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2012 MLS Supplemental Draft Analysis and Opinions 2012 MLS SuperDraft Results and Analysis ISN Stars of Coaching Presented by Korrio - April 2012 Everything is bigger in Texas. This certainly describes the beautiful game in the Lone Star State. From the professional ranks to the youth, Texas has it all. Two successful MLS clubs in the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas, an upstart NPSL side on the Gulf in Galveston, and a handful of youth clubs that could be called dynasties.
Gall has been part of the Dallas Texans, one of the top youth programs in North America, for several years. He has been entrusted with some of the Southwest’s best talent and has seen many players move to the next level thanks to his expert tutelage. “It’s been a great experience coaching some of the best players in the country with the Dallas Texas,” Gall stated. Gall believes in the quality of play in Texas and things don’t get much better than Dallas where the Texans, FC Dallas, Solar SC, and Andromeda SC play in a highly competitive environment. “We’re coaching every week against very knowledgeable guys,” Gall continued. “They’ve all played the game. We are all competitive. It’s a coaches’ game, how we can outdo each other.” The talent level is incredible and much work is being done with younger players. “It just gets better all the time,” Gall declared. “I don’t know when it is going to stop.” Marcus HS has been under Gall’s watch since 2001 and it has become one of the best programs in the country. They achieved a national #1 ranking in 2007 after a perfect 30-0-0 record, back-to-back state titles in 2007 and 2008, along with the Texas record for consecutive wins (32). Gall earned his 200th win in January 2012 with just 271 games in charge. “There is nothing in my life that will take away from when we won two state championships,” Gall remarked. “Just seeing the elation on those kids’ faces, celebrating with their classmates and friends. Certainly a different feel than playing club soccer.” And Gall didn’t shy away from why he loves coaching and why it has taken over his life. “The reward you get when you see a player improve and start to see and understand the game is what it is all about for me,” Gall concluded. Coaches are often graded by the performance of their players’ long-term success and it is clear that he has been a resounding success. Seventy of Gall’s players went on to play D-I soccer, 3 have played in the national team system, two collected Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the state of Texas, and one (Sam Garza) recently signed a pro contract with the San Jose Earthquakes. “For those guys to keep coming back, to keep talking about the great memories they have, and the great things I did with them is what it is all about,” Gall said. “They appreciate tremendously what I did for them.” Others have noticed Gall’s work with players across the state. The awards and accolades that have followed are almost too many to mention. Gall is a five-time District Coach of the Year, two-time NSCAA State Coach of the Year, two-time NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year, and two-time NSCAA National Coach of the Year finalist.
Korrio understands it is your passion for coaching kids that drives you. We also know that the less time you spend dealing with administrative, communication and automation hassles, and the more time you spend on the field, the happier you’ll be. And because you play a crucial role in our children’s lives, we want you spending as much time as possible coaching our kids. Korrio offers a modern approach to coaching by allowing new ways to communicate and develop a community on and off the field. Congratulations to the ISN Star of Coaching this month! Be sure to check out Korrio’s new “Parents Spring Soccer Season Survival Guide”. It has excellent tips on how to prepare for tand thrive in the hectic spring season. The Pelé Sports Fan Ambassador Club – March 2012 From the Ashes: The Story of AFC Rushden & Diamonds An American helping rebuild a legendary English club is a special story. Bruce Greenberg is the subject of that story as he does his part in bringing phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds to life and future prominence.
Greenberg was quite a novelty, an American broadcasting for an English club, and had to carefully avoid using American terminology like "soccer" and "out of bounds". The novelty quickly wore off as he was quickly accepted by all of those involved with R&D. But the storm clouds quickly rose over Rushden as the team experienced 2 relegations in 3 seasons amidst some serious financial concerns. Supporters knew the club was in trouble, but no one knew how bad the damage was. The team was 500,000 pounds in debt with no savior on the horizon. Supporters were only able to raise 50,000 pounds so the idea of a supporter-owned team seemed to be little more than a pipe dream. "It was a gut-wrenching experience, a blow to the cranium," Greenberg commented. The team folded and Chairman Keith Cousions did the unthinkable, allowing hated rival Kettering Town to occupy Nene Park, R&D's former home. "Kettering Town was a team we loved to hate," Greenberg declared. The move, which Greenberg called a "double whammy," added insult to injury. Kettering left Rockingham Road to set up shop at the larger Nene Park. Obviously this caused quite a controversy among R&D, who quickly moved to set up a club of their own. Some fans even developed conspiracy theories at how Cousins might have worked a backdoor deal with Kettering Chairman Imraan Ladak. Within a matter of months, AFC Rushden & Diamonds was born with a youth side taking to the pitch. The club now hopes to join the United Counties League with their first team in 2012/2013, along with adding more youth teams and a woman's side. Those involved with this season's youth team hope that several of the younger lads will graduate to the first team. Greenberg is high on keeper Ashley Foulger and midfielders Ashley Meeks and Louis Smith. Foulger claimed a 120 minute clean sheet against Rothwell Corinthians, while Ashley Meeks landed the shot of the season against Northampton ON Chenecks. Smith tallied the game winner in the 1-0 victory against Rothwell. Greenberg has been there from the start and will be there to help the team prepare for the debut of the senior team next season. His good work has not gone unnoticed. "He has been fantastic this year getting involved with AFCRDTV and showing us how a professional does things," AFC Rushden & Diamonds Vice Chairman Jon Ward remarked. "We are all delighted to have him on board and he is a real asset to the club." Greenberg shows us what it means to be a real supporter, someone who gives their all to see their club grow, flourish, and in R&D's case to live another day. Pelé is unquestionably the world’s greatest soccer ambassador, spreading his love of the Beautiful Revolution wherever he goes. He has become the game’s strongest supporter and has been the source of inspiration for millions around the globe. From the streets of New York to the fields of South Africa, Pelé Sports is a name synonymous with passion, creativity and innovating the game the way it should be played. A world without Pelé would be a world without soccer with millions missing out on the joy and the Beautiful Revolution we all love in this game. Today’s supporters carry on the prestigious legacy of Pelé, growing and promoting the game in their own communities and passing the torch to a new generation of footballers. Mainstream media outlets have failed to give a face to these fans, people who do extraordinary things everyday and have stories that deserve to be told. Whether it is an Iraqi War veteran who is a passionate supporter of his favorite MLS side or a student making an impact on the college game, the concept of ambassadorship is alive and well here in North America. Today’s supporters are not hooligans or fanatics or even überfans, but rather gatekeepers to the true spirit of the beautiful game. International Soccer Network, in conjunction with Pelé Sports, plans to celebrate the contributions of North American soccer fans every month with a new series of feature articles. Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight - March 2012 Taking the Game to Every Player Mick Bowdler is a difference maker and a trendsetter in the game of soccer. He has repeatedly taken the game he loves to places nearly barren of the sport, starting numerous programs from scratch. The game in Eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania wouldn't be what it is without Bowdler and his club, Keystone Soccer Academy.
"The best coaches recognize the personalities of their players and build their system around that," Bowdler said. "It's not about putting numbers on a blackboard." Bowdler, a former professional with England's Coventry City, has been a coach in the U.S. for over 30 years. His first coaching gig came in the early 80s, a formulative time for the American game. It was a time when the NASL was failing and MLS was over a decade away. Bowdler would set up large programs in the youth soccer wilderness, starting in East Liverpool (Ohio) before moving on to Lisbon (OH) to start the Beaver Local youth program. He would also coach at one of Pennsylvania's premier programs, Beadling Soccer Club in Pittsburgh, where he also played his way to an Over-40 National Championship in 1996. Growing the game was always a priority for the English native. However, it hasn't always been easy. For a period of time, there was no structured soccer pyramid here in the States and the national team program wasn't up to par with the rest of the world. Today is a different story with over 18 million youth players from coast to coast and Jurgen Klinsmann at the helm of the men's national team program. "The level of coaching is getting better," Bowdler remarked. "Coaches are a lot more knowledgeable than they were 20 years ago. They are trying to bring their passion to the kids." Bowdler is a big proponent on educating players to become students of the game. His players are encouraged to watch international games on TV, to find heroes in the global game, and to learn more about the beautiful game outside the U.S. "Most players around the world learn the game by playing in the streets or by pickup games," Bowdler commented. "We don't have any of that." Bowdler is a big proponent of a longer club season even though it will take away from the high school game, where he has coached for almost 15 years. When asked about moves made by Klinsmann and Claudio Reyna, Bowdler replied, "It's all good news. When you start playing 10 months of the year, you are saying you are committed to this sport." He says that the developmental academy system is something to watch in the next few years, but he was quick to point ou that the club structure underneath the academies is still vitally important. "We both know that soccer is a middle or upper middle class sport," Bowdler continued. "That isn't helping matters." He was also quick to share his thoughts on the international game, saying that Harry Redknapp is not his favorite for the English national team coach. "There's something about Redknapp," Bowdler said. "I watch Tottenham play and they have flair, but he hasn't done anything." "I really believe it should be an English coach," Bowdler added. "We have a certain culture. The Swansea coach is doing a excellent job." On the club side of things, Bowdler is a fan of Manchester United and has a special affection for a certain player on FC Barcelona. "Messi is on a different planet than everyone else," Bowdler remarked. "We ought to be thankful that we are alive to watch him play. I think Messi is the best player I have seen in my life." That is quite a compliment, coming from someone that has seen a lot of soccer in his life. Which brings us back to our first observation about Bowdler, that he is a trendsetter and a difference maker in the sport. With people like Mick Bowdler leading the way, soccer has a bright future in every part of the country. The Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight is a monthly feature that showcases the best of the best in the world of youth and high school soccer. This year-round coverage is made possible by the partnership between Samurai Sportswear USA and International Soccer Network, LLC. The name Samurai has been part of sports industry since 1996. The globe-trotting Samurai International Sevens Rugby Union team was created by Terry Sands, the ex-England Sevens manager and current Samurai owner/director. We can boast that many famous names have played for the current team over the years and these players are responsible for spreading the word about the fresh, stylish kit they were wearing. Since those early days Samurai International Sportswear Limited has seen rapid growth and is now firmly established as one of the leading global multi-sport brands. We are proud of the fact that we have grown organically, are financially stable, profitable, and secure. As the brand developed, it started to climb the sporting ladder and this season Samurai is the “official kit supplier” to the Aviva Premiership Exeter Chiefs, Kent County Cricket Club, Glasmorgan CCC, the Loughbrough Lightning Super League Netball franchise, Tunisia Rugby Union, five of the clubs fighting it out in the English Rugby Union Championship, (Doncaster, Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion, Rotherham Titans, Birmingham & Solihull), the Welsh Rugby League, Accrington Stanley Football Club and a whole host of other professional and semi-professional clubs. Samurai Sportswear USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of AthletiCorp Inc. and is the North American distributor for Samurai International. We have experienced an exciting year already with our recent two-year sponsorship renewal with Play Rugby USA and our sponsored rugby clinics presented by Breathe Rugby across the USA and internationally. Samurai Sportswear is devoted to aiding the growth of rugby in the USA and we are doing everything we can to support our youth players, assist the coaches and referees that help cultivate the game and are creating a large impact on the development of rugby in the USA at multiple levels. We supply many of the top clubs across the country including the Chicago Griffins, Penn State University Men’s and Women’s rugby clubs, Xavier High School (NY), the Olympic Club, New York Athletic Club, University of Wisconsin and many more. As we expand our efforts in the United States we continue to provide high quality sports apparel for more sports. This past summer Samurai Sportswear USA sponsored the Samurai Sportswear Soccer Combine for high school soccer players in Canton, Ohio. We expect to have several soccer teams kitted out in Samurai gear in 2012. Like Samurai on Facebook and follow Samurai on Twitter. ISN Stars of Coaching Presented by Korrio - March 2012 Getting coached by a legend is a special thing. Former Columbus Crew defender Gino Padula certainly falls into the legend category, helping deliver an MLS Cup Championship to the Ohio capital. That being just one of many accomplishments in a globetrotting career that saw him spend time in Spain, France, England, and his native Argentina. Now he has hung up his boots as a player, switching his career to coaching youth soccer as co-director of the Schelotto & Padula Academy. His partner and former teammate Guillermo Barros Schelotto is the other legend behind the venture, adding some star power to a soccer academy started from the ground up less than a year ago.
“We have a good relationship,” Padula commented. “We see the game in the same way. We both love this country, this city.” Padula’s teammates always knew he would end up as a coach. He was very vocal on the field and was always the first to talk tactics. He enjoyed his 15+ years of professional experience, but knew the calling to be a coach was very strong. He prepared himself for this new life, knowing that a coach worked long hours for a single goal. “A coach wants to get the best out of every player,” the former QPR, Nottingham Forest, and Montpelier defender commented. “Everyone on a team is important.” Padula is now involved in coaching all ages of youth, from age U-4 to U-18. The obvious focus is player development and the fostering of skills, developing creativity that is so famous in the Argentinian game. Padula is able to teach and coach in a low pressure environment, where players can grow their love of the game and become better players at the same time. The focus on fitness, tactics, and technique means quality sessions where everyone can improve. “You have to remember they are kids,” Padula continued. “They are here to have fun too.” The goal for the academy is to help players get to the next level, whether that be high school soccer, the collegiate game, or even a career as a professional. Padula has the global connections that will help his players get noticed. The Columbus soccer community has embraced the S&P Academy as over 200 players flocked to the winter sessions. The attention now turns to the spring season, the biggest show in Ohio club soccer, as even more players head to S&P. Padula is quick to point out that honesty is the best policy at his academy. Parents and players appreciate this, always knowing where they stand with the staff and coaches. They are also impressed that Padula and Schelotto actually coach the youth teams, unlike other pros that have turned to coaching. "The S&P Academy will touch many young players' lives," S&P Academy coach Guillermo Zarate declared. "And I'm sure Gino will help them to reach their maximum potential in the game we love." The community also appreciates the charitable work of the academy. Padula and Schelotto collected toys for patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital during the holidays after collecting for a local food bank earlier in the year. “We’re not just playing soccer,” Padula concluded. “There are a lot of people that need help in this community.” Gino Padula is setting a good example for players and coaches alike, serving as a role model for his work on and off the pitch. A great reason for him to be named the first "ISN Star of Coaching Presented by Korrio."
The Pelé Sports Fan Ambassador Club – February 2012 An American Hero and His Connection to the Beautiful Game The year is 1997. A young Jeromi Rogers looks down from his seat at "The Horseshoe" to see a young Columbus Crew in action. He is there with his grandparents, long-time supporters of soccer and their favorite club, AS Roma. Admittedly he is part of a soccer family in a part of the country, Northeastern Ohio, where American football is king.
Rogers has always loved the beautiful game, having played until he was a teenager, when wrestling became his sport of choice. After high school, Rogers joined the Marines and would see his life go in different direction before coming right back to the sport of soccer. Rogers would graduate boot camp at Parris Island in January 2005 before heading off to infantry school at Camp Geiger and security force training in Chesapeake, Virginia. He would eventually be assigned to a base in Bangor, Washington. There he would be called upon to guard high value installations, such as nuclear submarines and warheads. Heading to the Pacific Northwest grew his love of soccer. He played in numerous rec leagues, enjoying pickup games, and just being part of a soccer crazy region. "I loved living in a city where soccer meant something," Rogers commented in an interview with ISNSoccer.com. After 1 1/2 years in Washington, Rogers would report to Twentynine Palms, California before completing three tours in Iraq. As part of the U.S. effort to free Iraq from Saddam Hussein's deadly regime, Rogers was stationed at Camp Ramadi. His first tour of 7 months consisted mainly of guarding the camp, while the second (7 months) and third tours (4 months) got him out with the Iraqi people on patrol in the areas surrounding the base.
"The children were happy all the time, always friendly," Rogers continued. "There was no hatred. They were full of life." All of this despite living in a country that was all too familar with war and conflict. By the end of his 3rd tour, he knew he had made a difference and could clearly see the positive changes in Ramadi and beyond. Rogers would return time and time again to the game he loved, soccer. He would catch Crew games as he could while on leave before eventually leaving the Marines in the fall of 2009. By this time Rogers was an avid supporter of the Crew and EPL club Aston Villa. He would become a regular in the Nordecke after joining the Hudson Street Hooligans, one of the Crew's biggest supporters' groups. Rogers would be a vocal supporter, creating tifo displays and catching as many matches as humanly possible. In other words, Rogers became a permanent fixture at Crew Stadium. He was quick to draw a difference between fan and supporter because the terms are sometimes confused. A supporter is much more than a casual fan. Supporters are always there, while the casual fan might something else to do when the teams starts losing or is in financial trouble. A supporter doesn't stop supporting their club regardless of decisions in the front office or how popular the team is in the community at that moment. Supporters are not "fair weather fans," but rather are always looking out for their club. They wear their favorite club shirt under their suit at the office or are constantly on the lookout for the latest scores and news. Being a Marine and a soccer supporter truly defines who Jeromi Rogers is as a person. He is a man of values and beliefs he learned in the Corps because you never really leave the Marines or really quit being a Marine. Semper fidelis is a motto Rogers lives by. He is "always faithful" to the his family, his club, and of course the Marine Corps. "It's something you have in your heart, no matter what," Rogers concluded. It is a brotherhood and comradery that exists nowhere else in the U.S. military, a connection that transcends generations. Rogers now turns his attention to his coursework at the University of Akron as he plots yet another course in his life, a new career. What will always remain constant is his love of the beautiful game and his pride in being a soldier, a Marine. All of us here at ISN are proud to honor Jeromi's service to his country, naming him the Pelé Sports Fan Ambassador for February 2012. Pelé is unquestionably the world’s greatest soccer ambassador, spreading his love of the Beautiful Revolution wherever he goes. He has become the game’s strongest supporter and has been the source of inspiration for millions around the globe. From the streets of New York to the fields of South Africa, Pelé Sports is a name synonymous with passion, creativity and innovating the game the way it should be played. A world without Pelé would be a world without soccer with millions missing out on the joy and the Beautiful Revolution we all love in this game. Today’s supporters carry on the prestigious legacy of Pelé, growing and promoting the game in their own communities and passing the torch to a new generation of footballers. Mainstream media outlets have failed to give a face to these fans, people who do extraordinary things everyday and have stories that deserve to be told. Whether it is an Iraqi War veteran who is a passionate supporter of his favorite MLS side or a student making an impact on the college game, the concept of ambassadorship is alive and well here in North America. Today’s supporters are not hooligans or fanatics or even überfans, but rather gatekeepers to the true spirit of the beautiful game. International Soccer Network, in conjunction with Pelé Sports, plans to celebrate the contributions of North American soccer fans every month with a new series of feature articles. Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight - February 2012 GNA Futbol Club: Opportunities for Every Player GNA is best described as a “great melting pot” of youth soccer. Situated in the suburbs of Columbus (OH), their program attracts players from 17 public and private high schools. Why do they choose GNA? They have something for everybody, from traditional travel soccer to the highest level of competition in the MRL. They provide quality coaching and training for every age. Simply put, GNA makes good players great thanks to a strong focus on development. And they get results, collecting hardware at big events for both boys and girls. The U-17 girls won the championship at the Norcross Nike Cup in Atlanta (GA) while the U-15 boys struck gold at the Nike Cup in Dublin and the Jr. Irish Invitational in South Bend (IN). All of this comes from a mentality focused on training, training, and more training.
“There’s just something special when you go to your high school reunion and talk about the state championship season,” Agin commented. The camradery, the idea of playing for the greater good, and the idea of “taking one for the team.” All things unique to the high school and perhaps things missing from the club perspective to the beautiful game. So GNA has built a program that caters to players that want to get better for the high school season. And better high school players make better college prospects. And the program has plenty of players that have a bright future at the next level thanks to this unique focus. GNA standout Chelsea Rowe recently signed with Indiana Tech, while several boys should emerge as top prospects in the next two years. Rather than pushing for a 10 month season for clubs, GNA has embraced the high school game with a focus on making it better and more competitive. At the same time, club coaches like Derrick Smith have moved to a focus on tactics, teaching an indirect style from a 3 back system. This system of possession soccer breeds felexibility, which is so important in the collegiate game. A player that can adapt is a valuable player. While some clubs have gone the way of kick and chase and run and gun, Smith teaches defense first, saying that a shutout is the best result. But GNA is about developing players on and off the field. So becoming involved in charities and non-profits is a big plus. “Coaches like leaders,” Smith said. And GNA has come up big for Jeb Brovsky’s Peace Pandemic, collecting soccer equipment and supplies for youth in India. The Montreal Impact defender visited the club last year, telling parents and players about his organization that promotes nonviolence to youth worldwide.
The Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight is a monthly feature that showcases the best of the best in the world of youth and high school soccer. This year-round coverage is made possible by the partnership between Samurai Sportswear USA and International Soccer Network, LLC. The name Samurai has been part of sports industry since 1996. The globe-trotting Samurai International Sevens Rugby Union team was created by Terry Sands, the ex-England Sevens manager and current Samurai owner/director. We can boast that many famous names have played for the current team over the years and these players are responsible for spreading the word about the fresh, stylish kit they were wearing. Since those early days Samurai International Sportswear Limited has seen rapid growth and is now firmly established as one of the leading global multi-sport brands. We are proud of the fact that we have grown organically, are financially stable, profitable, and secure. As the brand developed, it started to climb the sporting ladder and this season Samurai is the “official kit supplier” to the Aviva Premiership Exeter Chiefs, Kent County Cricket Club, Glasmorgan CCC, the Loughbrough Lightning Super League Netball franchise, Tunisia Rugby Union, five of the clubs fighting it out in the English Rugby Union Championship, (Doncaster, Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion, Rotherham Titans, Birmingham & Solihull), the Welsh Rugby League, Accrington Stanley Football Club and a whole host of other professional and semi-professional clubs. Samurai Sportswear USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of AthletiCorp Inc. and is the North American distributor for Samurai International. We have experienced an exciting year already with our recent two-year sponsorship renewal with Play Rugby USA and our sponsored rugby clinics presented by Breathe Rugby across the USA and internationally. Samurai Sportswear is devoted to aiding the growth of rugby in the USA and we are doing everything we can to support our youth players, assist the coaches and referees that help cultivate the game and are creating a large impact on the development of rugby in the USA at multiple levels. We supply many of the top clubs across the country including the Chicago Griffins, Penn State University Men’s and Women’s rugby clubs, Xavier High School (NY), the Olympic Club, New York Athletic Club, University of Wisconsin and many more. As we expand our efforts in the United States we continue to provide high quality sports apparel for more sports. This past summer Samurai Sportswear USA sponsored the Samurai Sportswear Soccer Combine for high school soccer players in Canton, Ohio. We expect to have several soccer teams kitted out in Samurai gear in 2012. Like Samurai on Facebook and follow Samurai on Twitter. Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight - January 2012 Central Ohio's Classics FC Lead the Way for the Future The appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann to the head of the U.S. Men’s National Team has meant systematic changes to the youth game so that it can grow and develop from the bottom up. Better youth players mean better national team players, which gives the American game a chance on the world stage. A new U.S. Soccer coaching curriculum, developed by Claudio Reyna, has put a premium on player development and training.
One of these coaches, Michael Furlong, has ties to Northeastern Ohio, having experienced great success at both the youth and high school level. As a player, Furlong was a top ODP player that went on to a successful career at Jackson HS and Mitchell College (CT). Later as a top high school coach, Furlong developed a great soccer program at Perry HS in Massillon, Ohio in addition to his responsibilities at Canton/Cleveland United. Furlong’s success has continued at Classics FC, where his U-10 Girls squad has collected hardware and lots of it. The Blue squad has won the Dublin Charity Cup twice along with the Cincinnati Fall Ball Tournament. Furlong also led his team to 2nd place finishes in the MASC and MOSSL Tournaments. But winning isn’t everything. Furlong has turned his focus into developing players for the next level. He values creative players with a high soccer IQ and great vision on the pitch. “It isn’t kick and chase and it’s not the Kentucky Derby,” Furlong stated in an interview with ISNSoccer.com. “We want to outthink our opponents. An intelligent player is worth their weight in gold.”
“Win with class, lose with class, always act with class” is Furlong’s favorite quote. His players know it well, repeating it often to remind themselves of their real mission. That mission is to take pride in your club and community and at the same time to grow and develop as a player and person. The team and the club as a whole is actually more like a family than anything else, a family that shares a love for the beautiful game. Furlong tries to make his players aware of the global game and they have listened. After a succession of quick passes turned into an opportunity on the attack, one of the players yelled to the sideline “Coach Mike, we looked like Barcelona.” Barcelona’s Messi happens to be Mike’s favorite player along with Tottenham’s Luka Modric. However, Furlong’s knowledge is not limited to the sport in Europe. He has an obvious fondness for the U.S. Men’s National Team and his favorite player growing up, the aforementioned Klinsmann. “Klinsmann was efficient; there was no wasted movement on the field,” Furlong added. Many in the soccer world are excited about the possibilities under the reign of Klinsmann. “He will produce a product that will open eyes and raise the awareness of the average sports fan,” Furlong continued.
Furlong is well aware of the fact that Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, and Clint Dempsey won’t be around forever and we need to start thinking about the future now. He sees Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury as leaders of the next generation of American superstars. Both could step into a superstar role in the next few years. When asked about young Americans leaving college and going to Europe, Furlong called it a “quick fix for a long-term problem.” Simply put, he is in favor of getting the best talent coached by the best coaches and clubs. The Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight is a monthly feature that showcases the best of the best in the world of youth and high school soccer. This year-round coverage is made possible by the partnership between Samurai Sportswear USA and International Soccer Network, LLC. The name Samurai has been part of sports industry since 1996. The globe-trotting Samurai International Sevens Rugby Union team was created by Terry Sands, the ex-England Sevens manager and current Samurai owner/director. We can boast that many famous names have played for the current team over the years and these players are responsible for spreading the word about the fresh, stylish kit they were wearing. Since those early days Samurai International Sportswear Limited has seen rapid growth and is now firmly established as one of the leading global multi-sport brands. We are proud of the fact that we have grown organically, are financially stable, profitable, and secure. As the brand developed, it started to climb the sporting ladder and this season Samurai is the “official kit supplier” to the Aviva Premiership Exeter Chiefs, Kent County Cricket Club, Glasmorgan CCC, the Loughbrough Lightning Super League Netball franchise, Tunisia Rugby Union, five of the clubs fighting it out in the English Rugby Union Championship, (Doncaster, Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion, Rotherham Titans, Birmingham & Solihull), the Welsh Rugby League, Accrington Stanley Football Club and a whole host of other professional and semi-professional clubs. Samurai Sportswear USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of AthletiCorp Inc. and is the North American distributor for Samurai International. We have experienced an exciting year already with our recent two-year sponsorship renewal with Play Rugby USA and our sponsored rugby clinics presented by Breathe Rugby across the USA and internationally. Samurai Sportswear is devoted to aiding the growth of rugby in the USA and we are doing everything we can to support our youth players, assist the coaches and referees that help cultivate the game and are creating a large impact on the development of rugby in the USA at multiple levels. We supply many of the top clubs across the country including the Chicago Griffins, Penn State University Men’s and Women’s rugby clubs, Xavier High School (NY), the Olympic Club, New York Athletic Club, University of Wisconsin and many more. As we expand our efforts in the United States we continue to provide high quality sports apparel for more sports. This past summer Samurai Sportswear USA sponsored the Samurai Sportswear Soccer Combine for high school soccer players in Canton, Ohio. We expect to have several soccer teams kitted out in Samurai gear in 2012. Like Samurai on Facebook and follow Samurai on Twitter. The Pelé Sports Fan Ambassador Club - January 2012 A bond between father and son is strong. A bond that includes the beautiful game is even stronger. Whether you are talking about Slavko Kljestan placing a ball in the crib of sons Gordon and Sacha or a local father sharing his love of the game with his teenage son, the story is one that needs to be told.
“He has always been there for me,” Tyler stated in an interview with ISNSoccer.com. “He supports me in everything I do. He says he’s my biggest fan.” Pete started playing when he was 7. He stopped playing when he was 12 when his interest turned to baseball and hockey, two popular sports in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Pete returned to the beautiful game when his young son showed great talent at the sport at a young age. “I was thrilled for him and supported him,” Pete added. “I told him that anything we do, we are going to do 110%.” This rekindled Pete’s love for soccer and turned him into a student of the game: watching, reading, and focusing on all aspects of the sport. As an adult, he had a greater appreciation for the game and turned his focus to tactics and formations and the next obvious step, coaching. Within 3 years, Pete created his own premier youth club with 5 teams and 86 players. He shared his love of Arsenal with his players and their parents. Arsenal was a great example of doing things right, possessing the ball and always playing forward. Pete and Tyler share a love for Thierry Henry with Tyler often wearing #14 in honor of the current NYRB striker.
“With him chasing the dollars, I watch him but no longer support him the way I did. His skill, talent, and vision are unbelievable.” Living in NE Ohio makes Pete and Tyler natural fans of the University of Akron men’s soccer program and Caleb Porter. Porter plays an attractive style of attacking soccer, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. “He just oozes that level of commitment long-term,” Pete continued. ”It’s not just wanting to win this week or this season. He’s laying the foundation that will be in place for some time.” It is clear that this father and son combination exemplify all that is good about the game: bringing people together, working hard, and sharing a common bond. It is our pleasure to have Pete and Tyler Walters as the first Pelé Sports Fan Ambassadors of 2012. Pelé is unquestionably the world’s greatest soccer ambassador, spreading his love of the Beautiful Revolution wherever he goes. He has become the game’s strongest supporter and has been the source of inspiration for millions around the globe. From the streets of New York to the fields of South Africa, Pelé Sports is a name synonymous with passion, creativity and innovating the game the way it should be played. A world without Pelé would be a world without soccer with millions missing out on the joy and the Beautiful Revolution we all love in this game. Today’s supporters carry on the prestigious legacy of Pelé, growing and promoting the game in their own communities and passing the torch to a new generation of footballers. Mainstream media outlets have failed to give a face to these fans, people who do extraordinary things everyday and have stories that deserve to be told. Whether it is an Iraqi War veteran who is a passionate supporter of his favorite MLS side or a student making an impact on the college game, the concept of ambassadorship is alive and well here in North America. Today’s supporters are not hooligans or fanatics or even überfans, but rather gatekeepers to the true spirit of the beautiful game. International Soccer Network, in conjunction with Pelé Sports, plans to celebrate the contributions of North American soccer fans every month with a new series of feature articles.
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In this talent-rich region, you will find John Gall. A former Wales U-18 national team player, Gall went on to play for English clubs Luton Town and Milwall before earning All-American honors at Oklahoma City University in the U.S. He caught on with the USL Texas Toros before spending time with the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer. Today he is one of the most decorated club and high school coaches in all of Texas.
Gall is also involved with 
Greenberg arrived in 2006 at a time when Rushden & Diamonds was at the top levels of non-league football. He chose to support R&D even though he had other local options like Northampton Town and Kettering Town. He began following the team, helping out with their radio station and media work.
Keystone is 160+ players strong thanks to a focus on the individual. There is a focus on the needs of each player, taking personalities into account when putting a team on the pitch.
The pairing is a formidable duo on or off the field. Padula points out that they both have a winning mentality and are fans of attacking soccer.
Almost 15 years later, the scene is repeated at Crew Stadium. But a lot has changed with both Rogers and the Crew. Rogers went from soccer to wrestling as a youngster before joining the Marine Corps after high school. After five years of service, including three tours of duty in Iraq, Rogers is a different man on a different path.
The Crew have transformed just as much, going from a fledgling franchise to a club with a soccer-specific stadium and hardware in the trophy case. 
He was forever changed by the Iraqi children, who regularly sought him out for candy, chocolate, or even the occassional soccer ball. These scenes would stay with him forever, marking a positive experience during his time in Iraq. 
In a crowded youth soccer market, GNA has found its niche. They grow and develop players for the high school market and beyond. Many clubs have abandoned the high school game in favor of longer seasons and playing for club, not community. But Vice President Frank Agin understands that there is something unique to playing for your high school and your school community.
As you can see GNA is the total package, producing quality players that excel on the pitch and in life. Truly a model club that has set a standard for others to strive for.
While some clubs cling to a “win at any cost” mentality, Classics FC in Central Ohio leads the charge in delivering this new curriculum using the best coaches at the earliest ages. 
An emphasis on foot skills prepares players to be comfortable on the ball. He allows his players to make mistakes as individuals, but to learn from those mistakes as a team. While the team is very competitive, they still value sportsmanship. 
Placing a premium on the technical development of players and building from the back were positives for Furlong when asked about the current national team program.
North Canton’s Pete and Tyler Walters are a special pair, a father and son that give it their all in all things soccer. Tyler, a promising freshman goalkeeper at St.Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron (OH), spends countless hours every week honing his skills on the pitch. At his side is his father, who does anything and everything to help his son get to the next level, collegiate soccer.
Pete shared his support for Robin Van Persie, but was quick to point out his disappointment on Samir Nasri’s move to Manchester City.
