volume 10 4

Stallions CorralOfficial Newsletter of the Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club

July 2008 Volume 10, Number 4

Stallions Teams Post Strong Spring Season

Of the 22 teams whose season results are known, 15 teams finished in fourth place or higher in their respective flights / divisions. A fourth place finish is important because a fourth place finish ensures that the team is not relegated to the next lower flight.

The Lightning, U-15 girls, were the lone first place finisher this past spring. The Lightning finished their season with a 8-1-1 record, posting 33 goals against 8 goals allowed.

The Blue Fireballs, the Sharks, the Blue Thunder and the Hammer all finished second in their respective flights. The Blue Fireballs, U-10 girls, completed a 5-3-2 spring campaign; netting 20 goals while allowing 12. The Sharks, U-11 boys, recorded 6-3-1 record; tallying 17 goals and allowing only 8. the Blue Thunder, U-13 girls, posted a 5-3-2 season mark, recording 16 goals and surrendering only 9. The Hammer, U-16 boys, finished the spring campaign with an 8-1-1 record, netting 19 goals while surrendering only 7.

The Rising Stars, the Hammerheads and the Bulldogs all finished third in their respective flights. The Rising Stars, U-9 boys, completed a 5-3-2 spring campaign, recording 19 goals for while allowing 17 goals against. The Hammerheads, U-10 boys, finished the spring season with a 4-3-3 record, netting 21 goals and surrendering 20. The Bulldogs, U-14 girls, posted a 7-2-1 season mark, tallying 32 goals against 10 goals allowed.

FC, the White Fireballs, the Gladiators, the Power and the Mustangs all finished fourth in their respective flights. The FC, U-10 boys, completed the spring season with a 5-1-4 record, recording 34 goals while allowing 19. The White Fireballs, U-10 girls, completed a 5-3-1 spring campaign, scoring 28 goals against 18 goals allowed. The Gladiators, U-12 boys, finished the spring season with a 3-5-2 record, netting 14 goals while allowing 20. The Power, U-12 girls, captured a 4-5-1 season mark, recording 15 goals and surrendering 13. The Mustangs, U-13 boys, finished the

(Continued on Page 6)

Stallions Award First Scholarships

[Editor’s Note: The winning essays can be found on page 6 “What did it mean to play for the Holmdel Stallions?”.] The inaugural winners of the 2008 Holmdel Scholarships were Katie O’Neill, the daughter of Dave and Susan of Holmdel; Karen Nici, the daughter of Janet and Rich of Holmdel; and Gianna Zito, the daughter of Eve and Carl, also of Holmdel.

All three girls graduated from Holmdel High School this past June. Ms. O’Neill has been accept to Loyola College in Maryland and plans on pursuing a degree in Business

Ms. Nici has been accepted to The College Of New Jersey (TCNJ) and plans on following a course of study in accounting.

Ms. Zito has been accepted to Seton Hall University, but is undecided as to her course of study.

The Scholarship winners were awarded their checks at the July meeting of the Holmdel Stallions Board of Directors meeting by President Mike Roth.

1

What’s InsideAzzurri Experience Strong Spring ………..……….. 8Changes to the Registration/Rostering Processes for 2008-2009 Seasonal Year …………………….. 10Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club Hosts Second Annual NSR East Coast Cup ………………………………... 2How You Live Your Dash ………………………….. 3Lightning Reach Finals Of Neptune Tournament ... 4Lightning Reach MOSA Cup Finals ………………. 2Soccer Scores At Building Bone Health …………… 3Stallions’ Teams Provide Strong Showing at NSR East Coast Cup ……………………………………… 9Stilettos Reach Regionals Again ………………….. 11What Did It Mean To Play For the … Stallions ….. 6What’s Legal, What’s Not …………………………. 4Volunteers Recognized ……………………………. 12Xtreme win MAPS Rider Cup ……………………. 11

STALLIONS CORRALJuly 2008 Volume 10, Number 4

Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club Hosts Second Annual NSR East Coast Cup

Sunday's thunderstorms not withstanding, the second annual NSR East Coast Cup soccer tournament was another successful event held at Cross Farm Park this past June 14th and 15th. Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club hosted over 4000 people attending and over 100 boys and girls teams playing in this year's event. There was plenty of fun, food and excitement throughout the weekend, and plenty of great soccer enjoyed by all.

Holmdel Stallions teams more than held their own among the very respectable competition. Three Stallions teams placed 1st or 2nd in their age groups and one just missed making it to the finals. Congratulations to Coach Sam Cooper's Champion U10G Blue Fireballs, Coach Jim Colaprico's Champion U15B Azzurri, Coach Tim Watters' Finalist U13G Blue Thunder, and Coach Brendan Wall's U9B Xtreme who just missed the championship game playing up at U10 by losing on PK's.

Not only did our teams show very well, but our club again showed we can be as good a host as any soccer club in New Jersey. The cooperation of all our Stallions volunteers with Holmdel Township Police Department, First Aid Squad and Parks Department was truly a team effort in every sense. Holmdel's finest were on hand all weekend to ensure order and direct traffic flow. Lieutenant Frank Allocco, Sergeant Ken McGowan and the members of the force were at their best and provided a safe secure environment for our guests. Our wonderful First Aid volunteers, led by Mike Nikolis, were on site all day both days, ensuring instant response to any player injuries. As always, our first-rate Parks Department work crew, supervised by Dan Finucan, worked tirelessly before, during and after the event to keep the park and facilities looking beautiful.

Over 60 Holmdel Stallions member volunteers gave of their time and expertise to ensure coaches and teams were contacted, fields, goals and nets were prepared, registration went smoothly, players were checked in and games were played on time, results were posted, trash was picked up, bathrooms were stocked and tidy. "This was Holmdel Stallions at its best," said Frank Pento, Tournament Director, "The pride and volunteerism of our members, along with the cooperation of our Township employees showed how great we can be when we join forces with a common goal for Holmdel's youth athletes."

A very special thanks to Mike Roth, James Healy, Mark Killough, Bob Doverspike, Val Avrin, Rob Arena, Brendan Wall, Russell Dronne, and all the committee members, player volunteers and parent volunteers who's time and effort

Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club Hosts Second Annual NSR East Coast Cup (Continued)

were all key to the success of the tournament this year. Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club provides training and traveling team programs for all levels, for boys and girls from 6-18 years old. For more information visit www.holmdelstallions.org or call 732-687-4301.

Lightning Reach MOSA Cup Finals

This past season was the inaugural MOSA Cup. The Cup is an open tournament whereupon all the teams in an age group, regardless of flighting, can compete against one another.

The Lightning opened the competition against the Staten Island United Storm. At the end of regulation and overtime the score was 1-1, with our goal scored by Diane DeGiulio. The Lightning eventually prevailed in a shootout 3-1, with goals by Jackie Hockstein, Lauren Allingham and Brianna Introcaso. According to coach Mike Roth, “We had outstanding goal keeping from Courtney Chan.”

The Lightning then moved on to face the Monmouth Coast SC Storm in the Cup semi-finals. The Lightning won the game by a 2-0 score on two goals by Briana Zagami.

That victory sent the Lightning to a match-up with the

2

http://www.holmdelstallions.org/


Soccer Scores At Building Bone Health, Experts SayWant your teenage daughter to have strong bones? Steer her to soccer or other impact sports, experts suggest, and you may help her prevent low bone density later in life.

Sports such as soccer — with the combination of weight-bearing exercise and repetitive, "impact-loading" from jumping and running — have been shown to build bone mineral density in adolescent girls better than some other activities.

Building bone density during the teen years is considered crucial for healthy bone development, helping to ward off osteoporosis, the disease that causes bones to become brittle and break later on in life. Peak bone mass is typically achieved by age 30, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

"It's those years of adolescence, and early teens to late 20s, that are most important for bone building," said James W. Bellew, an associate professor of physical therapy at Louisiana State University Health Science Center-Shreveport.

Bellew and his colleagues compared the effects of soccer, weight-lifting and swimming on the bone mineral density of teen and pre-teen girls, ages 10 to 17. The groups included 29 swimmers, 16 soccer players and 19 weight lifters.

Soccer players had the best bone density, followed by the weight-lifters and then the swimmers. Bellew's team compared the groups' average bone mineral density to what is considered the norm for a 25-year-old woman.

Soccer players' bone density was significantly greater than the norm, and the weight-lifting group was equal to the norm. The swimmers were lower than the norm. Still, that's not cause for alarm, he said, because the girls were still in their teens and have time to accrue bone density.

Repeated impact

Soccer and other "impact" sports expose the body to repeated impact, and that activity is thought helpful to bone health. "Basketball and volley-ball may very well do the same" as soccer in building bone, he said. Jogging and tennis may also be good, he added.

The study results, published in the journal Pediatric Physical Therapy, don't surprise Susan Randall, senior director of education at the National Os-teoporosis Foundation. "Swimming is not a weight-bearing exercise," she said. "Soccer increases the loading on the bone which actually stimulates bone production."

Bellew isn't discouraging those who love swimming to give up



How You Live Your Dash

I heard of a man who stood' to speak

At the retirement banquet of a coaching friend,

He referred to the dates of the coach's career

from the beginning… to the end.

He noted the first and last day of the coach's time

And spoke the dates with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That he spent coaching on earth.

And now on[y those who loved and played for him.

Know what that little time is worth.

For it matters not how much we win;

The trophies… the records… the cash,

What matters most is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard…

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way our athletes fee l.

And be less quick to anger And

show appreciation more And love the

people in our fives Like we've never loved

before.

If we treat our athletes with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering that this special dash

Might only Last awhile.

So, when your coaching career comes to an end

With your life's actions to rehash...

Would you be proud of the things your athletes say

About how you spent your dash?


3


What’s Legal, What’s Not

[Editor’s Note: Following are play situations that are frequently disputed by coaches in terms of how they are interpreted by referees. The play situations and the PlayPic graphics are drawn from The Soccer Officials Guidebook.]

Holding — creating space

Diagram AOne of the individual techniques which players, especially strikers and midfielders, are asked to refine is "checking back to the ball." This does involve playing with one's back to the goal and "feeling where the defender is." What are the rights of each player in this situation?

Attacking players need time and space to work their magic. Defenders try to deny time and space. The battles rage on across the field. The official's duty is to protect the balance the teams create for themselves and keep their actions within the boundaries allowed by the Laws of the Game.In Diagram A, 19 may shield 4 from getting to the ball if she uses her body to do the shielding. By using her left arm to hold (or push, if you will) 4 from playing the ball, 19 gains a significant advantage. That one arm length is all 19 needs to work her artistry. However, she gained that space illegally. Your stopping play and awarding the other team a direct free kick restores the proper balance.

Young players use their arms so much in pick-up contests and practices that it becomes an unconscious movement to them. Many will steadfastly deny they were holding their opponent. A few quick whistles early in the game focus their attention to their misdeeds and they can then concentrate on playing properly. Many skilled players can beat their opponents without resorting to those tactics but place their arms on opponents to ensure success.


Soccer Scores At Building Bone Health, Experts Say (Continued)

the sport. "The odds are the swimmers' density in the study will be fine, because they are active, but our data suggest they aren't accruing as much bone as those who do weight-bearing exercise," he said.

"If your primary objective is to increase bone mass, swimming is not the best, but in terms of weight maintenance, it's good."

Besides exercise, Bellew suggests teens can boost their bone health by reducing their soda intake and increasing their milk consumption. "Genetics is probably the largest factor," he added, so those with a family history of osteoporosis may want to pay even more attention to bone-building exercise.Randall agreed that families should pay even closer attention to their children if a parent or grandparent suffers from low bone density. And parents can emphasize a healthy diet for their sons as well as daughters. While men are less likely than women to suffer osteoporosis, they still need to build bone, she said.

By Kathleen DohenyHEALTHDAY

Asbury Park Press, Friday, April 4, 2008

How You Live Your Dash (Continued)

Adapted for coaches by Jeff Janssen and Greg Dalefrom "The 'Dash," a poem by Linda Ellis of

Linda's Lyrics http://www.lindaslyrics.com

Soccer Journal, May/June 2007

Lightning Reach Finals Of Neptune Tournament

The Lightning, U-15 girls, opened tournament play by dropping a 3-0 decision to US Palma; then rebounded to post a 3-0 victory over East Windsor and a 2-0 win over host Neptune. The Tournament Finals featured a re-match of the Lightning versus US Palma, with Palma capturing a narrow 1-0 win.

Scoring for the Lightning against East Windsor were Amanda Hall (guest player), Lauren Allingham and Niki Roth. Lauren Reidy (guest player) and Niki Roth each netted a goal against Neptune.

4

http://www.lindaslyrics/


What’s Legal, What’s Not (Continued)

Legally shielding an opponent

The variations between Diagrams Bl and B2 and Cl and C2 are slight and difficult for players and coaches to understand. Since the ball is within playing distance, about two feet from 9's feet, 9's actions are legal as shown in the B sequences. 9 might well have both arms out to his side as his balance shifts from right to left to shield the ball. 9 may move his feet to turn in a circular motion around the ball, keeping his body between the ball and 4.

Diagram B2

There may be physical contact. In fact, there may be quite a lot of physical contact. 4 may try to get a foot to the ball to toe-poke the ball away. Both players may bump torsos as they move and countermove to gain or keep an advantage. There may be some minor holding or pushing as you see 4 doing in the B diagrams. Do not stop play until 4's actions put 9 at a disadvantage. There may also be some contact in the upper body, hopefully restricted to the shoulder-to-shoulder area. 4 may even use the front of his chest and bump the soft fleshy portions of 9's shoulder in the back.

(Continued on Page )

Diagram Cl

Diagram C2

Most of that contact will be legal.

Look for the now-frustrated 4 to become so angry after several seconds of being screened that he drops his shoulder and aims it straight for the spine of 9. Move closer to screening situations. Look for them near lines, as 9 tries to ensure that his team gets a throw-in by shielding the ball as it runs out of play. Look for shielding situations near the end of a period as the winning team tries to hold on to a narrow margin of victory. A desperate 4 will often kick very hard to steal the ball away from 9 if it means his team may advance to the next tournament round, not caring if 9's legs are in the way or not.

Shielding is a legal action by the player with the ball. Shielding situations invite contact that is normally not a part of on field play. You need to move closer to shielding duels to prevent unwanted actions. A word to let both participants know you are nearby is often helpful. "Easy, guys" or "Careful around the ankles" is enough of a clue that you are in the area.

Impeding an opponentIn a scene replicated hundreds of times during a soccer match, opponents use their bodies to attempt to gain an advantage, keep possession of the ball and create time and space. In attempting to distinguish fair from foul, there are a

5


Lightning Reach Finals Of Neptune Tournament (Continued)

Lightnign MVP’s of the tournament were goalkeeper Becca Aubry (guest player), Niki Roth, Chelsey Gilligan (guest player) and Julia Koch.

The Lightning roster included Lauren Allingham, Sabrina Cianci, Diane DiGiulio, Alexandra Foley, Jackie Hochstein, Julia Koch, Alexandra McCahill, Alissa Rocco, Niki Roth, Ava Saari, Amanda Westerweller, Briana Zagami, and guest players: Lauren Reidy, Amanda Hall, Chelsey Gilligan, Becca Aubry and Kelly Leahy.

Lightning Reach MOSA Cup Finals (Continued)

Toms River Independent Club (TRIC) Freedom for the MOSA Cup. In the Finals the Lightning were beaten by the Freedom 4-2, with the two Lightning goals coming at the feet of Brianna Introcaso and Lauren Allingham. Added coch Mike Roth, “We played an outstanding game, but ended up on the short side of it.”

Members of the MOSA Cup Runner’s Up include LaurenAllingham, Courtney Chan, Sabrina Cianci, Diane DeGiulio,Alexandra Foley, Jackie Hochstein, Brianna Introcaso, JuliaKoch, Allison Koeck, Alexandra McCahill, Emily Morgan, Alissa Rocco, Nicole Roth, Ava Saari, Allison Tracy, Amanda Westerweller and Briana Zagami.

(Continued on )

What’s Legal, What’s Not (Continued)

few essential points the referee must observe.

Is the ball within playing distance? Advice to Referees 12.15 provides a guideline of two strides at the speed 9 is moving. In the diagrams below, 9 is almost five yards from the ball, clearly outside what is termed playing distance.

Is there physical contact? 9 moves back and forth, moving slowly to keep his body between the ball and the opponent. At that point, 9 is obstructing, interfering with and blocking the path of 4. Once physical contact occurs, initiated by 9, you should consider the direct free kick offense of charging an opponent. Advice to Referees 12.22 allows you to consider an offense written into older versions' of the Laws of the Game, charging an opponent away from the ball.

What you see in Diagrams Cl and C2, with the ball five yards from the players, is an illegal act.

The Soccer Officials Guidebook is a 348-page book which includes 100 illustrations and over 100 case studies on soccer rules. It can be ordered from Referee Magazine's Special Services; PO Box 12; Franksville, Wl 53126. The price is $32.95. VlSA/MasterCard holders can call 800-733-6100 to place an order. E-mail orders at [email protected] FAX orders (262-632-5460) or order via the internet (www. referee, com).

Soccer journal, November/December 2000

Stallions Teams Post Strong Spring Season (Continued)

spring season with a 3-6-1 season record, tallying 9 goals while allowing 19.

Special mention should be made of the Shooting Stars, U-8 girls, who finished a strong spring season with a 5-3-1 record, recording 21 goals while allowing 10. The Shooting Stars play in the Ocean County League where standings are not kept.

The Trojans, USSF Amateur men’s team, finished their first full season of competition with a 9-5-2 record, The Trojans lived on attack recording 39 goals against t35 goals allowed. The Trojans finished third in the Group, B Central South, but fourth overall in their Division, B Central. The Trojans also went to the Quarter-Finals of the League Cup, which included competition of all the B

6


What Did It Mean To Play For the Holmdel Stallions?

By Karen NiciAs I look back on the eight years that I played for the Holmdel Stallions, many memories and feelings stir up inside me. There were many high points and low points during that time. I realize just how many life lessons were learned, both on and off the soccer field, and how much it meant for me to be a Holmdel Stallion.

When I was eight years old, I couldn't wait to become a Holmdel Stallion. My brother had been a Stallion for 2 years. As a dutiful younger sister, I traveled to all of his games and got to witness all of the excitement of being on the team. There was a sense of pride that came with being a Stallion. Unlike my HYAA team, the Stallions represented Holmdel, and by traveling you were able to bring the pride of your hometown with you.

When I was old enough to try out for the Stallions (U9), the first thing I learned was that unlike HYAA, not all kids make the team. This is the stark reality of a competitive team, and although I was sad that several of my friends were cut, I was thrilled to make the team. My first year experience was an eye-opener. I was introduced to the harsh reality of unequal playing time and tougher, more difficult practices. Still, it all seemed worth it. The team became our family. We practiced hard, played hard and I developed friendships on that team that I still have today.

The following two years, I learned another lesson of life: Even when you try your best, sometimes that's just not good enough. First, at U10, there were so many girls trying out, that two teams were created - the infamous "A" and "B" teams. I was devastated that I was relegated to the "B" team. It took a while, but I got over it, and found the same enjoyment and thrill that I experienced on my previous team. We bonded well as a team, and shared the same goals and commitment to soccer. However, the initial "A" and "B" team experience at the U10 level was only a prelude to my U11 experience.

At the U11 level, team rosters expand to accommodate 11 players on the larger playing field. The worst possible scenario for me played out, with 18 girls being accepted on the "A" team, and only 9 players (including me) with no coach were left for a "B" team. I really wanted to play competitive soccer, and loved the sport, and but was faced with the real possibility that I may not be able to play for the Stallions. I couldn't imagine playing for another team, especially when representing Holmdel was one of the main reasons for my involvement in the Stallions.

League teams.

something, and work hard for it, you can make a difference. My mom hosted a meeting for the 9 remaining players and their parents, to discuss options. Everyone agreed to do whatever was needed to put another "B" team together. My teammates and I started calling kids we knew who played soccer and might be interested in joining the team, my mom and another parent got their F licenses so they could coach us, and we hired a trainer to train us. A flurry of activity occurred that June and July; girls were drafted for our team, uniforms were ordered, a trainer was hired and practices were started. We actually built this team from nothing, and we were all very proud.

We lost all our games that first season, some by one goal, and some by a lot. We realized that we were a young and inexperienced team, and our coaches and trainers kept reminding us not to get discouraged, and to persevere. They told us that as long as we kept improving and were committed, we should be proud of ourselves and that eventually a win would come. We managed to stay upbeat, determined to show the world that we were a team to be taken seriously. After our 1 -0 win against Toms River in our spring season, we knew that our hard work was beginning to pay off.

Each year, we continued to improve as a team. We worked hard, and played hard, and all that work paid off. We began winning most of our games, and eventually won our division!! For several years, we became the team to beat. Teams from other towns marveled at our team's cohesiveness. We enjoyed each other's company and spent a lot of time together off the field as well. Most of my time was spent with my Stallions "family", at practices, games, tournaments, and parties. It was very sad when we finally called it quits as a team two years ago, after being together so many years.

So, what did it mean to play for the Stallions? It meant being dedicated and committed to being the best that we can be. It meant learning good sportsmanship, like how to lose with dignity and win with grace. It meant understanding the true value of a team, and that every player is important. It meant learning to persevere in the face of adversity, and being proud of what we accomplished. And most of all, it meant enjoying the friendships that we made, knowing that many of them will last a lifetime.

By Gianna Zito

People's experiences are what make them who they are. They could be negative or positive, but either way, will have an impact on a person's life. I've had such

7


The next lesson learned was that if you really believe in

What Did It Mean To Play For the Holmdel Stallions? (Continued)

experiences that held me back but made me stronger. I learned from these experiences to never give up on your dreams and to always continue to pursue your goals.

Going on my seventh year of soccer, with a bright future ahead, I got injured. I was in my sophomore year playing in a pre-season tournament for the high school varsity team when I tore my ACL and meniscus. This resulted in major surgery. Not only did this end my season before it started, but my recovery carried over into the spring causing me to be unable to participate in track. Physically and emotionally it was a long recovery. It impacted my performance as an athlete, as well as, my grades. After six months of physical therapy and working diligently, I finally recovered. I was ready to participate in another season of soccer in my junior year. Halfway through the season, I tore my other ACL. This time it felt overwhelming. With a lot of support and hard work, I was able to overcome this second injury.

Stallions’ soccer was really the only time I shined in my soccer career. I played Stallions for 7 years. I not only made great friends but I learned so much from our coaches and trainers. Games and practices on the weekend are what I looked forward to. Playing Stallions soccer truly made me happy. Over the years I grew to become a great player. I was always into the game but I knew how to have fun with it too.

Stallions gave me a lot of confidence for my future soccer career until my unfortunate injuries. While playing on the Stallions though, our team won many games and even placed a few seasons. I was the leading scorer for our team every year and it made me feel so good about myself that I really had talent for something. Although I do not play for the Stallions anymore, it will continue to be a big part of my life.

By Katie O'Neill

"She shoots and she.... SCOOOORESSS!! GOOOAAALLLM!"

To most people, this line is a common phrase used by television announcers every few minutes during a mindless game. But to a person such as me, who has had a ball at her feet since kindergarten, it means so much more.

Ever since 1999, when I was a newcomer to Holmdel, I was faced with many obstacles. Being a fourth grader at Indian Hill School, I was placed in an unfamiliar environment and was forced to make new friends. Although I was nervous being in a new situation, I immediately joined an HYAA soccer team, determined to continue my passion of playing the game.


Azzurri Experience Strong Spring

The U-15 boys Azzurri team finished the spring season with back to back championships at the FC Delco Players Cup and the NSR East Coast Cup; followed by the MAPS Cup 2008 tournament where it finished as a finalist. At the FC Delco Cup Tournament, the team posted solid wins over the Loudon Galaxy team from Virginia (1-0), New York-based Albertson Academy (2-0), and New Rochelle Chivas (1-0). En route to the title, the team also tied West Chester (0-0) and the Matchfit Academy Rovers (1-1), a National Development Academy team. At the NSR East Coast Cup, Azzurri went undefeated securing victories against the South Jersey Barons (3-0), Hazlet Bombers (4-0) and FC Premier Mercury (4-0). Over the course of its three season-ending tournaments, Azzurri played eight straight matches without allowing a goal! The teams success in these tournaments capped a successful spring season which saw the team play its first season in the USYSA Region I league where the team plays against the top teams from Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and New York, in addition to New Jersey. Also, the team played in the MAPS/MSSL league as well as the New Jersey State Cup competition. The members of the Azzurri team are Taylor Amato, Alex Castiglia, A.J. Castiglia, Nick Chippone, Steve Curtis, Zach Dritsas, John Doverspike, John Fowler, Rory Gale, Alan Konovalov, Sunjay Kumar, Rich Loeffler, Billy Majeski, Mike Politz, Alex Reidy, Zach Russo, Mike Shannon, James Sheehan and Neal Thakkar. The team is coached by Jim Colaprico, Rich Loeffler and Charlie Chippone and trains under Rich Pekmezian. Currently, Azzurri is recruiting players for its 2008-2009 team. The team will participate in a schedule similar to the one described above and, additionally, will play in college showcase tournaments throughout the East Coast. Players who are interested in trying out for the team should contact Head Coach Jim Colaprico via email at [email protected] .

8

mailto:[email protected]


(Continued on )

What Did It Mean To Play For the Holmdel Stallions? (Continued)

After an extremely successful season with a team that placed second in our age group, I had gained confidence and developed my skills as a leader and teammate. Moreover, I was informed that there was a Holmdel Stallions team for girls my age, and I was excited to play at a competitive level again. Since I had previously played travel soccer in Franklin Township, I knew that this would be a great experience and opportunity to play with girls that were willing to dedicate time and effort to the game, such as myself.

Following my season as a Holmdel "Philly", I eagerly attended tryouts for the more competitive "A" team for my age group. Coached by Marie Fiorentino, the Holmdel "Crush" was a team placed in the Premier division. After hearing about the team's great success and kind coaching staff, I worked very hard to earn a spot in the lineup. Subsequently, a few days after tryouts, I received a call from Marie informing me that I had made the team! This was one of the biggest accomplishments I had achieved in the first nine years of my life and it set me on the path for future soccer success.

Four years of playing for Marie and five years for the Holmdel Stallions truly taught me a lot. My leadership capabilities improved, as well as my work ethic. I gained numerous friendships, many of which still exist today. I have developed not only as a soccer player, but as a well-rounded person, and I learned how to face challenges both on and off the field. The Stallions organization not only served to bridge the gap between other children and myself when I first moved to Holmdel, but it also prepared me for my future endeavors. For instance, as a freshman at Holmdel High School, my training as a Stallion helped me to succeed at tryouts and become one of four freshmen to be placed on the Varsity team. Additionally, throughout my high school career, I utilized the values I had learned during Stallions games and practices, which led to my eventual position as co-captain of the Varsity soccer team. Furthermore, I used these principles and ideals when making decisions to benefit my team.

Holmdel Stallions gave me the ability to connect with others who share the same enthusiasm as I do about the game of soccer. I have also discovered that in soccer as well as in everyday life, teamwork, cooperation, and overcoming obstacles are the keys to success. These various principles that the Holmdel Stallions organization is based upon will undoubtedly assist me in the future, in the game of soccer and with my career. A club as successful as the Holmdel Stallions should be seen as an inspiration to all, as it molds young soccer players and gives them the potential to become triumphant leaders and scholars.

Stallions Teams Provide Strong Showing at NSR East Coast Cup

Holmdel Stallions teams made a strong showing at the second annual Holmdel Stallions / NSR (National Soccer Rankings dot com) East Coast Cup with two teams capturing Championships, one team reaching the finals, and a fourth team just missing the finals on penalty kicks.

The Azzurri, U-15 boys, made it look easy as they cruised by the competition to teach the flight finals. The Azzurri opened play with a 3-0 victory over the South Jersey Barons Black. They followed that win with a 4-0 win over the Hazlet United Bombers. The Azzurri captured first place in their flight with a 4-0 thumping over the FC Premier Mercury.

In the Championship game, the Azzurri beat the SHSC Raideers, 4-0, winning the Cup Championship without allowing a goal.

The Blue Fireballs, U-10 girls, also garnered a Championship at the East Coast Cup. The Blue Fireballs opened cup play with a 2-0 win over the Brooklyn Patriots Lioness.

Their opening victory was followed with a 5-1 win over the Manalapan Blaze. The Blue fireballs completed pool play with a 2-0 victory over the Albertson Fury 98.

9


Stallions’ Teams Provide Strong Showing at NSR East Coast Cup (Continued)

The Blue Thunder, U-13 girls, reached the Cup Finals, capturing second place in Cup competition. The Blue thunder opened play with a dramatic 1-0 win over the Blue Sparks. They followed that dramatic win with a 2-2 tie against NJ Elite 95. The Blue Thunder finished pool play with a 1-1 ties against the Mount Laurel Crush, the only non-win for the Crush in pool play. That final point was critical for the Blue Thunder, as it allowed them to advance to the Flight Finals over FC Elite 95 by one point.

The Championship game provided a re-match of the Blue Thunder against the Mount Laurel Crush; however, the Crush prevailed 4-0 to capture the Championship.

The Xtreme, U-9 boys, also had a great showing at the Cup, playing up a year in the U-10 flight. The Xtreme opened pool play with a 1-1 tie against Den Of Lions Inter. The Xtreme followed that tie with a 5-1 win over fellow Stallions’ team, the Hammerheads.

The win and tie were good enough to get the Xtreme to the flight semi-finals where they dropped a hard fought contest to the Vistula Eagles 4-2 on penalty kicks.

By almost all accounts the Holmdel Stallions . NSR East Coast Cup was a resounding success.

The Stallions’ Executive Board, Board of Directors and the Corral staff would like to congratulate all the Stallions’ teams for their Cup results and for their spring seasons.

The Championship game provided a little more competition for a team that, to this point, had breezed through the competition; as the Blue Fireballs eventually prevailed in a re-match with the Albertson Fury 98, 4-3 in penalty kicks.

(Continued on )

Changes to the Registration/Rostering Processes for

2008-2009 Seasonal Year

[Editor’s Note; the following are changes announced by New Jersey Youth Soccer.]

Add/Drop FormThe current Player/Coach Status four part form will be replaced with two online forms. One form for a release and another form for an add/transfer. Both forms will be available from the NJYS website. Users will complete the form and obtain the necessary signatures, except the DCs. The user will need to make 4 copies before going to the District Commissioner for approval. The forms will have instructions on the I bottom of the form. None of the other requirements for adds, transfers, releases are changing.

Out of State PlayersThe processing of out of state players who are playing on a NJYS team will be done by the District Commissioner for the team. The processing of the paperwork will not be

10


Let’s look for bigger and better things in the upcoming year!

Xtreme win MAPS Rider Cup

The Holmdel Stallions Xtreme, U-9 boys, who won the U-10 age group of the MAPS Rider Cup, June 21-22, 2008 at Fort Dix, NJ.

The Xtreme opened Cup play with a thrilling 3-2 win over theLong Island Rough Riders Academy. Next the U-9 team handily defeated the Tab Ramos Academy Summer Select team 7-0. The Xtreme finished pool play with a dominating performance, beating Glassboro Elite 8-2. In the Ryder Cup Championship game, the Holmdel team defeated DTS Eindhoven Summer Select, 8-2.

Members of the U-9 Xtreme include Brendan Wall, Andrew Aprahamian, Patrick Gates, Paul Ramsey, Mason Remondelli, Matt Thorsheim, Paul Golden, Weston Maki, Zach Riviere, Kei Tomozawa and Julian Stifano.

Stilettos Reach Regionals Again

The Stilettos, the club’s U-23 women’s team, qualified for the Regionals for the third year in a row, despite finishing third in State Cup competition. The Holmdel team opened State Cup play with a 3-0 victory of the Flames WSC (Women’s Soccer Club), then dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision to the New Jersey Power; and fell to the Atlantic United Academy, 2-0.

Fortunately for the Stilettos, the Regional Director was present at the New Jersey State Cup competition and personally watched the Stilettos’, New Jersey Power match. The Director then awarded the Holmdel team an “at large” bid, saying that a “… team of that quality …” should be allowed to advance.

Members of the team include Arielle Friscia, Missy Karnilaw, Samantha Winitt, Rachel Miranda, Laura Porth, Kaitlin Russell, Colleen Tufaro, Cara Vullo, Nicole Zuck, Samantha Landolfi, EmilyApplegate, Molly Gunderson, Lori Reiter, Rachael Kosmyna, Kimberly Mergner, Jayne Condon, Caryn Viverito, Kim Karpinski,Kristin Mann and Kerri McMahon.

done by the NJYS office just because the team has a few out of state players on its NJYS roster. DCs will need to make sure the out of state player has a signed player pass from their home state and the player has completed the necessary NJYS add form to add the player to the roster. Out of state teams will continue to be processed by the NJYS office.

Non-Volunteer CoachesNJYSA is replacing the current process of issuing non-volunteer coaches passes with new process. Non- volunteer coaches will obtain a package of material from the NJYS office that will contain the non-volunteer membership form, a KidSafe/Background Check authorization, and a sticker for the coaches signature. The applicant also will need to submit a copy of a photo id (e.g. drivers license), proof of some coaching education (e.g. an "F" license certificate), and two photos. Completed material will be mailed to the NJYS office; the coach no longer has to physically come to the NJYS office. NJYS will perform a background check and, if no problems are found, the non-volunteer

Continued on )

Changes to the Registration/Rostering Processes for 2008-2009 Seasonal Year

(Continued)

pass will be processed and laminated. The j completed pass will be mailed to the coach.

League Exceptions to the 3 game Sit-outThe membership of NJYS passed two changes to the NJYS bylaws at the 2008 AGM. Both of these changes are exceptions to the three game sit when a player transfers from one team to another team. The Board of Directors of a member league (and only the Board) can issue an exemption to the three game sit out if a player transfers from one club to another club because there are no playing teams at the players age in their original club or there has been a problem between a player and their coach that has resulted in charges being investigated by the league. In both cases, the league Board must issue the exception. It cannot be granted by an individual on a team, in a club, or by an individual league officer.

Stallions Award First Scholarships (Cont.)

The Stallions’ Executive Board, Board of Directors and the Corral staff would like to wish nothing but success to these young women. The Club should take great pride in having produced such outstanding persons.

11


Volunteers Recognized

The Holmdel Stallions / NSR East Coast Cup Tournament Committee and the Holmdel Stallions’ Board of Directors would like to thank the following persons for the hours of volunteerism and efforts in making this year’s tournament such a huge success.

Nikki ChrystalEva Hiras

Mike PaolilloJohn Marx

Craig ArcidiaconoEd Carannante

Anu KumarFrank Cole

Rebecca KarolKerry McGrathJamie McGrath

Sarah FlorekVicky Wagner

Nikki ZuckHeather Simpson

Arielle FrisciaKim Wild

Rachel MirandaRob CiprianoBart Peloro

Mary Jo PentoMaria Pento

Annette PentoAngela Pento

Lennon CooperWendy Graziano

Nannette KellermuellerSharon Lee

Bill HalkiadakasKathleen Matthijs

Karen Schweppenheiser-LospinosaDavid AshenfarbAlicia Ashenfarb

Donna Carannante

President Mike Roth presents Scholarship check to Katie O’Neill

(Continued on )

Fist Holmdel Stallions’ Scholarship winners Karen Nici, Katie O’Neill and Gianna Zito

Jill RichardsonRich Rathvon

Andy HallKiernan HallTony Cella

Suzanne BonneyBarry Spence

Mark KilloughGordon BosticSusan Bostic

Rosalie Bostic

12


Lori SaizanVal Arvin

James HealyAllison HealyBeth Doppelt

Suzanne AldredgeBob Neff

Brittany SmallMichael Antonino

Harry DeMaioHua Zheng

Bob DoverspikeLynn Davis

Beth FromkinDeanne SheehanLori Thorsheim

Don FoleyPaul Koch

Steve IntrocasoLynn IntrocasoSteve KoeckAnne Koeck

Niki RothLaura Shroba

Andy FryefieldBelasco

Dominick Cefalu

[A special note of thanks to the Blue Devil volunteers, whose first names were not immediately available.]Torkel, Gallagher, Judy Horsfield, Wojcieszek, Kyriacou,Remaley, Epps, West and Eng.

13

volume 10 4

Documents