Portage Daily Graphic- June 29th/04 - United shuts Saints’ door

BY NEATE SAGER

United’s Jake Stecher races past St. James defender Jason Bell during the first half last night at Southport.
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Staff photo by Neate Sager


The Daily Graphic — It’s been a while since the words Southport United and winning streak appeared in the same sentence.
Last night, though, the former cellar dwellers kept up their newfound winning ways, shutting out St. James Saints 3-0 for their third consecutive win. The victory, which included Cory Thiessen’s shutout goaltending and goals from Ray Chabot, Lyle Dueck and Billy Meadows, improved United’s record to 3-5-1 and put them in eighth place in the 12-team fourth division of the Manitoba Major Soccer League. Just two weeks ago, United had nowhere to go but up.
“We started slow and kept building the whole game,” Dueck said. “We played the whole 90 minutes, all positions. We do that, we can win. Our subs played good. I think everyone got in and everyone had a part.”
St. James was on the defensive for much of the contest, particularly the first half. Play was more back-and-forth in the final 45 minutes, but Saints’ player-coach Peter Goodson acknowledged United looked nothing like they did in an earlier meeting.
“We played them in the preseason and tied them, I believe 2-2,” Goodson said. “They’ve definitely improved since then. They have more speed up front and they used that tonight. It was showing in the defence.”
Goodson could have been referring to both of United’s second-half goals. Ray Chabot finished off St. James with a 75th-minute tally after accepting a through ball from Jake Stecher, who also set up United’s first tally.
Earlier in the half, Chabot broke down the left wing, lured goalkeeper Roger Sutton out of his net and passed to Dueck, who scored into the open net.
“I think we moved the ball really well,” Dueck said. “We’re starting to use the whole field -- switches and through passes. We stepped it up in the second half.”
Thiessen’s toughest test came when United led by only two goals. The goalkeeper deflected a free kick over the bar. His teammates cleared the ball after the ensuing corner kick.
“I thought Cory played really well, tonight, really well,” United co-coach Peter Dueck said. “He didn’t face many chances but he was always there when we needed him.”
United goes on the road for the next match. On Sunday, they face Kildonan Fusion at Sturgeon Creek Community Centre.
BLAZE WIN -- Portage Blaze began qualifying for the Manitoba Soccer Association Cup tournament by edging Orange Krush 2-1 in Winnipeg last night.
Jackie Gordon and Shea Fust scored first-half goals for Portage (8-4-2 overall). Orange Krush’s only tally came on an own goal.
“It was a good game tonight,” Blaze head coach Bryan Mintenko said. “Orange Krush is a top team in the fourth division and they gave us a good challenge. I think we had more shots than they did and generally controlled the play. We hit some crossbars and a few posts.”
The MSA Cup is the provincial women’s club championship which traditionally takes place in August.
The Blaze, who are one point out of first place in Division 3 of the Winnipeg Women’s Soccer League, resume action with back-to-back road matches next week. They face Canadians in league play on Monday at John Blumberg Park before facing St. James Storm in their next MSA Cup qualifier the following night.
AEROS SHARP -- In Manitoba Major second division play on Friday, Southport Aeros moved within one win of the .500 mark by routing visiting F.C. Ragazzi 5-0.
“We played really well, more like a team,” midfielder Chad Green said. “We had the same team we’ve had for two or three games before. We’re gelling as a team, I guess you could say .... It was just an all-around game.
Duane Chaves scored three goals for the Aeros (3-4-0). Matt Bernard and Rob Gemmell each tallied for the first time in 2004, while goalkeeper Steve Assenmacher recorded the shutout.
The Aeros have a break until July 9 when they host Kildonan Cavaliers.

© 2004 The Daily Graphic

Carman Valley Leader - June 28th/04 Kickers overcome weather, adversity, for tie and win

By Gene Still

Carman Valley Leader — The Carman Kickers continued their Manitoba Major Soccer League Fourth Division season and overcame some adversity and managed to go unbeaten during their last two games.

Kickers 2 Euro 2
Carman hit the road and headed to Winnipeg for a Saturday afternoon match on June 19 with Euro.
Despite going into a strong headwind during the first half, the Kickers started the scoring just under the ten minute mark. Midfielder Dale DeWit registered his first tally of the season following a throw-in.
It remained 1-0 until Euro tied it about ten minutes later following a defensive mix-up by the Kickers that allowed the ball to get through their defense.
Carman goalie Ryan Bultera made the first save but their Winnipeg hosts cashed in on the rebound to knot things at 1-1 as the clubs headed into the intermission.
“We were playing against the wind and that caused us some trouble,” Kickers’ coach William Hoogerdijk said. “We were fairly lucky to be tied.”
The coach was quick to praise their goalie, Bultera, for a solid opening half, challenging the Euro shooters and forcing them at times, into poor shots on net.
Carman also had a penalty shot during the half, but the strong wind got hold of Mike VanderVelde’s attempt as it sailed harmlessly over the Euro net.
Hoogerdijk said part of their problems in the opening 45 minutes was handling the ball on the defensive side, especially with the strong wind of in excess of 50 kmh that would make it difficult to handle at times.
“I talked about trying to do too much at the first touch,” he said. “We talked about just sticking to the basics when they get the ball and to be patient.”
Making the adjustment along with having the wind at their backs, paid off as the Kickers carried the play when the teams resumed play after the break.
And the increased pressure paid dividends as Joel Bilodeau duplicated fellow midfielder DeWit’s feat and recorded his first of the year to restore Carman’s one goal advantage.
Euro did apply some pressure, albeit in short spurts. And while they didn’t go into a total defensive shell, the Kickers did lay back a little.
“We still had chances to score but also, I put more emphasis on defense to try and protect the one goal lead,” Hoogerdijk explained.
Euro scored with about seven minutes left. Both teams tried to apply some pressure but neither was willing to gamble too much and risk giving the other a high percentage scoring opportunity, as the contest ended in a 2-2 draw.
“It was basically trying to get a quick goal, but both sides couldn’t muster any serious chances,” Hoogerdijk said.
While disappointed that they didn’t get a win, the coach noted it was good to have balanced scoring.
“It’s nice to see all kinds of people contributing in the scoring. If you’ve got 11 players capable of getting some goals, then the other side can’t focus on stopping just a few players.”

Kickers 5 New Youth 4
Despite missing three of their top players, Carman came through with a gritty, inspired effort for a 5-4 win.
Last Wednesday evening the Kickers’ played host to New Youth. However, they went into the match without the services of forwards Richard Vanderveen, Jordan Vanderveen, along with starting goaltender Ryan Bultera.
But instead of using that as an excuse to lose, the Kickers’ came up with an inspired team effort led by Lyle Vanveen who registered a hat trick and goalie Mike VanderVelde, who filled in admirably for Bultera.
Carman led 3-1 at the half, thanks to goals from Kendall Ferris and a pair from Vanveen.
New Youth came out strong in the final half but the Kickers, thanks to goals from Vanveen and Kenton Vanderveen, came away with a well deserved 5-4 victory.
Hoogerdijk said the win was particularly satisfying, because they didn’t really allow their opposition to get back into the game.
“We were up 4-3 close to the end, and instead of giving one up, we scored one to make it 5-3 and basically secure the win,” Hoogerdijk said.
Kicker notes: The Kickers’ next home game is Monday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Carman Collegiate Soccer Field when they host Alliance.

Reuters - Fri Jun 25 Woman Stabs Partner Over Soccer Match

BERLIN (Reuters) - Passions surrounding Germany's final match at the Euro 2004 soccer championships turned violent when a woman stabbed her partner in the head because she didn't want to watch the game on television.

"He wanted to watch football, she didn't," said a police spokesman in the western city of Wuppertal on Thursday.

Police arrested the 31-year-old woman and confiscated the kitchen knife with which she gashed the man at the start of Germany's Group D tie against the Czech Republic on Wednesday. The man was treated in hospital and later released.

Germany lost the game 2-1 and crashed out of the tournament.

Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times - June 20th Early season success for United

Early season success for United

Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times — It’s still early in the soccer season, but Stonewall United has already won a trophy.
The men’s soccer club, which plays in the Winnipeg Division of the Manitoba Major Soccer League, won the President’s Cup championship on June 13, by hammering Crescentwood 5-1 at Vince Leah Community Centre. The President’s cup tournament involved all the teams of the Winnipeg Division.
Stonewall won three times on the road to the final, downing Elmwood Football Club 3-1 on June 5 and knocking off Transcona Chexx by the same score two days later. Both matches were played in Winnipeg.
In the semi-finals of the competition, Stonewall defeated River Heights Cardinals 3-1 at John Blumberg Recreation Complex.
Tied for first in league
In league play, United currently sits tied for first place with Crescentwood with a record of three wins, no losses and no draws. Stonewall is scheduled to play Crescentwood at Stonewall Collegiate on June 22.

Winnipeg Free Press Neighbor Section - Wed Jun 23 2004

Soccer Sunday in St. James

By Liz Katynski

JUST because you're not a kid anymore doesn't mean that you can't play soccer.
For the past 15 years, the Saint James Soccer Club has offered adults the opportunity to play soccer in a recreational league. The club includes six men's teams and two women's teams, as well as an old-timer's team (for those over 40).

"Join the club," says club treasurer Frank Roncadin. "We have about 170 players in the St. James area."

Prospective players attend a tryout, where they are assessed by coaches and placed by ability. Men's teams go from fifth division (entry level) to Premier, and play in the Manitoba Major Soccer League. The women's teams play in the Winnipeg Women's Soccer League.

The soccer season runs from mid-May to the end of September, with 22 games plus the playoffs. Players in the third, fourth and fifth divisions practice once or twice a week. Those in higher levels practice two to three times a week.

The club supplies the uniforms and equipment. Players pay a registration fee, and provide their own footwear and shin pads. "It's cheaper than youth soccer," says Roncadin. "And it's not just about the sport. This is a very social group. We are the largest adult soccer club in the city. We are based in St. James, but have players all over Winnipeg."

The club held its first annual Saint James Soccer Day on June 13 at Sturgeon Creek Community Centre. The day included activities for kids, eight regular league games, and a beer garden.

Roncadin has coached soccer for the past 20 years. He and club vice-president Barry Alexander started a team called Saint James United a few years ago. The team debuted in the fourth division, and was promoted each year. This season, they are playing in the Premier division.

For further information on the Saint James Soccer Club, visit their website at www.saintjamessoccerclub.com or visit the Manitoba Major Soccer League website at www.manitobasoccerleague.com.

The Portage Daily Graphic - Aeros fly low in weekend set

BY NEATE SAGER
The Daily Graphic

It was a weekend to forget for Southport Aeros - or maybe it was one they will remember.
Typically, any team with the Aeros' experience will remind themselves how they do not wish to revisit their poorer performances. By their own admission, the Aeros had two subpar showings this weekend, losing 5-2 to Eritrean at Southport Recreation Centre on Sunday after dropping a 3-2 decision to Low Profile S.C. in Winnipeg on Friday. Both teams are new to Manitoba Major Soccer League's second division, having played third last summer.
"Everybody knows that we're better than that," forward Steve Wasyliw said last night. "We know we have injuries right now, but the effort wasn't there."
The latest veteran Aero to come out of the lineup is Tony Bryson, who did not play on Sunday after hurting an ankle against Low Profile. Defender Cam Scott is out for the season after breaking his left leg in the season opener on May 20. Seasoned midfielder Chad Green still has two games left in a suspension he received for taking a red card during that match.
Still, coach Mitch Walker said the Aeros realize they can overcome the loss of the three experienced players.
"There's not too many new faces on our team," Walker said. "There's maybe one in Gary Bergen and the rest of us played together last year. We need a couple practices where we can sort things out. The skill development will come back right away. We'll improve our ball control and pick up where we left off at the end of last year, when we had a successful season."
Duane Chaves scored both goals for the Aeros (1-2-0) in the loss to Eritrean, which is off to a successful start in second division with a 3-0-1 record. Samuel Arefine scored twice for Eritrean, who led 2-0 at halftime.
The Aeros briefly rallied in the second half, cutting the visitors' lead to 3-2 when Chaves scored off a header. Less than 10 minutes later, Arefine tallied to restore the two-goal spread.
Chaves and Wasyliw scored for Southport in Friday's loss to Low Profile. The Aeros had a 2-1 halftime lead before fading in the final 45 minutes.
"We had different guys in different positions and the communication was lacking," Wasyliw said. "You didn't hear much talking on the field, guys calling each other off or saying they were going to take it."
The Aeros will try to even their record on Friday when they face winless Juventus in Winnipeg.
75 GOOD MINUTES
Southport United also came away empty-handed against the first-place club in their division on Sunday. United had the satisfaction of being the first team to score against fourth division-leaders Penarol S.C., who pulled away late to win 5-1.
"It was a good game for 75 minutes," United coach Karl Seidlitz said afterwards.
"We were playing the class of the league, the team that's been outscoring their opponents 14-0 so far this year. We were 1-1 up until about the 75th minute. They scored an offside goal and as far as we can tell, we self-destructed. For some reason, we just stopped running. But we had 75 good minutes.
"It should have been maybe a 2-1 game, maybe. The skill level was extremely high. I was impressed."
Bill Meadows had the lone goal for United, which will try for its first win of 2004 when they travel south to face Carman Kickers on Thursday.
"We're pretty confident we should be able to maul them," Seidlitz said. "If we play half as well as we did against this team we played today, we will win. Carman has played fairly well this year, but I don't think they're up to our level."
United's next home match is against Ragnarok on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Southport.

© Copyright 2004 Portage la Prairie Daily Graphic

(Reuters) JUNE 14Wife Red Cards Undercover Malaysia Soccer Fan

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A Malaysian salesman complained to the main ethnic Chinese political party after his wife confiscated the TV remote control and satellite card for watching Sunday night's England-France Euro 2004 soccer match.

The 46-year-old man, identifying himself only as Yap, said his partner had told him to go to bed early so that he could take their two children to school Monday.

"She refused to allow me to watch the game although I promised not to oversleep or shun my responsibility of sending the children to school," Yap was quoted as saying by the English-language Star newspaper.

Yap sneaked out of bed at about 2.20 a.m. to watch the game but his shout of anguish at French captain Zinedine Zidane's injury-time penalty winner some two hours later woke up his wife.

She grabbed the remote control and cuffed him over the head with it before banning him from watching any more matches in the Euro 2004 championship.

"My wife just doesn't understand my passion for football," Yap complained.

Baby News

The MMSL and all its member clubs are pleased to congratulate MMSL 2nd Vice-President Paul Porco and his wife on the birth of a Baby Girl yesterday. This is the second child for the couple. Mother and child are doing well.

Winkler Times June 07/04-Winkler storms to victory

Soccer squad picks up first win of season

By Steve Martens

Winkler Times — The Winkler Storm collected their first win of the season, scoring two goals in the final 15 minutes to down Romania 3-1 May 29 in Winkler.
Tied at one at the half, the Storm went ahead in the 79th minute on a David Doerksen goal. David Guenther secured the win six minutes later that improved Winkler to 1-1 on the season.
“We performed a little better this time out,” coach Celso Arevalo said, referring to their 2-0 loss to United FC in their season opener.
“We practised and we were working on creating more space in the final third of the field and the practise paid off. We really wanted a win today.”
Romania’s lone goal came on a penalty kick in the final minute of the opening half. It was the only ball they managed to get past keeper Ben Plett, who has added the Storm duties to his regular assignment with the South Central United youth squad.
Randy Froese had given the Storm the lead after just 12 minutes.
“That was a big lift for the guys and we were composed after that and played well together,” Arevalo said.
The Storm’s roster for 2004 is almost evenly split between returning players and former South Central Hurricanes with a couple of new faces.
With their scheduled May 30 game postponed because of field conditions, their next outing was June 5 when they hosted Hanover. This week they make two trips to Vince Leah Community Club, facing Britannia, an old Premier Division foe, on Monday and Grant Mill Sword on June 13.

Carman Valley Leader June 7/04-Kickers recover from loss with win over Saints

Kickers recover from loss with win over Saints
Earn first victory of season

By Gene Still

Carman Valley Leader — The Carman Kickers offered a mixed bag when it came to their on-field performances during their last two games.

Reservoir 3 Kickers 2
Unlike their previous game, a forefeit loss to Ragnarok because of a lack of players, the Kickers managed to have enough players to hit the field at Carman Collegiate for their May 29 match-up with the Reservoir Dogs.
However, the end result was the same as they dropped a 3-2 decision.
Reservoir opened the scoring just before the ten minute mark of the opening half. Rich Vanderveen then tied it for Carman, but the Dogs regained their advantage with a late tally just before the intermission.
Despite trailing by a goal, Kickers’ coach William Hoogerdijk said his club had done a solid job overall.
“We played fairly well in the first half and tried to make a few adjustments,” Hoogerdijk said. “I tried to get our defense to play up a little more and play tighter.”
However those adjustments failed to yield success as the Dogs essentially carried the play and came close to dominating the final half.
“We were extremely flat in the second half,” Hoogerdijk said.
And that proved costly as Ragnarok scored about seven minutes into the half to give them what turned out to be a commanding two goal lead.
Hoogerdijk said Carman was simply unable to muster any serious pressure to threaten the visitors from Winnipeg.
“There was plenty of time to come back, but considering the way we were playing, we just couldn’t do it,” he said. “It sort of iced the result for them.”
The Kickers did manage a late tally as Brazilian newcomer, Fabrico Crego, pulled the home squad to within one with about five minutes left in regulation. But that was as close as it got, as the Dogs went on to earn a 3-2 victory.
“It was the old cliché of too little, too late,” Hoogerdijk said.

Kickers 4 St. James 0
Carman bounced back from their disappointing showing against Reservoir to register their first victory of the season over the St. James Saints.
“I tried to challenge the guys and make them realize that we have enough skill to win in this league,” Hoogerdijk said.
And issuing that “challenge” appeared to pay dividends for Carman, at least during the majority of the opening half of their June 1 contest against the visiting Saints.
“The guys came out strong,” Hoogerdijk said. “Our defense played really well together.”
Jordan Vanderveen came close to opening the scoring about 15 minutes into the contest but just couldn’t get enough on his kick from close in, on the St. James’ netminder. But teammate Pete Vanderzwaag took advantage of the ensuing goalmouth scramble to make it 1-0 for home side.
Despite carrying and dominating at times, the clubs went into the intermission with Carman only leading by a single goal.
For Hoogerdijk, the second half took on the unsettling appearance of their previous match with Reservoir. But instead of it being a case of the Kickers coming out flat, the coach said it just seemed that the Saints were “fired up” and swung the momentum clearly in their favour.
“The second half we started off real slow and were a little tentative,” Hoogerdijk said. “But slowly it turned around.”
After St. James carried much of the play for about the first 15 minutes of action, Carman started to regain control. The Kickers even had two goals disallowed because of offside calls.
But the fact they were starting to rally showed when it led to a missed penalty shot that was awarded to Crego.
Hoogerdijk said by forcing the Saints into a penalty shot situation was a clear indicator the momentum was shifting.
This was proven a few minutes later as Jordan Vanderveen made it 2-0. Then, with about eight minutes remaining, Lyle Vanveen recorded his first of the season on a pass from Kendall Ferris.
Darcy Davis then fired a shot between the legs of the St. James’ goalie to make it a 4-0 final for the Kickers.
Despite a sluggish start in the second half, the coach was impressed with the way his team rallied.
“It’s a growing process throughout the season and we showed some character weathering the storm and came through in the second half,” Hoogerdijk said.
Kickers’ notebook: The split left Carman with 1-2 record in the Fourth Division of the Manitoba Major Soccer League. The Kickers’ next home game is Thursday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carman Collegiate Soccer Field when they host Southport.