10 June 04

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International soccer returns to Reliant Stadium
Everton of the English Premier League will face Mexico's Club America and Pachuca in the 2004 Copa de Tejas this summer. Everton will play Pachuca on Thursday, July 29 at 7:30 pm and Club America on Sunday, August 1 at 2 pm.

Everton is one of four teams from the English Premier League to tour the US in 2004. The Toffees are the longest-serving club in England's top division. They've won nine league championships and five FA Cups. This will be their first-ever trip to North America.

Pachuca, winner of the 2003 Mexican championship, is Mexico's oldest club. They also captured the 1999 and 2001 championships. This marks the second time Club America will play at Reliant Stadium. In January, they took on Tigres during Interliga 2004 and played to a 1-1 tie. Club America has been Mexico's most successful club, winning 13 league titles and six cup titles. 

Two-game packages are available now via Ticketmaster. Purchase a two-game package and get a free ticket to a private Everton practice on July 25. See http://texans.allmediadg.com/news/news_detail.php?PRKey=731 or call (866) GO-TEXANS. Single-game ticket sales begin June 25.


US men v Grenada Sunday
The US men kick off their 2006 World Cup campaign this Sunday at noon at Columbus Crew Stadium against Grenada. Game airs live on ESPN2. The US roster includes Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride, Landon Donovan, Kasey Keller and Frankie Hejduk. The game is the first of two in a home-and-home series; the US faces Grenada again next Sunday in Grenada. Winner of the series goes on to the next round of qualifying. See http://www.ussoccer.com.


Euro 2004 begins Saturday
At least two local pubs will be showing all the Euro 2004 matches, but as mandated by the satellite provider, they have to charge $20 per head per game. Richmond Arms is offering a $150 "season pass." More details:
http://www.bigjohnsbar.com/soccer.htm
http://www.richmondarmsonline.com/sports/weeklysports.htm


2nd Annual Texas Heat friendly
Texas Heat, AWSL's premier women's over 40 team, is hosting the 2nd Annual Texas Heat Friendly this Saturday at Zilker Park in Austin. The friendly is preparation for Veterans Cup held later this month in Hawaii. This year's friendly consists of 3 teams: Texas Heat, Houston Forte (HWSA's over 40 entry for Veterans Cup) and Rangers (Austin premier). All games will be on field 7: 9 am Texas Heat v Rangers, 11:15 am Rangers v Houston Forte, 1:30 pm Houston Forte v Texas Heat.


MLS °Futbolito! 4v4 in Houston
Futbolito!, the official 4v4 tourney of MLS, is open to players of all ages and abilities. MLS °Futbolito! will be in Houston Saturday, June 26 at Bear Creek Park.

Each participant receives:
- An authentic MLS °Futbolito! Tshirt
- The opportunity to win Panasonic and/or RadioShack prizes

Prizes for the winners of each division
$3,000 in prize money for premier division

For info, call 866-965-7484 toll free, e-mail info@MLSFutbolito.com or check out http://www.mlsfutbolito.com/en/hou/index.html.


Soccer videos galore
"Friend of Keeper Notes" Dave Wasser in Austin has a mammoth collection of soccer videotapes -- some of matches that are over 30 years old. He also has every US national team match from the past 10 years. If you are a tape collector, check out www.DaveBrett.com.


Olympic soccer draw
The US women will face Greece, Brazil and Australia in group play of the Olympics. They meet Greece in the opening game on August 11. The other groups are Sweden-Japan-Nigeria and Germany-China-Mexico. Group play will eliminate two of the 10 teams. The US women have three tune-up matches left before leaving for Greece: July 3 against Canada, July 21 against Australia and August 1 against China.


2004 Summer Goalkeeper Camp
July 19-23 at Pin Oak soccer fields (Bellaire)
9-11:30 am daily, $175
Sessions will be conducted by former professional keeper and national goalkeeper clinician, Steve Branz. Steve has trained goalkeepers of all levels for over a decade. Several of Steve's students have gone on to excel at collegiate, state, regional and national team levels. The camp will focus on dealing with crosses, hand & foot distribution, proper diving techniques, shot handling and dealing with the backpass. Additionally, keepers will understand the importance of  developing quickness, agility, explosion and overall specific keeper strength. Only 25 spaces available. Sign up early ... email <mailto:cegoalie@pdq.net>cegoalie@pdq.net.


WUSA festival info
Tickets are on sale for the WUSA's summer soccer festivals. See rosters & more at http://www.wusa.com/2004festivals/. All current US women's national team players will participate in at least one match, including Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly and Abby Wambach. Foreign stars include Kelly Smith, Maribel Dominguez, Julie Fleeting and Charmaine Hooper.

National Sports Center, Blaine, MN
June 18, 7:30 pm, Atlanta Beat v New York Power
June 19, 5 pm, Boston Breakers v Washington Freedom

Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
June 27, noon, San Diego Spirit v Carolina Courage
June 27, 2:30 pm, Philadelphia Charge v San Jose Cyberrays


STYSA coaching courses
STYSA offers a CCE opportunity (A-E licenses) on Saturday, June 19 at Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio. Topics include Pressing as a Team & Speed of Play. Also, STYSA will host a national C license coaching course in Spanish this September in Houston. For info, see http://www.stxsoccer.org/Primary/Coaching%20Education.htm or email coach@stxsoccer.org.


Sunday Soccer Hour on KPFT
Every Sunday at 5 pm, "Soccer Hour with Glenn Davis" features live interviews and coverage of local events on 90.1 FM. Call-ins welcome: 713-526-5738.