The office this week resembles a mail depot as the ticket sales team parcel up the scarves and backpacks to get them to their recipients in time for Christmas. There is still one day left if you want to take advantage of the special offer.
We've also received some lovely gifts of the edible variety so it's just as well that the staff have started playing indoor soccer of an evening - it certainly burns a few calories! We just need Miguel and Yordany back in the side so that results can improve!
I was sad to read this week how the blogs and message boards descended into ugliness over the USL/TOA situation. The USSF has asked everyone to not comment until a decision has been reached. As soon as we know something concrete, we will certainly report it.
Thank to our Big Soccer posters for keeping us up to date with developments at House Park -
"Things are moving along very quickly. There's something resembling the beginning of walls now. I got to drive home in daylight last night (being at work at 6:30 am helps make that happen) and I'm getting excited about getting to watch the Aztex at House next season and watching the teams come out of those locker rooms."
While on the subject of Big Soccer, there was a post a while back about Adrian applying for the job of Port Vale manager. Let's be serious for a moment - Port Vale!!!! Never mention those words in front of any self-respecting Stoke City fan. Adrian did not apply for the job, it was a figment of Port Vale's imagination!
I had a quick chat with Adrian this morning - he was up in Carolina for the Final Four. He thought there were some very promising players there and he had a great deal of sympathy for Akron who were 23 games undefeated and then fell to Virginia on penalties in the final in front of 5,679 fans.
Congratulations to Nick Noble for securing a contract at Swedish Superettan club Ljungskile SK - we wish him the very best.
Kay
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
MLS Cup etc.
We are back from the USL meetings in Tampa - it was interesting to say the least. It's difficult for me, being on the inside but knowing how much all the fans of the various teams want to know what is going on. I have no intention of adding to the rumours and speculation and will wait until there is something tangible before committing it to print.
It was also an interesting weekend for soccer in general - the MLS Cup was won by the 'underdogs' Real Salt Lake. Despite the presence of Beckham and Donovan (who blasted his penalty kick over the bar) it was Beckerman and his team mates who played with more heart and determination. It was reported that the game was being shown in 123 different countries - great news for the game here in the USA.
Those of you who had Defoe in your Fantasy League team had a stellar weekend - 5 goals in one game in an English Premiership game - quite an achievement. Defoe ties with Andy Cole who scored 5 playing for Manchester United in a 9-0 victory over Luton Town in 1995. That's not the record though - Arsenal's Ted Drake scored all seven goals in a 7-1 win over Aston Villa in 1937. The record for most goals scored in the English FA Cup goes to Ted McDougall - he scored nine goals in an 11-0 win over Margate in 1971.
Alex Tapp and I attended a career fair at Galindo Elementary School this morning. The kids asked some great questions but were most fascinated to hear about the ice baths the players take after training. It was one of those 'don't try this at home kids' moments!
Look out for the Colombia story on the website soon.
Kay
It was also an interesting weekend for soccer in general - the MLS Cup was won by the 'underdogs' Real Salt Lake. Despite the presence of Beckham and Donovan (who blasted his penalty kick over the bar) it was Beckerman and his team mates who played with more heart and determination. It was reported that the game was being shown in 123 different countries - great news for the game here in the USA.
Those of you who had Defoe in your Fantasy League team had a stellar weekend - 5 goals in one game in an English Premiership game - quite an achievement. Defoe ties with Andy Cole who scored 5 playing for Manchester United in a 9-0 victory over Luton Town in 1995. That's not the record though - Arsenal's Ted Drake scored all seven goals in a 7-1 win over Aston Villa in 1937. The record for most goals scored in the English FA Cup goes to Ted McDougall - he scored nine goals in an 11-0 win over Margate in 1971.
Alex Tapp and I attended a career fair at Galindo Elementary School this morning. The kids asked some great questions but were most fascinated to hear about the ice baths the players take after training. It was one of those 'don't try this at home kids' moments!
Look out for the Colombia story on the website soon.
Kay
Monday, November 16, 2009
I don't know if you've been following the MLS Cup but personally, I'm glad to see the so-called 'Cinderella' team, Real Salt Lake making it to the final. Not least because two of their players have pulled on Aztex jerseys this season and done very well for us. On that note, here is THAT goal again! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xpAuGXWIeI We have also supported RSL player Andy Williams in a bone marrow drive - his wife Marcia has a rare form of leukemia. There will no doubt be international interest in the game due to the presence of a certain Galaxy player who was probably glad to miss England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Doha. Not digging the haircut by the way.
Catch the game on Sunday November 22nd, 8.30 pm. http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/
Phil and Adrian are currently in Colombia - more on that when they return - and they will then travel to Tampa for the USL AGM starting on Thursday. As well as the new owners of the league and USL team delegates, strategic partner Beswicks Sports, a leading European sports management and law firm, is leading a diversified group of foreign organizations who are interested in US soccer. Representatives from Burnley FC, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC. The diverse group of attendees will also include a Portuguese agent, Tony Araujo and Mexican entrepreneurs Rodrigo Suarez and Eduardo Salamonovitz who are representing a group of Mexican investors who are interested in launching a club with United Soccer Leagues. I'm looking forward to a lively and interesting conference!
Kay
Catch the game on Sunday November 22nd, 8.30 pm. http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/
Phil and Adrian are currently in Colombia - more on that when they return - and they will then travel to Tampa for the USL AGM starting on Thursday. As well as the new owners of the league and USL team delegates, strategic partner Beswicks Sports, a leading European sports management and law firm, is leading a diversified group of foreign organizations who are interested in US soccer. Representatives from Burnley FC, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC. The diverse group of attendees will also include a Portuguese agent, Tony Araujo and Mexican entrepreneurs Rodrigo Suarez and Eduardo Salamonovitz who are representing a group of Mexican investors who are interested in launching a club with United Soccer Leagues. I'm looking forward to a lively and interesting conference!
Kay
Friday, November 6, 2009
USL news
The messageboards and blogs have been working overtime in the last week debating and reporting any snippets about the USL and TOA situation. Whilst the meeting in Portland did not address the TOA matter directly, it was a very positive meeting with many new initiatives. Ironically some of them are the very issues the TOA claimed to be at odds with the USL management. I'm not going to speculate on what will happen next - it's too busy here at the office preparing for next season.
We've also been busy decorating the office - we have accumulated quite a few jerseys and scarves over the season and we finally got round to putting them up. We also have an amazing wooden Aztec calendar that has pride of place at the front of the office. Visitors are welcome!
Last night's MLS playoff game between Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew was full of action and, to be honest, some woeful goalkeeping. It was great to see Jean Alexandre get into the action. He had a great England trip and was indispensable as a translator for Ednerson and Vaniel. Speaking of, Adrian has been on a trip to Haiti (more on the website) and was in a car on the way back from a game when he saw an Aztex sticker in the back of a car - it turned out to be Ednerson!
Phil and Adrian are also taking a side trip to South America on the way to the USL AGM in Tampa on 19th November.
Finally, we welcome Djorn to the office on Monday - he's keen and ready to take up his duties.
Kay
We've also been busy decorating the office - we have accumulated quite a few jerseys and scarves over the season and we finally got round to putting them up. We also have an amazing wooden Aztec calendar that has pride of place at the front of the office. Visitors are welcome!Last night's MLS playoff game between Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew was full of action and, to be honest, some woeful goalkeeping. It was great to see Jean Alexandre get into the action. He had a great England trip and was indispensable as a translator for Ednerson and Vaniel. Speaking of, Adrian has been on a trip to Haiti (more on the website) and was in a car on the way back from a game when he saw an Aztex sticker in the back of a car - it turned out to be Ednerson!
Phil and Adrian are also taking a side trip to South America on the way to the USL AGM in Tampa on 19th November.
Finally, we welcome Djorn to the office on Monday - he's keen and ready to take up his duties.
Kay
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ups and downs
The news from cash-strapped Accrington Stanley, whom the Aztex played on their recent visit to the UK, is that they have a stay of execution. They have been given one more week to pay the remainder of their tax debt and avoid being wound up. The problems off the field have coincided with some great results on it - they are currently 14th and on course for their highest league finish since 1968. We met with the fans when we played there, they were friendly and welcoming and passionate and vocal about their team - I hope they make it! http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/4711679.Stanley_goal_getter_is_not_taking_anything_for_granted/
The MLS playoffs got off to an exciting start last night with an action packed game between the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo ending with a 0-0 scoreline. I know non-soccer fans point to this kind of result and ask 'how can you watch a game with no score'. But the stats at least show part of the story:
Misconduct Summary:
SEA -- Fredy Montero (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
HOU -- Pat Onstad (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
SEA -- Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Reckless Tackle) 64
SEA -- Brad Evans (caution; Tactical Foul) 68
HOU -- Brian Mullan (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 71
HOU -- Mike Chabala (caution; Tactical Foul) 75
The game was played in front of almost 36,000 noisy, passionate fans - full match report here:
http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7579462&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp
Tomorrow, Stoke City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a local derby i.e. a distance of around 30 miles, an alien concept here in Austin! Our 'local' rivals this season were Minnesota, a mere 1044 miles away! City's Ricardo Fuller will celebrate his 30th birthday tomorrow - a couple of goals from him would make a great gift!
Have a great weekend!
Kay
The MLS playoffs got off to an exciting start last night with an action packed game between the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo ending with a 0-0 scoreline. I know non-soccer fans point to this kind of result and ask 'how can you watch a game with no score'. But the stats at least show part of the story:
| Seattle Sounders FC | Houston Dynamo | |||
| total shots: | 14 | (Patrick Ianni 3, Nate Jaqua 3) | 9 | (Brad Davis 4) |
| shots on goal: | 2 | (Nate Jaqua 1, Steve Zakuani 1) | 4 | (Brad Davis 2) |
| fouls: | 6 | (5 tied with 1) | 18 | (Mike Chabala 4) |
| offsides: | 2 | (Nate Jaqua 1, Steve Zakuani 1) | 2 | (Brian Ching 1, Dominic Oduro 1) |
| corner kicks: | 9 | (Freddie Ljungberg 9) | 7 | (Stuart Holden 4) |
| saves: | 4 | (Kasey Keller 4) | 2 | (Pat Onstad 2) |
SEA -- Fredy Montero (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
HOU -- Pat Onstad (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
SEA -- Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Reckless Tackle) 64
SEA -- Brad Evans (caution; Tactical Foul) 68
HOU -- Brian Mullan (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 71
HOU -- Mike Chabala (caution; Tactical Foul) 75
The game was played in front of almost 36,000 noisy, passionate fans - full match report here:
http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7579462&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp
Tomorrow, Stoke City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a local derby i.e. a distance of around 30 miles, an alien concept here in Austin! Our 'local' rivals this season were Minnesota, a mere 1044 miles away! City's Ricardo Fuller will celebrate his 30th birthday tomorrow - a couple of goals from him would make a great gift!
Have a great weekend!
Kay
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Post season blues?
So the season is finally over - it was great to finish on a high note with the successful UK trip. The guys have been sending me photographs, some of which are on the website and some on our Facebook page. Of course, the work in the office is just beginning all over again - working on what needs to be done at House Park, talking to new and returning sponsors, working on ticket packages, organizing the next soccer camps, dealing with the many requests from non-profits for auction items and replying to the 7 to 10 requests per week from potential players asking about tryouts. I'm always amazed at how many different countries the emails and phone calls come from - Australia, Hong Kong, Spain, UK, France, Chile and lots from the different countries of Africa.
Speaking of Africa, Phil and Gary Mellor (Aztex board member and all round good guy!) traveled to Senegal to see the academy set up in his home town of Kedougou by Stoke City's Salif Diao. He is hoping to help young Senegalese players break into the game without having to go to the extreme lengths he had to - http://www.tribalfootball.com/diao-delighted-stoke-launch-senegal-football-scheme-404041
I spoke briefly with Kieron Bernard yesterday - he is thoroughly enjoying his time training with Stoke City and is staying with City striker Ricardo Fuller. Most of the rest of the players have returned home for some down time with their families except Yordany Alvarez who has made Austin his home.
Quick update on the Heart Walk - despite the fact that it happened whilst most of us were in the UK, we still raised over $1000. Thanks to the folks who made it out there and especially to Sergeant Pepper for completing the whole walk in costume!
Kay
Speaking of Africa, Phil and Gary Mellor (Aztex board member and all round good guy!) traveled to Senegal to see the academy set up in his home town of Kedougou by Stoke City's Salif Diao. He is hoping to help young Senegalese players break into the game without having to go to the extreme lengths he had to - http://www.tribalfootball.com/diao-delighted-stoke-launch-senegal-football-scheme-404041I spoke briefly with Kieron Bernard yesterday - he is thoroughly enjoying his time training with Stoke City and is staying with City striker Ricardo Fuller. Most of the rest of the players have returned home for some down time with their families except Yordany Alvarez who has made Austin his home.
Quick update on the Heart Walk - despite the fact that it happened whilst most of us were in the UK, we still raised over $1000. Thanks to the folks who made it out there and especially to Sergeant Pepper for completing the whole walk in costume!
Kay
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Aztex return to Austin
The bags are packed, slightly heavier with souvenirs and English candy and the team are on their way home, arriving in Austin around 7 pm this evening. The staff at the Tollgate Hotel are sad to see them go - they have loved having them to stay. Stoke City have requested that Kieron Bernard stays behind to train with them for a week - he has already become friends with fellow Jamaican, Ricky Fuller.
The Aztex finished the tour with a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. It was the first taste of wet, chilly weather for the players but they relished the playing surface, including being able to slide tackle! Sheffield fielded a side that included some first team players but the Aztex were on a roll and gave a good account of themselves.
Phil and I return on Thursday - the trip for Phil has involved side trips to both Senegal and Italy, more about that in a future post.
Kay
The Aztex finished the tour with a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. It was the first taste of wet, chilly weather for the players but they relished the playing surface, including being able to slide tackle! Sheffield fielded a side that included some first team players but the Aztex were on a roll and gave a good account of themselves.
Phil and I return on Thursday - the trip for Phil has involved side trips to both Senegal and Italy, more about that in a future post.
Kay
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