92 Javanon Boys

92 Jboys in their 3rd straight regional final game!!!

2010-06-29T12:36:00.002-04:00

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!

Jboys to semifinals

2010-06-28T21:16:00.004-04:00

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.

Regionals 2010

2010-06-26T08:58:00.002-04:00

The Jboys try to defend their regional title this weekend. Good Luck boys!!!

Making history for Kentucky -- Jun 26 2009 -- 09 US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

2009-07-17T14:15:00.000-04:00

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!

We're in to the semis! -- Jun 22 2009 -- 09 US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

2009-07-17T14:13:00.000-04:00

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!

Moving on to the Finals! -- Jun 22 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

2009-07-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

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.

Day Two Slips and Successes -- Jun 21 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

2009-07-17T14:01:00.000-04:00

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.

Day one is complete in Sioux Falls -- Jun 20 2009 -- US Youth Soccer Regional Championships

2009-07-17T13:55:00.000-04:00

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.

Sioux Falls here the JBoys come!!!

2009-06-16T22:35:00.000-04:00

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!

Year in review!!!

2009-06-16T22:17:00.000-04:00

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!!!!

2008-07-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

Road to Little Rock-- Finished!

First of all we need to thank John for stepping up & doing a great job in the goal!!! Thanks.

Secondly regardless of the results this past weekend we are very proud of the boys!! The achievement of this team to reach the nationals was clearly unbelievable. Now is there a thirst to return next year? I believe so!!!

My view of the run ( I am just a soccer father with no real expertise) was that the boys definitely played very hard but that the other teams were better organized, more disciplined, better prepared, & better conditioned. These are things that can definitely be fixed for next year. I really do not see where these teams were more athletic or more skilled than our boys! The true difference in the games were that the other teams were able to capitalize on set plays better than we were. Our goalies were never really challenged a whole lot but the other teams finished the opportunities they had!!

Thanks players & families!!! Now onto the "Road to Lancaster, Massachusetts 2009"

2008-07-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Road to Little Rock -- Day 5!

The boys got to sleep in this morning but of course the parents are scurrying around getting things ready for the departure after today's game. The boys were a bit down last night but they are dealing with the results pretty well.

The thing that they need to pull from here is the hunger for a return next year. They need a plan of their of own to work on the things they were out prepared & executed on this week! The desire to compete on the next level is up to them!

more later

I heard that the date for the 92 boys tryouts should come this weekend or early next week! So keep posted to the http://www.javanon.com/ website or our team website www. 92javanon.info

From the sidelines

Fighting the heat and humidity the boys began play in the Little Rock. Lower Marion Velez from Eastern Pennsylvania came out and scored in the 2 min. of the game. Javanon fought back with a goal by Will Vitalis in the 26th min. Halftime score 1 – 1.

In the second half both teams fought hard until in the 71 min Brycen Howard scored for Javanon. Great defense from Javanon held the score to a final of Javanon (2) Lower Marion (1). All players are hot, tired and headed home.

2008-07-24T06:49:00.000-04:00

Road to Little Rock -- Day 4!

We awoke this morning, 5:30 LR, to a knock on the door, it was Tara McKiernan delivering the the boys specially put together breakfast of sliced apples & a bagel with peanut butter. The boys swallowed down the prepared meal & then headed down to the balcony floor to get the bagged breakfast provided by the hotel. The boys returned with a croissant & oranges. They were a disappointed that there was no muffins like yesterday.

From the Field

Javanon opened play today against YMS Explosion from East Pennsylvania. YMS scored first in the 18 min on a Own Goal. Tough play by both teams for the remainder of the half held the score to 1-0 YMS at half. Both teams had opportunities but the cool early morning and wet fields made play tricky.

Second Half

Tough play in the second half but Javanon was not able to get a goal. Javanon held YMS scoreless. Although Javanon had several opportunities YMS was able to stop us at every time.
Javanon Goalie Taylor Hafling was sent off in the 83 minute of play for a last defender tackle at midfield.

Play thru the midfield on both teams was excellent today & the breaks just went the other way today! Both teams movement of the ball was good but the J-boys short game seemed to let them down today.
Final Score YMS (1), Javanon (0)

The boys are going to regroup & play a hard game tomorrow!

The boys had a leisurely day after the tough earlier game! They had a great lunch prepared by the moms at the hotel & then went to see the new Batman movie later. The team wrapped up the day with another great supper, provided by Sysco, & then the families ended the night with the usual corn hole & BS sessions to wrap up the night!!!

2008-07-23T08:04:00.000-04:00

Road To Little Rock -- Day 3!

7:05 LR Time: Temp 74 degrees -sunny & hazy!

Two prank fire alarms here at the hotel, last night, had the boys perturbed. The 1st at around 8 pm was kind of funny but the second at 10 was just plain psychotic. The fire dept having to respond to both calls was very mad! The last alarm was finally shut down about 10:45!

The boys seem alert & full of energy this morning!

Javanon leads Real So Cal at the half 2-0. Tyler Riggs scored the first goal in the 23 min with a blistering goal from 25 yards out. Jack Goblirsch scored a follow up goal on a free kick by Cole Page in the 35 min. Javanon had several good scoring chances in the first half and seemed to be the aggressor with So Cal being content to lay back.

Real So Cal came back strong in the second half scoring in the 43 min. They then followed with goals in the 54, 71, and 79 min. So Cal seemed a completely different team in the 2nd half and certainly played with more energy. They attacked quickly and often and showed tremendous individual skill.

The heat definitely played a role in the game as the J-Boys were not able to meet their first half performance in the second half. Javanon had several great opportunities in that 1st half but really was not able to capitilize on their other opportunities. Several of the Javanon boys were hit with heat issues, as Tyler was nauseated on the field, Trevor left the game, & after the game Layth had to be attended to by some outstanding soccer parents.

The second half was definitely the tale of 2 cities as So Cal came out composed, organized, & with a nice 2nd half game plan. They were very aggressive & their goals seemed to feed their stamina, as they seemed to be less bothered by the heat than the J-boys. Their philosophy this half seemed to definitely push the action & they for sure dominated the possessions!

Real So Cal (4) Javanon (2)

2008-07-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

Road to Little Rock -- Day 2

7:00 LR Time-- The boys are headed toward the soccer complex for their 2nd practice since arriving here in Little Rock! The heat is already a sweltering & humid 77 degrees this morning. The predicted temperature for the day is a high of 98 degrees!

4:15 LR Time-- The banquet earlier today was OK at best. There was a video of the regional games & there was several clips of the J-boys in action. Since the end of the banquet there has been a lull in things to do. The boys have kept busy by playing velcro ball in the hallway. The time for me has went slow at best & I am waiting anxiously for the contests to begin!!! I hate the wait!!

More to come today!

2008-07-21T22:46:00.000-04:00

Road to Little Rock--Day 1!!!

The boys arrived here at Little Rock in good spirits & with confidence. I was told their practice at the facility went well & they looked sharp. The temperature here is over 100 degrees & very humid.

The boys were excited about the CJ article about their adventure! The attention given to them is well appreciated by both the players & families. These boys are very fit & conditioned athletes and any attention given to their achievements are well deserved!!!

The core of this team has been together for AT least 4 years, with many playing together longer. The merging of the 92 Thoroughbreds players to this team pretty much set attitude & course for this team. The course has been nothing but a straight line to success. The team has had its bumps in the road but they have handled all adversity sent their way with professionalism, pride & dignity.

The idea that a local team from Louisville is one of six teams left in the nation, playing for the national championship, to me is amazing!!! The adage that "hard work & patience will eventually payoff" is the perfect motto for this team!!!

Terri, Tara, & Karen were busy ironing the players, coaches, & chaperone's shirts, pants, & jackets for tomorrows soccer banquet! Thanks ladies!

A big thanks to Mark for housing, feeding, transporting, & entertaining some of the boys Sunday & Monday!!! Thanks! The boys had a great & eventful stay with you!!!

2008-07-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

ODP Update!

The 92 boys lost in their semi-final game 1-0
The 91 boys lost 2-0 in their semi-final game

The boys were picked up from the soccer fields & rode to Midway airport in a stretch white limo!!! WOW! Thanks Kentucky Youth Soccer Association.

Taylor & Will were added to the 92 ODP Holdover Camp! This makes 5 of the J-Boys & a total of 6 boys from KY added to the camp!

The 92 ODP campers flew to Little Rock Safely & had a leisurely day!!!

2008-07-19T17:23:00.000-04:00

"Road to Little Rock" -- FOOD!!!

WOW!! Sysco out did themselves on donating food for the team. This is an awesome gesture on Sysco's part. We are really indebted to them for the amount of food given!!! THANKS!

ODP Report!

92 boys: win 3-1 - win 3-1 on to semi's
91 boys: win 2-1 - draw 1-1 on to semi's

Just talked to Mike Berry. He said the boys have been pretty good so far! There is a chance the boys could make the wildcard or even win the bracket, that would take another KCFC/Vardar situation but possible. Ohio N would have to beat Indiana.

Tyler, John & Brycen have already been named to the 92 ODP Holdover Camp! YES!!!!!

As a whole he said our boys have pretty much stayed in their rooms & chilled out.

2008-07-18T22:52:00.000-04:00

Planning & ODP!

Today plans were being made to get the food together, donated by Sysco, & firming up the way of putting the boy’s progress at Nationals on the internet for all to see! This blog will be a tool but there are going to be other outlets by which to view the events as they unfold. We are trying to get the http://www.javanon.com/ site to be more easily accessible for viewing the boy’s progress. The state http://www.kysoccer.com/ is going to try to do a real-time update as we the team call in the happenings. Our website http://www.92javanon,info/ has a link, on the bottom of the page, to this blog!

Some of the boys were away playing for the home state of Kentucky in the ODP tournament. They left this morning at 6pm for Rockford IL. As of now I know the 92 boys lost 2-1 to the defending ODP National champions, Indiana. Reporting from the field was sketchy at best. Taylor & Trevor were very uneventful on their report back to their parents on the happenings of the game! Oh well!!

Update the 91 KY ODP boys won 5-1!!!!

2008-07-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

The Road to Little Rock!!!!

The big event draws one day closer. The ladies have been busy preparing the boys for journey of destiny. There were shirts, pants, uniforms, & even more shirts handed out, sent to printers, & even sent to have the all important "National Championship" patch sewn on the boy’s shorts (thanks Tracy).

The boy oblivious to the goings on, were busy practicing.

Later tonight several boys will be getting ready for the trip to Rockford, IL for their ODP camp! They leave early Friday morning & will fly from Chicago Sunday to Little Rock. Another challenge to be met by some of these “soccer warriors”. These boys are part of the Kentucky ODP team heading off to play several other states ODP teams for the Region II ODP championship. More to come later! Good luck boys!

As I watched the boys tonight I really saw no worries or concerns on their faces as they practiced. They know that if they go to Little Rock & play their game that the trophy will definitely be heading back to Louisville on the 27th!

2008-07-16T23:47:00.000-04:00

Media Day for the National Championships

The 92 Boys kicked off their quest for US Youth Soccer National Championship with a Media Day on July 16, 2008. The support for the event and turnout by local was media was incredible. Many local sponsors stepped up with support by donating food. The sponsors for the day were Gatorade, Tony Boombozz Pizza, Subway, Buffalo Wild Wings, Walmart Deli, Kroger, Beth Powell , and Charity Miller.

The local media turned out in force, providing unbelievable exposure for not only the Midwest Champions but also Javanon as a club and the new training facility. On hand covering the event were Fox 41, WAVE 3, WHAS 11, WLKY 32, the Courier Journal, Evening News Tribune, and KY High School Sports magazine. All of the media representatives spent time shooting footage of the players training and also conducting coach and player interviews.

The event was the idea of Javanon Development Director, Kay Maum. She worked tirelessly to get the word out to the media and secure their attendance and to make sure the event was organized. With support of Club Director and founder Ali Ahmadi Kay used the Midwest Championship celebration to promote Javanon Soccer to the larger community. Kay, Ali and KY Soccer Representative Tim Turney from Central KY, were all present for the event and seemed very pleased with the turnout.

Media day could certainly not have been possible without the support of all of the families of the Midwest Champions. The success of this team is directly tied to the supportive parents who continually step up to the plate and go above an beyond to support all of our boys.