MESSAGE FROM GARY SPARKS Premier Chairman

elcome to UCI. This Complex is the Home of the do the following homework: WCSL Premier League. We ask that you treat these (1) Read the Column by one of our featured con- fields as if they are you home as well. We will have tributors – James Thompson. His article on many visitors coming to watch all our games. College “Recruiting” is from his personal experiences, not only coaches, MLS scouts and National Team scouts to name as a parent whose child went through the process, but a few. We want our fields to look as if they are treated as an individual with 26 years of experience as an with respect by all and demonstrate that our players award winning LA Daily News Sports Humorist and are not only great athletes but have outstanding char- Cartoonist. And everyone knows, cartoonists always acter and know to respectfully treat the property of get it right. others as if it were their own. (2) Go to NCAA.org. and then click on One of the functions of The CSL Premier League is “Resources” and you will find a list of publications that to promote its’ players and provide them with an you need to become very familiar with. This informa- opportunity to use their ath- tion should become your Bible if you are looking to play letic ability, soccer skills, and soccer in college. The publications listed below contain love for the sport to advance information that you absolutely need to know. their personal career goals, • DIVISION I MANUAL whether they be a college • DIVISION II MANUAL education or a professional • DIVISION III MANUAL athletic career. In this issue, • CHART ON THE PROBABILITY OF A HIGH we have set forth the CSL SCHOOL STUDENT GOING PRO PREMIER LEAGUE BASIC • EMERGING SPORTS FOR WOMEN PREMISES. As a player, you • ASSOCIATION-WIDE GRANTS, PROGRAMS AND should read the article. It SERVICES tries to provide you, the • UNIFORM ATHLETE AGENTS ACT player, with a few simple premises, which if followed, may just help you reach your goals. As a parent, the (3) Speak to the HI POD representative at UCI this article may give you an insight on how to better enjoy weekend. HI POD is video taping every game at UCI on your child’s game. Sept 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2012. At some point in the The CSL Premier League is designed to assist its’ near future, every player MUST have video tape players in their efforts to achieve their goals. But the footage of his or herself to assist in their recruiting Premier League is only a small piece of the game plan. process. We have all heard the old adage “If you want it done Once you have taken the preparatory steps listed right, do it yourself”. Well, it’s truer today than it ever above and are aware of your responsibilities as outlined has been before. Therefore, it is the player that needs in the NCAA Guide, navigating through the recruiting to do the heavy work. The player needs to promote his process will become easier for you and our advice in or herself to a much greater degree than CSL could the next few Premier Magazines will then prove to be ever do. Self-promotion is an absolute necessity if a very helpful in furthering your soccer goals. player wants to be identified as a candidate for a col- Good luck this weekend. A lege recruiter or a professional scout. He or she cannot rely on “chance” to be noticed by coaches or scouts. The key to being discovered lies in the hands of one person and one person alone – The Player. The Coast Soccer League Player must really be the active ingredient in the formu- 2012 PREMIER COMMITTEE la for college recruiting. The Player must be the cata- lyst. The Player must take an aggressive role and actu- Premier Chairman ...... Gary Sparks ally participate in the recruiting process. However, most Vice Chairman ...... Marguerite Cochran players do not know where to begin, or how to begin, Boys U16 & U19 Competitive Chairwoman . . . Karen Sparks actually promoting themselves. Most are entering Girls U16 thru 19 Competitive Chairwoman . . Karen Sparks Referee Liaison ...... Nick Cruz unknown territory in learning how this process works. Marketing ...... Carol Ritter But they can obtain the guidance they need from a Data Analyst ...... Roma Klein variety of sources. This magazine is just on source avail- Action Photographer ...... Gary Campbell able to all players. Sara Joubert In the coming issues of the CSL Premier Magazine, Bill Reese Team Photographer ...... Gary Campbell of NuPhoto we will set forth basic information that is designed to Webmaster ...... David Fliegler help the player navigate the recruiting process and CSL Player Showcase Program ...... Savraj & June Dhillon form an understanding on just how the system works. Printer ...... Sam George of PTS Marketing Group In preparation for this information, the player should CSL Premier League Basic Doctrines

n behalf of Coast Soccer League (CSL), welcome to the served by you acting as a professional all the time. Show O2012 CSL Premier League Season. For our returning everyone just how well you play the game, both physically teams, we are very glad to have you back. For our new teams, and mentally. Show everyone who you really are and how congratulations on your team’s achievements and your pro- well you play the game. motion to the Premier League. We hope you will enjoy your experience with us. Parents - The game is for your children. It is their game. Your The CSL Premier League was designed to create excep- job is to come, watch and support your child and his/her tional opportunities for some of the most elite players in CSL teammates. You might also try to enjoy the game. These are who are considering a career in soccer, either at college or in great athletes and they play the game very well. a professional league. In order for a player to reach his or her Anyone who is an aficionado of soccer has probably goal, there are three main areas of responsibilities that need never seen a referee change a call because a parent has yelled to be addressed. But before we address these items, there are at, threatened or confronted him or her. Never. The norm a few basic premises that both player and parent should seems to be that referees who are badgered only become accept before we go into any depth as to what the future has frustrated and annoyed and give close calls to the other team in store for the players. because of a parent’s conduct. It is not right but it is human Therefore, this particular message is really designed for nature. the players and their parents. And just what does it tell us when a parent is ejected from a game? What good comes from it? No one has ever Players – Some of you have not yet realized what you have been able to figure that one out. already accomplished and what your accomplishments really Once the player and the parents accept these simple mean for you as an individual player. You really need to grasp principles, they can get on to the real job at hand – advanc- the following concepts: ing the player’s career. 1. You have reached the pinnacle in youth soccer by playing Now, as stated earlier, in order for a player to reach in the Premier League. You are one of the best players in his or her goal, there are three main areas of responsi- Coast Soccer League and therefore one of the best players bilities that need to be addressed. in your age group in the country. You have shown to those that matter that you are an exceptional player. The purpose of the CSL Premier League is to address each of these responsibilities and with the player, the parents 2. You now need to concentrate on your game as any profes- and the league working together as a team, just how these sional player should. You need to play each game to the responsibilities should be met. best of your ability. You need to play each game as a team These three main areas are: (1) Education as it relates to player. You need to act in the best interests of your team. the technical requirements of recruiting; (2) Player Self- You do not need to be taken out of your game by an Promotion; and (3) Showcase for Talent. Each of the next four opposing player, coach or referee. Do not let anyone dis- issues of the CSL Premier Magazine will specifically address tract you from your objective which is to play the game at these points. your very best and contribute to your team’s efforts. However, we need to jump start the player’s edu- 3. During the season, some of you may lose track of your cation on recruiting requirements right now. To assist responsibilities to not only yourself but to your team. You CSL with this task, CSL has licensed a state-of-the-art “Player may let referees get to you and then start to lose focus due Showcase” website. It is an internet based player profile pro- to your frustration or worse, getting red carded for your gram exclusive to CSL entitled “The CSL Player Showcase”. mouth. You do not need to lower yourself to this level. Rise You may find details regarding this program in the front of above a bad call by a referee by just accepting the call and the 2012 CSL Handbook and in its ad in this magazine. play on. Pay no heed to the call but pay attention only to The important point is that for all CSL Premier your role in the game. You have a duty to the team to con- Players U14 thru U19, the service is free. Every player tribute and no one should sway you from that responsibil- needs to be using this service. Your team manager is aware ity. You are a Premier player so you should act like one. of the system and can help you in sitting up the player’s indi- vidual player profile. 4. You may believe you have a need to challenge opposing College recruiting is a minefield for both players and players. 9 times out of 10 your fouls are fouls of “retalia- coaches alike. The CSL Player Showcase program contains a tion”. You need not “retaliate” because you have already link to the NCAA 2012-13 Guide for the College-Bound won. If you are the recipient of a cheap foul, you have Student-Athlete. You must consider this NCAA Guide as probably beaten your opponent all day long and he/she is mandatory reading. If you become acquainted with these so frustrated that a cheap foul is all he/she has left to stop requirements, then everything else will begin to fall into you and everyone on the field and every spectator knows place. Do you part and register as soon as you are allowed it. Sooner or later the opposing player will get caught and with the NCAA and learn the recruiting rules the coaches he/she will be gone from the game. Whatever you do, do must follow. Do not place yourself or the college coaches in not get yourself tossed because in reality, you are the bet- a position that violates the NCAA Rules. You need to know ter player. That is exactly what your opponent is hoping for these rules. – he/she cannot beat you on the field so the best alterna- Once you are aware of your responsibilities as outlined in tive is to get you to retaliate and hopefully get caught by the NCAA Guide, navigating through the recruiting process the referee and tossed from the game. will become easier for you and our advice in the next few If you keep in mind that there really are college coaches Premier Magazines will then prove to be very helpful in fur- looking at you for their schools, your best interests will be thering your soccer goals. A

6 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e UCI Field Map The Recruiti BY JAMES THOMPSON

he one certainty in the recruiting process – is uncer- Ttainty. There is no magic wand, no secret recruiting formula, no check-the-box test that guarantees a suc- cessful recruiting class. Coaches, for the most part, look to fill positional needs and that might mean, by example, a good center-mid might get little interest from his or her college of choice. That school might have multiple underclassmen at center-mid, all on scholarship. One more might not make sense. “When it comes to who we recruit, we will first look at positional needs and hope- fully when we fill those needs then we will look at the best available soccer player” said University of Denver head coach Bobby Muuss. Most coaches share Muuss’ opinion, and with D1 soccer programs allowed just 9.9 scholarships, a coach has to be mindful of how that investment works for the program. Muuss added: “in order to be com- petitive across the board, a coach cannot afford to invest in several players in the same position.” The result might be a striker who wants to play for College “X” but with 5 forwards ros- tered, its just not a right fit. Sometimes, it’s just bad tim- ing – too many midfielders and not enough scholarships. Of course if the player is a 5 star recruit, the process is easy. “Blue-chippers” pick where they want to go. But, for the rest, it starts with being seen. The best places to be spotted, and recruited, are college showcases and club soccer matches. Coaches flock to showcases because of the quality of the matches and volume of players. A coach might have her eye on one player but switch attention to a teammate who performed well. If someone is interest- ed in watching a future college player, look for the biggest gaggle of college windbreakers, and take a seat. If there are a dozen coaches watching a game,

8 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e ng Dance

you know someone on the field is a highly regarded emails tend to find the trash folder. Sometimes coaches prospect. Coaches, for the most part will not make a have specific needs and do reach out and use recruiting decision based on just one game but after a couple of services, but for the most part, players would be better games, the player is likely on the list – or off. served by sending a personal email to a coach letting Club soccer matches, as opposed to High School, them know when the player will play at a Showcase and is the next preferred venue for scouting prospects. The ask the coach to “please come see me play.” Instant reason is simple – Club soccer generally produces bet- video, unavailable to coaches just a few years ago, is ter soccer than High School. If a college coach has a now a welcome recruiting tool and an awesome calling choice between watching 20 games and scouting a card for players. Players can post videos to YouTube or dozen players at a single weekend showcase, or watch- Facebook or other online media, and coaches don’t ing a single High School game, you don’t have to be have to hunt for DVDs. Players can be watched, evalu- Mr. Wizard to figure out where they go to scout. But ated, and sometimes recruited, through video alone. A for many good players they make the mistake that Head Coach in Big West Conference told me he still because they are “good” they get noticed, and that’s prefers to watch a prospect in a game-day setting, even not always the case. I’ve seen many games at showcas- after watching video saying: “I really have to watch es where players shine, but with no college scouts in them live to make a decision.” sight, those great performances, are gone with the Is there a magic potion or secret formula for wind. Why? Because players (and parents) often, fatal- recruiting or being recruited? No. It comes down to a ly, assume too much. Coaches cannot be at every game number of factors and those factors are never the and they cannot know about every good player. same, and never in the same order. Sometimes, it’s as Chances are, coaches will never see a particular two or simple as timing. Positional needs, and even personali- three star player - so what’s the solution? Advertise. I ty come into play before a coach picks up the phone don’t mean put an ad in the local newspaper, but play- and offers a player a roster spot. ers below the Blue Chip level need to introduce them- For many players below a Blue Chip level, a bit of selves to coaches, and that means personal contact. a reality check is in order. Not everyone is a D1 soccer Introducing themselves to a coach either through a let- prospect for a top 5 program. There are a lot of very ter or email is a great way to get the player on a coach’s good programs at outstanding universities, D1 through radar. Video is also a great tool for coaches to evaluate NAIA, but for players and parents, getting there a player, and the preferred method is game film and requires research, legwork, perseverance and some sell- highlights. Training sessions might get noticed, but ing. Skill on the pitch gets a foot in the door. Good don’t count on it. grades and a bit of hard work off the pitch, will get Stuart Dobson, the UCSB goalkeeper coach told the good players recruited, and playing soccer at the next Philadelphia Inquirer: “Every day I get three or four level. A emails from goalkeepers… Sometimes I will get tapes that are 10 minutes some an hour and I usually look at JAMES THOMPSON is a freelance humorist and artist. He is mar- few clips.” Dobson recruited, and rostered a keeper after ried with three boys – one playing D1 soccer. James is an looking at video. That, and a recommendation from the award-winning artist. He was the club coach got the player into a top 10 program. featured sports cartoonist at the LA What generally, seems not to work? Recruiting Daily News for 26 years. His car- services are for the most part a coach’s choice of last toons have been collected by sports resort. While many services offer slick presentation figures and celebrities, including Ted Turner, Peter Ueberroth, the Los packages and offer mass mailings to “every coach in the Angeles Dodgers and the Los country,” their greatest strength is their greatest weak- Angeles Clippers. In his spare time ness. When a college coach gets 20 emails a day from he is an attorney. James can be the same recruiting service containing boilerplate reached at [email protected] “greatest player on planet earth” subject lines, those

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 9 Referee Point of View

BY R.K. NIMMONS

lot has happened since last year. Referees and officiating continue to make Aheadlines and news. The use of “modern technology” continues to be a refrain of soccer lovers the world over. And, U.S. officials continue to be left out of many World wide competitions because we are viewed as lacking the ability and experience to officiate in many of the world’s competitive matches and events. To meet this obvi- ous need U. S. Soccer came up with another level of officiating bureaucracy and a “selection process” to elevate referees to the “professional level.” 2012 CSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS The PROFESSIONAL REFEREE ORGANIZATION has been designed to prepare, edu- PRESIDENT cate and train U. S. officials for the professional game. And, within that organization BERNARD TOWERS there is yet another new element called the PLATINUM PROGRAM to select the select Phone: 714-234-4607 FAX: 949-548-5985 [email protected] few to advance even further. Whether all this works and goes as planned is yet to hap- VICE PRESIDENT pen. Hopefully it will. Wouldn’t it be nice to once again see a U. S. Referee officiate CLIFF TABOR at the WORLD CUP in the mens’ competition. After all, the women’s program in the Phone: 714-771-1964 [email protected] U. S. clearly has developed officials capable of and have included women in every level TREASURER of the women’s game including both the WORLD CUP and the OLYMPIC GAMES. In ROMA KLEIN fact, our female officials are considered to be some the World’s best soccer officials. Phone: 714-771-1964 FAX: 714-771-2537 [email protected] So, what do they do that the men don’t do? Why are the U. S. women, in fact, con- RECORDING SECRETARY sidered to be THE BEST, period? CAROL RITTER First and foremost is their development in terms of GAME EXPERIENCE--EXPERI- Phone: 714-771-1964 FAX: 714-771-2537 [email protected] ENCE--EXPERIENCE. Female referees in the U. S. have to prove themselves not only REGISTRAR worthy of managing a women’s game, but are expected to manage a mens’ game as ALESHA GARRETT well. The referees you have seen in the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics have Phone: 714-771-1964 FAX: 714-771-2537 [email protected] had years of development doing adult games and have had to “prove” themselves in PREMIER COMPETITION CHAIRMAN and on the field of play. In fact this seemed to be the case up until the last two World GARY SPARKS Cup tournaments for the men as well. The U. S. had officials that officiated games in Phone: 714-771-1964 FAX: 949-643-0324 [email protected] the World Cup and Bryan Hall was even selected to do games beyond the group level CHAIRPERSON of play. But that was long ago. What about the 21st Century? Girls Competition 9-13 I believe that all the training, classroom exercises, lectures, videos and such are a SAMIRA ABDALLAH Phone: 323-697-7066 great start. But, they will never replace experience. Officiating a game is more educa- [email protected] tional and eye opening than is any other medium to learn how to officiate, manage CHAIRPERSON and control a game of soccer at any level. Many of my generation of officials have Girls Competition 14-15 EDDIE NUNEZ spent years doing youth games before they even thought of doing an adult game. Phone: 714-724-2542 Then, you advanced to being an Assistant Referee for a year or two before you even [email protected] officiated an adult game as the center referee. The development of good officials CHAIRPERSON Girls Competition 16-19 takes time, time and more time. I personally know that our two top female officials TERRY WILSON did a lot lines and amateur games long before they even thought of doing games at Phone: 714-931-8338 [email protected] a Professional level. The road to a FIFA referee should be full of games, games, and CHAIRPERSON more games. Boys Competition 9-13 Experience is the only true teacher. I hope these new programs in U. S. Soccer MIKE BENJAMIN Phone: 714-572-1306 don’t rush and push our young officials to fast and to quickly. It’s not what level you [email protected] officiate, it’s how well you do at the level you officiate. You, as members of Coast CHAIRPERSON Soccer League, should be expecting to have officials ready to officiate at the level of Boys Competition 14-15 TY LEATHERMAN competition you are watching or playing in. The local associations have always been Phone: 818-645-2824 cognizant of slowly developing game officials. Many of our referees came from AYSO [email protected] and move through the USSF ranks at a steady, but slow pace. Here, at the local level, CHAIRPERSON Boys Competition 16-19 we are concerned with the game in hand, whatever age or level that is. The only real ALESHA GARRETT way we will see U. S. officiate at a WORLD CUP is by having them gain experience on Phone: 714-771-1964 FAX: 714-771-2537 the field of play. [email protected] Right now the WORLD is expecting us to put our officials through the same EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR hoops and rigors as their referees. The most important game to any referee is the KAREN SPARKS Reached by Email ONLY: [email protected] game they do now, not in the future. A

10 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e Girls Under 16 Granada United FC

he Granada United GU16 team begins Ta second season in CSL Premier League with great expectations and a new direction (played as Valley United SC in 2011). The team is eager to establish a new path, and create their own history as a competitive team under the direction of new coaches David Lopez and Israel Alfaro. The returning core group from last sea- son has been enhanced with new talent from important clubs in San Gabriel, San Fernando, and Antelope Valleys. These new additions have transformed the team into a more skilled, disciplined, and deter- mined force. With over 15 years coaching experi- ence at the youth level, coaches Lopez (former coach of USL professional circuit Lancaster Rattlers) and Alfaro aim to bring to this team a new style of play which is both technical and effective, with players who under- stand their roles on the field, have developed a strong soccer IQ, work hard to accomplish their tasks, and are tenacious when challenging opponents. The coaches’ goal is to ultimately prepare these athletes for college and international competition and opportunities. Granada United GU16 have been blessed with a partnership with the Sports Minister of El Salvador preparation for CSL Premier League (Jaime “Chelona” Rodriguez) who has an extensive including a game against USL Women’s soccer career having played in one FIFA World Cup, and Pro side Santa Clarita Blue professional teams in Finland, Germany, Japan, & Heat, and also achieved Mexico. Jaime is also a current FIFA Committee finalist spot at the Delegate and director of Chelona Soccer Academy. Riverside RainCross Cup in This partnership opens the doors for talented GU19 bracket. Granada United FC players of any age to explore We look forward to a opportunities beyond college in either national teams challenging and produc- or professional teams anywhere in the world. tive CSL Premier season. Thru that partnership, Granada United GU16 We are extremely grateful recently participated in the INDES Invitational for the opportunity. International Cup in San Salvador where we competed At the conclusion of CSL Premier League, Granada against Central American college and national teams. United GU16 is once again invited to attend the INDES Granada United GU16 was a finalist in the competition. International Cup (now expanded to include Canada, And, additionally, 3 of Granada United’s GU17 and Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina WNT), and GU19 players who accompanied us were recruited by exchanges with Taiwan's WNT in Los Angeles. Central American national teams to compete in CON- Challenging competition like CSL Premier League CACAF world cup elimination later this year. and hard work will continue to shape these players into Granada United GU16 also participated in other valuable assets for their future college (or national) challenging matches and summer tournaments in teams. A

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 11 Boys Under 17 Mission Viejo Soccer Club Titans

or over 30 years, the Mission Viejo FSoccer Club has catered to developing local player talent and providing coaching education for its members. Throughout its many years MVSC has helped advance countless numbers of players in the CSL ranks, local High School levels and collegiate programs across the country. The club has excelled at sharing the love of the game with every incoming player and has enjoyed suc- cesses in virtually every major tournament as well as state and national championships. The MVSC Titans seed was planted at U12 when current assistant coach, Greg Bisconte, approached the club about taking the next step into club soccer. With a high- ly talented group of Mission Viejo area boys the team was ripe for the steady and bal- anced competition within CSL. The Titans quickly moved up the ranks, being crowned division within CSL many talented players from all over league champions in both Bronze and Silver with stel- Southern California were eager to earn a spot at lar undefeated records. The Silver Elite championship MVSC. Head coach, BJ McNicol, concentrates 100% was already won by the boys with several games still of his time on developing the players within the club left to be played. Last season’s run in the U15 Gold and 0% on recruiting. By putting in the hard work of division was a battle as the boys worked to finish in the taking the time to make players better year to year the top 10 team in CSL in their age group. The U16 Premier squad from MVSC on display boasts a vast Premier season was a great challenge for the boys as majority of players that have grown up in the MVSC they secured a top 5 finish. The team then went on to system. This year’s 2012 Premier team has several new go undefeated and win their division in the Players players that have moved up the MVSC ranks and are College Showcase last Spring. eager to make an impact at the highest level! With MVSC’s focus on player development rather The Titans have carried their motto of “Never than recruitment the team has been continuously Quit” since their first season and continue their tena- strengthened from within. With each advancement in cious efforts in every game they play. The team contin- ually looks to put themselves in a position of recogni- tion amongst their peers and that of college scouts. The boys display a very attractive and effective style of play that is fun to watch with a slick passing, explosive offense and an all business defensive line. Every player on the team has a tremendous work ethic and is com- mitted to the team’s success through their individual contributions. The club is extremely proud of the accomplish- ments of the boys and the tremendous character and good sportsmanship that are offered by them each game. As a team that has consistently put in the work in the CSL system and has risen to the top, again earn- ing a spot in the most well respected league in the country, the boys are relishing every moment of this chapter of their sporting careers! A

12 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e Boys Under 16 Santa Monica United B96

n its 2011-12 season, the Team had an outstanding debut in the most competitive Premier bracket in the coun- Itry. Moving up from Silver Elite directly into the CSL bracket shared by many perennial powerhouses, the Team ended with a record of 5-4-2, placing 5th in a bracket of 12. Notably, despite the frustration of a tie and a close loss early in that adjustment season, the Team finished only 1 point out of 3rd place. It is tempting to imagine the Team’s potential now that they have a year of Premier under their belts. That potential was on display last Spring, when the Team progressed to the Round of 16 in the 2012 National Cup, playing against some of the toughest teams in the region. For their 2012-13 season, the Team has rededicated itself to the pursuit of excellence, adding players, practices, and laser-like focus to achieve their shared goal of competing at the highest level of play and developing a national profile. After focusing on their CSL league season in the Fall, the Team intends to travel to the most competitive tournaments in and out of the region. This focus and intention comes from the boys themselves. With a mix of 11th and 10th graders, most of whom are serious about playing at the college level, the boys are determined to show their skills and to make their mark. Just as significantly, the Team has strived to maintain its hallmark character as a group of nice, tightly-knit boys who support each other on and off the field, and who are excellent students as well. High school demands have pulled some prior team members in different directions, but the Team has rebuilt itself with new players, and existing players have developed the ability to play multiple positions for maximum versatility. Coach Peter Bartlett and Assistant Coach Emanuele “Manu” Appelius have consistently stressed the development of their players towards successful high school and college careers. Taking the long view, the coaches have worked to develop players who can perform in any position at any time, allowing them the flexibility to shift the players and their strate- gies depending on the demands of any individual game. With exciting new tal- ent on this year’s squad, the Team will continue to blend and to develop the connect- ing passing, composure, and drive to succeed that have been the Team’s hallmark through all of its seasons. A

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 13 Boys Under 17 LA Premier FC

he course of LA Premier FC BU17 throughout the tryouts, with 4 of the eight moving on to the regional Tyears has been determined and focused, despite competition. However, a change in the weather was on the many hurdles and obstacles. While there have been the horizon for the team once again. challenges with each season threatening to divert the As the team reassembled to prepare for its inaugu- team off course, the boys have successfully pushed for- ral season at Premier in the summer of 2011, it faced ward and plowed headfirst into each new challenge. adversity again with nearly half the players either The team originated in 2006 under the Los injured or moving on to other teams. With the need to Angeles Football Club (LAFC) banner with players rebuild and retool with only a little over a month before banding together from various clubs to form a compet- the start of season, the team experienced a slow start itive bronze in the first half of the 2011 Premier season. A 4-3 team which fin- rebound in the second half salvaged its season, but ished first in its made it painfully obvious that additional development bracket. Since and a few new players would be needed to regain its that inaugural competitive stride for the return to Premier competition season, the in 2012 team has seen Two challenging spring leagues – Far West players come Regional and National Premier League – started the and go, but rebuilding process under new head coach, Louis Hunt. always retained Building around the expanded core of players and a loyal core adding some talented new players in key roles, Coach group of talent- Hunt went back to technical and tactical fundamentals ed, committed and patiently oversaw the process needed to bring the players deter- team back to the cutting edge of elite competitive soc- mined to stay cer in Southern CA. Finishing as a Finalist in the Nike the course and achieve the success at the top levels of Athletic Cup in early August meant the team was on youth club soccer. the way. But winning the top BU17 flight of the presti- The team’s successful 2007 league play concluded gious NHB Cup over Labor Day weekend by defeating with a win at the Cerritos Memorial Challenge in 2008 5 of the top U17 teams in Region IV firmly stated the and promotion to Silver Elite. After a second place fin- team is back and ready to make its mark on the 2012 ish in league play in 2008 and a semi-final showing at CSL Premier League. the Copa Real Nike tournament in January 2009, a core The team continues to be more unified and group of the BU13 team made it to the quarterfinals at stronger than ever due largely to the shared goal of the 2009 Dallas Cup. These players gained vital experi- playing as a “team” with collective sights set on soccer ence necessary to lead the team into Gold bracket at the collegiate level. Coach Hunt understands this competition for league play in the 2009 fall CSL season focus and continues to keep the boys playing to their as LAFC Chelsea BU14. strengths and as a team. This is a dedicated group of Despite the challenges of the team’s 2009 and junior and senior players. They travel far and wide — 2010 years in the Gold bracket competition, the core of the majority driving distances of 25 to 30 miles several the team remained together. This was largely due to times a week – to practice and play together for the the boys’ bond to each other and the determination team and Club. Each of the boys is not only dedicated and enthusiasm of the coaches, players and parents to to LA Premier FC, but also to their respective high school battle on and stay the course to achieve the ultimate teams with many on teams that advanced far into the goal – CSL Premier. CIF playoffs last season. And, they are not just dedicat- Although the start of the 2010 League season was ed to their chosen sport of soccer – the team boasts an initial challenge for the team due to the loss of key many scholar athletes with most carrying GPAs of 3.0 or players and several early injuries, the boys hit their higher and the average for the team above 3.5. stride mid-season to finish strong with a record of 4-1- It is this dedication to soccer, their Club, schools 2 in the last seven games. To highlight the 2010 fall and especially each other that has enabled this group season before the high school break, the team was a of boys to remain together and return to the highest semi-finalist at the Surf Thanksgiving Tournament. level of competitive soccer in Southern CA, CSL During the spring of 2011, the boys were invited Premier. Coach Hunt has instilled in the boys the belief and made a strong showing in the Far West Regional that “champions don’t become champions when they Spring league, missing the playoffs by a single point, win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and but defeating one of the top-ranked teams in the years” they spend preparing for their success. The process. Of the 15 players on the roster after National preparation and the belief are in place; the result is sure Cup competition, 8 were selected to the ODP pool and to follow this season and beyond. A

14 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e Boys Under 16 Fullerton Rangers

hen does a team move from having a Wsingle, charmed season to being a con- sistent, predictable force in youth soccer? The answer for the Fullerton Rangers was during their U15 season, which was filled with “repeats.” Among the list of their most notable repeat accomplishments were: • CSL Premier League Champions • Northern Cal / Southern Cal Premier Champions • Dallas Cup Champions • Far West Regional League Champions (Fall and Spring) • Western Regional Champions dominant Eintracht Frankfurt from Germany who • U.S. National Champions entered the finals against the Rangers having posted 39 goals and conceding only two during pool play, A new accomplishment for the Rangers last year the quarters, and semi-finals. The highly-favored was the Southern California National Cup Champions, German’s found themselves down 0-2 at the 78 minute a title which had eluded them for years and one which mark, when they managed to score a single goal, they were determined to capture. falling 1-2 at the hands of the Rangers. Posting 75 wins, no losses, and 3 ties over the last Following Dallas Cup were the fierce Western 16 months, the Rangers have earned the respect of Regional Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona. The many formidable opponents. And even though they Rangers clean sweep there earned them their second have faced impressive teams from Mexico, Venezuela, berth to the prestigious U.S. Youth Soccer National Germany, and other countries, as well as 10 other state Championships held in Rock Hill, South Carolina in July champions, the Rangers find the CSL Premier League to 2012. In 95 to 100 degree temperatures with 60% be fierce competition and a great preparation for world humidity, the Rangers won their National games class play. against Ohio North (4-0), Florida (4-0), Ohio South (2- The Rangers are the first team in the 33-year histo- 0), and Ohio North in the Finals (1-0) to claim their sec- ry of the prestigious Dallas Cup to claim the ond National Championship without conceding a sin- Championship two consecutive years, last year as U14 gle goal. and, in April 2012, as U15. The Dallas Cup showcased Jimmy Obleda, the Director of Coaching for the the Rangers’ capabilities against premier international Fullerton Rangers Club and the Team Coach of the now clubs including their championship match against the U16 Boys, comments: “I am very proud of the boys and what they have accomplished. They have worked very hard for the recogni- tion they have received. Winning the Dallas Cup twice was a great feeling. Winning our second consecutive National Championship was nothing short of incredible. But that is behind us now. A new season starts at U16 and we know that every team we play will want their shot at us. So now we just play our game, one minute at a time.” A

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 15 Boys Under 17 DMS11

“The master in the art of living makes little dis- tinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at what- ever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” – James MIchener

iscipline, Motivation, and Success are the Dstandards of DMS11 Soccer Academy and the members of the B95 team strive to exemplify these values every time they step on the field. In the spring of 2012, DMS11 B95 was invited to The team, which includes players who have been participate in the So Cal National Premier League. They coached by Eric Savitsky since U6, began the 2011 sea- posted a record of 4 wins, 1 loss and, 2 ties. This son with a strict training regimen and a goal of winning earned the team the opportunity to represent CSL in a spot in the coveted Premier League. They made a the 2012 US Club Soccer National Cup Finals in concerted effort to seek out the highest level of com- Waukegan, Illinois. In Illinois they placed 3rd overall in petition to demonstrate the quality of the team. the U16 Super Group, after losing a hard fought semi- The journey began with an invitation to the 2011 final match against #3 in the USA ranked team from IMG Winter Cup at the prestigious IMG Academy in TSF Academy Ginga. Bradenton, Florida. DMS11 B95 was a Group Stage The DMS11B95 team trains hard, plays with pas- winner with 3 wins and 0 losses, which earned them a sion, learns from its failures, and continues to improve spot in the finals. The team ultimately and rise in stature. This characteristic was on display in lost after a 2-2 draw in double overtime the 2012 Albion Cup College Showcase. The DMS11 in a penalty kick shootout to a talented B95 posted a 4 win, 0 loss, and 1 tie record, en-route Weston FC Soccer Academy team. to winning the Cup by a 4-2 score over a determined With the taste of victory so close, Carlsbad Elite squad in the finals. the team was reinvigorated, and The team consists of committed, scholar athletes accepted the invitation to return to with a combined average GPA of 3.75. This under- IMG for their Spring College Showcase scores the balance that these players maintain between event. DMS11 B95 would be compet- the importance of their education and athletics. ing against the top ranked teams According to Coach Savitsky, “Our players are master- throughout the United States and the ing the art of living by learning to balance the pursuit U16 National Team from India (which of their dreams, and putting in effort to making them has reached the finals of U17 Asian a reality.” The team also displays a commitment to World Cup qualifying). The quality soccer and sportsmanship with the least num- DMS11 team avenged its ber of cards in their divisions over the course of their six earlier loss with a convincing years competing in CSL. 4-1 win over the Weston FC The players are excited and are looking forward to Soccer Academy and nar- a successful season in Coast Soccer’s Premier bracket. rowly lost on a late goal to They have trained hard and realize that they have the the U16 Indian National ability to perform at this top level. “It has taken a team. The dual IMG experi- tremendous amount of effort to achieve this goal. It is ences helped bolster the now up to the players to continue to advance their team’s confidence and level skills to compete and succeed against other elite soccer of play. clubs,” said Coach Savitsky. A

16 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e Girls Under 16 Los Gauchos SC G96

eams don’t make it to the Premier League by know this team is more Mad Max than Chitty Chitty Tchance. It takes blood, sweat and tears (hopefully Bang Bang on the field. not too much blood and only a bare minimum of tears). Off the field, however, is a different story. The girls Ok, it mostly takes sweat. And the Los Gauchos GU16 can call themselves scholars, artists, multi-sport ath- players have soaked through their fair share of jerseys. letes, leaders, public servants, great friends, and many With six original players from their U10 beginnings, more titles to their credit – not just soccer players. So and eight players still you can also bet all the time and effort spent changing going strong from oil and polishing chrome are part of a lifelong plan for their 2009 State Cup their all-around success. Coach Giovanni Napoletano finalist team, they are understands life can change at any time, and is one of proud to be the first many role models who actively encourage the players team to represent Los in their quest for a diverse background of education Gauchos Soccer Club and service. With perseverance, their practice, talent in CSL Premier this and hard work will carry them through a lifetime of season. “higher level” success in college and beyond. Of course, the With regard to the immediate significant challenge road to the Premier of playing the top teams in Coast Soccer League, the League was not Los Gauchos girls do not expect a change in road con- always a smooth and ditions in the near future. They are ready to continue to scenic drive. Despite do the work necessary to obstacles, a flat tire traverse this next steep or two, and a smok- uphill, and they look for- ing carburetor, the Los Gauchos GU16 team has perse- ward to the ride. A vered. Patiently, steadily, they have fueled their engines and polished their chrome accessories. Players have come and gone, fitting seamlessly into the machine or making way for improvements. Like a fine sports car, a team relies on all of its parts to drive. You can’t expect a loaded engine with no steering wheel to get you any- where. The Los Gauchos GU16 functions on the same principles. They rely on each player to do her job excep- tionally. They work together. They support each other in all kinds of different ways. They drive because they choose to move forward. They speed around curves and past obstacles through pure desire. The team’s first Premier season is sure to be an interesting one for the Gauchos. When the games have all been played, and the dust settles and the skid marks and broken glass are all that remain, you can bet the girls will be ready to do it all again. Regardless of the score, opponents will

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 17 Field Schedules SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 UCI FIELD 1 8:00 AM 23444 FC LOS ANGELES B94 BLACK FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE BOYS U19 PREMIER 10:00 AM 24033 TUSTIN UNITED RED VALLEY UNITED GIRLS U19 PREMIER NOON 24024 TUSTIN UNITED WHITE FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK GIRLS U19 PREMIER 2:00 PM 22044 OXNARD AC BLUE CLAREMONT STARS BOYS U17 PREMIER 4:00 PM 23403 FC GOLDEN STATE CHULA VISTA PREMIER FC BOYS U19 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 2 8:00 AM 18296 BYSC G98 BLUE ALBION SC GIRLS U14 PREMIER 9:35 AM 17197 DMS11 GOLD BYSC B98 BLUE BOYS U14 PREMIER 11:10 AM 22060 CHIVAS JR. USA S.C. DMS11 B95 BOYS U17 PREMIER 1:10 PM 19868 BARCELONA USA (III) EAGLES GIRLS U15 PREMIER 2:55 PM 22053 FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK LA PREMIER FC BOYS U17 PREMIER 4:55 PM 19844 WOLFPACK G97 CORINTHIANS SC G97 GIRLS U15 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 3 8:00 AM 17192 ALBION SC FREEDOM FC B98 BOYS U14 PREMIER 9:45 AM 24040 ALBION SC AJAX GIRLS U19 PREMIER 11:45 AM 23435 ALBION SC USA EAGLES BOYS U19 PREMIER 1:45 PM 18312 SOUTH VALLEY G98-OTHART CELTIC HOOPS GIRLS U14 PREMIER 3:20 PM 18283 CRESCENTA VALLEY SC BLUE TUSTIN UNITED WHITE GIRLS U14 PREMIER 4:55 PM 17206 CUSC BLUE 98 TUSTIN UNITED RED BOYS U14 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 4 8:00 AM 23451 MVSC LA PREMIER FC BOYS U19 PREMIER 10:00 AM 23394 INDEPENDIENTE PREMIER CARLSBAD ELITE B94 BOYS U19 PREMIER NOON 23992 WOLFPACK BLUE LA PREMIER FC GIRLS U19 PREMIER 2:00 PM 22667 YASC SPARTANS FC G95 LA PREMIER FC GIRLS U17 PREMIER 4:00 PM 23983 EAGLES CARLSBAD ELITE G94 GIRLS U19 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 5 8:00 AM 22617 FC BLADES G95 CARLSBAD ELITE G95 GIRLS U17 PREMIER 10:00 AM 24029 RIVERSIDE FC FORCE EAGLES WHITE GIRLS U19 PREMIER NOON 22049 MVSC TITANS SANTA MONICA UTD B95 BOYS U17 PREMIER 2:00 PM 22652 VALLEY UNITED - DONALD PLATINUM FC G95 KOOIMAN GIRLS U17 PREMIER 4:00 PM 22003 FC GOLDEN STATE XOLOS FC USA BU17 TEM BOYS U17 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 7SS 9:00 AM 10451 SOCAL SAMBA B8 CORINTHIANS SC B04 BOYS U09 BRONZE KAPPA

18 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e Field Schedules SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012 UCI FIELD 1 8:00 AM 20613 FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK ALBION SC BOYS U16 PREMIER 9:45 AM 20654 SANTA MONICA UTD B96 CORINTHIANS SC B96 BOYS U16 PREMIER 11:30 AM 20622 CARLSBAD ELITE B96 CAL STARS OLIMPICA UNITED BOYS U16 PREMIER 1:15 PM 19077 VALLEY UNITED - JACKSON BYSC B97 BOYS U15 PREMIER 3:00 PM 19084 AVFC FC LOS ANGELES B97 BLACK BOYS U15 PREMIER 4:45 PM 20670 IRVINE PREMIER SC - TOROS FC MAN UNITED B96 BOYS U16 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 2 8:00 AM 19869 UIFC CERRITOS LIVERPOOL BARCELONA USA (III) GIRLS U15 PREMIER 9:35 AM 21550 ALBION SC USA LA PREMIER FC GIRLS U16 PREMIER 11:20 AM 21543 LAZERS SC LOS GAUCHOS G96 GIRLS U16 PREMIER 1:15 PM 21502 GRANADA UNITED FC CARLSBAD ELITE G96 GIRLS U16 PREMIER 3:00 PM 18281 EAGLES ALBION SC GIRLS U14 PREMIER 4:45 PM 21493 FREEDOM FC G96 GOLD FC GOLDEN STATE-BLACK GIRLS U16 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 3 8:00 AM 18284 ANAHEIM FC G98 CRESCENTA VALLEY SC BLUE GIRLS U14 PREMIER 9:35 AM 22627 FC BLADES G95 BYSC G95 GIRLS U17 PREMIER 11:35 AM 22668 SOUTH VALLEY G95-KLIPPEL YASC SPARTANS FC G95 GIRLS U17 PREMIER 1:35 PM 18313 SO. BAY GUNNERS REDONDO SOUTH VALLEY G98-OTHART GIRLS U14 PREMIER 3:10 PM 22618 VALLEY UNITED - DONALD CARLSBAD ELITE G95 GIRLS U17 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 4 8:00 AM 20663 OC PREMIER BLACK B96 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE BOYS U16 PREMIER 9:45 AM 19073 SOUTH BAY GUNNERS BLACK HG EAGLES FC 97 BOYS U15 PREMIER 11:30 AM 17198 FREEDOM FC B98 DMS11 GOLD BOYS U14 PREMIER 1:15 PM 21539 GREATER LB HURRICANES SIMI VALLEY ECLIPSE GIRLS U16 PREMIER 3:00 PM 20659 LA PREMIER FC SANTA MONICA UTD B96 BLUE BOYS U16 PREMIER 4:45 PM 19068 LA PREMIER FC CFC UNTOUCHABLES BLACK BOYS U15 PREMIER

UCI FIELD 5 8:00 AM 19027 DOWNTOWN SC BU15 PREMIER CARLSBAD ELITE B97 BOYS U15 PREMIER 9:45 AM 19819 LA PREMIER FC BLACK CARLSBAD ELITE G97 GIRLS U15 PREMIER 11:30 AM 19828 CORINTHIANS SC G97 NHB BLACK GIRLS U15 PREMIER 1:15 PM 19036 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE FC MAN UNITED B97 BOYS U15 PREMIER 3:00 PM 22664 ALBION SC BARCELONA USA GIRLS U17 PREMIER

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 19 Premier Standings STANDINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

BU14 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC GU14 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 DMS11 GOLD 40012 602 1 TUSTIN UNITED WHITE 3009500 2 CELTIC HARPS 30110 11 22 2 BYSC G98 BLUE 2017312 3 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE 2117655 3 GREATER LB SPEED DEMONS 2117420 4 ALBION SC 1125330 4 SO. BAY GUNNERS REDONDO 2206630 5 FREEDOM FC B98 1214580 4 CELTIC HOOPS 2206541 6 BYSC B98 BLUE 0222462 6 ALBION SC 1114311 6 TUSTIN UNITED RED 0222283 7 CRESCENTA VALLEY SC BLUE 1214171 8 CUSC BLUE 98 03113812 8 EAGLES 1003600 9 ANAHEIM FC G98 1303310 1 10 SOUTH VALLEY G98-OTHART 0400210 0 BU15 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 FC MAN UNITED B97 3009613 1 DOWNTOWN SC BU15 PREMIER 3009816 GU15 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 BYSC B97 3009822 1 LA PREMIER FC 3009841 4 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE 2106883 2 UIFC CERRITOS LIVERPOOL 2106542 5 FC LOS ANGELES B97 BLACK 1114451 3 NHB BLACK 1014100 5 VALLEY UNITED - JACKSON 1114454 3 CORINTHIANS SC G97 1014400 7 SOUTH BAY GUNNERS BLACK 1103331 3 CARLSBAD ELITE G97 1014600 8 LA PREMIER FC 0111344 3 BARCELONA USA (III) 1014620 9 CARLSBAD ELITE B97 0211460 7 EAGLES 1103420 9 AVFC 0211371 8 LA PREMIER FC BLACK 0122231 9 HG EAGLES FC 97 0211372 8 ALBION SC 0122281 12 CFC UNTOUCHABLES BLACK 0300494 10 WOLFPACK G97 0111341 11 CELTIC HARPS 0211270 12 SIMI VALLEY ECLIPSE 0300211 1 BU16 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE 300910 29 2 LA PREMIER FC 2017832 GU16 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 3 ALBION SC 2006421 1 LAZERS SC 3009730 4 SANTA MONICA UTD B96 2106329 2 FC GOLDEN STATE-BLACK 2106823 5 CARLSBAD ELITE B96 1014322 2 SIMI VALLEY ECLIPSE 2106531 5 OC PREMIER BLACK B96 1014642 2 CARLSBAD ELITE G96 2106730 7 SANTA MONICA UTD B96 BLUE 1103341 2 ALBION SC USA 2106630 8 CAL STARS OLIMPICA UNITED 1203546 6 ROADRUNNER UNITED FC G96 1103130 9 FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK 0211372 6 FREEDOM FC G96 GOLD 1103630 9 FC MAN UNITED B96 0211472 6 EAGLES 1103440 9 CORINTHIANS SC B96 0211483 6 GREATER LB HURRICANES 1103441 12 IRVINE PREMIER SC - TOROS 0300210 6 10 LOS GAUCHOS G96 1203162 11 LA PREMIER FC 0300372 11 GRANADA UNITED FC 0300011 7 BU17 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 SAN DIEGO FA BU 95A 300911 12 1 CHIVAS JR. USA S.C. 300910 38 GU17 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 3 DMS11 B95 2017831 1 PLATINUM FC G95 KOOIMAN 2006310 4 CARLSBAD ELITE B95 2106433 2 ALBION SC 1014720 4 MVSC TITANS 2106459 2 BARCELONA USA 1014633 6 SANTA MONICA UTD B95 1114341 4 SOUTH VALLEY G95-KLIPPEL 1003210 6 FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK 11145510 4 CARLSBAD ELITE G95 1003310 8 FC GOLDEN STATE 1203677 6 YASC SPARTANS FC G95 0011220 9 CLAREMONT STARS 0122346 7 VALLEY UNITED - DONALD 0111341 10 LA PREMIER FC 0211375 8 LA PREMIER FC 0100140 11 OXNARD AC BLUE 0300281 9 BYSC G95 0200251 11 XOLOS FC USA BU17 TEM 0300312 5 9 FC BLADES G95 0200062

BU19 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC GU19 TEAM WLTPTS GF GA AC 1 INDEPENDIENTE PREMIER 300911 64 1 AJAX 2017520 2 FULLERTON RANGERS WHITE 201712 21 1 FC GOLDEN STATE BLACK 2017742 2 CARLSBAD ELITE B94 2017731 3 WOLFPACK BLUE 2106652 4 FC LOS ANGELES B94 BLACK 2106527 4 LA PREMIER FC 1025431 4 EAGLES 2106852 5 EAGLES 1014530 6 FC GOLDEN STATE 1114534 6 TUSTIN UNITED RED 1114530 6 LA PREMIER FC 1114792 6 CARLSBAD ELITE G94 1114330 8 ALBION SC USA 1103451 6 ALBION SC 1114340 9 CHULA VISTA PREMIER FC 0100230 9 VALLEY UNITED 1203233 10 MVSC 0200091 9 EAGLES WHITE 1203142 11 CELTIC HARPS 0300410 4 11 TUSTIN UNITED WHITE 0200351 11 CHIVAS JR USA S.C. 0300311 2 12 RIVERSIDE FC FORCE 0300510 0

20 C o a s t S o c c e r L e a g u e P r e m i e r M a g a z i n e

outh soccer is unique. Other team sports hold glasses. I don’t know about you, but sunglasses run Ytournaments, but what other sport will, on any from me like scarred rabbits. The reality is, there are no given weekend witness 100 teams on 20 acres of over- unicorns, there is no tooth fairy, but ball thieves are used grass? Youth soccer collects thousands of kid, everywhere. Teams position parents behind goals to parents and coaches, and they all bring their stuff. With track down off-frame errant shots, not just to get balls that mass of humanity there’s good and there’s bad. back into pregame warm-up, but because if balls are Which brings me to first on my list of bad. not watched like bogies on radar, balls will disappear. Thieves are bad. I hate thieves. I think thieves bug How fast balls disappear depends on the size of a tour- everyone, including other thieves. Even thieves hate nament – At bigger events, the likelihood that thieves. Thieves use locks, and so should you. No self- untracked overshots will be returned to the team is respecting thief would leave his stolen property lying about the same as Michael Moore passing up a double around to be stolen. I’m not referring to your typical cheeseburger- it ain’t happening. Balls will be kidnaped break-into-a-car and steal your phone charger knuckle- and those balls in someone’s trunk in about same head – I mean that despicable guttersnipe of human amount of time it takes Usian Bolt to sprint 100 meters. refuse; the lowest form of mankind - The Ball Thief. Has any team ever made it through an entire sea- In the future, I envision cops announcing a major son with the same set of balls it started with? I don’t bust. They’ll describe how after months of undercover think so – at least in my experience I’ve never seen it w o r k , happen. t h e y Sometimes the “discussion” with prospective discov- thieves is pretty comical. ered a “Hey, uh... you just put one of our balls in your ball w a r e - bag.” The Ball h o u s e “No, I didn’t.” f i l l e d “Oh, yeah you did… it’s right there, the blue with a million stolen ball one, the one that says “Real So Cal U-15.” soccer balls. A “I don’t see it – I’m color blind.” spokesman will breath- Thief “SOOOO... you can’t read either?” lessly detail how the “Yeah… that too.” BY JAMES THOMPSON criminal opera- tion worked. Some thieves are more sheepish about getting Roving bands of caught, other don’t care about getting caught and only ball hawks regret that they have to give the ball back. would pilfer People make fortunes inventing productive stuff – balls from across heck people invent stupid things and make fortunes. the southland. Someone turned a robe around, called it a “snuggie” The balls would and made millions so why can’t someone invent a low be taken to a cost anti-ball thief devise? Why not install balls with a w a r e h o u s e Lojack? Call it, Balljack. If a ball is ripped off, it can be where ball tracked by the cops like a stolen Honda. c h o p p e r s My personal preference would be to install a removed names devise that, if the ball is stolen (and ends up more than and club affilia- 400 yards from the ball bag) a homing devise arms and tions. With ID’s a dye-pack is automatically activated. The dye-pack removed, the would be behind the ball panels, and actives like an balls were then airbag. Once activated, the next time the ball is struck, shipped to the dye-pack explodes spewing blue ink all over the China, re-labeled, and resold back to the same people thief. It won’t get the ball back, but the ball would be who owned the balls stolen in the first place. A ball useless to the thief. When you see some guy resem- kicked around in the 8AM game can be shanghaied bling a Smurf you’ll know he’s a ball thief. The best before noon, and on it’s way to Shanghai, by midnight. result would be a thief jacking a ball and his first touch Maybe there’s a simpler explanation. Maybe soccer is a header – BOOM! goes the dye-pack; the thief’s face balls aren’t stolen – maybe it’s all a misunderstanding. I is covered with an indelible blue chemical – instant know from experience that, regardless of all efforts to blueman and he’s fingered as a low-life ball thief – that, avoid mixing, inter-club balls end up in the wrong team or he’s marked as a really stupid bank robber who bag. However, I recall once during tournament play an opened the bank bag with his teeth. Arsenal orb fell out of our team ball bag – It was fol- The easiest solution? When you see a ball that lowed by a collective sheepish “What-The?”-look from doesn’t belong to you, return it. Most people are hon- the coach and manager. After a few looks over shoul- est. They check the name/club affiliation and return ders the ball was quietly bounced toward an Arsenal balls to their owners. Some don’t, and that’s why teams team (wrong age group and gender but it’s the position ball-hawking parents at the endlines. Their job thought that counts – right?). is to hunt down the inevitable wide shot before it ends Maybe there are no ball thieves. Maybe balls end up in car trunk. But regardless of effort to the prevent up in the same cosmic twilight zone, with 500 billion theft in the first place, balls will, inevitably, be hijacked socks (none of which have mates), along with a half so in the future, I’d like to see the thief marked, not dozen sets of my keys and about 50 pairs of cheap sun- with a scarlet letter, but a blue dyed face. A

I s s u e 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 2 – 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 23