Sonoma County Sol

Boone Scores Twice, Sol Puts On Clinic In Preseason Opener

The first official scrimmage for the 2009 Sonoma County Sol ended very well. The Sol faced Santa Rosa JC on Friday afternoon at the SSU’s practice fields. After a slow start the Sol started off the scoring midway into the first of three 30-minute periods. It was center back, Doug Carr, who scored first with a shot from 20 yards out. The shot had too much pace for the SRJC keeper to knock away.

Most of the play in the first 30-minute period was back and forth with a few opportunities from both sides. In the first period Steve Browne struck second with a deep shot from 25 yards out. Brandon Boone later added a header goal off of a cross to the far post from Mike Nicol.
In the second period the Sol picked up their play and began to take over the game. The Sol had great success keeping the ball and fitness seemed to be a factor for SRJC. As the game wore on the Sol was able to control more of the ball possession. In the second period the goals continued to the come as Miguel Santoyo and Eric Larson each scored.

In the final period there were some substitutions made for the Sol but the dominant play continued on. There were some great combinations through the midfield and the front line over the last two periods. The back line was also solid and composed in ball possession for the Sol. In the last period Brandon Boone would add a final goal for the Sol with a rip to the upper post. SRJC would also find the net twice over the course of the game.
The final whistle ended the game in a 6-2 victory for the Sonoma County Sol. Coach Ben Ziemer was quite pleased stating, “This was a good start to the season but we still have a long way to go in order to accomplish our goals. We have a month to prepare for a deep run in the Open Cup and that is our immediate focus.” The match was good start for the Sol and they will be back in action on Wednesday, April 22, as they take on the San Francisco Seals at Contra Costa College.
(Courtesy of www.SonomaCountySol.com)

For More Information On The Sol, Visit... www.SonomaCountySol.com

 

Sonoma County Sol fans can now buy there 2009 NPSL Season Tickets or Donate Online. Visit www.SonomaCountySol.com for more information.

 

Sonoma County Sol wins 1-0 in an friendly against Sonoma State University. Sluggish play on both teams as SSU had played an earlier spring match that day against St. Mary's and the Sol having played in an 7v7 tournament down at SF State the day before.

Sol had mixed up the lineups. Some decent attacks, but not their best game. But with a mediocre performance, Sol still manages to get a victory in their last preseason match.

Goal scorer: Tyler Hurst

 

Sonoma County Sol Wins Season Opener Against Lamorinda United SC

The Sonoma County Sol began their season in good form as they defeated Lamorinda United SC 2-0 under the lights Saturday night at Ernie Nevers stadium in Santa Rosa. A damp field contributed to a fast paced game against two well-matched sides.
The Sol started the game with some early opportunities but could not capitalize. For much of the first half, the game was back and forth, and Lamorinda stepped to pressure the Sol as they tried to build out of the back. Most of the half was played in the middle third as each team tried to break through to create their chances. Lamorinda had a great opportunity midway through the first half when they broke through the Sol backline. The attempted chip was sent wide as Sol keeper Juan Sosa came out to contest.
But it was the Sol who would score first just before the half was over. As Lamorinda was attempting to build from their backline the Sol pressured and forced a steal. Left wing Eric Lafon found the ball and got to the end line where he whipped in a perfect cross. Brandon Boone was there to head the ball to the far post, as the Sol got on the board in the 43rd minute.
In the second half, the game really opened up for both teams. The Sol made several substitutions and had a lot of success in the attacking third. Trevor Hurst got through the Lamorinda backline on several occasions, hitting the far post on one shot. Shawn Percell also had a nice opportunity as he hit the post while sliding in for a cross from the right side. But the insurance goal came in the 78th minute as Tim Maycock sent an early cross in which Miguel Santoya laid off with his first touch. Ross Middlemiss came through from the top of the box and sent the ball to the upper left post insuring the victory for the Sol.
The Sol will be back in action next week as they take on Real San Jose in Santa Rosa at 4:00PM. The game will be on Mother’s Day and the Sol will be hosting a barbecue for all following the game. All moms are encouraged to attend!

Sonoma County Sol – JC Sosa, Norm (Mike Nikol 87), Scott Preckwinkle, Adam Shields, Nathan Medina (Lee Sandwina 75), Tyler Hurt (Tim Maycock 71), Chris Daly (Miguel Santoyo 65), Eric Larson, Steven Browne (Shawn Percell 55), Eric Lafon (Trevor Hurst 81), Brandon Boone (Ross Middlemiss 55)

Score Sheet : Sol: Brandon Boone (Eric Lafon) – 43
Sol: Ross Middlemiss (Tim Maycock, Miguel Santoyo) - 78

Game quotes:
Sol’s Head Coach Ben Ziemer: “I am pleased with the boys performance tonight against a highly skilled and probably one of the better talents (Lamorinda United SC) in the league. We were able to showcase our deep and very talented team to the public and I doubt they were disappointed. This was a good step toward our preparation for the Open Cup in a few weeks, which is our immediate concern. “

Brandon Boone On His Goal Scored: “We put pressure on an indecisive defense and we were able to spread the ball wide to Lafon who put in a great effort to get the cross off, so I made sure I was there on the end to receive it. Only seems right!”

Shawn Percell On The Team’s Performance: “ I felt we played great considering the fast pace of the wet turf and our lack of training on this type of ground. We have so much depth that I don’t think anyone can compete with us for 90 minutes!”
(Eric Larson/Courtesy of www.SonomaCountySol.com)

 

Sol wins 3-1 against Real San Jose played in Santa Rosa, CA. Goals by Steven Browne, Chris Daly, Trevor Hurst. Assists by Eric Lafon (2), Adam Shields...

Check out Sonoma County Sol's website for a more in depth recap on the game... www.SonomaCountySol.com

 

Sonoma County Sol win the 2009 USASA US Open Cup IV Regional Qualification Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona...They will now move on to the next round of the Open Cup. They have also qualified for the USASA National Amateur Final Four held in Florida in late July.

Go Sol!

 

Sol tie Salinas Samba 1-1 in sluggish match for the Sol. Eric Lafon scores off Trevor Hurst cross for the only Sol goal of the match.

Sol look to regroup for Sunday's rematch against Samba played in Salinas, California at the Samba's home stadium.

 

Sol Extinguishes Fuego In Southern Oregon 3-1

After a long drive from Sonoma County the Sol team emerges to thunder and lightning in Medford, Oregon to take on the Fuego. Right from the start of the match the Sol came out strong, dominating play in the midfield and shutting down any attack the Fuego attempted. Sol found the net just ten minutes in when Trevor Hurst received a good ball into his feet, beating several players before striking the ball with his left inside the post just before Fuego’s keeper Brook Johnson could get to it. For the better part of the first half the Fuego seemed content to sit back and allow the Sol to knock the ball around in the back, allowing Sol to control the tempo of the match and the majority of possession.
Seventeen minutes into the first half the Fuego had their best opportunity of the first half on a cross from the left side, but Sol first half goalkeeper Tim Maycock punched the ball clear from danger. “I probably could have caught it but I wasn’t taking any chances” Maycock said at halftime. Just five minutes later Sol found the net a second time. Trevor Hurst received a ball and turned on his defender, taking the ball past him before getting to the end line and laying a nice ball back to his older brother Tyler Hurst for a good shot far post past Johnson to make the score 2-0.
With ten minutes left in the half Lee Summerscales of Cambridge, England and recent addition to the Sol line-up hit a self proclaimed “brilliant” ball to forward Brandon Boone who beat two men across the top of the keeper’s box and smashed a shot past Johnson for a 3-0 lead. “When I got the ball and saw the open net I knew I would bury it” Boone later said of his goal. The Sol defense and keeper Tim Maycock held strong through the rest of the first half and the team headed into halftime confident.
At halftime Sol made a few substitutions, replacing the center-midfielders and putting in goalkeeper Corey Cruz. The game changed in the second half. While Sol still controlled much of the possession, the Fuego no longer sat back and conceded control of the tempo. Fuego’s high-pressure defense forced more turnovers from the Sol and resulted in more chances. The match got more physical as both teams fought hard for every loose ball. Miguel Santoyo and Chris Daly, two of the halftime substitutions, were among those fighting hardest to ensure a Sol victory. “I was just trying to get myself going” Santoyo said of his efforts.
Fuego made many substitutions throughout the second half, seemingly bringing on stronger players as the perfectly placed ball in behind the Sol defense to an onrushing forward. Adam Shields of the Sol caught the Fuego player just as he was shooting and made what seemed like a legal tackle but the referee’s angle from behind the play made it a hard decision and he awarded a penalty kick. Fuego’s Taka stepped up to take the PK, hitting it hard into the upper right corner and past Cruz, bringing the score to 3-1. Shields received a yellow card for dissent after arguing his case with the referee.
The goal re-energized the Fuego for the final ten minutes but their efforts did not take them any closer to catching the Sol. The game ended 3-1, maintaining the incredibly impressive defensive efforts of the Sol whom has a goal against average well under a goal per game. Sol remains the only team without a loss and this victory improves the strong Sonoma County team to an overall record to 7-0-2. With the job done and a game back in Hayward, California in just seventeen hours the Sol has a quick meal and piles back into the team van and the Hurst mobile home for a seven-hour drive home. Head Coach of the Sol Benjamin Ziemer commented on his way to the vans that “the win is satisfying but the most important thing to focus on is getting the team back home and properly prepared for tomorrow’s game.”
The Sol looks to continue its unbeaten streak Sunday against Bay Area Ambassadors at 3:00pm at Hayward’s Chabot College.
(Article by Lee Sandwina, Courtesy of www.SonomaCountySol.com)

 

Sol win 5-2 against weaker PDL side Orange County Blue Stars in the 1st Round of Lamar Hunt US Open Cup....They proceed to the 2nd round and will be hosting Portland Timbers!!!

 

Order tickets to the 2nd Round of the US Open Cup played on Tuesday July 16th @ 7PM between Sonoma County Sol and Portland Timbers

visit www.SonomaCountySol.com for details and to order match tickets

 

Sonoma County Sol earn another victory in their win over South Oregon Fuego in the Western Division Semi's. 4-1 .Goals scored by Trevor Hurst, Brandon Boone(x2), and new comer Andrew Bailey. Assists by Trevor Hurst, Tyler Hurst, Shawn Percell, Eric Lafon

 

Sonoma County Sol 2010

SOL GEARING UP: NEW FACES AND ANOTHER GREAT SEASON
by Lee Sandwina

ACADEMY UPDATE
Sol will embark on its seventh season with higher goals than ever before. The program has expanded to incorporate a youth program that will feed directly into the Sol Premier Team. Top youth players all around the North Bay now drive to Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa for training and the chance to play for the Premier team. Experienced coaches have open and age integrated training sessions in which a player's skill determines his level in the club. Head Coach Benjamin Ziemer includes talented players as young as sixteen to train and possibly play with the Premier Team.
This system, a hierarchy of talent and age, was developed and perfected in Europe so any player good enough to rise through the ranks may do so. Each MLS team has a reserve squad from which they can draw players at any given time, but they lack a club system that would aid in the progress of younger generations. The other professional league in the United States, the USL, does not even have a reserve team system. This limits the club and players to single-coach and single-team development rather than a whole system of educators. Players looking for a chance to showcase their talent at their top possible level usually have to wait until college. Sol's implementation of the European system means players can expect more exposure, recognition, expert coaching and the support of a great community early enough in their career to make a meaningful difference.
But Sol's support extends even further, beyond the soccer field and into the classroom. All players in school are expected to keep grades high enough to participate in the program. An option may soon exist for youth players struggling with school to get academic help from Premier team members who are in college or have graduated. This is an elite team with the highest goals for its participants, fans, and community. Soccer has brought together entire nations, and now it will bring together Sonoma County and the North Bay with FC Sol.

PREMIER TEAM, FC SOL
Sonoma County Sol fought hard last year to achieve the lofty goal of “National Champions” and their efforts paid off. Six Sol players from last season now play professionally all over the world. Young stars will be recognized out of the Sol Academy to become FC Sol players, starters, and one day maybe even “Former Sol Player in the Pros.” The history of the program dictates that players every year find their foothold in the professional world of soccer because of Sol. Who will it be this year?
Sol returns thirteen player from 2009 for this 2010 campaign. Head Coach Benjamin Ziemer said he expects the team to compete at the highest level, and has expectations for further success in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the USASA National Championship and once again the NPSL National Championship. New faces will gain starting positions and a younger squad will be expected to uphold the tradition of success. This, undoubtedly, will be an exciting season!

SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS
Sonoma County Sol is a non-profit organization that hinges its success upon the support of our community. Head Coach Benjamin Ziemer donated his salary the past three seasons to the team in a show of good faith for all those involved. The players themselves are responsible for contributing six hundred dollars of their own, which can be supplemented through sponsorships, ticket sales and donations.
This team represents the talent not only of Sonoma County, but the North Bay, and could use your help and support. Sponsorship information can be found at the top right of the Home Page, donation information can be found at left of the Home Page, and any questions can be directed to Carolyn Daly at (707) 319-7759 or Lee Sandwina at (707) 322-4579. Remember, every bit helps.

Become a Part of Sol's incredible Success Story! Your Support Carries on the Legacy of Excellence!

 

Sonoma County Sol 2010

Season Of Champions


The 2009 Sonoma County Sol season could not have been much more successful then it was. The 2009 season started off at a very low point. The team found its self with no board, and no direction of how to save the team. Thankfully Coach Benjamin Ziemer, newfound President Carolyn Daly and 5 of the Sonoma County Sol players stepped up to form a Board and put together what was soon to be an amazing season.

The 2009 Sol season started much later then it had in the past seasons and Coach Ziemer was well aware of this. With the season right around the corner, a lot of money to fund raise and not a lot of time to get it all done, the Sol started to put in the work. All the players right from the beginning were committed and excited to get things rolling. The Sol put in 3 trainings a week, and right from the start you could tell the team was going to be strong. The 2009 team consisted of many of the same players as the successful 2008 team, while bringing in a few key components to help round out a fantastic squad. With such a great team of players you would think that the sol had looked all across California for they're talent, however that wasn't the case. 95 percent of the 2009 team consisted of players who either played club growing up in Sonoma County or went to a College in Sonoma County where they played for their school. The season started with a very talented group of young men.

The Sol opened up their season about as nicely as they could winning they're first 2 league games. Following those 2 games the Sol then embarked on a journey to Arizona for the USASA Regional Tournament. With the Sol tight on funds they reached out to another Sonoma County Alum Matt Bernard, who generously put up all 18 players and 2 coaches for the weekend tournament. Although this wasn't the ideal way to travel, sleeping on living room and dinning room floors and showering by just jumping into the pool, it was an amazing bonding experience and a great way for the Sol to really get to know each other. The team although faced with accommodation issues, had no issues on the field where they took care of business on the weekend. Winning the tournament, it assured them a birth in the prestigious tournament The Lamar Hunt Open Cup, and also sent them to Florida at the end of the year for the USASA National Championship. After a fun, but extremely long bus trip home from Arizona the Sol got back to business in they're league play. Going 5-0-1 in their next 6 games with one of those wins being a 10-1 victory over Salinas Samba at home.

The Sol's next stop in they're Journey was round 1 of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup. The Sol drew an away game in Orange County against a strong PDL team the Blue Stars. Clearly the Sol went down South with 1 mission that weekend and it was to prove the NPSL is as strong if not stronger then the PDL. The Sol on the Blue Stars home turf routed them 5-2. Moving the Sol into the 2nd round of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup where they would face the USL first place Portland Timbers. The Sol were lucky enough to have this epic game at home, which many could argue was the biggest soccer game to come to Sonoma County ever. After a couple weeks of training the Sol felt ready to take on the tough opponent. With the stadium packed and the place buzzing with excitement the Sol put together a strong performance. Giving up an early goal to an extremely strong team such as the Timbers ended up being the end of the Open Cup run for the Sol. The Sol hung around most of the game down 1-0 until the last few minutes when they tried to push for a game-tying goal and gave up 2 counter attack goals to end it at 3-0. The Sol was crushed after the defeat but they weren't going to let that game end they're amazing season. They then went on to finish out the last 4 games of regular season play going 3-0-1. Finishing top of the league the Sol was faced with the Oregon Fuego in the Semi final of the Western Division playoffs. As usual the Sol took care of business winning 4-1 and moving to the Western Division Final against Lamorinda. Though Lamorinda put up a great fight, the Sol proved too strong once again and finished the game with a 2-1 victory to make them for the second year in a row the Western Division Champions and to send them to the Final Four in Madison Wisconsin.

So with the so far perfect season at hand and the great run in the Open Cup the Sol geared up and headed to Florida for the USASA National Championship. Unfortunately for the Sol they had many hurdles to jump for this trip. Not only was it extremely expensive, it was also the weekend before the NPSL National Championship. This made things extremely tough for the players who need to work, and for the team’s already low budget. So the Sonoma Sol did the best they could and they sent 13 players to Florida for the Final Four of the USASA. This turned out to be a tough trip. After an extremely long flight, the 13 players found themselves playing the following morning in an extremely humid and hot environment. The Sol pushed themselves as much as they could but unfortunately came up empty handed in the semi finals giving the team they're first loss of the season to an amateur team. The Sol although very disappointed knew that they're biggest task was still ahead of them! To finish what they had started and what the Sonoma County Sol had never done before and that was to win the NPSL National Championship.

After returning back from Florida it was an extremely short week of training and then back on a plane headed to Wisconsin where the Final Four was being held. This time with a full squad the Sol set its sights on its first victims. Under the lights at The University of Wisconsin's stadium the Sol took on a fast and strong St Paul Twin Stars. However before the twin stars could even get going the Sol took over the game, controlling most of the possession and creating many great scoring chances. The Sol finished with a 4-1 victory and headed to the Final with they're confidence and Sonoma County swagger back in them. The championship was against the Erie Admirals, and like the Sol was undefeated through out league play. The game began with a lot of excitement, hard tackles and some great ball movement and it was Erie who would find the net first. The Sol feeling a bit of pressure capitalized with a goal right before half time to equalize the game at 1-1. The game would then continue in the second half with both teams creating some good chances, but neither team being able to put it in the net. The game would end 1-1 after regulation, and would have to be decided in overtime. The Sol with such a deep squad found itself using the bench and it paid off big time. With about 10 minutes left in over time the sol moved the ball from the left to the right and then found a fresh forward making a great run into the box, who slotted it across for a nice finish and an incredible end to the season. The Sol was the 2009 National Champions finishing with an overall record of 17-2-4.

Last year was a dream season for all the players and it could not have been done with out all of the hard work from each and every player and the support of our sponsors. The Sol is only able to continue due to the help and support of our volunteers and the local community sponsorships. A special thanks to Carolyn Daly who if not had stepped up as the new President we would have been lost, and Benjamin Ziemer who was kind of enough to coach the Sol and donate all his earnings right back to the team. The 2009 season was a season to remember, and hopefully there will be many more like it in the near future.

Chris Daly
Player Rep-2009

 

Sonoma County Sol 2010

FIRST GAME SATURDAY NIGHT!
7:00pm @ Santa Rosa High!

FC Sol won the National Championship last year, held the biggest soccer game Sonoma County's ever seen and sent six players into professional leagues overseas. What more could the top team ask for? How about to do it all over again? With new players. FC Sol takes on the Sacramento Gold at 7pm on Saturday at Santa Rosa High School.

With an entirely new back line and only four or five returning starters eligible for the game Saturday, FC Sol embarks on a mission characterized by rapid unification; this team must come together to uphold the club's tradition of excellence. Undoubtedly this season presents a landmark challenge. The club has added a youth program, FC Sol Academy, in order to Europeanize the system for advancement into the first team. Younger players will be expected to step up and fill big shoes. Players like Casey Addiego (19, SSU) and Rory O'Day (20, SJSU / Sacramento State) join former U-18 National Team England player Lee Summerscales and former USF Captain and MVP Jeff Russell.

On Thursday night's training at Luchessi Park in Petaluma the air buzzed with excitement as FC Sol prepared for Saturday's game. “We're really coming together, and its time to put it to the test,” said center-back Lee Summerscales.

Sacramento is 1-1-0 on the season, losing a close game to Bay Area Ambassadors 2-1 and destroying Southern Oregon Fuego 6-1. Sacramento looks to establish itself in the NPSL with a win over FC Sol. Sacramento, managed by Mexican-American Hall of Fame Member Ruben Mora Sr., enters its first year in the NPSL.

Saturday night's game promises action and excitement. After the game the team will be available for individual photos with a professional photographer from Flash Fire Foto, and then at this year's CLUBHOUSE The Sweet Spot downtown. Grab food and hang out with the team at The Sweet Spot!

Lee Sandwina / FC Sol

 

Sonoma County Sol 2010

FC Sol Drops Home Opener to Sacramento Gold 4-2

FC Sol, with all the new additions, has a lot of work to do to catch up to last year's squad. Sacramento showed up with little more on their mind than taking down last year's national champions. Even though they are a new team, Sacramento has had more games than FC Sol, already finishing two games before Saturday's match. Sacramento's unity showed while FC Sol looked a little disjointed.

In the first fifteen minutes no team maintained control, each battling for the upper hand and the first goal. About twenty minutes in Sacramento netted its first goal. The winger found a streaking forward who had gotten free from his defender and slotted a simple shot under Juan Sosa's right side. The rest of the half it became apparent that Sacramento and FC Sol were at the same level of competition, though Sacramento seemed to know each other a little better. FC Sol missed easy passing opportunities time and again, having to recover quickly to disallow a counter-attack.

With ten minutes remaining in the first half center back Lee Summerscales, the backbone of the defense, went up for a header and was undercut by Sacramento's center forward, landing from a few feet up flat on his back. He rose to play out the rest of the half, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.

The second half saw a flurry of goals and some better—and worse—play. About ten minutes into the second half Lee Summerscales' injury caught up to him. “I could move forward alright, but I couldn't move backward at all. It took me too many steps to get going and I felt I would let the team down,” said Summerscales after the game. Lee decided he had to sub out to keep the team safe. Unfortunately, his playing was not his only part the team missed. His voice on the field and his ability to organize kept the backs playing as responsibly as possible.

Even with Summerscales out FC Sol managed a good fifteen to twenty minutes of soccer in which they moved the ball quickly, playing one and two touch soccer, passing and moving, and eventually giving Tyler Hurst the opportunity he needed to put one in the back of the net. His strike was a well hit ball, and the goal gave FC Sol the hope they needed to carry on playing good soccer. Another ten minutes later Hurst got a second go at goal, once again putting the ball firmly past Sacramento's goalkeeper, making the game 2-1 in favor of FC Sol.

The good soccer lasted another five minutes or so and FC Sol looked to be back in fine form. But FC Sol's inexperience playing together soon caught them. The defense started playing balls across the middle of the field that were easily intercepted by Sacramento's forwards. Juan Sosa, FC Sol's goalkeeper, was forced to make some brilliant saves to keep Sacramento from scoring. But they would not be denied for long. They got their equalizing goal just minutes later.

A few more chances like that led to yet another goal, putting Sacramento ahead 3-2. FC Sol, not disheartened, pushed hard for their own equalizer and had a few close chances, but with so much energy focused on pushing up, the defense lay less guarded, and Sacramento capitalized once again. The final score rested at 4-2 from a sloppy game. That said, there were moments of true brilliance which, once FC Sol gets some more experience under their belt, will make for some beautiful soccer.

FC Sol's next game is Saturday, 4/24/2010, 4pm @ Yerba Buena High School in San Jose. The next home game is against Bay Area Ambassadors on May 1st, 7pm, at Santa Rosa High School. FC Sol looks to turn its record around and show what Sonoma County soccer is all about!

Article by
Lee Sandwina