- Joe Ribaudo, Manager - Fat Daddy's UNITED 8&9; Fat Daddys United 8-9 goes down in season opener but not easily and showed that they will be a team to reckon with all season long. The final score was not indicative of the play. Both teams played very well and Coach Joe Ribaudo stated after the game that losing this game does not concern us. We played Good Soccer, we played our positions and kept our shape for the most part and tried to work the ball. I was very pleased with what I saw and quite proud of all of my players. There is still room for improvement and that will come but we will only get better as the season goes on. We congratulate Zenit and look forward to meeting them again down the road.
- David Smith, Manager - ZENIT St. Joe 8&9;
Zenit, St. Joe started the season out on the right foot with a 5-0 win over Fat Daddys United. The game was closer than the score showed with both teams working hard on their spacing and passing. The scoring started with Helene Masone, who shortly after her goal rolled her foot and may be out for the season. Its painful to lose your most competitive player in the first game of the season, stated coach David Smith. Jacob Eaves caught on fire and scored four well placed goals for Zenit. We are looking forward to improving our game each week and our players are eager to learn the game. - Doug Bock, Manager - OLYMPIQUE SouthWalton 6&7;
Final score 4-3 Galaxy. Great, close game, with Olympique taking an early lead and Galaxy tenaciously fighting back to snatch victory from the Lyon's jaws in the final quarter. Olympique was led by the savage slashing attack of Zak Mignot, with 2 goals (and multiple near-miss ricochets of the posts and top crossbar!) and the stalwart defensive play of Emma Gibson and Patrick Hughes, who both stopped goals inches from the line. Galaxy's assigned defenders were exceptional, thwarting many Olympique runs on goal. Both teams were still learning the ropes on positions and rules, and will only get better as the season progresses. Great effort and sportsmanship all around!
- Doug Bock, Manager - OLYMPIQUE SouthWalton 6&7; Dynamo 4, Olympique 3 Another narrow loss for Olympique, but only on paper as we played by far our best soccer yet. I'm extremely proud of all the kids, who really stuck to the game plan and played smart. Defense was our rock-solid foundation again, anchored by Emma Gibson and Patrick Hughes who showed tremendous endurance and tenacity, as well as contributing on offense with great passing and a world-shattering coast-to-coast goal by Emma G.! The other 2 goals were split between the buzz-saw attack of Chase Chandeysson and Zak Mignot, who are constant threats to the opponent and indeed force tactical changes in their lineups. Solid play by Emma B. in the middle, Dylan, Nadia, and Avery kept the pressure on throughout the game. After a 2-2 deadlock at the halftime break, Dynamo (sporting no less than 3 of my former star players!) continued to play tough and relentless soccer, retaking the lead never quite letting slip back into our hands with a balanced scoring attack leading to a hard-earned and well-deserved victory. We look forward to our next meeting with them.
- Stephen Nagle, Manager - ZENIT St. Joe 6&7; Jose Charron #7 lead our team to victory with at least 6-8 goals assisted by our forwards Cidney McClendon #2 and Tristen Toups #8 our defense consisting of Will #10 and Sikes #9 Wilson along with Carly Nagle #6 and Lauren Snodgrass #5 and finally Brecken McClendon #4 were strong and held Real Alys Beach to 0 goals but not for a lack of effort.
We have had major improvements on our team since the 1st game and the team is really showing team work along with great athleticism. - David Smith, Manager - ZENIT St. Joe 8&9; Zenit, St. Joe remained hot at the beginning of this season with a 6-1 win over Real, Alys Beach. Zeints defense surrendered their first goal of the season on a hard fought goal by Real. Zenit prides itself in having a very tough defense with Sterling Smith playing tough in the back and Peter Masone attending the goal with confidence. The scoring this week was provided by Jacob Eaves, Will Hobbs and Sam Rich. Elaina Davies had several assists and helped Zenit control the ball on offense. Our players are improving each week and thats all we can ask for, stated coach David Smith. Zenit, St. Joe is looking forward to their next match against A.C. Jambone.
- Coleen Franek, Trainer - CELTIC 4&5; CELTIC shifted into another gear this past Saturday, as the return of #7, Jack Franek prompted a flurry of goals to start the match. #10, Alex Channing continues to evolve into a formidable weapon and leader, as he scored the first and second goals, with Jack adding a 3rd goal before the second shift of CELTIC players came in to give it a go. GALAXY was not to be intimidated, as they fought back against a Christian Rainier assisted 4th goal for CELTIC provided from Jack to make it 4-2 at the half. In the 3rd quarter, GALAXY and CELTIC traded goals, with Tyler Beauchamp adding his name to the list of goal scorers for CELTIC. And while Jack scored a final 6th goal for CELTIC, GALAXY never gave up and tied the score for a final 6-6 score line. Great effort by EVERYONE!
Updated League Tables and Scores can be seen here: http://us98soccer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=1
This weekend starts the beginning of three straight matches played at US98 Soccer Fields East - Wind Garden Park at WaterSound. The fields look great, and it will be a great venue for our events. Restroom facilities and snacks are located at the Club House by the pool, just west/northwest of the fields. Find out more about where US98 Soccer Fields East is here: http://www.joe.com/web/TownsAndHomes/WaterSound/Map.html
Hats off to all of our Referees, Marco Tibaquira, Jason Thompson, Marco Perona, Joe Ribaudo, Kathleen Logue, and Brian Maas. And not only are these people Refereeing, they also are Managers of individual Clubs. And Marcio Carmago gives his time to be a goalkeepers coach and Trainer for many individual Clubs. Please, if you have not already expressed your gratitude in these people devoting their time to the Youth of Our Community, do so the next chance you get. They are all leaders in South Walton and of its Youth!
In Soccer of the World, the United States Men's National Team plays in Washington D.C. this upcoming Saturday evening at 6:00PM Central. More info here: [URL="http://www.ussoccer.com/."]http://www.ussoccer.com/. [/URL]And if you are interested in following the Champions League that we have carefully crafted our own after, check out the upcoming schedule of matches and many familiar Club names here: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/index.html
That is it for now. Cheers & See You Out On The Pitch!
~ Christian