State Cup Champions!!
October 27-28, 2007
With four of last year's starters beginning their college careers, adding six new players to the roster and integrating three players returning from injury, the Elite had a lot of ground to make up to get into championship form. When you add that to current strains and bruises, the flu, college visits and SAT's, it was pretty close to a miracle just to qualify for State Cup Finals Weekend. But they did.
Head coach Mike Jorden and coach Clyde Watson had seen a glimmer of hope over the past few weeks; both saying that the team was starting to actually play some soccer. It does take a bit of time for players to develop a connection and then to understand each other's soccer personalities, strengths and weaknesses.
The Finals weekend matches were not going to be easy. The Elite would end up playing the same two teams they had to defeat in the fall of 2005, their previous State Cup championship. Both Annandale's RFC United and the Vista Hotshots are highly ranked teams. And they’ve only gotten better the past few years.
It took a "perfect storm" effort from each team member to regain their state title. Coach Jorden pulled all the right mental levers and rotated the team flawlessly in and out of formations that allowed them to play their best soccer of the season. Each and every girl stepped up to the challenge and played some brilliant soccer.
The MPS Freedom Elite won 2-0 vs. the ABGC RFC United in Saturday's semifinal game. It was fairly evenly matched in the middle of the field for most of the game. Both teams had good chances on goal; even though both are known to have quality players in their respective back lines. In this game, the Elite were able to create a number of quality chances and were able to capitalize on only two... one in each half of play. The first came from run of play when Natalie Heintz dribbled through the RFC defense to the goal line and centered a quality ball back to a sprinting Emily Dale who placed a perfect ball past the keeper. The other goal came off Larkin Nixon's free kick from 50 yards out that landed on the foot of Katie Cramp who controlled it inside the 18 and slid it past the keeper while in a full sprint.
In the Final, the MPS Freedom Elite won 2-0 vs. the Vista Hotshots. With the Elite winning the toss, Coach Jorden told the captains to request that they start the first half going against the wind. Throughout the first half, the game was fairly evenly matched in run of play. Both teams had long shot attempts that were either easily handled by the keepers or off target enough to not pose a threat. Both teams are well known for being dangerous from the outside, especially the Hotshots who were able to bury a number of long balls in their 4-3 overtime semifinal win over the defending state champions and last year’s Region 1 champion, the Richmond Strikers. The first half ended deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half was different story. Playing with the wind at their backs, the Elite controlled more of the run of play. The Elite scored their first goal off a long, high centering cross from Larkin Nixon to Jessye Jewell-Sharma who sprinted onto the ball and fearlessly leaped to head the ball just as the keeper and defender arrived to attempt a clearance. Jessye won the header, knocking the ball over the keeper and into the empty net. The second goal was scored a few minutes later when Erika Pinto sent a cross over the top of Vista’s defense onto the diagonal run of Stephanie Damren who collected the pass and sliced it by the charging keeper just outside the 18.
The MPS Freedom Elite will represent VYSA, McLean Youth Soccer and the Washington Freedom's "School of Excellence" in Portland, Maine, in the summer of 2008.
Kerri Butler Earns National Recognition
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Freshman goalkeeper Kerri Butler has been named to Soccer America’s Team of the Week for her efforts in the BIG EAST Championship last weekend. The Fredericksburg, Va., native was brilliant in goal in a semifinal shutout over No. 24 Louisville and a 1-1 draw against No. 9 Notre Dame in the championship finals. Butler made six saves in 218 minutes and nine seconds of action. She made two key saves in overtime and made the biggest save of her young career on the first penalty kick of the shootout, denying Herman Trophy winner Kerri Hanks of Notre Dame.
Game times for first and second round NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship action at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium (WVU) have been finalized. Game one on Friday, Nov. 16, between James Madison and Penn will begin at 3:30 p.m. Game two between fourth-seed West Virginia and Navy is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
The winners of Friday’s first round contests will advance to a second round match at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. Game time on Sunday, Nov. 18, is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for youth and students. To order tickets in advance call 1-800-WVU GAME or visit the Mountaineer Ticket Office in the WVU Coliseum. NCAA Tournament Bracket
Tiffany Brown Receives More Accolades
The 2007 campaign has ended for Colorado College, but the accolades continue to roll in for Molly Uyenishi and Tiffany Brown. TopDrawerSoccer.com, one of the sport’s most highly regarded and widely used Web sites, has included the two Tigers among its post-season honorees. Uyenishi, a junior defender and one of Colorado College’s tri-captains this fall, earned honorable mention on the TDS Women’s College Team of the Season. Only 100 out of a total of nearly 8,000 players nationwide were recognized on the first, second, third and honorable mention squads. Brown, a freshman forward who led the 10-6-3 Tigers with 21 points (9,3a) including four game-winning goals, was one of 19 players named to the TDS All-Rookie Second Team. Eighteen received First Team honors. Uyenishi earlier was voted to the All-Conference USA First Team while Brown earned All-Rookie and Second Team recognition in the league.
Tiffany was also named on the Freshman All-America 4th Team by Soccer Buzz Magazine.
Tiffany Brown Finishes Her Freshman Season in Style
Led by junior defender Molly Uyenishi and sophomore forward Emily Beans, who earned first-team accolades, Colorado College placed four players among those named to the all-league squads in Conference USA. Colorado College forward Tiffany Brown, who also earned second-team recognition, and defender Sydney Fetter were voted to the all-freshman team. Brown was one of four unanimous choices. The awards were presented at a ceremony last Tuesday evening in El Paso, Texas.
Kerri Butler Shines at West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With an earlier victory verses Marquette, West Virginia wrapped up its second consecutive American Division BIG EAST championship. That earned them the number two seed position in the Big East tournament and a first round bye leading to their quarterfinal game against Villanova.
Sophomore midfielder Carolyn Blank’s header in the 64th minute was the difference as West Virginia downed Villanova 1-0 in the quarterfinals Sunday afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. The win advances the 14th-ranked Mountaineers into the semifinals of the 2007 BIG EAST Women’s Soccer Championship.
True freshman Kerri Butler worked all 90 minutes in goal to improve to 5-0 on the season and earn her third clean sheet. Kerri has averaged less than 1 gpg in her 5 starts after taking over the starting role.
Gabby Tinner Commits to The University of Iowa (Fall 2008)
September 20, 2007
Larkin Nixon Commits to Georgetown University (Fall 2008)
September 14, 2007
Accepted Teams - Washington Area Girls Soccer Tournament
September 7, 2007
| Club | Team | State |
| Annandale Boys and Girls Club-RFC | United | Virginia |
| Albertson Soccer Club | Fury 89' | Eastern New York |
| Atlanta Concorde Fire | South 90 Elite | Virginia |
| Bethesda Soccer Club | Rapids | Maryland |
| FC Delco Soccer Club | Lightning | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Freestate Soccer Alliance | Shooters | Maryland |
| Kansas City Metro | Dynamos | Kansas |
| MYS - Mclean Premier Soccer | Freedom Elite | Virginia |
| North Atlanta Soccer Association | Elite 08' | Georgia |
| Richmond Strikers Soccer Club | Elite | Virginia |
| Chicago Sockers FC | U18 | Illinois |
| Spirit United Soccer Club | Wildcats '90 | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Triangle Futbol Club | '89 Navy | North Carolina |
| Virginia Independent Soccer Team Association | Hotshots | Virginia |
| Westchester United Soccer | Spartans | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Windy City Pride Soccer Club | 32 | Illinois |
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Schedule -- List of Colleges and Coaches attending WAGS
Katie Cramp Commits to Virginia Tech (Fall 2008)
September 5, 2007
Virginia State Cup
Sept 15 thru Oct 28, 2007
U18G Bracket
Greensboro Labor Day Shootout -- List of Accepted Teams
August 10, 2007
McLean Freedom U16's Win National Championship!
July 28, 2007 -- Culminating nearly a year of training; league, state cup, and tournament matches, our sister team, the McLean Freedom, attained the ultimate goal in youth soccer - A National Championship Title! Winning the Region 1 Championship earlier this month qualified the Freedom along with 3 other regional winners; the Michigan Hawks from Region 2, the Dallas Texans from Region 3, and the Pleasanton Rage from Region 4.
Touch of Class - The Freedom's final was held on Saturday at 7:30 AM. The U17 Richmond Strikers Elite (who our Elite lost to in a heartbreaker at last year's Virginia State Cup Semi-final) came to the game in face paint, with drums and various noise makers to cheer on the U16 Freedom. Their efforts were every bit as pronounced as the hundreds of local Texas fans and were greatly appreciated by the Freedom. We applaud their sportsmanship.
Winning a National Championship is a tremendous accomplishment and Freedom players and coaches should be extremely proud. In addition to the title, the Freedom won the Fair Play Award given to the team believed to best exemplify sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to the Freedom players and their coach, Clyde Watson.
Natalie Heintz Commits to Southern Methodist University (Fall 2008)
May 29, 2007
The Elite Seize Superb Opportunity!!
May 25, 2007
To be successful, a team needs commitment. It needs its players and coaches to be committed to training and competing near their potential. It needs its club to be committed to youth soccer and remain fully supportive. And it needs a location that is convenient and an environment that is conducive to proper year-round soccer training.
To better achieve that goal, the Elite have unanimously decided on a move to the McLean Premier Soccer (MPS) program. In addition to becoming an MPS club team, they will become the newest member of The Washington Freedom Soccer Club's "School of Excellence", where they will assume their new identity as the MPS Freedom Elite.
In view of the fact that the girls are planning to play competitive D1 college soccer, they must continue to develop, strengthen and improve their soccer skill sets. What better way is there to effectively prepare for a successful end to their club careers and allow for a proper transition into their college careers... and beyond?
McLean Youth Soccer (MYS), the parent club to MPS, has long been recognized as a top club in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. MPS Technical Director Curt Onalfo, U.S. Men's National Team Assistant Coach, and his top soccer trainers have designed their program with an academy approach in mind. They have structured age appropriate technical and tactical training throughout the club system. In addition, MYS is embarking on an unprecedented field development initiative. In the first phase, MYS plans to convert 4 grass fields to synthetic turf this year. They plan to convert 10-12 fields in the next 3-4 years.
The Washington Freedom Soccer Club (WFSC) is a comprehensive soccer club aimed at developing all levels and ages of talent throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and DC area. The WFSC School of Excellence teams are the pinnacle of the WFSC youth efforts. The Freedom currently has four School of Excellence teams based out of Bethesda and McLean. The goal of the School of Excellence program is to provide elite level youth players in the Maryland and Virginia area with the highest level of training and competition available. Extra training is provided by the Freedom senior team coaching staff, and is aimed at preparing aspiring youth players to meet the technical, physical, and tactical demands of the upper echelon of youth soccer. The Washington Freedom Soccer Club will also be the home of the women's professional team that is scheduled to return to the DC area in the summer of 2008.
During the summer, the players will have the option to train twice a week with the Freedom club teams - the W-League, Super-20's and the McLean Freedom - or train with Jac Cicala and the W-league Majestics. The players will attend Freedom and MPS summer camps prior to their fall season, where they will again play in the WAGS Champions division and participate in another bid for the State Cup Championship.
Why did the Elite move to McLean?
They just wanted the opportunity to train together consistently - as a team - for the first time since the beginning of their high school Freshman year. more...
The Elite Welcome Erika Pinto!!
May 15, 2007
Erika Pinto rejoins her long-time teammates for her final year of club soccer. She was a member of the original SYA Wildcats and is a 3-year varsity starter on the Centreville High School varsity team along with Katie Cramp and Jordan Grant (both previous SYA Wildcat teammates). Erika was an integral part of the Centreville High School varsity soccer team that won last year's Concorde District and Northern Region Championships, before losing the 1-0 heart breaker in the State Semifinals. She is also on the Centreville High School Indoor Track and Field team and was a member of the 4x200m relay team (along with Jordan) that was this year's Concorde District and Northern Region Champions. She has spent the past few years under the tutelage of Carolyn Rice -- Mia Hamm's high school coach -- who currently coaches the SYA Select. Erika said that Coach Rice was key to her success and in her preparations for her return to top level soccer. The Elite welcome Erika's great attitude and on-field speed, skill and tenacity.
USL Super-20's
May 3, 2007
Super-20 Roster
PDA Girls College Showcase
May 26-28, 2007
Schedule -- List of Colleges and Coaches attending PDA -- Complete List of College Coaches
The Elite are Adidas Blue Chip College Showcase U-17 Division Champions!April 22, 2007 | | CINCINNATI, OHIO, adidas Blue Chip Showcase Tournament
April 20-22, 2007
As the adidas Blue Chip Showcase Tournament enters its fifteenth year for men, and eigth year for women, it has grown into one of the truly exclusive showcases of U-16 and U-17 talent. Last year, it attracted in excess of 265 college coaches from throughout the country. Since we stagger the start time of each match, each team's exposure is enhanced because college coaches can devote their attention to about one half of each match before the next one begins. Thus, a coach does not really have to choose which of several matches starting at the same time to observe. Each team plays only one match per day to help ensure quality performance. |
|  | | | 2007 Accepted Women's U17 Teams | | | Internationals (OH-N)
D'Feeters 90 (N-TX)
Classics Hammer FC 89/90 (OH-S)
Penns Forest Las Lobos (PA-W)
Mississauga Dixie Saints (Ontario)
Richmond Strikers Elite (VA)
Bangu Tsunami 89/90 Blue (MN)
Javanon 90 (KY) | | Eclipse Select 89/90 (IL)
SYA Elite (VA)
Ohio Elite Academy U17 (OH-S)
RFC United (VA)
FC Pride 90 Premier (IN)
Carmel United Crusaders (IN)
CUP Red U17 (OH-S)
Ohio Premier U17 (OH-S) | |
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Diana Weigel Commits to William & Mary (Fall 2008)
April 15, 2007
Mike Jorden Takes Over as Head Coach
March 26, 2007
The MPS Freedom Elite eagerly announce that Mike Jorden will immediately assume as his position as Head Coach. Mike has been very successful at every level he has coached and is anxious to continue with the team's record of success.
Mike Jorden, the Elite's new Head Coach, will take the lead of a team he is very familiar with. Before becoming SYA Elite's Assistant Coach -- which arose through combining the talent of the Sterling Elite and the SYA Wildcats -- Coach Jorden was the Sterling Elite's Head Coach. During his tenure, they were three-time State Cup Champions from 2002-2004 and Region 1 Champions in 2003. His Sterling team was tournament Champions and/or Finalists in the CASL Shootout, Jefferson Cup, Greensboro, Columbia and Potomac tournaments prior to them joining the SYA Elite. Since then, The SYA Elite have been tournament Champions and/or Finalists at Disney, the Atlanta Cup, Surf Cup and Columbia. He also co-coached the SYA Elite team to their 2006 State Cup Championship. Coach Jorden is a USSF Nationally Licensed Coach, current VYSA Head OPD Coach (North) and former DC United Staff Coach.
Paul Ellis Steps Down as Head Coach
March 19, 2007
Paul Ellis, Head Coach SYA Elite, led the SYA Elite to their first State Cup Championship in 2006. Paul was most instrumental in the team's successes after taking over the Head Coaching position of the SWYA Wildcats in the Spring of 2003. Under Paul's leadership, the team has been a consistent Virginia State Cup contender. He has led this team to numerous Elite Tournament Championships and Finalist results. A tribute to his ability to prepare this team is in the number of college coaches appearing on the sidelines in our last three tournaments. Starting at the CASL Raleigh Shootout, then Disney and ending in the Las Vegas Shootout, the Elite have averaged over 100 universities - represented by head and/or assistant coaches - on the sidelines of each tournament. At CASL alone, that number was 114 different universities represented.
It was a tough decision for Coach Ellis to make.
"After much thought I have decided to step down as coach of the Elite. I feel it is time for the players to have a fresh voice on their sideline, and be introduced to some different ideas.
I have enjoyed working with these special players over the last 2 1/2 years or so and many of them for longer than that. The fact that many players have decided their college futures or at least have a number of irons in the fire, gives me a great deal of satisfaction. My goal over the past year was to expose them to as many college eyes as possible in a variety of environments and I feel this has been achieved."
He went on to say:
"The Elite is still "the team to beat" in Virginia and I am sure will continue to be so.
I wish you all the very best for the future and will take a keen interest in the players college careers.
Thanks for you support over the years
-- Paul Ellis"
We will all miss Coach Ellis and deeply appreciate what he has done for the team. Current Assistant Coach, Mike Jorden, will be taking over as Head Coach of the SYA Elite (more news to follow).
Brandi Locoe Commits to George Washington (Fall 2008)
March 4, 2007
Emily Dale Commits to University of Richmond (Fall 2008)
January 28, 2007
Jordan Grant Commits to UCLA (Fall 2011)
January 22, 2007
SYA Elite to Compete in Las Vegas College Showcase 2007January 14, 2007
The 5th Annual Las Vegas College Showcase Tournament
March 16-18, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
For three days, the very best of youth soccer gather in the entertainment capital of the world to participate in the Las Vegas College Showcase, the "Soccer March Madness". Exposure to college coaches is the major goal of this event as this tournament draws more than 400 college coaches from around the country. |
| Accepted Teams |
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Brittany Popko Commits to Virginia Tech (Fall 2008)
January 4, 2007
Tiffany Brown Commits to Colorado College (Fall 2007)
January 3, 2007
Kerri Butler Commits to West Virginia (Fall 2007)
January 2, 2007
Four SYA Elite Players Selected to 2007 Virginia State ODP Team | | December 13, 2006 - Congratulations to the following Elite players who have been named to the 2007 Virginia State ODP Team!
Brook Chang
Emily Dale
Aline Le
Brandi Locoe |
SYA Elite Invited to Disney's Soccer Showcase
August 22, 2006
The SYA Elite have been accepted into the Disney's Soccer Showcase in Orlando on December 30, 2006 - January 2, 2007.
|  | | Schedule | Results |
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will"
-- Vince Lombardi |
| "I approached practices the same way I approached games. You can't turn it on and off like a faucet. I couldn't dog it during practice and then, when I needed that extra push late in the game, expect it to be there. But that is how a lot of people approach things. And that's why they fail. They sound like they are committed to being the best they can be. But when it comes right down to it, they're looking for reasons instead of answers. If you're trying to achieve, there will be road blocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." |
-- Michael Jordan
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"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-- Theodore Roosevelt |
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