What is going on in Sweden with the CASL Ambassadors? Under 12 Girls Stars play in final! What happened?

HUMONGOUS NEWS: The Under 12 CASL girls Stars won the Pitea Summer Games Final 1-0 on a Heidi Kreis goal in the sixth minute. This is the first foreign tournament championship for a CASL Challenge Ambassador team since the program started three years ago. They beat a Swedish team in the final. There were 64+ teams in the age bracket. Alexa Bird, filling in for the injured Megan Harvey, got the shutout. The team members are: Coach Steve Kreis, Manager Sherry Upton, # 3 Heidi Kreis, # 6 Shannon McCarter, # 8 Lauren Monroe, # 9 Emma Upton, # 10 Hannah Elgamal, # 11 Daniella Mainz, # 12 Caroline Moore, # 16 Alexa Bird, # 21 Sophie Elgamal, # 23 Lauren Koesy, # 1 Megan Harvey. CONGRATULATIONS!
CASL had a 4-1-3 record in the Sunday consolation finals on Sunday to improve the league's record to 26-15-5 in Pitea. An overnight train will take the 240 CASL folks to Stockholm tonight as they leave the midnight sun!

BIGGER NEWS: At 11 am Sunday morning, the Under 12 girls Stars won their semi-final in penalty kicks to advance to the final. The Americans took a 2-0 lead with goals in the 10th minute and 21st minute by Lauren Monroe and Daniella Mainz respectively in the 30 minute game. However, the Swedish team fought back and scored two goals in the last two minutes to tie it at 2-2. The teams played a 5 minute golden goal overtime and the game remained tied. The teams headed to penalty kicks and successful kicks by Daniella Mainz and Heidi Kreis were the only kicks needed as fill-in goalkeeper, Alexa Bird stopped four shots. The team now heads to the final at 2:45 pm. There should be a big crowd as the entire 240 member CASL group should be on the sideline.

BIG NEWS: At 8 am Sunday morning, the Under 12 CASL girls Stars coached by Steve Kreis won their quarterfinal convincingly over a team from Sweden 5-0. A pre-game warm-up injury to goalkeeper Megan Harvey didn't bode well for the CASL girls but in the 2nd minute Sophie Elgamal hit a ball off the near post and in from 10 yards out and the girls were up 1-0. Four minutes later, Heidi Kreis hit a severe angle shot that made it through the defense for the 2nd goal. In the 12th minute of the 30 minute game, Sophie Elmagal got her 2nd goal of the match and the girls headed to 1/2 time with a 3-0 lead. Lauren Monroe and Shannon McCarter scored in the 19th and 29th minute respectively and the final of 5-0 went to the CASL team. Alexa Bird filled in admirably for Harvey making one big save by tipping a hard high shot over the bar. The team will play against another Swedish team in the semi-final at 11 am. A win would take them to the 2:45 final and a loss to the 2 pm 3rd place game.

CASL teams had a record of 16-9-2 in the round robins with 6 of the 9 teams advancing to the knockout round. In Saturday's knockout games, CASL teams were 3-5 with only 1 team advancing to the Sunday knockout stage. That team is the Girls' U12 Stars who won in Penalty kicks and then 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. All other teams will play a Sunday Consolation Friendly then all will head to the train station for an overnight train ride to Stockholm. The girls will head back to RDU on Tuesday and the boys will head back on Wednesday. The overall record for the CASL teams in the Pitea Summer Games is 19-14-2 after Saturday. The wrap up for the tournament thus far is listed below!

CASL has 120 Challenge players playing on 9 teams in the Pitea Summer Games in Pitea, Sweden. There are 750+ teams in this tournament from over 20 countries. Pitea is less than 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle and therefore is basked in daylight for 24 hours a day at this time of year. Games begin today (Friday) and continue through Sunday. Today, all 9 teams have two of their three round robin games. One of their two games will be late at night but with no flood lights as they will be playing under the "midnight sun!"
I will blog after the early games and then again after the night games. Please see below for the games and results as we have them. I will try to provide goal scorers and goalkeepers for each game. The team coaches and managers have been instrumental for this trip and are listed below, as well.
The participants have already played 1 or 2 friendlies against local Pitea teams or when they were in Stockholm at the beginning of the trip (Pitea is 600+ miles due north of Stockholm). The teams in Stockholm were from the Sollentuna club. The participants also visited the VASA Museum which houses a 300 year old pirate ship that was raised from the floor of the Baltic Sea 50 years ago and also went to the Groena Lund amusement park while in Stockholm. All the participants took an overnight train to Pitea from Stockholm.
The opening ceremonies are tonight between games 1 and 2 for each team. It will be quite an event as the teams parade through the town of 40,000 and are cheered on by the locals! More details will be forthcoming post-event!
The games:

Boys U12 Liberty
Coach Scott Wipperman; Manager Marcella McCord
Saltdalkamerat (Norway) Final: 3-2
Goal Scorers: Joe Ruslander, Dalen Bleiman, Cody Holtman
Goalkeepers: Benjamin McCord
Tegs SK Boleang (Sweden) Final: 0-2
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Kurtis Nguyen, Benjamin McCord
Pitea IF (Sweden) Final: 7-0
Goal Scorers: Evan Dezutto, Christian Wady 2, Jefferson Norwood, Charles Johnson, Luke Bishop, Timmy Wipperman
GKs: Kurtis Nguyen
ADVANCE to ROUND of 32 as 2nd place in group v team from Estonia-lost 0-1
Gk: Benjamin McCord

Boys U12 Revolution
Coach Jeff Weisner; Manager Stephanie Vidal
IK Junkeren (Norway)  Final: 2-4
Goal Scorers:Matthew Dubach, Simon Copeland
GKs:Nolan Lory
Stanfors AIK (Sweden) Final: 2-0
Goal Scorers: Nolan Lory, Chris Vidal
GKs: Nolan Lory, Michael Navia
Rutviks SK Final: 3-1
Goal Scorers: Simon Copeland, Christopher Vidal, Harrison Meissner
Gks: Nolan Lory, Michael Navia
2nd in group but did not advance to Round of 32 due to tie breaker

Boys U13
Coach Mike McAndrew; Manager Alyssa Siar
Bossekop (Norway) Final 2-0
Goal Scorers:Michael Thomas, Kian Charkhesht
Gks: Evan Gallagher
GBK (Finland) Final: 2-1
Goal Scorers: Spencer Saunders
Gks: Cameron Strapp
Holmsund/Sandvik Final: 2-2
Goal scorers: Michael Thomas 2
Gks: Evan Gallagher
ADVANCED to ROUND of 32 as group winner vs a team from Norway; Final 3-0
Goal Scorers: Aaron Baker, Spencer Saunders, Michael Thomas
GKs: Evan Gallagher
ADVANCED to ROUND of 16 vs a team from Norway; Final 0-4
GKs: Evan Gallagher


Boys U15
Coach Scott McGuinn
IF Floya 3 (Norway) Final: 0-1
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Peter Kassay
ISK/BSK (Sweden) Final: 0-2
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Peter Kassay
IFK-Arvidsjaur Final: 2-4
Goal Scorers: Daniel Hill, Mark Hanley
GKs: Peter Kassay

Girls U12 Stars
Coach Steve Kreis; Manager Sherry Upton
La FK Musta (Finland) Final: 3-1
Goal Scorers:Heidi Kreis, Hannah Elgamal, Lauren Monroe,
GKs: Megan Harvey
Robacks (Sweden) Final: 2-1
Goal Scorers: Daniella Mainz, Lauren Monroe
GKs: Alexa Bird, Megan Harvey
Lira BK Final: 0-2
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Emma Upton
ADVANCED to ROUND of 32 as 2nd place in group vs a team from Sweden Final: 0-0 CASL wins on Penalty kicks 2-1; Penalty kick goals by Alexa Bird and Caroline Moore with Megan Harvey in goal
ADVANCED to ROUND of 16 vs a team from Sweden Final: 3-0
Goal Scorers: Daniella Mainz, Emma Upton, Sophie Elmagal
GK: Megan Harvey
ADVANCED to QUARTERFINALS vs team from Sweden on Sunday at 8 am local time


Girls U12 Stripes
Coach Eric Navarro; Manager Leslie Krussow
Gallivare SK (Sweden) Final: 8-0
Goal Scorers: Bailey Peterson, Gabby Derosier, Anna Krussow, Caty Navarro 3, Kylie Olexa 2
GKs:Taylor Kassay, Gaby Derosier
Sandakerrs SK (Sweden) Final: 7-2
Goal Scorers: Julianna Micchia, Caty Navarro, Casey Shuey, Anna Krussow, Bailey Peterson, Taylor Kassay, Riley Mozingo
GKs: Taylor Kassay, Gabby Derosier
Innstrandems IL Final: 5-0
Goal Scorers: Gabby Derosier, Casey Shuey 2, Anna Krussow 2
GKs: Taylor Kassay, Gabby Derosier
ADVANCED to ROUND of 32 as group winner vs a team from Sweden Final: 0-1
GK: Taylor Kassay, Gabby Derosier

Girls U13
Coach Cid Cardoso; Manager Don Triolo
MSSK (Sweden) Final: 1-0
Goal Scorers: Helen Ahearne-Ray
GKs: Morgan Youst, Jillian Bridges
Pedersore FF (Finland) Final: 2-0
Goal Scorers: Helen Ahearne-Ray, Alex LaRocca,
GKs: Morgan Youst, Jillian Bridges
ONS Valkoinen Final: 0-0
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Jillian Bridges, Morgan Youst
ADVNCED to ROUND of 32 as group winner vs a team from Finland Final 1-2
Goal Scorers: Alex Cardoso
GKs: Morgan Youst, Jillian Bridges


Girls U14
Coach Eric Mason; Manager Lisa Sanchez
Gammelstads IF (Sweden) Final: 3-1
Goal Scorers:Carly Mounts 2, Mackenzie Thorley
GKs: Lydia Fields
Alta IF 1 (Norway) Final: 3-0
Goal Scorers: Sarah Comstock, Carly Mounts 2
GKs: Lydia Fields
ISK-BSK (Norway) Final: 4-0
Goal Scorers: Carly Mounts, Maddie Mason, Sarah Watson, Brittany Bunzey
GKs: Lydia Fields
ADVANCED to ROUND of 16 as the group winner vs a team from Sweden Final: 0-1
GK: Lydia Fields

Girls U15
Coach David Hammond
Lulea DF (Sweden) Final: 1-2
Goal Scorers: Trish Bishop
GKs: Susie Zigante
Bossmo and Ytteren (Sweden) Final: 0-2
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Susie Zigante
Pitea IF (Sweden) Final: 0-5
Goal Scorers:
GKs: Susie Zigante
                                                                                  Charlie Slagle

What is going on at USSF Academy Playoffs? Day 4 & 5

A LOT!

This weekend, the two CASL USSF Academy teams, Under 16 and 18 boys, are vying for a spot in the 8 team finals to be played in Milwaukee in July. There are 32 teams in each age bracket that have a chance out of the 80 plus teams that play in the USSF Academy leagues. Each 4 team group will play a round robin format with the winner going to Milwaukee. The groups are seeded by Pods of eight. CASL's Under 18 team due to their great season is in Pod A (top eight teams), in fact they are the overall #1 seed just ahead of the MLS' FC Dallas Under 18 team.
The Under 16 team is in Pod B, the group of the top 9-16 teams.

Here are the schedules:

Under 18
Friday 7:30 pm CDT v Concorde (GA) Fire FINAL: 2-1
Saturday 6 pm v Colorado Rush FINAL: 2-2
Monday 11 am v Albertson (NY) FINAL:
A win or tie by Albertson and they are the group champion and go to the finals in Milwaukee in July; a win by CASL and the Triangle players head to Wisconsin.
1/2 time score: CASL 1 Albertson 0
Final Score:   CASL 2 Albertson 0
Goal Scorers:  Mombo scored the first goal with 10 min left in the first half and Ryan McAnellen score off a header with little time left in the match
Goalkeeper: Paul West
Group Standings: CASL 7; Albertson 6
Under 16
Saturday 11 am CDT v FC Dallas  FINAL: 2-1
Sunday 8 pm v Sockers (IL)  FINAL: 2-1
Tuesday 11 am v Scott Gallagher (MO) FINAL:
The winner goes to Milwaukee, a tie goes to penalty kicks (I think) to determine the team that advances.
1/2 time score:  0-0 at the half
Final:  CASL 1  Scott Gallagher 0
Goal scorers: Fernando Castellanos with 5 min remaining in regulation.  Assist by Ryan Thompson
Goalkeeper: Sam Williams

Group Standings: CASL 9; Scott Gallagher 6
                                                                     Charlie Slagle

What is Going on at the USSF Academy Playoffs? Day 3

This weekend, the two CASL USSF Academy teams, Under 16 and 18 boys, are vying for a spot in the 8 team finals to be played in Milwaukee in July. There are 32 teams in each age bracket that have a chance out of the 80 plus teams that play in the USSF Academy leagues. Each 4 team group will play a round robin format with the winner going to Milwaukee. The groups are seeded by Pods of eight. CASL's Under 18 team due to their great season is in Pod A (top eight teams), in fact they are the overall #1 seed just ahead of the MLS' FC Dallas Under 18 team.
The Under 16 team is in Pod B, the group of the top 9-16 teams.

Here are the schedules:

Under 18
Friday 7:30 pm CDT v Concorde (GA) Fire FINAL: 2-1
Saturday 6 pm v Colorado Rush FINAL: 2-2
Monday 11 am v Albertson (NY)
1/2 time score:
Goal Scorers:
Goalkeeper:
Group Standings: CASL 4; Albertson 6; Concorde 0; Rush 1 (After game 2 of 3)

Under 16
Saturday 11 am CDT v FC Dallas  FINAL: 2-1
Sunday 8 pm v Sockers (IL)  FINAL: 2-1
Tuesday 11 am v Scott Gallagher (MO)
1/2 time score:  0-1
Goal scorers: Eric O'Brien
Ryan Thompson
Goalkeeper: Everette McCord
After going down a goal in the first half, CASL scored two goals late in the second half to win the game 2-1. Eric O'Brien's goal with under 10 minutes left tied it and Ryan Thompson's goal won it for CASL. The team has a recovery day on Monday and then will play St. Louis Scott Gallagher with a trip to the finals on the line. Both teams are 2-0-0 and both teams have + two in goal differential. Goals scored and goals allowed are tied at 4 and 2 respectively as each team has posted two 2-1 victories. This is what athletes love to do, play for all the marbles in a one game finale. It should be fun at 11 am CDT on Tuesday. The team that prevails will be going to Milwaukee for the finals in July!

Group Standings: CASL 6; Scott Gallagher 6; Sockers 0; FC Dallas 0

I will try to blog 1/2 time scores and finals throughout the tournament,
                                                                     Charlie Slagle

What is going on at USSF Academy Playoffs? Day 2

This weekend, the two CASL USSF Academy teams, Under 16 and 18 boys, are vying for a spot in the 8 team finals to be played in Milwaukee in July. There are 32 teams in each age bracket that have a chance out of the 80 plus teams that play in the USSF Academy leagues. Each 4 team group will play a round robin format with the winner going to Milwaukee. The groups are seeded by Pods of eight. CASL's Under 18 team due to their great season is in Pod A (top eight teams), in fact they are the overall #1 seed just ahead of the MLS' FC Dallas Under 18 team.
The Under 16 team is in Pod B, the group of the top 9-16 teams.

The Under 18 Schedule begins tonight against Concorde Fire out of Atlanta.
The Under 16 Schedule begins tomorrow against FC Dallas.
Here are the schedules:

Under 18
Friday 7:30 pm CDT v Concorde (GA) Fire FINAL: 2-1
Saturday 6 pm v Colorado Rush FINAL: 2-2
Monday 11 am v Albertson (NY)
1/2 time score: 1-0
Goal Scorers: Johnny Ray
Andrew Morales
Goalkeeper: Paul West
Group Standings: CASL 4; Albertson 6; Concorde 0; Rush 1 (After game 2 of 3)

A late second half goal by the Rush led to the tie. Johnny Ray scored in the first half and CASL went to the interval up 1-0. The Rush tied it up and then a half-volley goal by Andrew Morales made it 2-1. CASL has the day off on Sunday and will play Albertson Monday controlling their own destiny, as to winning the group and advancing to the national finals.

Under 16
Saturday 11 am CDT v FC Dallas FINAL: 2-1
Sunday 8 pm v Sockers (IL)
Tuesday 11 am v Scott Gallagher (MO)
1/2 time score: 1-0
Goal scorers: Eric O'Brien 2
Goalkeeper: Sam Williams
Everette McCord-62nd minute
In a wild game CASL came up victorious. Leading 1-0 at the half on an Eric O'Brien goal, CASL doubled their score when Fernando Castellanos nutmegged his defender and then slotted the ball to Casy Hachem and Hachem finds O'Brien for the goal. With about 18 minutes remaining, FC Dallas gets a 1 v gk situation, Sam williams was ruled to have taken down the player and gets a red card plus FC Dallas converts the penalty kick. Now playing 10 v 11 and Everette McCord in to replace Williams, the Under 16 CASL team bunkered in and preserved the very important victory.
Group Standings: CASL 3; Scott Gallagher 3; Sockers 0; FC Dallas 0

I will try to blog 1/2 time scores and finals throughout the tournament,
                                                                     Charlie Slagle

What is going on at USSF Developmental Academy Regionals? Day 1

This weekend, the two CASL USSF Academy teams, Under 16 and 18 boys, are vying for a spot in the 8 team finals to be played in Milwaukee in July. There are 32 teams in each age bracket that have a chance out of the 80 plus teams that play in the USSF Academy leagues. Each 4 team group will play a round robin format with the winner going to Milwaukee. The groups are seeded by Pods of eight. CASL's Under 18 team due to their great season is in Pod A (top eight teams), in fact they are the overall #1 seed just ahead of the MLS' FC Dallas Under 18 team.
The Under 16 team is in Pod B, the group of the top 9-16 teams.

The Under 18 Schedule begins tonight against Concorde Fire out of Atlanta.
The Under 16 Schedule begins tomorrow against FC Dallas.
Here are the schedules:

Under 18
Friday 7:30 pm CDT v Concorde (GA) Fire FINAL: 2-1
Saturday 6 pm v Colorado Rush
Monday 11 am v Albertson (NY)
1/2 time score: 0-1
Goal Scorers: Mambo Bokar (2nd 1/2) making 1-1; Penalty kick by Cooper Van der Moss Peeler (2nd 1/2) making it 2-1
Goalkeeper: Paul West
After going down 1-0 near the end of the first half, CASL scored a quick second half goal by Mambo Bokar and then late in the 2nd half, Cooper Van der Moss Peeler converted a penalty kick with less than 10 minutes remaining. The 3 points in the first of three round robin games puts CASL in good shape going into tomorrow's second game vs the Colorado Rush who lost to Albertson 2-1 due to a late 2nd half goal. Albertson and CASL are on top of the group with 3 points each.

Under 16
Saturday 11 am CDT v FC Dallas FINAL:
Sunday 8 pm v Sockers (IL)
Tuesday 11 am v Scott Gallagher (MO)
1/2 time score:
Goal scorers:
Goalkeeper:

I will try to blog 1/2 time scores and finals throughout the tournament,
                                                                     Charlie Slagle

What a weekend it will be soccer-wise!

What is going on-well, first, who is on Back of the Net from 7-8 am on Saturday on 99.9 the Fan? Christopher Dunn from Dunn Physical Therapy and Pilates will discuss the advantage of young athletes getting screened for potential bio-nechanical problems that might lead to injury and will talk about exercises to gain range of motion flexibility and or strength. Then Boston University women's head coach, Nancy Feldman will talk about the Women's World Cup which begins Sunday in Germany. Nancy will be at the games in Germany. The US plays Tuesday v Korea, Saturday 7/2 v Colombia and then 7/6 v Sweden in the opening round robin. The next guest will be former US National Team player, Bruce Murray, who will discuss the Gold Cup Final at the Rose Bowl...US v Mexico which is Saturday night at 9 pm on Fox Soccer Channel. The winner gets an invitation to the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil (1 year before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil). Lastly, Kupono Low from the Carolina Railhawks will talk about the amazing start his team has had and their game at Atlanta later Sunday.
Also, The USSF Academy Regionals will begin play today in Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb). CASL has both teams in the playoffs. The U18's are ranked #1 in the country and play tonight (7:30 pm CDT) against Concorde out of Atlanta. The U16's play on Saturday (11 am CDT) against the home standing FC Dallas squad. The U18s play Saturday (6 pm CDT) v Colorado Rush. I will be blogging at half time and at the end of each game in order for folks here to keep up with the games.
Also, I will be headed to Sweden with 120 CASL Challenge players on Monday. They will be playing in a tournament in Pitea, Sweden which is just south of the Arctic Circle on July 1-3. I will be blogging scores back to this blog. All teams play a late night game on 7/1 but not under the lights because of the midnight sun....should be cool, in more ways than one!
Lots going on, ENJOY!
                                                                                      Charlie Slagle

Who remains in the Regional semi-finals? Day 5

The USYS Southern Regionals head to Day 5, the semi-final round and two CASL teams remain. The Under 15 Girls and the Under 16 girls coached by the Nahas brothers, Sean and Damon respectively. Today's winners will advance to Wednesday's Championship games in Murfreesboro, TN. The Champions will then advance to the USYS National Championships in late July in Phoenix, AZ. 184 teams began the Regional and 48 remain! For more information on earlier rounds, read the earlier blogs about the Regionals.

The USYS Southern Regionals are a 6 day event beginning Friday June 17 and will end with championship games on Wednesday June 22. Winners will advance to the USYS National Championships in Phoenix in late July. Three single game days of round robin play where two teams from each 4 team group will advance to the Monday quarterfinals (except in U19 where only 4 of the 12 teams qualify for Tuesday's semi-finals). All games are being played in Murfreesboro, TN near Nashville. I will try to update the blog many times per day to keep folks up to speed.
                                                                    Charlie Slagle

Day 5 (All times are CDT)

U15 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Laurie Rigsbee; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Dom Babbitt, Maddie Blackwell, McKenzie Blackwell, Cailyn Boch, MacKenzie Dipper, Caroline Duncan, Sydney Frizzelle, Rebecca Kenny, Amanda Lasater, Colleen Markey, Riley Nociti, Gracin Palmer, Alexis Pendergraft, Katrina Pibl, Bayley Rigsbee, Cheyenne Warrick, Maddie West
Fri game v MS JFC Fire Premier (MS) FINAL: 4-2
Sat 8 am v TNFC Impact (TN) FINAL: 3-0
Sun noon v MSC Lakers (LA) FINAL: 1-0
Mon noon v Birmingham United (AL)  1/4 final FINAL 4-0
Tuesday 10 am v the D'Feeters (N-TX) semi-final FINAL: 0-1
Record 4-1-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time score:  0-1
Goal scorers: 
Gk:  Caroline Duncan
In a very even 1st half, the D'Feeters scored a goal on a corner kick in the 27th minute. The near post player flicked the ball over her head with her foot and into the back of the net. CASL had two good chances. Early in the half, in a scramble in front of the net, Cailyn Boch and the D'Feeters gk got tangled up and the ball came free and the gk made a big save on the shot after the ball came free. The D'Feeters gk was then replaced due to injury. In stoppage time, CASL missed wide on a corner kick when the ball came free about 8 yds from the goal line.
In the 2nd half, there were many chances both ways but no goals and the D'Feeters held on to a 1-0 victory. CASL Gk Caroline Duncan made some big plays: in the 47th minute, she got a hand on the ball that just was under the cross bar on a free kick, in the 55th minute she made a save on a header from a D'Feeter player streaking down the middle of the box and she made a good play on a hard shot in the 71st minute. CASL had there chances as well: Alexis Pendergraft and MacKenzie Dipper both had shots in the 61st and 65th that were saved by the gk. In the 67th, Cailyn Boch had a ball go just wide off a corner. In stoppage time, Dipper had a ball go just over the bar.
The team had a great 5 days and all of CASL should be proud of the effort and ability that all members of Sean Nahas' team displayed!

U16 Girls-Coach Damon Nahas; Manager Elizabeth Curtis; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Joanna Boyles, Caroline Brown, Cameron Castleberry, Cady Cone, Sydney Curtis, Alexis Degler, Bria Dixon, Taylor Francis, Christina Gibbons, Kat Palmer, Paige Reckert, Kelsey Reeves, Morgan Reid, Alexis Shaffer, Cameron Sigmon, Erin Tanhauser, Claire Wagner, Maya Worth
Fri game v Ponte Vedra Storm (FL) FINAL 2-0
Sat 2 pm v CESA (SC) FINAL 1-0
Sun 8 am v Lonestars Red (S-TX) FINAL 1-0
Mon 10 am v NWA (AR) FINAL: 4-0 1/4 final
Tuesday 12:30 v the Sting (N-TX) semi-final FINAL: 0-1
Record 4-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time:  0-0
Goal Scorers: 
Gk: Taylor Francis
In an innocuous first half that was very evenly played there was no scoring. Sting had a "half" chance when a ball came loose and CASL gk, Taylor Francis, smothered the attempted shot at the feet of the shooter. Most of the play was at midfield. As this is the fifth game in five days for both teams, things should open up in the 2nd half as the players log more and more minutes.
In the 2nd half, a 35 yard shot just under the cross bar by a Sting player was the only goal. It occurred in the 47th minute. CASL had two chances in the 52nd and 53rd minute as the Alexises, First Shaffer and then Degler hit ball just over the goal after crosses were played to them. CASL played the last 16 minutes one person down as Bria Dixon received a red card in what became a very physical game. Another good showing for CASL's Under 16 girls that came up one goal short in the semis. The team and caoch Damon Nahas should be proud of their effort in this very difficult age bracket in the Southern Regionals!

Who is left on the fourth day of the Regionals? Day 4

Six of the CASL 9 teams will play today (Monday) in the USYS Southern Regionals. Five will be in the quarterfinals and the U19 boys will be playing their last round robin game and a win would put them in tomorrow's semifinals. See below who is left and this blog will be updated throughout the day with scores, etc.:

The USYS Southern Regionals are a 6 day event beginning Friday June 17 and will end with championship games on Wednesday June 22. Winners will advance to the USYS National Championships in Phoenix in late July. Three single game days of round robin play where two teams from each 4 team group will advance to the Monday quarterfinals (except in U19 where only 4 of the 12 teams qualify for Tuesday's semi-finals). All games are being played in Murfreesboro, TN near Nashville. I will try to update the blog many times per day to keep folks up to speed.
                                                                    Charlie Slagle

Day 4 (All times are CDT)

U14 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Zinner;  qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: David Adams, Daniel Avila, Josh Cornell, Ryan Day, Vinnie Durand, Hank Gauger, Brandon Gettinger, Dylan Haynes, Abulle Ibreahim, Dominic Jensen, Kyle LaCivita,David McCallum, Brandon Millington,Zach Olofson, Nick Retzlaff, Momo Sabha, Brandon Sainz, Matthew Zinner
Fri game v CESA (SC)    FINAL: 4-1
Sat 4 pm v Concorde (GA) FINAL: 1-2
Sunday 10 am v Tulsa (OK) FINAL: 2-1
Mon 10 am V LAFC Houstonians (S-TX)  1/4 finals FINAL 0-3
Record 2-2-0
Standing in Group: 2nd ADVANCE TO 10 AM 1/4s ON MONDAY
1/2 Time:  0-1
Goal Scorers:
Gk: Vinnie Durant
David McCallum
A late goal in the 1st half propelled a strong Houstonians team to a victory over a very game CASL squad. coach John Bradford and his team should be proud how they performed in their first regional experience.

U14 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Christy Goudy; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Tory Andrews, Alexa Asher, Celeste Barnard, Allie Cutler, Megan Goudy, Allison Gupton, Ashley Kendrot, Kirstie King, Kat McDonald, Taylor Otto, Holly Priestley, Emma Socha, Katie Stokely, Mary-Love Taylor, Heather Timothy, Briana Velasquez
Fri game v Little Rock FC (AR) FINAL: 6-0
Sat 2 pm v SCU/MP (SC) FINAL: 2-1
Sun 10 am v FC Alliance Black (TN) FINAL: 2-0
Mon 10 am v Hurricanes (OK)   1/4 finals FINAL: 0-1
Record 3-1-0
Standing in Group: 1st ADVANCE TO 1/4'S ON MONDAY AT 10 AM AS GROUP WINNER
1/2 Time:  0-0
Goal Scorers:
GK: Celeste Barnard
A latish goal in the second half by the Hurricanes was all they needed in a hard-fought well-played closely contested match. The team and coach Sean Nahas, gave an excellent representation of themselves over the last four days.

U15 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Krause; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Elijah Agu, Sam Bissett, Cody Brinkman, Simon Burke, Danny Davis, Caleb Duvernay, Mac Garrett, Evan Krause, Andrew Lawrence, Jason McCartney, Stevie Megaloudis, Hernan Mogollon, Kenneth Perkinson, Robert Smith, Wyatt Street, Brian Wendelgass
Fri game v LA Fire Blue (LA)  FINAL: 2-0
Sat 2 pm v Arkansas Comets FINAL 5-0
Sun 8 am v Texans Houston (S-TX) FINAL: 0-1
Mon noon v Solar (N-TX)   1/4 finals FINAL: 0-2
Record 2-2-0
Standing in Group: 1st-Tied ADVANCE TO MON NOON 1/4 FINAL AS 2ND FROM GROUP
1/2 time: 0-2
Goal scorers:
GK: Kenneth Perkinson
Two first half goals by Solar won the game. The CASL U15 team had a great Regionals and Coach Bradford and his team should be proud how they played over the last four days.


U15 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Laurie Rigsbee; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Dom Babbitt, Maddie Blackwell, McKenzie Blackwell, Cailyn Boch, MacKenzie Dipper, Caroline Duncan, Sydney Frizzelle, Rebecca Kenny, Amanda Lasater, Colleen Markey, Riley Nociti, Gracin Palmer, Alexis Pendergraft, Katrina Pibl, Bayley Rigsbee, Cheyenne Warrick, Maddie West
Fri game v MS JFC Fire Premier (MS) FINAL: 4-2
Sat 8 am v TNFC Impact (TN) FINAL: 3-0
Sun noon v MSC Lakers (LA) FINAL: 1-0
Mon noon v Birmingham United (AL)  1/4 finals FINAL 4-0
Record 4-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st  Quarterfinal monday at noon
1/2 time score:  4-0
Goal scorers:  Alexis Pendergraft
Riley Nociti
Maddie West
McKenzie Blackwell
Gk: Caroline Duncan
An outburst of four 1st half goals advanced the team to the 11 am Tuesday semi-finals. Assists went to Pendergraft, West and MacKenzie Dipper.
U16 Girls-Coach Damon Nahas; Manager Elizabeth Curtis; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Joanna Boyles, Caroline Brown, Cameron Castleberry, Cady Cone, Sydney Curtis, Alexis Degler, Bria Dixon, Taylor Francis, Christina Gibbons, Kat Palmer, Paige Reckert, Kelsey Reeves, Morgan Reid, Alexis Shaffer, Cameron Sigmon, Erin Tanhauser, Claire Wagner, Maya Worth
Fri game v Ponte Vedra Storm (FL) FINAL 2-0
Sat 2 pm v CESA (SC) FINAL 1-0
Sun 8 am v Lonestars Red (S-TX) FINAL 1-0
Mon 10 am v NWA (AR) FINAL: 4-0
Record 4-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st ADVANCE TO MON 10 AM Quarterfinal
1/2 time: 2-0
Goal Scorers:  Alexis Shaffer
Paige Reckert 2
Maya Worth
Gk: Taylor Francis
A dominating performance by this veteran team looking to go back to the national finals again after missing out last year (this team was national runner-up in 2009 at under 14). They will play Tuesday in the semi-finals at 1:30 pm. A couple of Paige Reckert goals and singletons by Maya Worth and Alexis Shaffer with assists going to Reckert, Christina Gibbons and Alexis Degler led to the final score.

U19 Boys-Coach Paul Forster; Manager Laurie Girard; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Harrison Delbridge, Kyle Emerson, Bright Edo, Ryan Fleming, Michael Forsyth, Matt Frongello, Jared Girard, Alex Givens, Davis Griffin, Ethan Hall, Olutolanio Ibikunle, Greg Judge, Alex Long, Ryan Metts, JP Rafferty, Glenn Scott, Ross Tomaselli, Jared Watts, Matthew Wescoe, James Williams
Fri v LA Fire Red (LA) FINAL: 1-2
Sat 10 am v Lonestars Red (TX-S)- Ppd until Monday
Sun 8 am v MS JFC Fire (MS) FINAL: 6-3
Mon 4 pm v Lonestars Red (TX-S) GAME DELAYED BY 1 HOUR
Record 1-2-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time:  0-1
Goal Scorers:
GK: Alex Long
 Big Round Robin game on Monday to determine the group winner versus Lonestars Red coached by former CASL coach, Bruce Talbot.

What is going on at USYS Southern Regionals? Day 3

The USYS Southern Regionals are a 6 day event beginning Friday June 17 and will end with championship games on Wednesday June 22. Winners will advance to the USYS National Championships in Phoenix in late July. Three single game days of round robin play where two teams from each 4 team group will advance to the Monday quarterfinals (except in U19 where only 4 of the 12 teams qualify for Tuesday's semi-finals). All games are being played in Murfreesboro, TN near Nashville. I will try to update the blog many times per day to keep folks up to speed.
                                                                    Charlie Slagle

CASL ENDED FRIDAY WITH A 6-3-0 RECORD
CASL ENDED Saturday with 4-4-0 Record

Day 3 (All times are CDT)

U14 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Zinner;  qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: David Adams, Daniel Avila, Josh Cornell, Ryan Day, Vinnie Durand, Hank Gauger, Brandon Gettinger, Dylan Haynes, Abulle Ibreahim, Dominic Jensen, Kyle LaCivita,David McCallum, Brandon Millington,Zach Olofson, Nick Retzlaff, Momo Sabha, Brandon Sainz, Matthew Zinner
Fri game v CESA (SC)    FINAL: 4-1
Sat 4 pm v Concorde (GA) FINAL: 1-2
Sunday 10 am v Tulsa (OK) FINAL: 2-1
Record 2-1-0
Standing in Group: 2nd ADVANCE TO 10 AM 1/4s ON MONDAY
1/2 Time:  2-1
Goal Scorers: Josh Cornell
Hank Gauger
Gk: David McCallum
Two first half goals to take a 2-0 lead held up and team advances to the quarterfinals.

U14 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Christy Goudy; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Tory Andrews, Alexa Asher, Celeste Barnard, Allie Cutler, Megan Goudy, Allison Gupton, Ashley Kendrot, Kirstie King, Kat McDonald, Taylor Otto, Holly Priestley, Emma Socha, Katie Stokely, Mary-Love Taylor, Heather Timothy, Briana Velasquez
Fri game v Little Rock FC (AR) FINAL: 6-0
Sat 2 pm v SCU/MP (SC) FINAL: 2-1
Sun 10 am v FC Alliance Black (TN) FINAL: 2-0
Record 3-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st ADVANCE TO 1/4'S ON MONDAY AT 10 AM AS GROUP WINNER
1/2 Time:  0-0
Goal Scorers: Kat McDonald (pk)
Heather Timothy
GK: Celeste Barnard
Two 2nd half goals seal the victory including a great volley by Heather Timothy off a corner kick. Off to to the quarterfinals tomorrow after an undefeated round robin trio of games!

U15 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Krause; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Elijah Agu, Sam Bissett, Cody Brinkman, Simon Burke, Danny Davis, Caleb Duvernay, Mac Garrett, Evan Krause, Andrew Lawrence, Jason McCartney, Stevie Megaloudis, Hernan Mogollon, Kenneth Perkinson, Robert Smith, Wyatt Street, Brian Wendelgass
Fri game v LA Fire Blue (LA)  FINAL: 2-0
Sat 2 pm v Arkansas Comets FINAL 5-0
Sun 8 am v Texans Houston (S-TX) FINAL: 0-1
Record 2-1-0
Standing in Group: 1st-Tied ADVANCE TO MON NOON 1/4 FINAL AS 2ND FROM GROUP
1/2 time:  0-0
Goal scorers:
GK: Sam Bissett
Kenneth Perkinson
A late goal by the Texans won a very close game. The Texans and CASL tied for 1st place in the group and the Texans move on as the #1 in the group due to head to head and CASL moves on as
#2.

U15 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Laurie Rigsbee; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Dom Babbitt, Maddie Blackwell, McKenzie Blackwell, Cailyn Boch, MacKenzie Dipper, Caroline Duncan, Sydney Frizzelle, Rebecca Kenny, Amanda Lasater, Colleen Markey, Riley Nociti, Gracin Palmer, Alexis Pendergraft, Katrina Pibl, Bayley Rigsbee, Cheyenne Warrick, Maddie West
Fri game v MS JFC Fire Premier (MS) FINAL: 4-2
Sat 8 am v TNFC Impact (TN) FINAL: 3-0
Sun noon v MSC Lakers (LA) FINAL: 1-0
Record 3-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st  Quarterfinal monday at noon
1/2 time score: 0-0
Goal scorers: Maddie West
Gk: Caroline Duncan

U16 Girls-Coach Damon Nahas; Manager Elizabeth Curtis; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Joanna Boyles, Caroline Brown, Cameron Castleberry, Cady Cone, Sydney Curtis, Alexis Degler, Bria Dixon, Taylor Francis, Christina Gibbons, Kat Palmer, Paige Reckert, Kelsey Reeves, Morgan Reid, Alexis Shaffer, Cameron Sigmon, Erin Tanhauser, Claire Wagner, Maya Worth
Fri game v Ponte Vedra Storm (FL) FINAL 2-0
Sat 2 pm v CESA (SC) FINAL 1-0
Sun 8 am v Lonestars Red (S-TX) FINAL 1-0
Record 3-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st ADVANCE TO MON 10 AM Quarterfinal
1/2 time: 1-0
Goal Scorers:  Maya Worth
Gk: Taylor Francis
a first half goal by Maya Worth on a pass from Kat Palmer was all that was needed for the victory and a clean slate in the round robin. GK Taylor Francis and the defense did not allow a goal in 240 minutes of soccer.

U17 Boys-Coach Steven Chaconas; Manager Jill Herbst; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Taylor Birdsall, Blair Capel, Langdon Clay, Alex Herbst, Sam Hoeferkamp, Brian Howard, Richi Kanu, Ryan King, AT Martin, CJ Miller, Matthew Millington, Ryan Milroy, Fraser Murphy, Seth Poole, CJ Tikvart, Ty Unger, Matt Williams, Satchel Wiltshire
Fri game v Arkansas Comets FINAL: 1-2
Sat 8 pm v Tulsa Black (OK) FINAL 1-5
Sun 4 pm v GCU Dynamos (MS) FINAL 1-3
Record 0-3-0
Standing in Group: 4th
1/2 time: 1-1
Goal scorers:  Sam Hoeferkamp
GK: Matt Williams

U17 girls-Coach Rusty Scarborough (CASL DOC); Manager David Lindquist; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup Team members: Kiki Davis ( UVA ), Caitlin Donovan, Caroline Gentry, Courtney Johnson, Caroline Lindquist, Stephanie Lossau, Annie McHenry (UNCC), Taylor Newcomb, Michelle Oestreich, Haley Patsey, Meghan Poirier, Alex Puszczynski, Sydney Sawaya, Madison Shaw, Katie Thomas, Monica Trickett, Clay Weaver,)--graduating seniors and the school they will be entering next fall in (    ).
Fri game v CESA (SC) FINAL 0-1
Sat 10 pm v Brentwood (TN) FINAL: 0-1
Sun 6 pm v Solar red (S-TX) Final: 0-2
Record 0-3-0
Standing in Group: 4th
1/2 time: 
GK: Maddie Shaw
Annie McHenry

U18 girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Susan Stokes; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Stephanie Bronson(NCSU), Jess Crowder(WVU), Sarah Dejak(Syracuse), Sarah Floyd (App St.), Ally Glover (ECU), Casey Hachem (App. St.), Stephanie Hartman (UNCW), Rachel Hunter (Naval Academy), Taber Lewis (High Point), Erin Mulhern (American), Katelyn Reeve (Clemson), Sarah Russo (Coastal Carolina), Sam Seelinger (USC Upstate), Ashley Shaffer (Georgetown), Lucia Stein-Montalvo (Davidson), Ashley Stokes (UNCG)--graduating seniors and the school they will be entering next fall in (    ).
Fri game v Murfreesboro Lady's Strikers FINAL: 4-0
Sat 6 pm v Concorde (GA) FINAL: 0-1
Sun 2 pm v Dallas Texans Red (N-TX) FINAL 1-2
Record 1-2-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time:  0-1
Goal scorers: Ashley Stokes
GK: Allie Glover
Sarah Dejak

U19 Boys-Coach Paul Forster; Manager Laurie Girard; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Harrison Delbridge, Kyle Emerson, Bright Edo, Ryan Fleming, Michael Forsyth, Matt Frongello, Jared Girard, Alex Givens, Davis Griffin, Ethan Hall, Olutolanio Ibikunle, Greg Judge, Alex Long, Ryan Metts, JP Rafferty, Glenn Scott, Ross Tomaselli, Jared Watts, Matthew Wescoe, James Williams
Fri v LA Fire Red (LA) FINAL: 1-2
Sat 10 am v Lonestars Red (TX-S)- Ppd until Monday
Sun 8 am v MS JFC Fire (MS) FINAL: 6-3
Record 1-1-0
Standing in Group: 2nd
1/2 time: 3-2
Goal Scorers: Kyle Emerson 2
Ross Tomaselli
JP Rafferty
Matthew Wescoe
James Williams
GK: Ethan Hall
Davis Griffin
A wild scoring affair with 5 goals in the first half and four in the second evens the team's record at 1-1-0. Big Monday Round Robin game on Monday to determine the group winner versus Lonestars Red coached by former CASL coach, Bruce Talbot.

What is going on at USYS Southern Regionals? Day 2

WEATHER DELAY IN MURFREESBORO-DELAY BEGAN AT 9:50 AM CDT. 10 AM GAMES PUSHED BACK!
GAMES RESUMED AT @ 2 PM. Times of some games have changed (see below)

The USYS Southern Regionals are a 6 day event beginning Friday June 17 and will end with championship games on Wednesday June 22. Winners will advance to the USYS National Championships in Phoenix in late July. Three single game days of round robin play where two teams from each 4 team group will advance to the Monday quarterfinals (except in U19 where only 4 of the 12 teams qualify for Tuesday's semi-finals). All games are being played in Murfreesboro, TN near Nashville. I will try to update the blog many times per day to keep folks up to speed.
                                                                    Charlie Slagle

CASL ENDED FRIDAY WITH A 6-3-0 RECORD

Day 2 (All times are CDT)

U14 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Zinner;  qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: David Adams, Daniel Avila, Josh Cornell, Ryan Day, Vinnie Durand, Hank Gauger, Brandon Gettinger, Dylan Haynes, Abulle Ibreahim, Dominic Jensen, Kyle LaCivita,David McCallum, Brandon Millington,Zach Olofson, Nick Retzlaff, Momo Sabha, Brandon Sainz, Matthew Zinner
Fri game v CESA (SC)    FINAL: 4-1
Sat 4 pm v Concorde (GA) FINAL: 1-2
Record 1-1-0
Standing in Group: 2nd
1/2 Time: 1-0
Goal Scorers:  Hank Gauger
Gk: Vinnie Durant
Two 2nd half goals by Concorde spelled doom for CASL in a very competitive game. CASL scored a great goal as Dom Jensen's skim header found Hank Gauger's feet and Hank finished with authority!

U14 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Christy Goudy; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Tory Andrews, Alexa Asher, Celeste Barnard, Allie Cutler, Megan Goudy, Allison Gupton, Ashley Kendrot, Kirstie King, Kat McDonald, Taylor Otto, Holly Priestley, Emma Socha, Katie Stokely, Mary-Love Taylor, Heather Timothy, Briana Velasquez
Fri game v Little Rock FC (AR) FINAL: 6-0
Sat 2 pm v SCU/MP (SC) FINAL: 2-1
Record 2-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 Time:  0-1
Goal Scorers: Taylor Otto 2
GK: Celeste Barnard
Two seconf half goals, one in the last 5 minutes by Taylor Otto off assists by Heather Timothy and Allison Gupton clinched at least a tie for first place in their group

U15 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Krause; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Elijah Agu, Sam Bissett, Cody Brinkman, Simon Burke, Danny Davis, Caleb Duvernay, Mac Garrett, Evan Krause, Andrew Lawrence, Jason McCartney, Stevie Megaloudis, Hernan Mogollon, Kenneth Perkinson, Robert Smith, Wyatt Street, Brian Wendelgass
Fri game v LA Fire Blue (LA)  FINAL: 2-0
Sat 2 pm v Arkansas Comets FINAL 5-0
Record 2-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time:  3-0
Goal scorers: Mac Garrett
Robert Smith (diving header)
Danny Davis
Wyatt Street
GK: Kenneth Perkinson
Sam Bissett
Two goals in the first few minutes of the game allowed for an easy victory for CASL. The team clinches at least a tie for first in their group.

U15 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Laurie Rigsbee; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Dom Babbitt, Maddie Blackwell, McKenzie Blackwell, Cailyn Boch, MacKenzie Dipper, Caroline Duncan, Sydney Frizzelle, Rebecca Kenny, Amanda Lasater, Colleen Markey, Riley Nociti, Gracin Palmer, Alexis Pendergraft, Katrina Pibl, Bayley Rigsbee, Cheyenne Warrick, Maddie West
Fri game v MS JFC Fire Premier (MS) FINAL: 4-2
Sat 8 am v TNFC Impact (TN) FINAL: 3-0
Record 2-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st (clinched 1st place)
1/2 time score: 1-0
Goal scorers: McKenzie Blackwell
Maddie West
Colleen Markey
Gk: Caroline Duncan
A dominating performance by the team with 2 assists by MacKenzie Dipper and one by Maddie West propelled the team to the win. With the win, the team clinched a place in the quarterfinals and also clinched winning their group.

U16 Girls-Coach Damon Nahas; Manager Elizabeth Curtis; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Joanna Boyles, Caroline Brown, Cameron Castleberry, Cady Cone, Sydney Curtis, Alexis Degler, Bria Dixon, Taylor Francis, Christina Gibbons, Kat Palmer, Paige Reckert, Kelsey Reeves, Morgan Reid, Alexis Shaffer, Cameron Sigmon, Erin Tanhauser, Claire Wagner, Maya Worth
Fri game v Ponte Vedra Storm (FL) FINAL 2-0
Sat 2 pm v CESA (SC) FINAL 1-0
Record 2-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
11/2 time: 0-0
Goal Scoers:  Alexis Shaffer
Gk: Taylor Francis
A 2nd half goal by Shaffer on assists from Paige Reckert and Claire Wagner helped the team pull out a hard fought battle. The team clinches a quarterfinal berth on Monday.


U17 Boys-Coach Steven Chaconas; Manager Jill Herbst; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Taylor Birdsall, Blair Capel, Langdon Clay, Alex Herbst, Sam Hoeferkamp, Brian Howard, Richi Kanu, Ryan King, AT Martin, CJ Miller, Matthew Millington, Ryan Milroy, Fraser Murphy, Seth Poole, CJ Tikvart, Ty Unger, Matt Williams, Satchel Wiltshire
Fri game v Arkansas Comets FINAL: 1-2
Sat 8 pm v Tulsa Black (OK) FINAL 1-5
Record 0-2-0
Standing in Group: 4th
1/2 time: 1-2
Goal scorers:  AT Martin
GK: Brian Howard
Matt Williams
Two early goals, for the 2nd night in a row, were the undoing for the Under 17 team

U17 girls-Coach Rusty Scarborough (CASL DOC); Manager David Lindquist; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup Team members: Kiki Davis ( UVA ), Caitlin Donovan, Caroline Gentry, Courtney Johnson, Caroline Lindquist, Stephanie Lossau, Annie McHenry (UNCC), Taylor Newcomb, Michelle Oestreich, Haley Patsey, Meghan Poirier, Alex Puszczynski, Sydney Sawaya, Madison Shaw, Katie Thomas, Monica Trickett, Clay Weaver,)--graduating seniors and the school they will be entering next fall in (    ).
Fri game v CESA (SC) FINAL 0-1
Sat 10 pm v Brentwood (TN) FINAL: 0-1
Record 0-2-0
Standing in Group: 4th
1/2 time:  0-1
GK: Annie McHenry
Maddie Shaw
A deflected cross near the end of the 1st half provided Brentwood with the lead. No goals by either side were scored in a very hard fought 2nd 1/2. Thus the team from TN prevailed.


U18 girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Susan Stokes; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Stephanie Bronson(NCSU), Jess Crowder(WVU), Sarah Dejak(Syracuse), Sarah Floyd (App St.), Ally Glover (ECU), Casey Hachem (App. St.), Stephanie Hartman (UNCW), Rachel Hunter (Naval Academy), Taber Lewis (High Point), Erin Mulhern (American), Katelyn Reeve (Clemson), Sarah Russo (Coastal Carolina), Sam Seelinger (USC Upstate), Ashley Shaffer (Georgetown), Lucia Stein-Montalvo (Davidson), Ashley Stokes (UNCG)--graduating seniors and the school they will be entering next fall in (    ).
Fri game v Murfreesboro Lady's Strikers FINAL: 4-0
Sat 6 pm v Concorde (GA) FINAL: 0-1
Record 1-1-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time: 0-1
Goal scorers:
GK: Allie Glover
Sarah Dejak
In a very competitive game that went from end to end, Concorde's 1st half goal held up.


U19 Boys-Coach Paul Forster; Manager Laurie Girard; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Team members: Harrison Delbridge, Kyle Emerson, Bright Edo, Ryan Fleming, Michael Forsyth, Matt Frongello, Jared Girard, Alex Givens, Davis Griffin, Ethan Hall, Olutolanio Ibikunle, Greg Judge, Alex Long, Ryan Metts, JP Rafferty, Glenn Scott, Ross Tomaselli, Jared Watts, Matthew Wescoe, James Williams
Fri v LA Fire Red (LA) FINAL: 1-2
Sat 10 am v Lonestars Red (TX-S)- Ppd until Monday
Record 0-1-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time:
Goal Scorer:
GK:

What is going on at USYS Southern Regionals? Day 1

The USYS Southern Regionals are a 6 day event beginning today, Friday June 17 and will end with championship games on Wednesday June 22. Winners will advance to the USYS National Championships in Phoenix in late July. Three single game days of round robin play where two teams from each 4 team group will advance to the Monday quarterfinals (except in U19 where only 4 of the 12 teams qualify for Tuesday's semi-finals). All games are being played in Murfreesboro, TN near Nashville. I will try to update the blog many times per day to keep folks up to speed.
                                                                    Charlie Slagle

CASL ENDED THE DAY WITH A 6-3-0 RECORD-WE'LL SEE WHAT SATURDAY BRINGS!

Day 1 (All times are CDT)

U14 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Zinner;  qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
8 am game v CESA (SC)    FINAL: 4-1
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 Time 3-0 CASL
Goal Scorers: Matthew Zinner
Dominic Jensen
Zach Olofson
Hank Gauger
Gk: Vinnie Durant 1st half
David McCallum 2nd half
A dominating 1st half performance led to a victory
GK: Kenneth Perkinson
Sam Bissett

U14 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Christy Goudy; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
8 am game v Little Rock FC (AR) FINAL: 6-0
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 Time: 2-0 CASL
Goal Scorers:Allie Cutler 2
Taylor Otto 2
Emma Socha
Holly Priestley
GK: Celeste Barnard
The team dominated throughout and broke through with a great 2nd 1/2

U15 Boys-Coach John Bradford; Manager Kim Krause; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Noon game v LA Fire Blue (LA)  FINAL: 2-0
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time: 1-0
Goal scorers: Danny Davis
Andrew Lawrence
GK: Kenneth Perkinson
Andrew Lawrence
A goal in each half won it for the Under 15's

U15 Girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Laurie Rigsbee; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
10 am game v MS JFC Fire Premier (MS) FINAL: 4-2
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time score: 2-0
Goal scorers: Cheyenne Warrick
Amanda Lasater
Dom Babbitt
Colleen Markey
Gk: Caroline Duncan
Built a 3-0 lead early in the 2nd half and two goals later in the second half by the Fire made it close. Goal by Markey off an assist from Warrick sealed the game at 4-2

U16 Girls-Coach Damon Nahas; Manager Elizabeth Curtis; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Noon game v Ponte Vedra Storm (FL) FINAL 2-0
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
11/2 time:1-0
Goal Scoers: Paige Reckert
Christina Gibbons
Gk: Taylor Francis


U17 Boys-Coach Steven Chaconas; Manager Jill Herbst; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
8 pm game v Arkansas Comets FINAL: 1-2
Record 0-1-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time:1-2
Goal scorers: Taylor Birdsall
GK: Brian Howard
Matt Williams
2 early goals held up for the comets despite heavy pressure from CASL in the 2nd half

U17 girls-Coach Rusty Scarborough (CASL DOC); Manager David Lindquist; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
2 pm game v CESA (SC) FINAL 0-1
Record 0-1-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time: 0-0
GK: Annie McHenry
Maddie Shaw
A goal in the 1st minute of the 2nd half was all CESA needed to win the game


U18 girls-Coach Sean Nahas; Manager Susan Stokes; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
6 pm game v Murfreesboro Lady's Strikers FINAL: 4-0
Record 1-0-0
Standing in Group: 1st
1/2 time:1-0
Goal scorers: Taber Lewis 2
Erin Mulhern
Rachel Hunter
GK: Allie Glover
Sarah Dejak
Three 2nd half goals opened this game up for CASL


U19 Boys-Coach Paul Forster; Manager Laurie Girard; qualified by winning NCYSA State Cup
Noon v LA Fire Red (LA) FINAL: 1-2
Record 0-1-0
Standing in Group: 3rd
1/2 time: 0-0
Goal Scorer: Matthew Wescoe
GK: Alex Long

Why are US Soccer Fans Saying Whew? And Other Musings

The US are in the Gold Cup Quarterfinals as expected at the beginning of the tournament. The US and Mexico were expected to be in the final and our neighbors to the south have stormed into the quarterfinals with three convincing wins. The US, on the other hand, has struggled since leaving Cary a couple of weeks ago. there was the Spain friendly in Boston which was wasn't pretty for the home team. Then a 2-0 victory over Canada in Detroit, then the shocker, a 2-1 loss to Panama in Tampa. Going into last night, there were many possibilities for advancement and some possibilities for non-advancement. A Canada victory over Panama could force a 3 way tie if the US also won against Guadaloupe. Canada was up 1-0 but an extra time goal by Panama made the game a tie ensuring that the "Canal" folks would win the group. A US win and they would also advance. The US had plenty of chances but could only muster one goal in a 1-0 victory-thus advancing to play Jamaica on Saturday in Washington, DC. These games were in the brand new Livestrong Park where Sporting Kansas City plays. The 18,000 seat beautiful soccer stadium was filled to the brim with spectators. We'll see what happens this weekend and beyond....the winner of the Gold Cup advances to the eight team Confederations Cup in 2013 in Brazil which is a prelude to the 2014 World Cup in "Samba" land!
The Railhawks are sizzling; 9-1-1 for the year and lapping the field in the NASL thus far-"Back of the Net" Soccer Show will have coach Martin Rennie and a player on this Saturday (7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan).
The USYS Southern Regionals begin Friday in Murfreesboro, TN. CASL has teams in 9 of the 12 age brackets, all as NC State Cup winners. This blog will update everyone with scores after each time slot throughout the round robin part of the tournament. Scores, scorers, assisters, gks will be listed about 6 times per day....so keep informed. I will be talking live (and early) from TN on "Back of the Net" Saturday about Friday games and upcoming Saturday and Sunday games.
A personal note-this blogger is a proud papa as son, Barry, has been named the head men's soccer coach at NCAA DII Newberry College in Newberry, SC. Barry, 27, has been the assistant at NCAA DI Wofford College for the last three years and before that an assistant at DII Colorado School of the Mines and at DI Appalachian State. Barry played at NCAA DIII, Sewanee-The University of the South.
Stayed tuned for many scores from TN, Go Railhawks this weekend (at home), Go USA in the Gold Cup and also for the US Women getting ready to play in the FIFA Women's World Cup!
                                                                       Charlie Slagle

Management Team - Part 3 Lisa Stevenson

This is the 3rd of three articles that I have written about the CASL Management team. I have been blessed with a great staff and I want to share that with the members of CASL.

                                                     Charlie Slagle

WHAT A YEAR-Thank you CASL Management Team

Part 3: Lisa Stevenson-CASL Business Manager

By Charlie Slagle-CASL CEO

About one year ago Jay Howell, CASL’s excellent Director of Coaching, left CASL to become the Executive Director of Birmingham United in Alabama. Jay is doing well and we all wish him continued success with his club! I had been with CASL for nine years then and worked closely with Jay on the direction of the club and his departure meant that CASL’s organizational chart needed to change. I did this quickly as CASL, I thought, already had the personnel in place to make a seamless transition for the years to come.  CASL added and/or changed a few job descriptions and titles and the “new” management team was devised. This management team consists of Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Michael Milazzo and Director of Coaching (DOC), Rusty Scarborough. I, as CEO, am the fourth member of this group. Michael also serves as CASL’s marketing director.

The transition to the “new” management team has gone, in my opinion, even better than my “pie in the sky” expectations. The last year has been a wonderful year for CASL, on the fields, in the office and with improvements to CASL’s infrastructure. Some of these accomplishments are more visible to a member’s eyes than others. It is easy to see the success on the field and it is easy to see the improvements to WRAL Soccer Center but the differences in the way CASL operates is a little more difficult to see.

Over the last couple of weeks, in two separate articles, I have commented on the contributions of two CASL management team members, DOC, Rusty Scarborough and COO, Michael Milazzo. Today, I am writing Part 3 of 3 and will highlight CASL Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson. For “semi” bios on these three, please refer to my CASL blog, which is accessible from the CASL home page. Each of these three was highlighted in a blog entry earlier this year and these articles have also been posted on the Charlie CASL blog.

Lisa Stevenson has been working for CASL for more than a decade focusing on the financial end of the business. She inherited me as the CEO almost 10 years ago and had to train a college soccer coach in the art of being an administrator. In the early days of my CASL tenure, the budget procedure was shaky, at best. There was a deficit and CASL was in the process of building what is now WakeMed Soccer Park. The money to build the soccer park came from interlocal tax funds due to the success of CASL’s Shootouts and Showcases (now the CASL visitraleigh.com National Soccer Series presented by Chelsea Football Club). Construction stayed within budget but CASL had to maintain a new park with no outside operating budget. The soccer park was a drain to the CASL budget above and beyond the deficit that was already in place. With Lisa’s guidance, CASL stemmed the tide of this until the Town of Cary took over the management of the soccer park. After Cary took over the park, CASL eliminated the deficit in just over one year. Since that day, CASL has been in the black, yearly. Lisa Stevenson was instrumental in my early years of keeping the budget on track and eventually eliminating the deficit and keeping it away.

CASL is a 501-c-3 non-profit corporation. Non-profit means that CASL can not make a profit but it doesn’t mean that CASL cannot incur a loss….therefore it could be a “loss” corporation. Lisa has been a gentle “bulldog” in making sure that employees do not overspend their budget and that, as a whole, CASL’s financial end runs smoothly. Lisa and I are the architects of the CASL yearly budget which has a revenue and expense of close to 5 million dollars.

She is instrumental in this process!

Lisa Stevenson acts as CASL’s HR person, as well. Lisa has had to learn this side of the business and has done so through classes and various seminars etc. She does a wonderful job in regards to employee benefits and the various laws and rules that govern businesses.

Lisa is now in the process of over-hauling CASL’s budget structure. This new program-based budget has been two years in the making and Lisa has led the way in this endeavor. There will be differences in the recording of transactions and more individual employee responsibility in regards to their part of the budget. I am sure, that due to Lisa’s work on this that the process will continue to move forward and that when full implementation of this process is complete, it will improve CASL.

As valuable as the other two members of the CASL Management Team are, Lisa may be the most valuable to the organization. Lisa knows what is happening in all realms of the organization, in regards to revenue and expenses. She is well versed in all the nuances of employee rules and laws and keeps the staff informed of anything that they need to know. Lisa handles all her duties in a professional manner. She does this humbly and has garnered the respect of all that work for CASL and all the outside entities which she has to deal with.

Lisa Stevenson has helped guide me in my first 10 years on the job here at CASL and she continues to guide me to this day. I look forward to many more years of working with Lisa as everyone’s job (including mine) is a little easier due to Lisa being CASL’s Business Manager!

What is going on at the Presidents Cup Regionals? Final Chapter

Alas, the U17 Boys United team are heading home from Decatur. AL with a runnerup finishing after losing to a team from Arkansas 1-0 in today's final. Both CASL teams did well and deserve our praise. Congratulations to Bill Hanckel and his U14 Premier team and to Alix Charles and his U17 United team. Thanks goes out to the team managers, White and Burrows for their service to these teams. Also, thanks to the parents for supporting these fine young men throughout the year and in Decatur!
                                                                        Charlie Slagle

What is going on at the Presidents Cup Regionals? Part 6

In the Presidents Cup Semi finals, the U14 Premier team lost 2-1 in a very well played game according to CASL coach Bill Hanckel. Bill said, "the team played great against the toughest opponent we have faced this year and we just came up short. I am very proud of this team and all of CASL should be, as well!"
The U17 United team won their semi-final in Pks after a 0-0 draw. All five CASL players scored their penalties. They were, in order: Cam Burrows, Patrick Ebbs, Omar Garcia, Jacques LeBlanc and Daniel Rice (I don't know if coach Alix Charles picked his order alphabetically (I'm sure that he didnt), but it did come out that way. In goal for the pk shootout was Chris Mitchell. Mitchell and his fellow goalkeeper, Jon Thibeault have only allowed goals on pks in the tournament. They allowed a late pk goal in game # 1 and the net had not been touched until the pks in the semi-finals. The rest of the members of the team that are trying to win the championship this morning versus a team from Arkansas are: Alec Baulch, Joshua Crowder, Ryan Lanier, Tristan Mauer, Imani Nahatsi, Colin O'Dowd, Tyler White, Chad Yanez, Conner Vertocci and Faelin Hoesse. Good luck this morning (9 am CDT) and hopefully, this team will be representing CASL, NCYSA and USYS Region III in the National Championship in Des Moines, IA in early July!
The members of the U14 Premier semi-finalists are: Hussain Arif, Aaron Chadwick, Brantley Garrett, Andrew Little, Fernando Morales, Trent Nelson, Daniel Nugent, Carl Palombaro, Brennan Proudfoot, Thomas Shaaf, Karim Sobh, Matthew Springer, David Tabert, Marco Terenzi, Bryson White Matthew Wilder and Harris Wilson. Congrats on a great showing boys!
                                                             Charlie Slagle
                                                            

What is going on at the Presidents Cup Regionals? Part 5

At 8 am, the CASL U14 Boys Premier team fell behind very early in the final game of the round robin. The team from East Ridge in Chattanooga held the 1-0 advantage at the half. Needing a win to guarantee advancement, the CASL team put great pressure on the TN golkeeper but could not capitalize.......til.....Fernando Morales scored off a Harris Wilson assist with 5 minutes remaining in the game to knot the score. Then, Wilson scored the game winner off a rebound of a Trent Nelson free kick two minutes inti stoppage time to earn the win and to win their group. The team will play this afternoon at 3:30 pm CDT in Decatur, AL in the semi-finals.
Harris Wilson, who had a goal and assist in the game, had this to say about coach Bill Hanckel's squad, "our hard work paid off in the end, I'm proud of how our team responded to being down and never gave up!"

The next game with Alix Charles team, U17 Premier, won again this morning wrapping up the group title.  They made it through thanks to Daniel Rice's conversion of a PK in the 48th minute, after Tristan Mauer drew a foul.  Congrats to them and the U14 team as they compete now in the regional semi-finals @ 3:30pm central time.

What is going on at the Presidents Cup Regionals? Part 4

The CASL Under 14 beat a team from Alabama 3-0 to tie for first place after two games of the three game round robin. The goals were scored by Carl Palombaro, Bryson White and Trent Nelson. Assists to Hussein Arif and Harris Wilson. The team plays at 8 am CDT against a team from Tennessee to see if they can qualify for Saturday's semi finals.
                                                                     Charlie Slagle

What is happening at Presidents Cup regionals? Part 3

Tha CASL under 17 United team defeated a SC team 4-0 in game 2 of the three game round robin and are tied for first going into tomorrow's last round robin game against South-Texas at 9:30 am CDT. The South Texas team is tied with CASL for first place with 4 points. CASL got a two goal performance from Ryan Lanier, who also had an assist. Tyler White and Daniel Rice had the other goals. Other assists were by Partick Ebbs, Conner Vertocci and Chad Yanez. The Shutout gks were John Thibeault and Chris Meredith. Lanier was pleased with his game but gave the credit for his goals to an outstanding team effort. The Regionals are being played in Decatur, AL and the winners will advance to the Presidents Cup Nationals in Des Moines, IA in July!
                                                                             Charlie Slagle

What is happening at Presidents Cup Regionals? Part 2

1-1 is the score of the first game of the round robin for both CASL teams in Decatur, AL. The Boys U14 Premier tied their Oklahoma opponent 1-1. Both goals were scored in the first half. CASL's goal was by Marco Terenzi off a cross from Bryson White. Marco said that he got to the right place and received a "beautiful" pass from Bryson!
The U17 United Boys tied last night against a Georgia team, also 1-1. Chad Yanez scored the goal for CASL.
Both teams play this afternoon. the u14's play a team from Alabama and the U17s play a team from South Carolina.

What is going on at the Presidents Cup Regionals? Part 1

Not much info here as I wait for the U14 Premier's first game. Last night, the CASL U17 Premier team tied 1-1 in their first round game. this team is coached by Alix Charles and play their 2nd game at 12:30 pm CDT in Decatur, AL. I'll keep you posted and filled in as I get more details!
                                                         Charlie Slagle

What is Going on-soccer-wise?? A lot!!

I will be busy for the next couple of weeks and will try to keep my blog readers up to date on CASL teams in various tournaments. Tonight, the U17 CASL United open play in the President Cup Regionals in Decatur, AL. Tomorrow, the CASL U14 Premier team starts play in the same tournament. I'll be there rooting them on and sending updates through the blog. Next Friday, the USYS Regionals begin play in Murfreesboro, TN. I'll be there reporting on the nine CASL teams competing. Then later in the month, I'll report from the CASL Challenge Ambassdors' trip to Sweden and their tournament just south of the Arctic Circle. There will be nine CASL entries at that event. Also, the USSF Academy Regionals are June 23-28 in Frisco, Texas. Both CASL teams have qualified for the Regionals. The U16 team will be seeded mid-pack of the 32 teams and the U18's will be seeded either #1 or #2 in the field! All should be fun!
Eight players will be competing in the USYS Regionals who won the NCYSA USYS State Cup on their respective age bracket CASL teams and also the NCHSAA State High School Championship. Those eight Leesville Road High School players are seniors, Rachel Hunter, Steph Bronson and Sarah Floyd; juniors, Caroline Gentry and Courtney Johnson; Sophomore, Kelsey Reeves and freshman, Bayley Rigsbee and Sydney Frizzelle. Seven of these eight will be on the "Back of the Net" radio show this Saturday morning between 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan. They will be joined by their high school coach, Paul Dinkenor and their club coaches from CASL, Rusty Scarborough, Sean Nahas and Damon Nahas. That is quite a feat for these young ladies!
I'll try to keep everyone posted throughout the next month!
                                                                                  Charlie Slagle

What kind of year has it been for CASL's management team? Part 2-Michael Milazzo

WHAT A YEAR-Thank you CASL Management Team
Part 2: Michael Milazzo-Chief Operating Officer
By Charlie Slagle-CASL CEO


About one year ago Jay Howell, CASL’s excellent Director of Coaching, left CASL to become the Executive Director of Birmingham United in Alabama. Jay is doing well and we all wish him continued success with his club! I had been with CASL for nine years then and worked closely with Jay on the direction of the club and his departure meant that CASL’s organizational chart needed to change. I did this quickly as CASL, I thought, already had the personnel in place to make a seamless transition for the years to come.  CASL added and/or changed a few job descriptions and titles and the “new” management team was devised. This management team consists of Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Michael Milazzo and Director of Coaching (DOC), Rusty Scarborough. I, as CEO, am the fourth member of this group. Michael also serves as CASL’s marketing director.
The transition to the “new” management team has gone, in my opinion, even better than my “pie in the sky” expectations. The last year has been a wonderful year for CASL, on the fields, in the office and with improvements to CASL’s infrastructure. Some of these accomplishments are more visible to a member’s eyes than others. It is easy to see the success on the field and it is easy to see the improvements to WRAL Soccer Center but the differences in the way CASL operates is a little more difficult to see.
Over the next couple of weeks, in three separate articles, I will comment on the contributions of each of the three CASL management team members. Today, I am writing Part 2 and will highlight Chief Operating Officer, Michael Milazzo. The first article was about Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough, and next week’s will highlight Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson. For “semi” bios on these three, please refer to my CASL blog, which is accessible from the CASL home page. Each of these three was highlighted in a blog entry earlier this year.
Michael Milazzo has been the Chief Operating Officer for just over a year. Prior to this, Michael filled many different positions in all aspects of CASL from the coaching side to the business side. Becoming the COO meant not only would he have to handle and add to his duties on the business side of CASL but that he would have to relinquish many of his duties on the coaching side, which is easier said than done. Michael has handled this transition in remarkable fashion. Michael still has input in all areas of CASL through his suggestions and expertise in CASL Management meetings.
Michael’s new duties include many facets of CASL. All activities at the CASL office fall under Michaels’s bailiwick. He, therefore, works very closely with Jean Hogshead who heads our administrative team of all the CASL playing divisions. This includes registration and tryouts in all the applicable divisions. Michael has done a great job working with and leading this veteran group as well as being their advocate.
Michael also works closely with CASL’s new Events Manager position, which is manned by Bill Hanckel. This responsibility not only covers all of the various CASL tournaments but all special events including the CASL AGM, the CASL Hall of Fame Banquet, Senior Night, etc. These events have all run efficiently and smoothly under Michael and Bill’s leadership.
The COO is also in charge of CASL’s Communication Department which encompasses not only communications but also IT plus game and practice scheduling. Scott McGuinn is CASL’s Communication Director. On Michael’s watch, a new web site is being adapted in order to better inform CASL members. Also, more blogs and other social media sites have been developed.
Michael’s job also includes monitoring the CASL Maintenance Department headed by Ben Woltz. This year, WRAL Soccer Center has made many improvements. This was a major project for the COO. A new turf field, new fencing, building improvements have all occurred in this last year and more is to come. As these positive changes happen at CASL fields, please know that Michael Milazzo has had his finger in all of these decisions plus the hard part of getting the ideas to reality! The improvements of WRAL Soccer Center is a labor of love for Michael and the results will show his commitment and talent.
           
The last duty of the COO is marketing. Michael Milazzo serves a dual capacity as he is also the Director of Marketing. Michael works closely with his assistant, Lindsay Vera in this regard. Many great marketing initiatives have been started and many more will be seen in the near future as Michael has much on the drawing board.
           
I have been impressed and really appreciate the job Michael has done for CASL in his first year as the COO. His ability to divorce himself from the coaching side of the business was not easy and Michael handled it with class. It is always tough, when someone has expertise in an area, to step back and let other capable folks handle that section of an organization. But Michael had to step back in order to put his energy to the very difficult position of COO, and what a job he has done!
           
Michael bounces ideas off me almost every day and also handles the day to day operations, for which he is in charge. He has learned to understand and appreciate the veteran staff with which he works. He has added new ideas and programs such as the adidas uniform contract which he has helped CASL to implement. The 10 year adidas contract extention is the longest that CASL or adidas have ever done and that would not have come to fruition without Michael and also CASL DOC, Rusty Scarborough. The adidas contract’s benefits will permeate all levels of CASL and will afford many opportunities for this organization locally, nationally and internationally.
           
I can’t wait for the future as Michael continues to learn the various facets of the COO job and also expands its influence throughout the league. It is my hope that Michael will be helping me improve CASL for many, many years to come. If so, the league and its members will be the benefactors!  
 


WHAT A YEAR-Thank you CASL Management Team
Part 2: Michael Milazzo-Chief Operating Officer
By Charlie Slagle-CASL CEO


About one year ago Jay Howell, CASL’s excellent Director of Coaching, left CASL to become the Executive Director of Birmingham United in Alabama. Jay is doing well and we all wish him continued success with his club! I had been with CASL for nine years then and worked closely with Jay on the direction of the club and his departure meant that CASL’s organizational chart needed to change. I did this quickly as CASL, I thought, already had the personnel in place to make a seamless transition for the years to come.  CASL added and/or changed a few job descriptions and titles and the “new” management team was devised. This management team consists of Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Michael Milazzo and Director of Coaching (DOC), Rusty Scarborough. I, as CEO, am the fourth member of this group. Michael also serves as CASL’s marketing director.
The transition to the “new” management team has gone, in my opinion, even better than my “pie in the sky” expectations. The last year has been a wonderful year for CASL, on the fields, in the office and with improvements to CASL’s infrastructure. Some of these accomplishments are more visible to a member’s eyes than others. It is easy to see the success on the field and it is easy to see the improvements to WRAL Soccer Center but the differences in the way CASL operates is a little more difficult to see.
Over the next couple of weeks, in three separate articles, I will comment on the contributions of each of the three CASL management team members. Today, I am writing Part 2 and will highlight Chief Operating Officer, Michael Milazzo. The first article was about Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough, and next week’s will highlight Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson. For “semi” bios on these three, please refer to my CASL blog, which is accessible from the CASL home page. Each of these three was highlighted in a blog entry earlier this year.
Michael Milazzo has been the Chief Operating Officer for just over a year. Prior to this, Michael filled many different positions in all aspects of CASL from the coaching side to the business side. Becoming the COO meant not only would he have to handle and add to his duties on the business side of CASL but that he would have to relinquish many of his duties on the coaching side, which is easier said than done. Michael has handled this transition in remarkable fashion. Michael still has input in all areas of CASL through his suggestions and expertise in CASL Management meetings.
Michael’s new duties include many facets of CASL. All activities at the CASL office fall under Michaels’s bailiwick. He, therefore, works very closely with Jean Hogshead who heads our administrative team of all the CASL playing divisions. This includes registration and tryouts in all the applicable divisions. Michael has done a great job working with and leading this veteran group as well as being their advocate.
Michael also works closely with CASL’s new Events Manager position, which is manned by Bill Hanckel. This responsibility not only covers all of the various CASL tournaments but all special events including the CASL AGM, the CASL Hall of Fame Banquet, Senior Night, etc. These events have all run efficiently and smoothly under Michael and Bill’s leadership.
The COO is also in charge of CASL’s Communication Department which encompasses not only communications but also IT plus game and practice scheduling. Scott McGuinn is CASL’s Communication Director. On Michael’s watch, a new web site is being adapted in order to better inform CASL members. Also, more blogs and other social media sites have been developed.
Michael’s job also includes monitoring the CASL Maintenance Department headed by Ben Woltz. This year, WRAL Soccer Center has made many improvements. This was a major project for the COO. A new turf field, new fencing, building improvements have all occurred in this last year and more is to come. As these positive changes happen at CASL fields, please know that Michael Milazzo has had his finger in all of these decisions plus the hard part of getting the ideas to reality! The improvements of WRAL Soccer Center is a labor of love for Michael and the results will show his commitment and talent.
           
The last duty of the COO is marketing. Michael Milazzo serves a dual capacity as he is also the Director of Marketing. Michael works closely with his assistant, Lindsay Vera in this regard. Many great marketing initiatives have been started and many more will be seen in the near future as Michael has much on the drawing board.
           
I have been impressed and really appreciate the job Michael has done for CASL in his first year as the COO. His ability to divorce himself from the coaching side of the business was not easy and Michael handled it with class. It is always tough, when someone has expertise in an area, to step back and let other capable folks handle that section of an organization. But Michael had to step back in order to put his energy to the very difficult position of COO, and what a job he has done!
           
Michael bounces ideas off me almost every day and also handles the day to day operations, for which he is in charge. He has learned to understand and appreciate the veteran staff with which he works. He has added new ideas and programs such as the adidas uniform contract which he has helped CASL to implement. The 10 year adidas contract extention is the longest that CASL or adidas have ever done and that would not have come to fruition without Michael and also CASL DOC, Rusty Scarborough. The adidas contract’s benefits will permeate all levels of CASL and will afford many opportunities for this organization locally, nationally and internationally.
           
I can’t wait for the future as Michael continues to learn the various facets of the COO job and also expands its influence throughout the league. It is my hope that Michael will be helping me improve CASL for many, many years to come. If so, the league and its members will be the benefactors!  



 

Who to keep in your thoughts and prayers?

I have had the distinct pleasure to work with youth and college age student athletes. This has been a labor of love for me over the last 30+ years. Watching the development of these youth as athletes and as people can bring great joy to those that get the chance to work with them. However, sometimes tragedy strikes this age bracket and it usually involves a car(s). A one car accident in Rolesville last night took the lives of three Wake Forest Rolesville High School students and placed another in the hospital.
One of the deceased, Lane Meyer, played for CASL, most recently in the classic division. Also, the young man in the hospital, Brendan Pearce, is also a CASL classic player. I hope all that read this blog will keep Brendan and the families of our CASL players plus the other two young men in their thoughts and prayers. This is a tragedy that occurs more often than we expect. The lives of three promising young adults have been cut short and it is terrible to think about, let alone to have to live with the loss of a loved one so young.
Hopefully, parents and youth alike will use this accident as a reminder that automobiles are dangerous conveniences and should be regarded with the greatest of care and respect. My heart goes out to all the families of this tragedy and to all the friends of these young men. I'll be praying for Brendan's recovery and peace for all the families!
                                                                                    Charlie Slagle

Who is on the US Men's National Team Back of the Net Show?

This Saturday on "Back of the Net," 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan, we will feature the US Men's National Team on the day that they are playing a friendly against the World Cup champs, Spain, in Boston. The team just trained for a week at WakeMed Soccer Park.
We will have both US Goalkeepers on the show. US starter Tim Howard, who plays for Everton and Marcus Hahnemann, who plays for Wolverhampton both of the English Premier League. Also, Eric Lichaj, who plays for Aston Villa of the EPL will be on.
We will talk to assistant coach Jesse Marsch about the Spain game and the upcoming Gold Cup where the champion qualifies for the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013. In the Round Robin of the Gold Cup the US opens on Tuesday in Detroit against Canada. They also play Panama and Guadaloupe in Tampa and KC respectively in this round!
We will then talk to Pierre Barrieu, the fitness coach for the US Men's National team. Pierre is world renown in his field. This is a must hear for youth players and their parents!
Should be a good show, so tune in!
                                                                                    Charlie Slagle

What kind of soccer year has it been for CASL's management team? Part 1

This Part 1 article of three has been on the CASL web site for the last week. Part 2 will be on the web site this week. I am copying the article here, to allow for more people to understand the people and responsibilities that the members of the CASL Management team have to do on an on going basis. This series should update you on what is happening in CASL and who is ultimately responsible for its success or, heaven forbid, failure. Enjoy!

                                                                             CS

WHAT A YEAR-Thank you CASL Management Team

Part 1: Rusty Scarborough-Director of Coaching

By Charlie Slagle-CASL CEO

About one year ago Jay Howell, CASL’s excellent Director of Coaching, left

CASL to become the Executive Director of Birmingham United in Alabama. Jay is doing

well and we all wish him continued success with his club! I had been with CASL for nine

years then and worked closely with Jay on the direction of the club and his departure

meant that CASL’s organizational chart needed to change. I did this quickly as CASL, I

thought, already had the personnel in place to make a seamless transition for the years to

come.

CASL added and/or changed a few job descriptions and titles and the “new”

management team was devised. This management team consists of Business Manager,

Lisa Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Michael Milazzo and Director of

Coaching (DOC), Rusty Scarborough. I, as CEO, am the fourth member of this group.

Michael also serves as CASL’s marketing director.

The transition to the “new” management team has gone, in my opinion, even

better than my “pie in the sky” expectations. The last year has been a wonderful year for

CASL, on the fields, in the office and with improvements to CASL’s infrastructure. Some

of these accomplishments are more visible to a member’s eyes than others. It is easy to

see the success on the field and it is easy to see the improvements to WRAL Soccer

Center but the differences in the way CASL operates is a little more difficult to see.

Over the next couple of weeks, in three separate articles, I will comment on the

contributions of each of the three CASL management team members. Today, I will start

with Rusty Scarborough and then next week I will do the same with Michael Milazzo and

then with Lisa Stevenson. For “semi” bios on these three, please refer to my CASL blog,

which is accessible from the CASL home page. Each of these three was highlighted in a

blog entry earlier this year.

Rusty Scarborough has been CASL’s Director of Coaching for one year and his

presence in this position has elevated our teams across the board. The Director of

Coaching is in charge of the coaching at all levels. Rusty works with Director of

Recreation, Jim Wright to determine the direction of our recreation program. Rusty

worked with Director of Challenge, Rob Andrews and now Andy Truex to determine the

direction of the challenge program. Rusty also hires all of the coaches for the classic

program. He is in charge of a full time staff of coaches and also those coaches that serve

CASL on a part time basis.

The Director of Coaching also determines where the CASL classic teams play. In

recent years, there have been many new leagues to choose from and Rusty has made

decisions that have affected the club positively in this regard. I wrote two earlier blog

entries about the various leagues that CASL teams, if you want to read up more on this

topic.

The Director of Coaching is responsible for the Classic budget. Rusty has

performed this duty professionally with much forethought even though this budget is the

first one that Rusty has had to do.

Rusty, also, has to deal with parent concerns at all levels and handles these

meetings with a concern for all involved. Rusty doesn’t shy away from any of these

meetings which at times can be intense.

Add to all of this, Rusty coaches two of CASL’s top teams. He coaches the 1993

CASL Spartan Elite Black girls’ team which won the NCYSA State Cup last fall and will

be representing CASL at the USYS Southern Regionals next month in TN. He, also,

coaches the USSF Development Academy boys’ team that is one of the top teams in the

country.

Rusty has been instrumental in forging a very good relationship with CASL and

our compatriots that coach local high school soccer. His openness, in this regard, and

willingness to talk about issues has helped make this a good relationship that will

improve as the years move on.

In my dealings with Rusty and watching his dealings with others, I know that I

made an excellent pick to replace Jay Howell as our Director of Coaching at CASL. He is

easy to talk to about many subjects and listens and gives his opinions in a way that makes

all comfortable no matter how tense the situation might be. I heard a person from the

NCYSA state office give this compliment about Rusty, “he is soft in the community and

hard on the field.” CASL had great success on the playing field in the past year as classic

is sending 9 teams to the USYS Southern Regionals as NC State Champs (out of a

possible 12 age brackets) and definitely one and probably both USSF Development

Academy teams to their Regionals. Also, the Challenge program continues its great

success in the NCYSA State Cups and also various other outside tournaments. The

recreation program is strong and continues to grow in size and quality.

I want to thank Rusty for a great first year at the helm and his part on the CASL

management team. I expect great things to continue for CASL due to Rusty’s leadership

and hope that we can work together for many years to come!