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Boys 91 Severna Park Crew
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SEVERNA PARK CREW competes in Virginia
The Severna Park Crew U-17 Boys soccer team, after “sitting out” the Fall season to devote all of their time and talent to their high school teams, resumed team play and traveled to Prince William County, Virginia on November 17th and 18th to compete in the prestigious 10th Annual Fall Classic Soccer Tournament. The Crew participated in the U-17 premier grouping, against other teams competing at the Division I level in the National Capital Soccer League. The Severna Park Green Hornet team will resume Division I play in the Spring of 2008, but in the mean time has scheduled a series of soccer tournaments to maintain their edge and for Crew player exposure to college coaches at soccer college showcase tournaments.
At the Virginia Tournament, the Crew first battled a high powered New York, Lake Grove Dynamite team in an early match that found the teams deadlocked. The Crew had dominated play but were denied a goal. The strong Crew defense led by Jimmy Dailey at stopper, with marking backs, Eric Hallberg, Andrew Finlayson, and Patrick Houck, along with sweeper, Kyle Simmons blanked the potent New York soccer team, and set the defensive tone for the tournament.
The Crew offense then rose to the occasion and sparkled against the NVSC United, a Virginia premier team. The Crew’s sweeper, Kyle Simmons broke the match open nearing the end of the first half, when he connected on a well placed shot from outside the eighteen. Scoring continued from striker Nick Hoffman, center midfielder Gut Scord, striker Nigel Fields, and a second tally from Kyle Simmons. Again the defense and Goalie Chris Heins denied their opponent any goal for the day, the only team to do so the first day of the tournament.
The Crew went on to win its bracket and then went on to play in the semi finals against the strong Team Takoma to a scoreless tie in regulation, only to win on a Guy Scord head shot in the second overtime period.
In the final contest of the Tournament, the Crew played the reigning champion of their NCSL Division I age group and scored first on a head ball in the upper corner of the goal by Kyle Simmons; but after losing a player to an undeserved red card, opponent NVSC Strikers rebounded with two goals of their own.
The Severna Park U-17 soccer club scored seven goals in the tournament with the skill and support from: Colin Lay, Matty Rogers, James Meekins, Geoffrey Saunders, Derek Cope, Drew Campbell, Nick Finnigan, and Steven Ravotta, whose pin-point pass work and constant pressure fed the Crew’s strikers. The Crew’s stellar defense prevented all but a mere two goals over the tournament, shutting down their opponents time and time again.
The Crew is scheduled to participate in the Baltimore College Showcase Tournament in Columbia, Maryland during the Thanksgiving holiday, and then will play in the NCCL College Showcase Tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia, in early December.
Fall 2007 SEVERNA PARK CREW PLAYERS PERFORM IN BALTIMORE SHOWCASE
The Green Hornet’s Severna Park Crew U-17 Boys soccer team competed with great success in the recent Baltimore Boy’s College Showcase held in Columbia, Maryland. The event which ran November 23rd and 24th, offered college exposure to the local soccer players, and gave each the opportunity to demonstrate their soccer skills and prowess. The Crew participated at the highest level in the U-17 premier grouping, against other teams quality soccer clubs competing at the Division I level in the National Capital Soccer League or at an equivalent level in our region. The Severna Park Green Hornet team will resume Division I play in the Spring of 2008, but in the mean time the Crew has scheduled a series of soccer tournaments so that soccer coaches who attend can scout the players and for the team to maintain their edge. This was just one of five tournaments the Crew has participated in this Fall.
In Baltimore Boy’s College Showcase, the solid Crew defense stole the show. In three games against premier teams in our region, the Crew Goalie Chris Heins along with a staunch backfield of Pat Houck, Eric Hallberg, Jimmy Daily, James Meekins, and Sweeper Kyle Simmons, held the competition to just one goal for the entire tournament.
The Crew battled the Delaware CDSA Revolution to a one to one tie, on the scoring of center midfielder Guy Scord; but the real story was the Crew’s hard work ethic in controlling the opposition and playing strong defense once the ball changed hands, not just in the back but at all levels. “Even up front, our strikers came off their line and quickly pressured our opponents all weekend, Coach Mike Lay said. “No one played lightly, our midfield challenged every ball, and our defense was extraordinary especially in light of the high quality opponents that we had to face in the tournament.” The Crew played the Pennsylvania Redland Jaguars and the Virginia Arlington Titans to scoreless ties, while temperatures dropped throughout the two day contest.
The Crew made their presence known on the field as they battled for every ball, and always kept the opposition off their game, especially around the goal area.
In the Severna Park Crew’s previous tournament, the team blistered the nets on offense by scoring seven goals, while giving up only two goals in three matches. The strong defense by the Crew continued into the Baltimore Boys College Showcase; and even appeared to bolster. “Given the quality of teams we competed against in the tournament, it was certainly a testament to the skill and tenacity of our Crew defense that only one ball found the net, boasted a proud Coach Lay.
The Severna Park U-17 soccer club also showcased the talents of: Colin Lay, Matty Rogers, Geoffrey Saunders, Derek Cope, Drew Campbell, Nick Finnegan, Andrew Finlayson, and Steven Ravotta, whose pin-point pass work and constant pressure most certainly impressed the college coaches in attendance.
The Crew is next scheduled to play in the NCCL College Showcase Tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia, December.
CREW PLAYERS LEAVE THEIR SOCCER MARKS AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS
December 3, 2007
The Severna Park Crew, the Green Hornet U-17 premier select boy’s soccer club, is about to come together to compete after a tempestuous high school soccer season. The Crew boasts skilled varsity soccer players throughout Anne Arundel County, and its players have left their indelible mark on their respective high school fields, and Anne Arundel County high school soccer programs are better because of them. The Severna Park Crew plays in the National Capital Soccer League, where the team competes at the D-1 level, as the highest ranked Greater Severna Park Athletic Association Boys Soccer team, of any age group.
Nine Crew players were named to the Anne Arundel High School Coaches All-County teams. Forward Nick Hofmann of Broadneck High School and Center-Midfielder Jimmy Dailey of Old Mill High School received top honors in being named to the First Team. Striker Colin Lay (Severna Park), Midfielder Steven Ravotta (Arundel), Defender Guy Skord (Broadneck), Striker Adam Jankiewicz (Chesapeake), and Sweeper Kyle Simmons (Northeast), were all named to the Coaches Second All-County Team. Midfielder/Back Nick Finnegan (Arundel) and Midfielder Matty Rogers (Severna Park) were both Honorable Mention for 2007. Half of the Crew roster earned All-County accolades this high school fall season.
Broadneck Senior High School, the regular season Anne Arundel champions with a 10-0-1 record, counts five Crew players on their varsity roster. Nick Hofmann, Drew Campbell, Nigel Fields, Eric Hallberg and Guy Scord all contributed to the best county record in regular season play. Observers point to the excellent passing game of Broadneck as a direct product of five NCSL Division I players bringing their polished game to their high school. The fact that these Crew players interact on their club team on a year round basis only served to insure that they worked well together for Broadneck.
Severna Park High School also claimed five Crew members in its ranks. Colin Lay, Matty Rogers, James Meekins, Pat Houck, and Geoffrey Sanders all demonstrated a skill level consistent with solid Division I NCSL play. These players, all juniors, facilitated a successful season landing Severna Park in second place in the regular County division just behind Broadneck, and show great promise for next year’s Severna Park season. Severna Park went on to win the Anne Arundel County Championship against Broadneck by a 3 to 2 score, and then captured a State Regional crown by shutting-out Leonardtown, in southern Maryland, by a score of 2 to 0. The Falcons played in the State semi finals this year, and hope to be back next year.
The Old Mill Patriots came to Severna Park during the regular season in a virtual tie at the time for second place in the County. Between the two high school teams, six Crew players figured in the match, and all contributed handsomely to the outcome. Jimmy Daily and Derek Cope represented Old Mill well in the contest that tilted in Severna Park’s favor. Old Mill High School boasted a very successful season and a record of 8 wins and only 3 losses, finishing third in the County.
Two Crew players were on the Arundel High School Wildcats boys soccer team that also finished strong with a 8 wins, 3 losses record. Crew standouts, Nick Finnegan and Steven Ravotta, led the Wildcats to a successful fourth place finish in the County, besting six other county high school teams records along the way.
Adam Jankiewicz, the only Crew player at Chesapeake High School returned to Varsity for his third year playing for the Cougars, who racked up a winning season 6 wins and 5 losses, and a fifth place berth.
The Crew Goal Keeper Chris Hein played at Archbishop Spalding High School where he competed in his junior year, playing as a field player as well as goalie.
Crew Coach Mike Lay pointed out that every Crew player was playing varsity soccer for their high school this year, except Andrew Finlayson, who ran cross country for the first time for Severna Park High School, where he propelled to the top of the program, and where he ranked third in the County and sixth in the State. Since this was Andrew’s junior year, observers see nothing but success for him in the future.
Only five Crew seniors played at their respective high schools in 2007; so thirteen Crew returning players plan to make even more noise when they suit up for their high schools next year. The Crew players work year round to excel in the sport of soccer and they have achieved success by reaching the highest plateau at the NCSL Division 1 level. The Severna Park Crew plan to compete in many college showcase tournaments leading into their Spring NCSL season. They will also play in the Maryland State Cup, where they rose to the quarter finals last year, and hope to do better. “Our players always work hard to raise the quality of both their individual games and their team play, said Coach Lay. We never stop playing soccer because these boys love the game.” Collectively the Crew players brought a new soccer skill level to already talented teams throughout the County this year. While this remarkable high school year has come to a close; the Crew players anxiously look to the future and raising the Anne Arundel High School County soccer bar even higher, next year!
Spring 2007 NCSL
June 20, 2007
The Severna Park Crew successfully defended its position as a Division I standout in the Spring 2007 season. After carefull consideration and at the urging of local high school coaches, Coach Mike Lay decided the team would sit out the Fall 2007 season. Coach Lay believes the players will all get plenty of action from August through November with their respective high schools. To keep the crew in tune as a team, Coach Lay has planned an aggressive calendar of tournament play for the summer and fall of 2007.
CREW MOVES UP
February 12, 2007 - 12:00 PM
The Severna Park Crew has moved up to NCSL divsion I for the Spring 2007 season. The U16 team will be playing against some of the best U16 teams in Maryand and Virginia. The team is busy preparing for the season with indoor winter practices and early spring tournaments.
THE SEVERNA PARK CREW TUNES UP INDOORS
February 6, 2007 - 09:00 AM
The Severna Park Crew, the Green Hornet’s Premiere U-16 Select Soccer Team, has jumped out in front of the pack again. The Severna Park boys soccer club continues its climb to the top of their soccer world. In the Fall the Crew dominated their age group in scoring and finished in third place in Division II of the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL), missing out of first place by just one game. The Crew hopes to have earned their way into the top Division I level, and anxiously awaits word from the NCSL as to their Spring assignment. Leaving nothing to chance, the Crew has been working hard to improve their proficiency in the Spring by entering two indoor sessions at Meyers Pavilion in Baltimore, this Winter. “We work hard indoors to sure up our short sided game and increase our speed of play, said Coach Mike Lay. If the Crew players learn to regularly distribute the ball under the close intensive pressure of indoors, then they will have an easier time of it when they play outside, again.”
Half of the Crew players, lead by Steve Finlayson, entered the Wednesday session playing a year up at the U-17 level. The Crew, a younger U-16 team, consisted of Nick Hofmann, Nick Finnigan, Drew Campbell, Patrick Houck, Eric Hallberg, Andrew Finlayson, Derek Cope, James Meekins, Kyle Simmons, goalie Chris Heins, and occasionally, Colin Lay. The team captured the league championship with a record of 9 wins and only a single defeat. The Crew scored 66 goals in ten games on their way to defeating such worthy adversaries as: the Baltimore Bays, the Baltimore United Bays and the Bone Crushers. The remarkable thing about the Crew is that at any given moment, a new hero steps forward and scores that special goal, or makes that spectacular defensive play that saves a goal. “These players always pull together to victory, observed Steve Finlayson. No matter what the challenge or the score, this Wednesday indoor Crew team never backed down, and always found a way to win together.”
The second indoor Crew team played in the U-16 age level in the Saturday session, and was lead by Mike Jankiewicz. The Saturday indoor Crew team exploded from the outset, and also earned a first place finish in their league. These Crew players put 98 shots in the back of the net, and gave up only 21 goals, in the nine games they played. The Crew’s record was 8 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. The Saturday indoor team was comprised of Colin Lay, Nick Hofmann, Nigel Fields, Adam Jankiewicz, Matty Rogers, Pat Houck, Kyle Fairchild, Geoffrey Saunders, and Chris Heins. The team always played at an impressive level, with a confidence and a pace indicative of the Crew. The passing was crisp and precise, the players always found the open man, and they always worked for the best finish. Everyone got back on defense and marked well. The Saturday Crew competed with other local teams including the Severna Park Attackers and the Severna Park Gold. Mike Jankiewicz praised the team for working on its passing game whenever the Crew found that it had outscored its opponent by many goals.
Coach Lay emphasized that by playing soccer indoors twice each week, the Crew not only worked hard to maintain its NCSL Division II team skill level over the Winter break, but the many touches his players got by splitting up the team helped each player with their individual ball control, passing and shooting. Each player needs to react quicker playing indoors, since they rarely enjoy the time and space, they usually have on the large outdoor soccer field. The test for each player is how they react to that pressure. Coach Lay said, “I am happy to report that the Crew players met the challenge head on, maintained their poise and composure, and played soccer like it was meant to be played, with skill and good sportsmanship. I know that for all the effort the players invested this Winter, the Severna Park Crew will surely see many dividends in the Spring.”
The Crew is scheduled to compete in March in the Bowie-Freestate Soccer Tournament, and is also slated to play in the Maryland State Cup, before getting back to NCSL play.
THE CREW CHEWS UP DIVISION II
November 15, 2006 - 12:00 PM
The Severna Park Crew, the Green Hornet’s Premiere Select Soccer Team, has jumped out in front of the pack again. The Severna Park U-16 Boys soccer club continues its climb to the top of their soccer world. In the spring, the Crew dominated their age group in scoring and captured the right to move into the Division II of the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL). Despite many players being plagued with numerous unfortunate injuries, due to the fact that each of the Crew players also represents their respective high school teams in the fall; the Crew has earned second place in the ten team, Division II, with only three games remaining.
What is truly remarkable about this accomplishment, Coach Mike Lay pointed out; is that while our players are fully devoted to their high school soccer commitments, and have been required to sacrifice team practice the entire fall season; their Virginia opponents are practicing three and four times each week! Our players can not wait to get together on the weekends to play, and they have come to know each other’s style of soccer over the years; so the coach feels the Crew has nothing to worry about. There is a confidence in the Crew players, in their own abilities and in each team member. This team pulls together and despite the rigors of playing all week long; the Crew takes on a team energetic spirit and the players pull each other up for our matches!
Once again the Crew has demonstrated a lethal offense that has tallied 16 goals in just 6 games played. The balanced Crew attack has already brought scoring from numerous players because of the strong team work ethic of the players, and their unselfish style of soccer. The potent offensive attack comes from numerous players, but especially: Nick Hofmann, Colin Lay, Steven Ravotta, Nigel Fields, Adam Jankiewicz, Jimmy Dailey, Nick Finnigan, Drew Campbell, Matty Rogers, Kyle Fairchild and Geoffrey Saunders. The Crew’s on field alignment is designed to bring numbers to the front, and because of that scoring frequently comes from those trailing the play, and not just from the strikers. The advantage of our balanced attack is that on any given day, someone always appears to step up just when we need it most and finish, and that player seems to change each week!
On the defensive side the Crew continues to boasts a strong goalie, Chris Heins, and a new Sweeper, Kyle Simmons, who has anchored an already solid defensive corps of: Patrick Houck, Eric Hallberg, Andrew Finlayson, Derek Cope, and James Meekins. Our opponents’ offenses have been held in abeyance by an aggressive defensive that frequently disrupts plays and strips the ball, time and time again! The defense together has formed an impenetrable wall that baffles the Crew’s opponents and limits shots on goal.
The Crew now three wins to its credit, two ties, and a single loss. During the team’s three wins, the Crew scored nine goals while giving up only one each match. I am proud of these boys, Coach Lay says, because they are worn thin all week long, and on Sundays the players have had to travel hours into Virginia; yet despite the pressures, when the whistle blows the Crew plays soccer the way it was meant to be played and always with good sportsmanship!
2006 KIRKWOOD COLLEGE SHOWCASE SOCCER TOURNAMENT SUCCESS
August 20, 2006 - 12:00 PM
The Severna Park Crew U-16 Boys soccer team traveled to Kirkwood, Delaware on August 5th and 6th to compete in the prestigious Kirkwood College Showcase Soccer Tournament. The Crew participated in the U-16 premier grouping, as the Severna Park Green Hornet team will soon be playing at the U-16 level in the NCSL, Division II this Fall. The Crew finished with a 2-1-1 tournament record, being edged out of first place by just a single goal.
The Crew first battled a high powered Redland York United team in an early match that found the teams deadlocked after fifty-five minutes of play. The Crew had struck either the goal post or cross bars four times, but were denied a tally. The United finally slipped one by the diving Crew goal tender, Chris Hein, who had saved every previous shot, with just minutes remaining. Keeper Hein only yielded four goals the entire tournament.
Their collective backs against the wall, the Crew next played the Hempfield Heat, a Pennsylvania soccer team, in a slugfest match that resulted in a 3-2 victory, to put them back into the running. Goals were scored by Nick Hofmann, Jimmy Dailey, and Colin Lay.
The next day’s game was again against the Heat! Colin Lay scored the tying goal and Andrew Finlayson sent a low line drive from twenty-five feet out into the net only to have the goal called back for an alleged off sides call questioned by Coach Mike Lay! Later, Colin Lay was slide tackled from behind in the penalty box, yet not awarded a penalty shot as called for under the rules! The score was tied at 1 to 1 at the end of the game, and an accurate call by the referee would have given the Crew victory and the tournament championship!
In the final contest of the Kirkwood Tournament, the Crew was determined to leave on a positive note! Despite the fact that they played a skilled team from New Jersey who had defeated the tournament winner earlier, called the West Windsor Planisboro Titans, playing out of Princeton; the Crew took control from the very first few minutes. Colin Lay scored two quick goals followed by scoring from Nick Hoffman, Adam Jankiewicz and Jimmy Dailey. The Crew walked away with a solid 5 to 0 finale.
The Severna Park U-16 soccer club scored nine goals in the tournament with the skill and support from: Matty Rogers, Nigel Fields, Derek Cope, Drew Campbell, Nick Finnigan, and Steven Ravotta, whose pin-point pass work and constant pressure fed the Crew’s strikers. The Crew’s stellar defense prevented all but a mere four goals over the four games, shutting down their opponents time and time again. The Crew’s defense was anchored by Kyle Simmons, Eric Hallberg, Patrick Houch, and James Meekins. Kyle Fairchild traveled with the club and cheered the Crew on to victory, but was injured and could not play.
The tournament was a great success for the Crew according to Coach Lay who said that the matches not only gave the players exposure to college coaches but also gave the players a great opportunity to tune up their soccer skills as each player plans to return to play for their respective high school teams this Fall.
2006 FREESTATE SOCCER SPRING BREAKOUT TOURNAMENT
March 26, 2006 - 12:00 PM
The Green Hornet U-15 Boy’s Soccer team, the Severna Park Crew, took top honors at the Freestate Soccer Spring Breakout Tournament, on March 25th and 26th. The popular soccer tournament drew thirteen premier team participants to the U-15 bracket from Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, as well as top Maryland teams.
The undefeated Crew scored ten goals over the four game contest, while allowing a mere single goal! The team, focusing upon strong defense this Spring, boasted three of four solid defensive games in which the Crew shutout their opponents. Goalie Chris Hein led the team’s effort with a sterling performance, and started the offensive attacks with impressive down field punts. The sweeper role was shared between Patrick Houck and Nigel Fields who denied shots on goal, time and time again. The Crew’s defense was bolstered by the stellar play of fullbacks: Eric Hallberg, Derek Cope, Drew Campbell, Andrew Finlayson, and the uncompromising effort from the team’s stopper, James Meekins.
Coach Mike Lay pointed out that the balanced Crew attack brought scoring from various players because of the strong team work of his players and their unselfish style of play. “Our team does not rely on a single scorer, but spreads our shooting efforts around,” the coach pointed out. The Crew’s tournament scoring this weekend was lead by Colin Lay with two goals and additional tallies from: Steven Ravotta, Andrew Finlayson, Nick Hofmann, Adam Jankiewicz, Matty Rogers, Kyle Fairchild, Jimmy Daily, and Nigel Fields. Key assists came from Matty Rogers connecting with Kyle Fairchild to secure the Crew victory in game three, and from Derek Cope to Colin Lay to spark the Crew’s game winning goal in the Crew’s final match. Charles Junghans and Drew Campbell consistently served up spectacular crosses to their teammates throughout the games, while Geoffrey Saunders and Silas Schaeffer contributed enormous midfield pressure that fortified the Crew’s offensive and defensive efforts. The players agreed that this was a team effort and that every player had a significant role in the team’s tournament success.
Trophies were presented to the Crew following their last match, as Coach Lay praised each player’s performance. This was a great tune-up in preparation for the Crew’s Spring soccer season in the National Capital Soccer League, slated to begin with their opener when the Severna Park Crew visits the Fairfax Gunners in Virginia on April 2, 2006.
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