Tuesday, June 29, 2010
92 Jboys in their 3rd straight regional final game!!!
The Jboys are in the regional final game for the 3rd straight year! The boys defeated the Crew Jrs Gold but had to go to OT for the win!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Jboys to semifinals
The 92 Jboys have moved on to the semifinals. The boys are playing the Cup Crew Jrs Gold @ 8am. The Jboys moved on by winning 2 games and tying one in group play.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, July 17, 2009
Making history for Kentucky -- Jun 26 2009 -- 09 US Youth Soccer Regional Championships
Max McKiernan:
I just found the chance to talk about yesterday's Region II final against the Chicago Fire Juniors from Illinois. Both teams were on short rest from playing the late matches the day before and having the early game the following day. I can't speak for the Fire, but our team was certainly very banged up and fatigued. With almost all players either carrying injuries or playing significant minutes, the game was certainly going to be a challenge for us physically. In addition, the surface was terrible, especially the mud pit that was the center of the field. The game got off to a pretty even start as we battled out the first half. Both sides had some chances, but none were quite as good as Layth Masri's strike off the crossbar early on in the half. The second half continued in much the same fashion, but the Fire put us under a lot of pressure as regulation came to an end. In the first overtime, we got in a rhythm and had some great chances. We finally broke through when Jack Goblirsch assisted Dimitri DeChurch-Silva as he scored the go-ahead goal. I thought we were going to be able to hang on to the lead, but the Fire kept battling and drew even with a goal in the second OT. We had some chances to finish it off late in the second overtime, but the game ultimately came down to penalties. They shot first and netted their first one, and Cole Page, as usual, buried his to tie it up. Their next shooter sent his penalty high and wide, and Tyler Riggs put his away with confidence to give us the 2-1 lead. They scored their next two, but Connor Powell and Brandon Causey both finished to give us the 4-3 lead. Our goalkeeper Taylor Hafling stumped their fifth shooter, winning the game for us and starting the celebration. I'm so happy for our team that we were able to defend our title, and I'm proud of all that we have accomplished. We set this as one of our goals at the beginning of the season, and I can't say enough about our team's effort and hard work throughout the season to reach those goals. It's extremely difficult to win regionals twice in a row, and we're the first team ever to do so from Kentucky. I'm also excited for another chance at nationals. We didn't prepare ourselves well enough last year, and because most teams never make it back, I'm grateful for another opportunity to win a national title. Right now we're taking some time off to rest, recover, and enjoy the victory, but I'm ready get back to training so that we can be ready for Boston!
I just found the chance to talk about yesterday's Region II final against the Chicago Fire Juniors from Illinois. Both teams were on short rest from playing the late matches the day before and having the early game the following day. I can't speak for the Fire, but our team was certainly very banged up and fatigued. With almost all players either carrying injuries or playing significant minutes, the game was certainly going to be a challenge for us physically. In addition, the surface was terrible, especially the mud pit that was the center of the field. The game got off to a pretty even start as we battled out the first half. Both sides had some chances, but none were quite as good as Layth Masri's strike off the crossbar early on in the half. The second half continued in much the same fashion, but the Fire put us under a lot of pressure as regulation came to an end. In the first overtime, we got in a rhythm and had some great chances. We finally broke through when Jack Goblirsch assisted Dimitri DeChurch-Silva as he scored the go-ahead goal. I thought we were going to be able to hang on to the lead, but the Fire kept battling and drew even with a goal in the second OT. We had some chances to finish it off late in the second overtime, but the game ultimately came down to penalties. They shot first and netted their first one, and Cole Page, as usual, buried his to tie it up. Their next shooter sent his penalty high and wide, and Tyler Riggs put his away with confidence to give us the 2-1 lead. They scored their next two, but Connor Powell and Brandon Causey both finished to give us the 4-3 lead. Our goalkeeper Taylor Hafling stumped their fifth shooter, winning the game for us and starting the celebration. I'm so happy for our team that we were able to defend our title, and I'm proud of all that we have accomplished. We set this as one of our goals at the beginning of the season, and I can't say enough about our team's effort and hard work throughout the season to reach those goals. It's extremely difficult to win regionals twice in a row, and we're the first team ever to do so from Kentucky. I'm also excited for another chance at nationals. We didn't prepare ourselves well enough last year, and because most teams never make it back, I'm grateful for another opportunity to win a national title. Right now we're taking some time off to rest, recover, and enjoy the victory, but I'm ready get back to training so that we can be ready for Boston!
We're in to the semis! -- Jun 22 2009 -- 09 US Youth Soccer Regional Championships
Max McKiernan:
Today, we played in the decisive match for the group against Eagles Blue out of Ohio South. With both teams unbeaten, the winner would advance to the semi-finals tomorrow. Because of the difficult conditions, we could tell that the game was going to be all about grit and toughness from the beginning. The fields were absolutely trashed from a day of play on the wet surface, and the temperature rose well into the 90s. I was confident in our team.
Everyone was totally focused and ready to play, and I knew we would be sharp from the beginning. We soon found ourselves with a corner kick. A left-footed service from Will Vitalis found Brandon Causey on the back post as he headed one home to give us the 1-0 lead. Eagles only needed a tie to advance, but if the result stood, we would advance with the win. We failed to capitalize on a couple of opportunities to extend the lead, but we defended well as a unit for the remainder of the half and made it to half time with the advantage.
Eagles gave it all they had to find the equalizer in the second half, but our back four and goalkeeper Taylor Hafling stayed strong. They hit a couple of posts and Taylor had to come up with some big saves, but they were unsuccessful.
We willed our way into the semi-finals for the second year in a row, giving us an opportunity to defend our Region II crown.
Our opponent tomorrow is the Iowa state champs, and I'm excited for an opportunity to get ourselves back to the finals.
Wish us luck!
Today, we played in the decisive match for the group against Eagles Blue out of Ohio South. With both teams unbeaten, the winner would advance to the semi-finals tomorrow. Because of the difficult conditions, we could tell that the game was going to be all about grit and toughness from the beginning. The fields were absolutely trashed from a day of play on the wet surface, and the temperature rose well into the 90s. I was confident in our team.
Everyone was totally focused and ready to play, and I knew we would be sharp from the beginning. We soon found ourselves with a corner kick. A left-footed service from Will Vitalis found Brandon Causey on the back post as he headed one home to give us the 1-0 lead. Eagles only needed a tie to advance, but if the result stood, we would advance with the win. We failed to capitalize on a couple of opportunities to extend the lead, but we defended well as a unit for the remainder of the half and made it to half time with the advantage.
Eagles gave it all they had to find the equalizer in the second half, but our back four and goalkeeper Taylor Hafling stayed strong. They hit a couple of posts and Taylor had to come up with some big saves, but they were unsuccessful.
We willed our way into the semi-finals for the second year in a row, giving us an opportunity to defend our Region II crown.
Our opponent tomorrow is the Iowa state champs, and I'm excited for an opportunity to get ourselves back to the finals.
Wish us luck!
Moving on to the Finals! -- Jun 22 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships
Max Mckiernan:
It took us a little longer than expected to get started against Eastern Iowa United Blue in the semifinals today. More storms entered the area, causing rain delays for all matches. After the the storms had passed, the heat was intense once again as our match began.
We got off to a slow start against the Iowa champs and had difficulty adjusting to their style of play, but it didn't take us too long to figure it out. We knocked the ball around a bit more, becoming more dangerous and creating more chances.
Jack Goblirsch found himself open in the box, but his shot was saved over the crossbar by their goalkeeper. On the ensuing corner, Matt McKain drove a ball onto the back post and found the head of center mid Layth Masri, giving us the 1-0 advantage.
We held the lead for the remainder of the half. In the second half, EIU adopted a more direct style of play while launching balls into our box. We missed a couple chances to add to our lead, but it didn't matter in the end.
Similar to yesterday's game, we defended well and were able to hang on for the 1-0 win.
We're happy to make it this far, but we're nowhere near satisfied. We'll face the Chicago Fire Juniors out of Illinois tomorrow in the Region II final, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to repeat.
It took us a little longer than expected to get started against Eastern Iowa United Blue in the semifinals today. More storms entered the area, causing rain delays for all matches. After the the storms had passed, the heat was intense once again as our match began.
We got off to a slow start against the Iowa champs and had difficulty adjusting to their style of play, but it didn't take us too long to figure it out. We knocked the ball around a bit more, becoming more dangerous and creating more chances.
Jack Goblirsch found himself open in the box, but his shot was saved over the crossbar by their goalkeeper. On the ensuing corner, Matt McKain drove a ball onto the back post and found the head of center mid Layth Masri, giving us the 1-0 advantage.
We held the lead for the remainder of the half. In the second half, EIU adopted a more direct style of play while launching balls into our box. We missed a couple chances to add to our lead, but it didn't matter in the end.
Similar to yesterday's game, we defended well and were able to hang on for the 1-0 win.
We're happy to make it this far, but we're nowhere near satisfied. We'll face the Chicago Fire Juniors out of Illinois tomorrow in the Region II final, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to repeat.
Day Two Slips and Successes -- Jun 21 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships
Max McKiernan:
Today we faced Great Plains Force from the host state of South Dakota. As a result of some storms in the area last night, the field conditions changed dramatically, but it was not all bad news.
The slicker surface proved much easier to move the ball on than the day before, but we still had to deal with some of the problems that come with excessive rain. We were sharp from the start and had several opportunities to score early on in the half.
Dangerous in both the run of play and on set pieces, we finally took the 1-0 lead when Will Vitalis received the ball in the box from a Cole Page free kick and scored.
We were unable to find another goal before halftime and were somewhat disappointed not to have extended the lead. Great Plains played us much differently than we expected, and I have to applaud them on their effort and "never-give-up attitude".
They clawed their way back in it, tying the game 1-1 with about 25 minutes left to play.
Fortunately, it didn't take us long to respond. Matt McKain scored a clutch goal within the next five minutes to give us the 2-1 lead. His huge effort to find the game-winner ended-up being enough, and we were fortunate to escape with the win.
We will play Eagles Blue, the Ohio South champs, tomorrow in a must-win game. They have also won their first two matches and hold the advantage over us in goal differential. Hopefully we'll be able to put together a solid performance tomorrow, find a victory, and put ourselves in the semifinals.
Today we faced Great Plains Force from the host state of South Dakota. As a result of some storms in the area last night, the field conditions changed dramatically, but it was not all bad news.
The slicker surface proved much easier to move the ball on than the day before, but we still had to deal with some of the problems that come with excessive rain. We were sharp from the start and had several opportunities to score early on in the half.
Dangerous in both the run of play and on set pieces, we finally took the 1-0 lead when Will Vitalis received the ball in the box from a Cole Page free kick and scored.
We were unable to find another goal before halftime and were somewhat disappointed not to have extended the lead. Great Plains played us much differently than we expected, and I have to applaud them on their effort and "never-give-up attitude".
They clawed their way back in it, tying the game 1-1 with about 25 minutes left to play.
Fortunately, it didn't take us long to respond. Matt McKain scored a clutch goal within the next five minutes to give us the 2-1 lead. His huge effort to find the game-winner ended-up being enough, and we were fortunate to escape with the win.
We will play Eagles Blue, the Ohio South champs, tomorrow in a must-win game. They have also won their first two matches and hold the advantage over us in goal differential. Hopefully we'll be able to put together a solid performance tomorrow, find a victory, and put ourselves in the semifinals.
Day one is complete in Sioux Falls -- Jun 20 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships
Max McKiernan:
After a day of rough travel, Javanon 92 was prepared to face Pacesetter from Ohio North; however, it first seemed that some of us may not even make it to the game. Many of us, myself included, were plagued by flight delays and cancellations, but fortunately everyone was able to make it to Sioux Falls by game time.
For our team, this year is very different from the last. Instead of being just another contender, we have a much larger target on our backs as the defending regional champions. We've handled the extra pressure well thus far in the season, and I expect us to continue to do so in this tournament.
I didn't sense that our team was nervous this time around. Most of us seem very businesslike and are just ready to keep winning so that we can advance. As for the game against Pacesetter, we didn't get off to the positive start we were looking for.
We gave up a goal in the 5th minute on a quick counter after a corner, but we weren't rattled. We answered quickly with an equalizer by striker Tyler Riggs and the subsequent go-ahead goal coming from a left-footed set piece by winger Will Vitalis.
We entered halftime with a 2-1 lead despite the physical play, and we continued to push our style of soccer in the second half. We were able to break them down again as Riggs assisted Vitalis to give us the 3-1 lead.
Vitalis then won a huge tackle in the Pacesetter backfield before proceeding to score the third goal for his hat trick, giving us a 4-1 lead. We were definitely carrying the momentum, but with Pacesetter's perseverance and some changes in the Javanon lineup, Pacesetter scored two goals.
The lead was cut to 4-3 with about 10 minutes to play, but we were able to turn it back around. After coming in late on an attempt to tackle me, a Pacesetter player was sent off with a straight red card.
Pacesetter continued taking risks by pushing numbers forward to find the equalizer, allowing Cullen Hall to break free to score a fifth goal for us, ending the match 5-3. We were disappointed that we let Pacesetter back into the game, but we were pleased that we were able to find a win when we weren't playing our best.
We face the South Dakota champions tomorrow, and we're excited for the opportunity to get ourselves back on track.
After a day of rough travel, Javanon 92 was prepared to face Pacesetter from Ohio North; however, it first seemed that some of us may not even make it to the game. Many of us, myself included, were plagued by flight delays and cancellations, but fortunately everyone was able to make it to Sioux Falls by game time.
For our team, this year is very different from the last. Instead of being just another contender, we have a much larger target on our backs as the defending regional champions. We've handled the extra pressure well thus far in the season, and I expect us to continue to do so in this tournament.
I didn't sense that our team was nervous this time around. Most of us seem very businesslike and are just ready to keep winning so that we can advance. As for the game against Pacesetter, we didn't get off to the positive start we were looking for.
We gave up a goal in the 5th minute on a quick counter after a corner, but we weren't rattled. We answered quickly with an equalizer by striker Tyler Riggs and the subsequent go-ahead goal coming from a left-footed set piece by winger Will Vitalis.
We entered halftime with a 2-1 lead despite the physical play, and we continued to push our style of soccer in the second half. We were able to break them down again as Riggs assisted Vitalis to give us the 3-1 lead.
Vitalis then won a huge tackle in the Pacesetter backfield before proceeding to score the third goal for his hat trick, giving us a 4-1 lead. We were definitely carrying the momentum, but with Pacesetter's perseverance and some changes in the Javanon lineup, Pacesetter scored two goals.
The lead was cut to 4-3 with about 10 minutes to play, but we were able to turn it back around. After coming in late on an attempt to tackle me, a Pacesetter player was sent off with a straight red card.
Pacesetter continued taking risks by pushing numbers forward to find the equalizer, allowing Cullen Hall to break free to score a fifth goal for us, ending the match 5-3. We were disappointed that we let Pacesetter back into the game, but we were pleased that we were able to find a win when we weren't playing our best.
We face the South Dakota champions tomorrow, and we're excited for the opportunity to get ourselves back on track.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sioux Falls here the JBoys come!!!
The JBoys have drawn a very competitive bracket for regionals. They will face:
(ON) Pacesetter Premier
(SD) Great Plains Force
(OS) Eagles Blue
This should be a very interesting bracket for the boys!
(ON) Pacesetter Premier
(SD) Great Plains Force
(OS) Eagles Blue
This should be a very interesting bracket for the boys!
Year in review!!!
The Jboys have had a great season & have matured very well as a team over the last few years. The maturity of these players is now showing in their confidence & play!
This past season (2008/2009) saw the boys go to the finals @ Disney, win their bracket at Blue Chip, win the MRL Premier Division - Red Bracket, & dominate the Kentucky State Cup!
The 2008/2009 year saw (4) of the Jboys play internationally with the Region II ODP program. Two are going with the adidas Disney Showcase All-Stars to England in Aug 2009. They will workout with the Chelsea youth club for (5) days.
The 2008 season saw one of the Jboys named KY Player of year & the coach named KY Coach of the year!
NOW ONTO REGIONALS!!! South Dakota here we come!!!!
This past season (2008/2009) saw the boys go to the finals @ Disney, win their bracket at Blue Chip, win the MRL Premier Division - Red Bracket, & dominate the Kentucky State Cup!
The 2008/2009 year saw (4) of the Jboys play internationally with the Region II ODP program. Two are going with the adidas Disney Showcase All-Stars to England in Aug 2009. They will workout with the Chelsea youth club for (5) days.
The 2008 season saw one of the Jboys named KY Player of year & the coach named KY Coach of the year!
NOW ONTO REGIONALS!!! South Dakota here we come!!!!
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