THE OFFICIAL FCUSA MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2016
12
FEATURES 12 | BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FCUSA NATIONAL Director of Coaching Rob Jones gives LEGACY an inside look into the team’s international trip to Spain to play in this past summer’s prestigious Donosti Cup. 16 | BRINGING HOME THE HARDWARE FCUSA Coastal captures three titles and narrowly misses another at the Massachusetts State Cup. 17 | NEW FROM PUMA PUMA introduces the evoTOUCH Pro Special Edition, a new leather boot with unrivalled control and exceptional touch.
16
18
Around the Pitch 4 | Q&A WITH STEVE JONES 6 | FCUSA NEWS 18 | TRAINING GROUND 22 | MEET THE COACH 23 | ASK THE ALUM 24 | HOT SHOTS 25 | SIDELINES
Cover photo by Aaron Duckmanton FCUSA / 3
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR
Capping Off a Tremendous Summer Season Welcome FCUSA families to the latest edition of our LEGACY magazine. It has been an action packed summer for teams across all our regions, and this edition of LEGACY serves as a celebration of each region’s summer success. As an addition this month, we also have an expanded training ground section allowing our fantastic coaches a platform to share their knowledge. We are delighted that so many of our FCUSA players continued to play soccer in some form or another with us this summer. It really was our busiest yet! We were involved in huge tournaments up and down the country, including our own FCUSA New Jersey Summer Invitational, and we even had a FCUSA National team represent our club at the Donosti Cup in Spain. FCUSA is proud of the hard work its coaches put in on a daily basis and delighted when that effort is recognized. Please join us in congratulating Rob Jones for being named the inaugural recipient of the Steel Sports Coach of the Year award! The award is chosen by athletes, fellow coaches, parents, mentors, and management and given to a coach that had a positive impact on the lives of youth athletes. Rob certainly fits that bill! This summer we also got to debut out new look! Our PUMA summer uniforms were a huge hit with everyone, and FCUSA teams were certainly the best looking playing summer soccer. We look forward to everyone being able to wear their new PUMA uniforms going forward. As always, we hope you enjoy this edition of LEGACY. We believe it provides you with a unique insight into all our FCUSA clubs and ties together the wonderful success all our teams have on and off the field. P.S. – Check out the Sidelines section at the end for a chance to win a SKLZ performance backpack! Regards, BRENDAN DOYLE National Director of Coaching #FCUSA #JoinTheClub
THE OFFICIAL FCUSA MAGAZINE
THEFOOTBALLCLUBUSA.COM INFO@THEFOOTBALLCLUBUSA.COM GENERAL MANAGER Craig McGinn NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COACHING Brendan Doyle TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Paul Turner The Football Club USA HQ 210 Malapardis Road, Suite 101 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
EDITORIAL EDITORS Nathan Clinkenbeard Aaron Duckmanton Craig McGinn CONTRIBUTORS Ian Abrey Bill Brady Dave Cornish Christy Irwin Rob Jones Steve Jones Steven Macdonald James Morris Steve Roper Richard Scott Paul Turner Glen Waudby PHOTOGRAPHERS Bernard Delierre
Steel Sports is dedicated to promoting a lifelong enjoyment of sports while instilling the core values of discipline, teamwork, safety, respect and integrity. Sports are a way for kids to grow mentally and socially, as well as physically, and Steel Sports aims to build well-rounded individuals on and off the field. The Football Club USA and UK Elite Soccer hold those same beliefs, and together we will use our passion to further our future generations.
ART DIRECTOR Brian Hostetler The information contained in this publication was compiled by The Football Club USA and is provided as a courtesy to its members. Any commercial use of this information is prohibited without the prior written consent of The Football Club USA. © Copyright 2016 The Football Club USA
QA &
with Steve Jones
Introducing Steve Jones FCUSA New Jersey’s New Director of Coaching Interview by Aaron Duckmanton LEGACY: Everyone at FCUSA NJ is delighted that you are stepping into the director of coaching role. Can you briefly talk us through your journey to this point? Steve: First of all, I have to say I’m both honored and excited to accept the position as director of coaching for FCUSA New Jersey. The challenge is keeping this brief as I began coaching over 30 years ago in England following my playing career, and I have been with UK Elite for over 20 years here in the USA. I have had many roles within U.S. Youth Soccer, but my major passions have always been helping players develop to their fullest potential and also helping young coaches to do the same. For
LEGACY: What unique qualities do you bring to FCUSA NJ? Steve: The most important qualities I bring to this position are passion, experience, loyalty and leadership. Young soccer players and the coaching staff want to know that they will be challenged and supported while being treated fairly and consistently. LEGACY: What are your initial objectives for FCUSA this fall and going forward into next year? Steve: I believe my experience will enable me to create a positive culture within
LEGACY: The club has had some recent success playing in tournaments this year. Why do you think FCUSA teams are so suited to tournament play? Steve: I think FCUSA promotes a coaching environment which develops the problemsolving skills of our players. Because of this, over the course of a tournament when fatigue can become a factor, our players tend to make good decisions in the game setting leading to a consistently high level of performance. LEGACY: What are the key characteristics of an FCUSA player that separate them from other players?
“I want us to be known as the club that develops the whole person not just the player.” many years I combined coaching and working with special needs students and the Special Olympics New Jersey organization while also being responsible at UK Elite Soccer for coaching education and professional development. I am now looking forward to using all of this experience to benefit the players and coaches in the FCUSA program here in New Jersey.
FCUSA. My aim is to create a positive FCUSA club culture that extends beyond the playing field. While all of our teams will have a distinct playing style that focuses on developing individual players to their fullest potential, I want us to be known as the club that develops the whole person not just the player.
Steve: One of the things I am most proud of as a coach is that my players that have gone on to play at the next level have been “ready” for that step up in terms of the game and their commitment. Whenever I speak with college coaches about our players they always refer to their high level of soccer IQ and how coachable they are. I am particularly proud of my current group of seniors playing in college as six of them are captains of their teams. What this tells me is we develop players, people and leaders.
FCUSA / 5
FCUSA NEWS PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS
LEGACY: What have you enjoyed most in your time with FCUSA?
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Olivia: Meeting all the different people and working with all the coaches. Also, growing as a player individually and on the field with everybody else. LEGACY: What is your most memorable from this past season or recently?
Olivia McSolely Hometown: Plymouth, Massachusetts Team: 2002 Storm Position: Left wing Number: 28
Olivia: Spain for sure, definitely! Scoring a PK in Spain made me feel really good as I was the only goal scorer. Everyone was chanting and cheering for me. LEGACY: Describe your experience traveling over to Spain to play soccer in three words. Olivia: In three words is hard. I would have to say incredible, memorable and empowering.
11 8
4 1
02 Boys Impact
Club Highlights • FCUSA Coastal welcomed over 1,200 kids to their summer tryouts with close to 900 players forming 55 teams. • The 02 and 04 Boys Impact teams and the 05 Girls Impact all won championships at the Stars Labor Day weekend tournament. • FCUSA Coastal enjoyed its 15th year of sleepaway camps in Massachusetts with a great turnout. FCUSA TX Academy teams (2007 players and below) formed seven teams to grow the future of FCUSA TX. 6 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
9
10 5
6
2
7
(4-2-3-1)
Cam Dwyer (#1) – 02 Boys Carter Estabrook (#2) – 06 Boys Erin White (#4) – 01 Girls Will McManus (#5) – 05 Boys Megan Jakubicka (#3) – 08 Girls James Gallagher (#8) – 01 Boys Alexis Vanderzyde (#6) – 03 Girls Adam Landstein (#7) – 04 Boys Mikey Chun (#10) – 01 Boys Sam Kersey (#11) – 04 Girls Olivia Kudrikow (#9) – 02 Girls
Hometown: Plymouth, Massachusetts Team: FCUSA Coastal U15 Storm Position: Center midfielder Number: 29 LEGACY: What are some of your individual goals this season or areas you’re trying to improve?
TEAM OF THE SEASON 3
Bryan Carman
Bryan: One is definitely focus and another is shooting probably. And just helping myself become more attentive in the game. LEGACY: What type of player do you consider yourself? Bryan: I would consider myself a player who tries to work hard and sometimes just doesn’t. But I love the game, more than life because life’s tough. LEGACY: Did you watch the Euros and Copa America this summer, and if so, what did you take away from it? Bryan: What I learned the most is probably that quick play works a lot better than just dribbling. Portugal won the Euros, and they were kind of like the underdogs that nobody really expected to win. But through quick play and effort they were able to win the Euros.
MARYLAND
Club Highlights • The 99/00 Black Boys didn’t let the weather get the best of them as they won their respective EDP Division title with a 4-2 victory in the rain. • The 00/01 Black Boys Summer Team won the FCNJ Invitational
Dylan: Getting to know my new teammates and watching us grow as a group. I also have an amazing coach whose primary focus is to develop us individually and as a team to reach our potential as young men and players. LEGACY: What is your most memorable moment from this past season or recently?
• The 04/05 Black Boys Summer Team had a strong showing in their six-week program, finishing second place in two of their three tournaments – the Mason Dixon Cup in Hagerstown, Maryland and the FCNJ Invitational in New Jersey.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Dylan: After all of our hard work and growth throughout the fall, our team ended the season with a first place finish in the Fallston Cup tournament.
Hometown: Phoenix, Maryland Team: FCUSA Maryland Black 2003 Position: Midfielder Number: 12
Dylan: It means being reliable and respectful to your teammates and your coach.
LEGACY: How did you get into soccer and what do you like most about the sport?
LEGACY: What type of player do you consider yourself?
Hometown: Cockeysville, Maryland Team: FCUSA Maryland Black 2001 Position: Center defensive midfielder Number: 8
Dylan Genovese
LEGACY: What does it mean to you to be a good teammate?
Jack: I’ve played soccer since I was very little. It always appealed to me as the technical, tactical, and physical skills involved were unmatched. I love soccer mostly because of its ability to bring people of all walks of life together.
JACK REILLY
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
LEGACY: What have you enjoyed most about your time with FCUSA?
Jack: I consider myself a tackling midfield player who always tries to move the ball forward after winning it and control the pace of the game. LEGACY: What are some of your individual goals this season and what aspects of your game are you trying to improve the most? Jack: The aspects of my game I’m trying to improve most are my technical ability and confidence on the ball as well as my vision. A goal of mine is to try and win the league with my team. It would be a great experience for all of us.
TEAM OF THE SEASON 3 19
22
29 1
14
9 16
14
7 5
(3-5-2)
Griffin Potter (#1) – Black 99/00 Peter Mutascio (#7) – Black 03/04 Gregory Diette (#14) – Black 99/00 Alec Rendelman (#19) – Black 00/01 Elijah Houck (#5) – Black 99/00 Vilius Matalavage (#16) – Black 99/00 Jeremy Cain (#29) – Green 99/00 Justin Morris (#9) – Black 03/04 Nathan Hartlove (#3) – Black 00/01 Kalen Stockton (#14) – Black 03/04 Quinn McLaughlin (#22) – Green 99/00
FCUSA / 7
PHILADELPHIA
Club Highlights • U11 Boys Black won the FC Delco Players Cup championship and finished as finalists at the MAPS Spring Challenge and State Cup.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
TEAM OF THE SEASON 5 10
6
3 1
9 4
7
11
8
2
• U9 Boys Black won the Nether United Spring Challenge. • U10 Boys Black finished runner-up in Delco Division #1 • Started the FCUSA Girls Academy at Agnes Irwin School with over 30 girls, and the Boys Academy ran at Shipley School with over 30 players as well. • Strong turnout for tryouts with over 50 players trying out for the 2005 Boys alone. FCUSA TX Academy teams (2007 players and below) formed seven teams to grow the future of FCUSA TX
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
(4-2-3-1)
Todd Berman (#1) – 02 Boys
CAMERON LONG
Nicholas Bolden (#2) – 05 Boys (Black) Zachary Kingsley (#3) – 02 Boys Sizwe Morris-Louis (#4) – 04 Boys Mason Baylis (#5) – 03 Boys
Hometown: Ardmore, Pennsylvania Team: FCUSA Philadelphia 2003 Black Position: CDM or CAM Number: 6
Quinn Songa (#6) – 06 Boys Brady Ring (#7) – 03 Boys Ericka Kitzinger (#8) – 03 Girls Liam May (#9) – 04 Boys Tiko Morris Louis (#10) – 05 Boys (Green) Omar Warthen Jr. (#11) – 07 Boys
LEGACY: What are some of your goals this season both individually and collectively as a team? Cami: My goal for this season is to be more creative, carrying the ball up field and trying to create chances with my footwork that I am trying to improve. This year I want my team to win games and go far in tournaments and State Cup. LEGACY: What is your most memorable from this past season or recently?
CAMI “SMILEY” JOHNSON Hometown: Ridley Township, Pennsylvania Team: FCUSA Philadelphia 99 Girls Black Position: Attacking midfielder Number: 10
8 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
Cami: Our team just got to play in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden. Our team made it to the quarterfinals and had the best time that I will not forget. Meeting people from many different countries and playing against teams I have never seen was the most amazing experience. LEGACY: What does it mean to you to be a good teammate? Cami: I consider myself a player who likes to be a leader and be dependable to my teammates. Being a good teammate is being someone who is reliable at any point, on and off the field. My favorite thing about soccer is that it’s a team sport, so I like to have good friendships to create good chemistry.
LEGACY: How did you get into soccer and what do you like most about the sport? Cameron: I first started playing soccer when I was 7 years old and have loved it ever since. I played for many teams in the local area, and I decided to leave Lower Merion to join FCUSA when my team was created three years ago. I have stayed with the club since then because all of the coaches are friendly and great, and I really enjoy the team I play on. LEGACY: What have you enjoyed most about your time with FCUSA? Cameron: The coaches are really nice and good at what they do, so whenever I am playing in a practice or a game I know I will improve as a player. LEGACY: Talk about a memorable moment from this past season. Cameron: It would have to be scoring two goals and getting an assist to come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the semifinals in one of our summer tournament games.
TEXAS
Club Highlights • FCUSA Texas had its most successful July 1 signing day ever with 15 teams and 169 players registering with the club for the 2016-17 soccer year. • The 98 Boys graduated and had numerous players move on to play collegiately, including one player who earned a Division I scholarship.
TEAM OF THE SEASON
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
9 18
13
2 3
10
6 17
13
7 4
• The 00 Girls recorded the first win in NTX State Cup play for a FCUSA TX girls team, defeating a top four ranked team. • The 01 Girls went 4-0 and the 05 Boys went 3-0 in their respective Classic League Qualifying tournaments, becoming both the second FCUSA TX girls and boys classic level teams. The girls will compete in Division II for 2016-17, and the boys will compete in Division I. • FCUSA TX Academy teams (2007 players and below) formed seven teams to grow the future of FCUSA TX.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
(3-5-2)
Jonathan Hopkins (#3) – 06 Boys Josie Woodward (#7) – 01 Girls Black Abram De Armas (#10) – 05 Boys James Kim (#18) – 05 Boys Black Emmanuel Arroyo (#4) – 08 Boys Logan Lynch (#17) – 03 Boys Minya Jimenez (#2) – 05 Girls Jeremy Benavides (#6) – 07 Boys Hamilton Gavlick (#9) – 09/10 Boys Haley Foley (#13) – 01 Girls Natalie Thomas (#13) –99 Girls
LEGACY: What type of player do you consider yourself? Cole: Smart, aggressive and hard working. LEGACY: What is your most memorable moment from this past season or recently? Cole: Making Classic League Division I. We worked hard as a team and are now looked at as one of the top 05B teams in North Texas. Also being named a captain by my teammates.
Cole powell Hometown: Frisco, Texas Team: FCUSA TX 05 Boys Position: Center midfielder, Center back Number: 2
LEGACY: What did you learn from watching the Euro and Copa America tournaments this summer? Cole: I was impressed by how quick the players were and their ball skills. I learned that even the best players make mistakes, like when Messi missed his PK at the end of the game. When they make a mistake they don’t quit and keep playing hard.
Allison Navejas Hometown: McKinney, Texas Team: FCUSA TX 01 Girls Position: Attacking midfielder Number: 20 LEGACY: What do you like most about soccer? Allison: What I love most about soccer is being on the field during games when everything else slips away. Nothing else matters, and you’re just thinking about right now, the present. LEGACY: What have you enjoyed most about your time with FCUSA? Allison: I’ve had amazing coaches, and I have great friendships with my teammates. Our teams go to residential camp together every year. FCUSA has been good for me. LEGACY: What are some of your individual goals this season? Allison: My goal for this season is to become a starter for the new FCUSA team I moved up to. I’ll be working one-on-one with my coach on being more confident on the ball at this more competitive level. FCUSA / 9
NEW JERSEY
TEAM OF THE SEASON
Club Highlights • The club hosted the FCUSA NJ Summer Invitational on June 25-26 with 68 teams attending. Teams from FCUSA Maryland, Philly and New York made the trip to New Jersey as well to compete and show their support for the club. • The U15 and U16 Boys both earned championships at the EDP Showcase in June. U15 coach Mike Alexis called the title “a fitting finale for the U15 Boys, a team that has been together for five years.” U16 coach Richy Scott said his team’s “development with the club is now allowing them to compete in high level tournaments and attract the attention of college coaches.” • The U16 Girls won July’s GPS Summer Showcase in Massachusetts with a 2-1 win.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
2
6
9
3 1
7
10
4 8
11
5
(4-3-3)
Brett Luing (#1) – U18 Boys Heidi Krueger (#2) – U16 Girls Stephanie Madden (#3) – U13 Girls Will Fehnel (#4) – U16 Boys Green Tyler Cilio (#5) – U12 Boys David McMillan (#6) – U17 Boys Black Griffin Renn (#7) – U13 Boys Green Jack Vispoli (#8) – U18 Boys Alex Kotar (#9) – U10 Boys Black Nicholas Panvini (#10) – U16 Boys Black Emily Dolan (#11) – U16 Girls
LEGACY: What is your favorite part about playing for FCUSA NJ? Daniel: My favorite part about playing for FCUSA is that the coaches are the best ones out there. They always support me and are nice to play for. LEGACY: What is your best position, and who is your favorite player that plays that positon? Daniel: My best position is center defense. My favorite player is Gary Cahill because of how much passion he plays with.
Daniel Frey Hometown: Randolph, New Jersey Team: 03 Boys Position: Center defense Number: 22
10 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
LEGACY: If you could play one game with any team in the world, who would it be and why? Daniel: If I could play a game for one team it would be Chelsea FC. I enjoy the way they play; they move the ball quickly and to their liking.
Emma Keaney Hometown: Randolph, New Jersey Team: 05 Girls Position: Right midfielder Number: 8
LEGACY: Who favorite player?
is
your
Emma: My favorite player that plays my position is Megan Rapinoe. LEGACY: What do you like about playing for FCUSA? Emma: I like playing for FCUSA because all the coaches are really nice and friendly and help me become a better player and also because my teammates are nice and we play good teams that help us improve. LEGACY: If you could play one game with any team in the world who would it be and why? Emma: My team would be Messi, Carly Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Julie Johnston and me in a 5v5 game because we are all really good and would win.
NEW YORK
Club Highlights • FCUSA New York’s goals are to become the premier player development program in the state and to offer the best players the best coaching and playing experience to maximize player potential. • The club is currently looking to expand its home locations in Central Westchester as well as Orange County and hopes to have 12 teams playing by fall 2017. • As it stands now, FCUSA New York has four home locations and six teams.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Victoria Rae Righetti Hometown: Somers, New York Team: FCUSA GU13 Position: Midfielder Number: 10 LEGACY: What have you enjoyed most about your time with FCUSA? Victoria: I enjoy my coaches the most and how they train us hard. They push us to be our personal best, work as a team and have fun at the same time. LEGACY: What are some of your individual goals this season and what aspects of your game are you trying to improve the most?
FCUSA LI Levittown Gunners 2001 Boys Currently top 10 in National Got Soccer national rankings and No. 1 team in Eastern New York. They won 37 of 41 games in the 2015-16 season including the EDP Championship and three other major tournament championships. The team was also the inaugural Global 5s National Champions. Their ultimate goal for the year is the National Championship. Gary Book has coached this team since U11 and has moved up six players who now star at MLS academy teams. FCUSA Levittown Gunners 2002 Boys Played their first ever game in early September and beat the No. 1 ranked team in Eastern New York. Brand new team which is home to a nucleus of players from last year’s U14 team who are now split by calendar year. The team has seven ENY ODP players. Goals for the year include a national top 25 ranking and an 80 percent or greater win percentage.
Victoria: This season I am trying to improve my speed from play to play, increase my endurance as well as my skill moves with the ball. LEGACY: What is your most memorable moment from this past season or recently? Victoria: Our Labor Day tournament for sure. It was the first time we ever played together, and we won 3-0. I could tell from the first minute that we played very well together and had a great team. LEGACY: What does it mean to you to be a good teammate? Victoria: A good teammate FCUSA / 11 has a positive attitude and will support one another if they are having a bad game or a good game.
FCUSA / 11
FCUSA INTERNATIONAL DIARY
Behind the Scenes with FCUSA National An inside look into the team’s international trip to Spain to play in this summer’s prestigious Donosti Cup By Rob Jones
O
n June 29, a very excited group of parents and players from FCUSA clubs around the country started their once-in-a-lifetime journey to Spain to compete in the Donosti Cup. Held in San Sebastian, the Donosti Cup is one of Europe’s largest youth soccer tournaments, featuring over 400 teams. FCUSA travelled with Global Team Events, America’s premier sport tour, tournament and event company. Tour leader and FCUSA Director of Coaching Rob Jones kept a diary for LEGACY to provide a day-to-day update on the tour and the group’s experiences.
12 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
DAY 1 – JUNE 29 It’s a bittersweet day for me as I meet the first group travelling out of Boston on our way to our first stop in Barcelona, but I’m also dropping off my brother, sisterin-law and baby nephew at the airport as they go back to the U.K. after spending 10 days with me. I have to meet Jansen Fleming (“Flem”) at the airport entrance as he is under my supervision for the trip. His mother is definitely more nervous that he is; he can’t wait to get going. There’s a small emergency as we get to check-in with one of the parent’s passports. Family friends take care of the player, and we all meet at the gate ready for our first flight. Jack Post (“Postman”) is definitely the life and soul of the trip as he jokes around with everyone before the flight.
DAY 2 – JUNE 30 After a stop in Madrid we arrive in Barcelona. It’s hot, and the city, as always, takes the breath away. What a cool place for the start of our tour. We meet our tour representative Alex who gets us onto the bus and to the hotel. The day is spent checking in, meeting other players, and then some of the boys manage to get down to Barcelona beach for a swim and relaxation. Jetlag is setting in on the parents a bit, and as I take all the boys to their first training session in Barcelona they head to the rooms and chill out. The first training session goes as expected – great fields, hot weather and a group of 13-14-year-old boys who look like they just got off a plane. They did OK, but I know there is plenty more in the tank. We did a 75-minute session and then got back on the bus. Our meal in the hotel tonight should be interesting watching the boys come together and begin to socialize.
DAY 3 – JULY 1 Today is my wedding anniversary, so after a quick phone call to my wife Ashleigh, I get to breakfast and pray for good weather as we have a trip to FC Barcelona’s Nou Camp this morning. The stadium is incredible, and the amount of trophies and memorabilia in the initial show room blows your mind.
The boys are in disbelief as Luke Olsen and his brother Nate spend 20 minutes trying to get a staged picture with Leo Messi. The boys are starting to come together, leaving the parents as they go on the tour. This is good and bad. Good, as it shows they are starting to bond, but bad, as we are constantly chasing them since they are trying to get away from the adults! It takes me around 30 minutes to usher them all out of the stadium shop at the end of the tour. We grab some lunch on the way back before getting the boys prepped for the
second session. It’s much better, and they are starting to get their legs back and beginning to get to know each other’s games. I do a little shape work and go through defensive principles and how I want them to be set up in the opening scrimmage tomorrow. We get back to the hotel, and some of the boys head down to the beach again. I rest and do some planning for the game.
DAY 4 – JULY 2 First game day, and for some reason I am nervous. Having played against FCUSA / 13
Spanish teams before you never know what to expect. Our opposition is Sant Just from Barcelona. The boys look nervous in the changing rooms, and I can see I need to get them to relax and enjoy the game. Work rate and effort are my major points as well as clear minds to play to the tactics. The game is cagy, and San Just are very technical. However, we seem physically bigger and stronger. Our defensive shape in the first half is good, and my two center backs Sam Dunn and Alec Perez seem to have us under control. Sant Just had more possession, but we look like we may spring them on the counter. The second half continues the same way, but we become braver and more confident. Last 10 minutes it’s all FCUSA, but the game ends 0-0. The boys leave happy they can play at this level but disappointed because they felt they should have stolen the winner. After the game we head straight back to the hotel to get ready for a tour of Sagrada Familia. After a little hiccup on tickets we get a quick tour and see the incomplete, yet spectacular Gaudi masterpiece. Then it’s on to a paella diner on the Barcelona harbor. Great night, great food and the setting is unreal. It’s a great way to finish out the first part of the tour.
DAY 5 – JULY 3 It’s moving day as we are up early to travel to San Sebastian. It’s a seven-hour bus drive, but as we get closer to San Sebastian the views are incredible. I meet our tour guide Nicole at the stadium and complete check-in while the parents manage to get some Donosti Cup T-shirts for the boys. With check-in complete we then check into the hotel. It’s a great hotel not far from the beach, and although the boys want to get there again, for me it’s time to focus on soccer. We train at a local field provided by the tournament and finish with a shooting exercise. Our keeper Cam Dwyer is in fine form and not many goals go in. I hope he keeps his form up.
DAY 6 – JULY 4 It’s a huge day for the USA and also for the FCUSA National tour group. Our first league game is in the evening, and we can’t wait to get going. 14 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
In the morning we take a walk into the beautiful town of San Sebastian, and we bump into Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso! He is a native of San Sebastian and was having a coffee over the road from our hotel. The boys are blown away. Our tour guide takes us around the beach and then for a walk into the old town. I take the boys for lunch and then back to the hotel to rest as the parents keep sightseeing. I’m jealous, but the soccer is important so the boys need some downtime! We get to the Real Sociedad training ground, the field for our first game against Rayo Ensanche. It’s a quality setup, but we find ourselves on the back field and not the main field. It’s still a great field with
stands for the parents to take shelter from the thunderstorm in which the game starts. Right away I feel we are on top. Jack Wilson is causing them problems up top, and we looked very solid in front of Cam. My two fullbacks, Ben and Smiley (Lucas Miller), are solid and join in the play. It’s a relief when we get the first goal, and then we get a second one right after. It’s a goal we will all remember for a long time as Greg Mech from Maryland manages to back heel the ball in the box after a scramble, and the ball flies into the corner. There’s a sense of relief for me and the group after the 2-0 win. Great start. Straight after the game we are off to the opening ceremony. There are
to go into detail, but it’s a disappointing end to our tournament. The lads were tremendous in their attitudes and desire but were outclassed by a very skilled French team. Unfortunately, they played the game the wrong way, and there were a few episodes of foul play resulting in Jack Wilson being elbowed and punched while playing. The guys handle themselves as best they could, and eventually we come together after the game and are proud of what they have achieved. After the high this morning it’s a kick in the teeth, but with all the life lessons the boys will take from the experience, it means I am happy.
approximately 15,000 people in the main stadium, and every team gets a chance to walk on and is introduced. There’s a tremendous fireworks display, but the highlight is the teams from all different countries doing a huge wave around the stadium. The boys love it but are exhausted.
DAY 7 – JULY 5 The second game is in the evening versus Mundarro KE. This morning the boys went to the beach while some parents explored the beautiful settings of San Sebastian. The second game is a much tougher game, and we dig in to get a 0-0 tie. Cam Dwyer was excellent in goal, and center back Sam Dunn was outstanding. All the boys did well, and I’m so proud of the effort and the way they played to the tactics. A win and a tie from the first two games sets up an interesting game tomorrow against a team we should beat looking at other results.
DAY 10 – JULY 8 Being knocked out means we get the whole day in San Sebastian to explore and hit the beach … But it rains! We make the most of the weather by hitting the top of the hill in San Sebastian and going on some of the attractions up there. Roller coaster rides (one more time!) and bumper cars are the order of the day, and the boys are in great spirits and seem to have completely forgotten about yesterday. It’s getting close to going home now, and we have a last meal in the hotel before we have to get up early for our flights back to the U.S.
DAY 8 – JULY 6 Some of the characters are really coming out now. Greg is a little diamond, and Leo and Alec definitely take on the roles of more laid back and mature members of the team. Ben and Flo from Philly are great kids and interact a lot with Luke and Smiley from New Jersey. The Coastal Mass contingent all know each other, but it’s great to see them mixing with all the others. Flem, being slightly older, definitely leads the group socially. We win our third game, 7-1, with captain Mikey Chun scoring a hat trick. The result means we top the group and play two knockout games tomorrow. It’s an exciting time, and the boys, parents and coach are pumped and ready to go. We get a meal at the hotel tonight, and the hotel management wheels in a TV for us to watch the Euro semifinals in our own private room. Good food, good companionship, and great soccer all-around. A perfect day to roll into tomorrow.
DAY 9 – JULY 7 It’s knockout time, and right away at breakfast you can feel the tension. First game in the morning is at a second division stadium in Spain. You can hear
DAY 11 – JULY 9
the echo off the ball every time the boys kick it. It’s a great game, and the Spanish team we play are skilled with some units playing for them. We dig in, and although we’re probably not at our best, the effort, commitment and desire is off the charts. We go up 1-0 through a deflected Jack Post goal, and then the moment of the tour so far happens as Leo Williams on his 14th birthday pops up at the back post to take us up 2-0. The boys mob him, and parents’ cheers make us feel the stadium is full. I’m very proud of the whole team as they were all warriors. On to the next round! Our quarterfinal is at the same complex but on a turf field next door. I don’t want
After a 5 a.m. alarm, hours in the airport and lots of disturbed sleep, we make it home. What an incredible trip! Thanks so much to the families for giving their kids this chance, and thanks for letting me coach this group of incredible kids. Big thanks to the boys listed, a great group of kids and something we will remember for a long time. Cam Dwyer – Goalkeeper Leo Williams – Midfield Jack Post – Defense/Mid Jack Wilson – Def/Mid/Forward Sam Dunn – Def Michael Chun – Mid/Forward Alec Perez – Def Jansen Fleming – Def/Mid Greg Mech – Mid Ben Bushnell – Def Flo Van Wejdiing – Mid Lucas Miller – Def/Mid Luke Olsen – Def/Mid/Forward FCUSA / 15
FCUSA COASTAL — STATE CUP
Bringing Home the Hardware FCUSA Coastal captures 3 titles, narrowly misses another at Massachusetts State Cup By Aaron Duckmanton
T
he Football Club USA Coastal has seen tremendous growth and success over the past year, none more so than their success in the Massachusetts Youth Soccer State Cup. Held throughout the spring soccer season, the tournament features some of the best U12-U18 teams in Massachusetts and culminated in the finals held over the first weekend in June. FCUSA Coastal celebrated unprecedented success as four teams made it through to the finals, with two other teams narrowly missing out on a place. Representing FCUSA Coastal in the State Cup finals were the U13 and U14 Boys Impact and the U12 and U13 Girls Impact. FCUSA Coastal Director of Coaching Rob Jones saw both his FCUSA Coastal Impact U13 and U14 Boys walk away as
13U Girls
16 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
13U Boys state champions. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys’ achievements,” Jones said. “I am truly excited to see what the future holds for these fantastic groups of boys.” Not to be outdone by the boys, coach Emma Hankins and her FCUSA Coastal Impact Girls U13 also took home a state championship, and she could barely hold back her pride at the girls’ performance. “I am so proud of the U13 Girls Impact,” Hankins said. “We have had a fantastic season which has been building to this performance and result.” Coach Chris McCall saw his FCUSA Coastal Impact Girls U12 team finish runner-up, losing a heartbreaker in the last minute of extra time. However, he was still overjoyed with how his girls played and competed throughout. “I was delighted with how my team
14U Boys
played throughout the state cup tournament,” McCall said. “To concede a goal in the last minute of extra time was a cruel way to end a fantastic season, but I couldn’t be prouder of the team’s attitude and commitment to each other.” It truly was a fantastic weekend for FCUSA Coastal which capped a brilliant 12 months for the Massachusetts based club. FCUSA Coastal Director Paul Turner was brimming with pride at the development and success of FCUSA Coastal. “Sunday was simply a brilliant day for everyone involved at FCUSA Coastal,” Turner said. “To have three state champions and one runner-up in our first full year entering the Massachusetts State Cup underlines the commitment that our entire staff has to developing outstanding young soccer players.”
New from PUMA the evoTOUCH Pro Special Edition
T
he history of this sport has been defined by unrivalled skill and unstoppable leather boots. It’s an undeniable equation. (Think Diego Maradona and the PUMA King.) As football became faster, boots became lighter. Faster. Louder. They were stripped of the materials that built this game. We set out to find a lighter, faster, louder leather solution. And we did. Because that’s what PUMA does. We innovate in places where others dare not play. We take chances and turn up the volume. We never say never, and we forever challenge the status quo. The result is PUMA evoTOUCH, a new leather boot with unrivalled control and exceptional touch. Most boot designs begin with the moment of contact with the ball. Not us. We examined the concept of touch from the inside out. We focused on what the foot really needs – and doesn’t need – then worked our way to the upper. The result is a boot that enhances and encourages the creative
TOUCH: Ultra-thin, K-Touch Upper’s leather creates exceptional touch. FIT: Form-fitting evoKNIT sock supports with a comfortable, barefoot feel. GRIP: GripTex pattern features multi-directional grip and a reassuring fit. STABILITY: Raised SpeedTrack spine improves midfoot stability. ball as close to the foot as it gets. The innovative, form-fitting evoKNIT sock’s engineered knit construction further enhances touch by being very close to the foot for a barefoot feel. The evoKNIT
sock also creates a snug, secure fit for optimal performance. PUMA’s signature GripTex pattern prepares you for every move you need to make with its multidirectional design and prevents the foot from slipping inside the boot. This special edition evoTOUCH comes in an exclusive packaging illustrating the features of the boot. It also comes with a pair of stirrup socks to complete the story about the first shoe on the market with which you can play barefoot for an even greater touch on the ball. Finally, midfoot stability is reinforced by the outsole’s raised SpeedTrack spine. This new evoTOUCH boot puts magnetism onto the pitch. It forces the ball under your command. It’s built for lighter, faster, louder football. It’s ready to kick off a new era in that skill plus leather equation. Go to PUMA.com to check out the new evoTOUCH boots and purchase yours today!
playmaking that puts footballers such as Marco Verratti, Santi Cazorla, and Cesc Fàbregas at the top of their game. evoTOUCH is made for the creative and engineered for playmaking. It features an ultra-thin, lightweight K-Touch leather that offers exceptional touch in all conditions and brings the FCUSA / 17
h
TRAINING GROUND Play
ch
orward
ayer.
first
pen ay.
k side
speed
ns)
o sets
plays
ys a
r of
h6
This is a session designed for U14 and older, and it’s based around trying to play forward and break lines through Pro-Club: FCUSA Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States of America passing. It builds from simple to complex and has a very clear technical focus all the way through. Tactical elements RJ Legacy Piece are built in throughout, and the session relates to the game Legacy Piece Category: Tactical: RJ Penetration Pro-Club: FCUSA Category: Tactical: Penetration Pro-Club: FCUSA it Forward! Skill: U14 | Start Time: 10-Feb-2016 11:55h Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States of of America as well as our formations and style of play. Skill: U14 | Start Time: 10-Feb-2016 11:55h Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States America
Lesson by Rob Jones FCUSA Coastal Director of Coaching Technical - Passing and Technical - Passing and Receiving (15Receiving mins) (15 mins) Technical Pass and Receive
Technical Pass and Receive Player 4 passes to Player 2 TECHNICAL PASSING ANDsideRECEIVING Player 4 passes- to Player 2 2 receives Player on and breaks line of flag with 1st touch then turnsbreaks and passes 6 1st touch Player 2 receives side on and line to ofPlayer flag with (15 MINUTES) 6 moves then turns and passesPlayer to Player 6 to support when Player 2 turns and plays a forward pass into Player 9 Player 6 moves to support when 2 players turns and a pass forward Repeat both Player sides but mustplays always to wide player. TECHNICAL PASS AND RECEIVE: pass into Player 9 Equal time left and right sde • Player passes 2. Repeat4 both sides to butPlayer players must Coaching Pointsalways pass to wide player. Strong pass Equal time left and right sde • Player 2 receives side on and breaks line of flag #2 check away and then show Coaching Points Receive back foot with opento body shape and with 1stpass touch then turns and passes Player 6. break line with first Strong touch • Player 6 away moves support Player 2 turns #2 check andto then show When turningwhen protect ball with body - sharp and turn Receive back foot with open body shape and break line with first #6 Movement before the pass Timing plays a forward pass into Player 9. touch Receive the ball centrally with options to pass showing an open body shape. Recieve backturn foot play front foot to for speed of play. • Repeat bothprotect sidesball butwith players must always pass When turning body - sharp #6 Movement wide player. before the pass - Timing Receive the ball centrally with options to pass showing an open body shape. Recieve back foot play-front foot speed of play. Possession 9 and 10for opposites (20 mins)
POSSESSION – 9 AND 10 OPPOSITES (20 MINUTES)
Possession to combine and play forward Greens start with possesion 2 grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back Possession - 9 and 101 opposites (20free mins) zone. in each. Green have movement Greens combine together to try and play into Target on other side If grey wins they play into their Target player and exercise Possession to combine and play forward continues with them attacking Greens start with possesion Progression 2 grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back Defenders can defend both zones zone. 1 in each. GreenCoaching have free movement Points Greens combine together to try and#9play Target on otherlines? side Can the green andinto #10 play on opposite If grey wins they play into Target team player and exercise Cantheir possession play forward as quickly as possible - speed of play continues with them attacking Open positive body position to recieve Progression Combination plays -Give and Go's, Overlaps Defenders can defendCommunication both zones Coaching Points Movement at angles Can the green #9 and Strong #10 play setson opposite lines? setsas quickly as possible - speed Can possession teamDon't playwatch forward
POSSESSION TO COMBINE AND PLAY FORWARD: • Greens start with possession. • 2 Grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back zone. 1 in each. Green has free movement. • Greens combine together to try and play into target on other side. • If Grey wins they play into their target player and exercise continues with them attacking. • Progression: Defenders can defend both zones.
of play Open positive body position to recieve Combination plays -Give and Go's, Overlaps- Attacking MOVEMENT PATTERNS – ATTACKING PATTERNS (15 MINUTES) Movement Patterns Patterns (15 mins) Communication Movement atPATTERNS: angles Movement Patterns TARGET FOR RUNS MOVEMENT 1 - 11 plays into farside holding midfielder. 8 plays into 9 who sets Strong sets for 10.holding 10 plays wide to 7(ENABLES who delivers a cross. US TO HAVE • 1-11 plays into far side Don't watch sets 2 - 7 plays near holding midfielder. 8 hits 9 who sets 10. 10 plays
A PLAYER ON EVERY midfielder. 8 playsout into who to 7 9 again to cross. OF 3 - Wide midfielder playsLAYER closest CM whoBOX): opens up and plays a sets for 10. 10 playsdiagional wide switch to 7 to opposite winger • Opposite side midfielder Target for runs (enables us to have a player on every layer of who deliversPatterns a cross. Movement (15 mins) box) - Attacking Patterns (7/11) towards back post, • 2-7 plays near holding - opposite side midfielder (7/11) towards back post, level with 6 level with six-yard box. Movement Patterns yard box midfielder. 8 hits 9 who (9) sets 10. post across GK inside 6 yard 1 - 11 plays into farside- Striker holding front midfielder. 8 Striker plays into(9) 9 whobox setspost • CM (10) aims to be at PK spot asfront cross arrives. 10 out to 7 again todelivers cross. for plays 10. 10 plays wide to- Attacking 7 who a cross. Coaching Points across GK10inside 2 - 7 plays near holding midfielder. 8 hits 9 who sets 10. plays six• 3-wide midfielder plays closest Quality forward thinking passing out to 7 again to cross Movemnt . yard box. of 9 and 10 to split CM whomidfielder opens up and plays plays closest up and plays a 3 - Wide Strong sets CM who opens • Attacking CM (10) aims switch to opposite winger Timing of movments adiagional diagonal switch to opposite at PK spot Quality Target for runs (enables us delivery/crossing to have a playerto onbe every layer of as winger. Timing of runs box) cross arrives. Quality finishing
- opposite side midfielder (7/11) towards back post, level with 6 yard boxSUMMER 2016 18 / LEGACY - Striker (9) front post across GK inside 6 yard box
How to Dominate in 1v1 Defensive Situations By James Morris – FCUSA Philadelphia
al Practice Begin the session with a warmup of individual ball work with lots of touches on the ball like toe taps, boxes, turns (drag back, L-turn, cuts,past etc.) and moves (scissor, step over, inside/outside, etc.). ding Players takes turns attempting to dribble
T G
and then DRIBBLE in to the goal. Key Points -Defending orce wide and away from goal -Short fast side do not cross feet -Patience -Fake to– tackle to get TECHNICAL PRACTICE 1V1 DEFENDING ff balance -Poke foot to dribble past opponent and Players takewith turnsfront attempting then DRIBBLE into the goal.
KEY POINTS:
• Defending side on • Force wide and away from goal • Short fast side stepping. Do not cross feet. • Patience • Fake to tackle to get attacker off balance • Poke with front foot
www.SportsSessionPlanner.com
POSSESSION 2v2 (+1) to two target players. Set up as shown. Ball starts with outside target. Aim is to get the ball from one target to the other. Once defending team wins the ball they are now the possessing team and go to their target players.
FOCUS:
ion
o 2 target players Set up as shown. Ball starts with rget. Aim is to get the ball from one target to the other. nding team win the ball they are now the possessing go to their target players. Focus -Can players receive f turn -Can players play on 3 different lines -If receiving ut under pressure, can they set the ball back and the yer then hit the open player quickly (speed of play). eiving the ball in space, can players receive back foot front footwww.SportsSessionPlanner.com to move the ball quickly.
Possessing team aim to pass through wed to leave their zone If defenders RELATED h teamGAME that lost possession -Pressure Field is set as towards shown. Possessing munication -Forceup play team aims to pass through defenders. ers should cut off line and force play No team is allowed to leave their zone. d angle between defenders -Mirroring If defenders win the ball they swap with body shape of first defender the team that lost possession. r can now enter next zone KEY POINTS:
• Can players receive on the half turn? • Can players play on three different lines? • If receiving player is put under pressure, can they set the ball back with the target player hitting the open player quickly (speed of play)? • When receiving the ball in space, can players receive back foot and pass front foot to move the ball quickly? • Poke with front foot
www.SportsSessionPlanner.com
• Pressure, cover and balance • Communication • Force play toward teammates (wide defenders should cut off line and force play back inside) • Distance and angle between defenders • Mirroring – all defenders should take body shape of first defender
PROGRESSION:
One defender can now enter next zone.
SCRIMMAGE End with coached free play around the 1v1 Defending theme of the session. FCUSA / 19
T G
The Pass Masters Tactical Review of Italy in Euro 2016 By Ian Abrey – FCUSA Maryland
O
verall, Italy gave a good account of themselves this summer at Euro 2016. Even in their loss to Germany at the quarterfinal stage, it took penalties to decide the winner after 120 minutes of a tight tactical battle between two European giants jousting for supremacy. Against both Sweden and Belgium in the group stages, Italy demonstrated the traits for which they are best known: defensive organization, efficiency and counter-attacking. It is almost criminal to talk about Italian teams, past or present, without referencing their defensive capabilities. The Italian defense throughout their first two games, and in particular the Spain game, really set them up for their success in possession. The 1-3-5-2 system used by Italy under Antonio Conte demands a lot from the wingbacks, in particular De Sciglio and Florenzi in the Spain game.
Italy mixed up their defensive approach, pressing high on occasion at the start of the game but quickly reverting back to a deeper defensive strategy as Spain broke the first line. Both De Sciglio and Florenzi remained very patient, denying the space out wide and forcing the Spanish wide men to look more central for options or, more appropriately, right into Italy’s defensive traps. Playing with a back three allowed the nearest Italian center back to slide over almost taking up a traditional fullback role. The Italians were a well-oiled unit, and 20 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
it doesn’t hurt to have a center back trio of Barzagli, Bonnucci and Chiellini with Buffon behind them in the sticks. Due to Spain’s inability to break the Italians down, they looked to their typical anchor of Busquets to try and switch flanks quickly, however Italy’s two forwards, Pelle and Eder, proceeded to take up deep defensive roles with the former regularly preventing Busquets from dictating the play as he would have liked. Eventually, Spain would look to play into the pressure pockets created by the Italians, at which point the Italians transitioned at speed. Spain’s struggles continued as Busquets remained in a slightly higher position than usual and Spain’s full backs looked to get involved in attacks to overcome their inability out wide. This, along with the fact that Italy’s wing backs quickly got high and wide in attacking transitions and two of their center midfielders Giaccherini and Parolo pulled wide, created a ton of space centrally for Italy.
As a result, they had success both in transition and during build up play, utilizing more direct balls through the
Photo by FoxSports.com lines into Pelle or Eder. Even though Italy’s two forwards were frequently manmarked by Ramos and Pique, the timing and efficiency of the Italian’s movement off the ball proved too much. Pelle and Eder were always supported by the other, as well as Giaccherini looking to run in behind. Each time a pass went into Pelle and Eder, there were at least two or three runners off the ball. A quick drop to the strong side wingback or center midfielder was followed by a quick diagonal ball against the run of play into a third man run, creating a ton of space for the Azzurri. A tactical masterclass from the Italians who, as a good friend of mine always says, “defended with attacking in mind and attacked with defending in mind” consistently throughout the game. They continued to work hard in and out of possession until the final whistle and finished the game off in added time, following another incisive break that lead to Pelle’s goal.
Transitioning Into Attack After Winning Possession in the Middle of the Field By Glen Waudby – FCUSA Texas
T G
As we strive to become the best we can be, we must also choose to compete against the best we can find. So when playing the best if we are to break down strong defensive units we need players who can find solutions in the attacking third. These players need to be able to create space, control the ball in tight areas and pick out the killer penetrating pass.
An effective attacking force has more than one player who can do this. It has a collection of players who are able to link up and penetrate through a back line, especially in quick counter-attacking moments of transition. FCUSA Texas full-sided teams (11v11) compete in a formation starting with three strikers. Our three strikers are “fluid” and can move from center-left or right and vice versa, constantly moving to not allow the opposing defense the opportunity to be settled, but at the point of transition (when we win possession) each player takes on a defined role for the space they are occupying. Our CF (center forward) will show by checking to the ball and offering an opportunity for a quick and direct pass into the feet. Simultaneously, an AM (attacking midfielder) will move to create an angle to show for a short layoff from the CF and be in position for a one-touch penetrating through ball. This movement
and pattern of play is a “trigger point” for the other strikers to start their movement. In the example below, due to the AM receiving the ball on the left side of the field, it is our LF (left forward) who is making a run to drive through the opposition’s defense and get to the ball
played by the AM. The RF (right forward) makes a different angled run inside to unbalance the back line and also offers a new point of attack in case the original plan does not work out or if the angle does not work anymore when the AM receives the ball.
FCUSA / 21
MEET THE COACH with FCUSA Philadelphia’s
ANDREW BRADY Interview by Nathan Clinkenbeard
As FCUSA continues to grow, The Football Club is always looking to recruit more ambitious, passionate soccer coaches to work with its teams. FCUSA Philadelphia coach Andrew Brady took some time to chat with LEGACY about how Philly’s soccer culture has changed over the last decade, how he keeps the game serious and fun for this players, and how he got on board with FCUSA.
LEGACY: How did you get connected with FCUSA? Andrew: I’ve been a college soccer assistant at Cabrini University the past seven years. I knew about the quality of the club from my time recruiting at Cabrini, and I sent an e-mail to see if I could talk to anyone about getting involved. LEGACY: How has working with FCUSA helped you grow as a coach?
Name: Andrew Brady Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Age: 31 Years with FCUSA: 4 Favorite club team: Manchester United Most memorable coaching moment: Making the State final with my 2000 Boys team
22 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
Andrew: There is so much more teaching that goes on at the club level especially when you coach younger ages. In college, the season is so short and so intense it’s sometimes hard to teach as much as you might like. Coaching with FCUSA helps give me perspective on why I got involved in this game to begin with. While every session is important, and I take it seriously, I also know that my role is to help the kids learn the game and enjoy it and hopefully help the players have an opportunity to play in college if they so choose. LEGACY: What is the soccer culture like in Philadelphia?
Andrew: It’s changed a lot in the last 10 years. Philadelphia used to be known as a very hard-nosed soccer town, where winning challenges and tackling were most valued. I think we’re seeing the game really evolve here, and players are becoming more skilled and have a better tactical grasp of the game. LEGACY: How would you describe yourself as a coach? What philosophies do you incorporate the most into your teams? Andrew: While I take sessions seriously, I also think it’s important we all have a chance to have fun. Kids get into this game because they love it, and the last thing I want to do is get in the way of that. As far as philosophy I’m a possession heavy coach. We build everything out of the back and look to possess it. I think kids enjoy playing that way, and it also gives them a chance to develop their skills on the ball. LEGACY: How did your latest season go? In what areas have you seen your teams improving the most?
Andrew: My 2000 boys had a solid spring season. We were a bit unlucky in State Cups to not advance. I think the thing I was most surprised by was how comfortable they were in possession. This was our second season together, and I spent a lot of our first season trying to get them to think about playing possession and all of the things that come with that. In the second season, they were so comfortable and knew exactly what we wanted to do. LEGACY: What is the most rewarding thing for you personally as a coach working with young soccer players? Andrew: Just to see them enjoy the game. I really believe the most important thing we can do to grow this game is give our players a positive experience. LEGACY: When you’re not on the soccer field what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Andrew: I have a 3-yearold, so there isn’t much spare time in my house! I just enjoy spending time with my wife Jen and my son Jack. We are also expecting another baby in September.
ASK THE ALUM CATCHING UP WITH GEORGIA SOUTHERN’S FRESHMAN DEFENDER LANDON CROSSLEY FCUSA Texas alum Landon Crossley just started his first collegiate season at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. The defender played for three years for FCUSA TX 98 as his team was very successful in qualifying for major tournaments. LEGACY Magazine got a chance to go 1-on-1 with Crossley right before he suited up in his first couple exhibition games for the Eagles. LEGACY: Talk about your experience with FCUSA. Landon: I played for FCUSA TX 98 boys for three years under Dan Weatherby and Sam Whiting. I had an unbelievable experience on and off the field. Not only was the coaching staff very professional, the players were held to a higher standard than most of the clubs we played. The club was very professional throughout all aspects of a player’s experience – uniforms, traveling, training, etc. Everything that I ever needed was there and ready in order for me to have the highest quality experience possible. One of my many favorite moments while playing for the club was when we won the Ken Smith Invitational tournament in a PK shootout to qualify for our first Dallas Cup as a team. It was an emotional roller coaster, and I will never forget that game and how intense it was. LEGACY: How did playing for FCUSA help prepare you for a collegiate career? Landon: FCUSA helped me prepare for college in many ways. We played at a high level, which naturally makes you a better player and prepares you for the next level. However, it wasn’t just the opponents that we played at that high level. Every training session we put in as much as we could, which made each player feed off of one another’s intensity. Constantly playing in high pressure environments got me ready for the higher pace of Division I college soccer. LEGACY: What was the recruiting process like for you, and how did FCUSA help you?
Landon: My recruiting process at FCUSA was very smooth. Fortunately, we had a good enough team to qualify for top tournaments like the Dallas Cup multiple times. Each of these tourneys are littered with college coaches hungry for new talent, and this is how I got recruited. Multiple coaches contacted me after watching me at the Dallas Cup and invited me to camps and ID clinics, and it just took off from there. We also had multiple games filmed, so we were able to cut up highlights and send that footage in to college coaches. LEGACY: What attributes are you bringing to the Georgia Southern Eagles? Landon: I bring high work rate and physicality to my new team. College soccer is very physical, so I fit in well with the style of play. I also have a “don’t stop until you hear the whistle” attitude, which radiates among other teammates in a positive way. LEGACY: How did you prepare for your first collegiate soccer season? Landon: I prepared all summer for my first season. We were sent a summer workout book with daily workouts that I followed in order to be fit for preseason. I also ran all the time throughout my neighborhood and worked with a trainer with a couple of my friends who are also playing in college. This way, playing with other college soccer players would get me ready for the speed and style of play. LEGACY: How did your coach influence your soccer career? Landon: My coach, Dan Weatherby, influenced me in many positive ways for my future soccer career. He taught me to love the struggle of training hard every day. He taught me to have fun with training and my teammates and coaches. He also taught me many tactical and technical techniques that still benefit me in college training sessions. LEGACY: What will you be majoring in at Georgia Southern, and where do you see yourself after college? Landon: I will be majoring in business marketing with a minor in business management. I see myself after college hopefully trying to play somewhere professionally, and of course if that doesn’t work out I would like to be on a marketing team for a large corporation.
Photos courtesy of Milledge Austin — Georgia Southern University
FCUSA / 23
HOT SHOTS We asked four FCUSA TEXAS players 20 rapid fire questions about their lives on and off the soccer field. Let’s see how they handle these Hot Shots! U9 Boys
Emmanuel Arroyo alyssa sage U18 Girls
jonathAn hopkins india reddic U11 Boys
U16 Girls Black
Favorite player
Messi
Lauren Holiday
Messi
Alex Morgan
Days a week you touch a soccer ball
Every day
7
Every day
5
Favorite club team
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Your best soccer move
Step over and scissors Cruyff turn
The Maradona
L-Turn
Grass or turf
Grass
Turf
Grass
Turf
No. 1 goal for current season
Assists in all goals
Be a difference maker on/off the field
Score a goal
Work hard, play hard
Left or right foot
Right
Right
Right
Right
PK - Where’s your shot going?
Top right-hand corner
Right corner
Bottom corners
Bottom right
Nickname
Assist Boy
Alyssa
Johnny
Indi
Last movie you watched
The Jungle Book
Finding Dory
Captain America: Civil War Nerve
Instagram or Snapchat
None
Snapchat
Snapchat
Coke or Pepsi
Pepsi
Yuck... Dr. Pepper
Coke
Pepsi
Messi or Ronaldo
Messi
Messi
Messi
Messi
Favorite sport besides soccer
Football
Volleyball
Swimming
Basketball
Current go-to song
Stitches
Vice
Can’t Stop the Feeling Heathens
Favorite Olympic sport to watch
Swimming
Beach volleyball
Swimming
Track and field
Favorite fruit
Apples
Grapes
Mango
Mango
Hidden talent
Good at school
Art/painting
Acting
Juggling
Can’t-miss TV show
Loud House
Nashville
Chopped
Pretty Little Liars
Headphones or earbuds
Headphones
Earbuds
Headphones
Headphones
24 / LEGACY SUMMER 2016
SIDELINES Enjoy these photos from FCUSA regions around the country!
Win a SKLZ Backpack!
Take this quiz and submit your answers to info@thefootballclubusa.com for your chance to win a SKLZ Backpack! You can find the answers to every question inside this issue of LEGACY!
1 What section has been expanded in this issue to further educate readers about the game of soccer? 2 What is 99 Girls Black midfielder Cami Johnson’s nickname? 3 Who is the new director of coaching at FCUSA New Jersey? 4 When the FCUSA National team was competing in Spain what famous footballer did they meet on the streets? 5 What was the name of the prestigious competition FCUSA National travelled overseas in which to play? 6 How many titles did FCUSA Coastal win at the Massachusetts State Cup? 7 What is the name of the new PUMA boot noted for its “unrivalled control and exceptional touch?” 8 What formation did Antonio Conte employ during Italy’s successful quarterfinal run at Euro 2016? 9 Where is former FCUSA Texas player Landon Crossley playing his collegiate soccer? 10 Who is India Reddic’s favorite player? FCUSA / 25