Monthly Archives: September 2008
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider

For all Shapes and Sizes

by Soccer America

This past Saturday, as I stood on the sidelines of my daughter’s soccer game, it struck me: I was looking at a group of 9-year-olds of all sizes. Some, like my daughter, are tiny spitfires of energy. Others have already hit a growth spurt and are nearly my height (all of 5-foot-5). But while there is no uniformity in height, they all have one thing in common: they are all relatively thin.

Posted inYouth Soccer Reporter, Youth What They're Saying

What They’re Saying

by Soccer America

“Some parents said their child didn’t get enough playing time. There were complaints from coaches about some mouthy players, some girls who I’m going to have to talk to.”

— Diana Presta, commissioner of the Mission Viejo (Calif.) League, one of the nation’s largest AYSO leagues with more than 3,000 players, on the extent to which parents went to contact her during last Saturday’s opening day. Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., while she refereed the game,  Presta received 24 e-mails, eight voice messages and a couple of text messages from parents. (Orange County Register)

Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story

What’s so bad about mushrooms?

by Soccer America

[OFF THE POST] When Italian Fabio Capello took over at England, he banned junk food from the players’ diet. No burgers, potato chips or pastry. Fellow Italian Giovanni Trapattoni was less strict when he became Ireland’s coach – “I gave them carte blanche when it came to their diets” – but then he witnessed an eating habit that got his goat. “However, I saw the players eating mushrooms before a friendly, and I was stunned into silence for several seconds,” he said. “I then told them that mushrooms are banned on matchdays – both for breakfast and for dinner.”

Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story

USA sparks up against T&T

by Ridge Mahoney

As several U.S. players mobbed Michael Bradley after he flicked in Landon Donovan‘s free kick to provide a 1-0 lead against Trinidad & Tobago Wednesday, longtime Donovan pal DaMarcus Beasley ran over to Donovan instead. Donovan barely grinned while acknowledging his friend and colleague of nearly a decade at all age levels of competitive play. Beasley wanted to frolic, but Donovan stayed focused, as did most of the Americans for most of this match.

Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story

MLS SCHEDULE: Revs look to rebound

by Soccer America

The New England Revolution, in midst of a slump that has seen it win just once in its last six games after a strong start, faces Chivas USA on Thursday night. Chivas USA is on a two-game win streak, with both victories coming against Toronto. New England lost, 4-0, to Columbus last weekend. For the week’s MLS action on TV, standings, and leading scorers. …

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