Messiah defends their dual championships.

Messiah College - NCAA DIII soccer powerhouse. Seriously, what would you expect? Anyone who knows anything about me knows that Messiah soccer is all that I talk about when it comes to my experiences...Messiah, Messiah, MESSIAH! dominant. An undefeated season, MAC champions, and virtually uncontested in the NCAA tournament - untouchable in my mind. It's crazy to think back and know that the man who created the MWS program was the same who started with the class of 2003. Only 9 years ago - amazing! I was conversing with a few of my former teammates and fellow MWS alumni and how crazy is it that coach Frey has almost 200 wins in only 9 years? Outstanding - it's like the Anson Dorrance of DIII, except better and even more untouchable. Yesterday, I watched the game over the internet. It was definitely tough as the internet did not always work - I wish I could've been there, but I was on a business trip and couldn't fly down to San Antonio - haha - jk. What I saw was nothing that I did not expect. The Messiah women's soccer team totally controlled the tempo of the game. They had most of the possession and could nearly take over the game whenever they wanted to. The back four - solid, like all year. Washington University - MO had no chances, well maybe one, but not a good chance. Leading up to the final four, I also had the privilege to attend the sweet 16 and elite 8 games in Baltimore against Otterbein and Johns Hopkins. The same was true in both of those games...I mean, the score was definitely not an indicator of the dominance of these games. Point plain and simple - this team was untouchable and I had been calling it all year. But that was an easy call - MWS 2009 National Champions!! Again. (btw same for the Messiah men's soccer team..."for the third time in NCAA history, the same school shares men's and women's soccer national championships. For the third time, it's Messiah.")

Messiah Athletics - national exposure

Today, the USA Today ran an article on Messiah College, in particular the women's and men's soccer teams, with mention of the field hockey and softball teams. How awesome is this!? I mean, seriously, I have been bragging about this program and this team for years! They seriously are the real deal when it comes to quality soccer, playing with class, and execution. Additionally, not only was Messiah recognized as a national powerhouse in athletics, which is quite the honor, the name of Jesus was exalted and as with every game, a great Christian testimony portrayed. I am truly proud to have played for a program with such high spiritual, academic, and athletic standards, and to have such a great team of players who were sisters, bonded by the undying love of Christ. The article brought such great memories to mind and it was almost like I was re-living my days on the MWS team. The testimony of the players are the exact same feelings that I can remember as a player. To God be the glory! Go Messiah!

Go Phillies!!

If you did not know, I am a Philadelphia sports fan. I mean, let me explain: I was raised in Baltimore, MD; and thus, do also consider myself a Baltimoron. But yeah - both of my parents and their families are from Philly - aahhhh, the city of brotherly love. So, I grew up rooting for John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, Manute Bol, and Randall Cunningham in my younger years. It has paid off the last few years with the Phillies, winning the WS last year and now on their way to another. Now, I must say I am not much of a fan of baseball in general...I mean, come on, there is very little running and creative strategy involved, but have always always been a hardcore Phillies fan...weird, I know. It all started when I collected baseball cards back in the day like it was my job. Other memorable Phillies fan practices were: being a member of the Phillies Junior club, buying multiples (of tens) of packs of Phillies franks just to get the free $4 ticket in each pack, and listening to the games and HK on 1210. They all made me a happy kid...good memories! I guess after the Phillies made it to the '93 world series (and lost) and then the baseball strike hit in the '90's, I somewhat lost interest. Then followed several years of terrible baseball, along with multiple general managers that were terrible...

I'm glad that the Phillies are good again. It's nice to have a team that can produce. It's nice that the team is baseball, so I can catch a few games during the season. GO PHILS!!!

Baltimore Marathon 10.10

On Saturday, I ran the Under Armor Baltimore marathon.  Ah, yes, what a great event.  Not only is it home, but it was shared by those who appreciate the run.  Can I also just say that I was stunned by the amount of support from the city and surrounding communities.  Now I did run the half-marathon back in 2005 - 4 years ago, but I did not remember how great the random people were on the sidelines cheering.  I saw a lot of people that I knew too - weird.  On to reality...a marathon is 26.2 miles.  For any reasonable human being, this means 4+ hours of (nonstop) running.  In other words, it hurt.  I did not think it was going to be easy by any means; however, I also did not think that it would be this tough either.  Ugh.  Let me just say, it would take a whole lot of convincing to get me to run another one.  I now have nasty blood blisters, black toenails, sore muscles, tired, weak, and sore ankles - yeah, I pretty much feel like I was hit by a truck.  Props to those marathon junkies who are obsessed.  For me?  never again.  Thank the Lord - I finished and can check that bastard off my list. 

New York City

This past weekend, I went to New York City to eat, shop and visit with my sister. Fun times - I mean, seriously, it was nice to get away. I must say though, I love observing the people of this great city. Fashion - yes, but with a price. First of all, people like go all out when they shop, like wearing heels to walk around for multiple hours? Who does that? It's like they have to prove that they are fashion forward to be worthy of the shopping. The price you pay for brands are literally ridiculous and if you don't hold yourself back, you can definitely spend more than you can afford. On the other hand, I love Uniqlo, I mean, not only is it like gnarly, but fits my Asian bod. So anyways, the NYC Soho store was our first destination after grabbing breakfast and coffee. Unbeknownst to any of us, the store was launching their new +J line by Jil Sanders...when we showed up 1/2 hour before the store opened, there was a short line and by 10 am, the line way, way back...ew. I mean, don't get me wrong, Jil Sanders is freaking money and her line was incredible...and actually affordable, but sheeesh. Well, it does add up AND I did spend :)

Check out the related blog by the New York Times. Makes me laugh...We tried to check out Brooklyn on Saturday, but it rained all day. Good thing I had my sweet NIKE rain jacket. Hopefully, next time I visit NYC, we can explore a new territory. Hmm, food was Southern Indian, American cafe/pastry-ish, and Vietnamese - like real good though I gained a few unwanted pounds - haha. In soccer news, Messiah women "banged past Albright 5-0" for their first conference game and win. The team's schedule in the next few weeks is on the light side with conference games + Eastern. The next test will most likely not be until regional finals.

Messiah vs. York

Corrie, my roommate, and I were anticipating a slaughter. Messiah was playing at home, under the lights, against the once rivaled York College of PA. When it rains, it pours and that it did - not literally, but the team poured goals into the back of the net and onto the scoreboard. It actually began by York scoring first, but followed with a burst of speed from the forwards and wingers unrelentingly pressing forward, overlapping, outrunning, and OCCASIONALLY finishing. Occasionally - meaning it could have been way worse, given the plethora of opportunity for the Falcons. Ew - yes the team is that good. I believe that the greatest asset of this team however is the depth of the bench. Coach Fry made at least 6 substitutions in the first half, in which the quality of play was only slightly diminished, if any. I've seen that every single player on the team sees time in virtually every game that the team steps on the field...a luxury for a coach. As a player, I remember the games that we had only 11 players see the field...As a coach, only having exactly 11 players on the squad - yikes! Now 22 (or whatever) quality players who can play at such a high level and run at an exhausted team? priceless. Ok, so I do have to say that it wasn't an overly exciting game, yet moments of excitement - goals themselves are always exciting. Like always, I will mention the fact that I would be extremely surprised if the team does not take home another championship - they are just solid and with the potential of being that much better! Amazed!

http://www.messiah.edu/athletics/sports/womens_soccer/articles/0910/sep-30.html

setback

I've experienced quite a setback in my training. A week ago, I ran the dreaded 20 miler as training for the Baltimore marathon. Fortunately, I finished reasonably. Unfortunately, I straining/irritated a muscle in my foot and/or leg. I've been able to do anything besides a 6-mile tester since then...not cool. I'm beginning to think that the marathon might be out of the question - like for real if it is not any better! 2 weeks baby, but this weekend is NYC and I'm sure I will be doing a good deal of walking around - suck.

yet still on top

http://www.nscaa.com/seniorRes.php?it=1081

Messiah v. Lynchburg 9.19.09

http://www.messiah.edu/athletics/sports/womens_soccer/articles/0910/sep-19.html

People are RUDE! Kanye West

"Dear Kanye,

What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??

I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.

On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!

Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!"

KC (Kelly Clarkson) - posted at http://iamkelly.wordpress.com

Playing with Class

This will hopefully be a short post. I do have to comment on the fact that playing with class is something that you do not see often in sports. Last night in my co-ed "rec game" there was a tremendous display of such behavior. My team 5? opponents 1. What can I say, the other team was very decent, but we just demolished their defense. Anyway, back to the point, the other team had this little blonde girl who played in the center (where I was playing) and she was very good - quick, technical, and such a great attitude. Not only did she know the game and know her role on the team, but she also played with class. What do I mean by that term? I'd say, eh...respecting the game, respecting her teammates and opponents, but playing a solid game herself, not needing to brag or yell at other teammates for poor decisions and terribleness, not getting frustrated either or letting frustration overtake her game. Something easy to say, but hard especially on the losing side. Now this co-ed rec league gets a little rowdy, usually every game with disputing referee calls and trash talking and yes it happened during last night's game. I witnessed this girl calming her teammates down, helping up the guy/girl (from our team) up who got fouled, and apologizing for the behavior of her own teammates. What a nice thing to see. Can we all maybe attempt to play with class the next time we take the field? Ladies and gentlemen, I guarantee that it will just make you a better player. This young lady definitely displayed impressive skills with the ball, but to me what made her stand out was that she played with class. Thumbs up!

Still on top

http://www.messiah.edu/athletics/sports/womens_soccer/articles/0910/sep-9.html

Below is the commentary email received from the MWS assistant:

First half we came out ready for a change and earned a corner in the first 30sec.  We were dangerous but didn't put it away.  Erin played Mandy in and the keeper came out Mandy went down and slid...keeper got the ball, mandy somehow got the keepers forehead and she had to leave the game for a cut.  Mandy got a stern lecture from the ref but it seemed pretty 50/50 to me.  Continued to press them for the first 30 minutes with several good looks included 1 more corner but to no avail.  Then both teams subbed multiple players and Hopkins kind of had the better of play the last 15 of the half.  They were never really dangerous but we gave up 2 corners and right now we just kind of hold our breath and hope on corners.

2nd half we go to 3-5-2.  molly-carey-Hoff,  Kelsey/Muss 6/8, Leah 7, jo RW, Amy LW, Erin and Mandy up top.  Their 1st goalie is back in.  It was at this moment that for whatever reason, the planets chose to align themselves and we literally took over the game.  We won EVERYTHING.  We were hard.  Muss had a couple of her sliding rock-your-world tackles.  Katie Hoff is unbelievable right now.  Coach and I were talking after the game and we decided she is the player that has advanced her game the most from day1 (she was MAYBE the 5th winger??) out of every MWS player EVER.  Anyway, we passed and passed and combined and broke them down OVER and OVER.  Their backs couldn't figure out how to handle Erin and Mandy.  Jo was outstanding but got tired about 20 in.  We now have a freshie named Corrine.  She is Lisa fast, but with technical skill and Kacie quickness/agility.  She comes in for Jo and gets in...all the way in...prolly 10 times.  Mandy hammers a 7-ball from Erin near post and then Leah gets a perfectly weighted, flat-rolling spot ball around the 10 that she is running full speed onto absolutely KILLS upper 90.  I can't really convey just how dominant we were in the second half.  Shots 23-1 (in the HALF)  Corners 10-1 (in the HALF).  We didn't lose the ball once because of needless/selfish dribble.  Oh and I forgot to mention...it was RAINING almost the whole time.  Once again we should have had probably 5 or 6 goals but their goalie made some really nice saves and they saved a couple headed corners off the line.  

9/6/09 - Hopkins v. Lynchburg

On Saturday, 9/5 my plan was to go and watch both of the games at Hopkins. Unfortunately, it was also my long run day. I was up at 530 to run a dreaded 18 miler and upon completion, took the greatest nap of all time. Woops, missed both games. Fortunately, the money game was the following day on Sunday 9/6 - #6 Johns Hopkins vs. #10 Lynchburg. What a great game it was...great weather, close to home, and great soccer. Johns Hopkins totally dominated the first half and scored off of a dead ball/header. Hopkins really just outplayed Lynchburg early on and they got whatever they wanted, making Lynchburg chase. Lynchburg did show a solid defense though, not allowing any quality chances or looks on goal. Hopkins finally did just put one away off of a foul at the end of the half.

The second half was another story though. Lynchburg utilized the flanks very well. The right winger(s) did a great job of beating their defenders; however, did a very poor job of service, something of which is obviously key to scoring goals! A terrible thing to work so hard to beat your defender and then waste a great opportunity. Another thing that really stood out in my mind was the significance of the "half-turn." Wow. Especially, on this type surface (turf) where the ball just runs. The half-turn was just something that was engrained in our minds in college. Neither team used this effectively and it showed. The times when it WAS used...poor. Ok, enough criticizing. I was not disappointed with the soccer and was encouraged to see nothing extraordinary. Messiah should have no problem with either team, although I do believe that wins and losses can and may be a product of how teams match up. Hopkins plays at Messiah tomorrow at the Shoe - 7pm. Should be a good game and it will be interesting to see Hopkins play away where the grass is green and white lines freshly painted! Home of the national champs! See you there!

the smell of soccer

The air is crisp and grass is green. I feel a change in seasons and smell…soccer! One can only know what I mean if you are a soccer player/parent/referee, etc. It is a feeling within that takes you back to the days that you played, as a kid for fun and a young adult competitively. The way you felt when you laced up your boots and made sure your guards were straight, the way the air smelled and the sky looked, the green grass and painted white lines; the feeling as if you were unstoppable; focused – it just brings you back.

I have such an excitement for this fall/soccer season despite being somewhat uninvolved on the collegiate front this year. It stems from a combination of things: 1) the Messiah College women are at the top (again) and a strong contender for another national title http://www.messiah.edu/athletics/sports/womens_soccer/; 2) I am not coaching this season, which gives me the liberty and flexibility to watch great soccer anytime I want, train for a marathon www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/ and play some soccer for myself; 3) There are many great matchups this season in the local Baltimore area, which include Navy Men’s soccer and top ranked Johns Hopkins University Women. Hopkins has a great schedule, with many competitions played on their home turf against nationally ranked teams (TCNJ, Washington Mo, and Lynchburg), http://www.hopkinssports.com/sports/w-soccer/sched/jhop-w-soccer-sched.html (not to mention playing #1 Messiah in Grantham early on in the season). Participating in the Hopkins tournament, William Smith also plays in town Labor Day weekend. Brandt’s Navy team plays at Loyola MD 10/6 http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-soccer/sched/navy-m-soccer-sched.html and of course, there is my former College of Notre Dame of MD gators who also play a significant amount of home games this year http://www.ndm.edu/Athletics/Soccer/Schedule.cfm (all fields within running distance from my house) …and yes, I do check the official online scoreboard on a daily basis, color code games and schedules on my outlook calendar, and update my online bookmarks to the team sites in order by rankings (d3-w) – awesome.

So my goals are several for this season: 1) keep an updated blog here; 2) attend two or three Messiah women’s games, including Homecoming (my first!) and hopefully playoffs; and, 3) attend as many local D3 games that I am able this fall. Further, I am running a marathon on 10/10 and play an average of 2 times per week with various teams, varying in competitive level. To all players and coaches, good luck this season and know that it is always just a great day to play.