11 August 04

Olympics: US women vs Greece today
The US women meet Greece this morning, live on MSNBC at 10 am (and repeated on Telemundo at 5 pm). Keep an eye on Greece's #3 ... she's Houston's Sophia Smith. Tune in at 9:30 am for pre-game coverage.

Other first-round matches for the US: Saturday against Brazil (10 am, CNBC) and Tuesday against Australia (10 am, MSNBC). Quarterfinals begin August 20. More info at http://www.ussoccer.com/events/competitions.sps?iType=326.


More Olympic action
The Tricolores men face Mali in the first round today, live at noon on Telemundo. Mexico plays Korea on Saturday (12:30 pm, Telemundo) and Greece on Tuesday (12:30 pm, Telemundo). Quarterfinals begin August 21.

The Tricolores women, in their first-ever Olympics, face China on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday. Both games air on Telemundo (tape delay) at 4:30 pm on gameday. Be sure to cheer for Texan Monica Gonzalez, Mexico's #4.

For a broadcast schedule, see http://www.nbcolympics.com/tvlistings/index.html.
For rosters, see http://www.fifa.com/en/news/feature/0,1451,102362,00.html?articleid=102362.


Share your soccer thoughts!
Did you go to the Copa de Tejas matches at Reliant Stadium? Did you have a great time? If you didn't go, why not? What kind of soccer matches would you like to see in Houston? Who's your favorite player? Do you want Houston to have a pro team? Please email your two cents and more to keeper@keepernotes.com.


HFA player roundup
This Sunday, the Houston Football Association will hold a player roundup at Bear Creek field 26 at 9 am. The format is a casual scrimmage, so bring both a white and dark shirt. The roundup is free and open to males over age 15 interested in joining an HFA team. See http://www.hfasoccer.com.


A sampling of live soccer on TV
Saturday
English Premier League: Tottenham v Liverpool, 6:30 am, Fox Sports World
Mexico: Chivas v Atlante, 7 pm, Telefutura
Sunday
Bundesliga: Bochum v Bayer Leverkusen, 10:30 am, Fox Sports World
Mexico: Club America v Dorados, noon, Univision
English Premier League: Everton v Arsenal, 1 pm, Fox Sports World
Mexico: Puebla v Cruz Azul, 2 pm, Galavision


SMU v New Mexico at Meyer Park
The only division 1 men's program in Texas is coming to Houston for an exhibition against University of New Mexico at Meyer Park (Spring) on Saturday, August 21. The game will be on field 4 (north side of park) at 7:30 pm. Free admission, hosted by the Classics Soccer Club during their boys u11-u19 tourney. For more info, email Classicscoach@aol.com. Directions to the park are online at http://www.challengesoccer.com/index.php?cp=maps.php.


August adult soccer clinics
HWSA hosts two skills clinics for men & women this month at Wilson Elementary, August 21 & 28, 9-10:30 am. The August 21 clinic will have a goalkeeper session as well. Minimum age 16, $5 per person. Please RSVP. See http://www.hwsa.org/clinics.htm. This is also a good opportunity to find a team for the fall season.


Let the seasons begin!
Many of the world's best leagues kick off their new seasons this weekend, and several local pubs will air games on a regular basis. For more info, check out:

http://www.thebullandbear-tavernandeatery.com/sports_plus.htm (Celtics)
http://www.bigjohnsbar.com/soccer.htm (Rangers)
http://www.richmondarmsonline.com/


Spanish coaching course in Houston
South Texas Youth Soccer hosts a national C license coaching course in Spanish this September in Houston. Go to http://www.stxsoccer.org/Primary/Coaching%20Education.htm or email coach@stxsoccer.org for info.


New indoor center in Brazoria County
League play at the brand new Allstar Sportsplex in Clute (Brazoria County) begins Saturday, August 21. Youth and adult soccer leagues available. See www.sportsplexsports.com of call 979-265-1555.


Be a referee!
Did you think the referee made another bad call? Why not become a referee? Beginner and recertification classes are being sponsored by Timberline Youth Soccer. To see a schedule, go to http://www.timberlinesoccer.com and click on referees. In just 16 hours of training, you will be ready to be a referee! The referee community really needs new members -- especially in the "advanced" (greater than 25?) age range.


US Soccer Foundation grants
The US Soccer Foundation has a new application process for soccer clubs, organizations, and municipalities interested in applying for grant funds to support planned or existing soccer projects. Using a new, two-page letter of inquiry process, interested parties can submit a snapshot of their project through the Foundation website. To learn more, visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org.


Sunday Soccer Hour on KPFT
"Soccer Hour with Glenn Davis" airs every Sunday at 5 pm with live interviews of soccer celebrities and coverage of local events/players on 90.1 FM. Call-ins encouraged: 713-526-5738.