16 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 at Reliant Stadium. Everton will play Pachuca on Thursday, July 29 at 7:30 pm and Club America on Sunday, August 1 at 2 pm.

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 titles. In January, Club America took on Tigres at Reliant 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 via Ticketmaster. Purchase a 2-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, part II
The US men defeated Grenada 3-0 Sunday in their first World Cup 2006 qualifying match. They face Grenada again this Sunday in Grenada; game airs live on ESPN2 at 3 pm. Winner of the series (decided by aggregate goals) goes on to the next round of qualifying. See http://www.ussoccer.com.


Euro 2004 on TV
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

FOX Sports World and FOX Sports en Espanol will air 5 first-round matches live (Denmark vs Italy, Croatia vs France, Italy vs Sweden, Switzerland vs France, Denmark vs Sweden), all quarterfinals and both semifinals via 5-day delay, and the final via 3-day delay.


MLS °Futbolito! 4v4 in Houston
Futbolito! is open to players of all ages and abilities - men's, women and coed divisions available. 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.


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.


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 cegoalie@pdq.net.


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 <http://www.DaveBrett.com>www.DaveBrett.com.


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.