Schedule coming tomorrow

Lou, the league scheduler, tells me that the schedule will be released tomorrow.  I will pass it on immediately.

Meanwhile, the scrimmage tomorrow at the Marina is ON!

DC United is struggling to find a home

The Vice President of the league asked us to pass this on to our players.  DC United is engaged in a long-running battle to build a stadium.  The latest plan: build it in PG county.  I actually posed a question to team president, Kevin Payne, in a recent online chat session.  I asked him why, specifically, RFK Stadium was so unprofitable.  He answered that there were no luxury suits, places to entertain guests and hold functions, terrible concessions (with, presumably, very low margins), marketing problems, etc.   I think he meant to say there is no hope of generating revenue at an aging facility owned and operated by the District.

From: mdcvsasoccer@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mdcvsasoccer@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of James D. Sadowski
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 10:14 AM
To: mdcvsasoccer@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mdcvsasoccer] FW: D.C. United needs your support. Act now!

All:

 

I am on travel on just caught up with some emails.

 

For those living in the DC area and others living elsewhere that are DC United or MLS fans, getting a soccer specific stadium for the team is of the utmost importance -- both for the team and for the future growth of the sport -- so please forward this message to your players and to all of your soccer friends. 

 

Remember that we are all in this together.

 

Thanks.

 

Jim Sadowski

MDCVSA President

 

 

---

From: kevin.payne@dcunited.com [mailto:kevin.payne@dcunited.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:01 PM
To: James D. Sadowski
Subject: D.C. United needs your support. Act now!

,

We need your help! Several groups who oppose our stadium are bombarding Maryland state and county legislators with e-mails and letters asking them to block our proposed new stadium.

Perhaps the up-beat news conference several weeks ago caused our supporters to think this was a done deal -- but nothing could be further from the truth.

It's time for you to weigh in strongly and let them know of your support for our stadium plans!

It doesn't matter where you live -- if you support us and want to see us in the type of stadium our club and our fans deserve, you need to take action now! If you live in Maryland, let them know, but, regardless, your support will make all the difference.

The most important to contact at this time are the members of the House of Delegates Committee on Budget and Appropriations, which will hold a hearing on our bill next Tuesday, and the Senate Tax and Finance Committee, which will also hold a hearing next week on the bill.

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this. We have to let the lawmakers know that we want the stadium, and we'll fill it up once it's built. A failure in this effort could have far-reaching effects -- the bottom line is we cannot remain long-term in RFK, and this is the only stadium option, which is available to us now.

Don't take anything for granted. Call or e-mail today, if you care about your team!

Kevin Payne
President, D.C. United

E-mail Maryland lawmakers now!

D.C. United
RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
dcucustomerservice@dcunited.com

This message is for: jds@gdllaw.com

Unsubscribe from D.C. United messages.

Scrimmage scheduled for Sunday 4:00 p.m.

We will shake off the rust on Sunday by scrimmaging. This is a high priority for all of us so we get our soccer legs back before the season starts.

Sunday March 22, 4:00 p.m., Marina field in Alexandria.

I know, the field sucks. Friends are welcome. It would be nice to have a 9 on 9. Players from other CCSL teams who might want to join should email me at golerosteam(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

No schedule yet

Sorry, there's no schedule yet. I hope to have it in hand this weekend to spread around. I will let you know as soon as possible.

Going to the EPL

George and Carlos are headed to the English Premier League.  No, they haven't been signed to contracts in the top flight.  They're going to watch Fulham take on the mighty Manchester United at Craven Cottage, an historic venue.  Fulham is sitting in a respectable 9th place in the table, thanks in part to a good season by USA International Clint Dempsey.

The occasion is George's bachelor party.  No, I'm not joking.  George is getting married, anything is possible.  We wish him well, but don't forget to have some fun over there first.  Take pictures (of the game) and enjoy the memories.  Incredibly, this isn't even their first opportunity to see a game.  They saw Arsenal versus Roma in a UEFA Champions League match earlier this year.  Carlos is a hooligan for Arsenal.

Look how close they are to the field

They're not the only ones on travel this week.  Cat is headed to the Grand Canyon.  Sweet.  I've seen some amazing things there and I highly recommend a serious visit to everyone.

Wow, and I'll be at home.

Captain's Meeting Report

On Monday night, Ally and I attended the bi-annual CCSL Captain’s Meeting.  Kudos to Commissioner Sanjay Nayar and his exec team for teeing up all the agenda items so well. The whole exec team deserves praise for locking down the fields early, keeping fees the same, and generally running the league smoothly.

 34 of 36 teams attended.

 Sanjay gave a golf clap to last season’s winners: Premier – FC Benchwarmers (playoffs), Conquistadors (regular season); 1^st Division – Mall Rats, Washington Wanderers; 2^nd Division – Hoover FC; 3^rd Division – Capital Crew, Tsunami Naranja. 

 Based on these standings, there was a lot of promotion and relegation.  Mall Rats and Washington Wanderers were promoted to Premier, and Spicy Walruses and Backdraft were relegated to 1^st.  Hoover FC and DC Divided moved up to 1^st, Little Urban Achievers and Gang Green went down to 2^nd.  Capital Crew moved up to 2^nd, Far Post and Funky Town went down to 3^rd.  Tsunami, who would ordinarily have been entitled to promotion based on its finish, was not able to move up because there are an odd number of teams in 2^nd division.  We had 10 teams but the exec team wanted to go back down to 9 teams.  This is possible because ClareAndDons and Two Left Feet from third division are merging forces.  Now there are 9 teams in each division. 

 Members of DC United and the resurrected Washington Freedom attended.  CCSL will be launching a new website, with dedicated links to buy tickets.  As usual, we get discounted tickets and a cut for every ticket we purchase through CCSL.  Buy your pro soccer tickets through our league website.  We've got a great guy in Zach Walker for tickets.

 The schedule will be done within a week.  We have all the fields we need.  We’ll be playing at Trinity, St. Stephens, GMU High School, some Arlington fields, the Marina, and the Mall.  We are working on two fields controlled by DC Parks & Rec, one of which is the Marine Barracks in Southeast.  Games start March 29^th.  We’ll have 8 games, a bye week, and two weeks off for Easter and Memorial Day Weekend.  I did a post on the schedule a few weeks ago.

 The Coed Cup will happen again on October 23, 2009 in Dallas.

 Online registration for the league will probably happen by Fall.

 The summer league will probably happen again this year. Maybe we’ll do it.

 Our budget is “healthy” according to the outgoing Treasurer.  Each season, teams contribute to a field fund, which has about a  $35,000 balance right now.  The money is invested in CD’s.  The league is hoping some day to enter into a long term lease agreement or purchase a field or something.

 League dues were collected from the captains.  Make sure to get your share to me soon, because I had to write a fat check.

 The league will continue to enforce a $200 fine for forfeits.  We have to notify the league by Wednesday COB to avoid the fine and have a chance to reschedule.

 The league will continue to enforce a $500 fine for not supplying a ref that makes himself/herself available for 5 games per season.  We’ve got two right now – Jer and Liam.

 Rosters are due by the 4^th week of the season.  We have 25 players, with overages to 30 for a $25 fee per person.  We amended the league by-laws to allow the substitution of one player for injury reasons, for a $25 fee.  The substitution must be made before week 6.

 The refs are getting ready.  No jewelry.  There’s a new ref certification class starting April 1^st if you’re interested.  We are paying Center Ref’s $55 per match, the AR’s $40 per match.  We have a new rule this season.  Slide tackles in the box that deny a goal scoring opportunity will result in a direct kick (PK).  I helped to convince the captains to vote to remove a provision that would have essentially added a red card to the offense.

 That’s it.

Goleros Rush Week

The semester is just getting started and it's time for Rush Week.  That's right, we're going to have lots of events to get ready for the spring season.

First, the scrimmage.  We're planning it for Sunday.  More details TBA shortly.

Second, the happy hour.  We're looking at Tues, Wed or Friday of next week.  Plan on it.

Third, there's the paying the dues part.  Yeah, see my earlier post and get it done people.  I have three new BFFs: Chris, Nate, and De, who all paid their dues already!

See you all soon.  I wasn't part of the frat scene, I don't know where this rush week thing came from.

Spring season dues - deadline is March 29th

Time to do some business. Please send your dues by March 29th using paypal. Send the money to pdi.usa(AT)gmail(DOT)com. I am using that wierd format so that my personal email address cannot be mined off the Internet.

$80 Dues
$20 Optional charitable contribution (learn more).
----------------------------------
$100 TOTAL


Thanks for your prompt attention to this. Dues are the same as last season. We've worked hard to keep them down. I hope everyone continues to support our charity program. We can cross the $1000 mark this season if folks keep giving.

A look back at 2008

As we get ready to kick off the spring season, let's look back at 2008.

It was a dramatic year, marked by two winning seasons, a tournament appearance, some injuries, some awesome goals, several happy hours, and a first place finish in league play.  I thought it was a great year, actually.

Most of our on-field success happened in Spring 2008.  We accomplished an undefeated season at 6-0-2 (.1000) and capped a 14-game streak without a loss.  The full review of that season is posted here.

Fall 2008 was also a winning season, but a little more down to earth.  We experienced some of the up and downs that you can expect in a more competitive division.  We finished 4-3-1 (.571) and went 0-1 in the playoffs after a penalty shootout.  At the beginning of the season, we started off in a bit of a funk with two losses but picked things up as the season progressed.  We rolled into the playoffs on a decent run, winning 4 of our last 6 games and notching one tie.  The playoff game was a nail biter.  Read about it here.

We experienced some injuries this year too - several players were affected.  I am pleased to report that the wounds have healed and we'll be back on the pitch in one piece for 2009.  Here's to another big year.

Here are the results from Fall 2008:

Results

• FALL 2008 (.571)
• -------------------
• Aug. 24th - 3-1 loss to Hoover FC
• Sept. 14th - 2-1 loss to Flirts
• Sept. 28th - 2-1 win vs DC Thunder
• Oct. 4th - 3-0 win by forfeit vs Far Post
• Oct. 11th - 3-3 tie vs Diplomats
• Oct. 19th - 3-1 win vs Armory
• Oct. 26th - 2-0 win vs Lost Tourists
• Nov. 2nd - 4-2 loss to DC Divided
• 
  
• PLAYOFFS
• ---------------
• Nov. 15th - Quarters - 2-2 tie vs Armory (4:3 loss on PKs)

Transition of power

It's time for a change in Washington. 

That's right, with Jackie moving into a transitional role, Ally is going to step in as your next co-captain.  

Yes, she can.

Now, some critics say she won the job simply because she's a woman.  I don't think so.  That's just politics as usual.  Those critics are ignoring the experience she brings to the table and the soccer pedigree of her family - her dad is a soccer coach.

So, what will Ally accomplish during her term?  She'll bring pep, competitiveness, organization, and 'tude.  That's what we need and that's what we'll get.

Truth be told, we love Ally.  So thanks for stepping up.  It's one more step closer to kickoff on March 29th! 

 

Plan your schedule now!

If history is any guide, we won't have a precise schedule, with game times, until the last minute. However, we do have a general idea of the days we'll play. Please try to plan your spring travel accordingly. It's never too early to let me know about potential conflicts. We've got a Mother's and Father's day in there.

Here is the general schedule of Sunday games:

March 29th

April 5th

April 12th - NO GAMES because of Easter

April 19th

April 26th

May 3rd

May 10th

May 17th

May 24th

May 31st - NO GAMES because of Memorial Day Weekend

June 7th

June 14th - Makeup date

June 21st - Playoffs

June 28th - Playoffs

Don't forget, we'll have a bye week in there as well. When I get word of our game times and field locations, I'll let you know.

I need another night out like this one

I finally uploaded the photos of Jackie's goodbye party at Porter's.  It was a lot of fun.  Your captain drank to drown his sorrows (sorrows not shown in photo).  Some people - they will remain nameless - got a little silly and then later sick.  I got home at 2:45 a.m., not your typical Friday night for this civilized suburban home owner.

Here's a photo of the festivities.  Maybe I'll post more in the coming days.

Another happy hour before the season?

Season to start Sunday March 29th

Ally's post is appropos. The season is starting a week sooner than I originally anticipated. We'll kick off on March 29th.

I will be collecting dues soon.

We're getting closer!

Soccer Season

Who's excited for soccer season to start?!?!?

 

I personally CANNOT wait!

 

See you all soon!

 

~Ally~

Moxie & Boom

Griz and family took off to Colorado for a long weekend of skiing.  Tough life.

Griz's dog, Boom, came for a visit. 

Here's some shots of the pair on Valentines Day.

Flag football eyed

We're looking for an opportunity to play an intra-squad flag football game. We need a nice Saturday or Sunday. It's going to be fun, you should come out. Stay tuned.

Referee clinics available

The Ref Assignor sent around the following notice about some upcoming new referee certifications and re-certification classes. Attend one and make your captain happy.


All:

In case you haven't yet certified/re-certified for 2009, i.e. have a 2009 USSF badge, you will need to sign up in one of the below clinics in order to work games in USSF-affiliated leagues. To enroll, please proceed to www.vadcsoccerref.com and click on the link for online registration. From that path, the following clinics are still available:

NEW REFEREE - Cost is $651) 2/27, 2/28, 3/1 – Springfield, VA (Fairfax SoccerPlex)2) 3/2, 3/3, 3/7, 3/9, 3/10, and 3/14 - Springfield, VA (West Springfield HS)3) 4/1, 4/7, 4/8 and 4/9 – Washington, DC – Greenstein Delorme Luchs in Farragut North R

ECERTIFICATION OF REFEREE - Cost is $651) 2/21 – Jelleff Club in Washington, DC2) 2/22 – McLean HS3) 2/24 and 2/25- Springfield, VA (West Springfield HS)4) 3/3 and 3/5 – Washington, DC – Greenstein Delorme Luchs UPGRADE to 7 REFEREE Clinic - Cost is $251) 3/5, 3/6 in Springfield, VA (West Springfield HS) Thank you all for your consideration. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Best regards, Jesse Rosenthal
USSF Assignor

A fine engagement

Congratulations to Jon & Missy, who are now engaged if you haven't heard. I haven't been clued in on the details. Jon doesn't have a wedding blog that I'm aware of.

Anyway, this is great news. It was pretty smart of Jon to associate himself with Missy, a really great woman and our 2008 Fan of the Year! I think he's figured this out. In my experience, he goes after what he wants. Take our last game as an example. He stormed up the right wing and sunk a 40-yard shot over the goalie because he was tired of the guy playing so far off his line. I think it's fair to say that the engagement story is more romantic, but you get the point. He didn't hesitate because they'll be great together.

Congratulations to you guys. You are the latest Goleros love story.

Captain opts out of indoor

Regrettably, I've decided not to play indoor this winter. I'm busy with lots of things and enjoying the opportunity to get healthy for the spring. Yes, more soccer is always better but I'll look for pick up games.

If others still want to play, get organized in a hurry. You can use the jerseys.

Outdoor is only a few short months away. Perhaps we'll have some practices and pick up games before the season.

It's time to celebrate Jackie

By now, you've heard.  Our beloved co-captain, Jackie, is subbing out. She's moving back to the Garden State and having a goodbye party on January 30, 9:00 p.m. at Porter's (19th & M).  You don't want to miss it.  The party invite is all the rage on facebook.

Jackie's going back to New Jersey to spend more time with family, re-energize herself from 10 years in the District, and, I suspect, find new ways to become a positive force in people's lives.

Why am shaken up over this?  Because she won't be a full-status player with us anymore, and that's pretty hard to believe.  She'll leave a gaping hole on the field.  If I were a striker in the Second Division, I would be psyched right now.  Like me, they've probably never played with or against a more enthusiastic, aggressive, tactical, and competitive player.  It's a pity we didn't allow slide tackles because imagine the fear we would instill.  Anyway, speaking for myself, I've never had a better teammate.  I love you, Jackie, I do.  Thanks in large part to your contributions to our team, I believe we'll be able to pick up where we left off in 2009 and keep the good times rolling.

And here's a little secret.  Jackie is poised to make a few appearances for us this year, if she can time her visits back to DC with our schedule.  Of course, that's totally up to her but we know she'll miss us as much as we'll miss her.

See everyone at the bar.

Opportunity for the Girleros

Here's an interesting opportunity to bone up on your soccer skills and help your team play for another division championship in the spring. It came over the wire from one of our league officers, Jim Sadowski. Your Captain is considering offering a rebate on dues for those ladies that attend!

P.S. - Let it be known that Griz coined the term, "Girleros."

Looking for a fun and healthy way to fight "cabin fever" in
February?!

GW Women's Soccer presents a "Weekend Warrior" women's soccer clinic to be
held on Saturday, February 21st from 11am-1pm at the Mount Vernon Soccer
Field.

GW Women's Soccer Coach Tanya Vogel and her GW Varsity Student-Athletes
invite women ages 25-65 to attend a two hour clinic designed to introduce and
work on the basic technical skills of the most popular sport in the world!
You don't need to be a superstar to join us. We're looking for
women who'd like to get out and exercise while working with Division I
student-athletes!

We will begin the clinic at 11am at the GW Soccer Field located the Mt.
Vernon Campus at the George Washington University (2100 Foxhall Rd.)

Pre-registration is preferred and can be completed via email or over the
phone. Registration for the clinic is $20.For more information or to
register for the soccer clinic, email Head Coach Tanya Vogel at wsoccer@gwu.edu or call the
soccer office at 202-994-0152.Bring yourself and a friend! We look forward
to working with you on February 21st!

500th Post!

Dear blog,

Congratulations on being so darn useful. You skillfully organize the team, provide an interesting space for players to connect and talk about soccer. And you fulfill your Type-A captain's desire to do talk/vent/show excitement about everything.

Happy 500th post! Here's to a 1000!

From Goleros

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!  

2009 is going to be a big year for the team.  Let's enjoy it.

That's it for this post.  I'm just dusting off the blog after a much-earned break.  We'll slowly gear up before the spring outdoor season.

Current player featured on evening news

Check out Cat giving her opinion on the need for a new Silver Line extension to Dulles.  I wouldn't have put this up but it just seemed like a nice parallel to Kara's interview.  It seems the Goleros have taken to the media this week.

http://cfc.wjla.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=28908

Former player featured on NPR

Check out this National Public Radio piece that ran last week. Our former player, Kara, is featured at 2:28 asking a chef how to make a romantic Thanksgiving dinner.

Kara moved to Denver earlier this year. She's back in Washington soon for foreign service officer training. I take it from the training that her stay in Washington will be temporary, before she and Nick will be posted in Timbuktu or Tokyo or....