PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED GERMAN-HUNGARIANS OF PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY
VOLUME SEVENTY TWO
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NUMBER 2
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OAKFORD, PENNSYLVANIA
—BLESI NAMED YOUTH COORDINATOR— The German Hungarians are proud to announce the newest member of the Soccer Committee. Brian Blesi was appointed to the position of Youth Director joining Steve Paul (Business Manager), Werner Fricker III (Adult Coordinator) and President Janet Malofiy on BRIAN BLESI the recently re-structured Committee. As Youth Coordinator, Blesi will work directly with the Coaches and Managers with a focus towards continued development of our youth players and staff members. He got his start playing soccer at age five with the Parkwood Youth Organization. Blesi graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1999. From there he attended and played two seasons at Misericordia University from 1999-2000, where he led the Cougars to a school record of 19 wins and its fifth Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) championship, earning the first NCAA Division III Championships bid in school history in 000. Blesi made second-team All-PAC his freshmen year after posting four goals and six assists in 1999 before earning first-team All-PAC his sophomore year after scoring nine goals and seven assists. Blesi transferred to LaSalle University in 2001 where the co-captain helped the Explorers to a 14-19-3 record in the two years played and was named to the Philadelphia Soccer Seven All-Star Team and Team Most Valuable Player. He began his playing career with German Hungarians in 2002 joining the Major Division team. Over the years, he was an integral part of the successes of the team: 2008 EPSA Open Cup Champions, 2008 Amateur Cup Champions, the 2010 United Soccer League of Pennsylvania Championship, and the 2011 US Donauschwaben Tournament Championship. Blesi also captained the team for a time. Currently, he plays with the Over-30’s and is the Head Coach of the U23 Men's Team. His coaching experience includes working as the Head Coach of the Penn State Abington Women's Team from 2014 to 2016. He was an assistant for three seasons under Pat Farrell at LaSalle University. Within the club, he served as the head coach of both the U.G.H. Gunners (U-18) and U.G.H. Fusion (U-19), with 16 of the 28 players from the club going on to play at the collegiate level. The Blesi family, wife Kristine, son Jake, nieces Pam and Malorie are regulars at the Club especially the Oktoberfest and Christmas Party which they attended just recently.
—ADULT SOCCER OVERVIEW— The year 2016 continued to be one of growth for the Adult Program. The men looked to build from a promising spring season and trip to Chicago for the US National Donauschwaben Tournament. Brian Blesi continued his work with the U-23s keeping the group in shape over their summer breaks, while also growing the future player pool and showing those players what the Club offers once their college careers are complete. This fall, the addition of the Major II Division to the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania (USLPA) signaled a return to the Major/Reserve system not seen since the 1990s. Benny Landers took charge of this reserve group. He recruited young talented players who came together with a few Club veterans to play exciting, organized soccer. The Major team struggled in terms of results but it was not for lack of effort and team play. Head Coach Mike Curley knows the group is already looking forward to the coming months to reverse their league record. The Over-30 Men saw some turnover as Brian Blesi, Steve Thompson and BJ Davis look to improve on the success of Benny Landers’ time with the group. However, the Major Women experienced the largest transformation heading into the fall season with only a handful of players returning from last season. The young team was led by Michelle Paul as Manager & Captain with Steve Paul and Cathy Ford sharing the coaching responsibilities. Werner Fricker III Adult Soccer Coordinator
—MID-ATLANTIC JUGEND EINZEL— & HEIMATABEND
—ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING—
Saturday, March 11, 2017
OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE WORKINGS OF OUR ORGANIZATION
Daytime: Competition & Workshop Evening: A Mid-Atlantic Heimatabend DETAILS ON PAGE 3
EDITOR’S NOTE: We previously announced this February issue as an “Extended Soccer Edition.” As you open this publication you will see that it certainly delivers. It is of note that each team’s included recap came directly from a member of the team’s staff. On pages 4, 5, and 6 you will see the unique bylines for each piece. Thank you to all the teams that participated in the effort. This issue would not be as great a success without you. Thanks also go to Werner III, for conceiving the idea and gathering all the written pieces from the teams as well as providing the overview of the adult program. At this moment as well we would like to commend the whole program including the soccer committee members for participating in this effort and we hope you continue well into the future. Good luck to all in the spring seasons and we hope you enjoy the Monthly Progress!
Sunday, March 19 | 11:00am
Food and beverage will be available for purchase following the meeting
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 2
107th Anniversary Banquet Help Wanted
Page 3
Entertainment Schedule 2017 Mid-Atlantic J. Einzel
Page 4
Extended Soccer Ed. Major Men, Major Women, O-30, U23.
Page 5
Extended Soccer Edition: ‘02 Boys, ‘02 Girls, ‘06 Girls.
Page 6
Extended Soccer Ed. ‘07 Boys Pictures of the Month
—AMONG OUR MEMBERS— BY EMILY FRICKER
Our Schuhplattler Group is busy practicing for the Gaufest Competition to be held in the city of Buffalo, NY from June 29 to July 2. Buffalo is always a fun place to visit since our group and many of their friends take a few days to visit the beautiful Niagara Falls. The club hosting this event is the SGTV Edelweiss which was founded in 1930 and has hosted the Gaufest in 1993, 2005 and now in 2017. Can it really be twenty-eight years since we first competed in Parsippany, NJ? Marlene and Bill Galgon, Nichole and Chris Deely, Kim and Bob Walter and some friends from Pennsylvania recently went on a skiing trip to Austria. Bob Hugel of the Schuhplattler group, “Schlierachtaler Stamm," of NY headed the trip. They did some great skiing, met some great people, and had a great time sightseeing and partying. Of course they took time to visit Salzburg one of their favorite towns. Nick Buerger and Anna Kreutzer met at a Kirchweihfest held at the Hungarian Hall on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia. They were to be partners at this festival which featured the German Hungarian Sport Club Dancers. It was the early 50s and these two newcomers to the United States had never met. Little did they know that their lives would never be the same. Nick was soon inducted into the Armed Forces and left the Philadelphia area. When he returned, they soon wed. Their marriage took place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hallowell, followed (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)
FEBRUARY 2017
MONTHLY PROGRESS
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—MONTHLY PROGRESS— Founded by TED KERECZMANN† in 1946 Published by the United German-Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity
4666 E. Bristol Road | Oakford, Pennsylvania | 19053 215.357.9851 | www.ughclub.us | ugh.club@comcast.net
Editor: MICHAEL FRICKER 8 Sugar Maple Lane | Horsham, Pennsylvania | 19044 267.736.4390 | mfricker@ughclub.us Circulation: LISA FRICKER | 215.500.0757
President: JANET MALOFIY 14 Sugar Maple Lane | Horsham, Pennsylvania | 19044 267.718.0059 | jfmalofiy711@hotmail.com M O N T H
A T - A - G L A N C E
—‘MEMBERS’ CONTINUED— by a reception at the former Schwarzwald Swim Club in Horsham. The wedding band was the Heimatklänge, a newly formed popular group. This was the first wedding, of oh so many, that the band played for. Nick and Anna attended many of our club events and in time their children, Betty, Sue, and Nicky joined our Cultural Group. They all lived in Horsham in their original home and Anna and Nick continued to live there until it became necessary for them to move to a retirement community. In recent years, their health began to fail and they relied heavily on each other. They even joined each other in death. Anna, age 81, died on Wednesday, January 11, and Nick, age 85, joined her on Thursday, January 12. On Monday, January 30 a memorial service was held for both at the Schneider Funeral Home in Hatboro. The Internment was at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown. A luncheon followed at the German Hungarian Club after which many family members and friends spoke about memories of these two amiable people. It was truly a celebration of their lives. We offer our deepest sympathy to all the Buerger family. Farewell Nick and Anna! You will be missed by many. The Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA) will honor their 2017 Inductees into their HALL OF FAME at the Eastern PA Youth Soccer Association’s Awards Banquet to be held on February 25 at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. Those to be honored are: Jeffrey DeLuca, Werner Fricker Jr., Robert Ong, Pete Kennedy, and Paul Stilley. We congratulate all, especially Werner, who has been a life long member of our club. More about this event in a future issue. Recently heard that the “Brat Wurst Boys from New York” were to be the featured band at our Heimatabend to be held on Saturday, March 11. This band is based out of Long Island and are a young, upcoming polka band specializing in German Oktoberfest entertainment. They regularly perform their agile musicianship to crowds and make sure everybody is involved in the fun. They spent their young years growing up in the German culture and have decided to bring their spin on this traditional music to the tri state area. Come out to the club on Saturday March 11 and enjoy the evening! ef www.ughclub.us
Cocktail Hour (cash bar) Hors d’oeuvres – 6:00pm | Dinner Served – 7:00pm Musical Entertainment by the
A Special Performance by The
HEIMATKLÄNGE ORCHESTRA
GERMAN HUNGARIAN DANCERS
Ticket Price: $60.00 per person
R E S E R VAT I O N S R E Q U I R E D : Contact: Lisa Fricker 215.500.0757 | lhfricker@hotmail.com
—HELP WANTED—
—BANQUETS & CATERING—
We are looking for part time help a few hours a week. Tasks will include field lining & preparation as well as other small facility work.
Remember to refer our club to your family and friends for any parties, social or fundraising events they might be hosting.
Workers will be compensated. Must be reliable & available Mid-March through the summer.
We have a wonderful facility available for your event and we would be happy to host you!
Contact Werner Fricker III 215.584.7271
Contact us at www.cateringughclub.us/ or the club telephone number, 215-357-9851
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FEBRUARY 2017
MONTHLY PROGRESS
—SCHNITZEL NIGHT—
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—ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE 2017—
Every first Wednesday of the Month - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
A Delicious Schnitzel Dinner (Includes Two Side Dishes Plus a Salad, Bread & Butter and Coffee or Tea)
Wednesday, March 1 Wednesday, April 5 Wednesday, May 3 $11.00 for adults | $5.00 for children (Dessert is Available for Purchase | Cash Bar)
Have a great dinner with the Schnitzel-Boy at the UNITED GERMAN HUNGARIANS
Schnitzel! The Favorite Treat!
March Wednesday, March 1 – Schnitzel Night Saturday, March 11 – Mid-Atlantic Jugend Einzel Competition & Heimatabend Saturday, March 18 – St Patrick’s Day Party & Pub Crawl Saturday, March 19 – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday, March 25 – 107th Anniversary Banquet: The Annual celebration of our club. Celebrate our 107th years of success and existence with a gala banquet at our club. April Wednesday, April 5 – Schnitzel Night May Wednesday, May 3 – Schnitzel Night Wednesday, May 17 – Spring Penny Party: A chance to win many prizes, this event is sponsored by our Women's Auxiliary! Saturday May 20 – Mayfest Spring Celebration June Wednesday, June 7 – Schnitzel Night
For Little Boys & Girls to Eat!
Artwork by Sofi Walter
—MID-ATLANTIC— JUGEND EINZEL & HEIMATABEND Saturday, March 11, 2017
July Wednesday, July 12 – Schnitzel Night August Wednesday, August 2 – Schnitzel Night August 22,23,24 – Youth Soccer Registration Nights: Register your player on one of these three convenient registration nights!
September Wednesday, Sept. 6 – Schnitzel Night Sat & Sun Sept. 23 and 24 – Oktoberfest: Our part of Philly Fest Season! Oktoberfest at the United German Hungarians means, dancing, soccer, beer, and fun! Don't forget GerAdmission Includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch man-Hungarian specialties from the kitchen! $20.00 Adults | $8.00 Children (12 & under) Dancers, Judges, & Accordion Players are Compli- October Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Schnitzel Night mentary during daytime and evening events Saturday, Oct. 28 – Schocktoberfest Halloween Party: The German-Hungarians Halloween festival with costumes, food and fun! down time between the two events —Competition & Workshop— Check-In 9:00am Competition Begins 10:00am
for r&r at the clubhouse or hotel
November Wednesday, Nov. 1- Schnitzel Night —A Mid-Atlantic Heimatabend— Saturday, Nov. 11 – Kirchweihfest: The most beautiful day of the year is the Doors Open 6:00pm KIRCHWEIHFEST at the United German Hungarians! It is an age-old tradition that is near Food & Beverage Available For Purchase & dear to our hearts. It connects us from generation to generation and puts on display Music at 7:00pm by the Bratwurst Boys of NY who we truly are as a people and as a club. Admission $10.00 Wednesday, Nov. 15 – Winter Penny Party: A chance to win many prizes, this event is sponsored by our Women's Auxiliary! *full day ticket includes Friday, Nov 17 – Penalty Kick Shoot Out: This fundraiser supports our Youth Soccer The competition & Heimatabend Program and is a fun night out at the club under the stadium lights!
for $25.00
December Friday, Dec. 1 – Girls Night Out Shopping: Eat, drink, shop, and be happy! A girl’s night out is just what you need in blustery December. Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Schnitzel Night Sunday, Dec. 17 – Club Christmas Party: Celebrate Christmas with us at the club! The usual buffet, performances by the Cultural group and a special visit from Santa! —REMINDERS—
REMEMBER TO PUSH YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ON MARCH 12 REMEMBER THAT OUR AGM IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19 www.ughclub.us
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FEBRUARY 2017
MONTHLY PROGRESS EXTENDED SOCCER EDITION
—MAJOR MEN— Fall season started off very promising. The U.G.H. Majors won the pre-season tournament held at Danubia. With a R. STEWART squad welcoming some talented new players, the squad looked to carry that form with them into the regular season. That proved easier said than done, as the Majors finished the fall campaign a disappointing record of 13-2 in the league, currently sitting second from the bottom of the table. They didn’t fare much better in the cups this season, losing in the second round of the Amateur Cup to the Ukrainian Nationals. In the Open cup, they did manage to qualify for the semi-final, where they fell to eventual Champions, Junior Lonestar. This fall did see the return of a reserve division for the USLPA. The U.G.H. Major II were put with a group of new, young players and a few veterans sprinkled throughout the field to add experience. They started their campaign off by winning 3 of their first 4 games, only to finish by drawing and losing their final four matches to finish 3-3-2. This spring, the Majors will look to recapture their form from last year and climb the table. They will also look to improve on last summer’s impressive performance at the Donauschwaben Tournament, which will be held in Mansfield, OH again this Memorial Day. The Reserves will look to build on a solid start to their year with attempting to win their remaining matches. —MAJOR WOMEN— The Major Women sported a new look this past fall. With only a handful of returning M. PAUL players, the Women’s team is new and improved. With 15 playing for the United German Hungarian club for the first time, the team currently stands in fourth place in the United Soccer League. A good spot to head into for the upcoming spring season. The team’s current record consists of 5-2-3 ties. Every girl on the team has some type of collegiate soccer experience, which shows on the field. With skill, compassion and a hard work ethic from every player, our team succeeds in the league. Our biggest weakness is not knowing every move your teammates are going to make. Playing against teams in the league who have been playing with each other for years, it’s hard sometimes figuring out what run your other teammates want you to make, or where they’re sending that ball. The www.ughclub.us
best thing about our team is that we’re the youngest in the league right now. Other teams aren’t too sure what to expect from us since we’re a brand-new team and that’s the best part. We have that element of surprise on our side. That element of surprise combined with tested, tried and true club support at our back provides a foundation for seasons to come. Our team is care free and fun off the field, yet determined to work together and win on the field. It’s an ideal team atmosphere. Coming out of the fall in fourth place puts us in a good spot looking at spring. We’ve beat the second-place team and tied the thirdplace team. We’re very capable of moving up in the rankings and hopefully placing top three come the end of spring. Along with this in mind and a couple new faces joining the team for the spring, we’re excited to get back out there! —OVER-30 MEN— The Over-30’s found themselves in a little bit of a transitional year in 2016. This season S. THOMPSON saw a changing of the guard with the departure of long time player and head coach Benny Landers. All of the guys would like to thank Benny for his services to the team over the years and wish him the best of luck. Benny oversaw a transition of his own and built the Over-30’s to a team that many feared. When Benny took over several years ago, the team was languishing in the bottom half of the table for many years. Over time, his leadership saw the team grow and compete on the highest level possible making multiple state finals and finishing runners up for 3 consecutive years in the league. The 2016-2017 season saw long serving players, Brain Blesi, Stephen Thompson and now U.G.H. veteran BJ Davis take the wheel. The expectations were high after the three prior years and the team, along with many new faces did not disappoint. The previous year, the Over-30’s had fallen to a heavy defeat in the national cup at state level, to the would-be champions over at Phoenix. The goals of this season where to produce a vast improvement on that final loss. The season started off on a high with a great win away at the Erzgebirge. Having finished runners up in the league on two occasions in past, this was a game seen as a marker for the season to come. The second week saw the visit of a plucky and talented Ukrainian Nationals. In a game |
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that was controlled for long periods by U.G.H. saw a late push by the Ukrainians to free that grasp of a certain 2 goal win. With two late goals, the Ukrainians left happy but lucky. Week three saw the first meeting between the two teams seen as title challengers. On a cold wet evening, away to Phoenix, the guys of U.G.H. took a 1:0 lead deep into the game. However, Phoenix being the team they are, found a way to dig in deep, defended tough and caught a tiring away side with two late goals. While no loss is a win, U.G.H. came away from this game with a new lease of life after pegging the national champions back and almost pulling of the result. The next two weeks saw routine wins in the form of a 2:1 win away at Colonial and a 5:2 thumping of VE at home. Good preparation with the looming clash of the titans and everything to play for. Phoenix were next at home in what was to be a mighty tussle. U.G.H. once again showing that they are here to compete and the title may not be too far away. After leading on three occasions, in what was described as another dominant performance by the home team, a talented and physical Phoenix team found it in them, at 3:2 down, to grab a late, late equalizer. With the league, almost out of reach, U.G.H. needed to win out the season and hope for other results to go their way. The final two games saw U.G.H. stick to their task with a 1:0 victory away at the Ukrainians and a 3:2 win away at Colonial. Unfortunately, Phoenix would not drop anymore points and, for the fourth consecutive year, U.G.H. fell just short of the mountain top. This fall will see the Over-30's push for the state title in what plans to be one of the toughest group of teams to date, with U.G.H., Phoenix and West Chester, as the teams to watch, looking to tussle it out this spring. —UNDER-23 MEN— Summertime is a season of rest and relaxation for many but for 25 to 30 players, it is a B. BLESI time to maintain fitness and sharpen their skills for the next college season. Starting in mid-May, this group of young men schedule their internships, hobbies, and social lives around a chance to practice and play twice a week. The effort rarely falls short as these young players take the opportunity to play our game over heading down to a (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5)
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FEBRUARY 2017
MONTHLY PROGRESS EXTENDED SOCCER EDITION
shore point or a vacation as many other youths their age do. This past summer was a busy one for the Under-23’s even though we did not play in a league. A few highlights that stuck out were West Chester's Under-23’s coming to play during our May Fest and staying to eat, drink, and enjoy the festival with our players. Another was participating in the Regional Cup at held at Ukrainian-American Sports Center in Horsham, PA. As a coach, you look for moments that justify why you spend time away from your family and friends. This group justified that moment time and time again by their work ethic, willingness to learn, and creating a positive environment at the Under-23 level. Overall, we are still uncovering our true potential but the coaching staff believe we laid the building blocks for a strong future to come. —2002 BOYS— The U.G.H. 2002 Boys entered their 7th year at the club last fall. It's a diverse group of M. LOWRY young men from throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties. They are a highly committed to the game they love. The team has a strong focus on player development while seeking the best competition possible. The 02's competed in the U-15 First Division of the Delco Soccer League. The team finished a hard-fought campaign in 3rd place behind strong Wyoming Valley and Methacton squads. The 02's maintained a busy tournament schedule this fall highlighted by an undefeated runner up finish at the Montgomery United Wings Cup and Finals appearances at the APL Explorer Cup and Cinnaminson Thanksgiving Tournament. The boys showed great character with big wins following the loss of team Captain Matthew Cobos to a long-term injury. During that stretch the defense was anchored by Aron Szoke in the middle with Jair Antunez, Jeremy DiPinto, and Nicholas Palladino as Fullbacks. A Midfield rotation of Kaeleb Lowry, Xavier Guerreiro, Conor Seeley, and Brendan Callahan were the engine of the team. Wingers Luke Fatula, Tommie Leonhauser, and Dylan Shaffer provided great service from the flanks. The strike pairing of Lou Lare and Justin Lykunov created havoc in the opposing third. The team received outstanding Goalkeeping from Sam Dumas who was selected to participate in the 2016-17 EPYSA www.ughclub.us
Olympic Development Program. Congratulations Sammy! Coach Michael Lowry and Assistant Gene Fatula were proud of the effort from all the boys. Win, lose, or draw they represented their families and club with pride and dignity. The 02's will stay busy through the winter with training, Futsal, and indoor league play. The boys are looking forward to getting back outside for State Cup play and Showcase tournaments during the spring season. —2002 GIRLS— 2016 was another great season for the 2002 Girls, Panthers. A solid 2nd place finish in M. ROTH the ICSL U-15 Division 2, with a winning record of 7-2-1. Because of the birth date changes, the Panthers needed to move up in age group to U-15, and advanced from Division 3 to Division 2. A second-place finish was a great accomplishment for the Panthers, and they worked hard to achieve it. The 02’s competed in a number of fall Tournaments, with their best finish being Tournament Champions at the Jack Walsh Columbus Day Weekend tournament. The 2002 Girls were undefeated in their bracket, with 2 shut-out games. The team will be playing indoor in the winter 2 session at YSC, followed by the spring soccer season in the Rock League, and will also be competing in the PA State Challenge Cups in the spring. —2006 GIRLS— With the sweeping new age changes that were implemented this past year, the start of S. THOMPSON the season was one of frustration for the U-11 Girls. Several players decided to move to pastures new based on their age and desire to play age appropriate soccer. However, the fall 2016 got off to a flying start for the girls with a thumping 10:0 win over YMS at home. This win was to put early doubts to bed when it was followed up with a 9:0 win over HUN Skye. Both games showing the undoubted talent of this young group, the much-needed help of our new additions and an ability to stick to a game plan rather than get individually goal hungry. Week 3 saw the girls travel to Fishtown, in conditions that were tough both on and off the grass. A hard fought 1:0 victory ensued, but a victory that should have been more comfortable. Week 4 saw the girls back to their usual selves with a 7:0 victory away at ACU. We |
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saw the girls play in a manner of higher maturity than their years would have you believe. Many of the goals coming from team build up and wide play rather than individual efforts. This was followed up with another convincing victory in not so convincing weather, with a 5:0 win away at YMS. This season was quickly becoming theirs to lose rather than win. Week 6 saw the first of what would become some lackluster performances and some bad luck. After a late night at Shadybrook, the early start away to HVAA did not favor these young ladies. After large swaths of pressure in their oppositions half, the girls could not grind out that much needed goal and succumbed to their first dropped points of the season in a below par draw. This was followed up by a defeat at the hands of Lansing, who could almost touch that first-place spot and would become somewhat of a nemesis over the next few weeks. Week 8 saw a chance to right an earlier wrong with the visit of HVAA to U.G.H. This game would start a period of bad luck that the young girls could simply not break. After spending 59 minutes camped out at the HVAA goal, a lapse in concentration and a lucky bounce would see the girls fall to their second loss of the season. This was to be a learning moment for the girls who found out that sometimes things simply aren't in your favor. Week 9 would follow a similar pattern at home with the visit of third place CHYSC snatching a win in similar unconvincing fashion to the week before. The number 1 spot had unfortunately slipped away from these young warriors. The final week of the season would see two different teams and the old cliché of "It's a game of two halves". Once again it was that nemesis that is Lansing. Having gone down 3:0 by half time and looking like a side that has never played together, the girls came out all guns blazing for their final half of the season. After pulling back an early goal, the girls began to re-discover their form. In what is arguably the best half of soccer this team has produced, they fought tooth and nail to bring the score back to 3:3 with mere minutes left. After the final sustained pressure, it was just too much to overcome and the deadlock could not be broken. After finally discovering their league form, it was on to Lancaster for the biggest tournament these young ladies had ever entered. In a weekend that saw both big highs and (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)
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FEBRUARY 2017
MONTHLY PROGRESS EXTENDED SOCCER EDITION
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—PICTURES OF THE MONTH—
The 2002 Boys during their 2016-2017 Season
The 2002 Girls won the Jack Walsh Columbus Day Tournament
—’06 GIRLS CONTINUED— the lowest lows, the girls finally found themselves on the way home early. Needing a win in the third game to make the final, leading 2:1 with seconds to go, the officials somehow found it in them to change their own off side call in favor of U.G.H., to a penalty kick for the Baltimore Blues. The resulting 2:2 tie ended in tears for the girls. In what was a season of many ups and downs, life lessons, smiles and tears, it was ultimately a season of large success and a great building block for the future. It was a season that saw many drastic improvements and life lessons through sport. On to the next one.
—2007 BOYS— The U.G.H. 2007 Boys, Raiders team was headed by Coach Joe Proll and Trainer-Assistant J. PROLL Coach Rob Proll for the 2016 fall Season. The team competed in the ICSL U-10 Division 4 East (7v7) and finished with a 1-9-0 record, placing 5 out of 6 teams in the Division. While not successful if measuring by wins, this team was a completely new team formed from open tryouts in the early spring and by picking up some additional players by word of mouth over the summer time. Only one out of the eleven players had played travel soccer before this season, and the team had only a month of practice before the season was underway.
UNITED GERMAN-HUNGARIANS OF PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY 4666 E. BRISTOL ROAD | OAKFORD, PENNSYLVANIA | 19053
The 2007 Boys having the wurst time at Oktoberfest
A positive for the season was the improvement of team play as the season moved on, as noted by opposing coaches as well as the parents. In addition, we couldn’t have asked for a better group of parents with this team. When the call went out for volunteers for field work, our parents responded. They also enjoyed Oktoberfest as well as the Schnitzel Nights. After a short break in December, the team will be playing in a futsal league for the remaining winter and will be looking forward to the spring ICSL season. The team may pick up 2 or 3 interested players for the spring, which will bode well for the 2017 fall season when the roster will be expanded for the 9v9 format. Go Raiders! Go German Hungarians!