By Randy Vogt Much has been written in the media about player fatigue, whether it’s professional teams playing three games in eight days or youth squads playing four or fivegames in a weekend tournament. And rightly so! But while player fatigue is an obvious issue, what has been overlooked is referee fatigue. Exacerbated by the […]
youth boys
Posted inStory
Galaxy coach Brian Kleiban has the American Messi's back
By Mike Woitalla@MikeWoitalla Growing up in Southern California, the son of Argentine parents,Brian Kleiban admired Fernando Redondo, Ariel Ortega, Pablo Aimar, Juan Roman Riquelme and JuanVeron — creative Argentine players and predecessors to Lionel Messi. After Kleiban started coaching youth soccer, he made annual internship trips to FCBarcelona. Why couldn’t the USA produce players like […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Podcast: Woitalla on the youth soccer industry
Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla joined Beau Dure‘s “Ranting Soccer Dad“podcast to discuss why youth soccer in America is so expensive, how to cut costs, and why parents should always ask, “Are we doing this because it’s best for the children, or because someone’s makingmoney on it?” Podbean
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Tab Ramos on 2017 Development Academy finals and Mexican-American tug of war
By Mike Woitalla The U.S. Soccer Development Academy concluded its 10th season last weekend, with the Texans SC Houston winning the U-17/18 title and Atlanta United the U-15/16crown. U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director Tab Ramos, also the USA’s U-20 national team coach, liked what he saw. “I think every year the Development Academy isgetting better […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Efrain Alvarez, age 15, helps shoot Galaxy into U-17/18 Development Academy final
By Mike Woitalla Efrain Alvarez, who turned 15 on June 19, sparked the Los Angeles Galaxy’s comeback against the Seattle Sounders in the U.S. Soccer DevelopmentAcademy U-17/18 semifinals. After Seattle took a 2-0 lead into halftime, Alvarez scored in the 71st minute. Ulysses Llanez equalized in the 78th minute and EthanZubak, who plays for Galaxy II in the […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Development Academy Awards: FC Dallas and Weston FC coaches repeat
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy announced Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Best XIs from its three conferences for the 2016-17 season. FC Dallas’ Chris Hayden (FC Dallas)was named Central Conference U-14 Coach of the Year for a second straightyear. Weston FC’s Victor Pastora was named East Conference U-17/18 Coach of the […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Texans SC Houston are only non-MLS club at this weekend's Development Academy championships
By Mike Woitalla Texans SC Houston, which beat Real So Cal, 2-0, in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-17/18 quarterfinals, is the only non-MLS club to reach the semifinals ateither age group. Alex Alaniz and Alex Bruce scored overtime goals for the Texans to book their trip to this weekend’s Development Academy Championshipsin Carson, California. […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Video Pick: Top Development Academy golazos of the season
Nine goals from three regions, scored by boys ranging from U-12 to U-17/19, have been nominated for 2016-17 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Goal of the Year. Eastern James Brighton (Atlanta United U-15/16), Jose Barrera (Capital Area RailHawks-Del Sol U-12), Austin DaSilva (BeachsideSC U-17/18): CentralDaniel Wright (Crew SC Academy Wolves U-17/18), Luis Fernandez-Salvador (Shattuck Saint Mary’s […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
The Road to 10,000 Games
By Randy Vogt It has been said that a referee never has a home game. But this is negative thinking and I have officiated thousands of soccer games so, on fields that I haveofficiated a good deal, I could be more familiar with them and the surroundings than the home team. Plus, I often see […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
A coach's life: Phil Savitz, NSCAA High School Coach of the Year, South Carolina legend, big Bruce Arena fan
Interview by Charley Nordin Phil Savitz has coached boys high school soccer for 37 years and serves as the Girls Co-Director of Soccer at South Carolina United, which he joined 11 years ago upon its inception.TheKeeper,” an autobiography by Tim Howard, he talks about his experiences coming up through youth systems up to his professional […]