Ziga-Zoga's Footballers Blog (soccer)

TPSF Sunday Recap: Houston 1-1 D.C. United, Toronto FC 3-2 Chivas USA

On Sunday, the first Texas Pro Soccer Fest wrapped up at Steele High School in Cibolo with the Houston Dynamo and D.C. United playing out a 1-1 draw, and Toronto FC defeating Chivas USA 3-2.

Both Houston and D.C. entered the early match with wins in their first two matches, so their matchup was for the tournament trophy. The Dynamo were on track to claim it after Franco Caraccio's rebound goal in the 53rd minute, but D.C. United made it very interesting with an equalizer in the 78th minute through Cezar.

D.C. had a great chance to take the win and the trophy in the final minutes, but Pat Onstad made a great diving save to keep out a goalbound header and preserve a draw, which was good enough for the Dynamo to be crowned champions, thanks to having scored more goals than D.C. (6 to 4).

Toronto FC and Chivas had each lost their first two matches, but certainly weren't hanging their heads when they took the field for the tournament finale. There were four goals in the first 30 minutes, which saw Toronto go up in the 12th minute, only to fall behind 2-1 after Ante Razov's 27th minute goal, and then level things at 2 when Danny Dichio scored in the 30th minute.

The match would be decided in the second half, when Toronto's Jeff Cunningham scored his second goal of the game on a 63rd minute penalty, after a handball by a Chivas player.

So, the tournament started and ended with a goalfest involving Toronto, and besides some terrific goals being scored, there were some great saves and defensive performances all around.

So, the first Texas Pro Soccer Festival is in the books, but it certainly won't be the last.

Thanks to all who came out for the games, and to all who worked hard to make the week a success, from the faces in the forefront to the people behind the scenes.

I'm already looking forward to another special event next year, and I hope everyone else is as well.

Celebrities and Soccer Stars Take the Field for a Good Cause

On Saturday afternoon, the Texas Pro Soccer Festival took a little time off from serious football for a little fun and fundraising.

In New Braunfels, a host of reality show TV stars and former professional soccer players gathered at New Braunfels High School for a charity match for Grassroot Soccer and Footballers For Peace.

It was an action-packed, entertaining match, with 23 goals, a few bicycle kicks, and a lot of fun times and laughs all around.

Representing the reality show stars were the likes of Ethan Zohn, Survivor winner, former goalkeeper in the Zimbabwe professional leagues, and founder of Grassroot Soccer, Dr. Will Kirby from Big Brother and Dr. 90210, Survivor's Johnny Fairplay, and several others who took their turns at being soccer players for at least a day.

On the soccer stars' side were former MLS and US national team star Marcelo Balboa, former MLS/US national team star and current Chivas USA coach Preki, Footballers For Peace founder, professional soccer player, and Ziga-Zoga member Philip Kutsu, and Ziga-Zoga's own Jason Cronkhite.

The fact that the soccer star side won 12-11 in a thriller that came down to the final minute is irrelevant, as the afternoon was more about having fun and raising money for two great causes.

If you'd like to know more about Grassroot Soccer, go to http://www.grassrootsoccer.org, and if you'd like to know more about Footballers For Peace, go to their group on Ziga-Zoga at http://www.zigazoga.com/group/soccerplayersforpeace.

A lot of people can be helped and a lot of lives can be saved through both of these groups, and I encourage all of you to give them a look and to try to do your part, one way or another, to make a difference for at least one person out there.

TPSF Update: The Importance of Communication

It's Eddie checking in again, shortly before I head off to catch tonight's TPSF doubleheaders in Cibolo.

This evening, the Texas Pro Soccer Fest kicks off in earnest with the first of three doubleheaders at Steele High School, but if you were out at the Soccer International fields this morning, there was an extremely spirited and intense scrimmage between D.C. United and Chivas USA, who will face off one of tonight's matches, with Houston Dynamo and Toronto FC playing in the other match of the twinbill.

One of the most noticeable things about the scrimmage was not only its intensity, but the way the players were communicating with and encouraging their teammates.

Good communication is very important in sports, and in life in general. In a sport like soccer, when the players have to deal with language barriers sometimes, it's vital to be able to communicate with teammates both on and off the pitch to succeed and have the closest-knit unit as possible.

Speaking of helpful tips for footballers, I got a chance to speak with D.C. United forward Jaime Moreno and head coach Tom Soehn yesterday, and with Chivas USA forward Ante Razov today, and all three provided great tips for aspiring footballers. I'll be posting a video of yesterday's practice and interviews later on, along with the complete transcript from today's interview with Razov.

Moreno and Razov are two of the remaining 'MLS Originals,' who have played in the league since it started in 1996, and both have experienced a lot of success on a personal and team level, so if they have something to say on how to reach your goals, it's definitely worth listening to.

As for coverage from tonight's matches, if I have Internet access at the stadium, I plan to provide live updates of each game, but if not, I will post a recap afterwards.

Checking in at the Texas Pro Soccer Fest.

Hey all, I'm Eddie Griffin. I regularly write for Soccerlens, but I'll be covering the Texas Pro Soccer Festival for Ziga-Zoga live from the San Antonio area.

The games don't underway on Wednesday night, when two-time defending MLS champion Houston Dynamo take on Toronto FC at 6, and DC United go up against Chivas USA at 8:30.  So If you're in the area, try to make it to at least one of the doubleheaders on Wednesday night, Friday night, and Sunday afternoon at Steele High School in Cibolo.

While the action will be going on then, you can also come out to Soccer International in Schertz to see the teams practice at 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.   

If you need directions to either place or want more info on the event, just go to texasprosoccerfest.com. 

Keep coming back all of this week for event coverage, from videos, interviews, articles, and more. We talked to Jaime Moreno and Coach Tom Soehn of D.C. United today after practice, and we'll have those interviews posted up later today, so keep on the lookout for those, and more.

P.S. - A word of advice to those who'll be coming out to the games and/or practices.  Thanks to the wind, you might be in for a chill, so it might be a smart idea to bring a jacket or a sweater!

You're Invited To Soccer PubCamp In Baltimore Jan. 18-19

Fashioned after the technology focused BarCamp, we're creating a Mash-Up event called Soccer PubCamp.  The event will take place Jan. 18-19 alongside the NSCAA convention at The Wharf Rat Pub.

Visit Soccer PubCamp and learn more about how you can get involved.  We need sponsors, volunteers, bloggers, geeks, soccer coaches, referees, players and anyone that wants to participate is welcome.

We've already taken care of a few things but we have about 6 weeks to get a lot more done.  Here is a list of some things we have on our to do list:

1. Networkers & Buzz Masters:  we need network masters and bloggers to get the word out prior to the event and need flyer distribution the day before the kick-off party on Jan. 18th.
2. Resource Rounder-Uppers:  we need things like projectors, paper, markers, pens, nametags, paper towels, garbage bags, toilet paper, surface cleaners, kitchen gadgets for breakfast/lunch, ice chests, garbage cans. etc. Put the list on the wiki (we need to create it) and try to get people to bring or donate as many of these as possible. Borrowing is way better than buying whenever possible.
3. Need the following leaders:
   
   • Sponsor wranglers: Drafts a message to send to potential sponsors, follows up leads from others for potential sponsors, collects info, logos (in vector format), and money from sponsors and also sees that receipts (if necessary) are issued at the end. This is your accounts receivable person and it’s a key thing to get right.
   • Food Czar: It’s not completely required for a Barcamp, but it’s definitely the standard. You have x number of people to feed for 24 hrs, including a pre-party, a basic breakfast, and a lunch. Obviously, you can only pay for as much of this as you have sponsor money for. See that breakfast and lunch get taken care of first, and then pay for as much of the pre-party as possible. Best to keep the meals simple (but good), have some veggie options, and try to keep costs down. This will be your biggest expenditure.
   • T-shirt Master: Not only do people like shirts, but they’re possibly your biggest offering to sponsors since it’s a shared promotional item. Basic shirt is your barcamp logo on the front, all the sponsor logos (tastefully) arranged on the back (I recommend in 1-color only). The range of shirts out there is enormous, but people will appreciate a good quality, non white (or black) colored, well-fitting shirt. It’s a bit more expensive, but providing some women’s shirts (not just unisex smalls) is a really nice touch. (I recommend American Apparel or Bella fine-jersey t-shirts - not the super tight fitted kind). Try to have t-shirts ordered (quanities decided and artwork submitted) 2 weeks before your event. 10 days at ABSOLUTE minimum. Remember, weird things happen in the supply chain. Check in with your t-shirt vendor often if you want to see your shirts on time.
   • Wi-Fi Guru: People are going to want wi-fi, and may even need it for their presentation. In order to provide this, you’re going to need a decent internet connection and several routers to handle the traffic. Someone needs to set this up and keep it running during the camp.
4. Community Czars:  we need people who can help facilitate our group discussion and interactive chats prior to the event.  A community page has been set up on ZigaZoga.com (login for access) and you can find a community chat widget on the home page on the left hand side.  We also need people who can work the event and greet people, run for things if needed and just be there to support the event.
5. Technology Gurus:  we need all kinds so get stuck in!

There is probably something else but I'm tired of writing about this now so if you want to learn more about what this type of an event has in store for you check out the BarCamp Blog and here's a vid from the BarCamp Austin.

....SLOWLY, BUT SURELY

I watched the Galaxy v NY match over the weekend, and I was SHOCKED!! ...what an exciting match. I say "exciting" not only because of all the goals, but the action was almost nonstop.  That on top of seeing the stadium full and actually hearing the supporters singing and chanting was BRILLIANT!!.  THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN RANTING ABOUT BOYS AND GIRLS!

ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!!...it makes a world of difference. 

When I see what I watched, it makes me think.."THAT IS SOMEWHERE I NEED TO BE"!  My hope now is that even if Beckham isn't going to be in the stadium, that the crowd will still be as full and as loud.

One team that has been a brilliant representative of MLS is Toronto FC.  Even though they aren't doing very well, they consistently have a full stadium and supporters singing loud and proud.

THAT MY FRIENDS IS HOW TO SUPPORT A TEAM!!

Cheers,
~Scott

Scott Hudlow is a member of Ziga-Zoga and blogs passionately about his views on what's happening in the world of football.  Scott that can be reached from his page here.   

Calling all kids...

Alright, This goes out to all kids that watch football (soccer).

Support your football (soccer) team whether it be MLS, European or a National side with passion! Learn 3 or 4 songs/chants for the team you support (there are kid friendly chants/songs). NEVER let ANYONE tell you to "be quiet because you're cheering to loudly"! (unless it's your parents...but give them a big sigh if they do) Ask your parent(s) to take you to a professional match. If you don't have an MLS team, go to a A-league match, if you don't have a A-League team go to a college or even a high school match.....Go watch players that are at a higher level to understand their touch and control on the ball.

Love the sport and defend it. You kids in the the US will get bombarded with American football, basketball, baseball, etc., and may be teased or even called names for enjoying football (soccer). If that should happen don't let them get to you, it's usually because they don't understand the sport, so it's up to you to teach them.

If they still want to say things like "soccer is an easy sport" (or something worse), challenge them to get in the goal and try to stop some shots.

~ Scott

The Troops are Gettin Stuck In!

Several of our members are adding some really cool stuff to ZZ, great football photos and some club songs  and thought I'd share with everyone in case you're not a member yet.  Check out the updated slideshow and music list below:

Find more photos like this on Ziga-Zoga

Find more music like this on Ziga-Zoga

Larry Warnock on Helping Athletes Thrive

Jason has invited me to help out with this blog and I feel honored to be a part of this great effort.

I've been involved in soccer in one way or another for the past 30 years.  My son, now 35, has played soccer since he was 5.  It was soccer that got me involved in sportsmassage.  I became licensed as a clinical massage therapist many years ago.  I did massage with family members or friends once in a while, but was too busy with my career in rehabilitation and teaching to pursue that avocation actively.

One day, my son, a middle schooler, came home from a soccer game dragging one of his teammates who had injured his hip flexor.  "Dad, can you fix Gary's leg?", he asked.  I called Gary's parents for permission and then proceeded to get rid of the spasm that had crippled his leg.  A few minutes later, they both bounded out to the yard to kick the ball around.  Gary was amazed.  The next day, I received 4 phone calls from parents asking me to take a look at their son...and the rest is history.

I retired from my professional career in rehabilitation in 1995 to open a full-time practice in massage therapy.  I had worked in the field for more than 25 years and had served as Asst. Commissioner for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for the eight years prior to my retirement.  At the same time, I left my second career as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Graduate School at Assumption College.

I work primarily with athletes at all levels.  I've had the privilege of working with professional athletes in soccer, hockey and other sports as well as college and high school athletes.  I have provided sportsmassage at the Summer Olympics and work with many club teams.

My contributions to this blog will primarily be in the area of injury prevention and conditioning.  I think it is vitally important for athletes to understand their bodies, to be able to read the signals the body gives when it is about to suffer an injury and to undertake a solid conditioning program aimed at improved performance, safety, and injury prevention.  I hope to ansswer questions; provide some advice for coaches and players alike and to contribute to this effort Jason has started.

-- Larry Warnock

Ziga-Zoga Members Gettin Stuck In!

Somehting really cool is starting to happen on Ziga-Zoga!  People that have a real passion for this game are stepping up to contribute to the Ziga-Zoga cause, which is helping each other express the passion for the game and most importantly helping others especially if you have something to offer the community.

I'd really like to point out a few individuals that have offered to help Ziga-Zoga in some way.  First, there is Larry Warnock - Larry has expressed an interest to share his experience and knowledge about how to take care of Your Body and will be contributing to the Ziga-Zoga's Your Body and possibly Your Mind sections of the Blog.  You can read more about Larry and his experience here.

Then there is RW Coleman & Barb O'Connell, both have offered to help in any way they can and we just have to find out how to get them involved.  Well, Barb has been with us for a while and is a great marketing mind and is just a Soccer Nut and tells everyone she knows about Ziga-Zoga, I think?  :-)

RW is in Florida and has already offered to introduce Ziga-Zoga to their local club and started a Florida coaches group - cool beans.  Speaking of that RW, if you have players trying to capture college coaches attention I would highly recommend they take advantage of our video sharing feature.  All the players have to do is upload their highlight footage and email a link to the coach they want to impress.  BTW, Barb is up in Maine.

Ok, then we have the Forza Futbol Podcast Team (Armando, Elisa and Hannah) from LA, CA.  I am really anxious to hear their podcast on La Liga and Serie A and see it on ZZ soon.  We'll be chatting this Wednesday and we'll update everyone soon.

Last but not least our goal keeping friends, Simon Smith and John Stevanja.  Mr. Simon Smith, the humble guy he is, spent quite a bit of time with Newcastle Utd. as their goal keeping coach and we are planning something special with Simon but we are still in early stage discussions so stay tunned.  John is our first Aussie friend and John also has a passion for keeping the slate clean.  He writes his own blog called Keeper Skool and accepted to do some guest blogging on ZZ.  So, goal keepers out there - you better tell your friends to jump on the ZZ trane cause we've got some smokin GK coaches if they want to learn from some of the best.