Saturday 30 June 2012
Fair Play: An interesting tale of pursuit
HAVE you ever done everything to purse your dream?
Of course you have, but have you, really?
Have you really undergone that trial, where your will was tested?
Your resolve?
Your strength?
Have you faced the test?
Yes, sticking with the Philippine team, despite all those blowouts is some sort of a test, but that's not really what I mean.
It's a totally different affair.
Everybody dreams of being a professional footballer, and in the Philippines, everybody's closer to their dream.
But what if you're not from this country?
What if you don't hold a Filipino passport, even?
Would you, armed only with your life-savings, pursue your dreams?
I know a guy who did, and his is a rather interesting tale.
We all hear about folks playing football just for the love of the game, but his is really that case.
After getting in touch with a few clubs here, through Facebook, he flew in, searching for that once chance to get a club.
And he did but it wasn�t that high paying job he envisioned, or even a decent paying stint, or even a stint that pays.
He played for nothing--not even a practice allowance--while guys in the division were earning a cool amount, enough to buy them their dreams.
And playing for nothing in a country where playing football is suddenly a living?
Makes you want to give up, doesn�t it? Pack up and leave for home never to return?
He's got so many stories to tell like, one when the generosity of a cab driver helped him, when he had but P20 at 5 a.m., because he couldn't withdraw his remaining P400 from the ATM and he had a late night, because of football, what else. He naively assumed, that P500 he had that night would be enough.
Or about that time when he had to say he was on a diet when folks around him were ordering loads of food but the truth was he couldn't afford what they were eating?
Things like that could drive you into desperation, wouldn't it?
Or how about the time when, after the water was cut from his place, to avoid the stench he grabbed a soap and showered under the pouring rain.
And despite all of these, he showed up for his matches, without getting paid, even while the rest of his teammates have sort of forgotten their campaign.
You can�t survive in a new place without friends and he also epitomizes that, meeting new friends when he needed most�like when he needed to fill his stomach or a place to crash.
Like I said, his is a rather interesting tale.
And I hope he will have a happy ending.
Yep, this interesting tale isn't finished, the season is, but his isn't.
So I hope he'd get a few breaks here and there--good guys like him, really do deserve that chance-- and he'd get to tell the story, himself.
Perhaps, we might learn a thing or two.
Arema v Persegres 0-0
I wasn't expecting this game to be a 0-0. Persegres have the worst defence in the Indonesia Super League, they concede fours and fives for fun. But Arema failed to break them down.
And with good reason. Their crossing was abysmal. With Herman Dzumafo in the box, the man is a beast, all they had to do was put it in the air, close to his head, and let him do the rest. They couldn't even do that. Time and time again good work down the flanks was wasted by piss poor crosses.
On the rare occasion they did get something in the box then guess what? Chances were created. But hey, coach? If you do read this, get hold of a video of Newcastle v Manchester City and replay that goal by Yaya Toure, that one where he side foots the keeper from the edge of the box. I ain't gonna link to it, find it yourself.
Seriously, professional footballers going for power is so school yard. Football 101, keep your eye on the ball, keep over the ball. Don't just welly the bloody thing and hope for the best. It ain't good and it ain't clever and it happened way too often last night.
And I'm not talking about players being closed down quickly. There was time to think and strike. And probably read War & Peace. It was Persegres remember?
But while Arema were crying out for some creativity Persegres boasted plenty of it. Well, players who strutted like they were playmakers, who placed the ball for free kicks like they were Jonny Wilkinson (not the Home United one) or Cristiano Ronaldo then fired the ball into space.
Players like Gustavo Chena and Claudio Pronetto. All strut and no delivery.
Both coaches would have been better off fielding people from DHL. At least they deliver!
Some images can be seen on Asian Football Pictures.
And with good reason. Their crossing was abysmal. With Herman Dzumafo in the box, the man is a beast, all they had to do was put it in the air, close to his head, and let him do the rest. They couldn't even do that. Time and time again good work down the flanks was wasted by piss poor crosses.
On the rare occasion they did get something in the box then guess what? Chances were created. But hey, coach? If you do read this, get hold of a video of Newcastle v Manchester City and replay that goal by Yaya Toure, that one where he side foots the keeper from the edge of the box. I ain't gonna link to it, find it yourself.
Seriously, professional footballers going for power is so school yard. Football 101, keep your eye on the ball, keep over the ball. Don't just welly the bloody thing and hope for the best. It ain't good and it ain't clever and it happened way too often last night.
And I'm not talking about players being closed down quickly. There was time to think and strike. And probably read War & Peace. It was Persegres remember?
But while Arema were crying out for some creativity Persegres boasted plenty of it. Well, players who strutted like they were playmakers, who placed the ball for free kicks like they were Jonny Wilkinson (not the Home United one) or Cristiano Ronaldo then fired the ball into space.
Players like Gustavo Chena and Claudio Pronetto. All strut and no delivery.
Both coaches would have been better off fielding people from DHL. At least they deliver!
Some images can be seen on Asian Football Pictures.
Results 30/06
Indonesia Super League
Persija v Persiram 1-2 (Bambang Pamungkas; Elthon Maran, Yan Ruatakeury)
Arema v Persegres 0-0 34,126
Must be a shock defeat for Persija. Played at PTIK Stadium in Jakarta 'cos no fans allowed due to political campaigning. Arema report will be added later but here are some pictures on Asian Football Pictures.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persiku v Persepam 0-1 (M Husein) 7,345
PSBK v Persita 1-1 (Fandy Achmad; Junaidi) 117
Both Persita and Persepam go through to the next stage, whenever and whereever that will be played, where they meet PSIM and one other...
Indonesia Premier League
Persibo v Bontang 4-2
Persija v Semen Padang 0-3 (Esteban Visczara 2, Ferdinand Sinaga)
PSMS v Persiba Bantul 2-2
Persijap v Arema 0-0
Semen Padang celebrated winning the IPL by defeating Persija in Madiun though they needed two very late goals to give some distance between the two teams. Two Persija home games yesterday produced a combined attendance smaller than the average in the SLeague! Talk about cack handed management!
1 - Semen Padang 22 13 7 2 46-21 46
2 - Persibo 20 10 3 7 28-22 33
3 - PSM 21 9 6 6 29-26 33
While Semen Padang win the IPL comfortably there are six teams separated by just three points. Semen Padang and Persibo compete for the Indonesia Cup next weekend.
Malaysia Super League
Kelantan v Selangor 1-0 (played Friday)
Sarawak v Johor FC 3-1
T Team v Felda United 0-1
PKNS v Negeri Sembilan 2-1
Kedah v Terengganu 2-1
KL v Sabah 2-4
Kelantan as good as champions, non? I mean it's been a done deal long enough, just a question of them getting their games in hand played. Would be nice to know the attendances there...
1 - Kelantan 22 15 6 1 41-14 51
2 - LionsXII 24 15 5 4 47-20 50
Persija v Persiram 1-2 (Bambang Pamungkas; Elthon Maran, Yan Ruatakeury)
Arema v Persegres 0-0 34,126
Must be a shock defeat for Persija. Played at PTIK Stadium in Jakarta 'cos no fans allowed due to political campaigning. Arema report will be added later but here are some pictures on Asian Football Pictures.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persiku v Persepam 0-1 (M Husein) 7,345
PSBK v Persita 1-1 (Fandy Achmad; Junaidi) 117
Both Persita and Persepam go through to the next stage, whenever and whereever that will be played, where they meet PSIM and one other...
Indonesia Premier League
Persibo v Bontang 4-2
Persija v Semen Padang 0-3 (Esteban Visczara 2, Ferdinand Sinaga)
PSMS v Persiba Bantul 2-2
Persijap v Arema 0-0
Semen Padang celebrated winning the IPL by defeating Persija in Madiun though they needed two very late goals to give some distance between the two teams. Two Persija home games yesterday produced a combined attendance smaller than the average in the SLeague! Talk about cack handed management!
1 - Semen Padang 22 13 7 2 46-21 46
2 - Persibo 20 10 3 7 28-22 33
3 - PSM 21 9 6 6 29-26 33
While Semen Padang win the IPL comfortably there are six teams separated by just three points. Semen Padang and Persibo compete for the Indonesia Cup next weekend.
Malaysia Super League
Kelantan v Selangor 1-0 (played Friday)
Sarawak v Johor FC 3-1
T Team v Felda United 0-1
PKNS v Negeri Sembilan 2-1
Kedah v Terengganu 2-1
KL v Sabah 2-4
Kelantan as good as champions, non? I mean it's been a done deal long enough, just a question of them getting their games in hand played. Would be nice to know the attendances there...
1 - Kelantan 22 15 6 1 41-14 51
2 - LionsXII 24 15 5 4 47-20 50
Riot Doesn't Happen At Indonesian Game Shock
It was Arema's last game of what has been a disappointing season yet still the fans made the journey out to Kanjurahan Stadium for the local derby with Persegres. Or Gresik United. Whatever you wanna call them.
I got into the stadium a full 90 minutes before kick off and the terraces were full. Perhaps not chocca but full all the same. Yet there were thousands more still outside parking their motorcycles and looking forward to the game.
Security officials were forced to let fans spillover from the terraces to just in front, level with the pitch but still a fair distance from the players thanks to the running track.
Persegres bought a fair amount of support, too much for their enclosure so they too were allowed pitch side. Where they mingled with Arema fans who were already there and right in front of a huge terrace full of Arema fans.
Dangerous? A recipe for disaster?
You'd have thought so wouldn't you? But oh no. Did it kick off? Did the home fans get all tribal and kick out the visiting hoardes? Did it bollocks.
The fans in yellow did their thing all through the game. they sang, the danced and they exchanged banter with the Arema fans above them but things never kicked off.
So unconcerned were the security officials just a few feet in front of them that they rarely took their attention from the game to watch for potential trouble. In England they would have solely watched the fans. Scratch that; in England they would never been let in.
If I had a hat I would take it off to them fans who ripped up the stereotype of the Indonesian football fan. In fact, sod it. I'm gonna buy a hat just so I can take it off.
NOTE - I can only talk about what happened during the game. After the final whistle I headed straight back to Malang...no idea if anything happened then.
I got into the stadium a full 90 minutes before kick off and the terraces were full. Perhaps not chocca but full all the same. Yet there were thousands more still outside parking their motorcycles and looking forward to the game.
Security officials were forced to let fans spillover from the terraces to just in front, level with the pitch but still a fair distance from the players thanks to the running track.
Persegres bought a fair amount of support, too much for their enclosure so they too were allowed pitch side. Where they mingled with Arema fans who were already there and right in front of a huge terrace full of Arema fans.
Dangerous? A recipe for disaster?You'd have thought so wouldn't you? But oh no. Did it kick off? Did the home fans get all tribal and kick out the visiting hoardes? Did it bollocks.
The fans in yellow did their thing all through the game. they sang, the danced and they exchanged banter with the Arema fans above them but things never kicked off.
So unconcerned were the security officials just a few feet in front of them that they rarely took their attention from the game to watch for potential trouble. In England they would have solely watched the fans. Scratch that; in England they would never been let in.
If I had a hat I would take it off to them fans who ripped up the stereotype of the Indonesian football fan. In fact, sod it. I'm gonna buy a hat just so I can take it off.
NOTE - I can only talk about what happened during the game. After the final whistle I headed straight back to Malang...no idea if anything happened then.
Saturday--June 30th, 2012
Good Morning from Galesburg, IL. Mrs Blog and I are driving through some serious agriculture.
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ESPN Boston looks at the coming year in high school football in the Bay State. The article mentions several UMass connections.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" looks at the MAC East schedule for 2012.
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Sporting News ranks the SEC OOC schedules.
And the Big East. Relevant quote for UMass fans: "What AD in their right minds would schedule four BCS teams for their OOC schedule?"
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Our SEC OOC opponent Vanderbilt has verbals from three four-star recruits and a dozen three-star.
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A Bleacher Report writer thinks Emil Igwenagu will end up on the Eagles Practice squad.
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Yesterday, the MAC Daily looked at how UMass' men's sports would do in the MAC if the Minutemen played all sports in the conference.
Today they look at Women's sports.
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ESPN Boston looks at the coming year in high school football in the Bay State. The article mentions several UMass connections.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" looks at the MAC East schedule for 2012.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sporting News ranks the SEC OOC schedules.
And the Big East. Relevant quote for UMass fans: "What AD in their right minds would schedule four BCS teams for their OOC schedule?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our SEC OOC opponent Vanderbilt has verbals from three four-star recruits and a dozen three-star.
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A Bleacher Report writer thinks Emil Igwenagu will end up on the Eagles Practice squad.
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Yesterday, the MAC Daily looked at how UMass' men's sports would do in the MAC if the Minutemen played all sports in the conference.
Today they look at Women's sports.
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Friday 29 June 2012
Results 28/06
Indonesia Super League
PSPS v Sriwijaya 1-0 (Zaenal Arif) 3,247
PSMS v PSAP 2-1 (Osas Marvellous, Affondi: Camera) 4,675
Ever since winning the ISL Sriwijaya have lost two on the spin.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persebaya v PSIM 1-2 (Richard Obiora; Emuile Linkers, Topas) 8,973
Barito Putra v Sumbawa Barat 1-1 (Nehemina Solossa; Saddam Hussein) 1,539
Well, that's PSIM through to the next round then after back to back wins in their play off games.
PSPS v Sriwijaya 1-0 (Zaenal Arif) 3,247
PSMS v PSAP 2-1 (Osas Marvellous, Affondi: Camera) 4,675
Ever since winning the ISL Sriwijaya have lost two on the spin.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persebaya v PSIM 1-2 (Richard Obiora; Emuile Linkers, Topas) 8,973
Barito Putra v Sumbawa Barat 1-1 (Nehemina Solossa; Saddam Hussein) 1,539
Well, that's PSIM through to the next round then after back to back wins in their play off games.
Recruiting 2013---
 |
| 247 sports image |
Matty's article here.
Zeff's Rivals page here.
Scout.com three-star recruit.
NJ.com has the story on his verbal to UMass.
Zeff had offers from UConn, Rutgers, Temple and Tulane from FBS and from Old Dominion and Yale from FCS.
Results 2707
Indonesia Cup Semi Finals
Semen Padang v Persebaya 3-0
Persibo v PPSM 3-1
Semen Padang overcame a two goal deficit on their home ground to defeat Persebaya and reach the Indonesia Cup final, pn course for a double after winning the Indonesia Premier League earlier this month.
The final, which apparently will be held at Jalak harapat Stadium in Soreang pits two bright talents in Syamsul Arif of Persibo and Ferdinand Sinaga with the champions
Indonesia Super League
Pelita Jaya v Persidafon 1-1 John Tarkpor; Andri Ibo) 4,123
Persipura v Mitra Kukar 4-2 (Alberto Goncalves 3, Manu Wanggai; Jajang Maulyana) 15,263
Persiwa v Persisam 1-0 (Eddy Boakay) 11,415
Divisi Utama
Persita v Persiku 2-1
Persepam v PSBK 2-1
AFC U22 - Philippines 0-9 Vietnam !
Yangon: Vietnam got their first win when they thrashed the Philippines 9-0 on match day 3 of the AFC U-22 Championship Group G qualifiers in Yangon on Thursday.
The Filipinos did not have a chance with the Lu Dinh Tuan-led side very much in total control of both halves with four of their players having scored a brace each.
Nguyen Dinh Bao opened the scoring after 18 minutes and added his second in the 67th minute, with MH Quan (25th, 27th minutes), Ngo Hoang Thinh (30th, 52nd), substitute Le Quoc Phuong (64th, 89th) and HV Thanh (82nd), also a substitute, adding to the tally.
In earlier games, Vietnam lost 2-1 to Chinese Taipei and 3-1 to Myanmar and are now at fifth position while John Pomar Carmona�s winless side are residing at the bottom of the group.
An own goal by Chen Yen-jui helped Malaysia win 4-2 over Chinese Taipei in their rainy match with Malaysian midfielder Rozaimi Abdul Rahman getting in a brace in the 8th and 41st minutes, while Saarvindran Devandrn put the third touch for the Malaysia Tigers in the 78th minute.
The Chen Jiunn-ming-led side tried to get back with contributions by Lin Chang-lun after 50 minutes and Wen Chih-hao who scored during extra time but it proved a little too late for the East Asians.
With their latest performance, the Malaysians jumped to third spot from fourth, the latter position taken over by Chinese Taipei.
In the third match in the group, group leaders Korea Republic drew 0-0 with second-positioned Myanmar, with both teams having accumulated seven points, with goal difference separating them.
Next matches this Saturday
Myanmar vs Chinese Taipei
Philippines vs Korea Republic
Vietnam vs Malaysia
the-afc.com
The Filipinos did not have a chance with the Lu Dinh Tuan-led side very much in total control of both halves with four of their players having scored a brace each.
Nguyen Dinh Bao opened the scoring after 18 minutes and added his second in the 67th minute, with MH Quan (25th, 27th minutes), Ngo Hoang Thinh (30th, 52nd), substitute Le Quoc Phuong (64th, 89th) and HV Thanh (82nd), also a substitute, adding to the tally.
In earlier games, Vietnam lost 2-1 to Chinese Taipei and 3-1 to Myanmar and are now at fifth position while John Pomar Carmona�s winless side are residing at the bottom of the group.
An own goal by Chen Yen-jui helped Malaysia win 4-2 over Chinese Taipei in their rainy match with Malaysian midfielder Rozaimi Abdul Rahman getting in a brace in the 8th and 41st minutes, while Saarvindran Devandrn put the third touch for the Malaysia Tigers in the 78th minute.
The Chen Jiunn-ming-led side tried to get back with contributions by Lin Chang-lun after 50 minutes and Wen Chih-hao who scored during extra time but it proved a little too late for the East Asians.
With their latest performance, the Malaysians jumped to third spot from fourth, the latter position taken over by Chinese Taipei.
In the third match in the group, group leaders Korea Republic drew 0-0 with second-positioned Myanmar, with both teams having accumulated seven points, with goal difference separating them.
Next matches this Saturday
Myanmar vs Chinese Taipei
Philippines vs Korea Republic
Vietnam vs Malaysia
the-afc.com
Loyola Meralco hopes PFF will give Hartmann a reprieve
By Beth Celis
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gosh, I almost forgot about an e-mail sent to me by an avid fan of the United Football League�s Loyola Meralco Sparks some weeks ago.
Good thing I saw Aly Borromeo and Phil Younghusband on television where they were the guests of the PBA coverage.
The topic that triggered my memory was the Singapore Cup where Loyola-Meralco represented the Philippines and won.
* * *
�As a football fan, there are two reasons for me to be very ecstatic and proud to be Filipino,� wrote Jerry Sison of North Fairview. �First is the incredible rise of the Philippine Azkals, both here and abroad. Second is the fantastic performance of Loyola Meralco in the 2012 Singapore Cup where they triumphed, 2-1, over the formidable Geylang United FC in their opening match.�
According to Jerry, this is the first time that a Philippine football club was invited to play in a top regional football competition, probably because the other countries felt that none of our club teams were good enough.
Loyola-Meralco, he said, is the first foreign team to win in this tournament this season.
Led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks advanced to the quarterfinals slated this July, �a sure sign that the team is fast shaping up to be a UFL heavyweight.�
�The win also gives credence to the fledgling Filipino league.�
* * *
At this point, there is one thing that worries Jerry Sison and, as I was to find out later, all the officials of the Loyola Meralco starting from club chair Al Panlilio.
Will midfielder Matthew Hartmann be allowed to play in the Singapore Cup this July?
�On the eve of their Singapore Cup debut, the team was informed that the Philippine Football Federation was disallowing Matthew Hartmann to participate. Hartmann was suspended by the PFF for one year after he had abandoned the national team at the height of the Southeast Asian Games competition in Indonesia,� Panlilio said.
�We were surprised because the Singapore Cup is not a PFF sanctioned event. Singapore league officials said they did not receive any notice from the AFC or the FIFA regarding the Hartmann case.�
While the Sparks prepare for their return to Singapore, a lot of people are hoping that the PFF would reconsider their decision and allow Hartmannn to play.
�It would be such a waste for a talented booter like Hartmann to miss out on a chance to play in the Singapore Cup,� said Al, who is also the president of the MVP Sports Foundation.
inquirer.net
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gosh, I almost forgot about an e-mail sent to me by an avid fan of the United Football League�s Loyola Meralco Sparks some weeks ago.
Good thing I saw Aly Borromeo and Phil Younghusband on television where they were the guests of the PBA coverage.
The topic that triggered my memory was the Singapore Cup where Loyola-Meralco represented the Philippines and won.
* * *
�As a football fan, there are two reasons for me to be very ecstatic and proud to be Filipino,� wrote Jerry Sison of North Fairview. �First is the incredible rise of the Philippine Azkals, both here and abroad. Second is the fantastic performance of Loyola Meralco in the 2012 Singapore Cup where they triumphed, 2-1, over the formidable Geylang United FC in their opening match.�
According to Jerry, this is the first time that a Philippine football club was invited to play in a top regional football competition, probably because the other countries felt that none of our club teams were good enough.
Loyola-Meralco, he said, is the first foreign team to win in this tournament this season.
Led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks advanced to the quarterfinals slated this July, �a sure sign that the team is fast shaping up to be a UFL heavyweight.�
�The win also gives credence to the fledgling Filipino league.�
* * *
At this point, there is one thing that worries Jerry Sison and, as I was to find out later, all the officials of the Loyola Meralco starting from club chair Al Panlilio.
Will midfielder Matthew Hartmann be allowed to play in the Singapore Cup this July?
�On the eve of their Singapore Cup debut, the team was informed that the Philippine Football Federation was disallowing Matthew Hartmann to participate. Hartmann was suspended by the PFF for one year after he had abandoned the national team at the height of the Southeast Asian Games competition in Indonesia,� Panlilio said.
�We were surprised because the Singapore Cup is not a PFF sanctioned event. Singapore league officials said they did not receive any notice from the AFC or the FIFA regarding the Hartmann case.�
While the Sparks prepare for their return to Singapore, a lot of people are hoping that the PFF would reconsider their decision and allow Hartmannn to play.
�It would be such a waste for a talented booter like Hartmann to miss out on a chance to play in the Singapore Cup,� said Al, who is also the president of the MVP Sports Foundation.
inquirer.net
Recruiting 2013-- Shane Huber
 |
| NSCA image |
Huber's NCSA recruiting profile here.
Scout.com two-star player.
Rivals page here.
A question-and-answer session with Huber here.
Huber holds offers from Buffalo, Navy, Temple and UCF.
Friday--June 29th, 2012
Good Morning from scenic New Stanton PA, which is basically a truck stop at the junction between the PA Turnpike and I-70.
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Matty V. says Coach Molnar and AD McCutcheon are excited about the new BCS playoffs.
The biggest news in the article is that 2011 JUCO transfer Bernardo Nunez is still working on his eligibility for 2012.
I don't remember if I ever linked to his Pittsburgh bio. Nunez was originally a three-star recruit by Rivals.
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The Commissioner of the MAC comments on the new playoff system.
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The Examiner.com has a story about how UMass would do if they joined the MAC for all sports.
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Matty V. says Coach Molnar and AD McCutcheon are excited about the new BCS playoffs.
The biggest news in the article is that 2011 JUCO transfer Bernardo Nunez is still working on his eligibility for 2012.
I don't remember if I ever linked to his Pittsburgh bio. Nunez was originally a three-star recruit by Rivals.
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The Commissioner of the MAC comments on the new playoff system.
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The Examiner.com has a story about how UMass would do if they joined the MAC for all sports.
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Thursday 28 June 2012
Fair Play: Best ending to the best season...so far
FOR those who missed the live telecast of the UFL matches last Tuesday, you sure missed a great moment in Philippine football--our very own Championship Tuesday.
No, it was no Game 7 or a knockout match, which is what most Pinoy fans think a championship day is, it was the Kaya vs. Stallions and Global vs. Loyola matches in the UFL.
Heading into the match, and with 34 games between them, only two points separated Kaya and Global, and they were set to take on clubs which, just a few weeks ago, seemed headed for a championship showdown of their own.
Though I'm a fan of Global, I've also followed Kaya ever since I saw the team in action during the Alaska Football Cup back in 2005 and I said, last Tuesday, that I wanted Kaya to win the first match, which was not what the other Global fans wanted.
A Kaya loss would have meant the Global vs. Loyola game would be nothing but a mere formality, and there's no excitement in that.
Kaya was first to take to the field, and a Nate Burkey strike against the Stallions, which allowed the second-fewest goals in the UFL next to Global and Kaya, had Global relegated to second place, needing only a point to clinch the title.
There was some testy moments, including a goal overturned for offside but Global held on a 1-1 draw, and in the final 10 minutes, they had 11 men behind the ball, while effectively shutting out Phil Younghusband.
There were some funny moments, too, like Global keeper Jerome Slyvain Etoundi getting injured with nobody near him but before
that, Etoundi was a solid wall and only made one mistake that led to the 76-minute equalizer.
Kaya and Global finished with 42 points and conceded 17 goals each, but the Global offense churned out 49 goals, while Kaya had 30 and I'm sure, next season, Kaya will remember this stat and will pile on the goals every time it has the chance.
Getting into the big league with Kaya and Global is what Queen City United is aiming for next season and to get there, the club has to spend some serious cash on players, so they can keep them.
But how do you recoup such investment? As of now, because of the folks behind the club, they sure can afford it but I think the club would benefit, too, if they assign a marketing officer whose sole job would be to find from sponsors.
When you say sponsors, you automatically think of the big companies that drop, say P100,000 for a monthly deal, but it doesn�t have to be that way. Yes, the club must look at getting the Cebu companies involved, but it can also get pledges from individuals, too, say P1,000, or even P500 a month and if it can sign up 100 pledges, that�s going to be quite a sum that will help the club in the UFL.
In return, the club could give these individuals a replica jersey, entry to exclusive dinners the club hosts for the Azkals, or for its own players as well.
Last season, the club had ample local support and next season, getting the local community more involved would mean greater support for Cebu�s only team in the country�s own premier league.
The UFL, based on this season, is here to stay and for Philippine football to progress, it has to have its own domestic league and for Cebu not to be left behind, we have to maintain our participation in the league.
Queen City�s stint in the UFL is a game changer, an unprecedented move clubs from Bacolod, Iloilo�traditional football hotbeds�hasn�t done. And I think once clubs from the other provinces see Queen City coming up with a scheme that will sustain its stint in the UFL, they�ll think about copying it too.
And that will only benefit Philippine football.
PSIM v Persebaya 2-1
Yoi just have to admire the optimism that pervades in Indonesian football. No one has a real idea when any new season may start or what it will look like yet both leagues carry on regardless.
This year�s rebel league is now hosting the Divisi Utama play offs for the right to play in next season�s Indonesia Super League. Two groups of four are fighting it out, literally, to be promoted.
Today saw the second round of games in Yogyakarta. Hosts PSIM defeated PS Sumbawa Barat 2-1 in their first game while Persebaya were thumped 5-1 by Barito Putra.
The pressure was evident on that first day with one ref reportedly being asked to be replaced and one coach, Persebaya�s Freddy Mulli, quitting after that defeat.
The game may have been played at Mandala Krida Stadium in Yogyakarta but otticially the hosts were the away team.
Given the way they were crushed in the first game it was a wonder any Persebaya fans made the journey at all bit a did and they kept up a noise all game.
The game itself? You know lah, typical Indonesian fare, all three goals came from dead balls, two penalties, plastic bottles were thrown, the ref was attacked and pushed by players from both teams and the sun shone.
Persebaya in truth should have won the game but the PSIM keeper put in a good shift.
Controversy was never far away. PSIM had appeals for apenalty turned down. Minutes later they were given a dodgy nne which the Persebaya players vehemently protested in the usual manner. The ire was futher increased when the keeper saved the penalty only for the ref to allow it to be taken again. PSIM scored second time around which I think was the idea anyway.
For all the pushing and shoving of the ref he seemed to take it in good spiriy. At least he didn�t book anyone.
Which contrasted nicely with when he awarded Persebaya a penalty of their very own. He sent the PSIM offender off. My picture on AsianFootball Pictures shows that it was a borderline call at best. Deserving of a red? Nope.
Second half was mostly Persebaya with Cucu Hidayat looking in good form but for all their possession they never really troubled the keeper again.
Players spent most of the game falling over for little apparent reason. The ref had lost the game as mini feuds erupted all over the bloody place including the PSIM bench where some geezer in a suit manhandled one of his coaching staff away from the match officials.
Like I said before. Just another Indonesian football match!
Recruiting 2013-- Steven Casali II
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| Long Island Sport Report image |
Recruiting 2013--Sha'ki Holines II
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| Michael S. Gordon/MassLive image |
Thursday--June 28th, 2012
Blog Bulletin!
Mrs Blog and I are off on a annual vacation adventure. This year, we're driving out to the Canadian Rockies. As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going when I have Wi-Fi connection. There will not be any afternoon updates for a while, however...
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Mattty V. asks "Can we go back to referring to I-A and I-AA football now?"
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MassLive.com has a short article on yesterday's verbal from Richard Queen.
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Boston College is facing the same team in its opener (Miami) as it did in last game of the season in the previous year. That's only happened three times in BC history. One of the occurrences was in 1901 and 1902 against UMass. The Minutemen won both games.
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This story is about the Colorado Buffalos future schedule and mentions the 2-for1 series with UMass.
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WWLP-22 looks at the college playoffs.
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Mrs Blog and I are off on a annual vacation adventure. This year, we're driving out to the Canadian Rockies. As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going when I have Wi-Fi connection. There will not be any afternoon updates for a while, however...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mattty V. asks "Can we go back to referring to I-A and I-AA football now?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive.com has a short article on yesterday's verbal from Richard Queen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College is facing the same team in its opener (Miami) as it did in last game of the season in the previous year. That's only happened three times in BC history. One of the occurrences was in 1901 and 1902 against UMass. The Minutemen won both games.
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This story is about the Colorado Buffalos future schedule and mentions the 2-for1 series with UMass.
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WWLP-22 looks at the college playoffs.
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Wednesday 27 June 2012
Recruiting 2013---Rich Queen
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| Mike Dennis/Patch image |
Matty's article here.
XOFan.com featuring Queen's announcement here. He's going to go the Isenberg School of Management, my old school. Good choice Rich.
Rivals page here.
Top performer in North Jersey 11th Grade NUC Schuman's Outstanding Performance List.
Recruiting update--Jack McDonald
The BC Blog "BC Interruption" reports that BC High OL Jack McDonald verbaled to Virginia.
McDonald held offers from both Boston College and UMass.
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McDonald held offers from both Boston College and UMass.
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Wednesday--June 27th, 2012
Victor Cruz is a hit at William & Mary camp.
The Williamsburg Yorktown Daily says Cruz is still playing with a chip on his shoulder.
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Matty V. has a post and a link about it being a make or break year for Vladimir Ducasse.
The Jet Press says Vlad is getting extra work and it's showing.
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Team Speed Kills.com reviews the schedule of this year's OOC opponent Vanderbilt.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" says the new four team BCS championship does not affect the MAC at all.
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A Bleacher Report looks at the Bengals' safety position and says Jeromy Miles is very much in the mix.
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The Williamsburg Yorktown Daily says Cruz is still playing with a chip on his shoulder.
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Matty V. has a post and a link about it being a make or break year for Vladimir Ducasse.
The Jet Press says Vlad is getting extra work and it's showing.
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Team Speed Kills.com reviews the schedule of this year's OOC opponent Vanderbilt.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" says the new four team BCS championship does not affect the MAC at all.
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A Bleacher Report looks at the Bengals' safety position and says Jeromy Miles is very much in the mix.
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Global bags UFL title with 1-1 draw vs Loyola Meralco
MANILA, Philippines � Global earned a 1-1 draw against the Loyola Meralco Sparks, just enough to win its first league title in Division I in the United Football League before a big crowd tonight at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Global ended up tied with Kaya after 18 matches with 42 points each but won due to superior goal difference, 32-13, to finally nail the title that eluded them last season.
Izzo El Habbib broke through with a header in the 65th minute to give Global the crown.
Korean Il Hyo Kim of the Sparks provided some drama and opened the door for Kaya to steal the title away from Global when he flicked in a goal 11 minutes later.
The marginal goal, however, did not come for the Sparks as Global wasted the remaining time and finally lifted the trophy that it nearly won last year.
With the pressure to either win or get a draw, Global appeared tight at the onset of the match as Loyola controlled the tempo.
The Sparks' aggressiveness was rewarded when Mark Hartmann scored but was ruled out when Davide Cortina was caught offside on top of the second half.
Last season, Global was on its way to a breakthrough league title after winning the cup until it yielded the trophy to vanquished champion Philippine Air Force in the end.
Carli de Murga won the Golden Ball award while Phil Younghusband got away with the Golden Boot award after leading the league with 23 goals but failed to score in the club's last three matches to fall from the title race.
Saba Garmaroudi of Kaya won the Golden Gloves award.
Second division champion Pachanga, who will go up in Division I next season, got the lion's share of individual awards led by former national team striker Freddie Gonzales, who took home both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in the second division.
The Sparks ended up third with 37 points.
Philstar
Global ended up tied with Kaya after 18 matches with 42 points each but won due to superior goal difference, 32-13, to finally nail the title that eluded them last season.
Izzo El Habbib broke through with a header in the 65th minute to give Global the crown.
Korean Il Hyo Kim of the Sparks provided some drama and opened the door for Kaya to steal the title away from Global when he flicked in a goal 11 minutes later.
The marginal goal, however, did not come for the Sparks as Global wasted the remaining time and finally lifted the trophy that it nearly won last year.
With the pressure to either win or get a draw, Global appeared tight at the onset of the match as Loyola controlled the tempo.
The Sparks' aggressiveness was rewarded when Mark Hartmann scored but was ruled out when Davide Cortina was caught offside on top of the second half.
Last season, Global was on its way to a breakthrough league title after winning the cup until it yielded the trophy to vanquished champion Philippine Air Force in the end.
Carli de Murga won the Golden Ball award while Phil Younghusband got away with the Golden Boot award after leading the league with 23 goals but failed to score in the club's last three matches to fall from the title race.
Saba Garmaroudi of Kaya won the Golden Gloves award.
Second division champion Pachanga, who will go up in Division I next season, got the lion's share of individual awards led by former national team striker Freddie Gonzales, who took home both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in the second division.
The Sparks ended up third with 37 points.
Philstar
UFL- Standings - Global FC won UFL
| Division 1 | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Global | 18 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 49 | 17 | 32 | 42 |
| Kaya | 18 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 30 | 17 | 13 | 42 |
| Loyola Meralco Sparks | 18 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 64 | 27 | 37 | 37 |
| Penson Stallion Gilligan's | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 18 | 17 | 28 |
| Pasargad | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 30 | 31 | -1 | 24 |
| Phil. Air Force Phoenix | 16 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 19 |
| Nomads Auction Manila | 17 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 23 | 34 | -11 | 18 |
| Green Archers United Globe | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 30 | 33 | -3 | 14 |
| Phil. Army Fritz & Macziol | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 23 | 48 | -25 | 13 |
| Phil. Navy Red Juice | 17 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 14 | 67 | -53 | 5 |
| Division 2 | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Pachanga FC | 22 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 123 | 8 | 115 | 64 |
| Diliman Victory Liner FC | 22 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 82 | 25 | 57 | 56 |
| Cebu Queen City United FC | 22 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 83 | 29 | 54 | 47 |
| Agila FC | 22 | 12 | 1 | 9 | 48 | 49 | -1 | 37 |
| Union Internacional Manila | 22 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 60 | -14 | 29 |
| Forza FC | 22 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 50 | 71 | -21 | 29 |
| Team Socceroo FC | 22 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 51 | 61 | -10 | 28 |
| Laos | 22 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 36 | 45 | -9 | 27 |
| Dolphins United FC | 22 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 28 | 35 | -7 | 21 |
| Manila All-Japan | 22 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 30 | 60 | -30 | 19 |
| Lions Meltique Beef FC | 22 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 17 | 77 | -60 | 11 |
| Sunken Garden United FC | 22 | 3 | 0 | 19 | 35 | 109 | -74 | 9 |
UFL- Results and fixtures
Sunday :
Green Archers United 2-2 Navy FC
Pasargad 6-3 Army
Tuesday :
Loyola 1-1 Global FC
Stallion 0-1 Kaya
Upcoming matches :
Green Archers United 2-2 Navy FC
Pasargad 6-3 Army
Tuesday :
Loyola 1-1 Global FC
Stallion 0-1 Kaya
Upcoming matches :
| June 27, 2012 | ||||||||||||
| 7:00 pm | Green Archers United Globe | - | Phil. Air Force Phoenix | University of Makati (UMak) | ||||||||
| June 30, 2012 | ||||||||||||
| 4:00 pm | Phil. Air Force Phoenix | - | Phil. Navy Red Juice | University of Makati (UMak) | ||||||||
| 6:00 pm | Nomads Auction Manila | - | Penson Stallion Gilligan's | |||||||||
Global zeroes in on UFL crown
MATCHES MONDAY (University of Makati)
4 p.m.�Navy vs Green Archers Globe
6 p.m.�Pasargad vs Army
UNRELENTING on attack, Global moved on the brink of clinching the United Football League title after a 4-0 drubbing of Air Force Phoenix yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Izzo El-Habbib scored twice for the second straight match, while Alex Obiang and Patrick Reichelt also found the back of the net for Global, which reclaimed top spot with 41 points�two ahead of Kaya�with a game remaining.
Global�s victory also shut the door on the Loyola Meralco Sparks, whose late season struggles continued with a 2-2 draw against Nomads Auction Manila Friday night.
Global can seal the title with a win over Loyola on Tuesday or a loss by Kaya to Stallion. A draw could also be enough for the Dan Palami-managed Global side even if Kaya wins as the former UFL Cup champions holds a superior goal difference.
The Sparks, who have dropped five points from their last two matches, were hoping for a Global loss yesterday, but with El-Habbib in the groove, they were left disappointed.
El-Habbib doubled the lead with a fine individual in the 24th minute, before doubling his tally in the 61st minute to make it 3-0 for Global, which stretched its unbeaten run to 12 games this season.
The only blot to what was a solid performance by Global was the dismissal of winger Misagh Bahadoran, who was red carded for his excessive celebration from the bench on El-Habbib�s first goal. Bahadoran will sit out the match against Loyola due to suspension.
Loyola struggled to control the match in the opening half without skipper James Younghusband, who was missed the game because of suspension for incurring three yellow cards this season.
Phil Younghusband almost gave the Sparks the lead early on when his curling shot hit the post.
The Sparks finally broke through courtesy of Mark Hartmann, who made no mistake from close range after he was set up by a cutback from Phil Younghusband in the 48th minute.
Nomads quickly responded with a David Denison penalty 10 minutes later, before Byeong Jyeong Yeol restored the Sparks� advantage, scoring off a corner kick. But the Sparks� inability to put away their chances came back to haunt them as Steve Borril struck just inside the box in the 90th minute for the equalizer.
inquirer.net
4 p.m.�Navy vs Green Archers Globe
6 p.m.�Pasargad vs Army
UNRELENTING on attack, Global moved on the brink of clinching the United Football League title after a 4-0 drubbing of Air Force Phoenix yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Izzo El-Habbib scored twice for the second straight match, while Alex Obiang and Patrick Reichelt also found the back of the net for Global, which reclaimed top spot with 41 points�two ahead of Kaya�with a game remaining.
Global�s victory also shut the door on the Loyola Meralco Sparks, whose late season struggles continued with a 2-2 draw against Nomads Auction Manila Friday night.
Global can seal the title with a win over Loyola on Tuesday or a loss by Kaya to Stallion. A draw could also be enough for the Dan Palami-managed Global side even if Kaya wins as the former UFL Cup champions holds a superior goal difference.
The Sparks, who have dropped five points from their last two matches, were hoping for a Global loss yesterday, but with El-Habbib in the groove, they were left disappointed.
El-Habbib doubled the lead with a fine individual in the 24th minute, before doubling his tally in the 61st minute to make it 3-0 for Global, which stretched its unbeaten run to 12 games this season.
The only blot to what was a solid performance by Global was the dismissal of winger Misagh Bahadoran, who was red carded for his excessive celebration from the bench on El-Habbib�s first goal. Bahadoran will sit out the match against Loyola due to suspension.
Loyola struggled to control the match in the opening half without skipper James Younghusband, who was missed the game because of suspension for incurring three yellow cards this season.
Phil Younghusband almost gave the Sparks the lead early on when his curling shot hit the post.
The Sparks finally broke through courtesy of Mark Hartmann, who made no mistake from close range after he was set up by a cutback from Phil Younghusband in the 48th minute.
Nomads quickly responded with a David Denison penalty 10 minutes later, before Byeong Jyeong Yeol restored the Sparks� advantage, scoring off a corner kick. But the Sparks� inability to put away their chances came back to haunt them as Steve Borril struck just inside the box in the 90th minute for the equalizer.
inquirer.net
20 high-level matches up for Azkals
THE PHILIPPINE Azkals could play a maximum of 20 high-level matches in the next five months before they plunge into action in their next major tournament late this year.
The Azkals are in for a tough grind in their build-up as they try to at least match their semifinal finish in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Championships in Thailand and Malaysia.
Already calendared for the Azkals are three matches in the United States on Aug. 10 to 15.
Azkals manager Dan Palami said they are trying to squeeze in one more match, possibly against a country belonging to the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Football Federation.
Friendly matches in September are also being lined up, before the Azkals host a four-nation tournament involving Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau in Bacolod in October.
Camps in Bahrain and Japan as well as two friendly matches in November are also being planned for the Azkals, who won against Guam, 3-0, last week after draws against Malaysia and Indonesia.
�We want as many matches as possible to develop a strong team,� said Azkals coach Michael Weiss.
The Azkals renewed their partnership with carmaker Kia on Thursday. Palami welcomed the deal, saying the squad is �happy� to be affiliated with a prestigious brand.
�We feel that the team brings us the prestige that backs up our brand,� said Kia marketing services manager Boying Soriano. Cedelf P. Tupas
Inquirer.net
The Azkals are in for a tough grind in their build-up as they try to at least match their semifinal finish in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Championships in Thailand and Malaysia.
Already calendared for the Azkals are three matches in the United States on Aug. 10 to 15.
Azkals manager Dan Palami said they are trying to squeeze in one more match, possibly against a country belonging to the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Football Federation.
Friendly matches in September are also being lined up, before the Azkals host a four-nation tournament involving Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau in Bacolod in October.
Camps in Bahrain and Japan as well as two friendly matches in November are also being planned for the Azkals, who won against Guam, 3-0, last week after draws against Malaysia and Indonesia.
�We want as many matches as possible to develop a strong team,� said Azkals coach Michael Weiss.
The Azkals renewed their partnership with carmaker Kia on Thursday. Palami welcomed the deal, saying the squad is �happy� to be affiliated with a prestigious brand.
�We feel that the team brings us the prestige that backs up our brand,� said Kia marketing services manager Boying Soriano. Cedelf P. Tupas
Inquirer.net
AFC U22 - Malaysia 7-0 Philippines
Malaysia won 7-0 against Philippines on Monday in AFC U22 Qualifiers in Myanmar
Other results :
Korea Rep 8-1 Chinese Taipei
Vietnam 1-3 Myanmar
Other results :
Korea Rep 8-1 Chinese Taipei
Vietnam 1-3 Myanmar
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Recruiting 2013--Cole Ormsby
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| Leslloyd F. Alleyne/Journal image |
Matty's article here.
Profile of Ormsby here.
Relevant quote from the profile above:
A sleeper prospect, Ormsby could emerge as one of the top overall players in Connecticut with a strong senior season.
Ormsby tied a state record in single-game sacks.
Made the 2011 CT Coaches All-Star team.
Brown turns down SEC and Big 10 offers for TU
Buddy Brown's junior year highlights at Williamstown, N.J.
"You don't have to go to Rutgers, you can go right here. We are not North Jersey people. We are basically a step over from Philly. We love the Eagles. We love Temple basketball. We like all that. So why not stay here and have a chance to make a change?"Ben Franklin once said it first in this town, over 200 years ago:
_Sean Brown, Buddy Brown's father
"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."
Now you can add a third certainty.
Delusional Rutgers' fans.
Prior to Temple getting verbals from Jihaad Pretlow and P.J. Walker, RU fans were drooling over getting their services.
When the two committed to Temple, the prevalent opinion was Rutgers must have backed off at the last minute and "they weren't that good, anyway."
Now that Williamstown four-star linebacker Buddy Brown has committed to Temple, RU fans are saying the same thing.
Truth is no offer was ever pulled. Brown was 247.com's top-rated linebacker in New Jersey and the 10th highest-rated player on the board at any position in that state. He was a four-star national recruit by them and a three-star national recruit by Rivals.com.
 |
| Your typical, run-of-the-mill, Rutgers' football fan |
It doesn't matter what a group of nerd fans say, but what Brown says.
"I think more recruits should take a harder look at Temple," Brown said. "They will be impressed."
One RU fan came onto Owlscoop.com and wrote, "you really don't think someone would turn down an offer to come to Rutgers or Penn State over Temple, do you?"
Well, yeah, and there's no thinking involved, just facts.
Ask former Big East player of the Year Walter Washington (who turned down Nebraska), former Owl wide receiver Mike Palys (who turned down Penn State), former MAC defensive player of the year Adrian Robinson (who turned down Pitt) and current quarterback Chris Coyer (who turned down Ohio State), among many others who could have gone anywhere but chose Temple.
Rutgers' fan reaction is curious and humorous, more than annoying, really.
They can't accept the fact that Temple has a more charismatic head coach than they do, a guy who was head coach at Florida (even if it was for three months). They can't accept the fact that Temple has a defensive coordinator who as a defensive coach was instrumental in an 11-0 season at Utah and was the brains behind a national championship defense at Florida.
They can't accept the fact that, in comparison, they have a dull, bland, unproven offensive line coach taking over for Greg Schiano.
Yeah, right, and the 23th-ranked linebacker in the country got an offer pulled from Rutgers when he had offers on the table from Wisconsin (Big 10) and the SEC (Mississippi State).
I didn't know Rutgers, 7-13 in its last 20 conference games, was in the NFC East.
Baghdad Bob must have had a degree in communications from Rutgers.
He was the guy who stood on one bank of the Tigris River on April 8, 2003 in Baghdad saying "American Troops are committing suicide" and "they will be either killed or burned in their tanks" before getting to the other side.
Two U.S. Army M1 tanks could be seen in the background. By April 9, the entire town of Baghdad was secured and Bob was arrested by the troops he said would commit suicide or burn.
RU will learn the hard way on Oct. 20, 2012, just like Bob did on April 9, 2003. Tweet
Results 26/6
Indonesia Super League
Persib v Deltras 3-1 (Budiawan, Radovic, Noh Alam Shah; Lancine Kone) 18,575
Controversy aplenty at Siliwangi Stadium. Persib striker Noh Alam Shah was felled in the area by Deltras keeper Herman Batak. Keeper claims he was caught in the throat, ref disagreed, Batak attacks ref, ref falls down, lots of arm waving, placcy bottles, always the placcy bottles, thrown on field, Persib sub keeper Jendri Pitoy races on to field to calm down Batak who leaves eventually.
Funnily enough the ref did not, I repeat, did not, change his mind. Radovic kept his cool and netted a retaken spot kick though the replacement keeper got close to it.
A word about Marcio Souza. And a positive one at that. laid on two goals in an unselfish display, gelling nicely with NA.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Barito Putra v Persebaya 5-1 (Bienvenue Nnengue 2, Syiahful Nazar, nehemia Solossa, Sackie Teah Doe; Richard Obiora) 2,376
Malaysia Super League
Terengganu v Kelantan 2-2
Perak v T Team 3-2
Selangor v PKNS 1-0
Sabah v Kedah 1-0
Johor FC v KL 1-0
Felda United v Sarawak 0-1
Sounds like a thrilling north east derby in Terengganu. Kelantan champions elect?
Persib v Deltras 3-1 (Budiawan, Radovic, Noh Alam Shah; Lancine Kone) 18,575
Controversy aplenty at Siliwangi Stadium. Persib striker Noh Alam Shah was felled in the area by Deltras keeper Herman Batak. Keeper claims he was caught in the throat, ref disagreed, Batak attacks ref, ref falls down, lots of arm waving, placcy bottles, always the placcy bottles, thrown on field, Persib sub keeper Jendri Pitoy races on to field to calm down Batak who leaves eventually.
Funnily enough the ref did not, I repeat, did not, change his mind. Radovic kept his cool and netted a retaken spot kick though the replacement keeper got close to it.
A word about Marcio Souza. And a positive one at that. laid on two goals in an unselfish display, gelling nicely with NA.
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Barito Putra v Persebaya 5-1 (Bienvenue Nnengue 2, Syiahful Nazar, nehemia Solossa, Sackie Teah Doe; Richard Obiora) 2,376
Malaysia Super League
Terengganu v Kelantan 2-2
Perak v T Team 3-2
Selangor v PKNS 1-0
Sabah v Kedah 1-0
Johor FC v KL 1-0
Felda United v Sarawak 0-1
Sounds like a thrilling north east derby in Terengganu. Kelantan champions elect?
Recruiting 2013--Sha'ki Holines
Tuesday--June 26th, 2012
I've been meaning to mention I received an e-mail from the Minutemen Club about a planned trip to Michigan this year.
The UMass alumni association has details of the trip here.
Anyone who didn't get a chance to go in 2010, should seriously consider going this year. The experience was great!
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A Bleacher Report writer picks UMass last of 124 FBS teams.
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VanDelaySports.com picks UMass to finish last in the MAC East.
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MAC conference mate Central Michigan picked up 6 verbals in 26 hours.
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OOC opponent Vanderbilt picks up a four-star recruit.
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A Philly.com writer looks at the impact of football re-alignments on college basketball in the East.
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SLeague Top Scorers
12 - Frederic Mendy (Home United)
9 - Mislav Karoglan (SAFFC)
8 - Shahrazan Said (DPMM), Shotaro Ihata (Home United), Jordan Webb (Hougang United, Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)
6 - Jonathon Toto (Young Lions), Jamil Ali (Tampines Rovers), Takaya Kawanabe (Tanjong Pagar), Moon Soo Ho (Woodlands Wellington)
9 - Mislav Karoglan (SAFFC)
8 - Shahrazan Said (DPMM), Shotaro Ihata (Home United), Jordan Webb (Hougang United, Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)
6 - Jonathon Toto (Young Lions), Jamil Ali (Tampines Rovers), Takaya Kawanabe (Tanjong Pagar), Moon Soo Ho (Woodlands Wellington)
Malaysia's Busy Year
There has to be a reason why the Malaysia national team is doing so well these days. Could it be the regular exposure they get at international level perchance?
And next month they are pencilled in for a trip to Indonesia to take on the hosts as well as Everton and Galatasary. Oh, and some of their players will also be playing Arsenal, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.
29/02 v Philippines (Manila) 1-1
28/04 v Sri Lanka (Shah Alam) 6-0
01/06 v Philippines (Shah Alam) 0-0
08/06 v Singapore(Jalan Besar Stadium) 2-2
12/06 v Singapore (Shah Alam) 2-0
And next month they are pencilled in for a trip to Indonesia to take on the hosts as well as Everton and Galatasary. Oh, and some of their players will also be playing Arsenal, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.
29/02 v Philippines (Manila) 1-1
28/04 v Sri Lanka (Shah Alam) 6-0
01/06 v Philippines (Shah Alam) 0-0
08/06 v Singapore(Jalan Besar Stadium) 2-2
12/06 v Singapore (Shah Alam) 2-0
Results 25/06
Indonesia Super League
Persela v Persegres 6-2 (Jimmy Suparno 2, Mario Costas 3, Taufiq Kasrun; Warwan Sayadeh, Gaston Castano) 11,157
This was Persegres' sixth game without a win; their season really has gone tits up in recent weeks and the goals have been flooding in their net. The lost 4-1 to Mitra Kukar, 4-0 against Persisam, 5-1 at home to Sriwijaya and 2-0 against Persiba. Their 1-1 draw at Deltras suddenly makes the Deltras look bad!
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persita v Persepam 2-0
Persiku v PSBK 0-2 (Perry Somah 2) 535
Indonesia Premier League
Persema v Persija
Game was called off 'cos Persema players on strike!
Persela v Persegres 6-2 (Jimmy Suparno 2, Mario Costas 3, Taufiq Kasrun; Warwan Sayadeh, Gaston Castano) 11,157
This was Persegres' sixth game without a win; their season really has gone tits up in recent weeks and the goals have been flooding in their net. The lost 4-1 to Mitra Kukar, 4-0 against Persisam, 5-1 at home to Sriwijaya and 2-0 against Persiba. Their 1-1 draw at Deltras suddenly makes the Deltras look bad!
Divisi Utama Play Offs
Persita v Persepam 2-0
Persiku v PSBK 0-2 (Perry Somah 2) 535
Indonesia Premier League
Persema v Persija
Game was called off 'cos Persema players on strike!
Monday 25 June 2012
Persema Players Strike
Last night's Indonesia Premier League game between Persema and Persija never happened. The home team never bothered turning up, they're on strike because they haven't been paid for yonks so the visitors sat around the dug out for a while before returning to their hotel.
The game should be awarded to Persija 3-0 but who knows in la la land.
Another question is this. Should players who refuse to play for their club side be called up for the national team? Next month Indonesia will host the Java Cup which features the likes of Everton and Galatasary as well as Malaysia.
Should Persema players be called up for the game? Should the likes of Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan and Irfan Bachdim be allowed to represent their country?
The game should be awarded to Persija 3-0 but who knows in la la land.
Another question is this. Should players who refuse to play for their club side be called up for the national team? Next month Indonesia will host the Java Cup which features the likes of Everton and Galatasary as well as Malaysia.
Should Persema players be called up for the game? Should the likes of Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan and Irfan Bachdim be allowed to represent their country?
The Under 22 team's burden
�WHAT we really need," the coach said. "Is development for players 14 up, because at 14 or younger, our best players are just about the same level with the rest of Asia."
This was a conversation I had with a coach, while talking about yet another game where our U19--or was it the U16?--got hammered from pillar to post in an international tournament.
The Azkals may have taken new strides in the international scene, but the thing is, two years is too short a time to overhaul a football system that is a mish-mash of programs that never really took off.
The most promising one we had, the Center for Football Excellence was launched in 2005, which was when I had that conversation with the coach. And do you know what its target was? The Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 2015.
Yep, it was a 10-year program, designed to take the then best 12, 13-year-olds in the country, give them the best training possible regularly, because that's what the other countries were then--and are still--doing.
And this is what the PFF is starting to do now, with the Little Azkals. And yes, though there were some hiccups, this program started about two years before a certain group of players raised football awareness in the country in the Suzuki Cup.
So where are we now with this team? The Little Azkals are making a few strides, finishing at third place in a tournament in Japan.
And, along with the relative anonymity of the team's accomplishment, is the slew of hate and insults against the U22, which got routed by Myanmar and Malaysia recently in the AFC U22 qualifiers.
The Philippines may beat Myanmar and draw Malaysia in the senior competition, but the thing is, we have a weird setup. Unlike other countries, our national team doesn't reflect the strength of our football development, which, again makes what the senior team has done, all the remarkable.
Our grassroots programs are but a couple of years old and our U22 team, sadly, is a reflection of those years when we had none and now, the boys are reaping the burden of those barren years. Curiously�or is it ironically�some, if not most of the locals in the U22 squad would have been the beneficiaries of that CFE program as it was designed for the local boys. The problems of Philippine football in 2005, is catching up with them.
The success of the Azkals, too, is becoming a burden for the U22, U21 and U23 teams. Just because the senior guys are doing well, they are expected to, do as well, too.
Men wilt under such pressure and the U22 guys are facing them, head on.
There are a lot of questions to be asked, hard questions.
But I hope those who do want to ask them, can wait. What is a couple of weeks? Blind loyalty? No, it is just my way of honoring these young boys--and coaching staff--who've worked their butts off for the past three months for the country.
As for those who're saying we stop sending these teams in competitions that they'll be massacred, well, these were the same suggestions, too, back in 2000, when in a U19 match in Singapore, the other teams scored double digit goals against us, regularly.
It's almost enough to get disillusioned with the sport, right? But I'm glad they didn't, because some of them are now regular UFL Division 1 starters, including the goalkeeper, who�s starting for Loyola.
The road to success in the U21, U22 and even U23 is hard. Harder even than what the senior team faces and we are just in the early stages of a very long and hard journey.
Color me blind, but I'm sticking with the team, the way I had when being a fan meant dealing with disillusion in every tournament.
You never know what will happen.
Recruiting 2013--Steve Casali
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| Alan Schafer/NewsDay image |
Matty V's story here.
Named All-State.
Video interview with him on his team's 2011 season here.
This article features him.
Recruiting update---Cam Serigne
Sergine had offers from UMass, Ohio, Temple, Air Force and James Madison.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Changing SLeague Perceptions
SINGAPORE - British sports marketing guru Patrick Nally said there is no reason why the S-League cannot be a winning proposition given the huge football following in Singapore.
He said the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) must realise they own the sport here and it is in their interest to find a way to unite the various communities who follow the S-League, English Premier League and other European football.
The Englishman said the Republic's five-million population is a good base to tap from and even if there are a million football fans, it is still a powerful audience to interest sponsors.
The key, he said, is having a person with the right sports business qualifications in place.
"The question is if all football fans in Singapore have been engaged in a single way," said Nally.
"Do those who support the various leagues have a means of connection in a single community, whether through digital media or other medium? Probably not.
"My view is that the total community is quite a big audience, a powerful one in commercial terms.
"If you can actually get access to that audience as a community, it can be very attractive.
"This is what I mean about understanding the dynamics and coming up with a concept that engages fans, has all the clubs working as one and coordinating anything that touches football here, including broadcasters and the media, because together they are an attractive proposition for sponsors.
"The FAS must understand that everything football that comes into their market is their product and must be coordinated."
Nally added that the right people must be in place to manage and market football here and get fans packing the stadiums, and the FAS can tap into FIFA's resources to build this pool of expertise.
"The person overseeing this aspect of football here should have a masters degree in sports marketing," he said.
COMMENT - it's about overcoming a national psyche that says anything local is shite and anything from a former colonial power is brilliant. It's about overcome a society where status and success are inextricably intertwined, it's about being seen as successful through basking in the glow of other's success. Should be a doddle if they teach that on a sports marketing course. Its'about changing perceptions and yes, successful marketing can do that.
He said the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) must realise they own the sport here and it is in their interest to find a way to unite the various communities who follow the S-League, English Premier League and other European football.
The Englishman said the Republic's five-million population is a good base to tap from and even if there are a million football fans, it is still a powerful audience to interest sponsors.
The key, he said, is having a person with the right sports business qualifications in place.
"The question is if all football fans in Singapore have been engaged in a single way," said Nally.
"Do those who support the various leagues have a means of connection in a single community, whether through digital media or other medium? Probably not.
"My view is that the total community is quite a big audience, a powerful one in commercial terms.
"If you can actually get access to that audience as a community, it can be very attractive.
"This is what I mean about understanding the dynamics and coming up with a concept that engages fans, has all the clubs working as one and coordinating anything that touches football here, including broadcasters and the media, because together they are an attractive proposition for sponsors.
"The FAS must understand that everything football that comes into their market is their product and must be coordinated."
Nally added that the right people must be in place to manage and market football here and get fans packing the stadiums, and the FAS can tap into FIFA's resources to build this pool of expertise.
"The person overseeing this aspect of football here should have a masters degree in sports marketing," he said.
COMMENT - it's about overcoming a national psyche that says anything local is shite and anything from a former colonial power is brilliant. It's about overcome a society where status and success are inextricably intertwined, it's about being seen as successful through basking in the glow of other's success. Should be a doddle if they teach that on a sports marketing course. Its'about changing perceptions and yes, successful marketing can do that.
Everton & Galatasary On Their Way
Finally news is trickling out about Everton's proposed tour to Indonesia. There will be a Java Cup held in July, from 26-29, in Jakarta that will feature Everton and Galatasary. Apparently a press conference will be held on Wednesday giving more information.
This follows on from Queens Park Rangers visit on 23 when they play Persebaya in Surabaya.
Source
This follows on from Queens Park Rangers visit on 23 when they play Persebaya in Surabaya.
Source
Semen Padang Crowned IPL Champions
The Indonesia Premier League finally has a champion. After aborting halfway through last season and facing a players' strike this season for not paying salaries, Semen Padang were crowned champions. They defeated Persiraja 3-1 at the H Agus Salim Stadium in Padang yesterday in front of an estimated 23,000 fans.
It makes for a Sumatran double as Sriwijaya won the Indonesia Super League a few days earlier.
Two quick goals would have settled the nerves. First Ferdinand Sinaga on 23 minutes then the prolific Edward Wilson Junior two minutes later.
Wilson added a second seven minutes before the end before Erik Saputra pulled one back in injury time.
1 - Semen Padang 21 12 7 2 43-21 43
15 - Ferdinand Sinaga (Semen Padang)
13 - Edward Wilson Junior (Semen Padang)
It makes for a Sumatran double as Sriwijaya won the Indonesia Super League a few days earlier.
Two quick goals would have settled the nerves. First Ferdinand Sinaga on 23 minutes then the prolific Edward Wilson Junior two minutes later.
Wilson added a second seven minutes before the end before Erik Saputra pulled one back in injury time.
1 - Semen Padang 21 12 7 2 43-21 43
15 - Ferdinand Sinaga (Semen Padang)
13 - Edward Wilson Junior (Semen Padang)
Results 24/06
Indonesia Super League
Arema v Persiba 3-1 (Pierre Patrick Seme, M Ridhuan, Alain Nkong; Esteban) 29,271
Persija v Sriwijaya 3-0 (Pedro Javier, Rahmat Affandi 2) 14,375
PSPS v Persiram 2-1 (April Hadi, Zaenal Arif; JP Boumsong) 875
Persija inflicted Sriwijaya's fourth defeat of the season in an interesting game yesterday. Plenty of possession from the champions but the home team defended excellently. Disappointing crowd. Impressive crowd in Malang saw Arema overcome Persiba and climb to 12th while a crap crowd saw PSPS pick up three points at home.
Arema v Persiba 3-1 (Pierre Patrick Seme, M Ridhuan, Alain Nkong; Esteban) 29,271
Persija v Sriwijaya 3-0 (Pedro Javier, Rahmat Affandi 2) 14,375
PSPS v Persiram 2-1 (April Hadi, Zaenal Arif; JP Boumsong) 875
Rahmat Affandi
I've always felt kind of sorry for Rahmat Affandi. The striker is a victim of an Indonesian league that is reluctant to really trust in young players. Yes, one or two do breakthrough; Boas Solossa, Okta Maniani, Yongki Aribowo and Megia Kurnia spring to mind but for those names there are a score that don't.
Rahmat falls into that category. He scored a brace at the weekend (pictured left celebrating his first) as Persija defeated Indonesia Super League champions Sriwijaya 3-0 at the Bung Karno in Jakarta but he was only playing because first choice striker Bambang Pamungkas was in England carrying the Olympic torch.
It's not as if clubs don't rate him. Before signing for Persija he had enjoyed spells with Arema and Persib.
The 28 year old striker started his career with Persija back in 2003 before a move to Persebaya. He stayed one season there before moving to Pelita Jaya where he had one season before heading to North Sulawesi where he had one season with Persibom.
Then he had one season with Persikabo followed by one season with PSMS (pictured right celebrating a goal against Persik.
Followed of course with one season at Arema and Persib.
Despite having gone through the age groups with the national team, Rahmat has yet to make an appearance for the full team.
So what is it with him? The big clubs rate him enough to sign him but not play him?
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