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.





English Premier League
October 5, 2008
Liverpool @ Manchester City

This was a big game for Liverpool because a win would keep them tied for first place
with Chelsea.


From the start of the game Liverpool applied pressure on Man. City, but were unable to score, after about 5-7 minutes of pressure Man. City settled down and started to play better. Wright-Philips started the play that ended up with Man. City scoring the first goal, he came at the defender with good speed and went around him to the end line and cut the ball back to Robinho who fell on the ball as the Liverpool defenders were coming to close the space down. Quick thinking from Robinho who was on the ground played the ball back to Steven Ireland as the defenders where unable to clear the ball out of the penalty area, Ireland hit a volley to score the games first goal.

The game then stared to get livelier with both teams attacking at a good speed of play.
However in the 42nd min Man. City were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Again Wright – Philips was involved in the play to set up the free kick. He was on a penetrating run and tried to go between two players when he was fouled outside of the area. The free- kick was taken by Javier Garrido, it was a beautiful free-kick the ball went over the wall and curved into the upper right corner of the goal. Man. City went in at half time leading 2-0; you would have thought that they would then go on to win the game.

In the second half Liverpool came out inspired and determined to score which they did in the 55th minute. The played started on the left side of the field and was played to the right side with four crisp passes, by the time the ball had reached the right side the Liverpool defender made a penetrating run towards the penalty area with Robinho chasing him, Robinho stopped his chase and the ball was played to his player who received the ball in the penalty area and with one touch crossed the ball into the middle of the area where Torres got on the end of the play and scored the first goal for Liverpool. Now the game started to get more exciting as we know a 2-1 score is dangerous and the fact that the momentum had changed in Liverpool’s favor.

To make matters worst for Man. City in the 66th minute Zabaleta was red carded for a studs up tackle on Alonso, so now Man. City have 10 players and Liverpool breathing down their necks. In the 72nd minute Liverpool are rewarded a corner kick, the corner was taken by Steven Gerrard, his corner was played to the near post where Torres meets the ball in the air and directs it into the goal to tie the game he was unmarked when he made contact with the ball. Now the game starts to get more exciting with time running out and Man. City now hanging on for a tie.

Torres gets another opportunity to score into an empty net and he kicks the ball over the goal, in the 87th minute Man. City play a long diagonal pass when the ball lands it bounces and nearly goes over the last Liverpool defenders head, after he makes contact with the ball he has a bad landing and hurt his knee, the game was stopped to take care of this player, he was taken off the field but Liverpool could not sub for him because they had already used their allotted number of subs so now both teams are playing with ten players.

Does it get any more exciting the answer is yes, with 6 minutes to go and both teams now trying to get all 3 points Liverpool go on the attack Gerrard plays a give and go in the Man. City area and then takes the ball to the end line and cuts the ball back to Torres who shoots with a first time shot which is deflected and then stopped by the keeper, but he gave up a rebound and Kuyt followed up the shot and scored into the empty goal for the match winner.

Again as in the Man. United vs. Chelsea game set plays are important and also following up on shots taken for there might be a rebounds. In this case the player following up the shot scored the game winning goal. Always remember to follow shots and track your runners.

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

Weekend Soccer to Watch

While it may be a slow weekend on the local college soccer front, there are still plenty of BIG games to watch on the field and on the television this weekend. Here are a few of the happenings that any true fan of the world's game just won't want to miss.

Kickapoo HS Shootout
Friday & Saturday
Kickapoo HS, Harrison Stadium and Springfield Catholic Sites

Where else will you find most of the regional High School Boys Soccer powers in one spot this weekend? They will all be competing at the Kickapoo Shootout this Friday and Saturday. If you are a 6th, 7th or 8th grade player this is an outstanding opportunity to go see what it takes to play at the Varsity level.

Oh, and by the way some of the most dominant High School Programs from the state of Missouri will be here playing against the local boys- Vianney HS, Pembroke Hill, Lee's Summit West, Blue Springs and Francis Howell.

Saturday October 11, 2008
England vs. Kazakhstan WCQ-Match
Kick-off 11:00am Fox Soccer Channel

Watch Beckham and the boys try to continue their recent winning streak of World Cup Qualifying matches. It won't be an easy test as England has been known to take their foot off the pedal in matches like this one. Look for another breakout performance from someone trying to lock down their spot on the National Team.

Saturday October 11, 2008
USA vs. Cuba WCQ-Match
Kick-off 6:00pm ESPN classic

RFK in the nation's capital is the site of choice for this important CONCACAF Semi-Final Round World Cup Qualifier. Coach Bob Bradley has assembled a stellar roster with both MLS and European based players for this one. If the US wins it will propel them into the Final Round of CONCACAF Qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Plenty of exciting moments are sure to be had in this match. Interested in seeing more of the preparations, then be sure to visit www.ussoccer.com and view US training sessions and pre-game preparations.

Enjoy the weekend soccer games and go SSC!

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

Summer Is Upon Us

SSC finished up its final training sessions for the Spring season last night. With the end of practices the summer is officially upon the players, parents and coaching staff. A few teams will still be preparing for some events later on in the summer. The SSC 92/93 I Boys are training for their upcoming appearance in the MRL playoffs in Indiana. They are trying to finish up strongly with hopes of ultimately being promoted into the top division of the MRL. The 95/96 and 94/95 Red Boys teams each will be participatig in the US Club Soccer Regionals in Indianapolis from June 28th thru July 1. These players and parents will be receiving a training schedule shortly for the weeks leading up to the event in Indy. The 90/91 Boys are training hard for their second straight appearance in the USYSA Region II Championships in Rockford. Training sessions have been very intense and the boys are looking forward to seeing their draw and who their opponents will be, the draw is June 10th.
This summer also marks the first year that SSC with be fielding a Under 23 team. This team begins training this coming Tuesday and is playing against other regional clubs that also field U-23 squads. Some teams they will be playing against are Metro United from Edwardsville, IL, NW-Arkansas Lightning and Scwaben from Chicago, IL. The 23's offer SSC alums and other interested players who are in town for the summer a quality place to train through the summer and to prepare themselves and stay sharp for their upcoming collegiate seasons.
Best of luck to all the teams in their future events!!!
Also a friendly reminder that if you have not signed up for tryouts to get registered on-line.
Thanks to all the players, parents and staff for a great year!!