Ryan, Is there a reason the stats aren't working on the npsl website? Maybe its just me but i'd like to see my hometown admirals' numbers up there.
Erie 4 FC Reading Revolution 0 Erie wins the Keystone Conference Title and will host the Northeastern Regional Finals against Boston Aztec, Saturday July 18 (Time TBD).
Sonoma County Sol earn another victory in their win over South Oregon Fuego in the Western Division Semi's. Goals scored by Trevor Hurst, Brandon Boone(x2), and new comer Andrew Bailey. Assists by Trevor Hurst, Tyler Hurst, Shawn Percell, Eric Lafon
The Morris County Colonials ended their 2009 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season on a positive note last night with a 5-0 victory over the New York Athletic Club. Dominating from the start, the Colonials took the lead after just 7 minutes. With space in center midfield, JP Perez played the ball through the middle of two defenders into the path of Mario Maggia, the onrushing midfielder showing great composure to chip the ball past the New York GK. The Colonials had two great chances to double their lead; Steve Jakubowski and Jonathan Yazo both coming close after being played through by Maggia. Both chances came from careless play from the New York midfield and the Colonials attacking at speed. Although dominating possession and chances, the Colonials were failing to take advantage of New York for their mistakes by putting the ball in the net. The Colonials finally punished New York for their carelessness in the 39th minute with a fantastic individual goal from Yazo. The striker's persistence paid off in a goal all of his own making; chasing the ball to win it from one center defender before cleverly lifting the ball over the onrushing GK into the far corner of the net. The Colonials gave themselves a commanding 3-0 lead in the 45th minute, Jakubowski rounding the GK and finishing with conviction right at the half time whistle. New York started the second half with far more energy and purpose but despite their best endeavors, New York failed to seriously trouble the Colonials' back line. As New York continued to push forward, the Colonials took advantage of the spaces left a the back and scored two goals in quick concession in the last 10 minutes of the game. After an outstanding performance, JP Perez got the goal he deserved in the 80th minute; unleashing a fierce half volley that flew into the net from the edge of the 18. Straight from the re-start, the ball found its way to substitute Anthony Danese who exquisitely lobbed the ball over the GK into the net to round the score out to 5-0.
NPSL is a good alternative to PDL. Gives more players a chance to develop their skills. I was impressed with the level of technical skill and tactical savy of the teams in the league.
Too bad the league makes and changes rules for play offs as they go along!! A coach should not be in charge of the league!!!!!!!!!!!
And to whom would you be referring? Last I checked, no coaches were in charge of the league. And I sit on the Executive Committee. And also, to what rules are you referring to? I'll be happy to respond. Care to elaborate?
I'm heading up to the Final Four in Madison, WI today. I won't be getting there until late tonight. I hope to be posting updates about the games and events on my blog. Check it out. http://pwt-blog.blogspot.com I've already done a short preview of the teams from a Rocket City United perspective and a post about the venue of the Final Four, Breese Stevens Field. I hope you like...
Oh, and you can hear the broadcast of the games online here. http://www.teamline.cc/teampage?teamcode=6775 Click on the "Click here to listen" link. Here's the schedule. Rocket City United vs. Erie Admirals - Friday at 6pm Sonoma County Sol vs. St. Paul Twin Stars - Friday at 8pm NPSL Final - Winners of Friday's games - Saturday at 7pm
Not exactly headline news considering the NPSL final four is happening this weekend, but here is the latest from the "inactive" Southwest Conference: --SD United topped the Arizona Sahuaros 5-1 last Saturday night in Arizona, with five different players scoring for United. --The Sahuaros are traveling out to San Diego this weekend and will play 2 games: Friday night they will play the SD United U-23 team at 5 pm, and Sunday they will play the SD United senior squad at 4 pm. Both games are at Helix HS.
per email... As you may have heard this year's NPSL "final four" is being hosted here in Madison, WI. Tonight's semifinal results: Erie Admirals 4-2 Rocket City (Huntsville, AL) Sonoma County Sol 4-1 St. Paul Twin Stars Both games were a bit of tale of 2 halves with RC holding a slight edge in the first half of their game only to see Erie turn it on in the 2nd. Sonoma put on a veritable clinic in the 1st half of their game only to come out flat in the second after giving up a goal that made it 2-1 going into halftime. A controversial sending off put St. Paul down to 10 men with about 30 minutes to go. From then on the Sol imposed themselves on the game. Some players I liked: 16 for Rocket City, a kid named Willoughby. Very, very small but plays like he has the ball on a string. Erie had more of an overall team effort so I don't recall right now any particular standouts. The goalkeeper for St. Paul was outstanding if slightly adventurous. Kinda reminded me of Coundoul for the Rapids and now NYRB. Sonoma had a play, #2, Tyler(?) Hurst who played well on the left side but his marker went walkabout most of the night. Their #24, Cate(?) also turned the game on its head when he came on at halftime. I'll be watching them both closely in the Final on Saturday.
My match reports http://madisonsoccercentral.com/amateur/news/1502-admirals-sol-march-on-to-npsl-final-
For all those NPSL Alabama Fantasy League Players out there. http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ I went ahead and started the BAMA Premier League for 2009/10 Open to the 1st Group of 20 players. Code to join this league: 741957-156703 The BAMA Premier League will fall under Relegation, where the bottom 3 teams will be relegated to the BAMA Championship League for 2010/11. I also went ahead and started the BAMA Championship League for 2009/10 Open to a 2nd Group of 20 Players Code to join this league: 741957-156663 The BAMA Championship League will fall under Promotion, where the bottom 3 teams will be promoted to the BAMA Premier League for 2010/11. If we get more than 40 players, I will open up a BAMA League 1 and then a BAMA League 2 if required ...
Behind the scenes photo gallery from the NPSL: Part I Part II Part III We had a terrific time up in Madison, WI. Hope to see some of you in Huntsville next year.
More inconsequential results from SW friendlies: Friday, Jul 31 SD United U-23's 5 - 1 Arizona Sahuaros Sunday, Aug 2 SD United 4 - 3 Arizona Sahuaros Congratulations to the Sol on their championship. I only saw them once this season, but they played really well as a unit. Congrats!
The final was a very good one. To be honest, Sonoma played better looking soccer, but Erie was far better IMO (yes I'm from Erie) but the system Erie played was much more effective and created many more opportunities for them to score. Both goalkeepers had excellent finals. Sonoma's made very timely saves and Danny Mudd from Erie definitely made the save of the tournament tipping away a bicycle looping effort that was going far post into the upper 90 in literally the last 5 seconds. Both teams tried to attack, it was very physical from both teams (Sonoma was just as guilty as Erie was, Erie just plays that way as that is the way it's played in the Northeast). All in all a good weekend, finished off by a great final match.
Chris, care to give an over view on where you think the league is and where it might be going in the next couple of years?