Touchline - Winter 2018

Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

Winter 2018

ATOMIC LEGACY Atoms Recall Dream 1973 Title Pg 6

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credits Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Volume LVI | Winter 2018 Touchline is published quarterly Published by: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org Executive Board President – Jim Kuntz Vice President, Recreation – Jeff Sommer Vice President, Travel – Michael Finnegan Treasurer – Warren Beideman Secretary – Melissa Murphy Weber Registrar – Jim Christian State Youth Referee Administrator – Jeff Tener Office Staff Chief Executive Officer – Chris Branscome Chief Operating Officer – Kelly Connor Technical Director – Mike Barr Director of Soccer Development & Performance – Gary Stephenson Director of Competitions: Cody Pearson Director of Marketing & Events – Krissy Woods Director of Membership Services – Marisa J. Pigeon Member Services Manager – Sheila Molyneaux Program Manager – Meridith Crowell Communications Manager – Dillon Friday Grassroots Soccer Manager – JT Dorsey Program Assistant – Julián Rey-Montes Touchline Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed and designed by A.E. Engine, Inc.

contents 2 From Our CEO

3 U.S. Soccer Connect 4 Annual Award Winners 6-9 The Story of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms

30 Boyertown Grad, USWNT Alum Nicole Barnhart Dives into Coaching Education

12-13 PIAA State Championships

33 Mike Barr: Helping Players Evaluate Performances

14-15 Meet the Refs: Craig Lowry, Patrick Casey & Lydia Ewing

34 Nike Boot Review

by Angelo’s Soccer Corner

16 Where We’ve Been

35 Player Profiles: Claire & Andrew Carroccio

17 Quarterly Calendar 19 Honor Roll

36 Try this at Home

20 Wyoming Valley Hosts Target United Cup

22 Outdoor Cup Registration 23 Caption Contest

On the cover: Former Eastern Pennsylvania ODP player & Nether United alum Auston Trusty, 20, held his own against MLS’s biggest stars, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in 2018.

Photo credit: Greg Carroccio.

25 Bright Future for Philadelphia Union 27 Ian Lutz & Peter Dicce: An ODP connection in Abu Dhabi

From Our

President

Jim Kuntz

29 Medical Advisory Committee: Tips for exercising in the cold

President, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

As another calendar year comes to a close, I find it prudent to take a look back and celebrate the year that was as well as set our sights on what lies ahead.

I can’t think of another year where weather has had such a drastic effect on our game – from nor’easters that brought wind, ice, and snow that delayed the start of league and cup play this spring, to what has been heralded as the rainiest fall on record to close out autumn. And yet, the games went on!

I’m thrilled to say we added several positions to the office staff that have only enhanced our ability to service the 125,000 registered players and 13,000 coaches and club administrators within our system. These people have a direct impact on providing the best possible experience in the membership services, marketing and events, competitions, and grassroots realms as we strive to maintain our standing as the best state association in the country.

But we aren’t done yet. With the announcement the United States will host the 2026 World Cup we will be key players in bringing the Greatest Show on Earth to our region. We have work to do with making sure that every child from every background that wants to play soccer has the ability and access to do so, and we’re excited to announce those ventures in the near future. Additionally, we will continue to provide top-quality coaching education courses and be a leader in licensing new coaches as we enter the new year.

I want to take the time to thank each and every one of you for making our organization what it is – we simply cannot be who we are without the countless contributions and accomplishments from our membership. I want to wish all of you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season and I look forward to seeing you at our Awards Banquet and AGM on February 22-23 in Valley Forge for the start of another fantastic year!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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CEO From Our

Atoms Gave Fans A Thrill, Then Gave Back

A

s we enter the holiday season, I think about the spirit of giving and all of the wonderful people in our soccer community.

Everyone gives in different ways, be it their time, energy, wisdom or money. All of it helps and keeps our sport moving forward and keeps our children playing.

In this issue, you’ll meet some people who have been giving back locally and to the larger soccer community for many years. They have helped the sport grow due to their own exploits on the field.

More importantly, they have mentored younger players, coaches and referees and shaped the sport into what it is today. You’ll read a fascinating story about the 1973 NASL champion Philadelphia Atoms.

Forty five years ago, they gave Philadelphia a championship, while leaving a legacy and a path for the rest of us to follow.

The 1973 Atoms were an expansion team. The head coach was Al Miller, who put together a team of young American players, most of whom were from the Philadelphia area. “The Philadelphia Experiment” worked. Al later gained success indoors as the General Manager of the Cleveland Crunch in the NPSL. He may not remember, as I do, but he was generous with his time to his counterpart in Chicago—yours truly. I have a Cleveland Crunch championship autographed ball from Al still in my office. I learned later that Al and Shelly Chamberlain, our legendary staff coach, were teammates at ESU. Al brought in Shelly to run the Atoms summer camps. Shelly would go on to run our state association’s summer camp program, among other things in his storied career. One gift led to another.

Chris Branscome

Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“

They gave Philadelphia a championship, while leaving a legacy and a path for the rest of us to follow.

Many of the former ’73 Atoms stayed in, or at some point returned to, the Philadelphia area. Lew Meehl, from Frankford High School and Temple, was an ODP coach for 20 years. In addition, he coached Philadelphia Textile and Drexel for 25 years. Charlie Duccilli, from Germantown High School and Temple, turned the Rutgers women’s soccer program into a national power. Goalkeeper Bob Rigby, from Ridley and East Stroudsburg University, returned to coach at Ridley High School. While coaching Ridley’s freshman team in 1987, Rigby was very gracious to Radnor’s very nervous first time head coach.

After shaking hands with Rigby, I ran back to my team huddle trying to act cool. My Radnor boys couldn’t care less who the Ridley coach was and couldn’t quite grasp my excitement. It was a handshake I’ve never forgotten and a cool way to have started my coaching career.

The Atoms also had Barry Barto, from Northeast High School and an All-American at Textile, returned to coach once his NASL career ended. George O’Neill, a Scot, made his home here and coached the Philadelphia Fury, Fever and University of Pennsylvania. George was also one of our ODP coaches and worked with Region I for over 20 years. Bobby Smith, from across the river in Trenton, went from the Atoms to the Cosmos, playing alongside Pele and Beckenbauer.

Smith, a U.S. Soccer hall of famer, still runs a youth soccer academy in Mercer County.

“

The players weren’t the only ones who stayed in our community. Carl Cherkin, currently a Vice President for the Philadelphia Union, was the director of public relations for the Atoms in 1973. In 1996, Carl was sports director at what is now Fox 29. He was perhaps the only broadcaster in Philadelphia willing to give air time to the expansion Philadelphia Kixx. Carl and I have been friends since and have continued to cross paths as he chairs the annual Army-Navy Cup, one of the highest attended college soccer matches in the country.

I could go on about the legacy of the Spartans, Fury, Fever, Freedom as well as the women’s pro teams, the Philadelphia Charge and Independence. Names like Ludwig, Straub, Blaney, MacWilliams, Hartman, Roderick, Sheridan, Mitts, D’Ambra, etc… They played here and stayed here. They became our coaches, our kids’ coaches, our friends and our neighbors. A big thank you to all of you. You paved the way then stuck around to keep guiding us.

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2018

Award Winners Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to announce its 2018 Award Winners. These men and women were nominated by their peers and selected by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Committee.

They will be honored at the 2019 Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 22 at the Sheraton Valley Forge.

Administrator of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Inter-County Soccer League

Anderson Monarchs/ United Philly Soccer Club

Courtney Wodotinsky

Curtis DeVeaux

Boys Travel Coach of the Year

Roben Qawasmy

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals

Nick Messner

Girls Travel Coach of the Year

Lower Dauphin Soccer Association

Karla Schacher Philadelphia Soccer Club

Boys Recreational Coach of the Year

Brendan Grady

Chester Upland Youth Soccer Girls Recreational Coach of the Year

Leigh Hammond Coatesville United Soccer

Congratulations to the Winners!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will announce more award winners—including Excellence in Coaching, Service to Youth, Service to Community, D’Anjolell Award, among others—in the coming weeks. More information on how to purchase to tickets to the Annual Awards Banquet is available at EPYSA.org.

2019 Annual Awards Banquet

February 22 | Sheraton Valley Forge 4

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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The 1973 Philadelphia Atoms encapsulated the spirit of the city. They were a determined team led by a brazen coach that broke convention and exceeded expectations. They brought the history of Philadelphia soccer to the forefront, while adding plenty of their own. They won a championship for Philadelphia on the backs of Philadelphians.

An American Franchise

The Story of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms

By Dillon Friday, Communications Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

B

ob Rigby became the first soccer player to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, although he wasn’t supposed to be there. After all, he was a kid from a football town who didn’t play varsity soccer until his senior year at Ridley High School in Delaware County. And even as Rigby rose to become the star goalkeeper of the Philadelphia Atoms in 1973, the famed magazine had other plans.

The Dallas Tornado was set to host Philadelphia in the North American Soccer League final.

“The day before the game, Sports Illustrated did a four-hour photo shoot with (Tornado forward) Kyle Rote, Jr.,” Rigby says, “because they were going to win the league, and Kyle was going to be on the cover.”

Rote was on the cover of the September 3, 1973, issue, but so was Rigby, leaping to pick the ball away from Rote’s head. The Atoms had beaten Dallas, 2-0, to become the first expansion franchise to win a championship in its first year of existence.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

About a week after the final, Rigby was back at East Stroudsburg, his alma mater, working a soccer camp and watching kids scrimmage on the field he once called home.

Atoms coach Al Miller, a fellow East Stroudsburg grad, snuck up behind him and dropped something in Rigby’s lap.

“It was the Sports Illustrated cover. I didn’t have a frame of reference to know what to do,” Rigby says. “I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’”

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In a March 8, 1973, Philadelphia Daily News article titled “For Kickers: The Atoms,” team owner Tom McCloskey announced the name of his professional soccer franchise. Sarah Fletcher of Lakewood, New Jersey, had submitted the winning moniker in a name-the-team contest.

“The atom is symbolic of great speed, power and unity,” McCloskey said. “Our Atoms will strive for these through teamwork revolving around a nucleus of young, hustling and skilled American players.”

For a franchise that adopted an American identity, few could have imagined a more American beginning. McCloskey had attended Super Bowl VII in Los Angeles, with Lamar Hunt, owner of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the NASL’s Dallas Tornado, supplying the tickets. All Hunt asked for in return was that McCloskey consider putting an NASL franchise in Philadelphia.

McCloskey accepted the terms with mere months to prepare for the inaugural season. It was a bold

The Story of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms

undertaking that required a bold the best in American college coach. Philadelphia called Al Miller. soccer during that time and made “I was preparing my team up at a promise to himself: if he ever got Hartwick College for a big indoor a job in the pros, he would bring tournament we were having,” Miller Americans with him. recalls. “The athletic department “I thought there were Americans secretary came in. It was kind of that I had coached in college and I unusual because she knew I didn’t had coached against that sure as like to be interrupted when I was heck could play in this league and putting on a session. She said it be successful,” Miller says. “I just was urgent.” felt that was my calling.”

Miller had built a power at his McCloskey and general manager tiny Oneonta, New York, school.

Bob Ehlinger bought into it. They Then again, he was well versed had their man, the first Americanin turning the small-time into the born coach in league history. They big-time. Miller grew up in Ono—a now needed players. one-room schoolhouse town near Lebanon—and won a regional A Conestoga Wagon, championship with Jonestown High School. Soon he was playing for the A Philadelphia Flag Reading Amerks against legends like Werner Fricker and Walter Bahr.

The NASL, established in 1967, And when Miller showed up for was anything but traditional by his admissions interview at East international soccer standards.

Stroudsburg, he refused to back The clock counted down rather down from the school’s dean of than up. The league instituted an academics. The dean threw Miller’s offside line 35 yards from goal to academic record on the desk and promote offense. The infamous asked him, “Why are you here?” penalty shootout format—a series of Miller—married with a child and five-second breakaways—came in fed up with the grocery business in 1977. Everything was done to appeal which he worked—stood up. “I don’t to American fans in the absence of think you realize how important this American stars. is to me,” he declared. “I’ll be one of The league had roster minimums the best athletes this for Americans, but college has ever had.” franchises got around He wasn’t wrong. them with green cards “I thought there Nor was Miller when, and loose definitions as he interviewed for of what it meant to be were Americans the Hartwick position, American. The Atoms, that I had he guaranteed on the other hand, victory over Army, had nine Americans coached in college a team Hartwick on their roster by the and I had coached had never beaten. end of the season. Six When the occasion started in the 1973 against that sure came to take on the final. as heck could play Cadets, Hartwick “We weren’t Athletic Director representing in this league and Jim Konstanty, 1950 American soccer: We be successful” National League MVP were the equivalent with the Phillies, of a Conestoga parked his running wagon going across car outside the locker no man’s land,” room. “In case we lose, you and Rigby says. “Most of the players I are going to get the heck out of (in the NASL) were British. Some here,” Konstanty joked. Hartwick teams had more of a Central won 4-0.

American or South American flair.

Miller spent six seasons in But the bias against the American Oneonta, racking up 64 victories player in a lot of places…they were against 12 defeats. He witnessed almost (considered) a liability or an

anomaly.”

Not in Philadelphia. Miller walked into a soccer hotbed. Amateur and semipro teams like the Ukrainian Nationals thrived. Philadelphia Textile, East Stroudsburg, Rider and West Chester—small schools by today’s standards—were regional or national powers. A pool of talent formed that rivaled any in the country.

One of Miller’s first acts in charge was to reach out to the main figure behind the thriving Philadelphia soccer culture: Walter Bahr.

“Here’s a guy that’s been there, done that,” Miller says. “If he voiced an opinion, a good opinion, about a player, I took it very seriously.”

Jacob “Lew” Meehl was one such player.

“I was playing for the Ukrainian Nationals at the time,” Meehl recalls.

“Coach Bahr called and said, ‘Look, they’re putting this thing together, and they want to see some local players. I recommended you.’”

Meehl’s path to the Atoms mirrored that of so many Philadelphia soccer greats. He grew up in North Philadelphia on the fields of Hunting Park and Lighthouse Boys Club, finishing runner-up in the James P. McGuire Cup twice. He starred at Frankford High School, playing for Bahr, before becoming an All-American at Temple.

Bahr also gave strong scouting reports for his son, Casey, and Charlie Duccilli, a Germantown High School grad and Meehl’s teammate with the Owls. Duccilli had set Temple’s career goal-scoring record.

They were well-known commodities in the area who finally earned a shot at the pros.

“Lew Meehl and Charlie Duccilli were legends in Philadelphia,” Rigby says. “They grew up in the city leagues and Lighthouse and had played for the (Ukrainians)…These were guys that were our heroes.”

They weren’t stars by any means at the NASL level. But they were useful players who came with a hometown discount. The Atoms held invitational tryouts, which, in Duccilli’s recollection, lasted two and a half months. The initial group of 200 or so participants was

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whittled down to 100, then over,” Miller says. “But after to 50 and so on, until some being around (Rigby), after semblance of the Atoms working with him and training, emerged. Meehl, Casey Bahr I’m telling you, it was one of and Duccilli all made the cut. my great memories of the “I think that was a big deal,” Atoms.”

Duccilli says. “Philly’s always Rigby’s teammates were been known historically as just as impressed. one of the strongest soccer “Rigs, his athleticism was hotbeds in the country. We felt mind-boggling,” George like we were carrying the flag O’Neill, a Scottish midfielder, a little bit for the Philly boys.” says. “He’d jump up for a ball They were joined on the that was heading for the right Atoms by other local players. post or the left post…he was Barry Barto, a Textile grad, just a perfect athlete. But he came over in a trade from had safe hands. I would think, Montreal. Penn All-American ‘Holy ghost, he’s better as a Stan Startzell traveled down goalkeeper than a lot of guys from the New York Cosmos.

I had played against that were The Atoms also stayed pros in Scotland.’” close to home with their draft The Atoms were happy selections to tremendous to rely on Rigby as the last results. Miller tabbed Trenton line of defense. If the team native Bobby Smith, out of as a whole was a beacon of Bob Rigby, a Ridley native, was the first soccer player ever Rider, in the second round.

American soccer, Rigby was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Smith would play every minute a sign of things to come, a that season as part of the “No world class goalkeeper born Goal Patrol” backline. As for the first overall pick, Miller’s and raised in the United States. willingness to buck trends came to the forefront again.

“He had aspects of quality goalkeeping,” Meehl says, “You’re kind of throwing yourself to the wolves when “that I wouldn’t see unless I was watching the English or you take an inexperienced American goalkeeper from Italian league.” a small college,” Miller says of drafting Rigby. “You’re Long before his Sports Illustrated cover—Soccer really throwing yourself to the wolves if you’re counting Goes American—Rigby’s hometown paper, the Delaware on being successful. Let me just say this: It was a County Daily Times, declared a reverse invasion for its monumental decision.”

Atoms season preview: “The Americans are coming! The The plan wasn’t to start Rigby, not right away. But he Americans are coming!” was remarkably athletic and a fast riser. He didn’t play Indeed, they were…with some friends who could show goalkeeper until his senior year at Ridley and wasn’t on them the way. the recruiting radar until Dr. John “Doc” McKeon, coach at East Stroudsburg, showed up to scout someone else.

“We’re Winning Rigby became the first freshman to play varsity soccer This Thing” for the Warriors. Following that initial season, Rigby was invited to the Olympic trials. Three years later, he was an All-American.

While Miller established a Philadelphia pipeline for In that season’s senior bowl, Rigby and the East, filled the Atoms, he relied heavily on his European network to with Philadelphians, upset the West, 2-0. put the group over the top. From his days at Hartwick, “After the game, Ron Newman, who was the coach of Miller had both connections and credence at Southport the Dallas Tornado, came up and introduced himself,” FC, a fourth-division English club that punched above its Rigby recalls. “He said, ‘Look, we’re intending to take weight. He picked out three players he was able to sign you as our first round draft pick. Would you be willing to on loan: defender Chris Dunleavy and the forward pair come?’ I said, ‘My God, of course.’” of Jimmy Fryatt and Andy Provan. Soon, Derek Trevis, Miller, with consultation from Beau Rogers in the front formerly of West Ham United, and Roy Evans were added office, had other ideas. He called Rigby. to the British contingent. Evans was a gift from legendary “I had just gone to Europe with (Miller) the summer Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, the man who brought the before my senior season,” Rigby says. “Al said, ‘Listen, club from the second division to the top of English soccer, you can’t say anything to anybody, but there’s a new with whom Miller had built a rapport. franchise in Philly that’s hired me to coach. I want to The Atoms left the United States to join their new mates make you the first draft pick.’ My jaw hit the floor.” in England for a crash-course, two-week preseason.

“I always had the option to go get a foreign goalkeeper.

Meehl had to ask off of work from his job teaching And there were loads of those guys who wanted to come physical education at Bensalem High School.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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The Story of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms

“I went before the school board, and they took a vote,” Meehl explains. “It wasn’t a drastic thing. If I’m sitting on the school board, and a guy says, ‘I’ve got a chance to do this,’ why wouldn’t I support it?”

There was one surprise addition to the squad by way of Cardinal Dougherty High School. Nora O’Neill, George O’Neill’s wife, had grown up in Philadelphia and still had family there. Her sister, calling on Nora’s birthday, told her there was a new soccer team in town, and it was headed to England to train.

George got in touch with Ehlinger right away and sent Al Miller a letter.

He feigned sickness to avoid training with his club, St. Mirren, and headed to Birmingham from Scotland to meet the Atoms.

“He played a game,” Miller says, “and I ended up signing him immediately.”

Well, not quite. O’Neill’s agreement came in secret.

“I went back up to Scotland,” O’Neill says. “I said to the manager, ‘My wife’s really upset. She wants to get back to America. Can you give me a release?’ He said, ‘Absolutely not.’”

O’Neill kept up appearances at St. Mirren, but he went into a shell.

He talked minimally, only sharing that his wife longed to go back to Philadelphia. Eventually the manager

relented. He allowed O’Neill to sign— Triumph officially this time—with the Atoms.

Despite its record—9-2-8, In O’Neill, Fryatt, Trevis, Evans, good for first place in the Eastern Dunleavy and Provan, Philadelphia Division—Philadelphia’s drive to the had seasoned veterans to guide their championship wasn’t the smoothest, young Americans.

“Here we had these English especially not on a Veterans Stadium turf that O’Neill called “bloody division three and four, union type concrete.” In addition to the teamguys who do this for a living,” Duccilli wide rug burns, Rigby injured his knee says. “They weren’t spoiled players. in the summer. He didn’t return to the They were hardworking, hardnosed professionals. They were joining us, lineup until the playoffs.

The Atoms didn’t miss a beat, the Americans. We’ve always had a though. For one, they employed the hard work ethic. We just were lacking league’s best defense in Smithsome of the nuances of being true Evans-Dunleavy-Trevis, the “No Goal professionals.”

There was minimal division.

Patrol.” Up front, Fryatt and Provan, Miller promoted team building via nicknamed “The Flea” because of his 5-5 stature and ability to dart around postgame meals and matter-of-fact the park, combined for 18 goals and discussions. He also, at times, ran nine assists. And the Americans held the players into the ground only to their own. pick them back up. One memorable “You start to play, day, Miller had his and you start to win, guys progress in those English fellas one-on-one’s from “You start to play, and so forth, you talk 30 yards apart to the and you start to to them, and they’ll full field. The winner tell you the American of each game rested. win, those English guys were right there,” The loser stayed on. fellas and so forth, Meehl says. “We When it was over, he felt good. It was an told them, “I just want you talk to them, exceptional situation, everyone to know and they’ll tell you and it worked out the one thing that the American guys great.” happened today, that Fryatt showed his I’ve discovered, is that were right there” appreciation prior to there are no losers in the semifinal match this group.” against Toronto. For The team took that much of the season, confidence as well as a he had walked around the locker mutual respect into the regular season. room singing the national anthem to “That combination of our grit and himself. Now, he wanted to perform it. determination and our ability to learn, “He said, ‘I’d like to sing the even at our age, and you know the national anthem,’” Miller remembers. experience of these unspoiled English “I said, ‘You got it, buddy.’” players made for a strong chemistry,” In front of more than 18,000 Duccilli says. “It kind of stuck in very fans, Fryatt took the mic to the quickly, to be honest.” astonishment of his teammates.

The Atoms’ debut was both “I still get emotional thinking inauspicious and positive. They went about it,” Miller says. “Jimmy Fryatt, on the road and fell, 1-0, to the St. Louis who had a rough cover outside, was Stars, runners-up in 1972 and a trendy a wonderful, warm human being pick to take the crown in 1973. Fryatt inside.” assessed the situation after the match.

The Atoms won 3-0 to reach the “If that’s the best team in the league,” final in Dallas, who beat the Cosmos he said. “We’re winning this thing.” in the other semifinal. Philadelphia The Atoms lost just once more gave curtain call after curtain call. all season.

“Nobody wanted it to end,” Rigby says.

“The American guys, we didn’t Lew Meehl played for the great Walt Bahr and know any better. We just looked carried that legacy with him to the Atoms. at what the English guys did and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

9

The Story of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms followed their lead, as if they had any experience with it.”

The Star-Spangled Banner proved to be Fryatt’s swan song in Philadelphia.

Southport, about to start its season, called Fryatt and Provan back to England the week of the final. All that meant, in the end, was two more Philadelphians were able to leave their mark on the campaign. Against Dallas, Duccilli and Billy Straub, who was traded from Montreal early in the season, jumped into the starting lineup. They filled in admirably— Duccilli, just 5-7, in Provan’s role and Straub in Fryatt’s stead. The “No Goal Patrol” lived up to its name, and the Atoms forced an own goal from the Tornado to take the lead. Straub’s header in the 85th minute clinched the championship.

“Just elation,” Rigby says. “It was like I hadn’t surfed, and I caught a wave that I had a ride that I’d never had. So there was no way to really even put it into context, because there wasn’t a context.”

“It Was Pure Philadelphia” The Atoms’ time in the NASL was short-lived. With the league constantly in flux, the franchise folded after the 1976 season. Fans can still relive the best moments. YouTube has both the 1973 highlight film—narrated by John Facenda no less—and the replay of the 1973 final. Shibe Vintage Sports, a Center City shop, sells an Atoms t-shirt.

“They had a beautiful logo. Whoever the graphic designer was, was on point,” John Goodtimes, co-owner of the store, says. “Some people get excited, especially if they’re a bit older.

Younger soccer fans, it’s cool for them to see that Philly has a deeper soccer history.”

Almost everyone on the roster coached in some capacity, and many in the area, adding to that history: O’Neill with ODP and the University of Pennsylvania; Rigby at his alma mater, Ridley High School, as well as various

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camps; Duccilli at Rutgers University, where he won 167 games and set the foundation for one of the nation’s best women’s soccer programs; Meehl at Philadelphia Textile and Drexel.

“I think it came from our predecessors, the Walter Bahr’s of the world,” Duccilli says. “We really respected him and what he did for the game. That’s a pretty cool thing. We can do the same thing.”

Some players reached more famous heights. Evans, the gift from Liverpool, managed the Reds from 1994-1998. Rigby, always praised for his athleticism, finished fourth in the 1976 season of ABC’s Superstars, competing against Lou Ferrigno and Lynn Swann among others.

Nothing, though, compared to 1973.

“Going on tour with Pele. (Playing with) George Best. I played with Cruyff.

God almighty,” Rigby says. “Of all those expereinces, the most indelible recollection I have of anything is those guys and that Phildaelphia experience.

It was pure Philadelphia.”

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PIAA RECAP

Six Eastern Pennsylvania High Schools Claim PIAA State Championships Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer would like to congratulate all the 2018 PIAA Soccer champions as well as the 11 eastern Pennsylvania high schools (in bold below) that made the finals, November 16-17 at HersheyPark Stadium.

Girls Class A Final:

Class 3A Final:

Southern Columbia 3, Freedom Area 2, OT

Villa Joseph Marie 1, Blue Mountain 0

The District 4 champions from north central Pennsylvania squeaked by their District 7 opponents in a thriller.

Sami Palacz scored the winning goal for the Tigers to claim Southern Columbia’s first ever state title in girls athletics.

Clubs Represented on Southern Columbia: North Union United, Black Diamond SC Class 2A Final:

Bedford 1, Lewisburg 0, OT The Green Dragons, which placed second in District 4, secured three consecutive clean sheets in states before falling to Bedford. Senior defender Sarah Ayers, a North Union United player, was a 2018 Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizen Award recipient.

Clubs Represented on Lewisburg: North Union United

With extra time beckoning, Riley Regan poked home the game-winning goal to give the Jems the state championship after three runner-up finishes in a row. It was a heartbreaking loss for Blue Mountain, the District 11 champion, which had outscored its opponents, 6-0, leading into the final.

Clubs Represented on Villa Joseph Marie: Upper Moreland SC, Warminster SC, YMS, Penn Fusion, Hulmeville, Lower Merion SC, Patriot FC Clubs Represented on Blue Mountain: Elite Soccer Academy, FC Revolution, West Schuylkill FC, Hershey SC, Penn Fusion, Reading Rage, Evergreen SC

Villa Joseph Marie mobs Riley Regan, who scored the eventual game-winning goal in the Class 3A final.

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Souderton defeated Suburban One League – Continental rival Pennridge in the Class 4A final.

Class 4A Final:

Souderton 1, Pennridge 0, OT These rivals met for the third time this season in the state final.

Souderton, which had gone 0-1-1 against the Rams in league play, got an overtime goal from Averie Doughty to break a 0-0 deadlock and give the Indians the state championship.

Doughty, a PA Dominion player, scored two goals in the semifinals as well.

Clubs Represented on Souderton: PA Dominion, Harleysville FC, WestMont United, VE, 1776 United Clubs Represented on Pennridge: PA Dominion, Quakertown SC, YMS, Montgomery United, FC Bucks

Boys Class A Final:

Millville 2, Avonworth 0 Goals from Eli Klinger and Griffin Bower clinched the state title for the Quakers, champions of District 4. This is Millville’s first state championship.

Clubs Represented on Millville: North Union United, Central Susquehanna

Class 2A Final:

Class 3A Final:

Class 4A Final:

Wilson 1, Radnor 0

West Allegheny 4, Strath Haven 0 The Panthers, District 1 champions, had a dramatic run to the final, scoring 10 goals in three games. But their luck ran out against West Allegheny. Lower Merion Soccer Club’s Nate Perrins finished the postseason—districts and states—with 15 goals.

Clubs Represented on Strath Haven: 1776 United, Swarthmore SC, Lower Merion SC

Fleetwood 1, Deer Lakes 0, OT A traditional state power, these Tigers made their own history with the extra-time victory. Haydyn Zagorski assisted Aiden Negron on the game-winner.

Clubs Represented on Fleetwood: Fleetwood Youth SC, Reading Rage, FC Revolution

With 17 seconds left, Victor Vottero scored the game-winning goal to give the Bulldogs’ their first state title since 1992. The Raiders were making their first appearance in the title game since 2004. Ben Solsky, a Reading Rage keeper, secured four consecutive shutouts in states for Wilson.

Clubs Represented on Radnor: Radnor SC, Lower Merion SC, Penn Fusion, Ukrainian Nationals, FCUSA Philadelphia, Alliance FC, FC Europa Clubs Represented on Wilson: Reading Rage, FC Revolution, Amity AC, Wilson Junior SC

Nicky Palermo (13) watches Nate Perrins (9) control a ball in the Class 3A Boys Final. Strath Haven fell, 4-0, to West Allegheny.

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Craig Lowry, who served on the FIFA Panel for nine years, walks out with England just in front of David Beckham, David James and Michael Carrick.

Interested in refereeing?

Visit EPSARC.org for more information!

MLS games in 2018 as of this writing, says. “It makes you feel like, yeah, that’s right. This is what it’s about.”

Humility and preparedness—as in be ready for anything, from travel (Lowry’s first cup final came when the assigned official’s flight was canceled) to loose shoelaces—are two lessons Lowry has taken with him on his journey as a referee.

“There’s always going to be mistakes made, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is committed to and you have to be prepared for that,” Lowry providing positive officiating experiences for players and says. “You don’t go into a game wanting to referees alike. Below are profiles of three referees who have make mistakes, but you’re going to, and you have to be able to balance that.” set great examples for the soccer community.

Lowry’s initial experience with the whistle helped forge that mindset. Paul Alexander, the

By Dillon Friday manager of Lowry’s amateur Ephrata Soccer Club team and a referee assignor, asked Lowry if he’d like to make some money on the weekend. Lowry said yes, only to endure a difficult first day on the job.

“The game was a disaster. I wanted no parts of refereeing ever again,” Lowry recalls. “But (Alexander) was MLS & FIFA Veteran Official very wise and told me another life Gives Back To Local Soccer lesson: when you do make mistakes, Community you don’t run from them or hide from them. You face them.” raig Lowry once took a photo Alexander talked Lowry into with former Secretary of continuing with refereeing.

State Henry Kissinger—it Coincidentally, the next game he took happened moments before on featured the same two teams as Lowry was set to be the assistant refbefore. eree for a friendly between AS Roma “After that, I realized, ‘Okay, maybe and Real Madrid. He served on the I can do this,’” Lowry says. “I started FIFA Panel for nine years and traveled doing youth games and liked it. all over the world to man the sidelines (I) continued to do games until I at the highest level of soccer. He’s advanced up the referee ladder.” been a part of six MLS Cups and two By continuing to take on youth U.S. Open Cup Finals and was named assignments, in addition to his work the 2010 MLS Assistant Referee of the at the professional level, Lowry Year. believes he can mentor young Even with those accolades, though, referees as well as players, coaches Lowry values his time spent on youth Lowry emerged as one of the most and families involved. fields near his Lancaster County respected AR’s in the game, both at the “I can help prepare players on the home as much as anything. international level (pictured here) and in MLS. dos and don’ts on the field as they “You get a nine-year-old kid progress,” Lowry says. “I’ve always running around with his shoe untied, believed in that pipeline of progression, just to help and you ask him, ‘Can you tie your shoe?’ And he sticks facilitate the atmosphere of a competitive but fair game his foot out for you to tie it, you have to get down on the for young players and their parents.” ground and tie his shoe,” Lowry, who has officiated 10

Hey Ref!

Craig Lowry:

C

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Patrick Casey:

Soccer Young Male Referee was on the sidelines of the USL. There were fireworks—it happened to be the Fourth of July—and a familiar face to prepare him for the moment. Michael Piercey, atrick Casey reckons he currently the Eastern Pennsylvania knows a referee in every State Director of Instruction, made the state. That’s what happens big occasion feel smaller for Casey. when you become a fixture But Casey doesn’t just rely on more at regional and national events, as veteran officials for mentorship.

Casey, 24, has in his career. You He’s also formed a bond with meet fellow officials from all over the contemporaries such as Joshua country that bring with them unique Encarnacion (2015 Young Male experiences.

Referee of the Year) and Kevin Lock And so, Casey’s network has grown (2014 Young Male Referee of the year). from a few mentors locally to friends “Let’s say we do three games in near and far. It’s about building Patrick Casey talks to a player during an amateur adult match. Casey Lancaster,” Casey says of working support. believes strongly in building a rapport alongside Encarnacion and Lock.

“Try to find someone to work with,” with coaches, players and fellow “We’ll drive up together and talk about Casey, who’s working towards Grade referees. what to look for. And the return trip, 5 status, advises young referees. we’ll review how we did. Refereeing is one big family. We’re “When I was 16 I had a couple of different mentors that I willing to be honest with each other.” still work with today. They taught me some things that you In the process, they build confidence that they take to don’t learn at a course or in the laws of the game.” the field. Casey emphasizes the importance of connecting Casey has risen quickly in the profession. Like so many with coaches as well. others, he joined the referee contingent because he could “We’ll have a conversation before the game, just catching fit assignments around his own game schedule. In his first up,” Casey says. “It’s informal but you create a rapport. year, Casey was invited to the US Youth Soccer Region I Let’s say you make a mistake, and they know you. They’ll Championships in Lancaster as an alternate. He ended up probably say something, but it’s a working relationship. If serving as an assistant referee for three games and earned you get on a first-name basis, it’s a lot easier to address a spot at regionals the next season as well. each other.”

Not long after, the 2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth

Mentorship, Referee Network Key To Growth

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Lydia Ewing: Standout Player, Standout Official

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Lydia Ewing has produced great performances in goal for Messiah College in addition to her work as a referee. Photo courtesy of Messiah College Athletics.

arlier this fall, Messiah College Women’s Soccer hosted its “Come Meet the Falcons Night,” where youth in the area had the opportunity to interact with the players on the team. One young girl recognized Lydia Ewing, a sophomore goalkeeper, but it wasn’t because of Ewing’s prowess in net. “I remember when you reffed my game,” this young girl told Ewing.

“And I thought that was huge for me,” Ewing says. “Because that’s what I looked up to when I was younger. I think that provides a whole new perspective, and it gives light to female sports.”

Ewing, the 2017 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Young Female Referee of the Year, proves that one can play and officiate soccer at a high level. All the while, she provides a sterling example to aspiring young referees, in particular female ones.

The Palmyra native stepped into the keeper role as a freshman at Messiah when the starter got injured. Ewing kept

16 clean sheets as the Falcons posted a 17-2-4 record. In the offseason, after she was named MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year, Ewing returned to officiating. Her highlight was the Eastern Pennsylvania U17 Girls State Cup Final.

“It went in double overtime...and I had a blast reffing that game,” Ewing says. “The girls were great on the field. They were respectful.”

Ewing also earned a call to the ODP East Region Championships. She was even approached about refereeing college games.

For now, she’s content to finish out her Messiah career, although she plans to pursue college officiating once she graduates. Besides, Ewing’s presence alone bridges the gap between players and referees.

“My teammates definitely found out that I referee, and they kind of tease me a little bit for it,” Ewing says. “But they have respect for me, and they’ll ask me questions if there was a big call in the game: Was it right? Was it wrong? So it’s a lot of fun to be able to teach them what’s actually going on.”

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Where We’ve Been

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ran two street soccer events in the late summer and early fall, one at the Kipona Festival in Harrisburg on Labor Day, one at the SteelStacks (pictured above) in Bethlehem as part of the 8th Annual Oktoberfest presented by the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer handed out the Fair Play Award at halftime of the 2018 Philadelphia International Unity Cup Final.

This year, Ghana was chosen as the winner as voted on by referees, opponents and tournament staff.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

“If not me, then who?” Chris Griffin of Central Bucks South (middle left) and Carly Stoner of Biglerville High School (middle right) were honored with the 2018 First Lieutenant Travis Manion & Corporal Michael Crescenz Award at Army-Navy Cup VII. The Manion/Crescenz Award is handed out annually to two high school soccer players, one boy and one girl, who exemplify selflessness and courage on and off the soccer field. Chris and Carly are pictured with Joseph Crescenz (left), brother of Michael, and Rob Bender (right), Director of Advancement at Travis Manion Foundation.

Colonial Soccer Club and Upper Dublin Soccer Club hosted their annual play day for their TOPSoccer players on Sunday, October 7. Dozens of players and buddies from both clubs attended the festivities at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. “I do not have a child with special needs of my own. When people ask me why I do this, I say because I can, and it’s easy to do,” Joe Hunter, TOPSoccer Administrator with Colonial SC, said. “We have helpers come out from the high school. It’s a very rewarding program for me. Parents are involved. Kids had a great time on the field today. What more can you ask for?”

Quarterly

calendar December 2018

8-9: ODP New Jersey Friendlies 20: Outdoor Cup Registration Opens (National Championship Series,

Presidents, Challenge) 21: Indoor Cup Registration Deadline 22-31: Office Closed, Winter Holidays 27:

Futsal Tournament Series | United Sports Training Center

January 2018 1:

Office Closed, New Year’s Day

6:

Futsal Tournament Series | Lou Ramos Center

12-13: U14 and U15 Boys and Girls Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome 19: U10 and U11 Boys Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports 19: U12 Boys Indoor Cup | In the Net 20: U10 and U11 Girls Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sport 20: U12 Girls Indoor Cup | In the Net 21:

Futsal Tournament Series | United Sports Training Center

26: U16 Boys and Girls Indoor Cup | In the Net

February 2018 2:

U17 and U19 Boys and Girls Indoor Cup | In the Net

2:

Futsal Tournament Series | Spooky Nook

2-3:

U13 Boys and Girls Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome

9-10: Inaugural Keystone-Diamond Showcase | Milford, Del. 10:

Futsal Tournament Series Championship | Lou Ramos Center

17: U9 Boys Indoor Cup | United Sports Training Center 22-23: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Annual Awards Banquet & AGM | Valley Forge, Pa. 21-24: ODP Virginia Friendlies | Williamsburg, Va. 24: U9 Girls Indoor Cup | United Sports Training Center 28: Outdoor Cup Registration Deadline (National Championship Series, Presidents, Challenge) 28-3: ODP Pacific Coast Invitational | Corona, Calif.

March 2018 13: Outdoor Cup Schedule Release (U9-U17) 13: Outdoor Cup Roster Freeze (U9-U17) Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

17

HONOR ROLL

A quick rundown of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players & alums who are doing big things in the game.

Zack

Age:

23

Steffen

Hometown:

Downingtown Team:

Columbus Crew SC

Youth Clubs:

West Chester United, FC Delco, Eastern Pennsylvania ODP

Photo by Daniel Herlensky/Crew SC Communications

Age:

Age:

Hometown:

Hometown:

20

19

Penn State Brandywine

Connecticut College

Youth Clubs:

AJ

Marcucci

AJ Marcucci, a sophomore, backstopped a Camels team that set a program record for wins (13) and claimed its first ever NCAA victory. In the process, AJ allowed just five goals all season. He was named NESCAC Player of the Year.

Age:

18

Hometown:

Harrisburg HIGH SCHOOL:

Achievement House Cyber Charter School Youth Club:

JT Dorsey Foundation Rebels FC

Banks

Team:

Team:

West Chester United/Penn Fusion

Brianna

Philadelphia

West Chester

Youth Clubs:

In 2018, Zack Steffen enjoyed his most successful professional season to date. He not only locked down the starting goalkeeper position for the U.S. Men’s National Team, he also posted 10 clean sheets, including a franchise record five consecutive in May, for Columbus Crew SC. For his efforts, Zack was named the 2018 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

Kensington SC, Starfinder Brianna Banks stepped onto Penn State Brandywine’s Media campus three years ago and hasn’t stopped scoring since. In 2018, she found the back of the net 29 times as the Lions finished second in the nation in the USCAA. Banks, a junior, was named a first team USCAA All-American for the third time and collected her third Penn State University Athletic Conference Player of the Year award. She’s also serving as an Eastern Pennsylvania ODP assistant coach with the Philadelphia U12 girls team in the 2018-19 season.

Serenity

Vidot

When Serenity isn’t on the soccer field or the basketball court, she can often be found volunteering. Serenity helps out with Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania—which provides education, leadership and social skills to Hispanic families—as well as Tri County Community Action, which fights poverty in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. Asked what her favorite thing about volunteering is, Serenity said, “Knowing I helped someone in need and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Girls from Plains Power Soccer pose with their medals and the Target United Cup trophy

Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League Hosts Target United Cup

O

n September 22-23, the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League hosted the Target United Cup at the Forty Fort Soccer Fields, just north of Wilkes-Barre. The Target US Youth Soccer United Cup provides youth soccer players with an opportunity to experience a consistent, high quality tournament, in a fun family-like atmosphere. This program fosters stimulation and excitement about soccer in an effort to increase the youth players’ interest in and love for the game.

This was the first Target United Cup to take place in eastern Pennsylvania.

The two days featured 1100 recreational players, ages seven to 10, with both boys and girls divisions. Target also brought its party center with video games, soccer pool, karaoke, skills challenges and more. It made for a festive atmosphere that gave the families of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League an excellent season-ending event.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“It was very important for us to bring the Target United Cup here to give the kids a great tournament experience for the recreational teams,” President of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League Brian Franks said.

“Generally, they don’t get that opportunity to have a tournament-style atmosphere and all the stuff that goes on with it. They get all the medals and get a chance to further their season, get a couple of extra games, and further their development. I think it was very important, and I think we did a good job. I’m appreciative to Target, appreciative to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, and I’m appreciative of Wyoming Valley and all the volunteers that came through”

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer brought soccer darts to Forty Fort, which were a huge hit among the players and fans who attened the Target United Cup.

Timed dribbling through cones was just one of several stations Target set up to add to the Target United Cup festivities

For more information on the Target United Cup visit USYouthSoccer.org/ target-united-cup/

epysa.org

Some players took time to show off their “flossing” skills between games

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“I’m so thankful for all of the success our FC Delco teams had in the cups—some of my best soccer memories, period.”

– Jeff Larentowicz (FC Delco), Atlanta United FC

2019 Outdoor Cup Registration Opens December 20th Visit EPYSA.org/CUPS

E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to announce the hiring of Cody Pearson as Director of Competitions. In this role, Pearson will be responsible for managing and developing the state association’s multiple competitions, serving all levels of participation. Pearson is charged with operating the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup; indoor cup, the Target United Cup, futsal and developing additional recreational programming. Pearson will also serve as the liaison to US Youth Soccer for regional and national events.

Pearson will work closely with Eastern Pennsylvania member leagues and clubs and the various soccer facilities to maximize participation and exposure of competitions. Pearson will oversee the tournament sanctioning process as well. He will assist our many successful tournaments to grow and thrive. In addition, he will work closely with our referee community and assignors to showcase our officials throughout the cups and our club based tournaments.

Prior to joining Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Pearson served as the Tournament Director for Elite Tournaments, based in Columbia, Maryland. At Elite Tournaments, Pearson was responsible for the administration of more than 25 annual tournaments across the country, from Maryland and surrounding states to Wisconsin, Texas, California and more. These tournaments ranged in participation from 50 teams to 650. Pearson was charged with creating applications, brackets and schedules, as well as recruitment and assistance with local hotel and tourism agencies. He was also the lead staff on the Elite Tournaments Player Development Program, in which he managed 90 youth players on programs associated with Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC of the English Premier League.

A graduate of York College, where he played soccer and earned a degree in Sport management, Pearson later acquired a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Physical Education from McDaniel College (Westminster, MD). He served as a graduate assistant for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams while at McDaniel.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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caption contests!

Prior to the publication of each Touchline, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will host caption contests on social media with funny pictures.

Kids, post your best comments and we’ll select a winner for each picture to receive an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer goodie bag.

Congratulations to this issue’s winners!

Winner

Ohhh, maybe if I look like it was an accident I won’t get carded.

Aiden Gallagher, U11 Boys, Electric City Shock Jr. FC Volt

Winner

Right foot on green!

Jalyn Bratcher U12 Boys, Penn FC Youth White

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @EPAYouthSoccer, where we’ll announce the winners.

Best of Luck!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

23

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P h iladelp h ia U n i o n

Youth-led, Record-setting Season Hints at Bright Future for Union

By Adam Cann, PhiladelphiaUnion.com

A

uston Trusty entered developing local talent. Additionally, 2018 without a single the club embraces innovative ideas minute of Major League like a high defensive line, playing Soccer experience under through the lines as defenders, and his belt. Now Trusty, who played using video analysis to improve. with Nether United and the Eastern That Trusty and McKenzie Pennsylvania Olympic Development could step up to MLS and look at Program growing up, is the youngest home more often than they look MLS player to be on the pitch for overwhelmed is a product of the every minute of his Union’s unwavering team’s season and, belief in a longalong with fellow term vision homegrown player that prioritizes Mark McKenzie, development. he’s part of the When the two spine of a Philadelcenter backs made phia Union club on mistakes, head the rise. coach Jim Curtin Many would reiterated the hesitate to play club’s commitment such youth at the to that strategy heart of defense: no matter the Trusty, now 20, and bumps in the road.

McKenzie, still 19, Going into 2018, are the only two the Union were a central defenders club with a clear Still just 20, Media native Auston in the league identity internally, Trusty went to toe-to-toe with the best this season that but they wanted to forwards MLS has to offer, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic. started more than show that identity one match while to the rest of the under the age of 21. They are also world through the team’s play. With two of only three center backs under an experienced, technical midfield the age of 22 to play more than 400 featuring MLS’s leading assist minutes and, by the way, led their provider in front of their young, team to the playoffs. dynamic defenders, Philly’s identity The Union’s center backs are came through clearly. products of the club’s focus on Along the way, the Union set

Photos by Greg Carroccio

single-season club records for points, wins, shutouts, and road wins. For the first time ever, a Union player led the league in assists, and Philly shattered their previous record for homegrown minutes played. Leading goal-scorer Cory Burke came through USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel, and, importantly, the Union were a lot of fun to watch.

Still, larger and more ambitious goals remain. Captain Alejandro Bedoya wants desperately to lead his team to a postseason victory, and although the Union went on an incredible run to a third U.S. Open Cup final, they fell short in Houston.

Philly will retool in the offseason and look to come back even stronger in 2019. The defense will be more experienced. Homegrown attacker and local talent Brenden Aaronson will join the squad. And new Sporting Director Ernst Tanner will draw on his decades of experience in Europe to build a roster that is once again capable of going head-to-head with the best in MLS. The Union found their identity in 2018 and had the best year in the club’s history, but 50 points is no endpoint. With more locallydeveloped talent in the pipeline, the Union are going to come back in 2019 as a stronger, more focused, and even hungrier group than they were last season. Get ready, MLS.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

25

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ODP Ian Lutz (left), a former Eastern Pennsylvania ODP player, and Peter Dicce (right), an ODP coach, have found a soccer home in Abu Dhabi.

After a few exchanges with Dicce, Lutz was set to leave the Shanghai campus and spend two semesters abroad in the United Arab Emirates. While he may have grown accustomed to the travel, he had to re-adjust to the game.

“It was strange—kind of nostalgic,” Lutz said. “It reminded me of high school nights when you walk out.

Obviously it is not as cold, but the games at night are a similar atmosphere.

“I’m not going to lie, it has been a little frustrating re-acclimating because you have certain expectations,” he added. “But it’s getting better and I am starting

By Kate Harman to acclimate back to realistic expectations. It’s been really fun.

The guys are great and it’s been a really enjoyable experience so far.”

In the UAE, Lutz’s schedule is different than it was in China. The team, which features an Lutz sat in the New York University Shanghai players from almost 30 different countries, trains at 7 AM, campus library, studying for class and working on his five days a week, and competes in the Abu Dhabi Interassignments.

It was something the Doylestown native usually did for University Sports League. As for those five- or seven-hour around five to seven hours a day. long library trips? They are less frequent.

“What is nice is what brought us together and what has It was “what was necessary,” the 2016 Central Bucks connected many of us is just this beautiful game,” Dicce East graduate and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer said. “It has an amazing power to connect people across College Scholarship recipient said, to keep up with his borders, religions, genders.”

Economics major and Mandarin minor.

Lutz plays center back for Dicce, similar to the role he On one particular day, though, Lutz was thinking of had with Coach Mike Gorni at CB East. something else.

“In a real way, there are things you can learn “I didn’t want this to just be an academic and I have learned from my experience with experience,” Lutz, a 21-year old junior, said. “(Soccer) has an (Coach) Gorni. Things like dedication, drive, “I thought that it was really imperative to amazing power to you need to be dedicated to something, show have something unique and real that was different.” up every day. You have to have that long term connect people mindset,” Lutz, who played ODP as well as Now, he admits in that moment he was across borders, with Buckingham United and Lehigh Valley also a little bit worried.

He had been in Shanghai for over a year United in his youth, said. “You can’t switch religions, genders”. and hadn’t really worked out or taken great off on a morning you don’t feel like it, or an -Peter Dicce afternoon where you have a lot of work to do. care of himself. He wasn’t unhealthy, he said; he just wasn’t doing as much as he You need people to push you to do that.”

What brought him to the point of could have.

But, Lutz also knew what to do next. pursuing his degree overseas? His guidance Less than a year—and an eight hour plane ride—later he counselor, Tanya Barone-Durant, who recommended the found himself on the NYU Abu Dhabi campus and back idea during his junior year.

“Part of why I did this was because I wanted to see on the soccer field for the first time since November of what my limits were,” Lutz, who hopes to be proficient in 2015, when his Patriots capped a 26-0 season with a state championship.

Mandarin and someday work for the United Nations or the World Health Organization, said. “You live in this massive Lutz needed no convincing to join the squad, said coach world and you hear news about all of these different Peter Dicce, a Temple soccer grad whose resume includes coaching stints for Kennett, Sun Valley, Southern Chester places, you start meeting people from different places and County Soccer Association and Eastern Pennsylvania and you realize that the world is a lot bigger than Doylestown.

“I needed to experience some of that.”

Region I ODP.

Soccer Unites ODP Alums in Abu Dhabi

I

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When your family is protected, we all win.

At Nationwide®, our number one goal is being there for our members. That’s why we have your back when it comes to protecting what’s most important, like: The car you drive your athletes in to every practice The RV you use for that weekend tournament Join us as we team up with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to promote youth safety, especially the importance of concussion awareness and teen driving.

To learn more about a special discount for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members and to get information about youth safety, visit nationwide.com/EasternPASoccer or call 1-888-231-3614.

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T he M edical A dvisor y C ommittee

From Our Medical Advisory Committee: Six Tips For Exercising In The Cold

By Dr. Sommer Hammoud Dr. Sommer Hammoud is an ABOS Board Certified assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and specializes in sports related injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow. She completed her residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Hammoud is a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee. She has a special interest in sports-related injuries of the female athlete.

Layering up in cold temperatures is a good idea for all youth soccer players.

Photo courtesy of Rachael Fisher

D

id you know that you start to lose your cardiovascular fitness in only 7 to 14 days? All that hard earned aerobic fitness that allows you to run tirelessly up and down the soccer field (which usually takes up to 3 months to achieve) can be lost quickly without continuing your workouts in the winter months. Use these tips for exercising during the winter months to stay warm and fit! It is important that you check with your doctor before exercising in cold weather if you have any major medical conditions including asthma and Raynaud’s disease. If you’re unsure, it is always best to ask your doctor.

1. Check the Forecast!

The risk of frostbite increases as the wind chill falls. If the wind chill level falls below minus 18 F, frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes. Consider moving your workout indoors if the wind chill level is low or if it is raining or snowing (unless you have waterproof gear).

2. Dress in Layers

Exercise generates heat. Our bodies regulate this heat by sweating, which pulls heat from our body and causes us to feel chilled. It is important to remove layers as you sweat and add them back on as needed. As a rule of thumb, avoid cotton clothing, which will keep moisture next to your skin. Synthetic fabrics, fleece and wool are optimal.

3. Protect Yourself from Frostbite

Make sure you cover your hands, feet and ears with appropriate cold weather gear.

In cold weather, blood flow shifts away from your extremities and skin and moves to our internal organs, or body’s core. If you start experiencing pins and needles, numbness or a stinging sensation move indoors immediately and warm the affected area.

4. Know the Signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Signs and symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, drowsiness, and confusion among others. If you suspect hypothermia, get to a hospital or call 911 ASAP.

5. Warm Up Indoors

To avoid injury, warm up indoors for approximately 10 minutes to raise your heart rate and core temperature and loosen up those muscles before heading out into the cold.

6. Stay Hydrated

It is important to remember that just because you are not sweating like you do in the summer months staying hydrated is no less important. Your hydration routine should be similar to your routine in the summer.

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Former USWNT Keeper Nicole Barnhart Relishes Opportunity to take U.S. Soccer National C License

By Rich Flanagan

G

oalkeepers can be seen as extensions of the head coach. They’re the ones pushing the team forward, calling out formations and making sure everyone is on the same page out on the field. For Nicole Barnhart, the position of goalkeeper has helped her develop a great understanding of the game and has also opened the door for future coaching opportunities.

The Utah Royals FC goalkeeper was one of 21 National Women’s Soccer League players who

participated in a special U.S. Soccer National C License Course, a 10-week program which began the process of transitioning current players into coaching roles.

“We were all very excited when it was proposed to us as an opportunity to have a course that’s specific to players in our league and that’s built around our schedule,” Barnhart, who earned 54 caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team, said. “There are some players that even coach while they’re playing, and, as a

Nicole Barnhart (back row, third from right) is still going strong in the Utah Royals FC goal, but she found time to take the National C License with 20 NWSL colleagues this fall.

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player, it’s very challenging to be able to do any type of coaching education while you’re playing due to your schedule with training and the season combined with when those courses seem to fall.”

The course began on Sept.

30 with classroom learning and field sessions and will conclude on Dec. 9 with a final in-person assessment at the Zions Bank Real Academy Training Center in Herriman, Utah. Barnhart is one of four Royals participating in the course.

“Just to have my teammates there and to have other players in the league was a really fun experience to share with them,” said Barnhart. “I think it’s very beneficial to get some of that coaching education under our belts now so that when we do step away from the game, it’s an opportunity to step back into the game at a high level and not start from square one with the coaching side of things.”

Barnhart, 37, has worked her way up through the ranks to be in this position. She grew up in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania and attended Boyertown High School.

It was during her time with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) that she began to catch the eye of Division 1 programs

N icole B arnhart spotlight Now, Barnhart, one of the most including her alma mater, Stanford.

Playing for ODP helped shape her into accomplished goalkeepers in NWSL history and still going strong with three the player she would eventually become.

“I love the clean sheets in 2018, is planning her “I actually started out playing on boys post-playing career. The C License club teams and played on those all the opportunity course was the next step in Barnhart’s way up through high school,” Barnhart to just educate, said. “In the end, it was how I ended up maturation as coach. She already oversees Nicole Barnhart Goalkeeping, being seen by Stanford and getting to coach and teach where she gives specialized individual go play there. There were a lot of good the game to youth players in the eastern Pennsylvania and group training sessions.

“I’m trying to build that up so that’s area, and I was excited to be a part and help them already in place for when I step away of that.” grow and develop from the game as well,” Barnhart said.

Following her career at Stanford, “Ideally, I would love to have a facility where her 35 clean sheets are tied for their game.” the most in school history, the 5-foot-10 that I can run my business out of and -Nicole Barnhart have a goalkeeper academy coming goalkeeper joined the U.S Women’s through there. I love the opportunity to National Team and made her first just educate, coach and teach the game appearance in net on March 9, 2005. She to youth and help them grow and went on to play a decade with the U.S., develop their game.” sharing the net with Hope Solo. Barnhart Barnhart said that it’s “great to see how the women’s helped the team claim Olympic gold medals in 2008 and game has changed, developed and grown” during her 2012 and played on two World Cup teams, including the career. She’s excited to see where the experience of this 2011 squad that reached the final. Barnhart sits third in course will lead her. Making the jump from goalkeeper shutouts (24) and wins (32) in U.S. Women’s National should help in this endeavor.

Team history.

April 7 – June 9, 2019 7-game league Sunday afternoons u9 - u18, Boys and Girls Rock League matches can be used as State Cup Qualifiers.

For more information and registration visit:

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M ike B arr ’ s C olumn

Helping Players Evaluate Their Performances

Through Guided Discovery Questions

U

.S. Soccer has strongly encouraged coaches to evaluate and reflect on their coaching after games and training sessions. This practice has provided a clear direction of roles and responsibilities for all coaches.

We should consider adopting the same model for players, utilizing guided discovery questions to help them see beyond simple constructs of “I played well today” or “I played poorly.” The players, together with the coaches, can come up with a strategy to improve based on their own answers.

Provide your players with a notebook of guided discovery questions or a template of questions they can retain and share with you in the beginning of the season. With younger players, questions should be basic and easy to understand. As players get older, the questions should become more complex and related to principles of play (attacking, defending and transition) and positional roles on the field when defending or attacking.

Below are examples of basic guided discovery questions for U12 or U13 players to reflect and answer based on their play in matches: What did I notice about my play in today’s match that made me special?

Mike Barr

Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“

The players, together with the coaches, can come up with a strategy to improve based on their own answers.

What were the good decisions I made with the ball? What do I look to do when I have the ball at my feet?

When my team lost possession, what did I do to help my team?

What do I think about when my team is in possession and I do not have the ball?

Why did my team control or not control the play?

What could I do to help my team to score more goals?

What were my strengths and weaknesses technically during the game?

Did my communication during the match help my team?

Overall, how did my individual play contribute to make my team better?

Did I remain focused during the match?

What distractions did I experience?

Below are basic guided discovery questions for young players to answer after training sessions: How did each game or exercise in our training session make me a better player?

How were the aspects of the practice portion related to the game?

Did I individually get many touches on the ball during practice? Why or why not?

What were the problems I experienced during the training session and what can I do to solve those problems?

Why did this training session make me a better player?

Did I provide the same effort I do in the game This is just an introduction to having players understand the game and themselves. These guided discovery questions and responses also provide coaches with tools to see if there is growth and understanding within their teams. Make this practice a part of player development.

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“

Nike Boot Review

Nike Phantom Vision Pro PRO FEATURES: •• Inner bootie •• Dynamic fit collar •• Textured synthetic upper

Presented By Angelos Soccer Corner

•• Lightweight sock-liner

List price:

$149.99

•• Ghost Lace system

Nike Phantom Vision Elite ELITE FEATURES: •• Quadfit mesh inner bootie •• Dynamic fit collar •• Superlight soleplate with multi-directional studs •• Textured Flyknit upper •• Ghost Lace system

This boot has caused quite a stir among Nike fans, not just because it replaced the Magista series but also because it features key elements we haven’t seen from Nike. The Quadfit mesh bootie plays a huge role in the experience with the boot. When you slip them on for the first time, these boots absolutely hug your foot. The dynamic fit collar plays an important role in the Quadfit mesh system, although not in the same fashion as previous Nike collars. Here, the material feels more like an extra sock that runs around the ankle. The Ghost Lace system gives the boots a lace-less look with the benefit of being able to dictate how tight you want the fit to be. The textured Flyknit upper is intended to enhance feel on the ball. In terms of touch and control, these are dream boots.

List price:

$274.99

Nike Lunar LegendX 7 Pro IC - Indoors PRO FEATURES: •• Knit heel and calf-leather upper •• Lunarlon cushioning system •• Zonal herringbone outsole •• Fixed tongue for no slippage

The classic legend calf leather upper provides a flexible fit and dominating touch on the street, court and indoor surfaces. The Flyknit tongue is a new feature on this indoor boot, offering second-skin fit to deliver stretch and support as well as a stronghold on the foot. Even in this calf leather version, you still get the supple feel against the ball typically only seen with standard kangaroo leather boots. There are Nike Ultralight cables wrapping the midfoot that integrate with the laces and are instantly noticed as they lock down when you cut and sprint. And for a finishing touch, the Lunarlon foam in the sole gives you plush, resilient cushioning typically only found in trainers. Love your firm ground legends? Then these are indoors for you.

Find your local store or shop more of the collection at: 34

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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List price:

$94.99

P lay er profiles

Claire & Andrew

Carroccio

Radnor S occer Club

Claire Carroccio Favorite sport besides soccer?

Basketball

Favorite soccer team?

Real Madrid

Who’s the best player you’ve ever seen?

Zlatan Ibrahimović

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have ever gotten is play your best because you never know who is watching.

What was your biggest setback in soccer and how did you learn from it?

My biggest setback was when I tore a few ligaments in my heel and my knee. It was really hard to kick the ball, and even to walk.

Who would be your starting five-a-side team?

Me, Ronaldo, Alex Morgan, Messi, and my teammate Isabella (who is also my basketball teammate)

Claire, 12, and Andrew, 10, both live by the mantra that you should always try your hardest since you never know who might be watching. This brother-sister duo from Newtown Square are two members of a four-sibling family, so they certainly know the meaning of teamwork. While Claire may be focusing on scoring goals as a forward for the 2006 Radnor Samba, her younger brother Andrew does his part as a goalkeeper for the 2008 Radnor Santos team. At the very least, you can imagine these two have plenty of backyard battles ahead of them for years to come!

What’s your ideal day?

Sleep in until 10:30am, go to the beach, swim, and enjoy a relaxing day.

Then go to Grotto Pizza for dinner.

Favorite soccer team?

Manchester City

Who’s the best player you’ve ever seen?

David Beckham

If you had a snow day or a day off from school, what would you do?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

What’s your best advice for balancing sports and academics?

Who’s your hero or role model?

Play in the snow, build a snowman, go sledding, and build a snow fort.

My best advice is to not freak out when you have a lot to do, because you WILL get it all done.

Favorite cleat?

Nike Tiempo

Favorite meal?

My favorite meal is pizza and hot wings.

What’s your pre-game ritual?

My favorite pre-game ritual is playing keep away or practicing give-and-gos.

Always try your hardest, you never know who is watching.

My Dad

What was your biggest setback in soccer and how did you learn from it?

In our first season of travel soccer we went 3-10, our next year we worked hard and only lost one game.

Who would be your starting five-a-side team?

Ronaldo, De Bruyne, Pulisic, Bedoya, and me as GK!

Andrew Carroccio What’s your ideal day?

To have a day off from school and go to a Champions League game.

If you had a snow day or a day off from school, what would you do?

Go sledding, come home, have hot chocolate and watch a soccer game.

What are you most proud of in your soccer career or your life in general?

My first career shutout

What qualities do you appreciate in a good teammate?

Nice, good player, and positive attitude.

Favorite meal?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

What’s your pre-game ritual?

Save some shots, then listen to some Imagine Dragons with my teammate Ian before kickoff!

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Try this at home 1

2

3

4

5

6

“Around “Aroundthe theWorld” World”Juggling JugglingTips Tips “First, you have to be able to hold or balance the ball on your foot. If you can start holding it, then go from there and go around.

Once you can juggle consistently, what I do is go really low and then (flick) one big one and bring my foot around. You’ll figure out which one is more comfortable, going inside or going outside.

I usually go inside.”

Have you learned or mastered “Around the World”?

Send us a video of your trick to @EPAYouthSoccer on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for your chance to win a prize pack from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

Alex Solomon

Whitpain Recreation Association, U16 Boys

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S P SE PES EDP EE DE D M EMR ECM RUE CRR UI C A RL U I ARLI A L NIK NE I KNF EI O K FE OOTF O BO TAO BL A TL B LA LLL

P R PE RCP EI S R C IE IO SCN I IOS N ION P HPAHNP ATH N OA TMN OT MO M NIK NE I KNF EI O K FE OOTF O BO TAO BL A TL B LA LLL