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    LANDESVERBAND  

  NEWSLETTER AND MAGAZINE 

DONAUSCHWABEN SPORT NEWS

02/24/13

October November December   2008    Volume 3 Number 4

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

NOVEMBER  2008

By Hans Kopp

hans_kopp@hotmail.com

Wolfgang Urban

inducted

into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame

Wolfgang began his soccer-playing career with the S.C. Donauschwaben-Concordia Youth Program in 1966.  Under Coaches Hans Kopp and later Herb Haller Sr., Wolf developed into the role of playmaker, combining strong technical skills with intelligent tactical ability. From the center midfield position, he had the ability to control the tempo of the game, effectively directing the transition from defense to offense.  He became one of the vital links in the many indoor and outdoor championships of his youth club and high school (West Tech) soccer teams. His interest in youth coaching started in 1973 at age 15, becoming the youngest coach in Ohio, the Midwest, and perhaps even in the U.S. A. developing a U10 boy’s championship team.  Wolf obtained his National “C” license in 1978 under the direction of the late Walt Chyzowych.  He has served on the Board of Concordia as Director of Youth Program, and most recently with NOSO as Director of Travel, Soccer Advisor, and Youth Coach (for girls).

Wolfgang was selected to represent OYSAN in 1975 at the regional state tournament in Oakbrook, Illinois and was a selected for the first Regional Select Team of the Midwest.  At the national tournament in Dallas, Texas, he was one of two players from OYSAN to earn the privilege to be selected to play on the first National Youth Team (U19) of the USYSA in Germany in October 1975 under the guidance of Angus McAlpine.

Excerpts from the Hall of Fame presentation by Hans Kopp

During those pioneer days of Ohio Youth Soccer, there were no tryouts! In fact, we were happy to take any boy as long as they were willing to work hard and had the desire and motivation to play soccer.  We were committed to teach them our game and develop them into useful soccer players who would have fun playing our game.

As one of the founders of the Olympic Soccer Development program and director of the Midwest Region, I had the opportunity to work with many outstanding coaches, including Angus McAlpine, Bob Gansler and many others.  Over the years, I had the opportunity to evaluate hundreds of youth soccer players at the Ohio, the Midwest and on the national level.

What were we looking for in a player as we evaluated players and separated them from each other?  First, we looked at their skills on the ball. Then we assessed their speed, their physical fitness and endurance. After that we assessed their ability to read the game, their ability to play off the ball, how they play in support of their teammates and their overview of the game. 

If all those qualities were equal at this point, we looked to see if a player brought a desire to win to the field and if still equal at that point, we assessed their mental tenacity; how they could control the tempo of the game, impose their own will upon their opponents, and use their wit, creativity, and mental toughness to achieve success.

Wolf brought all those qualities to the field of play. He became a team leader of his Concordia youth team, his high school team at West-Tech, his college team at Case Western Reserve, on the OYSAN Select Team, and the Midwest Regional team. 

As a result of those exceptional qualities and accomplishments, he was selected to become a member of the First U19 national youth soccer team assembled by the USYSA to play in Europe in October of 1975  under national team coach Angus McAlpine, a team, which also included Hall of Famer, Walter Schlothauer. They toured Northern Germany where the team successfully represented U.S. soccer against regional select teams, as well as against high-level youth teams from Concordia Hamburg, Werder Bremen and Hanover 96.

Wolf is the sixth in succession of Sport Club Donauschwaben-Concordia men inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame on November 15^th 2008. Wolf is preceded by Walter Schlothauer, Phil Seil (both 2007) Franz Schönberger(2006), Herbert Haller Sr. (2004) and Hans Kopp (2003) first President of the OYSAN.

2008 Wolf Urban OYSAN Hall of Fame

2008 Hans Kopp, Ron Gedrich, President and Wolf Urban

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

OCTOBER  2008

    We are pleased to announce that Marty Misbrener has been inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame. Marty was nominated by his peers for his contributions to enhance the game of soccer. The German Family Society thanks Marty for his many years of hard work and dedication to the soccer program.

Congratulations Marty!

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

OCTOBER  2008

1993 Team Reunites for Special Evening

    1993 was a season for the ages for the German Hungarians.  While following the progress of the 2008 cup run – Jeff Maierhofer decided it was time to bring the 1993 group back together.

    Coming off a highly successful but difficult 92 season that ended with an Eastern Final loss to the Hota Bavarians the team struggled to find its’ early form.  An early season draw and a backlog of cup games saw the team fall behind Lancaster in the league and a December loss to Sunburst in the amateur cup left the team with a single focus.  We needed to beat the Flames or there would be no Cup games for 1993.  A 5-2 win behind five Jeff Van Tiem goals allowed the German Hungarians to claim the Eastern PA Open Cup Championship.  The rest as they say - is history!

    A rally in the league, Champions again!  An unbelievable team trip to England.  Wins over Boston, North Jersey and finally the NY Pancyprians left the German Hungarians as 1993 Eastern US Champions.  Next came former national champions McCormack of Florida and the great overtime win sparked by Mark Ozoroski's memorable blast and we were off to the final!

    While our great season ended with a disappointing loss in the National Open Cup Championship, well over 100 club members, parents, wives, girlfriends and friends made the trip to Indianapolis.  A loss, but still a memory for a great club, a great team, all of the great soccer and a great era!

    On August 2nd over 60 club members, players, coaches, managers, families and friends reunited at our club to celebrate, reminisce and greet old friends.  Among the players were Paul Centofanti, Bob Wilkinson, Jim McCourt, Neil Smart, Mark Ozoroski, Steve Wink, Jeff Maierhofer, Jim DeMarco, Mike Curley, Vince McGlynn, Tom Foley, Dave Fleming and the Reverend Tom Fitzpatrick.  Bill Wilkinson Jr, Werner Fricker Jr and Claudio Touravela were also in attendance.  Special mention goes to Joe Rudy - Rock had to attend a wedding - but his father came out to join the festivities.  Mr. McCourt made it as well.  Sean Fryatt and Jeff Van Tiem both had family commitments but sent their regards.  The Oldtimers and the many club members in attendance made the night special.

    Jeff Maierhofer organized the event with special thanks to Janet Malofiy, Toni Fronchek and Werner.  The evening started with a kick-around on the upper field.  Beers followed in the locker room and for old times’ sake - a debate over who played the best up top.

    The boys brought pictures and mementos from 1993.  Cento wore his ‘Road to Indianapolis’ t-shirt.  Fitzy wore Wink's old #7 jersey.  Videos from the national team game and the cup run played on the big screen.  Several of the games were taped by Paul Centofanti's father, which no doubt explains why we have replays of all of Paul's saves - but somehow no video of the Florida game winner.  There were great images of the Van Tiem goal against the Pancyprians though.  Not surprisingly as we watched - Neil commented at the bar that he didn't want to distract people from watching him play well!  Neil eventually led a round of singing starting with “a Flick from the Dog.”  Have another Dab!  Fifteen years later, Jonesy admitted to being bored in the backfield.  McCourt served as play-by-play announcer for several of his memorable runs – and on it went.  Stories, laughs – it was as though we had played a big game that afternoon.  Somewhere there was a shot of Applecorn.

    Finally the inevitable – Maierhofer and Fitzy on the table – with their rendition of ‘Help Me Rhonda.’  They remembered the words, the crowd sang back up and everyone laughed out loud.

    The ’93 guys back for the night.  Club members, the Oldtimers, a few of the parents – it all comes gushing back.  Hoagie summed it up for the older players – “We were here in 1965, we were here in the 1990’s and we’re here today, what else is there to say?”  Werner Jr, and Bill Wilkinson talked about the importance of the club and its’ great history, the driving influence of both of their fathers and the need to keep it all alive.  So many memories and so much history for the German Hungarians - for one night in early August we all remembered 1993.

A special season, and a special group – thanks to everyone who came out!

Bill Wilkinson Jr.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR WOMEN OVER 30

RUNNERS UP

AT THE USASA NATIONAL CUPS!

          Held in August our Women Over 30 Team competed versus Forza of Washington, Region 1V, J.B. Marine of Missouri, Region II and Houston Challengers of Texas, Region III.  On Friday, August 8^th, Forza swept Houston 7 – 0 while our team beat the Missouri team 1 – 0. 

     On Sunday, August 10^th, our team came out and played hard, challenging early on.  Battling the entire ninety minutes we were unable to keep pace with a strong Forza team and they defeated us 3 – 0.  It was an excellent final.  It was Forza’s 4^th National Championship!

CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR WOMEN ELITE

FOR COMPETING

IN THE WOMEN’S OPEN CUP FINAL!

         Competing in the Women’s Open Cup Finals were:  Indiana FC, Region II, Ajax of California, Women’s Premier Soccer League, Region IV, United German Hungarians, Eastern PA, Region I and Dallas Sting of Region III.

          FC Indiana advanced over GH of East PA while Ajax crushed Sting 4 – 0 to earn a spot in the finals .  FC Indiana took the national title home after a victory over Ajax in overtime.

          We congratulate our elite team for winning all their games in Eastern PA and in Region I so that they were able to compete in this prestigious competition.

GERMAN HUNGARIANS

PARTICIPATE IN DANUBIA’S

“TAG DER DONAUSCHWABEN”

     The United German Hungarians participated in full force at the “Tag der Donauschwaben”!   At 11 AM the Danubia Under 17 Boys played against the German Hungarian Fire Under 17 Boys.  We won with a score of 1 – 0 as 14 year old Sasha Malofiy, Jr., a guest player, scored the only goal of the game during the first half.  Sasha is a member of our Cultural Group and plays soccer for Montgomery United.

     Our Majors played against the Danubia Majors with a score of 2 – 2  as they played an interesting and exciting game with many spectators rooting for both teams.

     The Donauschwaben Combined Group (Philadelphia and Trenton), the German Hungarian Cultural Group Dancers, the German Hungarian Schuhplattler Group and the Almrausch Schuhplattler Group performed folk dances throughout the afternoon. 

     Delicious foods and drinks were served throughout the afternoon and all enjoyed the homemade cakes made by the Donauschwaben women.

     Al Taubenberger, Steuben Parade Chairman, was on hand to remind everyone to attend the parade which will be held on Saturday, September 27^th on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair.

      We enjoyed this festival and are looking forward to celebrate all the fests that will be held in the coming weeks.

GERMAN HUNGARIANS

TO CELEBRATE

GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY

      The German Hungarians will celebrate German-American Day on Friday, October 3^rd.   Join us as we celebrate the “Prost of the Town” with fun and camaraderie, beer and food  and our First Prize  Schuhplattler Group as they perform their Warm-up while preparing to compete in Munich, Germany on Saturday, October 18^th.

Reprinted with Permission

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

OCTOBER  2008

Forwarded from Carpathia Club, Sterling Heights

Kickers Korner

Donauschwaben Tournament 2008

This past Memorial weekend the Kickers men’s teams traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for this years Donauschwaben tournament. As always we meet on Friday at the club and boarded our bus after our traditional meal at the club. After we checked into the hotel we went to Concordia’s club, to do our part to keep the local economy afloat. This has become a kicker tradition to visit the host club on Friday evening for some pre tournament fun. On Saturday it was down to business.  The 1st teams opening opponent was Philadelphia Danubia, who they handled easily by the score of 3-0. The 1st team then played their second game on Saturday against the Chicago Kickers and defeated them by the score 4-0 to go 2-0 for the day. The Reserve team lost their opening match against Chicago Green White by the score of 3-0. They rebounded against Akron II by a score of 2-0. Both teams were in good shape to advance to the final game on Sunday.

Sunday, the reserve team opened the tournament by defeating Philadelphia United German Hungarians, by a score of 3-1. In their second game, we saw them go against the home club Cleveland’s 1st team. Cleveland struggled to a 1-0 win to put the home team into the final game. The 1st team opened their Sunday by going against Cleveland II. They earned a 3-1 victory and all but assured themselves a spot in the final. The next game was against Akron. They could afford to lose this game just as long as they didn’t lose by more than six goals (no way this was going to happen). They did lose however by a score of 1-0. The 1^st team finished the round robin portion with 3 wins & 1 loss earning them a spot in the final game against Cleveland’s 1st team.

The final was a hard fought game with the Kickers controlling the play in the first half. The teams went into half time tied 0-0, for a much needed break. The second half started with Cleveland pressing for the first 5 minutes. The Kickers adjusted quickly, and ten minutes into the second half Martin Sandell threaded a perfect pass to Wade Allen who buried it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. When Wade scored the crowd erupted in a huge cheer. This was definitely a pro Carpathia crowd. Cleveland tried to break through the Kickers defense, but was turned back each time, as the game turned more into a midfield affair. As the final whistle sounded, the game ended as a 1-0 win for the boys in Blue & Yellow. The fans mobbed the field to congratulate the players for bringing the Championship home to Carpathia. Now it was time to celebrate which we did in true Kicker fashion. This was the 5th Donauschwaben tournament championship that Carpathia has won since the year 2000; twice we made it to the fi nal during that time, only to lose on penalty kicks. Next year, Carpathia will be hosting the Donauschwaben tournament. Hopefully we can continue the dynasty and make it six championships next year.

Kurt Seiberling

Carpathia Kickers 99 Blue Boys

Win Westlake Tournament  

Coming off a finals bid in the National indoor tournament this winter, the Kickers 99 Boys Blue team won the Westlake Tournament over Memorial Weekend. Playing in the top U9 division, the Kickers went undefeated in the Tournament to win their fi rst out of State Championship. The offense was led by Robert Wist, who scored 16 goals in 4 games, proving once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with. The boys gave up just one goal in the tournament. “Our defense played equal to our offense during the entire weekend,” said Assistant Coach Mike Kubert. “In addition, Christian (Matye) played outstanding in net warding off two penalties during the Tournament.”

Joining the team from the U9 developmental team were Evan Schleis and Nick Kubert. “These two kids played absolutely outstanding,” said Coach Tony Matye. “These kids came up and played in an age group almost 2 years their senior and never missed a beat. I’m very proud of them. This whole team played with great determination. From Christian in goal, Massimo and Cameron in the back, Jack McConnell and Griffi n in the middle, and of course Robert up front. His production speaks for itself.”

Kickers House League

By T. Busch

The Kickers House League has been steadily growing over the last few years. Currently we have over 60 players. There are two divisions 4 & 5 year olds and 6, 7 & 8 Year olds. The format used by the League is designed to emphasize the fundamentals of the game through a teaching environment. Games are played on Saturday mornings and practices are on Thursday evenings. The purpose for the League is to prepare players for the next step in soccer development which is playing on a Kickers Travel Team.

Carpathia Kickers U9 Boys

By Stefano Moraccini

The U9 Carpathia Kickers Boys played in the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Invitational Tournament in August, and had a great tournament with 2 wins and 1 loss. For the fall season, the team added three new players and is off to a great start with 3 wins and 1 loss and 3 ties. Coach Stefano is excited by the boys play and is looking forward to a great season! The boys have been practicing and playing very hard all season.

Carpathia Kickers ’00 U9 Boys

By Brian Birdsall

The ‘00 U9 Kicker Boys are off to an excellent start. This is their first season together and has begun the season 4-0 having scored 19 goals and while only surrendering 2. Under the tutelage of coaches Brian Birdsall and Dino Cizmic the boys are playing at a level beyond their years. Spacing, movement and communication are the imparative and the boys improve with every training session. The boys will continue to train through the winter and hit the Spring Tournaments with vigor.

Carpathia Kickers U11 Girls

By Stefano Moraccini

The U11 Carpathia Kickers Girls took second place at the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Invitational Tournament in August. For the fall season, the team added fi ve new players and has moved up to play 8 v. 8. The team is already off to a great start with 3 wins and 1 loss. Coach Stefano is encouraged by the quick progression of the girls working as a team and how well they are adapting to the new formation. It should be a great season! GO KICKERS!!!

Carpathia Kickers U12 Girls

By Shelly Watkins

The U12 girl’s team is being coached again this year by Guilio Galui and Todd Martinez. We are happy to announce that Shelly Watkins has also joined our team as Assistant Coach. In addition to our strong group of returning players, we have added three speedy girls – Summer Watkins, Alexis Bozinovski and Gina Pellillo.

Our team started the fall season 2-1 at the PeachFest and we are currently 2-2-1 in our league (D2). We look forward to a strong league finish, participating in the Friendlies and playing all through the winter at Ultimate. If you have not seen us play yet, please check our schedule and come on out! You will be treated to a tough and fast game of soccer, played by the sweetest girls in town.

Our roster: Rachel Adams, Alexis Bozinovski, Stefi na Ciraulo, Mareesa Galui, Heather Johnson, Ariana Martinez, Catie McIntosh, Gina Pellillo, Sara Phlypo, Andrea Schmitz, Ashley Spagnuolo, Paige Thompson, Summer Watkins.

Carpathia Kickers U12 Gold Boys Update

By Edmund Mueller

The U 12 Gold boys moved up to the MYSL Premier division this fall after finishing second in the U11 blue division last spring with a 4-1-3 record. Most of these boys have been together now since they were 6-7 years old. They play exciting soccer and we are very impressed with the skill and team work they display. This fall Coach Mike Colburn has volunteered his time to coach the boys. Coach Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and we are very thankful to have him join the Kickers as the boy’s primary coach and trainer.

This fall we made the fi nal of the Genesse Cup and unfortunately lost 2-1 to Genesse, a premier division rival. We are hoping for some revenge during our regular season meeting. It is early in our fall season and we are 1-1 having beat Royal Oak and losing to the Michigan Elite. We are looking forward to a strong finish the remainder of the season. If you have a chance; come out and see us.

The current team consists of: Coach Mike Colburn, Coach Ed Mueller, Manager Anna DiStefano Players, Marco DiStefano, Logan Mueller ,Tyler Marx, Andrew Love, James Solomon, Jacob Nurmi, Mike Gowdy, Blake Zecchin, Dan Perisic, Noah O’Brien, Tristan Michilli, and Calvin Montgomery

Carpathia Kicker 94 Boys

By Mike Dolan

Coached by: Mike Dolan and Brian Birdsall

The 2008-09 Kickers U15 boys are currently off playing with their respective high school teams. The players and coaches are really looking forward to getting back together near the end of October to begin training for the spring season. The team will be training weekly at Oakland University beginning in November, and looking to play at least one indoor session through the winter. This team has continued to work hard over the past several seasons and their work has paid off. They are expected to begin playing in the Michigan State Premier League this spring. We are also planning at least two tournaments during the spring season.

The coaches are excited with the addition of the following players to our team: Kyle Baert, Grant Boxey, and Kurtis Presley.  Our existing team members are: Austin Colwell, Jonah Corrion, Steven Dolan, Brandon Gignac, Kevin Durante, Brice Kupke, Emilio Lanza, Jeff Lindemann, Tom Lorkowski, Dominic Piazza, Andrew Ployngam, Joe Reiter, Brandon Rice, and Chris Sellers.

The coaches would like to thank the Carpathia Kickers and the parents of our player’s for allowing us the privilege of coaching at this great soccer club with these outstanding young men.

U17 Girls

By Edmund Meuller

Great start for the Carpathia Kickers U17 Girls. Currently we are 5-1. Several new faces for this year. September

12-14 we did our annual trek up to the Traverse City Tbay tournament. I know the parents sure had

fun on Friday night as there was a rumor of a boot walking around the hotel. The girls had a great tournament

and came up just a little short losing in the fi nal to North Macomb 2-0. Even though Mother Nature

decided to rain on us all weekend, I think fun was had by all. Great job Lady Kickers!

Coach Rich Kern, Asst Coach Rick Marte, Manager Michelle Pomaville

Players: Tori Kern #10, Erica Schuh #13, Caroline Mueller #16, Jenna Marte #31, Rachel Gignac #9, Beth Darling #15, Sylvia DiStefano #11, Ashley Pomaville #4, Katelyn Gohlke #14, Marlee Dunn #6, Cara Boyd #7, Alex Trandell #44, Maggie Novak #2, Bonita Hazel #8, Alysha Kengal #12, Erica Ulch #5, Caroline Thiesen #3, Cecelia Hunter #00

Carpathia U30 Womens

By Erika Kuhlmann

It seems that “soccer mom” has a new meaning these days…. Moms that play soccer! The Women’s over 30 team is made of women that are not ready to hang up their cleats, those with or without kids. Two years into playing for the Kickers we are still adding several new players. The team consists of women who have played high school and college. Even though the stats this season could be better our team continued to develop and we had a lot of spirit. We are looking forward to indoor and adding some new talent.

Interested players should contact Erika Kuhlmann at kuhlmann19@hotmail.com

Reprinted with Permission

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

OCTOBER  2008

Forwarded from Cleveland, DGACC

2008 DONAUSCHWABEN TOURNAMENT

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Reprinted with Permission

VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE

OCTOBER  2008

GREEN WHITE FIRST TEAM

At the close of the 2007-2008 Chicago Metropolitan League season, the mood at Green White S.C. was dour. The First Team had just finished a roller coaster season on the brink; ending strong with two convincing victories to seemingly escape relegation, only to have it snatched away by an unexpected, and some would say suspicious, result in the regular season finale. With the resultant drop to the First Division, many questions loomed about the make-up of the First Team; the fate of Reserves and, perhaps most importantly, whether the rookie clubhouse managers would ever learn how to properly lock the refrigerators. Resign had set in and no clear answers were forthcoming; but then the Fates allowed a reprieve. With less than three weeks to go before the start of the season, the Wings announced they would not be able to field a reserve team for the upcoming season; and therefore, opted to stand down to the First Division. The voluntary demotion allowed Green White to slip into the vacated Major Division slot and just like that, the boys are back in town!

The Wings’ announcement; however, was not the only off-season news to shake the 2008-2009 Metropolitan League. Just prior to the commencement of the season, it was rumored and reported that long time Major Division power house Polonia had lost their “sponsor” and would also drop from the ranks of the Major Division. It was thought that Real F.C., who narrowly missed out in a promotion play-off with Schwaben back in July, would be elevated from the First Division in place of Polonia; but at the time of publication, it appeared that Polonia had worked out their fiscal problems and would keep their place in the Majors.

In any event, the springboard back to the top division resolved the major issue facing the Reserve Team but did not resolve the personnel dilemma confronting the First Team. Going into the Fall season, many of the First Team regulars were not expected to return to the club. Keeper Danny Caruso moved abroad to the Emerald Isle. Jimmy Romano, Arso Mitreski and Joti Baruni all returned to school. Peter Rusin reportedly retired and Chris Doran left to get a pack of cigarettes and never returned. Henry Ospina was also reported among the MIA. Still, Green White welcomed back to the First Team a solid core that included Jamie Limna, Kurt Melcher, Brendan Connor, Matt Connor, Sean Connor, Colum Donahue, Bunnyray Larmond, Anthony Derose, Eric Spiess, Brandon Hardy, Andy Pancio, and Asher Mendelsohn.  Some of the new faces in the Green White clubhouse included, keeper Ben Dons, Mike Waters and Chad Mitchell.

On August 24, 2008, the First Team kicked off the new season against the United Serbs at the Serbian compound in Gurnee, Illinois. The Serbs finished last season in first place and promised to be a formidable opening match opponent. Starting for Green White were Kurt Melcher, Matt Connor, Anthony Derose, Bunnyray Larmond, Colum Donahue, Brandon Hardy, Eric Spiess, Jamie Limna, Sean Connor, Andy Pancio and Chad Mitchell.

Through the majority of the first half Green White looked the dominant team, creating several chances as they spread the ball wide through the midfield. At the 25 minute mark, it took a quick reaction from the Serbian keeper to prevent newbie Chad Mitchell from opening his Green White account as he was fed in from the left by Brandon Hardy. Meanwhile, the Serbs were having no success with their typical long ball attempts as Larmond, Derose, Donahue and M. Connor matched the shifty Serb forwards stride for stride. However, 40 minutes into the match, despite the majority of play being in the Serbian end, the home team capitalized on their only half-chance of the match as keeper Ben Dons charged off his line late to find himself caught in no-man’s land where the Serbian forward lifted him for the only goal of the match. Undaunted, it appeared that Green White had found the equalizer just before the intermission as Eric Spiess pounced upon a spilt save from an Andy Pancio rocket, but the flag was up as Spiess was adjudged to be in an off side position straight away. Just moments later, more controversy arose after a long whistle most thought was the signal for the end of the half. As many of the players started walking off the pitch, the Serbs quickly set the ball and played it through for a break-away, but Dons reacted well to cover the low shot and moot the controversy. The second half proved to be more of the same with Green White creating several chances and dominating play, but not able to find the equalizer. It proved to be a frustrating start but the team showed signs of improvement and promise for the coming season.

Other Metropolitan First Team League results from the August 24, 2008 were: Connection 0 - Vikings 1; Eagles 1 - Schwaben 2; Maroons - Polonia (postponed); Zrinski - Sockers (Postponed).

The remainder of the Fall schedule for the Green White First Team is as follows:

· 09/07/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Maroons @ Majewski Park

· 09/14/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Schwaben @ Schwaben Ctr.

· 09/21/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Eagles @ Majewski Park

· 09/28/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Sockers @ Schwaben Center

· 10/05/08 - 2:00 p.m. v. Polonia @ TBD

· 10/12/08 - 2:00 p.m. v. Conn. @ Round Lake, IL

· 10/19/08 - 2:00 p.m. v. Zrinski @ Majewski Park

· 10/26/08 - 2:00 p.m. v. Vikings @ Majewski Park

GREEN WHITE RESERVE TEAM

In contrast to the First Team, the Green White Reserve Team returned for the Fall season almost entirely intact with returning players such as Neaman Lewis, Tom Czop, Chris Salatino, A.J. Nawrocki, Adam Gee, Kurt Melcher, Jon Duddles, Mike Magner, Mel Qoku, Mitch Lechowski, Alex Jurado, Rob Czop, Mike Sulik, Erik Ferrier, Brandon McLemore and Stuart Greer. The only players not returning to the Reserve Team were Jake Truty who retired and Ryan Conroy, who returned to England to become the Duke of Earl.

On August 24, 2008, the Reserve Team reacquainted themselves with the United Serbs at the Serbian Help Brothers’ Field in Gurnee, Illinois. Starting for the Reserves were Mike Magner, Stuart Greer, Keith Andersson, Ben Jones, Mel Qoku, Brandon McLemore, A.J. Nawrocki, Alex Nawrocki, Rob Czop, Jon Duddles and Kurt Melcher. The defenseless affair started positively for the green team as Rob Czop served A.J. Nawrocki from the right for the opening goal at the two minute mark. But thereafter the Green White defense couldn’t make change with the aid of a calculator, allowing three sloppy goals in the span of 15 minutes; and it would have been four if not for a quick reaction from Mike Magner to swat away an in-close header. To compound the situation, Alex Nawrocki missed a penalty kick at the other end that would have cut the deficit to one goal. Yet, just before the end of the half, the team looked to have turned the corner when Brandon McLemore stole an errant cross field pass to rush in on goal and hammer a near post effort past the keeper. But as the second half opened, the Serbs found another to extend their lead to 4-2. To their credit, Green White did not give up the fight, scrapping out another goal as Alex Nawrocki poached upon a spilt save by the Serbian keeper. Not to be out done by his younger brother, A.J. Nawrocki received a mid-field service on a dead ball from Keith Andersson that bounced high upon the rock-hard turf, allowing Nawrocki to nod the ball up and over the stranded keeper. Feeling the momentum, Adam Gee secured the win with a blast from 15 yards served into him by Jon Duddles. Gee celebrated the game winner with a skip, a cartwheel and a traditional English finger salute for the provider.

GREEN WHITE OVER 30 TEAM

Due to field conditions and scheduling conflicts, the Green White Over 30 Team did not see any Metropolitan League action in August. The first two matches were rescheduled to a later date. Returning to the Over 30 Team for the Fall season are Keith Andersson, Greg Boltz, Chris Chretien, John Christopher, Rob Czop, Jim Dionne, Mike Gressle, Alex Jurado, Kevin Katz, Brett Lasher, Mitch Lechowski, Tim McBride, Pat Palbicke, John Parsinen, Mike Pellegrino, Gabby Sepiashvili, Herb Sherry, Grant Smale, Rob Stadler, Axel Vega, Chris Wellman, Derrick Wilkinson and Chris Wixson. It is also hoped that John Sedej will be able to complete his year long rehabilitation in time to re-join the team before the end of the Fall session.

The Over 30 Team’s schedule for the Fall season is as follows:

· 08/16/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Eagles @ Majewski Park (resch)

· 08/23/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Lions @ Majewski Park (resch)

· 09/06/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Lightning @ Libertyville

· 09/13/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Cracovia @ Schwaben Center

· 09/20/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Calisia @ Majewski Park

· 09/27/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Liths @ Lemont, Illinois

· 10/04/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Vikings @ Majewski Park

· 10/11/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Schwaben @ Schwaben

· 10/18/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Concordia @ 31st & Cntral

· 10/25/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Eagles @ Triton College

The rest of the Metropolitan Over 30 League commenced the season on August 16th as scheduled.

The results from the weekend of August 16, 2008 were:

Vikings 1 - Concordia 3;

Liths - Calisia (postponed);

Lions 6 - Lightning 0;

Schwaben 2 - Cracovia 0.

The results from the weekend of August 23, 2008 were:

Lightning 0 - Cracovia 2;

Calisia 5 - Vikings 4;

Concordia 3 - Schwaben 2;

Eagles - Liths (postponed).

GREEN WHITE OVER 40 TEAM

Like the Over 30 Team, the Green White Over 40 Team had to reschedule its first two matches. Returning to scratch out another season for the alte herren side are Roni Arusi, Serhat Calbay, Art Caliskan, Dan Donnellan, John Dunkas, Andy Finn, Eric Gottung, Bobo Gracanin, Mike Gross, Bob Hynes, Jeff Lanham, George Lymperis, Jusef Muratovic, Dave Nichols, Tom O’Connell, Nick Paul, Dan Rogan, Russell Rosenberg, Steve Roy, Steve Schmidt, Todd Schneider, Cliff Sellie, Tobin Sosnick, Mark Stein, Jason Thodos, Scott Walz, Paul Weaver and Jeff Wellman, with middie Pat Nash hoping to return from shoulder surgery in the Spring.

The remainder of the Over 40 Team Fall schedule is as follows:

· 08/16/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Hrvat @ Majewski Pk (resch)

· 08/23/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Cracovia @ Majew. Pk (resch)

· 09/06/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Real F.C. @ Majewski Park

· 09/13/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Highlanders @ Majewski Park

· 09/20/08 - 3:00 p.m. v. Falcons @ DuPage College

· 09/27/08 - 5:00 p.m. v. Concordia @ Majewski Park

· 10/04/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Eagles @ Majewski Park

· 10/11/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Rams @ Aurora, Illinois

· 10/18/08 - 4:00 p.m. v. Schwaben @ Majewski Park

· 10/25/08 4:00 p.m. v. Wings @ East Lake High

Metropolitan Over 40 League results from the weekend of August 16, 2008 were:

Eagles - Wings(postponed);

Youths 1 - Highlander 3;

Real 1 – Falcons 2;

Royal Wawel - Rams (postponed);

United Serbs - Schwaben (postponed);

Concordia 4 – Cracovia 0.

Results from the weekend of August 23, 2008 were:

Rams 2 - Highlander 2;

Wings 2 – United Serbs 2;

Concordia 9 - Real 0;

Royal Wawel 3 - Schwaben 2;

Falcons 4 - Youths 1;

Hrvat 1 - Eagles 5.

Reprinted with Permission