Tyler Serritt 

A recent trend in Georgia soccer continued Friday night as the Bulldogs once again earned a victory on the foot of freshman sensation Marion Crowder.

UGA continued its winning ways by defeating the Missouri Tigers (5-5-0) moving their season record to 9-1-0 and their SEC record to 2-0. They increase their record-breaking win streak to nine games. This is the first time since 2007 that the Bulldogs have started conference play with two wins.

“Wins in the SEC are tough to come by, and road wins are especially tough to come by,” head coach Steve Holeman said. “It’s another huge win for this team. For the first 30 minutes we looked pretty good and I thought we were going to get a couple. We limited Missouri to a low number of shots, but the chances they had were quality, and in the second half it was a back and forth game. Once we got our goal, they put us under some pressure and switched their system so we had to adjust and grind this one out.”

UGA forwards applied the pressure early offensively, leading the Tigers 11-3 in shot and 7-5 in corners at a scoreless halftime. They finally saw their efforts pay of with Crowder’s score in the 60th minute. They finished the game with 16 shots.

Crowder, who has already received SEC Freshman of the Week honors this season, stayed just onside as she received a header from Rachel Garcia. She took the pass and buried it in the bottom left corner of the net. Crowder moved to fourth place in Georgia history in goals scored by a freshman.

It was business as usual for the UGA defense. They posted their 8th shutout of the season. This is the first time this season that Missouri has been shut out.

A lot of the post game praise was centered around the play of goalkeeper Caitlin Woody who had a couple stellar stops in the first half including one that she had to re-position herself in the goal after diving for a previous shot. The senior now ranks third all-time in shut outs in a single season.

“Often times you talk about team wins and team effort, but you have to talk about Caitlin Woody. She played phenomenal and had some big saves for us that helped us win the game,” Holeman said.

The Bulldogs head to the bluegrass state to take on the Kentucky Wildcats in their next game Sunday at 2 p.m.

9:40 AM

EDMONTON - FC Edmonton’s road woes continued on Saturday as the club fell 1-0 to the Silverbacks during North American Soccer League action in Atlanta.

Silverbacks forward Pedro Mendes scored the only goal of the match, putting home a penalty kick in the 15th minute, beating Eddies keeper Lance Parker. The kick was awarded after Edmonton defender took down Atlanta midfielder Pablo Cruz in the box.

The Eddies had their chances to level the score, particularly after the 37th minute, when Silverbacks striker Danny Barrera was shown a red card for a late challenge on Edmonton defender David Proctor. Atlanta was forced to play the rest of the match with 10 men. Edmonton, however, looked dangerous at times but couldn’t muster any shots on the Atlanta goal.

It was a missed opportunity for the Eddies, still winless on the road, to gain ground in the standings. Instead, Edmonton ended the day in seventh place in the NASL with eight points, while the Silverbacks leapfrogged the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to move up to fifth overall.

9:37 AM

GC Soccer Falls to #7 North Georgia

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (GCSU RELEASE) – The Georgia College women's soccer team (4-4, 1-2 PBC) fell to No. 7 University of North Georgia (6-1, 2-0 PBC), 4-2 Saturday at Bobcat Field.

The Bobcats got behind early in the first half when UNG's Kassidy Freeman scored 59 seconds into the match, then adding another at the 42:19 mark.

Trailing 2-0, Georgia College then allowed a breakaway goal to Kelly Penston, bringing the North Georgia lead to 3-0. Abby Dalton (Macon, Ga.) would not let her team go into to the half without a fight as she scored her third goal of the season with 31 minutes remaining in the half, getting an assist from Cayce Hamilton (Duluth, Ga.).

Mollie Arrandale scored the last goal of the game for UNG before the end of the first half, her first of the season, to make it 4-1.

Dalton continued to contribute for the Bobcats as she assisted Ashley Veilleux (Monroe, Ga.) for her fifth goal of the season in the 79th minute. The Bobcats shut-out the Nighthawks in the second frame, and matched them in overall shots for the contest at 17-17.

Leading the way for Georgia College in shots was Hamilton with four, Dalton posting the most shots on goal with three. Annie Stephens (Fayetteville, Ga.) and Jessica Catapano (Alpharetta, Ga.) combined for five saves in the match, Stephens making four in the scoreless second.

Be sure to catch the GC soccer team back in action Thursday, Oct. 3 at Bobcat Field beginning at 6 p.m.

9:31 AM

Click on the banner to visit the site Challenger Cup 2013 METRO ATLANTA NOVEMBER 23rd & 24th Welcome to the best run tournament in the Southeast! EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2013! For the past 11 years the Challenger Cup has been a fixture in many clubs end of season plans. We welcome your team to join the fun and excitement! In 2012 we hosted over 170 teams from 5 states! We are able to offer you an opportunity to Sign Up Early and receive a Discounted Entry Fee ($50 off) Enter code “EARLY” at checkout Tournament information ·         November 23-24, 2013 - METRO ATLANTA FIELDS ·         All level of teams are welcome ·         BOYS & GIRLS: U9 – U19 ·         Registration Deadline: NOVEMBER 1st ·         Register before September 30th to receive the early sign-up bonus of $50 off APPLICATION DEADLINE Deadline to register is November 1st. Registrations will be closed midnight November 1st, 2013 for scheduling. The Tournament is open to all levels of Teams who will be placed in divisions based on past playing records and The Tournament Directors will do their best to  ensure that all Divisions and games are as competitive as possible Entry Fees U08 - U10 (6v6)- $420      U11 - U12 (8v8)- $475        U13 - U19 (11v11)  - $495 We look forward to welcoming you to the Challenger Cup for a fantastic weekend of Soccer at the best run tournament in the South East

8:56 AM

Click on the banner to visit the site THE 35th annual ADIDAS Germantown Invitational Tournament Series at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis TN All weekends have applications flying in, and age divisions are filling up nicely.  Do not delay as the deadline is fast approaching:  October 15th.  Click on the link below to see who has applied so far and to register your team for the ADIDAS GIT. U9 - U14 Boys    November 16-17 Click here to register U9 - U15 Girls    November 23-24 Click here to register U15 - U19 Men's Showcase    December 7-8 Click here to register U16 - U19 Women's Showcase    December 14-15 Click here to register DONT DELAY The application deadline for all weekends is October 15th. Register your team today! The ADIDAS Germantown Invitational Tournament Series is our club’s premier event. It was established in 1978.  We play all the games each weekend at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Southeast Shelby County, in Memphis Tennessee.  Mike Rose is one of the finest soccer specific facilities in the Southeast.  We play four weekends to accomodate all teams at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.  Every year we accept over 500 teams from over 30 different states. We regularly have over many state finalists or winners, as well as regional and national finalists.  To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit each tournament website by clicking the link above.  We receive applciations from states including AL, AR, TX, OH, OK, MS, GA and more.

8:54 AM

GEORGIA STATE

On Thursday, GSU (1-5-1) will play its first home game in almost a month when they lost 1-0 to Liberty on Aug. 30.

The Panthers are coming off a weekend that saw them gain their first victory of the season. On Friday they beat Seattle University 2-1, before battling to a 1-1 draw in two overtimes against the 6^th ranked Washington Huskies on Sunday.

For the season, GSU has combined to score only six goals in seven games while being outshot 100-66.

Senior midfielder Jamal Keene leads the team with three goals and six points. All of Keene’s goals have come in three of the last four matches for the Panthers.

7:16 AM

Jim Ellis Chevrolet Teams Up With Chiefs Futbol Club for Big Goal

Jim Ellis Chevrolet to Provide Chiefs Futbol Club With New Equipment, Monetary Contribution and Sweepstakes Opportunity

We are proud to be able to help the kids in our community by donating equipment and much-needed funds for their league.

Atlanta, GA 

Jim Ellis Chevrolet is partnering with the Chiefs Futbol Club in Atlanta. Jim Ellis Chevrolet has joined forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Soccer program to provide new equipment, a monetary contribution and an opportunity for community members to enter the Free Chevrolet vehicle sweepstakes.

Jim Ellis Chevrolet will present Chiefs Futbol Club with soccer kits filled with various items including equipment bags, pop-up goals, corner flags, linesman flags, soccer balls, ball pumps, first-aid kits and Chevrolet Youth Soccer t-shirts.

In addition, Jim Ellis Chevrolet will present a check representing a one-time monetary contribution to Chiefs Futbol Club. Each of the sponsored leagues across the country will receive 2,000 Free Sweepstakes Entry forms to distribute within the community. At the end of the entry period, one winner from the Southeast region will win their choice of a 2014 Chevrolet vehicle. Each participating market will award a secondary prize.

"We are proud to be able to help the kids in our community by donating equipment and much-needed funds for their league. We are excited to be part of the effort this year, and anticipate a fun-filled season with Chiefs Futbol Club," said Mark Frost, General Manager for Jim Ellis Chevrolet.

This year, Chevrolet and the United States Soccer Federation announced a multi-year partnership deal that makes Chevrolet the Official Partner of U.S. Soccer and helps the brand leverage the sport’s surging popularity in the U.S. Its sanctioning authority strengthens the Chevrolet Youth Soccer program, which involves nearly 1,000 dealers and 850,000 youth throughout the U.S.

For more information about Chevrolet Youth Soccer, please visit http://www.youthsportswired.com.

About Jim Ellis Chevrolet

Jim Ellis Chevrolet is located in Atlanta, GA and provides new Chevrolet cars, trucks and pre-owned certified vehicles to the Metro Atlanta area and beyond. Jim Ellis Chevrolet also has top-notch service and parts departments available for the upkeep of all GM vehicles. Jim Ellis Chevrolet is located just inside the perimeter on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Visit their website at http://www.jimellischevrolet.com for more details, including current inventory on all in-stock vehicles.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.com.

2:51 PM

Rowdies beat spring champ Atlanta

• By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent

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ST. PETERSBURG — In recent weeks, the Tampa Bay Rowdies had fallen victim to slow starts, a trend that concerned coach Ricky Hill entering Saturday's home match against Atlanta.

The Rowdies had allowed the opening goal in each of their last three matches, rallying to draw two and win one.

It appeared the streak would live on when Atlanta was awarded a penalty kick in the 39th minute of a scoreless game.

ut Rowdies goalkeeper Diego Restrepo saved the shot to keep the Silverbacks off the board. In the second half, the Rowdies' offense hit its stride, scoring three straight goals to win 3-1 in front of 3,571 at Al Lang Stadium.

"We had to (score) first, and I think because we did it, that's why we won the game," Rowdies forward Georgi Hristov said. "I think also we were the better team the whole game."

With league-leading New York defeating Fort Lauderdale 2-0, the Rowdies (3-0-5, 14 points) remain a point back in the race for the NASL fall season title and a spot in the Soccer Bowl.

Restrepo continued his fall season MVP campaign with the momentum-changing penalty save. Defender Jay Needham arrived late to a challenge and upended Atlanta's Shane Moroney in the box. Ruben Luna's low attempt to the left was smothered by Restrepo.

"Usually on my (penalty kicks), I just have that instinct that I go with," Restrepo said. "I feel it right away."

Hristov gave the Rowdies the first goal in the 54th minute. Luke Mulholland sent a cross into the box, and Devin Del Do stretched to get a touch on the ball. Hristov, lurking on the back post, pushed the deflection past goalkeeper Joe Nasco.

Three minutes later, Mulholland's corner kick was placed in the center of the box, and Hristov jumped to head it past Nasco.

Hristov leads the Rowdies with 11 league goals this season.

Shane Hill put the Rowdies up by three with a 30-yard strike in the 65th minute.

Atlanta (2-2-4, 10 points), the spring season champions, scored in the 75th minute when Horace James volleyed a shot past Restrepo off a long throw-in.

7:58 AM

Click on the banner to visit the site Twin City Friendlies BB&T Soccer Park - Winston-Salem, North Carolina January 24th-26th, 2014 Click here to register Welcome to the Twin City Friendlies! This event is for u11 to u15 teams looking for a great pre-Spring season weekend of quality games at a fantastic venue! To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit the tournament website by clicking here. Space in the event is limited due to all games being played at BB&T Soccer Park, so register early! Registration deadline is January 6th, 2014.

9:15 AM

Click on the banner to visit the site United Futbol Academy Fall Classic Georgia November 23-24, 2013 Click here to register Welcome to the United Futbol Academy Fall Classic! This tournament is for teams looking for a great end of season weekend filled with exciting, highly competitive matches! To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit the tournament website by clicking here.

8:55 AM

Gwinnett Daily Post

The Georgia Gwinnett men’s soccer team began Tuesday by becoming the first team in school history to crack the NAIA National Top 25, earning the 24th spot in the men’s soccer coaches’ poll released Tuesday.

#The Grizzlies earned 111 total points in the rankings, one week after receiving votes for the first time ever.

#Tuesday evening ended on a sour note, however, as the Grizzlies outshot Reinhardt University 22-5, including 11 shots on goal, but fell by a 2-1 score in overtime in Lawrenceville.

#Martin Lugo, a Berkmar grad, capitalized on an 86th minute penalty kick to tie the game for the attacking Grizzlies, but Matt Armis’ 10 saves in goal proved to be the difference for Reinhardt.

#Just under three minutes into the first overtime period, the Eagles’ Jansen Berry took a quick ball off of a save by GGC’s Lewis Sharpe and slotted it into the net for the game-winner.

#Georgia Gwinnett fell to 5-3 as it began a four-game homestand.

#“Reinhardt set up very defensively tonight and they accomplished their goal,” Grizzlies head coach Steve DeCou said. “It came down to two looks and they converted with two goals. We just wasted too many chances tonight.”

#“We have to use this as motivation to get back to where we need to be. We will see this type of game again so we have to get better and learn from this.”

#The Grizzlies built a 7-0 shot advantage in the first half, including a strike by Essie Aburime that was cleared off of the goal line by a defender, but GGC couldn’t convert in a scoreless first half.

#Just under five minutes into the second half, the Eagles played a long pass ahead that Shaquille Saunchez found in space, pushing past Sharpe for the game’s first score.

#The Grizzlies ratcheted up the pressure looking for the tying score, producing chance after chance in the Reinhardt end. GGC was unable to get through the Eagle defense until Aburime was pulled down in the box on a loose ball, drawing a GGC penalty kick with just over four minutes remaining.

#Lugo then placed a perfect strike in the upper left corner past a diving Armis to tie the game, giving the sophomore his team-leading fourth goal of the season.

#Aburime led all players with four shots on the night while Lewis Sharpe made a pair of saves in net for GGC.

#The Grizzlies turn around to face another Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent in Union College (Ky.) Saturday afternoon in Lawrenceville. Kickoff between the Grizzlies and Bulldogs is slated for 1 p.m.

2:17 PM

Silverbacks Ruben Luna is NASL's Player of the Week 

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Ruben Luna, Winner of the NASL's Player of the Week award (Photography by Andrew Snook)

Andrew SnookSoccer Examiner

September 17, 2013

 

Ruben Luna, the Atlanta Silverbacks striker, has been named the NASL's Player of the Week for week seven of the fall season, it was announced in a press release Monday afternoon. Luna won the award for his performance against the San Antonio Scorpions in which he scored a goal and provided an assist for the second as the Atlanta Silverbacks beat the Scorpions 2-1 to end a streak of five games without a win.

Ruben Luna won the award for a goal and an assist but his influence on the game was considerably greater than those two situations. He was a constant problem for the San Antonio defense. His physical presence created uncertainty and a lack of defensive composure that Atlanta continuously exploited. He also won a penalty in the last minute of the game, but put the resultant spot kick over the top.

Luna had just returned to the Silverbacks from Europe where he was pursuing playing opportunities at the start of the european season. His return was very welcome to a Silverbacks team that had failed to win any of their previous five games. He had previously been with the Silverbacks during the NASL's Spring season and was a large part of the team's success in winning the Spring title, scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Coach Brian Haynes said of Luna's performance, “Ruben’s work rate was great, he sacrificed his body, and he never gave up the ball, so I’m very proud of his performance,' and added 'I’m very happy that we were able to re-sign him, and it was nice to see him step up and score a very important goal.”

Luna was modest when notified of the award, “I want to thank the coaches for helping me since I’ve been here,” Luna said. “It feels great to be named Player of the Week, but it’s just something to be recognized for and nothing more. I was just glad to get the chance to play.”

The Silverbacks will be happy to let Ruben Luna play if he turns in performances worthy of an NASL Player of the Week award.

7:38 AM

Silverbacks defeat San Antonio 2-1 in Atlanta 

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Atlanta Silverbacks beat San Antonio 2-1 - Photos (Photography by Andrew Snook)

Andrew SnookSoccer Examiner

September 16, 2013

 

The Atlanta Silverbacks beat the San Antonio Scorpions 2-1 on Saturday night at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta in front of 3,754 fans in week seven of the NASL's fall season. Ruben Luna and Danny Barrera scored the goals for the Silverbacks while a late consolation goal was scored by Denissen of the last place Scorpions.

Atlanta won the NASL's Spring season and, in doing so, have already booked their place as host in the season-ending Soccer Bowl. That luxury has allowed Coach Brian Haynes to many of his first team squad a run out in the fall season to get NASL match experience and possibly stake a claim to a coveted starting position for the Silverbacks in the big game in November. No fewer than 18 players have started over the last five weeks.

The coach made four changes from the team that played the New York Cosmos to a tie last week. Sometimes when that many changes are made it can result in a stuttering display but not for the Silverbacks who looked in command of the game throughout.

The game started brightly with the Silverbacks defending high up the field putting immediate pressure on the Scorpions deep in their own half whenever they won possession. Bottom of the table San Antonio looked nervous and being placed under immediate pressure paid dividends as the pressure ended in a score for Ruben Luna after only 13 minutes. A Danny Barrera free kick played deep into the penalty area was not cleared effectively and Luna was there for the tap-in.

Silverbacks pressure continued through the first half but San Antonio were occasionally able to break and when they did Nasco was forced to make a couple of good saves to ensure Atlanta retained their goal advantage going in at half-time.

In the second half Danny Barrera and Ruben Luna linked up again only this time the roles were reversed Luna playing the ball perfectly for a first time shot that Barrera buried into the top left of the net to put the Silverbacks 2-0 up.

In the 65th minute Hans Denissen was played through on the top left of the penalty area. He tried a curling shot to place the ball in the top right of the goal. Nasco had it covered and was diving that way before a deflection gave the keeper no chance as the ball went in on the left leaving Nasco stranded.

The last minutes of the game were nervous for Atlanta as they tried to hold on but their defense was solid and they came out of the game with their first win in six games.

Up next for Atlanta is a road trip to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

7:43 AM

Click on the banner to visit the site The Savannah United Finale Savannah, GA Dec 7&8, 2013 DEADLINE:  Nov 22 Click here to register **CLUB DISCOUNTS** bring 3+ teams and get a price break, bigger break for 7+ teams Thank you for your interest in 7th Annual The Savannah United Finale. The staff and membership of SSA Savannah United are committed to making The Finale the best possible experience for all of your teams. Our tournaments attract every level from recreational to top Academy and Select teams in the Southeast Region. It is our goal to offer excellent competition for U8 - U19 age groups.

6:48 AM

Soccer Referees Required  for Youth & Adult League Games

Wall to Wall Sports Center, Roswell is looking for referees for adult and youth soccer leagues for its facility in Roswell.   Referees must be currently certified through Georgia Soccer. W2W have games and leagues available on weekends and midweek.    Level of officiating for youth games runs from U9 Academy through to U16 Boys Classic 1 games. Adult leagues include midweek and weekend competitive adult rec leagues.    Experienced and motivated officials only should apply. The ability to commit to multiple days and previous experience of working at W2W is a definite advantage. Pay scale in line with competitive youth soccer clubs in the area. Interested candidates should apply by e-mail to jonconway@w2wsports.netoutlining experience and level of certification.

2:34 PM