tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65484652857983910752023-11-15T10:05:36.418-05:00Full VolleyWelcome to "Full Volley," the blog for and about the Washington area youth soccer community.
To share news, comments and suggestions please email me at joedoc@potomacsoccerwire.comJoe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-70066587572255238932008-09-16T14:39:00.000-04:002008-09-16T14:47:47.604-04:00Krieger to FreedomPrince William's Ali Krieger, an alternate with the Gold Medal-winning Olympic Team, has been assigned to the Washington Freedom. She'll be joining star Abby Wambach and defender Cat Whitehill, who were also named to the team this week.<br /><br />Ali is the daughter of long-time Prince William Soccer coach Ken Krieger, arguably one of the nation's top youth coaches. Ali played for her dad's Prince William Sparklers team growing up.<br /><br />The Freedom will play their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown in 2009.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-13738180947400840182008-09-16T12:58:00.000-04:002008-09-16T13:02:35.118-04:00Virginia State Cup resultsA 33-19 record in Vegas would net me quite a bit of cash. But when it's the results of my VYSA State Cup predictions, "decent" comes to mind.<br /><br />Find all of the results here:<br /><a href="http://www.vysa.com/schedules/Fall/11142849.20080913.html">http://www.vysa.com/schedules/Fall/11142849.20080913.html</a><br /><br />Look for my predictions for the September 20 matches later this week.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-17659656033587975792008-09-16T12:47:00.000-04:002008-09-16T12:54:36.424-04:00Tough Night for DC United to Draw a CrowdDC United is at home tonight, but I suspect few travel soccer families will be in attendance.<br /><br />If there's one night when most travel -- and probably rec -- soccer teams practice, it's Tuesday night. From 4 - 7:30 pm, just about every soccer field in Maryland, DC and Virginia will be covered with youth players as Suburbans and Town & Country vans race in and out of parking lots.<br /><br />That makes it difficult for United to draw from the large base of soccer families.<br /><br />Not that the MLS club had much say in the matter. United is playing Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa at 8 pm in CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the schedule had to be built around the MLS fixtures.<br /><br />Good news, though: the game is live on FOX Soccer Channel.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-6783134418203182532008-09-06T14:23:00.002-04:002008-09-06T14:25:10.253-04:00New Soccer Complex Coming to LoudounCongratulations to the soccer organizations that worked so hard to convince the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to move forward with a major soccer fields complex in Loudoun. More details here:<br />http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2008/sep/02/liberty-elementary-opens-doors-first-time/?localJoe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-71904323451176328592008-09-06T14:06:00.001-04:002008-09-06T14:07:16.816-04:00NCSL Games today? That depends...Is your NCSL team playing today? That depends. Go here for details:<br />http://www.ncsl-soccer.com/home/68693.htmlJoe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-33737614474797777902008-09-06T14:03:00.001-04:002008-09-06T14:05:43.054-04:00WAGS Games Postponed for SaturdayWAGS has postponed its Saturday games because of Tropical Storm Hannah:<br /><br /><div class="ArticleStory ArticleStory"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue;" century="">"After many days of watching Hanna, the league President has instructed the administrative staff to cancel all games for Saturday, September 6<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>The decision has been made to cancel the games because we have a vast membership and understand that although some areas may not be in the path of harms way but the diversity of the schedule teams may be required to drive into harms way. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue;" century=""></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue;" century="">Teams will be receiving games changes within the next 24 hours. Please remember that the games will be placed on the next available date for both teams.<span style=""> </span>League Wide Rainout Dates are reserved if the entire league is canceled on a Sunday. This is NOT a League Wide Rainout Out Day.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue;" century=""></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue;" century="">We will keep you posted on Sunday matches." </span></p> </div>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-64453293236582948902008-09-05T13:06:00.004-04:002008-09-05T13:28:56.080-04:00VYSA State Cup Brackets are AvailableVYSA has released the Fall 2008 State Cup brackets for U15 through 18 boys and girls:<br /><a href="http://www.vysa.com/statecup/index_E.html">http://www.vysa.com/statecup/index_E.html</a><br /><br />Look for my State Cup predictions for Maryland and Virginia at PotomacSoccerWire.com, coming soon!Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-9574836697057565162008-09-05T12:57:00.003-04:002008-09-05T13:00:22.724-04:00Local Players Make Residency ProgramCongratulations to Samir Badr, Julio Arjona and Shaquille Phillips for being named to the U.S. U17 Men's National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. Check out Potomac Soccer Wire for details: <a href="http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/458/3650">http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/458/3650</a>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-43840706399258251032008-08-20T13:24:00.002-04:002008-08-20T13:35:31.248-04:00Tournament schedules availableSeveral area tournaments have their schedules online:<br /><br /><strong>Dulles National Soccer Tournament:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.herndonyouthsoccer.org/dullestournament/home/schedules.asp?menu_category=Home">http://www.herndonyouthsoccer.org/dullestournament/home/schedules.asp?menu_category=Home</a><br /><br /><strong>Busch Gardens Soccer Classic:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.newportnewsfc.com/scores-busch-2008-fall.html">http://www.newportnewsfc.com/scores-busch-2008-fall.html</a><br /><br /><strong>PWSI Toys for Tots Tournament:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.pwsi.org/Toys/schedules/index_E.html">http://www.pwsi.org/Toys/schedules/index_E.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Richmond Striker Junior Friendlies:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.strikerstournaments.com/nikejrschedules.htm">http://www.strikerstournaments.com/nikejrschedules.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>Williamsburg Cup:</strong><br /><a href="http://williamsburgtournament.com/pages/twscup.html">http://williamsburgtournament.com/pages/twscup.html</a><br /><br /><br />Also, the <strong>FPYC Patriot Cup</strong> has announced its list of accepted teams:<br /><a href="http://www.fpycsoccer.org/pct_-_accepted_teams1.html">http://www.fpycsoccer.org/pct_-_accepted_teams1.html</a>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-82591243442878671912008-08-19T15:44:00.002-04:002008-08-19T15:46:50.478-04:00Mexican Pro Scouts Active in Montgomery CountyLooks like one of Mexico's top professional teams, Pachuca, is taking a close look at several Montgomery County area players. A nice feature on it here from the The Gazette newspaper:<br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/08132008/potospo200445_32460.shtml">http://www.gazette.net/stories/08132008/potospo200445_32460.shtml</a><br /><br />Well done, MSC, for developing so many quality players.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-33861868969096077432008-08-15T14:49:00.002-04:002008-08-15T15:02:20.634-04:00A Frightening StoryToday's Potomac Soccer Wire includes a link to a story about a soccer camp coach allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old soccer player in Maryland.<br /><br />It's every parent's nightmare, and a stark reminder of why parents must maintain their diligence.<br /><br />One of the things my family focuses on is "filming the game." It's a soccer term that we've applied to life -- keep your eyes open for anything unusual. My kids know to alert me or their mom if they see something that ought not be happening. Simply being aware of one's surroundings is something all kids should do.<br /><br />The story also should be a good reminder for teams that are taking on a new coach or trainer. Make sure you go through the VYSA Kids Safe program - find the details here:<br /><a href="http://www.vysa.com/administration/34948/34948.html">http://www.vysa.com/administration/34948/34948.html</a>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-18765508873459898482008-08-13T10:09:00.002-04:002008-08-13T10:25:07.104-04:00USA Men's Olympic Team is DoneAs you read in Potomac Soccer Wire, the US men's team is out of the Olympics, falling to Nigeria 2-1 in a game they couldn't afford to lose.<br /><br />Of course, a red card in the third minute will do that to you! Mr. Orozco, what were you thinking?<br /><br />The good news is that the US team beat Japan and tied Netherlands, the latter being no small accomplishment. But it seems Peter Nowak's team never developed a rhythm. And I remain disappointed in the overall technical quality of the players. Far too often first touches are poor, the crossing is adequate at best, and the lack of build up from the back is disturbing.<br /><br />This highlights the importance of the American youth coach. We need to make sure the players that we coach have the individual technical skill to play the game quickly, skillfully and with passion. And we need to create players, not just "defenders" or "forwards." The 11-year-old we have now as a center back may or may not play that position three years from now. We need to teach the kids how to play the game, not just one spot on the field. Then the national teams will get the players it needs to play at a higher level and, perhaps one day, earn gold.<br /><br />That's the men's team, of course. Our women's team has long enjoyed success, and it appears a spot in the semifinals is promising. No surprise there! Except for Greg Ryan's tenure, the women's team has played attractive soccer for years. And while the Brazilians, Chinese and others have caught up, that will only push the women's team toward progressing. That's a good thing. "The Competitive Cauldron," I believe is what Anson Dorrance called the pressure that's needed to get better. At Division III powerhouse Messiah College, it's "As Iron Sharpens Iron."<br /><br />So if you're a rec or travel soccer coach, remember that the wins and losses of today are not remembered down the road. But the skills you teach will be with your players for a lifetime.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-27591667443072421902008-08-13T10:06:00.001-04:002008-08-13T10:08:51.081-04:00VYSA State Cup Deadline is FridayFrom VYSA:<br /><br />The deadline for State Cup online application and submission of State Cup roster is 4 pm, Aug. 15, 2008. Boys or girls teams in the U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups wishing to participate in the Fall State Cup must apply on line with credit card payment and submit a copy of their approved State Cup roster to the VYSA State Office no later than 4 pm, Aug. 15, 2008. DON"T MISS THIS DEADLINE, THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.<br /><br />Editor's note: They're not kidding about no exceptions. Since it's Wednesday, I wouldn't trust the mail -- hand deliver it to the VYSA office.Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-70443259500716673262008-08-11T18:36:00.002-04:002008-08-11T18:37:48.261-04:00WAGS Sportsmanship Award winnersCongratulations to WAGS teams that won the Sportsmanship Awards for the Spring 2008 season. No need to list them all at Full Volley, when you can find the winners here:<br /><a href="http://www.wagsl.com/home/264291.html">http://www.wagsl.com/home/264291.html</a>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-17864049257336161262008-08-11T18:31:00.003-04:002008-08-11T18:33:07.188-04:00WAGS Acceptance ListThe WAGS Tournament has posted its acceptance list for this year's tournament (October 11-13) at various field sites in Maryland and Virginia. Go here for details:<br /><a href="http://www.wagstournament.com/General/accept.html">http://www.wagstournament.com/General/accept.html</a><a href="http://www.wagstournament.com/General/accept.html#U13"></a>Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548465285798391075.post-11178104300175661682008-08-07T13:56:00.000-04:002008-08-07T14:25:39.130-04:00Welcome to Full VolleyThanks for checking out "Full Volley!"<br /><br />Please come back often, as I plan to update this blog multiple times each day with various bits of news, thoughts and meanderings about youth soccer in the Washington DC metro area. And if you have news about a team, player or coach that you'd like to share, please email me at <a href="mailto:joedoc@potomacsoccerwire.com">joedoc@potomacsoccerwire.com</a><br /><br />Talk with you soon...Joe Dochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15145669004723656690noreply@blogger.com0