With a commitment to the community and developing and maintaining soccer at the highest amateur level, we are pleased to present Bay Area Premier Cup. This is an opportunity for players to showcase their soccer and take it to the next level. BayArea Ambassadors an affiliate of the National Premier Soccer League is inviting the top 10 tens in the Bay Area in the inaugural Bay Area Cup. These games will also serve as a selection in the semi-pro team.
Venue: Chabot College on Saturday.
Time: 8.30am.
Registration fee: $250
Date: December 19th
Deadline; 12/9/2009
Deposit: $100. (This is due by the 9th to confirm team spot.)
. Registration verification of all players will be done prior to the start of the games. Kick off will be at 9.00am sharp. The team’s spots are filling up fast, don’t miss out, and register today.
MADISON, Wis (August 1) -- Please join the NPSL in congratulation the 2009 NPSL Champions, Sonoma County Sol.
Fourth time is a charm as the Sonoma County Sol win the 2009 NPSL National Championship 2-1 over the Erie Admirals.
Jeremy Deighton opened the scoring on a beautiful header in the 15th for Erie Admirals, assisted by Arash Fahandezh.
Sonoma equaled the score at 1 in the dying seconds of the first half when Shawn Percell scored on a corner served up by Andrew Bailey.
The second half would be end scoreless, but not without a fantastic play in 90th minute as Trevor Hurst nailed a bicycle kick on the top of the box, forcing Erie goalkeeper Danny Mudd into the save of the tournament, reaching back and tipping the ball over the bar.
Tyler Hurst scored the game winner in the 111th minute as Tim Maycock ran onto a ball over the top and played in Hurst, who slotted home the national championship winning goal. For more information , go to www.npsl.info.
Experience Championship Soccer At Its Finest | 2009 NPSL Final Four July 31, 2009
EXPERIENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER AT ITS FINEST
The 2009 National Premier Soccer League Final Four Championship Weekend ‘Breezes’ Into Madison, Wisconsin, Friday July 31 – Saturday August 1 BUFFALO, N.Y. (July 27) — The National Premier Soccer League is proud to announce the four clubs who will vie for the league championship at the NPSL Final Four, Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1 in Madison, Wisconsin.
“Quite simply fans will see the four best teams that the NPSL has to offer.” said NPSL Commissioner Dan Trainor. “They will see great players, an extremely high level of play, and fans will have a chance to experience the finals in an up close and personal way.”
The Sonoma County Sol (9-0-3) represent the West Region after an impressive campaign that took them into the Second Round of the prestigious Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Sol have advanced to the Final Four a total of four times (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009) and make this their third consecutive trip to the league marquee event.
Expansion club Erie Admirals SC (9-0-1) represent the Northeast Region in 2009. Coming out of the tough Keystone Conference, the Admirals were a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. Erie defeated a very skilled Boston Aztec side 2-0 at home to advance to the NPSL Final Four in their first year of league play.
Out of Huntsville, Alabama, Rocket City United (5-2-1) represent the Southeast Region. RCU won 5 out of their last 7 matches to advance to Madison as the Southeast Region Regular Season Champions. Founded in 2008, Rocket City United have a great mix of veteran and youth players and will be a difficult draw this weekend.
St. Paul Twin Stars (5-2-1) represent the Midwest Region and advance to their second consecutive NPSL Final Four. The club qualified for the Final Four on the last weekend of the regular season.
The Final Four begins at 6:00pm, Friday July 31 when Erie Admirals SC take on Rocket City United to be followed at 8:00pm by Sonoma County Sol playing St. Paul Twin Stars. The winners play in the 2009 NPSL Championship on Saturday August 1 at 7:00pm. All matches are at Breese Stevens Field, located at 917 East Miffin Ave, Madison WI 53701.
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) was founded in 2003 and is the highest ranking amateur soccer league in the United States. The goal of the NPSL is to provide it’s clubs the opportunity to showcase and assist their players to progress onto the professional level, in turn giving fans affordable, high quality entertainment throughout the United States. The NPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body for soccer in the United States and FIFA, the world’s ruling body for soccer.
Ambassadors unable to find elusive goal in hard fought intense playoff game.
Miramonte High School, Orinda, Ca.(07/12/2009)The Bay Area Ambassadors (5-7-0) did everything an underdog must do to win a soccer match on Sunday evening except put the ball in the back of the net. The Ambassadors sat back in a defensive posture, kept their composure after an early injury to left back Chris Harris and pestered the free flowing offense of LaMorinda United (7-4-1) with physical play. The East Bay club looked to score on counter attacks and free kicks and found a confidence and momentum midway through the first half. The squad came out with an effective game plan against the United club, executed and played with heart and determination for the full ninety minutes of the first round of the NPSL West Regional Playoff fixture. A late goal by LaMorinda ended the hopes of a playoff upset and the inaugural season of the Bay Area Ambassadors. An exhausted Ambassador team left the field to a one - nil defeat with heads high, which in sport means only one thing: Everything they had was left on the field.
Kickoff in the first half let loose the buzz and intensity which comes with playoffs in any sport. The first twenty minutes of the match saw LaMorinda with possession of the ball as they probed the Ambassadors formation for avenues of attack. What they found was a tenacious resolve to break up the ground passing game of United squad. In the center of this dogged approach was defensive midfielder Armel Olotaro. Olotaro, who had been training with the Ambassadors for many weeks and just received his international clearance prior to the match, was asked to hound the facilitator of the LaMorinda attack, 6-4 midfielder Jeff Cosgriff, man for man for the duration of the match. With Olotaro in Cosgriff's hip pocket breaking up assaults towards goal counter attacks began to appear towards the middle of the first half. Scot VanBuskirk's play on the midfield's left wing on counters produced much of the danger against the LaMorinda defense in the first half. His work earned a corner kick in the 35th minute setting up the first scoring chance of the evening. A driven ball found Demitrius Omphroy rising to the occasion, sending a header with a destination marked for side netting and a lead for the Ambassadors. With the keeper beaten, the age old strategy of placing a defender on the far post paid off for the home team as the ball was headed away from goal at the last moment.
Defense was the Ambassadors main focus for much of the game. Within the first moments of the game the Ambassadors were handed a familiar blow. For the third time in four games the team found a defender leaving the game due to injury within ten minutes of the match. This time around the Ambassadors had a quality replacement in Luis Herrera, who was signed earlier in the week for just such a contingency. Herrera's insertion onto the pitch moved Dannylo Ayllon out wide to replace Harris on the left wing. The back line of Sterling Peterson at right back, Kyle Lunt, Herrera and Ayllon produced a staunch performance. With direction from keeper Luis Montanez, persistent grit and masterful timing on offside traps LaMorinda began to show frustration and sent the Ambassadors to the break with a scoreless half and momentum on their side.
The half time break sapped some of the impetus gained by the Ambassadors in the opening half and LaMorinda saw a renewed dedication to possession in the opening of the second forty five minutes of play. The Ambassador defense continued to show fortitude in the face of the United attack. When LaMorinda did find it's way near goal, whipping in balls, the hieght and pluck of Kyle Lunt and his mates proved to be explanations enough to turn away repeated scoring inquires by the Orinda based club. The persistent physicality of the match began to create space for midfielders Omphroy and Spencer Schwandt to explore deeper into the LaMorinda half. Fatigue goes both ways when bodies clash over a period of time and holes began to expose themselves in the Ambassador defense. Each time this was the case keeper Luis Montanez was able to steer offensive attacks away from goal.
In the 70th minute Ryujr Otsuba came on and produced two legitimate scoring chances in twenty minutes of skill and activity. The player he replaced, captain Joey Fanjul, had worked tirelessly to soften the defense for Otsuba challenging every ball in the air with his stout frame versus taller players. In the 75th minute Otsuba took a ball from midfield thirty yards from goal, weaved pass two LaMorinda defenders in succession to catapult himself towards a one on one showdown with the keeper. An attempt to dribble David Bingham, the United keeper, was thwarted with a well timed dive and an end to Ryujr Otsuba's blissful show of artistry. Moments latter solid combination play through the center of the LaMorinda defense sent a pass to the feet of Otsuba who was making a parallel run to goal just outside of the six yard box. He was unable to keep his bending one time shot below the crossbar and the score remained knotted at zeros. In the 82nd minute the Ambassador defense made, arguably, its only mistake of the game. A ball sent from midfield was flicked into the corner of the six yard box by Cosgriff, unable to be convincingly cleared, falling to the feet of a LaMorinda forward and sent home just pass the waving hand of keeper Luis Montanez. Eight minutes of frenzied attacks were unable to net a tying goal as LaMorinda beat the Ambassadors one - nil for the fourth shutout defeat of the season.
What can be taken from a playoff defeat which ends a season? First, the Ambassadors have a talent pool available to them to compete in the NPSL. The Ambassadors were not outmatched on the pitch this evening. In the end, the ball simply fell correctly for the opposing squad. Second and of most importance, when a team of talented players joins together in a unified purpose and game plan any opponent within reason is a beatable one. This is the lesson the organization will take in to the off season. Expect improvements in all facets come kick off of the Ambassadors second season of the NPSL next year. Stay tuned for updates on these improvements. They will give it every thing they have.
Directions to Single Elimination Playoff Match (Directions from the Hayward area )
I-580 W
CA-13 N (5.4miles)
CA-24 E (3.3miles)
Exit Orinda/Moraga towards Moraga/Rheem/St Mary's College
Right Camino Pablo (0.1 miles)
Bear Right on Moraga Way (3.4miles)
Right on Ivy Dr.
Parking near back of school. Entrance into stadium past swimming pool area.
LaMorinda has not returned emails or phone calls to give the admission costs, but should be similar to cost of Ambassadors home games.
Kick off at 630pm this Sunday, July 12th.
Playoff Schedule Change Due to time constraints the commissioners office of the NPSL has eliminated the home and away series and the first round of the playoffs will be a single elimination away game for the Ambassadors this Sunday at Miramonte HS in Orinda, Ca. at 630pm
Directions to Miramonte HS will be posted to the website tomorrow afternoon. The organization is waiting to hear back from LaMorinda to learn what the price of admission will be. As soon as we are contacted we will post this information.
Playoffs Begin: Ambassadors face Local Rivals Lamorinda this Sunday at 3pm July 6, 2009
"The Bay Area Ambassadors Soccer Organization is committed to bringing the highest level of soccer to the East Bay." This comment has been part of the General Managers notes in the home game program since the first home game on May 3rd. Though the Ambassadors have experienced the expected growing pains of a new venture making the playoffs, the number one goal at the inception of the team, is major step towards delivering on the above creed. The Ambassadors face LaMorinda United this Sunday in the first leg of a home and away playoff series. The United squad are the two seed entering into the playoffs with the Ambassadors ranked as the third. An aggregate system will be in place for the series with both scores being added up to determine the winner of the first round of playoffs. Away goals will count as two if there is a tie in overall goals. If a winner can not be decided with away goals the first round of the playoffs will be determined by penalty kicks after the second game.
One of the things the Ambassadors have dealt with over their inaugural season is roster fluctuation. With playoffs on the horizon the Ambassadors have made it a priority to make sure to have their most seasoned roster on hand for Sunday's match. One of the positives of having to put together various rosters over the season has been the emergence of players lower on the depth chart at the beginning of the year stepping up to fill important roles on the squad. The team also discovered players have fit well into spots they were not associated with before planned absences and injuries forced the coaches hands. These new found players will be coupled with mainstay performers such as Jake Wilson, Sergio Valle, Joey Funjul, Spencer Schwandt and the like to put together the Ambassadors first NPSL playoff run.
The first game of the organization's history against the Southern Oregon Fuego, who face the number one seeded Sol in the other playoff series, the Ambassadors went down a man within five minutes of the match. The Ambassadors were able to pull out a 1-0 victory that day. One of the main contributers to the outcome was the large crowd urging the players on. The noise of the crowd allowed the adrenaline of the players to pump freely through their veins granting the player the ability to fight off the fatigue which sets in after compensating for being down a player for near a full game. The first playoff game of the organization's history is this Sunday and a large crowd will again aid in spurning the Ambassadors onto victory.
In sports familiarity breeds rivalries. The Ambassadors have faced LaMorinda three times this year with the last game showing signs of heated battles on the pitch. Add in the intensity of the playoffs and spectators of this weekends game should be in for a passionate fixture. The Ambassadors will look to continue to build on the promise of showcasing high level entertaining soccer and the organization requests your knowledge, passion and presence at Gladiator Stadium at Chabot College on Sunday. The match starts at 3pm. Adult admission is $8, with a $3 off coupon available on the teams official website, www.baambassadors.com. Admission for kids under 12 are free.
Images: TopRight Auggie McCabe vs. LaMorinda photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
Below Ali Elkadi vs. LaMorinda
Weekend Skirmishes Injuries and absences lead to poor defensive showings
Play over the weekend answered one question, but provided no instant solutions on how to compete with the top two teams of the Western Conference in the NPSL. With the completion of this weekends games the Ambassadors (5-6-0) will be going to the playoffs. This question has been answered. The club has one regular season game remaining against Saturday's opponent, the Sonoma Sol (8-0-3), before the playoffs. With a rematach this coming Sunday the Ambassadors need answers on how to stiffen the competition against the Sol and quick. The two games over the weekend produced lopsided results with injuries and poor inconsistant play. The coaching staff and players need to rummage through a 5-1 loss to the Sol and a 3-0 defeat to LaMorinda in one hundred degree weather on Sunday to find the areas a change in mentality and a weeks worth of practice can make a difference in the outcome of the upcoming match, though little was evident upon first witnessing Saturday or Sunday's matches.
Sol 5, Ambassadors 1
Nevers Field, Santa Rosa, Ca.(06/27/2009) From the first few momnets of the match on Saturday there were signs the Ambassadors were in for a tough night. In the 2nd minute an injury to Ali Elkadi (SF State) on a vicious tackle, which got none of the ball and came after the clearance was made, resulting in a fractured left fibula for Elkadi, an ambulance ride and the removal of the only true left back traveling with the team to Santa Rosa. While being attended to by the local fire department Elkadi sat calmly, given the pain of such an injury, excepting the concerns of teammates along with a stoic acceptance of his grim situation. Ivan Rodridguez, who's skill set is better served in central defense, replaced Elkadi on the back left wing.
The two squads traded offensive inquiries for the next twenty minutes. The Sol built from the back and along the ground, sustaining a majority of possesion through good one-two passing towards goal. The Ambassadors countered with attempts to apply pressure by bringing the ball down the wings and servicing towards the face of goal. The Sol have the most explosive attack in the league with thirty-two goals in nine games coming into the match on Saturday. Not a team you want to be going up against when you have players out of position. Join this with poor marking and what lead up to the games first goal would produce four others in the same fashion. In the 22nd minute the poor marking versus effecient field switching and good combination passing birthed the first of a large population of Sol attackers to get behind the backline with space and momentum towards goal. The last defense, keeper Sergio Valle, burst from his line, lunged towards the ball at the players feet and appeared to redirect the ball before upending the Sol forward. In the split second the referee had to make his decision a penalty kick was awarded. Valle faked too aggressively to his left prior to the Sol player striking the penalty kick and with the players decision to rely more on power than placement he was unable to get back to his right in time to stop the first goal of the match. Five minutes later, in the 27th minute, the Sol capitalized off another gap in the defense slotting home the second goal of the match.
With limited production coming from the Ambassador forwards, midfielders Jake Wilson(UC Berkeley) and Demitrius Omphroy(UC Berkeley) came forward in search of ways to bite into the Sol lead. After a free kick was awarded in the 39th minute ten feet left of goal and just outside of the penalty box Wilson connected perfectly to produce a brilliant curving free kick. The delicious bend dipped the shot under the crossbar in the upper left portion of the goal, finishing near the middle of back netting and slicing into the deficit before half. All feelings of confidence going into the break were halted moments later in the 43rd minute by yet another Sol player finishing where the advantage goes to the offensive attacker, breaking towards goal, alone, with only the keeper to beat.
The second half produced no more inspiring goals even with Wilson and Omphroy moved up top to provide some dangerous moments which were lacking for much of the first half. Second half efforts in marking showed no improvement from the first and yielded two more goals in quick succesion in the 76th and 82nd, sending the Ambassadors home with a 5-1 defeat.
LaMorinda 3, Ambassadors 0
Orinda, Ca(06/28/2009) Each team was playing against two opponents on Sunday. Each other and the elements. One Hundred degree plus weather greeted both teams as they stepped on to the turf field. LaMorinda's style of moving the ball on the ground and letting the ball do much of the work proved more effective in the intense heat than the Ambassadors long ball approach. The two teams played even for the first thirty minutes exchanging attempts at notching the game's first goal. Failed attempts by the Amabassador backline, missing starting center back Oswaldo Hernandez(College of Notre Dame), to clear a loose ball in the box in the 31st minute resulted in 1-0 lead for the home team as the ball was lodged into the back of the net. The disturbing trend of let downs after goals which resulted in follow up goals continued ten minutes later in the 41st minute. Defensive confusion was again the culprit as three defenders rose up versus one Utd. player with the by-product being an open player slotting home the second goal of the game.
The combination of Omphroy and Wilson, both UC Berkeley student athletes, started the game as the starting forwards. This combination showed promise in applying pressure the second half of the previous night. Their familiarity with each other fueled attempts on goal in spurts in the first half. Yet with the absence of either one of them in a central midfield position proved to be a missing link leading to the incosistant attack. The teams entered the half with the two goals seperating them.
In the second half LaMorinda's possesion passing and the resulting chasing by Ambassadors players resulted in a fatigued East Bay Squad. An ineffective clearance in the 65th minute was quickly turned into a rifled LaMorinda shot sent far post, which found the side netting to make the score 3-0. The one true scoring change of the day was botched in the 81st minute when a through ball found Slyvester Kaar in more space than he knew what to do with. Instead of forcing the keeper off his line by attacking goalward, Kaar attempted to gather the ball at his feet and shot wide over the bar. For the last ten minutes the heat got the best of both teams and play slowed to a crawl until the final whistle, completing a disappointing weekend with a 3-0 loss for the Ambassadors.
Both teams the Ambassadors played over the weekend displayed a similar style. Showing good one touch passing and moving consistently towards goals while keeping the ball on the ground. Not only do the Ambassadors play the Sol for their final game this coming Sunday, depending on results from around the conference in the final weekend of the season, either of the last two opponents the Ambassadors played will be their first round playoff match-up. So, what can be taken from defeats to possible playoff opponents to alter the outcome in the coming fixtures? What changes can be made to right the ship within a week? The high level of technical passing skills displayed by the Sol, and to a lower level, the Utd. club is not something which comes in a week. The main area which caused issues over the weekend was the marking of players making runs towards goal with out the ball. There are no Barry Sanders' or Tim Hardaway's using killer crossovers, breaking ankles, on runs towards goal, so with a change in mentality and focus on marking over the weeks practices will show immediate improvements in a short period of time. How else can you waylay a flowing passing game? Disruptive physicality. Nothing can be said against an "earned" goal. A goal in which the other team has had to work for their talley. Going through tough tackles, fighting for every position and forced into excellence under pressure. If a goal is scored against this form of defensive determination all you can do as a team is tip your cap and repeat. With playoffs on the horizon all you can do is force teams to play at their highest level, take nothing for granted, dip into your competitive fire and make every possession a tussle. There will be a call to arms this Sunday and the Ambassadors' Organization and it's players begin training for a heated exchange today. Every game before these upcoming games have been skirmishes. The Battle starts Sunday.
Image Above: Jake Wilson photohgraphy and story by Jeremy Schulz
More game images located in photo album
Pieces Coming Together for Ambassados
Hayward, Ca.(06/19/2009)A majority of the population has made a purchase with the daunting task of 'some assembly required' waiting for them once they arrived home with their new acquisition. A new organization comes with the same tag. For those of you out there who have dealt with the required assembly, who hasn't had something go wrong. A nut missing, something breaks and improvisation is required. Unlike the rest of us, the Ambassadors have showed competence in over coming such obstacles. Over the last few weeks the pieces have began to come together for the Hayward based squad in two convincing wins. While the victories have come against teams from the lower end of the NPSL Western Conference standings, more important than the wins has been an opportunity for a core of players to receive quality productive time together on the pitch. The Ambassadors have had eight different starting line-ups for each game this season due to injury, the influx of new players and the search for the correct nuts and bolts to build a competitive playoff bound team.
There are positions on the team which have been set from the first game of the season, yet focusing on areas where the Ambassadors have found answers is a more accurate map of where the team has come from to get where it currently is, a playoff team with an opportunity for points every week. The first portion of the current team was added in the second game of the year when Spencer Schwandt (SF State) made his BAAFC and NPSL debut against Real San Jose. Schwandt collected the assist on the only goal of the game when he switched the ball to an open Auggie McCabe. Spencer has been at the heart of the Ambassadors wing attack for much the whole season. His pace, created by long space consuming strides, allows him to consistently get behind his defender to whip crosses to the penalty spot. Spencer leads the team with three assists.
The ability to drive balls ripe for arial attacks into the box plays into the next addition to the squad. In the fourth game of the season Jacob Wilson (UC Berkeley) made his first appearance against the Salinas Samba, netting a hat trick in a 4-1 Ambassador victory. Jacob is incredibly dangerous in the air. WIlson is dangerous on the pitch, period. He has solidified himself as the Ambassadors main scoring threat. Scoring in the box, outside of the box, from the penalty spot, on free kicks, and as mentioned, in the air. Wilson started the last game in the midfield and still found the back of the net, yet he seems best suited as an Ambassador Forward. An accurate finisher who is able to create the necessary space to release a shot on goal. He moves well without the ball, making runs on goal or checking back to relieve pressure on the midfielders by making himself available. Wilson leads the team in goals with eight.
Creating a solid complement to Wilson's ball control style of play is speedy Scot VanBuskirk. His quickness and tenacity has infused a constant nuisance to the opposing defenses and fit in nicely with the Ambassadors predilection to long balls towards goal or corner flags. His finishing touch has yet to progress pass near misses. Yet with soccer being as much a test of mental endurance as physical his persistent aggression on defenses must be taken into account. With Wilson and VanBuskirk getting the majority of the forward starts Johnny Gonzalez (San Jose State) has been asked to come off the bench after beginning the season as a starting forward. First off this has added depth to a position. Second, Gonzalez has done exactly what you ask of a substitute, come on the field and produce. Two of Gonzalez' three goals have come as a second half substitute and the other when he was needed to replace an unavailable player. He finishes well with the ball at his feet and has shown a perchance for scoring against the run of play. All three of Gonzalez' goals have come on counter attacks. Two resulted from through balls sent from the midfield, one from a dish to the penalty spot and all ended in well placed finishes. Gonzalez is second on the team in goal.
Like Johnny Gonzalez, both Mike Muniz and Joey Funjul have been on the squad since the first game of the season. Both also find themselves improvisations which have worked out in the Ambassadors favor. Funjul, a team captain, started the season as an attacking wing player, due to an injury in the back line to Nick Cassagrande (College of Notre Dame), he was selected to start in place of Cassagrande in the fourth game of the season at right back, the first time in his playing career he had done so. His attacking prowess from the defensive wing, aggressive spirit, soccer intellegence and endurance offset the growing pains which came along with a playing a new position. Funjul is tied for third on the team in points with two. Injury was the by product of Muniz' moving to the center back position as well. Playing a defensive midfielder role up until his appearance at right back in the seventh game of the season, Muniz dropped back to replace an injured Oswaldo Hernandez. His physical play, height in the air and convincing tackling have made him a solid fit in fortifying the Ambassador back line. This has created depth in the defense for the Ambassadors with Ivan Ramirez available to come off bench when Coach McCallion needs to protect a lead. Muniz can slid into a defensive midfield position just above a center back duo who have logged six games together.
In the end, once you step back, after hours of tinkering, and look at what you have assembled there always seems to be a sweetness not present in admiring a prefabricated object. The difference lies in the participation. Come participate in the assembly of a team. The next Ambassadors home game is this Father's Day, June 21st at 3PM at Gladiator Stadium, Chabot College, Hayward, Ca. Admission is $8 (click coupon tab for $3 off), kids under 12 are free.
photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
A Graduation Story: Gonzalez Keeps A Promise
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics Release 05/29/2009
Johnny Gonzalez made a promise. He kept it, and then some, following up his bachelor’s degree by participating a second time in the San Jose State University commencement ceremony inside Spartan Stadium last Saturday, May 23, to mark the completion of his master of arts degree in counselor education.
“My parents had the biggest influence on me,” explains Gonzalez of his father, Juan, and mother, Dalia. “They only went up to the eighth grade, and ever since I was little, they stressed education. I always wondered why, but they did. They didn’t have the opportunity to further their education, because they had to work and they had big families in their country. As an only child, I made a promise to myself and to my parents, that I would advance my degree and be something in life, at a professional level. My dream was always to become a professional soccer player. It didn’t work out for one reason or another, but I’m sure to be a professional at something else.”
Gonzalez first earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a concentration in family, in May of 2006. He took a year off to work and pursue his dream of playing soccer professionally. As a forward and four-year letterwinner on head coach Gary St. Clair’s team from 2002-05, he was one of just three members of the Spartan men’s soccer program to earn all-conference distinction at the conclusion of all four seasons, with two first-team and two second-team awards. Though he attended a few professional combines, mainly on the East Coast, his only real opportunity to keep playing came from his parents’ native country of El Salvador. Gonzalez turned it down, however, preferring to continue his schooling instead of settling for the non-optimal terms of the deal.
“I figured that if I wasn’t going to be a professional soccer player, I might as well be professional at something. All I knew I was good at is working with youth, working with kids, whether it was academically, or with sports, so I decided to go into the counselor education program at San Jose State. Coach St. Clair helped me with a letter of recommendation, and fortunately it worked out. Before I knew it, I got accepted, and I saw that as a great opportunity to not only advance my degree, but become another male with a minority background to move up in this world.”
Already the first in his family with a high school diploma and an undergraduate college degree, Gonzalez began his master’s in the fall of 2007, and completed it with a thesis written on potential preventative measures to combat the high pregnancy rate among Latina girls aged 15 to 19 in the state of California.
Along the way, Gonzalez was an intern counselor at Fischer Middle School and Pala Middle School, both in San Jose, and most recently, at Evergreen Valley College, also in San Jose, five days a week since March, for class credit.
By no means has he distanced himself from the sport he loves, while pursuing his master’s degree. Gonzalez played for the San Francisco Seals and the San Jose Frogs, both of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) during the summers of 2007 and 2008, respectively. This summer, he has hooked up with BayArea Ambassadors FC, based in Hayward, Calif., of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), playing home games at Chabot College through the month of July. He has scored one goal in five games thus far, as the team is off to a 3-2 start.
Gonzalez, who recently moved from Pleasanton to Dublin, also has coaching mixed into his busy schedule. Since last year, he coaches the Livermore Elite Soccer Club U-17 girls. During the three winter months, he is the head coach of the junior varsity girl’s team at Foothill High School in Pleasanton.
Studying, working, playing or coaching, San Jose State is not far from Gonzalez’s mind.
“San Jose State, in general, will always have a place in my heart. As far as the men’s soccer program, I have a lot of pride in it. I’m always checking the website, always following their schedule, their results, seeing how they are doing. I always said I would love to go on and represent San Jose State at a professional soccer level, but I figured if I couldn’t do that, that I might as well do it academically. If I could share my story with the current players now, I would just tell them that hey, things may not work your way, and if they don’t, it’s not a big deal. You can go the academic way, which is the secure way, and make something out of yourself.
“My future plans include either being a high school counselor, or a college advisor. Specifically, I would like to be an athletic advisor for a state school or a UC school, a community college, and share my story and tell them that you’re a student before you’re an athlete. I think that’s what I would emphasize, because a lot of college athletes tend to focus on the athletic side, but forget about the student side of it. I would stress that academics is important, because you do have to stay eligible, and you’re here for a degree, after all. I would like to find some kind of counseling position where I know I can be effective and do my best at it, just like I did on the soccer field when I was at San Jose State.”
Story by Doga Gur
Ambassadors 3 - Real San Jose 0
Wilson continues torrid scoring pace as Ambassadors display compelling soccer for the second week in a row
Gladiator Stadium, Hayward, Ca. (06/14/2009)The Ambassadors(5-3-0) took care of business on Sunday by defeating Real San Jose(2-4-1) three - nil, while Jacob Wilson(UC Berkeley) scoring multiple goals is becoming business as usual. The end result was not clear in the first half as the home team came out of the gates sluggish, laking crisp passing and the necessary competitive edge to be successful at any level of sport, let alone the semi-professional tier the NPSL is situated in. The back line and keeper weathered the storm until the team could get their legs under them, allowing the East Bay squad to elude any game altering goals.
Coach McCallion dropped Wilson into the midfield, pairing him with Demitrius Omphroy(UC Berkeley), to change the trend of ineffective play though the center of the pitch. Omphroy and Wilson combined to produce the Ambassadors first complete midfield performance of the season. The team continued to be dangerous building from the wings, producing two assists in the second half, as well as forging scoring chances with long balls sent to forwards making dynamic runs towards goal. The collective effort after a slow start would result in an expected victory for the Bay Area Ambassadors.
For the first thirty minutes of the match it appeared as though the Ambassadors were playing against Real San Jose's record and not the team facing them on the pitch a battle tested receipt for disaster and disappointment. Sloppy passing and disinterest began to frustrate a team following a convincing win the previous week and came to a head when Midfielder Spencer Schwandt(SF State) received a yellow card for shoving a player to the ground from behind in the 30th minute. While having a player booked is never a recommendation, the foul seemed to ignite his teammates passions and should be noted as a turning point in the match.
The previous thirty minutes had been marked by a flurry of attacks by San Jose off errant passes putting keeper, Sergio Valle(SJ Frogs), and the defense to the test. Producing a passing grade for the second week in a row was Center Back Mike Muniz, who had the assignment of shadowing Real's striker Abel Atwall. Muniz's hounding lead to Atwall's substitution in the 74th minute and continued harassment of his successor, Ricardo Moran, played a big part in the Ambassadors, and Valle's, third shutout of the season. In the 35th minute Scot VanBuskirk(UC Berkeley) meet up with a long ball resulting in a lunging attempt on goal which slid just outside the far post, showing a game long pattern for gaining opportunites with his pace and determination, but resulting in near misses. A few moments latter Ali Elkadi(SF State) found himself with an enormous amount of space and the ball just outside of the eighteen yard box, his inability to get on top of his left footed shot sent the ball harmlessly over the cross bar. Although momentum had begun to swing in favor of the Ambassadors the teams went to their respective locker rooms knotted at zeros.
What was said to bring a different club onto the pitch in the second half? The means may not be known, and possibly unmentionable and unprintable, but the end result was a second half dominated by possession and intensity not seen in the first forty-five minutes by the Ambassadors. Much can be said about a player who is able to realize a part of his game is not clicking and then finding alternative ways to contribute to his teams victory. This was the case with Scot VanBuskirk as he leaked out wide to receive a penetrating pass from Schwandt in the 60th minute. VanBuskirk held up long enough to allow for teammates to make their way into the box and then showed pin point accuracy and judgement by lofting a ball just over leaping San Jose defenders onto the foot of scorer gone crazy Jacob Wilson, who in turn cooly slotted home the first goal of the game with a mini-half volley, from the six yard box, past a helpless Jonathan Arellano.
The second goal of the game came though the middle of the field in the 79th minute as Demitrius Omphroy fed Wilson at the top of the box. Exhibiting an ability to create space on his own, Wilson took Omphroy's pass with two defenders at his back, a turn and a cut later gave Wilson the room necessary to send a low scorcher just inside the near post past an outstretched San Jose keeper. The third and final goal has been a trademark of Ambassador soccer up to this point. In the 89th minute Johnny Gonzalez (Montes 74) ran onto a long ball sent by Hugo Ramirez (Schwandt 88) sending home the third goal of the game, and his season, just inside the far post. Player frustration showed up again, this time for San Jose, as Jose Cortez was sent off with two yellows for dissidence while arguing the lack of an offsides call on the third goal of the game. In the end the Ambassadors got over their "case of the Mondays" and ended their work week by producing a convincing win. Business as usual.
"Mike [Muniz] continued to impress in the back line. I gave him the assignment of marking San Jose's top forward, man on man, the whole game and he did a great job. Jake [Wilson] and Demitrius [Omphroy] solidified the midfield for us. Spencer [Schwandt] got behind his defenders and whipped in some good crosses. While I wasn't pleased with Scot [VanBuskirk]'s finishing, he applied constant pressure on the defense with his runs. Overall I was pleased with our performance today."
-Head Coach Paul McCallion
Notes: Cristobal Montes left the game in the 74th minute due to a forearm injury caused with a hearty collision with the goal post as he attempted to head home a far post cross. Jacob Wilson leads the team with eight goals in five games. Demitrius Omphroy, Hugo Ramirez and Scot VanBuskirk logged their first points for the Ambassadors with an assist each. Due to multiple stoppages there were ten minutes of extra time added on to the game.
The Ambassadors play their next home game on Sunday, June 21st at 3pm at Gladiator Stadium at Chabot College. The Ambassadors will play the Salinas Samba(1-2-2) for the second time this season. The Ambassadors beat Salinas 4-1 in the fourth game of the season lead by a hat trick by Jacob Wilson in his Ambassador debut. Adult admission is $8, kids under 12 are free. A $3 off coupon for the next home game can be obtained from the teams website, www.baambassadors.com , by clicking the coupon tab located in the upper right corner of the home page.
Images: UpperRight-Mike Muniz Below-Jacob Wilson photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
More game images can be found in photo album tab
Ambassadors 4 - Fuego 1
Players step up in crucial mid-season game
US Cellular Sports Complex, Medford, Or. (06/07/2009)If you need a sports analogy for character and how it's built there are plenty to choose from. If you are a newly formed organization traveling four players short of a full squad you look for individuals displaying the constitution to merit such sayings. A resounding performance by the Bay Area Ambassadors(4-3-0) included multiple players stepping into new positions to fill holes created by injury and family obligation and ended in the defeat of the Southern Oregon Fuego(1-6-0) by three goals. The Ambassadors brought a chemistry developed by close quarters over the previous twenty four hours on to the pitch with an offense which scored early and often. Jake Wilson (UC Berkeley) kept up his assault on NPSL defenses with involvement in three out of the four goals scored by the Ambassadors. Damage from early back line issues were limited to one goal by quality keeper play and timely offside judgments issued by the referee and his assistants.
For the second game in a row the Ambassadors scored early. In the 7th minute Jake Wilson continued to show dominance in the air, heading home a ball from a corner kick by Spencer Schwandt(SF State). For the next twenty minutes the Bay Area squad patiently probed the Fuego defense for gaps moving the ball around until opportunities presented themselves. Joey Funjul(Ohlone), one of three players nominated to start in postions unfamiliar to them in Ambassador uniforms, showed a tenacity in disrupting the offensive flow of the Fuego while sending though balls into space. Johnny Gonzalez (SJ State) ran on to a Funjul ball in the 25th minute pulled away from his pursuers and finished far post past a diving keeper to make the score 2 to nil. The back line was caught flat in the 35th minute and a streaking Takayuki Doi shrugged off a last ditch tackle by central defender Ivan Ramirez and struck a low shot which deflected off Keeper Sergio Valle(SJ Frogs) towards Will Dolan making a far post run and finishing into an open net. Pressure coming from the edges have resulted in similar goals produced by dangerous balls sent to unmarked opponents in the Ambassadors two previous losses.
With this in mind Assistant Coach Ron Chell addressed the defense during the half to improve the shape of the backline to enhance their ability to aid in each others cause of keeping a clean sheet for the second half. A Major role in holding the Fuego offense scoreless in the second half was San Leandro resident Mike Muniz. Muniz slid back from his customary defensive midfield position into the center of the defense showing the necessary arial skills, physicality and calm on the ball for a smooth transition to center back.
"I liked what I saw in Mike [Muniz]'s play at center back. His height and physical play were a big help. Jacob [Wilson] presence on the field played huge roll in the victory for our boys as well." -Head Coach Paul McCallion
Bringing an attacking mentality to the midfield, Schwandt was the third player who showed effective flexibility when called upon to play a new position. Spencer Schwandt's aggressive interpretation of a central midfielder led to a penalty kick in the 59th minute when his long strides matched a though ball from the midfield sending him free towards the keeper. A play altering collision inside the penalty area between keeper and attacker with no trajectory change from Schwandt's last touch forced the referee to call a penalty kick. Jake Wilson stepped to the penalty spot and hammered a shot high into the side netting leaving a lunging effort by the keeper in vain and reinstating the Ambassadors two goal cushion. Six minutes later work during the run of play by Wilson produced a drilled pass across the face of goal, tipped by the keeper, onto the foot of Funjul who guided the ball home for the final goal of the game in the 65th minute. If you look back on this game latter in the year you may be able to mark it as a turning point in the season. If you are a organization who had suffered two tough losses in a row to knock yourselves out of the top of the standings you're just satisfied with a victorious seven hour van ride and hopes the character of the your team will continue to grow.
Notes: The three goal lead allowed Coach McCallion to reward all fourteen players who showed the dedication to the trip to Medford with playing time. Every player logged at least 14 minutes of time on field. The first substitution came in the 45th minute due to a knee injury to starting right back Yoichiro Shimada. Omar Nawabi (45 Shimada) made his Ambassador and NPSL debut when he came into play the right midfield position proving to be a nuisance to the Southern Oregon team on both sides of the ball throughout the second half. The second and third team debuts of the day came in the form of Kyle Lunt(69 Ramirez, H.) from UC Berkeley and former Fresno State keeper Matt Heisser(76 Valle). The Ambassadors are now tied for second place in the Western Conference of the NPSL with LaMorinda Utd.(4-3-0) with twelve points, seven points behind undefeated Sonoma County Sol(6-0-1).
The Ambassadors play their next home game on Sunday, June 14th at 3pm at Chabot College. The Ambassadors will play San Jose Real for second time this season. The Ambassadors beat San Jose 1-0 in the second game of the season on a second half goal by Augustine McCabe. Adult admission is $8, kids under 12 are free. A $3 off coupon for the next home game can be obtained from the teams website, www.baambassadors.com , by going to the schedule page and clicking the coupon tab located in the upper right corner.
photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
Ambassadors 2 - Sol 4
Ambassadors still searching for identity
Gladiator Stadium, Hayward, Ca. (05/31/2009)The final score of Sunday's match at Gladiator Stadium marked a stark contrast between two organizations. The Sonoma County Sol (4-0-1), an off shoot of the Sonoma State program, lead by Sonoma State's Assistant Head Coach Benjamin Ziemer with a roster filled with former and current Seawolves simply relied on years of training. Sol players showed a harmonious attack and resolve throughout their 4-2 victory relying on a system of play in which they have been schooled in between the two mirrored Sonoma clubs. The Bay Area Ambassadors (3-3-0) on the other hand are still in search of a winning system as they look for consistent play from their squad in the inaugural season of the East Bay club in the NPSL. The Ambassadors displayed good one touch passing during the first half, a focus of the weeks training, and continued production from the forward positions. Yet, when the momentum and score began to shift towards the Sonoma squad in the second half the Ambassadors did not have the established discipline to stay within their game plan, where as the Sol's play never flinched in reflex to two first half goals by the Bay Area Ambassadors.
The Ambassadors tallied the first goal in the 8th minute when Cristobal Montes ran on to a ball launched in to the offensive half by Keeper Luis Montanez, made several deft touched to slide past his defender, then scored on a low drive inside the near post and past the Sol keeper. Working within a 4-3-3 system on Sunday the Ambassadors worked long balls from the back to spring a trio of forwards(Wilson-Montes-VanBuskirk) goal bound and matched the Sol for possession with the beauty of simple one touch soccer. It appeared as though the Bay Area squad had pulled ahead by two goals in the 20th minute when an unmarked Jake Wilson directed his header far post past the diving Sonoma keeper but the raise of the assistant referee's flag negated the goal. Six minutes later Sol Midfielder Nate Medina slotted the tying goal past Montanez. The two clubs traded counter attacks for the next fifteen minutes until a foul just outside Sonoma's pentalty area set up the Ambassadors second goal in the 40th minute. Jake Wilson showed a lethal combination of pace and curve leaving the goal keeper with no answer as he reestablished the Ambassador lead with his fourth goal in three games.
The Sonoma Sol continued to build their offense through midfield possession and distribution in the second half, continuously testing Montanez and the Ambassador defense. The mounting Sol pressure finally broke the back line of the Ambassadors in the 66th minute when Eric Lafton notched the equalizing goal off an assist from second half substitute Steven Browne(58th). The lack of a midfield distributor for the Ambassadors hampered the offense limiting the attack to long balls from the back line. The Sol's continued reliance on a proven system netted the go ahead goal in the 79th minute. For the second week in a row the Ambassadors defense was sucked towards activity away from goal leaving an opponent open for the decisive goal of the game. Steven Browne was able to send a ball across the face of goal amongst a crowd of Ambassador defenders finding the wide open goal scorer streaking towards the far post to touch home the Sol's third goal of the game.
Two attempts at tying the game were turned away at the last moment by the Sonoma Defense. Shortly after the fifth goal of the match a miss hit by Forward Scot VanBuskirk left Montes with a spilt second decision between letting the ball fall to his feet or going for the quick, off balance, header. With space being at a premium Cristobal Montes went for the smart header but was unable to produce enough power to send home the crucial goal and the keeper nursed the shot over the cross bar. Moments latter a keeper-less goal stared at Joey Funjul after pressure from VanBuskirk created a play disturbingly similar to the Sol's third goal on the other end of the pitch. Van Buskirk's determination pulled the keeper from goal and sent a caroming ball strait for Funjul, who was making a far post run, only to be waylaid by a defender, with his eye out for activity off the ball, who poked the ball away a moment before the midfielder's arrival. All hopes for a comeback were dashed as Sonoma turned an Ambassadors scoring chance into the last goal with an effective counter in the 84th minute.
Notes: The Ambassadors were out shot 22-12. Yoichiro Shimada made his first start of the season at right back showing good defensive instincts but lacking the pollished attack shown by the offensive minded defenders Schwandt and Funjul from previous matches. The Ambassadors have used six different starting lineups in six games. Substitutions: Amaral (65th), Gonzalez (72nd) and McCabe (83rd).
The Ambassadors go on the longest road trip of the season in a rematch of their opening home game victory. The team will leave Saturday June 6th for Klammoth Falls, OR to take on the Souther Oregon Fuego (1-5-0) on Sunday at 3pm. The next Ambassador home game is on Sunday June 14th at 3pm against geographic rival Real San Jose. A $3 off coupon is available on the Ambassadors website, www.baambassadors.com. Adult admission is $8 and kids under 12 are free.
Images: (right) J.Wilson photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
(bottom) O.Hernandez, L.Montanez, I.Ramirez
More images of Ambassador Soccer in photo album
NPSL GAME OF THE WEEK :BA AMBASSADORS VS SONOMA SOL
NPSL GAME OF THE WEEK : SUNDAY MAY 31ST Bay Area Ambassadors (3-2-0) v Sonoma County Sol (2-0-1) 3:00pm at GladiatorsStadium ,Chabot College, Hayward Ca
Bay Area Ambassadors, coming off their second loss to NorCal LaMorinda United, are top of the table, and need a win to stay that way against Sonoma County Sol. As mentioned, the Sol have had a very busy week, and with a Saturday night tie with Southern Oregon Fuego, fitness may play a factor in this very important Western Region match. The Ambassadors offense needs to turn it up against the Sol who have only conceded 2 goals this season, the fewest in the Western Region this season.
Ambassadors 0 - LaMorinda 1
Early goal sends Ambassadors to their second loss of the season
Gladiator Stadium, Hayward, Ca (05/24/2009) For eighty-six minutes the Bay Area Ambassadors (3-2-0) played even with the club from Orinda, LaMorinda Utd. (3-2-0). Unfortunately in the fourth minute LaMorinda Forward Ricky Dorrego struck for the game's only goal as the Ambassadors fell to LaMorinda for the second time in three weeks in a NPSL match. The offense was unable to solve the LaMorinda defense the second time around being shutout following an explosion of four goals the week before. The outside presence which initiated the scoring the week prior was absent for much of Sundays game. The Ambassadors did not truly test the United keepers with a dangerous attempt on net all match. Late flurries of energy and aggression to end each half produced near game tying and momentum shifting goals on a day when the Ambassadors needed but a moment of luck or skill to secure a point or more on their home pitch.
LaMorinda took very little time getting on the board in the first half, scoring in the 4th minute. Forward Andrew Wiedeman dribbled his defender towards the near post before servicing Dorrego at the top of the six yard box. Confusion in marking led to an open Dorrego sending his shot first time towards the upper far post. Ambassador keeper Sergio Valle's touch on the ball was not enough to keep it from slipping just under the crossbar for an early deficit for the home club. Coach McCallion decided to shake up an ineffective midfield in the 36th minute by moving Spencer Schwandt back into the midfield and giving Scot Van Buskirk his Ambassador and NPSL debut up top along side Jake Wilson. Solid combination passing inside the LaMorinda box allowed Wilson space to get off a blistering left footed shot in search of the tying goal in the 41st minute. The shot rattled the goal post, caroming out of immediate danger. After the early goal the defense showed renewed focus against a probing United offense through the first half, sending the club into intermission down only a goal.
"We [the defense] really only had one mistake today. After some early issues marking we settled down for the remainder of the match." -Goal Keeper Sergio Valle
The second half showed an advantage in possession to the LaMorinda club as they sought to increase and solidify their hold on the match. LaMorinda nearly widened their lead in the 62nd minute when a through ball released a United forward free towards goal. Sergio Valle showed quickness off his line meeting the forward near the edge of the penalty box, reacting to a low shot and catching just enough of the ball to allow for defender Ozzie Hernadez to reach the goal line in time to clear the shot to safety. Despite giving up the decisive goal of the game the back line exhibited mettle during the match after the lone goal. Directed by Valle, anchored by central defenders Hernandez and Ricardo Ramirez, spearheaded by defensive midfielder Mike Muniz along with speed on the edges provided by Joey Funjul and Chris Harris the Ambassadors defenders continued to lead the NPSL Western Conference in defense, allowing 0.8 goal per game. Funjul revealed his leadership qualities by dropping into the defense, making the second start of his soccer life at right back, filling a void left by the injured Nick Casagrande.
"There's a whole lot less running playing defense, but a lot more blame if things go wrong." -Defender Joey Funjul
Another silver linning, Jake Wilson demonstrated an offensive presence for the second time in as many games. Displaying solid possession and creativity on the ball as well as making himself available by checking back to midfield to aid in the offensive flow. The Ambassadors again barely missed tying the game in the 80th minute when recent substitute Matt Amaral(78th) sent a diving header just wide of the near post. Late substitutes Shimada(84th) and Kaar(87th) did not bring the necessary goal to the pitch to change the outcome of the match. The Ambassadors final crosses into the box were cleared away by the distinct aerial advantage the United club mounted throughout both NPLS matches concluding the Ambassadors first home loss of its young history.
Notes: The Ambassadors were out shot 11-6 and 9-2 in shots on goal. The Ambassadors are currently tied for first place in the Western Conference of the NPSL with LaMorinda Utd. notching a total of nine points for the season. Behind both squads, with 7 points in three games, is the Sonoma County Sol.
The Ambassadors play their next home game on Sunday, May 31st at 3pm at Chabot College. The Ambassadors will get another opportunity to fend of an opponent with an eye on first place as the Sonoma County Sol(2-0-1) come into town. Adult admission is $8, kids under 12 are free. A $3 off coupon for the next home game can be obtained from the teams website, www.baambassadors.com, by going to the schedule page and clicking the coupon tab located in the upper right corner.
Image above: Sergio Valle photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
More images from this game can viewed in the photo album
BA Ambassadors 4 - Samba 1
Wilson impresses on Ambassadors debut with a hat-trick
GEISER FIELD WATSONVILLE, CA (05/17/2009) – A hat trick by Cal Berkeley student-athlete Jacob Wilson sent the Bay Area Ambassadors (3-1-0) on their way to building a new streak Sunday night. Rebounding with energy after their first loss since the club was formed, the Ambassadors delivered a convincing 4-1 trouncing to the Salinas Samba (1-2-0). Key offensive substitutions in the second half helped fuel the fire of the attack but the sparks which set it off were three goals netted by Wilson in his Ambassadors and NPSL debut.
The Ambassadors got on the board in the 12th minute with Wilson rising high above his defender to connect with a driven corner, by Mike Muniz, sending it towards the far post to begin his scoring barrage. The Bay Area's defense dug in for much of the remaining half. Smothering Samba's occasional attempts at regaining momentum while distributing early balls to spurn on productive counter attacks. Luis Monantez made his first start of the regular season in net and garnered a clean sheet for the first half as the Ambassadors took a 1 - nil lead into the mid-point of the match.
The offense showed true signs of cohesion and flow for the first extended period of the regular season. The offense had sputtered through the first three games having dealt with operating with only 10 players for much of the first match and the infusion of new players in the search for offensive chemistry and explosion. The correct mixture appeared to be on display in the second half. Wilson slotted home his second goal of the match in the 58th minute, off a well weighted pass by Spencer Schwandt to above the 6 yard box, giving the Ambassadors a two goal cushion. The Salinas squad showed fight in the 61st minute by cutting the lead in half on a goal which took an unlucky deflection off defender Ozzie Hernandez and past goal keeper Luis Monantez. The Ambassador defense once again buckled down to protect a one goal lead absorbing 10 minutes of renewed enthusiasm by the Samba attackers.
Head Coach Paul McCallion's first two offensive substitutions lowered the home team's spirits considerably when they combined for the third Ambassador goal in the 72nd minute. Matt Amaral (65th minute) rode a defender to the corner of the keeper box before dishing off to Johnny Gonzalez(45th minute). Gonzalez timed his run and arrived at the penalty spot at the same time as Amaral's pass to reestablish the two goal lead. Less than ten minutes later Wilson showed a diversified attack when he completed his hat trick by rifling a 25 yard free kick past the Samba keeper in the 81st minute. Wilson achieved a scoring cycle by tallying a header, free kick and cleat driven goal throughout the game.
"I thought the new lad [Jake Wilson] was outstanding tonight. He kept the Samba defense off balance all night with his penetrating runs into the box. Defensively Ozzie Hernandez and Ivan Ramirez were on top of their game this evening. We have a tough couple of weeks ahead, but I think we are starting to play together better."
-Head Coach Paul McCallion
McCallion made adjustments following a defeat ensuring the Ambassadors would have momentum going into their next home game on the 24th of May. His timely substitutions notched a goal. The inclusion of Ali Elkadi into the starting lineup provided a dangerous presence wide to stretch out the defense and provide probing service to the forwards. He had Schwandt mirroring Elkadi's activity on the opposite side of the pitch, which created multiple scoring opportunities during the match. Not to be forgotten, McCallion did choose to see what sort of first impression Wilson would leave on the offense. The forward, in turn, delivered not one first impression, but three.
Notes: Joey Fonjul started at RB due to a late back line scratch. Wilson now leads the Ambassadors in points with three, one point ahead of Matt Amaral who has a goal and an assist on his tally sheet. Mark Bennett was given a yellow card for his second caution on the season tying him with Demitrius Omphroy for the team "lead".
The Ambassadors return home for their next NPSL game on Sunday, May 24th at 3pm at Chabot College. The Ambassadors will not have to wait long to avenge the only loss of the clubs history as they get a rematch with LaMorinda this Sunday. The Ambassadors are undefeated at home this season. Going 6-0 during the preseason and notching a win at the home opener.
Adult admission is $8, kids under 12 are free. A $3 off coupon can be printed from this site by going to the Schedule Page and clicking on Coupons in the upper right corner.
Photo below : Jacob Wilson's 1st goal photography and story by Jeremy Schulz
Liberian born, Augustine Mc Cabe was the toast of the team, when he slotted in the lone goal of the night to give the Ambassadors a 1 nil win over Real San Jose. This was the Ambassadors first away game against a more experienced San Jose team.
The first half saw the Ambassadors have more of the ball and RSJ have the better scoring chances. Confusion over missing player passed forced RSJ to open the second half playing a man down. As the situation dragged on with the referees not allowing the substitution the Ambassadors took full advange and scored the only goal of the match.
Matt Amaral Returns To Old Friends In San Jose May 9, 2009
2007 Star returns to face his old club
(May 07, 2009) When the Bay Area Ambassadors take the field at Paz Rocha Coliseum at Yerba Buena High School Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., it's going to be much more than a battle between teams that won their opening game. (Photo: Matt Amaral's 2007 Real San Jose photo.)
It's going to be the first time Ambassadors' Matt Amaral has played at the field since he led Real San Jose to a stirring tie in El Paso, Texas in 2007, a surreal climax to a tumultuous expansion season for Real San Jose in which the team won only one game all season. Amaral ,who scored the winning goal for the Ambassadors season opener last week, played every minute of every game as a defender for Real San Jose that season and was a key team leader.
Yet, for Amaral's evident talent, his finest moment for Real San Jose might have along a rural stretch of four-lane Arizona highway, far from any soccer field.
Just getting to that game seemed as unlikely as a Real San Jose win for a while. The team's bus broke down. The team had already had to cancel a game in New Mexico due to the troublesome bus. With appearing at the El Paso game in serious question, Amaral then demonstrated a brand of team leadership in a way that isn't taught in any soccer clinic by not pouting or complaining over the transportation woes. Instead, he led the team in hitchhiking on the side of the road.
It was he who persuaded motorists to take them to the nearest town 50 miles away.
"It was pretty apparent to all of us that the bus wasn't going anywhere," Amaral said.
After getting to a town where cars could be rented, the team arrived to the game shortly before midnight, or five hours late. They were greeted by an energetic home crowd of about 1,000 - a crowd far greater than they had been used to playing before - that was beating drums in anticipation of the game. If overcoming the disabled bus, and arriving five hours later were not enough, Real San Jose faced an El Paso team that needed to win to make the National Premier Soccer League playoffs.
Real San Jose did anything but feel sorry for themselves. Instead, they worked hard and held El Paso to a draw, a result kept the Texans out of the playoffs.
"No one was really freaked out," Amaral said when asked if being greeted by a thousand hostile fans in the middle of the night fazed Real San Jose. "It was more like everyone was tired. We had been on the bus for 22 hours. We spent an entire day on that bus. We wanted to be there. "
Being stranded along a Arizona highway seemed a fitting cap to a star-crossed first Real San Jose squad, which had a never-ending season of roster moves as players came and left.
"That was the reason for our lack of success," Amaral said when asked to recall 2007. "Guys were leaving, guys were coming. There were growing pains for an expansion team…"
Two years later, the fortunes of both Real San Jose and Amaral have significantly improved.
Nick Arellano, the San Jose coach, is on record as saying this is the best team yet. They beat Nor Cal Lamorinda last week, in the process matching the victory total posted by the 2007 team.
Amaral, for his part, is playing his natural position of forward for the Ambassadors, who are based in his hometown of Hayward. Amaral, who remembers the 2007 season fondly, said he works as an English teacher at Mt. Eden High, which he graduated from in 1998. Commuting from Oakland to San Jose, which he did in 2007, had become too time-consuming and therefore he did not play in the NPSL last year.
Playing again at Yerba Buena High, against Arellano and the few remaining members of that 2007 team, ensure the homecoming will be anything but bittersweet for Amaral.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Amaral said. "I've played in that stadium many times, so it's not going to be anything new for me. Both teams won a game, so it should be a good match."
And if the Ambassadors' bus breaks down enroute to San Jose, the Hayward team should not fret. Amaral’s hitchhiking skills should serve the team well on Interstate 880.
article courtesy of :http://rsj.soccermagic.com/
BayArea Ambassadors1 vs S Oregon Fuego 0
CHABOT COLLEGE, HAYWARD, Calif)- The Bay Area Ambassadors kicked off their 2009 season with a 1-0 victory over the Southern Oregon Fuego on Sunday, in front of a crowd of over 500 fans. The win extends The Ambassadors' pre-season unbeaten run and improves their record to 5-0, 1-0 in league. The Southern Oregon Fuego fall to (total record), 0-1 in league.
Despite midfielder Mark Bennett's red card in only the fifth minute of play, the Ambassadors held on for the win, continuing their impressive debut in the Western Conference of the National Premier Soccer League. A Matt Amaral goal in the 87th minute proved to be enough, as a combination of Ambassador defense and stellar play from goalkeeper Sergio Valle held the Fuego scoreless.
The Ambassadors will look to extend their undefeated run with a road trip double-header this weekend. On Saturday The Ambassadors take on Real San Jose at 7:30pm at Yerba Buena High School in San Jose. The game will be televised on a tape-delayed basis on CreaTV San Jose Comcast Channel 15, and will be featured as a Local Soccer Scene exclusive at localsoccerscene.com. KRON Channel 4's Vern Glenn will handle the play-by-play and Jeff Carlisle (ESPN.com and centerlinesoccer.com) will provide match analysis.
Sunday's match takes The Ambassadors to the home field of LaMorinda United, another team making its National Premier Soccer League debut. For more information please visit baambassadors.com.
Post Game Comments:
"I'm real impressed with the way we handled adversity in our first game. The guys worked hard all game to keep us in it. Being a man down from the first five minutes is usually fatal, but the hard work from every player kept the game tied. I'm just glad I had an opportunity to make a difference, especially in our inaugural match at home. It was nice to get that first goal for the fans." -Matt Amaral on his winning goal.
Season Opener this Sunday 5/3/2009 @ 3pm April 28, 2009
The BayArea Ambassadors FC will play their season opener against the Southern Oregon Feguo this Sunday 5/3/2009 @3pm at the Chabot College .
Tickets are $8 for adults and kids are free. Parking is also free.
Ambassadors edge Rosal FC April 21, 2009
Rosal FC gave a strong challenge to the Ambassadors in the hard fought 2-1 victory on a blistering Sunday afternoon in Hayward, California. The visitors showed superiority in the first half drawing on the experience of their squad which features former professionals and upcoming stars. They capitalized early in the first half and led 1-nil at half time.
Rosal dominated the first half, but a strong pep talk by Coach Paul McCallionproduced a different Ambassadors in the second half. The Bay Area squad came out in force, continuously pressuring the visitors with a determined and coordinated attack. The efforts paid off, when an onslaught on the Rosal defense led to a goal by Ambassador midfielder Nick Casagrande. The rebound from his original shot caromed back to his feet and with a calm presence he placed a delicate lob over the keepers head and into the back of the net tying the game at one all.
The Ambassadors defense was tested time and time again, leading to a penalty awarded to Rosal FC. Goalkeeper and East Bay resident Matt Hassier did an excellent job of forcing out the penalty. Later in the second half Ambassadors striker Sylvester Kaar was fouled in the penalty area. The Ambassadors leading scorer, Kaar, showed precision and slotted home the winner.
The last tune-up before the season opener on May 3rd will be this coming Sunday April 26 at Chabot College versus the San Francisco Seals. Kick off will be at 3pm.
Paul McCallion Hired to lead the Bay Area Ambassadors F.C. April 17, 2009
The Bay Area Ambassadors F.C. has announced the hiring of Paul McCallion as the Head Coach. Due to work commitments of head coach, Joe Silvera, Paul McCallion is now expected to lead charge. Joe Silvera will be retained as a technical advisor to the team. Paul brings a wealth of experience to the team and is focused on getting the Ambassadors started on a high note. He leads by an impressive unbeaten run during the pre-season.
McCallion who has coached at the college level for the past 11yrs and at the High School level for the past 12 yrs brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the Bay Area Ambassadors F.C.
Born and raised in GlasgowScotland, McCallion is very well known and respected in Bay Area soccer circles.
McCallion has enjoyed success at every level during his career. As the Associate head coach at Notre Dame de Namur University Paul guided the team to the NCAA Pacific West Championship in 2006 beating BrighamYoungUniversity in Hawaii 1-0. Paul was also the Co Head Coach at ChabotCollege for 8yrs with Ambassador director Tony Igwe. McCallion also played at Chabot in the early 80s helping lead the Gladiators to the conference championship and the State Final.
As a High School Coach Paul has amassed a school record seven conference championships in 9yrs with a record of 211-29-7. His Castro ValleyHigh School team has been ranked as high as #5 in the nation by ESPN. Paul was named the HAAL coach of the year in 2003-04.
McCallion has coached several all Americans, one who captained her country in two world cups. Paul has coached many professional athletes including current WPL players.
As a youth coach Paul McCallion is the the current Director of Coaching for SACYSL
Southern Alameda CountyYouth Soccer League. He founded the California Northstars and has had much success with the Northstars winning prestigious tournaments such as GSSL gold, State Premier League (twice), California Cup (3 times), Adidas Cup, Nomads, Sun and Surf Cup, Pleasanton College Showcase (twice), Mustang Stampede and the Aloha International Cup (twice)
McCallion has coached at the ODP Olympic Development Program level for six years and has also coached the U-23 State team with Mr Igwe.
Paul was named the CYSA Coach of the year in 2002-0
Season Tickets on Sale Now! April 10, 2009
The Bay Area Ambassadors FC are now selling season tickets at a reasonable $50. This will entitle a season holder access to all season games and preferred seating. The first 100 will be given a free t-shirt as well.
The Ambassadors' fan of the month is Mr. Mukhtar Ali, a Fremont resident and an avid soccer enthusiast . Mr. Ali was the first to grab the Ambassadors season tickets at their head office on 26226 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545. The Ambassadors released the season tickets for their inaugural 2009 season at a very reasonable $50 considering our challenging economy. For more information, please email info@baambassadors.com . Tickets will be available at your local soccer stores as well and online sales will available soon.
Upcoming Pre-season games
April 19th, Sunday 3 pm @ Chabot : BAAFC vs Rosal Fc ( Champions , California Premier Soccer Alliance)
April 26th, Sunday 3pm @ Chabot : BAAFC vs SF Seals. Return match, local rivals, the SF Seals play the Ambassadors leading up to the start of the NPSL season.Come support your local soccer team as they prepare for their National Premier Soccer League debut against the Southern Oregon Fuego on May 3rd,Sunday at 3 pm at Chabot.
The Bay Area Ambassadors remain undefeated in pre-season competition
The Bay Area Ambassadors took on the San Jose Ruckus this past Sunday at Chabot College. Over 100 spectators came to watch their Bay Area Ambassadors. The Ambassadors scored in the 7th minute when former Chabot Gladiator Dickson Igbineweka penetrated the Ruckus defense and passed to former SJ Frogs striker Sylvester Kaar outside the 20 yard line. A composed Kaar cradled the ball and beat the goalkeeper with a hard shot to the lower left post. The Ambassadors had several chances to increase the lead but were unable to convert. Former SJ Frogs and Cal State goalkeeper Sergio Valle and the Ambassador defense withstood a late first half surge by the Ruckus and went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half brought several key substitutions including the entry of US Beach soccer goalkeeper Luis Montanez. The Ambassadors went right back to business as they continued to pepper the Ruckus defense with a flurry of attacks. The Ambassadors were eventually rewarded a penalty kick when Castro Valley resident Joey Fanjul was fouled in the penalty box. Fanjul, who recently returned from a shoulder injury, stepped up to take the penalty kick. Fanjul was unable to convert as the goalkeeper guessed correctly and was able to stop the well placed shot. Motivated by the blocked penalty, the Ruckus went on the offensive and tested the Ambassador defense. The Ambassador defense, led by Montanez, was able to fend off the Ruckus as the score remained 1-0 at the end of the second half.
The Bay Area Ambassadors will be in action this Sunday March 22 as they host the Newark Argonauts. The game will be at Chabot College at 12:00 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
BayArea Ambassadors Vs San Jose Ruckus March 8, 2009
This Sunday March 15th, the Ambassadors play the San Jose Ruckus. The game will be at the Chabot College starting at 3pm. Free admission , and free parking . All soccer fans are welcome. Come support your local soccer team leading to the 2009 NPSL season.
US Beach Soccer Goalkeeper Joins the Ambassadors February 23, 2009
Luis
Montanez, the 26-year Hayward native has joined the Bay Area Ambassadors FC.
Luis who has been playing the last three years for the US BEACH SOCCER NATIONAL
TEAM (TWO WORLD CUPS AND THREE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS) said that he was excited
to play for a team that is now located in Hayward, California. This has been
long time coming and a great opportunity for many of East Bay area players. “
There is an immense amount of talent in this area and this is what the players
have been looking forward to. The Bay Area Ambassadors is giving these players
an opportunity to play competitive soccer and keep on progressing. The team had
an impressive start beating Luis’s old team the SF Seals and Luis believes with
hard work from the management and the coaches, the Ambassadors will be the team
to beat for some years to come.
AMBASSADORS offers Free Soccer Clinics
The Bay Area NPSL team will be offering free soccer clinics as part of their community outreach program, called the Bay Area Ambassadors Soccer initiative (BAASI). The community soccer initiative is a major focus of our organization. This program will offer free soccer coaching to disadvantaged youth in the EastBay area cities and surrounding suburbs. All are welcome to participate in the BayArea Ambassadors FREE soccer clinic. The clinic is for all youth players between the ages of 5 and 14 who are ready to take their game to the next level. The clinic sessions are staffed by the professional Ambassadors coaching staff. Please pass this information on to anyone else you think might be interested. To participate in the Bay Area Ambassadors FREE soccer, please email; info@baambassadors.com. However, no prior registration is required; walk-ups are welcome to every session.
Dates: February 28 & March 1 Time : 11.00pm-12.00pm
Location ; Chabot College 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward,Ca 94545
For more information please contact: academy@baambassadors.com or (866)8364671
Ambassadors impress on debut, defeat the SF Seals January 19, 2009
The BayArea Ambassadors FC debut with an impressive start on their pre-sesason opener by defeating the SF Seals 1-nil. This was a first ever game for the East Bay Area based team which will playing in the competitive National Premier League (NPSL) for the 2009 season.
The fast paced game was very entertaining with the Ambassadors dominating the 1st twenty minutes of the game. The Seals a more established team was caught by surprise initially with onslaught on their goal. Hugo Ramirez, a seventeen-year-old Hayward native, made an impressive debut with his deft touches but missed two one on one sitters with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The Seals settled to a warmer weather than San Francisco and displayed their brand of soccer. But the first half goalkeeper, a former SJ Frogs starter, Sergio Valle had an excellent shutout.
Joey Fanjul entered in the second half and didn’t let the crowd leave disappointed with solid strike beating the Seals keeper Sweeny at the near post. This game served as a test for all players vying for a spot in the final 30.
Ambassadors FC play SF Seals in Pre-season opener January 13, 2009
The BayArea Ambassadors FC will play the SF Seals this Sunday 1/18/2009@1pm at the Chabot College . This is pre-season opener for the team and an inaugural game for the Ambassadors FC as they look closely at their players from the tryouts. This game will serve as a litmus test for the players who want to make the Ambassadors final squad.
The Seals are on a hiatus from the PDL league of the USL division for the 2009 season as they look at restructuring their organization. The Seals have been a formidable team over the years in the Bay Area and have produced numerous league players.
Admission & parking for the game is FREE .
Former Earthquakes coach/player to coach Ambassadors FC January 15, 2009
Former San Jose Earthquakes player, Mr. Joe Silvera has been appointed as the head coach for the Ambassadors for the 2009 season. Mr. Silvera who has extensive experience in coaching was also the assistant coach for the MLS San Jose Earthquakes in 2000.He played for the NASL San Jose Earthquakes prior to the Major League Soccer’s birth.
In 2008, Joe coached the San Jose Frogs, a PDL team in the USL division. Although, the team has folded, it finished off impressively under Joe, with a record 8 players signing for MLS teams.
Prior to coaching the Frogs, Joe Silvera has been highly successful coaching and developing the Notre Dame University, Men’s team guiding them to top 5 regional rankings successively over the years. In 1995, he was named the Northern California Athletic Conference (NCAC) Coach of the Year.
He will be assisted by coaches Paul McCallion, Jerry Losson, Aslam Ali and Ron Chell, the goalkeeper’s coach.
Happy Holidays
The Ambassadors have rounded off the tryout series, which was well received by the Bay Area players and community. Over a 100 players tried to secure a spot on the new NPSL soccer team, competing in their inaugural 2009 season.
The team is taking their holiday break and will be inviting the shortlisted 30 players in early January for training.
Heavy Rain fails to dampen Ambassadors FCTryouts.
The heavy rain and the cold afternoon wasn’t enough to deter over 50 players from trying out for a spot in the new NPSL team, the Bay Area Ambassadors FC. The Ambassadors will be playing their inaugural season in 2009, finished its second successful tryouts. Players came from all over Bay Area, Pleasanton to San Jose to Oakland, testament to the demand for a competitive team in the East Bay Area.
The Ambassadors FC will conclude with a final tryout this Saturday December 20th, 2-5pm at the Chabot College before announcing the final cutoff. All players are invited.
1st Tryouts a Success
BayArea Ambassadors 1st tryout at the Chabot College was a success. We are inviting all new and returning tryout players to come out for the remaining tryouts. Players are advised and encouraged to attend all tryouts to better their chances of selection. If unable to attend due to unforseen reasons or injury, please email :info@baambassadors with your information.
The team selection shortlist will only be announced after all the tryouts are complete.
2008/09 Tryouts
BayArea Ambassadors FC will be having tryouts on the following dates:
1st TRY OUT: NOV 30th, SUNDAY, 3PM-5PM
2ND TRY OUT: DEC 14TH, SUNDAY, 3PM-5PM
3RD TRY OUT: DEC 20TH, SATURDAY, 3PM-5PM
Tryouts will be held at Chabot College on the football field. Chabot college is located at 25555 Hesperian Blvd Hayward, CA 94545.
BA Ambassadors FC to feature in 2009 NPSL
Bay Area Ambassadors FC is playing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) for the 2009 season. The teams are comprised of players who play at the highest levels of soccer available to men. The Ambassadors will be participating in the Northwest Region along side: Salinas Valley, California; San Jose, California; Santa Cruz, California; Sonoma County, California In 2008, the National Premier Soccer League has become truly a national league with the addition of a Southeastern region. Each team plays a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 16 regular season games. The NPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body for soccer in the United States and FIFA the world’s ruling body for soccer. Integrity, Success and Longevity is what the National Premier Soccer League stands for. The NPSL operates and is managed as a team run league.
We are looking for volunteers who display an extraordinary amount of commitment and hard work, ensuring that our league is a positive influence in the lives of our soccer players and youths. We also strive to provide a service to our community by providing a healthy outlet for youth and children, opportunities for the community to gather together, and endless hours of entertainment.
