Evolving Game - November 2023

November 2023

Issue 55 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Newsletter

Enjoying the competition!!!

End of October and November are a busy time in the soccer calendar here in Eastern Pennsylvania & for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. We have high school playo s, ongoing with districts and state competition. We have leagues nishing up the nal games and league champions being crowned Travel and in-house teams playing the nal tournament or their rst tournament as they get back together after high school.

Spoiled with every level of college playo s on going and then we have our own Philadelphia Union playing in the playo s…. it is truly a great time to sit down and

Gary Stephenson Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Technical Director

watch soccer or even better get out and play or even better get out coach!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @EPaCoachingEd, @DOCEPYSA, @EPAYouthSoccer!

Joe Margusity Becomes First High School Girls Coach to Win 500 Games in Owen Jr. Roberts head coach Joe Margusity won his 500th career game last week with a 1-0 victory over Perkiomen Valley. A day later he had company as the all-time winningest girls coach in Moon Area head coach Bill Pfeifer.

Margusity, a former Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program coach, has coached the Wildcats for 28 years and guided them to 10 PIAA Tournament appearances. They won a state championship in 2003 and have won 14 Pioneer Athletic Conference championships

Jeff YKoruk - 150th Career Win! Moravian women’s soccer head coach Je Ykoruk earned his 150th career win as a head coach with the Greyhounds’ win over Elizabethtown on October 17.

Ykoruk, a Schwenksville native, is in his 10th year leading the Greyhounds.

He was the head coach at Ursinus College for nine seasons prior to his arrival at Moravian and also served as an assistant coach at Eastern University. He’s served as a director of coaching and coach at several Eastern Pennsylvania clubs, including Lehigh Valley United, Harleysville FC and Methacton United.

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E M A G G N I V L O THE EV

UPCOMING COACHING COURSES GR 9v9 10/17/23 6pm-10pm Montgomeryville 18936

GR 11v11 12/10/23 2pm-6pm Palmyra PA 17078

GR 9v9 12/10/23 9am-1pm Palmyra PA 17078

GR 9v9 01/13/24 8am-12pm Lancaster 17601

To schedule a course at you club reach out to Evan Tyler ETyler@epysa.org [2] For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

[3] For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

Game Watcher Patriot League Women’s Semifinal, Bucknell vs Boston University, Thursday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.

Bucknell is looking to three-peat as Patriot League champions and enters the conference tournament as a No. 2 seed. Army West Point, which Bucknell beat last year, is the top seed. The championship game is Sunday, Nov. 5 at the higher seed.

CAA Men’s Quarterfinal, Drexel vs Delaware, Thursday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m. in Hempstead, N.Y. Fifth seed Drexel will face fourth seed Delaware in the quarterfinals of the CAA tournament on Thursday afternoon in New York. Drexel is 9-2-4 and 3-2-3 in conference play this season under first-year head coach Mark Fetrow, an FC Delco alum and former Eastern Pennsylvania state cup champion.

Landmark Conference Semifinals, Thursday, Nov. 2 Top seed Scranton hosts Elizabethtown at 7 p.m. for a chance to advance to the women’s final. Lycoming hosts Goucher at 7 p.m. for a shot at making the men’s final.

Regular Season Men’s Finale for PSAC, Friday, Nov. 3 First place Millersville and third place West Chester both host games on Friday in the PSAC finale. Millersville hosts Shepherd at 4 p.m. and West Chester hosts East Stroudsburg at 1 p.m.

Regular Season Women’s Finale for PSAC, Friday, Nov. 3 Kutztown has already wrapped up the No. 1 seed and completed their conference schedule and West Chester is safely in second place but there are still some good games to watch like Bloomsburg hosting Shippensburg on the final day of the regular season.

MAC Conference Finals, Saturday, Nov. 4 Both Messiah teams are the top seeds in the MAC Commonwealth championships and will host York College (women) and Widener (men) in the finals at noon (women) and 3 p.m. (men) on Saturday. Lebanon Valley College men and Misericordia women are the top seeds in the MAC Freedom championships and will host finals against Stevens on Saturday.

Atlantic East Conference Finals, Saturday, Nov. 4 The last season of Cabrini soccer has continued for the men as they seek an NCAA berth in the conference final at Neumann on Saturday at 1 p.m. Marywood hosts Marymount in the other conference final.

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Game Watcher USL Championship Semifinal - Charleston Battery vs Louisville City, Saturday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.

At least one Eastern Pennsylvania native will be playing for the USL Championship title this year. The question is whether it will be Charleston’s Pierre Reedy or Louisville City’s Kyle Morton and Ramzi Qawasmy. Reedy is a Kutztown native who played for Lehigh Valley United and the Eastern Pennsylvania ODP program prior to joining the New York Red Bulls Academy. Morton is a West Chester, Pa. native and Penn Fusion alum while Qawasmy is a rookie defender from Lansdale who spent time in the ODP program and at the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals and FC Delco before joining the Philadelphia Union Academy.

Atlantic 10 Women’s Championship, Sunday, Nov. 5 La Salle heads to Saint Louis seeking a conference crown and automatic bid into the NCAA tournament on Sunday.

United East Conference Finals, Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5 Rosemont College men are seeking their third straight conference title in the championship game on their home gray turf Saturday at 2 p.m. against St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The women’s final will be played on Sunday at 1 p.m. between Penn State Berks or Penn State Harrisburg vs Bryn Athyn or Cairn.

Centennial Conference Finals, Sunday, Nov. 5 Muhlenberg or Franklin & Marshall will play for the men’s championship and Swarthmore or Franklin & Marshall will play for the women’s championship. Both games will be played at the higher seed at 1 p.m.

NWSL Semifinals, Sunday, Nov. 5 Two Eastern Pennsylvania ODP alums are represented in the final four teams in the NWSL playoffs. Sinead Farrelly (Havertown, Pa. / FC Delco) and NJ/NY Gotham FC face Portland Thorns on the road Sunday at 7 p.m. eastern and Phoebe McClendon (West Chester, Pa. / Penn Fusion) and OL Reign play at San Diego Wave at 9:30 p.m. eastern.

Philadelphia Union at New England Revolution, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.

The Union can advance to the conference semifinals with a win over New England after opening the best-of-3 series with a 3-1 win at home.

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MEET THE COACH Bret Altimore, FC Ballyhoo - National Presidents Cup Winner What’s your background in the game? Earliest memories, introduction to the sport, etc.

I started playing club at the age of 6, played up to my Junior year in HS. Played on a few men’s teams post HS. To be honest I wasn’t a talented player.

Who were the coaches you had as a player that you have most learned from or most appreciate now that you are a coach?

That’s a great question, I have had a lot of great teachers and coaches, met a lot of great coaches not only in soccer but other sports as well. My track coach in HS Mr. Lawler had a big impact on me. The biggest in uencer is most de nitely Barry Wray. I never played for Barry, but he was and is a close friend and has been a mentor to me since I started coaching. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such an exceptional resource and role model who has guided me not only through coaching but life as well. The things I appreciate about Barry are his honesty, his willingness to help and his ability to teach. He was inducted into the South New Jersey Hall of Fame as a Surreal. Having him on sta is a gift. His knowledge

soccer coach in 1994.1 You went on quite a journey with

and vision of the game are outstanding. I trust his opinion

the Ballyhoo 07 Black team last

wholeheartedly. He also possesses incredible

year, making it all the way to the

communication skills. In fact, the night before the

Presidents Cup and winning it in

championship match, Jake gave a very heartfelt speech

Wichita. What clues did you have

that not only resonated with the team but with me as well.

along the way that this team had

It’s a unique experience that the team can look to a coach

what it takes to win a national

that is still in the arena. They can watch him practice what he preaches on his match days. Jake is a true competitor,

competition?

These guys are a very special group of young men.

his passion and commitment to the game is unparalleled. I

Their attitudes and work ethic are nothing short of amazing.

am certain that he will be an incredible head coach. On a

Of course, they are very talented. They are a close group

personal note, any time that I get to spend with either one

on and o the eld. If I had to point to one moment it would

of my children is a blessing. Having been able to

be our rst loss of the spring season that occurred in the

experience this memory with Jake is one I will certainly

regional tournament. It appeared everything was against

cherish for the rest of my life.

us. We were down a goal and a man for at least half the giving into negativity, I saw our boys reach another level. I

Is it more or less nerve-wracking watching Jake play or coaching in a knockout competition with him on the sidelines?

Honestly, I do not get nervous. The only thing we can

had a feeling at that time that if we could nd a way to play

really ask of an athlete is to give their

with that intensity and drive, we could compete with any

best. The outcome for me is not nearly

other team. We ended up losing the match, but the lessons

as important as the performance. If

learned were invaluable.

he can walk o the eld in either

match. Instead of complaining about our situation and

You lifted a trophy with your son Jake as an assistant. What was it like to share that special moment with your son and how did having him on the sta help [6]

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the team accomplish such a monumental feat?

scenario and honestly say he gave his best, what else is there?

What are some of the lessons you have learned along the way about getting the most out of players

been there for me and our family. There are no words to express my gratitude to her.

and out of teams?

Understanding the importance of cultivating and

I am also blessed to have an outstanding daughter

maintaining a positive culture. This includes having and

(Jess). Jess is someone I can always count on being

maintaining high expectations on and o the eld.

honest about a situation, this usually includes something

Especially on how to be a good teammate.

I could have said or done better. There is no “sugar

What advice do you pass on to young coaches

coating” with Jess, you must be prepared for the answer.

like your son, past players you’ve worked with and

What’s next for the Ballyhoo team and for you as

even some future coaches within that Ballyhoo

a coach? How do you follow that up?

group?

I love coaching these guys. I feel a large aspect of

In order to create a culture you want for your

coaching is to try to prepare them for what is to come.

program you will have to do some self-re ection. Know

They have a lot of soccer to play. They have a lot of life

your why. Be yourself. Establish articulable core values

to live. This was an awesome experience, and I am

that set the foundation and guide for your athletes within

ecstatic that they will have this memory for the rest of

your program. Use the Socratic method of teaching.

their lives. However, it’s a small part of who they are.

What are some of your hobbies outside of

They are much more than just athletes or national

soccer?

champions. In the end there will be ups and downs,

Spending time with my family. I am also an avid y

obstacles to overcome, heartbreak and jubilation.

sherman and registered Maine shing guide. I really

Basically, all the twists, turns and emotions that life will

enjoy helping people experience the Northwoods.

throw at all of us. Hopefully the experiences and the life

Who/what keeps you grounded when you aren’t on the sidelines?

lessons learned through soccer will aid them in all their future endeavors.

Coaching for me can be stressful.

I am very fortunate to have a magni cent wife (Patricia aka Bean). She has been an absolute godsend.

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MEET THE COACH Bret Altimore, FC Ballyhoo - National Presidents Cup Winner

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EastErn PEnnsylvania youth soccEr Grassroots outrEach ProGramminG WE’RE HERE TO HELP! A little more about what we can do to help you promote youth soccer...

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Assistance with registration, program design, and administration.

EQUIPMENT SUPPORT

Assist programs in getting equipment for reasonable costs, possibly free.

COACH EDUCATION

Training for coaches, referees, and curriculum development.

EVENT SUPPORT

Assistance with one day clinics, camps, community events, and festivals that help promote youth playing soccer.

AWARDS & GRANTS

Recognition of innovative programming, individuals, and funding for those that qualify.

JT Dorsey Grassroots Soccer Manager Email: JTDorsey@epysa.org [8]

Jim Curtin - Union Media Fantasy Camp Philadelphia Union

love the coaching sta , they smile, they come in

head coach Jim

every day, but 12 through 28, those are the guys

Curtin and assistant

that are a little bit down, they feel maybe

coach Ryan Richter,

disrespected. Those are the ones you have to

both former Eastern

have the most little conversations with.”

Pennsylvania youth

It wouldn’t be a session with media

soccer players

representatives if Lionel Messi didn’t come into

(Curtin played at

the conversation.

Council Rock, Richter

“He's probably the one exception where you

at Southampton and Phoenix), ran members of

kind of go, I can't even be mad at guys for being

the media through the paces at a Media Fantasy

a little bit starstruck because he is that much of a

Camp last month.

legend and he has been good for

Before putting them

the league,” Curtin said. “I get a

through training on one of

little frustrated and feel bad for all

the new turf

elds at the

the guys, the players in the

WSFS Sportsplex, the two

league because the whole league

coaches - along with Union

website’s become basically Lionel

defender Jack Elliott -

Messi’ website, but I guess that's

answered questions and

part of what it is. But to your

shared insights about their

point, that was a unique

weekly process, which

experience for everybody. It was

includes poring over

a big moment and one that we

extensive scouting and data

had to learn from and hopefully

shared about every opponent prior to game day.

we get

them again, obviously next

year.”

Curtin, the second-longest tenured coach in

“We made mistakes in that game, that wasn't

MLS, talked about how regularly he meets with

us, you know, even just little things that we just

the technical sta to discuss training, tactics and

don't usually do,” he said. “And I really

lineups.

underestimated that part of the preparation, you

“The technical sta

has a meeting every

know, and maybe I could

morning where we discuss training, we discuss

have toned it down and just

the tactics for the week, we discuss how we're

said, let's just go out not

going to prepare,” Curtin said. “That's where a lot

make such a big deal about

of the discussions will come up on which player

it because we were kind of

maybe suits this game, who needs a rest, who

almost over-hyped for it.”

maybe is suspended, you have to deal with guys

The early goal in that

that are away with international duty, all those

game was an illustration of something Curtin said

things come up. It's never easy, right? And

he notices about how games are sometimes

players, I say it all the time; players one through

covered in the media and discussed on social

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11 they're the happiest guys in the world. They [9] media.

“The one thing that doesn't bother me, but it

needs to hear it.”

gets a little bit overused is when - and it

Elliott, one of

happens in England, it happens in Germany, it

the longest

happens in Spain - it’s how a game starts

tenured players

opening whistle blows and three minutes in, let's

on the team, said

call it Newcastle scores against Tottenham, the

he

announcers go and sometimes the media will

bene

grab onto the tweet with a tweet, they'll say

experience when

Tottenham's completely got their tactics wrong.

preparing for most

Or just maybe Newcastle scored, you know what

opponents. His veteran leadership along with

I mean? That one is always interesting when

players like captain Alejandro Bedoya and

they're instantly critical. A center back who

goalkeeper Andre Blake is a key feature for a

completely whi s on the ball and now someone

squad that has the league’s best record over the

goes in and scores, is that really that they got

last six seasons.

the tactics wrong?”

has t

the of

“I think mostly now it's looking at a new

Curtin said he is careful to not overwhelm his

player, seeing what their dynamic is, and how

players with the scores of data collected but is

they a ect the team now,” Elliott said. “I've been

strategic and succinct in using it to underline key

here long enough that almost every striker I play

points.

against every week I’ve played against a ton of

“It really helps us pinpoint who are the key

times.”

guys for them, what they're good at, what they're bad at,” Curtin said. “So as you can see,

Richter, who has risen the ranks within the

you go through a million pages of data and

organization as a former Union draft pick,

information and the tendencies where they get

Bethlehem Steel captain and Union Academy

the ball, all these di erent ideas and too much

coach, could be the next in the Curtin coaching

really, overload. I know it all and I read it all but

tree to move on to bigger things. Curtin’s former

now if I take that to Jose Martinez, he's going to

assistant Pat Noonan led FC Cincinnati to the

look at me and go like, what's my job and I go

Supporters’ Shield trophy this season and

‘just stop (Hany) Mukhtar’ and that is as clear as

another former assistant (and former ODP

h

e

coach), BJ Callaghan, served as the interim USMNT head coach over the summer.

“I'm gonna embarrass him right now but Ryan is going to be the next great MLS head coach, I really believe that,” Curtin said. “He's done an incredible job. In a short amount of time a guy that's done his time in the academy, worked his way up and now does a great job with the rst team. So yes, we want to develop players but we also develop coaches here at the

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