The Arsenal played in U16 Division 1 NCSL finishing in 2nd place for the Spring 2009 season and are MD State Cup semi-finalists.  The team is applying to play in the Region 1 Colonial League for the Spring 2010 season. The Arsenal 2009/2010 seasonal calendar will include the following tournaments: Bethesda Thanksgiving Tournament, CASL College Showcase (Raleigh, NC), Disney College Showcase (Orlando, FL), Triangle Friendlies (Fayetteville, NC), Jefferson Cup (Richmond, VA), Freestate Spring Breakout, Maryland State Cup, and Potomac Memorial Day Tournament. 

Congratulations to Jacob Smith 1992), Chris Vargas (1993), and Teo Wilkening (1992) for being selected to the 2009 Rider Cup Rosters for their respective age group ODP teams.  The Rider Cup is the Region 1 ODP Tournament held at Rider University June 5-7, 2009.  Good luck!  

GO MARYLAND!!!

Congratulations to Jake Smith (1992), Teo Wilkening (1992), Jorge Pacheco (1993), and Chris Vargas (1993) for being selected to the 2009 Maryland State ODP Teams. 

Check out Jorge's winning goal for Blair HS against Northwood HS.  http://www.digitalsports.com/video/type/organization/typeid/1352567/id/1685486.aspx

Below is an excerpt from the Annapolis Capital Newspaper:

BOYS SOCCER

ST. MARY'S 2, MOUNT CARMEL 1, OT: Anthony Belnomi scored a game-winning goal in overtime to help the Saints edge the Cougars.

Tyler Brady and Peter Boyle combined for eight saves to give St. Mary's (1-0) the victory.

Chucky Wills scored the Cougars' only goal.

St. Mary's (1-0) 0 1 1 - 2

Mount Carmel (0-1) 1 0 0 - 1

GOALS: SM -- Eric Crosby, Anthony Belnomi; MC -- .Chucky Wills. SAVES: SM -- Peter Boyle 2, Tyler Brady 6.

The Arsenal concluded the Kirkwood College Showcase today going undefeated in 4 games. They won the first game today 1-0 over Arsenal FC with a goal by Teo Wilkening and assist by Eric Clark. Jake Smith earned his third shutout of the tournament in goal. The Arsenal won their last game against ANB Academy from Canada 4-1. Goals were scored by Damien Ramos, Eric Clark, and Jorge Pacheco (assist from Mikey D'Antonio), and Jake Smith on a PK.

Congratulations on a great weekend!

Now that we are outdoors on the Allen Pond Park Fields (Murtaugh, Huston), we need to check the ball field status if the weather is questionable. This information is updated at 4PM. I will follow-up with an e-mail and/or phone call to confirm.

City of Bowie Ball Field Status Phone #: 301-262-6200

City of Bowie Ball Field Status Web Page: http://www.cityofbowie.org/comserv/ballfield_status.asp

International Friendly against Pro Club Hamilton

The team started the day with a training session in preparation for the match versus the pro club team from Hamilton in the evening.  After training, everyone boarded the bus for a trip to Glasgow. The highlight of the trip was the soccer shopping on Sauchiehall Street.  The boys collected quite a collection of soccer gear and were proudly wearing it after the game.

The International Friendly match against Hamilton was a tremendous challenge that the team really enjoyed.  Although they lost 5-0, it was a great experience. After the game, the team gave their thanks to Coach Woody and presented him with an Arsenal Team Pennant. After a quick shower, everyone gathered to go over the details of departing the next morning. Coach Woody also used this time to say goodbye to the team and parents and express his admiration for the way everyone conducted themselves, how hard the team trained, and how well they played the game. In all his years as a guest coach, he said this is the first time his team has won the championship.

After long goodbyes with the other teams, it was time to pack up and get ready for a very early morning ride to Glasgow airport.

Champions!!!

The Arsenal had another early morning to get ready for their final game in their bracket against Dunblane Soccer Club at 9AM. Dunblane gave the Arsenal a good game but the Arsenal proved to be too tough and won 7-0. After their win, the boys provided a cheering section for the Canada girls team game and the Maryland girls team game. They spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing before their 5:45PM Championship Game. A few of the group walked to the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. Although it rained the whole day, it was fun and interesting to take in some of Scotland's traditions and culture at the games.

The Championship Game was delayed due to an injury in the game before ours. The boys warmed up indoors in a tennis facility so they could stay dry and be ready for the game since it would be a quick start for the game. By game time, there was a large international crowd gathered with players, family and friends who were interested in seeing the Arsenal. There was a steady rain falling at game time that did not let up throughout the match. The less than optimal weather didn't deter the fans with the Maryland girls team leading the loud cheering section for the Arsenal. From the start, the Syngenta Juveniles proved they were a tough opponent and gave the Arsenal a tough game. The Arsenal scored mid-way through the first half on a goal by Teo Wilkening. The score remained 1-0 at the end of the first half. Syngenta kept a steady pressure in the second half and eventually scored the equalizer late in the game. The Arsenal picked up the pace for the remainder of the game, but were unable to score another goal. With a 1-1 score at the end of regulation, the game was decided on penalty kicks.

The Arsenal had the first kick which went high and right. Syngenta's first kick against Goalkeeper Jake Smith was on target but Jake made his first save and denied Syngenta. Chris Huffman took the next kick for the Arsenal and scored the first PK. Jake stopped Syngenta's second kicker also with a dive to the left to hold the count at 1-0. Mikey D'Antonio placed the third kick squarely in the goal to give the Arsenal a 2-0 lead. Syngenta finally scored on their third kick to keep them in the hunt at 2-1. Arsenal's fourth kick was pounded in by Erin Frey and put the Arsenal ahead 3-1. Syngenta needed the next kick to go in to stay in the game. The Syngenta kicker placed his shot well, but Jake made his third great save to give the Arsenal the victory. Everyone celebrated on the field as the Arsenal claimed their first title.

The awards presentation followed and each of the boys was presented their first place medal. The team captains were then presented the team trophy cup by the tournament director. The Most Valuable Player was Josh Phillips who received a trophy for his hard work.

Arsenal Advance to Finals 

Arsenal Shutout Scotland's East Kilbride Kelvin Villa in First Tournament Win!

The team started an overcast, but dry Scotland day, with an early breakfast and morning practice session. We made a quick trip out to the North Sea coast to St. Andrews to take in the sights including St. Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and the birthplace of golf at the Old Course. There were even a few brave souls who took a dip in the North Sea and all enjoyed some time at the beach. Part of the group also took advantage of the Women's British Open second round play. We grabbed a quick bite to eat in St. Andrews before heading back to Stirling to prepare for the first tournament game against Scotland's East Kilbride Kelvin Villa.

The game got off to a quick start with an opening goal in the 2nd minute. By the end of the first half, the Arsenal dominated with a 3-0 lead. The 2nd half was just as exciting with Harif Balogun scoring a "hat trick" and leading the Arsenal to a 7-0 final score.

Daytrip to Edinburgh.

The team started their day with breakfast and then an 8:30AM practice and team scrimmage. The coaches were impressed with the scrimmage and excited about the upcoming tournament. After a quick shower, everyone departed on a 1  hour bus ride to Edinburgh for sightseeing and lunch.  

We returned to Stirling in the evening and attended the opening ceremonies for the the tournament. The Provost of Stirling (mayor) welcomed the teams and took some pictures with our guys. There were plenty of opportunities for the boys to mingle with the other international teams as well as some of our own US teams. The younger boys' team from South Africa was certainly the most energetic and interesting team at the ceremony.  Although, the girls' teams from Canada and Maryland seemed to really hit it off with the Arsenal.  Following the ceremonies, the boys returned to the hotel and spent the evening in their "chill room" (recreation room in the hotel for the teams to hang out and play games, etc) with a few of the other teams including the girls from Calvert County (CSA).