World Cup
qualifying, round two
The semifinal round of World Cup qualifying for
CONCACAF (North America, Central America, Caribbean)
kicks off Wednesday. There are three groups of four
teams, each plays a home-and-home series against every
team in their group, top two in each group advance to the
final round.
A: El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama, USA
B: Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras
C: Mexico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent, Trinidad
& Tobago
Wednesday's matches:
US v Jamaica in Jamaica, 6 pm, ESPN2
El Salvador v Panama
Canada v Guatemala
Costa Rica v Honduras
St. Vincent v Trinidad & Tobago
St. Kitts v Mexico
For more info, see http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/t/zone/ncc.html.
Olympic soccer continues
Lots of surprises in the first round … to
stay on top of the scores & standings, see http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,OFW2004,00.html?comp=OFW&year=2004 for women's and http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,OLY2004,00.html?comp=OLY&year=2004 for men's.
The US women face Australia Tuesday, live on MSNBC, 10
am. They'll play without Abby Wambach, who sits out a
game after receiving two yellows in the first round. A
win or tie and the US wins their group. Quarterfinals
begin Friday. More info at http://www.ussoccer.com/events/competitions.sps?iType=326.
The Tricolores women meet Germany on Tuesday (2:30 pm,
Telemundo). As long as Mexico doesn't lose by more than 8
goals, they'll advance to the quarterfinals, thanks to
their 1-1 tie against China. Be sure to cheer for Texan
Monica Gonzalez, Mexico's #4. The Tricolores men must
beat Greece Tuesday (noon, Telemundo) to have a shot at
making the quarterfinals, which begin August 21.
For a full broadcast schedule, see http://www.nbcolympics.com/tvlistings/index.html.
SMU v New Mexico in Houston
The only division 1 men's collegiate program in
Texas comes to Houston for a game against University of
New Mexico at Meyer Park (Spring) on Saturday. The game
will be on field 4 at 7:30 pm. Free admission, hosted by
the Classics Soccer Club. For info, email
Classicscoach@aol.com. Directions are online at http://www.challengesoccer.com/index.php?cp=maps.php.
Adult soccer clinics
HWSA hosts two skills clinics for men &
women this month at Wilson Elementary, August 21 &
28, 9 am. The August 21 clinic will have a goalkeeper
session too. Minimum age 16, $5 per person. Please RSVP.
See http://www.hwsa.org/clinics.htm.
New men's league in southwest Houston
Soccer World Center's new men's league kicks off
September 10. The league is sanctioned by TSSAS/USASA.
Games will be Sunday mornings & Friday evenings at
Soccer World Center in Richmond. Cost is $1500 per team
(includes fields, referees, etc.) plus $20 per player for
10-14 games. Deposit of $200 required by September 3.
First season champion earns a corporate sponsorship
(uniforms, etc.) for the next season. For info, call
713-545-8669 or email LLVole@aol.com.
Work at Soccer4All
Soccer4All is looking for part-time and
full-time help. They've got six locations around Houston.
See http://www.soccer4all.com/houston.htm. If you're interested, email
melissa@soccer4all.com.
Spanish coaching course in Houston
South Texas Youth Soccer hosts a national C
license coaching course in Spanish this September in
Houston. See http://www.stxsoccer.org/Primary/Coaching%20Education.htm or email coach@stxsoccer.org.
Kicks Indoor
In just a few weeks, the only indoor soccer
facility inside the Loop (and the Beltway) will be open.
Register online before opening day for special benefits: http://www.kicksindoor.com.
US Soccer Foundation grants
The US Soccer Foundation has a new application
process for groups interested in applying for grant funds
to support planned or existing soccer projects. Using a
two-page letter of inquiry, interested parties can submit
a snapshot of their project through the Foundation
website. To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org.
Be a referee!
Did you think the referee made a bad call? Why not become
a referee? Beginner and recertification classes are being
sponsored by Timberline Youth Soccer. For 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 needs new members -- especially in the
"advanced" (greater than 25) age range. |