PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED GERMAN-HUNGARIANS OF PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY
VOL. 76
OAKFORD, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 1
L to R: Standing; James Brett, Joe Hansen, Connor Sullivan, Gabe Dwyer, Matt Sullivan, Ken Tomczuk, Pat Raykovitz, Ken Lassiter, Jake Hubert, Dylan McDonald, Dave McCall, Stevie Paul, Jason Karasow (Head Coach). Kneeling; Mike Talan (Landessportleiter), Werner Fricker Jr., Dan Grindrod, Jason Rocha, Devon Memis, Sasha Malofiy Jr., Nick Jachwak, Jason Pixley, Werner Fricker III (General Manager). Photo courtesy of Michael N. Fricker
Game I – Saturday 12 pm noon vs Cleveland The team and supporters came in ready to go for our first game vs Cleveland Concordia. The lengthy bus trip full of first teamers and supporters did nothing but raise expectations. The objective for the weekend was simple: bring the trophy home from a trip outside Philadelphia for the first time in our history. The Super Fans were cracking beers as the kick off whistle was sounding. The heavy rain the night before made for a slick surface and both teams were buzzing. Rumors that Cleveland brought in a U-23 select team seemed true as both teams were knocking it around with much more pace than normally seen in a Major Division game. There were no signs of nerves on the U.G.H. side as we started to get the better of play and chances. The Cleveland goalie was quick off his line on a few chances to eliminate any U.G.H. opportunity at the goal. The halftime whistle blew and it was 0:0. More of the same quick play with limited chances for both teams in the second half and it ended at 0:0. Even though a win was the desired result, a loss in game 1 is very difficult to come back from in a round robin so our club was moderately pleased with the result. Game II – Saturday 2 pm vs Akron Although Akron generally isn’t the strongest team of the competition, you can never take the host team lightly. They already had one win on the day, and U.G.H. could not afford to go winless
in its first two games. That’s a recipe for disaster at this tournament. As the schnapps began to get passed around for kick off in game 2 it was more of the same for the German Hungarians. The staff had been preaching to the team that a tight defense was needed for the weekend. It was easy to see that they were delivering. The combination of Stevie Paul and James Brett in net, along with a defense consisting of Gabe Dwyer, Connor Sullivan, Dylan McDonald, Pat Raykovitz, and Ken Lassiter were completely shutting down the Akron attack. Seems this was a preview for the rest of the teams of what they’d be getting through our backline. Answer: nothing. The U.G.H. attack, however was sputtering along not creating much danger. A half chance here and there until up popped our longest tenured player Ken Tomczuk. Not known for his scoring, our current Captain and two time Donauschwaben winner came up big when it mattered most. A loose ball popped out to Ken and he unleashed a laser into the top corner that left the goalie hopeless. U.G.H. would see the game out and come away with the 1:0 win. Not sure if it was the Hofbräu on draft, the schnapps, a win and a tie after two games, or maybe a combo but the SuperFans were starting to assert themselves as the “12th Man” and best supporter group of the tourney. (CONTINUED ON PAGES 2, 3, & 5)
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
—U S
—MONTHLY PROGRESS— Founded by TED KERECZMANN† in 1946 Published by the United German-Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity
P.O. Box 838, Horsham, PA 19044 www.ughclub.us
Editor: MICHAEL FRICKER 313 S DuPont Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19805 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 VOLUME SEVENTY– SIX
GALA ANNIVERSARY BANQUET RESCHEDULED DATE:
Saturday, October 23, 2021 CANNSTATTER VOLKSFEST VEREIN 9130 ACADEMY RD, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114
Black Tie Preferred Price $80.00 per person Reservations - Seating Limited to Venue Capacity ~ Reservations Confirmed with Payment
Contact: Nichole Blank Deely at nichsmalls@hotmail.com or 215-806-1998
www.ughclub.us
PAGE 2
D O NAU S C HW
Game III – Saturday 5 pm vs Detroit Our third test of the day was expected to be the toughest. Detroit Carpathia has won more Donauschwaben Tournaments that any other club including five of the last eight played. Also at stake was the recently created Peter Schock Cup. Peter Schock was one of the founders of U.G.H., and it was recently found out that after he moved from Philadelphia he settled in the Detroit area and helped found the Carpathia Club. A very interesting piece of history. Now, whenever these two storied clubs face each they play for the traveling “Peter Schock Cup.” Detroit won it during the inaugural game in 2019 and held onto it for an extra year due to the Covid hiatus but U.G.H. was ready to win it back. It was a very similar story in game three for U.G.H. Another strong outing from the backline and the goalie tandem limited Detroit to no clear chances. Again, U.G.H. had better possession but weren’t testing the goalie. Sometimes when you’re not scoring during the flow of play you have to focus on free kicks and that’s what the team did. A near post Nick Jachwak in swinger led to a missed flick on at the near post and then a tap in at the far post by none other than Captain Ken Tomczuk. Ken must have been rolling back the years to his intramural days because that was two in one day for him, when he might not have scored two in the last five years for the Major Team! The boys hung on for the 2nd win of the day and their first trophy of the weekend. The “Peter Schock Cup,” was coming back to Philly and after a brief and confusing presentation by Mike Talan the traveling parties from both sides joined for a large group picture. They say defense wins championships and we were hoping to do just that. At the end of the first day, U.G.H. had a record of 2-1-0 with only two goals scored and none against. By now the refreshments were being passed around, the travelers were in full voice and the only task left for the night was keeping the team under control for the evening. After a nice schnitzel dinner in the clubhouse it was back to the hotel lobby for additional beverages and |
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
wurst. Steve Paul and his multiple Sous Chefs put together a marvelous spread enjoyed by all. It wasn’t long before the hotel manager came huffing and puffing his way to the lobby with threats of calling the police. Shortly a second manager came storming in yelling “DISPERSE,” but cooler heads prevailed (except for Joe Reiter who I think is still mad), and the party quieted but continued. Maybe next time somebody should hide Bob Walters DJ set up…there was also talk of a Bull Shit room for next year. Sunday started with two separate stretching sessions for the players while the fans shook off the cobwebs. The breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express left a little to be desired but we wouldn’t let that deter us from accomplishing our goal. The bus arrived at the host club around 10:40 and the beers were flowing by 10:45 for the SuperFans. One of the players was overheard saying, “I think we’re pretty good at soccer, but our fans are professionals.” Game IV – Sunday 12 pm Noon vs Mansfield
One of the strengths of the team coming into the tournament was our depth and after a tiring first day the staff decided to rotate players against Mansfield, now led by former U.G.H. player Robbie Stewart. Robbie has put together a very young and competitive squad. Sasha Malofiy got the start at left back and went the full distance. Towards the end of the first half, the pass of the tournament came from Matt Sullivan as he dropped a long ball over the center backs and right into Jason Pixley’s stride. Pixley maintained his composure and after the ball settled he first timed it to the far corner. As the ball rolled towards the net the only concern would be a bad U.G.H. hop taking it outside the post but the Akron field was more forgiving and it bulged the old onion bag. At halftime, the staff continued to rotate and brought on young Jake Hubert for his Major Team debut. As the second half continued Dave McCall continued to terrorize and get behind his man. On this occasion he sent a deep cross collected by Devon Memis who cut it back to Jake to smash home with his weaker right foot. The supporters and players celebrated knowing the occasion as
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
VOL 76. No. 1
WAB EN
MONTHLY PROGRESS
REC A P
Jake scored on his debut! It was the loudest cheer of the weekend as the team saw off a 2:0 win. Game V – 2 pm vs Milwaukee Round Robins are extremely tricky and leave no room for mistakes. After four games, U.G.H. record sat at 3-1-0. However, they still needed a positive result against Milwaukee Sport Club, the reigning champions. A loss would see U.G.H. eliminated and watching Milwaukee in the final against an already qualified Cleveland. Before either team could allow the nerves to settle in, an early goal came by U.G.H.’s Matt Sullivan. Played in by Jason Rocha, lead assist man for the weekend, our older Sully made no mistake. With his first touch he buried it near post and the goalie had no chance. Rumors began to make the rounds thru the stands that the Milwaukee goalie was seen drinking heavily the night before while losing to U.G.H. at “fingers.” U.G.H. continued to apply pressure and after a forced defensive mistake Nick Jachwak played in Jason Rocha to slot home and get us into halftime 2:0. Even though we knew a push was coming from Milwaukee to start the second half we were still able to rotate players to rest some guys for the final. Sasha Malofiy came on again at left back and completely shut down one of the top attacking players in the tournament. Our front three were pressing high and causing turnovers and we added on another. Jason Rocha played the ball into Devon Memis whose audacious flick caromed off the far post and in. Make it two losses to U.G.H. on the weekend for the Milwaukee goalie and we went into the final after the 3:0 win. The Milwaukee staff congratulated us and said we were the best team of the weekend. Game VI – 5 pm vs Cleveland: Championship Final By now all of the other games for the tournament was completed so it was prime time for the Championship with all other players and spectators focused on the final. They created the environment that sounded more like several thousand, not several hundred. The players seemed ready to go, but unfortunately got off to a very slow www.ughclub.us
PAGE 3
CONTINUED —
start against a good Cleveland team. Halfway through the first half and we were still finding our way into the game. Eventually our central midfield combination of Joe Hansen, Ken Tomczuk, Matt Sullivan, and Dan Grindrod began to take over the game. Joe Hansen was surely one of the unsung players of the weekend. If you’re watching our games you might not notice Joe out there, but you definitely notice when he’s not there. As we started to gain momentum Joe was able to get himself further forward than normally. He beat one Cleveland player and then another bundled him over in the box. The man in the middle from Aachen Germany waived play on. Later he said, “The player was searching for it and it wasn’t enough for a final.” A few minutes later as we continued to pressure, Gabe Dwyer rose highest to meet a corner and powered it just over the bar. We went into halftime at 0:0. The feeling was we weren’t at our best. Coach Karasow had saved the hair dryer treatment for the big game and the players responded accordingly in the second half. U.G.H. controlled the play for the entire second with the ball in Cleveland’s defensive half for most of the period. Cleveland resorted to fouling because they couldn’t stop us any other way. Another penalty shout turned away after Jason Rocha beat his man on the end line. Later we found out the ref was going to give if but his AR said no through the headset system. It just seemed like we couldn’t get the break we deserved and regulation ended 0:0. Two quick 5 minute overtime periods ended without a goal as both teams came out playing not to lose instead of forcing play. The main highlight of the OT was U.G.H. keeper James Brett making the save of the tournament as he pushed a back post header over the bar. It was on to kicks from the mark. Matt Sullivan shot first and their goalie saved well. With that momentum swung to Cleveland. Cleveland’s first shooter was one of the best players of the tournament and he walked up confidently. However, James Brett with his first big save of the shootout as he almost reached the post |
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
blocking the excellent shot. Dan Grindrod stepped up for U.G.H. and hit the underside of the crossbar and down but not across. Maybe it just wasn’t our day was the thought throughout the team. But James Brett stepped up and saved his second of the shootout. Pat Raykovitz and then Jason Rocha made their shots as well as their Cleveland counterparts. Devon Memis stepped up for the fifth shot and put his foot thru it to give the keeper no chance. He went right to James for words of encouragement. Cleveland’s fifth shooter made the long walk up from half-line with all the pressure on his shoulders. He shot to his left and as James Brett dove he reached his hand up to make the save and the team met the onrushing supporters who ran down the hill in the corner for the celebration. U.G.H. had finally won the Donauschwaben Tournament outside of Philadelphia. Schnapps, speeches, celebration at the clubhouse and back at the hotel continued into the early morning. Monday morning at a quick meeting before boarding the bus a few players were given out awards as the team MVP of the Weekend. Keepers Stevie Paul and James Brett both earned theirs as the team went the whole tournament without conceding a goal. I have no idea the last time that happened. The award for field player went to Matt Sullivan. Sully was one of our hardest working, probably most fouled player, and popped up with important goals and assists the whole weekend. The bus trip home from these tournaments is usually a quiet and sleepy ride, but not this one. A boot that had been long in hibernation finally made its re-appearance. Beers, schnapps, and singing kept the old timers awake and some of the players needed rides home when we were dropped at the Ft. Washington Train Station. Legend has it that one of the players still had his uniform on when he called out of work on Tuesday morning. A successful trip on and off the field. We might not have a home building, field, or bar, but we’re a strong club and we will keep the tradition going as long as possible.
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
Jason Karasow
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
PAGE 4
—MAJOR WOMEN SEASON RECAP—
—FROM THE PRESIDENT
L to R: back row; Mary Casey, Katy Fissel, Kelsey Celline, Kacey Cerankowski, Jenna Dubs, Casey Rodgers, Tayah Naudascher, Becky Pfender, Brenna Stocklin, Steve Paul, (Coach). Front row; Erin Donnelly, Kari Nickels, Courtney Weidner, Michelle Paul, Alyssa Dionisio, Mikaela Malofiy, Jen South, Courtney Shaw.
Looking back after finishing up our fifth season under new management, the Women’s program had plenty of hurdles this year to overcome but was able to still manage to secure 2nd place in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania’ Women’s Division. Our 2020-2021 season was hard to start up due to the long pause because of Covid-19. With that being said, we lost players due to moving for jobs, some players paused being active and playing due to their upcoming wedding, and some players were starting their lives and having a family, all wonderful things we were so happy for our players as individuals but caused us to lose committed players for the full division season. We also suffered some major injuries that required surgery and again players with no return to our full division season. With these life hurdles occurring on our team, we had a larger turn over then past years when it came to new players and fresh blood. We had four players fresh out of college join the team as great additions, and a total of 7 new players all together, where in the past we had around 3. It was a big transition year for the team, and we are grateful that the hard work we put into recruiting players and keeping our current ones very committed has paid off to help us still finish top of the table. We finished off our season with 10 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses. The winning team in the Women’s USL division suffered two losses this season, one of them being against us. That being said, we feel very confident moving into next fall. It’s been really nice seeing not only the new players, but the young players take initiative with the team and on the field. We are already working towards more players and have many new recruits joining us for summer league as a try out to see if they are a fit for our team moving forward. Within the past five years of new management the Women’s program here at UGH has definitely taken a positive turn for the better. The team has placed top three in the past three years in the league. We have a very committed group that shows up weekly and enjoys playing year-round in our off season (Winter and Summer) leagues as well. With our very committed group, not only have they been enjoying each other’s company playing, they’ve pulled off very successful fundraisers as well to keep costs affordable for the squad. They are looking to continue these as well in the coming Fall in a post Covid world. We are definitely excited to see how the program and team takes off in the coming year and looking forward to a normal 2021-2022 season in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania this Fall. Michelle Paul www.ughclub.us
|
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
Members & Friends, We had hoped to celebrate our 110th Anniversary Gala a few times since March of 2020. Now, we invite you to celebrate with us on October, 23 2021 at the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Philadelphia. Our Gala Anniversary Banquet will be complete with cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and four-hour open bar. Entertainment will be provided by die Heimatklänge Orchestra and the GermanHungarian Dancers. The Ticket price is $80.00 and black tie is preferred. It is shaping up to be a wonderful evening finally! We thank you in advance for your contribution and cannot wait to see you at the event! The details for each event are below for your benefit. Please feel free to reach out to confirm your reservation or with any questions to Nichole Blank Deely at nichsmalls@hotmail.com or 215-806-1998. Sincerely,
Janet Fricker Malofiy Janet Fricker Malofiy, President
—STATEMENT— FROM STEVE PAUL, COACH This season has been one of the most challenging since I have been coach. We started off losing 2 veteran starters in the first 3 games with season ending injuries, another veteran starter moved away mid-season along with weddings, babies etc.,.so the recruiting process was going on throughout the entire season to fill voids with quite a bit of success. We filled voids with younger players that fit right into our system which enabled our winning ways. We fell short of winning the league by one game. The atmosphere that we have created around this women's team is one that makes it quite easy to fill voids since the program, personality and success of the team draws players to our squad without much of a sales pitch. I want to thank the entire team, players and parents alike for all the support throughout the season. Also a big thanks to Michelle for being a terrific manager and recruiter.
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
PAGE 5
—A WORD FROM J. KARASOW— ON OUR CLUB, TEAM, & MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND I wanted to add a couple notes and personal message regarding the trip. I’ve been involved with soccer for almost 40 years now. I’ve never seen a more complete team win than I saw this weekend. We started with a roster of 17 and picked up Jake Hubert along the way to make it 18. Everybody played their role to perfection. Everybody played significant minutes against quality competition and there was no drop-off from 1-18. If one of the 18 doesn’t go on this trip I don’t know if we win it. My goal as a player and now coach is to have the other team come off that field after a U.G.H. win and make a comment like, “Wow, that team is good. No way we could have beat that team.” To receive a compliment like that from the opposing team is why I still compete. Trophies obviously top that, but that winning desire and edge is what drives us and our team. It’s been a challenging few years since our core group of players from the late 2000s all retired, but I feel like we have finally turned a corner and this is further evidence of that. We have a talented group of mostly younger players that are starting to understand what it means to play for U.G.H. It certainly helped that 15 of our members made the
trip with us and I was glad to see the players and members getting to know each other. A couple special shout outs. First to Sasha Malofiy. This was Sasha’s ninth time playing in this tournament. Most of those years were on the road and to put it nicely we didn’t travel with the best team and he took some bad losses on those tough trips. He deserved this win as much as anybody and I’m so happy for him. The other is Ken Tomczuk. Ken is now in his mid-30s and has been with the Majors for over 10 years. He is our senior leader, is one of the fittest guys on the team, and is a great example for the younger players. This is now his third time winning this trophy, more than anyone else in club history. The biggest shout out has to go to Werner Fricker III. He does it all. He leads this team, he’s President of the United Soccer League of PA, he’s the second Vorplattler of the dance group, and he’s a member of our club’s Board of Governors committed to leadership within the club. He is always working behind the scenes to make sure our players have the best environment and set up possible. It is the most thankless job of all but no one would ever know it since he
PLAYER
COLLEGE
HIGH SCHOOL
Connor Sullivan Dan Grindrod Dave McCall Devon Memis Dylan McDonald Gabe Dwyer Jake Hubert James Brett Jason Pixley Jason Rocha Joe Hansen Ken Tomczuk Kenny Lassiter Matt Sullivan Nick Jachwak Pat Raykovitz Sasha Malofiy Stevie Paul
West Chester West Chester Liberty Drexel / Jefferson Syracuse Immaculata
Penn Charter '18 Neshaminy '17 Calvary '04 Wissachickon '15 Neshaminy '17 Bishop McDevitt '14 Roman Catholic '21 Palmyra '15 Central '15 Lower Moreland '15 Father Judge '14 St. Joe Prep '02 Lower Merion '13 Penn Charter '14 Souderton '15 Neshaminy '14 Hatboro Horsham '14 Father Judge '18
Rutgers-Camden West Chester Jefferson LaSalle Seton Hall LaSalle/Syracuse Temple West Chester/Temple West Chester Jefferson Jefferson www.ughclub.us
|
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
throws all of his effort into it. Bottom line, without him we definitely aren’t going on this trip and we might not have a team at all. He has to get a large portion of the credit for this achievement. I could not be more proud of our team for the win and our supporters for making the trip and helping us get this trophy. Make no mistake, they played a big part. It’s been a challenging year on and off the field for everyone. I’ve had some personal highlights in the last year which made coaching this team and volunteering my time even more difficult. Its moments and memories like this which is why I continue to do it. Guys like Bobby Wilkinson, Mike Curley, and many others donated their time so that I could have these experiences as a player and I do it now so that the next generation has what I had. Can’t wait to defend our title next year in Cleveland! Jason Karasow Head Coach EDITOR’S NOTE: Karasow wrote an in depth gameby-game recap of the weekend we encourage you to read on pages 1, 2, & 3. Our committee took this conclusion to its own page here as what he has to say deserves to be highlighted. He also included below the names, colleges and high schools of our team that won the cup.
—CONGRATULATIONS—
Michelle Paul married John McFadden on May 21 at Dewey Beach, DE. Congratulations to the happy couple and we wish them well in the future!
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
—ALL IN A SOCCER SUNDAY— I remember when we sold the property and the building in Neshaminy Falls, a few well meaning, but small-minded folks did not understand why we would do such a thing and even assumed the settlement of that transaction as a death knell for the United German Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity. I do not seek out these I-told-you-somoments, but when one comes along, and some experience inspires me it is a guilty pleasure of mine to put my fingers to the keyboard and say just that; Boy, were they wrong! On Sunday, April 18, all three of our German Hungarian Soccer teams had United Soccer League of Pennsylvania matches and all three were played at the Phoenix Sport Club in Trevose. At noon, the Major II took on the Phoenix Reserves, and the Major Woman played Danubia. At 2:30pm the Major Division Men then played Phoenix Majors. The three matches ended up with 3 different results for our German Hungarians. The Major II match ended in a loss to Phoenix. The Women tied Danubia 1:1. But in the end the Major Men won out over the home team 4:1. A win is always a pleasant thing, but the results aside, a wonderful day of local amateur soccer took place, a healthy number of our members, and friends came out to support all three of our teams, and it was a beautiful albeit a little chilly day for soccer! When the afternoon wound down and I drove my car home along with Allyssa and Michael K, I began thinking about writing this little piece about a great social and sports day for our club. Now as I end this passage the thought comes to mind, that it matters not where we are, but that we stay together. Michael N. Fricker
—KIRCHWEIHFEST— SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 OUTDOORS AT THE PHOENIX SPORT CLUB
PAGE 6
ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW:
—PENNY PARTY—
Tables are full at our Spring Penny Party held outdoors at the Phoenix Sport Club
The Women’s Auxiliary of the United German Hungarians is happy to report that we were able to host a Spring Penny Party. This being our first Penny Party since the fall of 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are happy that we were able to get together. Although a number of restrictions had been lifted, we were still under constraints and conditions that gave us a challenge in preparing and hosting. In particular acquiring a location. We were able to choose the First German Sport Club Phoenix in Feasterville, just around the corner from our former location, and we then decided to host outdoors. A big thank you to Ruth Herbert, who was the liaison we worked with at Phoenix. She was welcoming, helpful and made the transition to this outdoor site a breeze. I am thrilled to report that we had a decent number of guests, and that they were all enthused with the site and pleased to be able to get together again. We had a large crew of helpers, ages 6 to 63. Thanks to all of them, because without all that help, we would not have been able to set up, run the event, and tear down with the ease that it was. Also, thanks to the men who assisted with table set up the week before. Lastly, I wanted to thank our seniors who stepped down this year for everything they have done for the Women’s events over the past forty plus years. They paved a way for us to be able to continue in their proud traditions. Thanks Ladies!!!
ALL THE TRADITIONS, FUN, AND FAMILY
Marlene Fricker
SAVE THE DATE! www.ughclub.us
—AT THE CVV BIERGARTEN— Friday, June 4 saw Die Heimatklaenge Orchestra at the Cannstatter Biergarten. Naturally, our members dusted off their beer drinking mugs and descended on Northeast Philadelphia for the evening. Worries that rain would hinder the fun we’re doused when a quick and early storm made way for clear skies and great weather the remainder of the evening. Five days off a win at the US National Donauschwaben Tournament the Major Team brought the Mike Talan Cup for their fellow members to see. GM, Werner III was sure to delegate duties of keeping an eye on the hardware to a few trusted board members while our players danced away to the variety of HK tunes. A few of our younger dance group members helped the players with their rhythm and even put on a clinic in waltz and polka steps. Cannstatter puts on a wonderful event in a happy atmosphere! The Bitburgers and Warsteiner Oktoberfests were cold and tasted great. I overheard someone biting into their cheeseburger complete with sesame seed bun say, “this just might be the best burger I’ve ever had.” After a few more Bitburgers however the same voice said “this just might be the best Burger…” so they may not be that reliable of a source. It was an all-ages group of German Hungarians that attended. It’s difficult to turn down an event like that for our folks especially when the HK are playing. I’m glad to have attended. I don’t like when events come towards their end. It’s hard for me to leave when it’s time to go. Yet walking towards my car I could still hear the last number from the band playing in the park. Over my shoulder the biergarten lights glowed. Here and there between the lyrics of the song I heard laughter of my friends. I smiled and at once I decided that an event coming to an end for me in that manner I’d take any time. Michael N. Fricker
—LANDESTREFFEN— A group from the club will be travelling to Cleveland over Labor Day (Sept. 3-6) for the Landestreffen der Donauschwaben. Interested in attending? Contact Werner Fricker III at frickeriii@hotmail.com
|
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
—‘HOME’ OUT OF STATE— On Memorial Day weekend our team and super fans went to the National Donauschwaben Tournament in Akron, Ohio. The tournament is typically held in a different location every year. We have hosted it twice but travelling to the different clubs always makes for a good time. From meeting new people at the host club to eating the goulash they make, it never disappoints. Of course, the main reason we go is to play soccer and compete to win. However, another reason that is not often talked about is the camaraderie and atmosphere of the weekend. Each year we look forward to seeing friends from all over the country that we usually only see at the tournament and we always pick up right where we left off. The atmosphere is also very unique. From hearing German music in the background, great competition, and our super fans always getting rowdy during games, it makes this weekend second to none. We can always count on our super fans to turn it into a “home game” for us. All in all, the National Donauschwaben Tournament is like no other Sasha Malofiy Jr.
JUGEND EINZEL WORKSHOP The German Hungarians will be hosting a Mid-Atlantic Jugend Einzel Workshop on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Phoenix Sport Club. This is a fantastic opportunity for the younger dancers to perform Schuhplattler and also for all of us to spend time with old and new friends. Location & Time: Phoenix Sport Club – 301 West Bristol Road, Trevose, PA 19053. Dancing & Workshop begins at 1:00 pm. Jugend Einzelplatteln: Participants are invited to perform and will receive critique score sheets from the judges. Admission: Adults $20.00 (age 13 and over) Children $8.00 (age 12 and under) (platter lunch included) Lunch will be provided to dancers, judges, accordionists at no charge. Reservations: Please contact Karina Fricker for Reservations by phone (267)474-0913 or at kfricker519@hotmail.com www.ughclub.us
PAGE 7
—A NEW STANDARD IS SET— This past Memorial Day the United German Hungarian Majors and a team of superfans traveled to Akron Ohio to compete in the US National Donauschwaben Tournament. As a player this was my fourth time competing in this tournament, but it was one of the first that we were able to bring a true representation of our Major Team. After two poor showings in Ohio in 2017 and 2019, the group was determined to bring home a cup. In game 1, we battled a local favorite, Cleveland Concordia. Both teams were strong throughout and the first match ended in a 0:0 draw. After a quick rest we went on to face the host club, Akron GFS. Deadlocked at 0:0 for most of the game, it was beginning to feel like another draw. But late in the match, captain, Ken Tomczuk, struck a ball from just outside box that beat the Akron keeper and had a little help from the post on its way into the net. The Majors went on to defeat the hosts 1:0. In the third game of the day, we faced Detroit Carpathia for the Schock Cup, a cup that goes to the winner every time U.G.H. plays Detroit. Tired legs after two games led to a pretty conservative game. However, late in the game, once again, Ken Tomczuk put in the winning goal from a corner that bounced around in the box a bit and ended up coming to him at the back post. At the end of day one, the German Hungarians had two wins, a tie, and didn’t allow a goal. After a good night in Akron’s clubhouse and team bonding in the hotel lobby, it was time to play Sunday morning. Sunday’s first game was with Mansfield Liederkranz, and the team was rocking. The game ended 2:0, another win, another shutout. Every game we played, we got better. After three wins, one tie, and no goals conceded, we had still not locked up a spot in the final. We needed a tie or a win against the defending champions, Milwaukee Sport Club, to advance. Milwaukee had a big, physical, and talented group but with great performances from U.G.H. midfielders Matt Sullivan and Joe Hansen, attackers Devon Memis and Jason Rocha, and the U.G.H. back line, the match ended 3:0 in favor of U.G.H. We were through to the final against Cleveland Concordia. The finals similar to first match against them. Both teams had chances, and both teams played well. 50 minutes of regulation and 10 minutes of overtime was not enough to crown a champion. Both teams lined up for PKs. Shot 1…both goal keepers make a save. Shot 2…U.G.H. off the bar, Cleveland’s shot is saved. Shot 3…both goals. Shot 4… both goals. Shot 5 U.G.H. with a goal. With the championship on the line, U.G.H. goalkeeper, James Brett, dives to his right and reaching his left hand over his head makes an incredible save to win the championship. The team rushes from midfield and the superfans storm the field. It was electric. After a legendary night of celebrations it was time for the long bus ride home, but bringing that cup back to Philadelphia made the bus ride more than bearable. As a player whose family has been part of U.G.H. for about 70 years, it is a great honor to play for the team and to play in competitions like the US National Donauschwaben tournament. The team would like to extend a special thank you to Werner Fricker III and Jay Karasow for everything you do for our team and our club. We would also like to say thank you to our Super Fans. It is because of people like you that these things are possible and that these traditions continue. After 6 games, 5 wins, 1 tie, no goals allowed, 3 PK saves, the U.G.H. Majors are Donauschwaben Champions, and without a doubt we will be on a mission to defend it next summer and live up to the new standard that we set a few weeks ago. Gabe Dwyer, #14
—MAJOR II SEASON RECAP— The U.G.H Reserves had a lot of challenges this season due to high roster turnover, injuries, and the pandemic. It was a tough year for us to find our form. Despite the challenges, our team continued to work hard and play as a team which lead to the team improving greatly though the standings did not reflect that. As the squad continues to stick together and build on its chemistry, I believe we can get back to our old form and win some games moving forward. Matt Weed |
facebook.com/GermanHungarians
|
twitter.com/UnitedGHSoccer
VOL 76. No. 1
MONTHLY PROGRESS
—PHOTOS FROM A GREAT 2020-2021 SOCCER SEASON—
PAGE 8