Tournament Outcome

If anyone is still reading this blog I will be very surprised...

Well, it's two months late but here is the final installment of the WCUSC Predators European Adventure.

We played a team from New York, the Clarence Stallions, in our final match. The second place team that we tied had actually lost the game right before ours, so we had already clinched the title before the game even began. But, we still wanted to win in order to keep our perfect record and pride against the only other American side.


We had the opportunity to play the final match in a semi-pro stadium. Nice pitch, cool stands and it had a very European feel, imagine that. Anyway, with the exception of the goal lines, which were each covered in sand, the field was pretty good. But it was the sand dunes in front of the goal that would prove detrimental to our team.


The game started off a bit helter skelter, with neither side really able to penetrate the other's defense. Most of the play occurred in the middle third of the field, and both midfields fought for control. About 10 minutes in, a Clarence player took advantage of an FC United bad throw-in and placed a nice shot over the raised arms of goalkeeper Justin Orton. Orton had jumped for in the sand, and as a result was unable to get enough of a leap to tip the ball over. The Clarence fans, undoubtedly the most obnoxious we had faced thus far, erupted in celebration. But their petty enthusiasm would soon end. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I am pretty sure that FC United midfielder Steve Rizzo dribbled past at least two Stallion defenders and then hit a nice bending ball to the upper corner of the goal. After we got that goal, we all knew there was no way we were not going to win that game.


Just before the stroke of halftime a chaotic scramble materialized in front of the Clarence goal mouth following a West Chester free kick. FC United back Brian Hunt solidly "shielded" the goalkeeper and center back Devin Harrigan was able to tap the ball in the net, making the score 2-1.


The Predators controlled the second half and proved they were worthy of the trophy. Strong midfield play from Brendon Weinhardt combined with the imaginative attacking prowess of Mike Schmid ensured that the ball stayed in WC's offensive half. Striker Ross Trudnak's spirited work up front and challenges on the ball frustrated the Stallion center backs. And the Predators had one more goal in them.


Good combination play between Andrew Baggaley and Steve Rizzo, mixed with a bit of panache and a goalkeeping error allowed the Champions to increase their lead. Rizzo recieved the ball to the right of the midfield, about 25 yards out. Baggaley checked out wide, and Rizzo played him a firm ball to feet. Rizzo followed his pass and continued his run around the outside of Baggaley, who one time back heeled the ball down the line to Rizzo, greeted by calls of "Ooooooohhhhhh" from the New York bench. (They know good football.) Rizzo collected the ball, cut inside, and as the Clarence goalie moved away from his near post, Rizzo slotted it, grabbing the team Golden Boot and final goal simultaneously.


The game was ushered out by a bit of chippy play from New York, calmly dealt with by Hunt and Leo Volz, and cliche Disney cheers from the Clarence moms. "Come on, Stallions. We can do aaaaaanything." At the sound of the final whistle, the Predators charged around the field, basking in their glory.


The Final Ceremony followed about 3 hours after the final whistle. In a rigged vote, a Czech player from the team we had beaten 4-1 got Player of the Tournament. Each Predator player received a medal and Coach Blumenthal accepted the team trophy.



Final Stats:

Record: 4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals For: 13
Goals Against: 2

Scoring Totals: (pretty sure these are correct, but please don't be offended if they aren't)

Steve Rizzo, midfield: 5 goals, 0 assists for
Mike Schmid, midfield: 4 goals, 3 assists
Andrew Baggaley, wing: 2 goals, 1 assist
Brendon Weinhardt, midfield: 1 goal, 1 assist
Devin Harrigan, midfield: 1 goal
Leo Volz, midfield: 1 assist
Ross Trudnak: 1 assist

July 5

Today we played SK Strakuhov at 10:30. We were back to the original location with a wider playing space. Both teams had difficulty establishing a hold on the game in the first half, and neither team had the majority of possession. But after about 10mins, FC United was able to settle down and start moving the ball around the pitch. The Predators made some headway down the flanks via the feet of wingers Brendon Weinhardt and Andrew Baggaley, but they were unable to connect with Trudnak and Schmid. Strakuhov liked to play the ball quickly on set pieces and were comfortable with passing around the back, and their hubris in the backfield would prove to be their downfall. Less than 10mins before the end of the half Mike Schmid took advantage of a bad touch by a Czech defender in the 18 yard box and slotted it past the goalie. 1-0 to the Predators and, like always, they kept pressing for more goals. But their hunger for a second goal was foiled by the referee's whistle, which ended the first half. Deciding to stay on the bench rather than return to the locker room for halftime, FC United knew that they must add to their lead. But the beginning of the second half saw a return to the calamitous pinball of the beginning 10 mins, and FC United were under some slight pressure. Luckily Strakuhov was unable to dangerously penetrate, and the Predators were able to flow back into the match. Mike Schmid struck his second of the match, and fourth of the tournament, to make the score 2-0 off of Leo Volz's cross. A slight slip up resulted in a Strakuhov goal nearly 10mins later. The defense and midfield were too far apart and an opposing header created a breakaway, which led to a chip over goalkeeper Orton, who had just punted the ball up the field. Simply a matter of miscommunication in pushing up the pitch, but FC United were determined to widen the gap again. Brendon Weinhardt scored with a deft left footed chip from 18 yards. 3-1, and one more would follow. Weinhardt turned provided about 5mins later, as he played Baggaley in on the right side of the 18. Baggaley faked a shot and cut the ball in to his left foot, then struck the ball past the Czech keeper into the net.

The game ended 4-1, a well played match all around. All the defenders; Dan Schelhorn, Devin Harrigan, Steve Rizzo, Andrew Fairchild, Brian Hunt, Myles Federico, and Sean Ellsworth were instrumental in keeping Strakuhov away from the goal, and the goal against was a fluke. Tireless running from Chris Clark and Victor prevented the defense from settling, and hard tackling from Alex Roth and Sam Hamilton made sure the midfield was United's.

FC United is tied for first place with ZCE Plzen. Tomorrow the Predators play their fellow American squad, the Clarence Stallions of western New York, at 1 in the afternoon. After the game is an awards ceremony, dinner, and then it is back on the bus for a 4 hour (hopefully) drive to Munich for our last night in Europe.

4th of July Games

Today was obviously a very special and prideful day for us, as we were able to represent our country overseas on the day of our independence. Due to an ongoing match we were only able to warm up on the field for 15 mins, but we stretched and did what we could to prepare in the locker room. The fact that we were representing the United States gave us a boost and made up for the lack of pre game preparation.

Our first game, at 1:15, was against SC Stresnovice. They were a better team than Chodov, but we still controlled much of the game and kept the ball in their half. We wanted to test the keeper early, as he was a bit overweight and not the quickest of characters, but we were limited to shots from distance early on. In the first 15 mins we tried to ram it down their throats down the middle, and it was not until we started employing a fluid east-west passing game that FC United had some dangerous opportunities. Due to the fact that Stresnovice's defense over-shifted, balls played into the corners by the defensive midfielders to the wingers created the best chances. On more than one occasions, Steve Rizzo played a deep ball to winger Andrew Baggaley, who controlled the ball, beat one or two Czech defenders, and then slotted the ball to the top of the box to either Ross Trudnak or Mike Schmid. Unfortunately, none of these plays produced a goal, but they did result in about 4 corner kicks in the first half. It was on one of these corners that FC United capitalized. Mike Schmid again picked out Rizzo, who headed the ball in the back of the net. But at 1-0, the Predators knew that one goal may not be enough and kept probing forward. However, that final "killer" ball was absent on the day, so at the half it was 1-0. The beginning of the second half tipped the balance a bit in Stresnovice's favor, and United's chances were fewer. The opposing pressure provided a few corner kicks, but spirited defending ensured the shutout. About halfway through the half the Predators took the game back and created a few scoring chances. On another corner kick, Schmid lofted the ball to Rizzo at the backpost, who headed in for a 2-0 scoreline. Still not relinquishing their hold on the match, FC United began to knock the ball around freely, using the defense to shift the points of attack. A through ball from Devin Harrigan provided Baggaley with an opportunity, but he slotted the ball back to a surging Brendon Weinhardt. Weinhardt struck the ball well, but the goalkeeper stretched out and parried it away. The match ended with a solid 2-0 score. Overall, the lack of finishing and scoreline betrayed the amount of control FC United had on the match.


Between matches we stopped at a mini-mart to get a small snack, then went to another location for our match. Our opponents, ZCE Plzen, had won their previous two games 3-0 and 7-0, so we knew this was the best team we would face all tournament. A short and narrow pitch with a very quick and hard surface eliminated the option of balls played into the corner, and chances were fewer in this encounter. The first half was fought in the center of midfield, as Plzen preferred to bring the ball up the middle in their attack. Plzen also man marked very tightly, a stark contrast to the previous teams we had played. FC United won a few corners in the first half, but none resulted in goals. Conversely, Plzen had a few free kicks in their offensive end, but the heads of centerbacks Devin Harrigan and Andrew Fairchild kept the opponents at bay. At the half the score was 0-0. The second half was more of the same. Very even play with little space to operate, neither team had clear cut chances. Each had a few corner kicks, but tey were dealt with coolly by each sides respective goalkeepers. Justin Orton did well to not let the swarm of Plzen players in his 6 yard box faze him. The game ended 0-0, a fair score for both teams.

Tomorrow we play at 10:30am against a Czech team that won their first game 8-0. Happy 4th of July! I love America!

Munich Report

We arrived in Munich on Monday afternoon and met our tour guide, Barbara. Our bus, which we have christened The Salmon because of its color, took us to the hotel on the outskirts of Munich. We ate dinner in the hotel, then split up to either sleep or play soccer on a small field we found 3 blocks away. About 10 of us played against an 11 year old German wunderkind, Ibrahim, whose skills showed us just how good many kids in Europe are.

We woke up around 8 the next day and boarded the bus for the Allianz Arena, the local soccer stadium. Powerhouse Bayern Munich and 2nd league team TSV 1860 Munich play there, and the lights on the stadium facade can be changed from white to blue to red, depending on which team is playing. We sat in the upper deck, saw the team locker rooms and press conference room. After the tour some of the guys shopped at the Bayern Munich souvenir shop.

Following the tour, we took a bus tour around Munich and saw many of the beautiful monuments, statues, and buildings. We even walked around the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, a former summer residence for Bavarian royalty. After the bus tour we had about 2 hours of free time and visited various shops around Marienplatz, Munich's premier shopping district. Dinner was at the Hofbraehaus, a famous beer hall in Munich, where we experienced traditional Bavarian food and dance.

After dinner it was back to the hotel, and we left for Prague early the next morning.

First Match July 3rd

At 9am this morning we played FC Chodov, a local team from Prague. We played on a short, but very wide, turf field located about 20mins from our hotel the TOP Hotel. When we first arrived weentered the locker room, painted neon green, and got our boots on, then went onto the field andwarmed up. All the guys were really excited to be using an actual locker room to get changed in instead of the back of the car like in the US. After we had warmed up for about 45mins we went back in the locker room for the pre match speech and line up.

We started out the match with our new 4-2-3-1 formation. We made a few thrusts forward early, but FC Chodov, in a blue and white striped kit, had the first dangerous attempt at goal, a header off of a freekick that was acrobatically turned away by goalkeeper Justin Orton. But from then on, it was all FC United. Defensive midfielders Brendon "Weinsteiger" Weinhardt and Sam Hamilton controlled the middle of the pitch and ensured that all the play was in FC United's offensive half. About 20mins in, Andrew Baggaley took advantage of lackluster passing in Chodov's backfield by stripping a defender of the ball and firing a semi-toeblow shot under the goalkeeper from about 18yards out, making the score 1-0. Just a few minutes later, Leo Volz's shot deflected off a Czech defender for a corner. Mike Schmid took the corner and picked out Steve Rizzo, who bulged the back of the ol' onion bag with a header. FC United kept up the pressure for the remainder of the half, going in 2-0 leaders at the whistle.

After an inspiring speech from Coach Blumenthal, the boys took the field for the second half. More of the same from United, and Mike Schmid weaved through three Czech defenders and slotted the ball past the keeper for 3-0. Moments later Ross Trudnak played a chip behind the defense and Schmid finished it on the half volley. At 4-0 the Predators were still prowling, with Rizzo narrowly missing on a left footed shot and Brain Hunt making a valiant foray into the opponents box, only to be foiled by a tweet of the referee's whistle. FC Chodov only succeeded in putting one more shot on goal, but Orton made another nice diving save. At the final whistle, FC United stood victorious 4-0.

Overall, the boys dominated the game and performed well in every position. Tomorrow they play FC Stresovice and ZCE Plzen, at 1:15 and 4.

Photos from Flight

Follow link for flight photos

Photos

First Entry

Ahoj! Yesterday we arrived in Prague after a 6 hour bus drive. We toured the beautiful Prague Castle, walked on the famed Charles Bridge, and strolled around much of Prague's Old Town. The Castle overlooks the entire city, and we got some great pictures of the Prague skyline. We have a nice hotel with a small pitch nearby, which we practiced on today. We had dinner at the Restaurant Musketyr, located in a dark cellar near the Prague Museum. We were bracing oursleves for a vampire attack at any moment., but enjoyed the Cordon Bleu and cake for dessert.

Euro Update #3

The Czech Republic fell to Turkey 3-2 in their final group match, missing out on the knockout stages. A win or draw would have sent the Czechs through, but some goalkeeping errors and lax defense allowed the Turks to come back after being 2-0 down.

Germany did just enough to defeat Austria 1-0 in their final group game. German captain Michael Ballack struck a fierce free kick into the upper right corner of the goal, securing the Germans a place in the quarterfinals.

On June 19, the Germans faced Group A winner Portugal. After a close miss by Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho early on, the Germans woke up and scored in the 22nd minute. Winger/forward Lukas Podolski worked a magical combination play with Phillip Lahm and Michael Ballack, then sent a low cross just outside the 6 yard box to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who slotted the ball in the net. The Germans struck again just 4 minutes later, as weak defending allowed Miroslav Klose to head Schweinsteiger's free kick in the goal. Though the Germans led 2-0 inside the first half hour, Portugal kept pushing and netted just before halftime via Nuno Gomes' goal. After halftime the Portuguese kept attacking, but another Schweinsteiger free kick found the head of captain Michael Ballack, making it 3-1 to the Germans. There was evidence of a slight push by Ballack on his marker, but the goalkeeper's hesitation ultimately cost the Portuguese. In the 87th the Portuguese found a bit of consolation through the head of substitute Helder Postiga, but the Germans were able to hold on for the win. Germany now plays Turkey in the semifinal.

Euro 2008 Update #2

On June 13, the Czech Republic fell to Portugal 3-1. Deco put Portugal up 1-0 in the 8th minute, but Czech midfielder Libor Sionko equalized 9 minutes later with a header. The score was level at halftime, but with Portugal controlling more of the attacking play. In the 63rd, Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a hard, well placed shot from about 16 yards. The shot went through the legs of one Czech defender, past the leg of another, and was in the back of the net before goalkeeper Petr Cech really knew anything about it. Ronaldo turned provider in injury time as he dribbled past Cech and passed to substitute Ricardo Quaresma, who made it 3-1 with a cool finish into an open net. The Czechs now lie in second place in Group A, tied with Turkey.

Germany fell to Croatia, 2-1. In the 24th minute, Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna cut inside German left back Marcell Jansen to steer Daniel Pranjic's cross into the net. Though it pains me to say, the goal capped a succession of passes that spread the German defense and could well be the most well-worked goal of the tournament thus far. Germany attempted to strike back soon after, but striker Mario Gomez headed the ball over Stipe Pletikosa's net. In the second half, German keeper Jens Lehmann did well to parry a deflected cross, but the rebound deflected off the post right into the path of Croatian striker Ivica Olic (pictured right), who plays his club football in Germany for Hamburg SV. The goal rivals Swiss player Hakan Yakin's close range tap in against Turkey in its simplicity. After that, the coffin was all but nailed down, though the Germans did pull one back in the 79th. Lukas Podolski scored his third of the tournament to put himself on par with Spaniard David Villa as leading scorer. Germany now lies in second in Group B.

Euro 2008 Updates

EURO 2008

In the opening game of the tournament on Saturday, June 7th, the Czech Republic defeated host country Switzerland 1-0. Czech substitute Vaclav Sverkos netted in the 71st minute with a half volley into the lower right side of Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio's goal. However, the Czechs were fortunate to escape with all 3 points as Swiss sub Johan Vonlanthen hit the crossbar later in the match. Czech Republic next plays Portugal on the 11th.

Tournament favorite Germany opened the tournament in style, defeating rival Poland 2-0. 23-year old Lukas Podolski scored in the 20th and 72nd minutes against his native Poland. Podolski and his parents moved to Germany when he was very young, and he chose to play for his adopted country rather than his birthplace. Germany leads Group B and will next face Croatia on the 12th.

Our Team

If you want to know more about the team, click here to go to the team website.

Germany Sites

Hofbrauhaus, Munich














Allianz Arena- Home of FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich

Trip Itinerary

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup Tour

June 30 – July 7, 2008

Munich, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic

June 30 – Monday – Munich, Germany

Arrive in Munich International Airport, meet your group escort and bus and

depart for hotel to check in. Dinner at the hotel.


July 1 – Tuesday – Munich, Germany

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided tour of Munich followed by tour of

the Allianz Arena venue of 2006 FIFA World Cup where you will see an

Introductory film illustrating construction of the Allianz Arena and tour

places like dressing rooms, tunnel, Press Club, stayed in interior, business and

sponsors lounges, event boxes, a VIP area, upper tier and exterior. (unless

unforeseen events occur restricting or preventing a tour). Lunch on own.

Afternoon practice at local field. Dinner at Hofbraeuhaus Brewery Restaurant with lots of food,

drinks, music, and entertainment. Depart for hotel.


July 2 – Wednesday – Prague, Czech Republic

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Prague. Lunch on own along the way.

Afternoon arrive in Prague and check into the hotel. Afternoon depart

for Prague Castle where you will start your walking guided tour. Prague

Castle was originally the seat of Czech royalty and nobility and now it

serves as a residence and office for the Czech President. Important part

of Prague Castle is St. Vitus's Cathedral, the largest and the most

important church in Prague, with history dated back to year 925. Your

tour will then continue to Lesser Town, New Town, across one of the

oldest stone bridge in Europe Charles Bridge to Old Town. Tour will end

on Old Town Square in front of Prague’s Horologe. Dinner in downtown

restaurant.


July 3 – Thursday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 1

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to Rückl Crystal

Factory in Nizbor. In crystal factory you will experience

how Czech crystal is done. You will work through the

product line from glass blowing to glass cutting. After the

tour you will be able to shop at factory store. On the way

to Prague possible reservation at local pizzeria for lunch on

own. Afternoon first game of the tournament. After game depart for hotel to

get ready for evening event. Depart for Social Gathering full of good food,

drinks, and music. Evening depart back to the hotel.


July 4 – Friday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning second game of the tournament Lunch

on own. Afternoon third game of the tournament. Evening boat cruise

on river Vltava with dinner. You will enjoy the breath taking view from

the river on lighted Prague Castle.

July 5 – Saturday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning depart to visit The concentration

camp for Jews the Terezín Ghetto. Terezín was established at the

end of the 18th century as a fortress; still surrounded by its massive

ramparts, the town lies at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe)

and Ohře (Eger). The Main and Small Fortresses at Terezín,

although the modern for their period, gradually became obsolete,

and having lost their military function fell into disregard. Lunch

own. Depart for Prague for your fourth game in the tournament.

After game transfer to typical Czech Restaurant for dinner. You will experience some of the rich

Czech cuisine, music, and dance.


July 6 – Sunday – Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Soccer Challenge Cup – Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel. Final games. Lunch on own. Afternoon Awards

Presentation. After Awards Presentation depart for Munich for last overnight.


July 7 – Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport.

Depart for US.