Carl's Corner

Boys Director of Coaching-Carl Rose will offer his insight, thoughts and lessons for our youth players to learn from a recent EPL, MLS, or Champions League game in Carl's Corner. Gain the insight of a former professional player and his take on the recent match.

Sunday 21st, September
Manchester United @ Chelsea

This was a meeting of the two teams who have won the Premier league the last four years. This game was played with high intensity and commitment from both teams to win. The pace of the game was very fast with a great show of technical skills from both teams. Games like these usually come down to who makes a mistake and can the other team capitalize on that mistake.

Early in the game Chelsea player Joe Cole had a partial break-away and his shot went wide of the goal, united player Wayne Rooney also had a chance to put his team in the lead but his shot went wide also.

The goals that were scored came from things that youth players should try to do in their games. The first goal of the game came from Man. Utd about 18 minutes into the game on a quick counter-attack with the ball being played to Berbatov at the top of the penalty area, he side steps the defender and takes his shot, the Chelsea keeper Petre Cech makes the save but gives up the rebound and by the time he or any of his defenders could react to the save, United player Park was following up the shot and scored the opening goal.

In the second half again both teams had chances to score but did not, and as the game was nearing the end Chelsea stared to apply more pressure to tie the game and keep their unbeaten streak at home in tact. Chelsea finally scored to tie the game.

Coaches in our club are always telling players how important set plays are whether they be attacking or defending. Manchester United did something wrong on the set play that cost them 3 points and the win. From the set play the ball is played in the air into the penalty area and Chelsea forward Kalou gets up and heads to tie the game. The mistake that Man. Utd made was that no one was marking Kalou and he got a free header to score.

The two things that I want players to learn from that game is
1. Always follow up shots on goal
2. On defending set plays in your penalty area make sure that ALL your
your opponents are marked up.

Until the next Carl’s Corner-enjoy playing the game!

Weekend Soccer to Watch

Can you say BUSY? If you are a true soccer fan AND a true supporter of the Springfield Soccer Club then this should be a busy weekend of soccer for you. Once again we provide a list of games to watch in the Springfield as well as from the comfort of your own couch.



Thursday September 25, 2008
LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire
Kick-off 8:00pm espn2
While it is the return of must see TV on NBC, don't forget to tune in the LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire. Should be an interesting match as the Galaxy have their backs against the wall if they want to make a serious run at the MLS Play-Offs. It is always fun to watch a team with no room for error and last week the Galaxy didn't disappoint as they made easy work of DC United for their first win in a looooong time.

Friday September 26, 2008
Drury University vs. NKU
Kick-off 5:00pm/7:30pm
Supporting local college soccer is a big boost to the teams, players and programs and also allows aspiring college players to get a glimpse of what college soccer is about. Nothing like getting a look at some top quality teams as the Drury Women play top 20 Northern Kentucky University at Harrison Stadium at 5:00pm.

That game is followed by the # 1 Northern Kentucky University Men's Team coming into town to play the undefeated Drury Panthers. Lots of Springfield S.C. and local ties in this game-and it is not oftern that a # 1 ranked team comes into town in ANY sport so go out support local soccer and see what being # 1 in the country is all about.

Saturday September 27, 2008
KC Wizards vs. Chivas USA
Kick-off 9:30pm Fox Soccer Channel
Speaking of local soccer connections, the Kansas City Wizards travel to LA to take on Chivas USA with more MLS Playoff implications on the line. The Wizards are led by Jack Jewsbury -yes Virginia you can be from Springfield and play professional soccer-who will be the next one?

Sunday September 28, 2008
MSU Women vs. SIU-Edwardsville
Kick-off 1:30pm @ Plaster Stadium
Coming off of their two victories at the Razorback Tournament, MSU looks to continue their winning ways.

Sunday September 29, 2008
Drury Men vs. University of Indianapolis
Kick-off 2:30pm @ Harrison Stadium

Now for the BIG game of the weekend- no offense Beckham...but this guy is our own!
That's right Brian Fishback and the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds come into town to take on Drury. It would be great to have a bunch of SSC players out there to make him feel at home. He serves as a Captain this year and received many post-season accolades- including NSCAA All Great Lakes 2nd Team and First Team All-Academic Team.

Enjoy the weekend, good luck in the games and go SSC!

Weekend Soccer to Watch

There are a number of BIG games to watch this weekend both on TV and here in Southwest Missouri. Watching games is a great way to keep developing as a player and who knows you just might see the next BIG youtube highlight goal everyone is talking about next week.

Friday, September 19, 2008
Missouri State University Bears vs. Valparaiso University
7:00pm Kick-off @ Plaster Stadium

Saturday September 20, 2008
Springfield Catholic HS vs. Greenwood Blue Jays
7:00pm Kick-off @ Lake Country Cooper Complex

Sunday September 21, 2008
THE BIG ONE- CHELSEA VS. MANCHESTER UNITED
8:00am Kick-off Fox Soccer Channel

Enjoy the weekend and good luck to all of the teams with their games. GO SSC!

Update

Greetings all from the North(Iowa)!!!
I just wanted to put out a quick post and give everyone an update on my move to Dubuque, Iowa and my new position with Loras College. The season has started and we are 4-0-1 on the men's side and are currently ranked #4 in the nation. The women have started out at 3-1.
I also wanted to thank everyone who came to my going away party and thank you for all the generous and thoughtful gifts, thank you so much!!!
As many of you know I had a little eye injury and surgery before I moved. All is well and all I can really say about it is, BEWARE OF BUNGEE CORDS!

Thanks again for everything and best of luck SSC!!!
Zach Alumbaugh