernandez to leap to tip it over the bar.

The Hammerheads retaliated ten minutes later when they stripped the ball deep on the right wing and played it back to midfielder Will Heaney who rifled a distance shot that was deflected just wide of the left post.

Later, Kickers midfielder Stanley Nyazamba carried the ball deep into Hammerheads territory before serving a cross into the box from the right edge. The ball deflected to Michael Seaton at the far post but his header skimmed just over the crossbar.

With 10 minutes remaining in the half, Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra distributed the ball to Seaton at the 20 yard line who latched onto it, beat his defender to midfield and was off to the races on a breakaway. Hammerheads defenders caught up to the speedy forward at the top of the box and under pressure, Seaton misfired a back heel pass. Recovering the loose ball, he ended up sandwiched between defenders and was taken down inches from the 18 yard line. Nyazamba lined up the resulting free kick but his low shot was stifled through traffic and smothered by Hernandez.

The stop-and-go-play continued after the restart as free kicks and corners consumed much of the early going. After Heaney put Dykstra’s acrobatics to the test with a low driven shot to the far post in the 53^rd minute, Kickers midfielder Juan Arbelaez carried the ball down the right wing and fired a rising shot that soared just over the woodwork.

The Kickers skied another golden opportunity in the 70^th minute when midfielder Joseph Ngwenya collected the ball at the right edge of the box and played a square pass to Joseph Haboush but the rookie midfielder’s one-time volley glanced just over the crossbar.

Entering the match just four minutes earlier, Davies broke the deadlock in the 78^th minute. Receiving the ball from Michael Callahan on the right wing, he unleashed a 25-yard laser to the upper 90 to give the home side a short-lived lead.

The celebrations were fleeting as Wilmington immediately leveled the score on the restart when Daniel Roberts charged down the field and fed a through ball to Perry who turned his mark and buried the equalizer from point blank range.

The match opened up with 10 minutes remaining as both teams searched for the game-winner. Weathering a flurry of activity, Dykstra made one last save in stoppage time when Perry broke through and collided with him but the stalwart goalkeeper held his ground to preserve the draw.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium next Friday, June 14 to host Antigua Barracuda FC at 7:00 p.m. and the third annual Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award will be presented to a youth soccer player during halftime. The Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award was established to honor Kickers youth player, Avery Spence, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident on May 1, 2011. In honor of Avery’s #7 jersey, admission to the Kickers pro game will be $7.00 per person, in advance at RichmondKickers.com.

Box Score First Half Second Half Final

Richmond 0 1 1

Wilmington 0 1 1

Scoring Summary

78^th minute: Richmond: Philippe Davies (Michael Callahan)

79^th minute: Wilmington: Steven Perry (Daniel Roberts)

Lineups

Kickers: GK Andrew Dykstra, William Yomby, Luke Vercollone, Shane Johnson, Juan Arbelaez (Sascha Görres – 83’), Mike Callahan (David Bulow – 86’), Joseph Ngwenya (Philippe Davies – 74’), Stanley Nyazamba (Joseph Haboush – 60’), Nate Robinson, Jason Yeisley, Michael Seaton (Matthew Delicate – 60’)

Hammerheads: GK Troy Hernandez, Shawn Nicklaw, Gareth Evans, Mikey Daley, Shaun Utterson (Christian Davison – 73’), Will Heaney (Mark Briggs – 67’), Daniel Roberts, Paul Nicholson, Aaron Patrick (Bryce Taylor – 59’), Cory Elenio (Uriah Bentick – 83’), Kyle Greig (Steven Perry – 71’)

Shots Saves Fouls Corners

Hammerheads: 4 Hammerheads: 3 Hammerheads: 8 Hammerheads: 5

Kickers: 11 Kickers: 1 Kickers: 9 Kickers: 2

Cautions:

None.

Ejections:

None.

Referee: Jeff Davis

Assistant Referees: Matthew Nelson, James Conlee

Fourth Official: Chris Scheve

Attendance: 2,467

Weather: Sunny, 84º

Video :: USMNT Steal 3 Points in Extra Time against Jamaica

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:53:07 PDT

A goal from U.S. defender Brad Evens in extra time was exactly what the Americans needed to get three important points in World Cup qualifying play.

via U.S. Soccer

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:20:57 PDT

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014

If you are looking for an alternative video game to the popular FIFA series you may want to check out Pro Evolution Soccer 2014.

via IGN Review:

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 springs to life on the Fox Engine. Check out all the latest details as Konami provides more details for the latest iteration of PES.

Three Day U.S. Soccer Combine coming to D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:42:56 PDT

U.S. Soccer announced today plans to help uncover more youth soccer talent by bringing their Training Center Program to seven U.S. cities.

The 2013 U.S. Soccer local combine is scheduled to come to the D.C. area July 8-10.

Complete Details After the Break:

CHICAGO (June 7, 2013) - U.S. Soccer's successful Training Center Program will be getting a makeover this summer as U.S. Soccer and Nike are partnering to enhance the nation's premier player identification program.

The expanded Training Center Program will consist of three types of invitational events for elite youth players: Sessions, Local Combines and a National Combine. In an effort to reduce the barriers for the best players to represent the national teams, all Training Center events are free for players.
"The Training Center Program provides our scouting network with more opportunities to evaluate and track the country's most talented players," said Director of Scouting Tony Lepore. "Since we launched the program in 2008, our youth national team scouts have worked with youth clubs, associations, ODP programs and other soccer leaders to identify the best local players who should be invited into a session. Performance at these sessions has opened doors at the collegiate, Academy, Youth National Team and professional level for many players."

Training Center Sessions are held regularly across the country and involve 25 players in an age group participating in one training session run by a member of U.S. Soccer's Scouting Network. In 2012, U.S. Soccer held over 200 sessions for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18, providing over 6,000 opportunities for players to be seen directly by U.S. Soccer scouts.

Training Center Local Combines are a new addition to the Training Center Program. Each Local Combine includes five training sessions conducted by a member of U.S. Soccer's Scouting Network over three days for the 36 most talented players in a local area. Players spend the day with U.S. Soccer staff, participating in training sessions and classroom sessions similar to a Youth National Team camp. In 2013, Local Combines are focused on boys between the ages of 15 and 17.

2013 Schedule of U.S. Soccer Local Combines
Los Angeles Combine - Jun. 7-9 at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center (Carson, Calif.)
Chicago Combine - Jun. 10-11 at Olympic Park (Schaumburg, Ill.)
Dallas Combine - Jun. 14-16 at Ross Stewart Park (Dallas, Texas)
Philadelphia Combine - Jun. 14-16 at YSC (King of Prussia, Pa.)
NY/NJ Combine - Jul. 5-7 at Rutgers University (New Brunswick, N.J.)
Washington, DC Combine - Jul. 8-10 at SAC United Covenant Park (Elliott City, Md.)
San Francisco Combine - Details to come

The National Combine is a premier opportunity for the nation's top 60 high school age boys to be evaluated by National Team staff and leading scouts from around the country. The five-day National Combine will be held at Nike's World Headquarters in Portland, Ore., with a format similar to a Youth National Team camp.

Players will be selected for the National Combine based on performance in Youth National Team camps, Training Center Sessions, Training Center Local Combines, Development Academy games and other events attended by U.S. Soccer's vast scouting network.

Select coaches will also be invited to attend a U.S. Soccer Scout Development Course to be held in conjunction with the National Combine. Coaches will attend lectures from leading youth scouts, participate in working groups and assist with the National Combine.

You can follow this summer's Training Center Program activity on ussoccer.com, the YNT Twitter, YNT Facebook page and Scout, U.S. Soccer's new digital magazine dedicated to covering elite youth soccer. The digital magazine is available to download for free on iTunes (download here).

About the Training Center Program
Launched in 2008, the Training Center Program is designed to increase the amount of youth players evaluated directly by U.S. Soccer technical staff. U.S. Soccer staff work closely with local coaches to identify the best local players and invite them to participate in a local training session conducted by members of U.S. Soccer's scouting network. Participation in the Training Center Program is free for the players, enabling the best players to attend the session regardless of club affiliation or financial background. Previous performances at a Training Center Session have led directly to invites into Youth National Team camps.

About U.S. Soccer's Scouting Network
U.S. Soccer centralized its scouting networks for the boy's and girl's youth national teams overseen by Tony Lepore (boys) and April Kater (girls). The network includes over 100 scouts trained in U.S. Soccer's standardized player evaluation process. Scouts assist with Youth National teams, Training Center Program and Development Academy evaluations as well as evaluate key events, such as ODP tournaments, Dallas Cup, Surf Cup, Disney Showcase and many other elite tournaments. Scouts also work closely with local organizations, particularly in urban areas to identify players outside of the elite youth clubs.

Video :: U.S. Men vs. Jamaica: Game Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:34:26 PDT

via MLS

Simon Borg and Jason Saghini of MLSSoccer.com discuss the upcoming World Cup qualifying match between the United States and Jamaica.

NOVA Field House Announces Open Play Soccer

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:10:34 PDT

NOVA Field House in Chantilly, VA has begun an open play soccer program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10pm-12am.

NOVA Field House - Chantilly, VA

Other offerings at NOVA Field House include women's over 40 indoor soccer league, Friday Nights 8:00-10:00pm.

Lancers Women's Soccer Announce 2013 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:20:29 PDT

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University 20th-year women’s soccer head coach Todd Dyer ‘93 has announced his upcoming 2013 Schedule that features six Big South Conference home matches among the 11 league contests, as well as a visit to the Athletics Complex in Farmville by in-state opponent James Madison University. The Lancers finished 2012 with an overall record of 13-6-2, including 8-2-1 in its first season as members of the Big South, and were 8-1-1 at home where the program is 48-15-3 since beginning competition at the facility in 2006. Longwood is 41-14-2 at the Athletics Complex since attaining its NCAA Division I certification and eligibility for 2007. The Lancers will play a preseason exhibition match at home against Appalachian State University on Saturday, August 17 at 1 p.m. The regular season opener is on the road at North Carolina State University of the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sunday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“This is by far the most challenging schedule we've ever faced and that's exactly the way we want it,” said Dyer. “For our program to continue moving forward, it is an absolute must that we keep raising the bar as it relates to the level of competition we measure ourselves against. We've done that with this schedule and we all embrace this opportunity and are eager to get to work.”

Big South Conference home matches include Coastal Carolina (September 25, 7 p.m.), in-state rival Radford University (October 5, 7 p.m.), High Point University (October 9, 7 p.m.), Charleston Southern University (October 19, 2 p.m.), Campbell University (October 23, 7 p.m.) and in-state rival Liberty University (October 29, 7 p.m.). Big South road contests include Winthrop University (September 28, 1 p.m.), in-state rival VMI (October 2, 4 p.m.), Gardner-Webb University (October 12, 2 p.m.), Presbyterian College (October 16, 7 p.m.) and UNC Asheville (October 26, 1 p.m.). The Big South Women’s Soccer Championship will include quarterfinal matches at the higher seeds among the top eight teams on November 2, followed by semifinal matches on November 8 and the championship contest on November 10 to be hosted by Coastal Carolina in Conway, South Carolina.

“I don't think we snuck up on anyone last year, but this year everyone in the Big South knows more of what to expect when they face our Longwood team and I'm sure they'll all be very prepared for us,” explained Dyer. “On that same note, we haven't won anything in this league yet, so we're extremely motivated to see what we can accomplish throughout the regular season and post-season tournament. We have tremendous respect for all of our Big South opponents, especially those programs that have earned championships in the past, and until we can add that label to our own resume, we have tons of work to do.”

Longwood’s non-conference home opponents include Howard University (August 27, 7 p.m.) and James Madison (September 22, 7 p.m.). Other road contests include Saint Joseph’s University (September 6, 7 p.m.) and Drexel University (September 8, 12 p.m.), as well as the team’s participation in a tournament hosted by UNC Wilmington that includes matches against Elon University (September 13, 5 p.m.) and the host Seahawks (September 15, 2:30 p.m.).

“N.C. State from the ACC … JMU, UNCW and Drexel from the CAA … St. Joe's and Richmond from the A-10 … need I say more?” added Dyer. “On top of that, we face a strong Elon program at a neutral site and Howard is always a very organized, athletic and stubborn opponent that we get to play at home this year. All in all, this is the toughest non-conference schedule we've ever faced and it's purpose is to better prepare us for league and tournament play. I have no doubt we'll be battle tested once we've navigated our way through the entire 2013 schedule and I'm excited to see where that leads us when all is said and done.”

Longwood returns five starters among 20 letterwinners from a year ago, and has added seven freshmen to the roster for 2013. Coach Dyer has an overall record of 206-125-22 (.615) as the program's only head coach, including 15 winning seasons.

Video :: Is soccer headgear effective in protecting athletes against concussions?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:26:19 PDT

Unless you have been living on the moon the past 5-6 years, you surely have heard plenty of debate and discussion regarding concussions in sports. Particular attention has been given to concussion awareness training in recent years in hopes of better education coaches, parents, and players.

In the following video, Tad Seifert, M.D., answers the question, "Is soccer headgear effective in protecting athletes against concussion?"

Some MLS players who currently wear some sort of protective headgear include, Daniel Woolard (D.C. United), Carlos Valdez (Philadelphia Union), and Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids).

DC defender to don headgear after 2012 concussion issue

UVA's Morgan Brian gets USWNT call up

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:42:07 PDT

Morgan Brian

CHICAGO – Virginia junior midfielder Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) received her first call-up to the United States Women’s National Team as head coach Tom Sermanni announced a 23-player roster for two upcoming friendlies on Wednesday. Brian, a veteran of US youth national teams, is one of just two active college players named to the roster.

The United States will play a pair of games against South Korea over the next two weeks, on June 15 in Foxboro, Mass., and on June 20 in Harrison, N.J. Eighteen players from the 23-player training camp roster will dress for each game, and if selected, Brian could earn her first cap with the national team.

The roster also includes former Cavalier defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who currently plays professionally for FC Kansas City. Crystal Dunn of North Carolina was the only other collegiate player invited to the camp.

Brian had a strong sophomore season in 2012 after missing the first nine games of the year while starring for the United States squad that captured the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup championship in Japan. Upon her return she had four goals and seven assists, earning first-team All-ACC and NSCAA Southeast Region accolades. She had three goals and three assists in the ACC Tournament, leading the Cavaliers to the championship and earning ACC Tournament MVP honors.

If Brian makes her debut against South Korea, she would be the seventh Virginia player to play for the full national team.

Follow Morgan Brian on Twitter: @moeebrian

Video :: USA vs Mexico Soccer Rivalry, Featuring Alexi Lalas

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:09:16 PDT

This is a great short video, featuring former USMNT player and current soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, recapping the rivalry between the United States and Mexico.

Check out: Mexico vs USA Rivalry Essay Feature from Pipa on Vimeo.

Custom Nike Cortez iD 'VASoccerNews.com' Editon

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:03:42 PDT

Here is our take on a throwback pair of Nike Cortez with VASoccerNews.com branding and style.

Back view of VASoccerNews.com Nike Cortez iD

VA Soccer News Nike Cortez iD Poster

Check out the
Nike Cortez iD
I designed at NIKEiD.com

Custom Adidas Samba 'VA Soccer' Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:02:36 PDT

If you follow VA Soccer News on Instagram (click here to follow) you more than likely have noticed an affinity for Adidas brand soccer gear as well as the best non-cleat soccer shoe ever invented - the adidas Samba Classic Soccer Shoe

Well here is our custom designed 'VA Soccer' (- News due to character limits) Adidas Samba. What do you think? Would you buy a pair? Have a design in mind you think is better, head over to adidas.com, customize a pair with your favorite design scheme, and share it with us here in the comments section

check out the
mi Samba
I just customised at miadidas.com

Customize Your Own

Hey Parents.....Your kid sucks

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:21:28 PDT

This is a blog post from a youth baseball coach however the "suggestions and solutions" recommended by the blogger, Colin Young, are a perfect fit for travel soccer as well. At least, from my perspective coaching travel soccer.

Anyway, check it out and let us know what you think, do you agree with Colin Young?

Baseball Perspective: Hey Parents.....Your kid sucks: Now that I have your attention, I must qualify that it is not the child's fault that he is terrible at (enter sport). It has every...

U.S. Withstand Second Half Surge from Germany, get 4-3 Victory at RFK

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:55:37 PDT

U.S. vs Germany, 6/02/2013 - photo credit: Chris Wimmer

By: Chris Wimmer

RKF Stadium was host to another exciting U.S. Men's National Team match this past weekend as part of the U.S. Soccer centennial celebrations. U.S.A. hosted Germany in an international friendly and more than 47,000 fans packed RFK to witness a goal scoring frenzy that saw the USMNT up 2-0 within the first twenty minutes of the match.

Marc-André ter Stegen
photo credit: Chris Wimmer

In what could only be described as a goalkeeper's worst nightmare, German netminder Marc-André ter Stegen allowed an own goal (see it here) on a seemingly simple passback from his defender gifting the Americans a 2-0 lead early in the first half. To make matters worse for Stegen, minutes later Jozy Altidore of the U.S. had possession of the ball at the center circle of the field and flighted a ball over Stegen's head - causing the German keeper to take a tumble while attempting to back peddle in order to make a play. Although the shot by Altidore sailed over the net, the American fans let loose with a loud chorus of boos and jeers directed at Stegen.

VA Soccer News spoke to D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid after the match to get his thoughts on the troubled first half the 21-year-old Marc-André ter Stegen:

Hamid discusses poor start by Stegen

Tim Howard who some may say is the best ever U.S. goalkeeper also spoke to VA Soccer News about the struggles of Stegen and what goalkeepers do to stay in the game mentally:

Howard on Stegen

Germany came out swinging to begin the second half and quickly cut the American lead to 2-1 but U.S. superstar and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder (12 goals/43 appearances) Clint Dempsey struck with a vengeance, scoring two goals just five minutes apart (60', 65'). The Dempsey brace put the USMNT up 4-1 and RFK was louder than it had been in at least a decade as the American supporters began chanting wildly and had the temporary stands bouncing up-and-down.

A three goal lead, at home, against a not-so-full strength German club, in the second half of play should have been all that was needed to put the game away but the U.S. players seemingly checked out mentally and allowed the Germans to claw their way back to within one goal, 4-3.

The final 10-15 minutes saw Klinsman's squad struggling to hold on for the win, which they did, despite exposing the porous back line yet again. Maybe the U.S. should follow in the footsteps of American Football and hire a Defensive Coordinator to help shore up the suspect defense...just an idea.

Overall the international friendly surely pleased the mostly American contingent of fans with the amount of goals scored, drama, and patriotism that where all in full bloom to kick off the summer and celebrate the first 100 years of U.S. Soccer. Oh, and RFK had what may be one of it's final shining moments as host of another great sporting event.

photo credit: Chris Wimmer

Groundbreaking Date Set for Virginia Cavalry FC Ballpark

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Wimmer) — Thu, 30 May 2013 04:19:20 PDT

Dulles, VA – May 29, 2013 – VIP Sports & Entertainment, owner and operator of Loudoun Hounds Professional Baseball Club, Virginia Cavalry FC as well as the Ashburn-based ballpark in which they will play, continues its aggressive strategy to bring affordable family entertainment to Northern Virginia in 2014. Building on last month's approval by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, VIP S&E is now prepared to make multiple significant announcements regarding the organization.

The sports and entertainment firm has set the Official Groundbreaking Ceremony for Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the construction site on the immediate southwest corner of the Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway interchange. The invitation-only groundbreaking will signify the official start of the ballpark's construction and the culmination of an 11-year journey to bring professional sports and entertainment to Loudoun County.

"This is a long-overdue moment in the history of VIP Sports & Entertainment and beginning construction on the Ballpark at One Loudoun is another major milestone for the organization," said Bob Farren, founding President and CEO of VIP S&E. "We are now within sight of the finish line: Opening Day in 2014. I am thankful to our many wonderful business partners, our civic leaders and most importantly our legions of excited fans for making this sports landmark a reality in Loudoun."

Building on the growing anticipation for professional baseball coming in 2014, the second Hounds FanFest, presented by Edelman Financial Services, Ted Britt Ford, Belfort Furniture and Toll Brothers, will be held July 21, 2013, at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn. Extensive planning for this year's expanded event is already underway and will be the follow-up extravaganza to Hounds Inaugural FanFest, which attracted nearly 10,000 spectators.

More information on these announcements is available via the Hounds' and Cavalry FC's websites at LoudounHounds.com and VirginiaCavalry.com. The sports franchises maintain a very active social media presence at its various sites Facebook.com/HoundsBaseball, Twitter.com/LoudounHounds, Facebook.com/VirginiaCavalry, Twitter.com/CavalryFC among other outlets.