CSM Fall to Mobile 1-4
We began with a goal but made too many mistakes. At times we played well but had too many lulls and Mobile capitalized.

CSM IS GOING TO DALLAS BABAY!

Carroll College had to win for us to go to Dallas and they did 5-0. We play Mobile @ 2:30 Tuesday! Woooooooooooooooooo !

We leave Monday for our Tuesday game.

Epic Fail: Flames Lose in MCAC Championship Game to Bellevue

Sir Walter Scott (who?) said, “To the timid and hesitating everything is impossible because it seems so.” Today, a couple moments of hesitation and CSM was behind 0-2 in the first half. First a cross from BU's Jenna Pendley made its way to a sliding Erika Roberts in the 13th minute. Second, Lynnsey Danker played a ball across the box and Amarripa poked it in at the far post in the 40th minute. For both goals, CSM had a chance to break up the play, but a moment's hesitation allowed Bellevue in. The first half, CSM was a bit timid at times which allowed the Bruins to control the game. Today, Bellevue was the better team.

The second half, CSM gained strength and were not timid or or hesitant. I really cannot criticize our efforts in the second half, we played our hearts out and left it all on the field.

About 15 minutes into the half, a foul was called against Bellevue in the box. CSM now had a great chance to climb back into the game. Melissa King, CSM's leading scorer stepped up and shot it hard to her right just inside the post. Bellevue's Keeper Sarah Boone, stretched out with her left hand and was able to deflect it past the post for a corner. A great opportunity missed. Good fortune was not with the Flames today.

The rest of the half, CSM spent themselves trying to create an effective attack and had some chances, but could not finish. In the 78th minute, the Bruin's Yancone shot a rocket from about 30 yards out that beat CSM's Jackie Swanger to the far post. The third goal completely sealed the victory for the Bruins.

Mollie Jones played the first half in goal and Jackie Swanger was in charge of the net in the second half. Each had 4 saves. Bellevue had 14 total shots and CSM had 7. Bellevue procured 5 corners and CSM 4. 2 yellows were shown in the game to 2 Bellevue players.

The winner of the MCAC Championship game gets an automatic bid to the National Qualifying Tournament in Dallas, Texas beginning November 10th. The Flames still have a chance to get to Dallas but they need some help from Carroll in Helena, Montana. If Carroll wins their championship tomorrow, CSM goes! GO CARROLL!

Thanks to all who came to the game today and thanks for all your support throught the year. Cross your fingers, let's get to Dallas!

On to the Championship! Flames over CCC 3-0.

It was windy but otherwise a fantastic November day. The CSM Flames started slow but finished strong to put down the Tigers of Central Christian 3-0. During the first half, CSM was against the wind, had good possession and had 7 shots to the Tiger's 3. We finished the first half with a flourish, putting a lot of pressure on the CCC back line but were unable to finish. Mollie Jones began the game in goal for the Flames and made one save in the first half.

The second half, the Flames came out on fire (sorry for the pun, couldn't resist.) Jessie McLaughlin broke open the scoring in the 65th minute when the ball was caroming around the box after a corner was not cleared. Jessie found the ball at her feet about 4 yards out and she sent it home. That was Jessie's second goal this season. Ramsey added a goal from an assist by Kira Cross 3 minutes later to seal the victory. For the third goal, Molly McNea, seeing her first action in 2 months due to injury, dribbled deep in the box, beat the defender and shot the ball from an acute angle to the far post side netting.

Jackie Swanger was in goal the second half and the official stats said she didn't make a save but I remember her grabbing an air ball that could be considered a save, so I am going to give her one.

Total shots: CCC 3, CSM 21. Corner kicks: CCC 2, CSM 9.

The 3-0 win puts CSM into the MCAC Championship game tomorrow (Nov. 7) at 1:00 at CSM. The Flames play Bellevue who beat a fiesty York team, 2-0 in the other semi-final.

Call your friends, call your family, call everyone and tell them to come to the game. It should be great! The winner of that game automatically receives a bid the the National Qualifying Tournament in Dallas, Texas which begins on November 10. Show up and cheer us onto Dallas!

CSM Slip-up, Doane Beats the Flames 3-1

When you are climbing a mountain, sometimes you slip and fall a bit. This season, we are climbing toward the National Qualifying Tournament and we slipped against a solid Doane team. Doane opened the scoring in the first half with a free kick that beat Flames keeper Jackie Swanger's outstretched hand. The Flames were able to bounce back in final minutes of the first half with a goal by King. Turco crossed the ball from the right and King was able to strike it past the keeper at the near post.

At the half, we talked about maintaining our discipline and playing simple, basic soccer. Good defense and offense. Unfortunately, we made some defensive mistakes and the Tigers were able to capitalize with 2 goals in the second half. Samantha Extrom from Doane scored all 3 of the Tiger goals.

Doane had 14 shots, CSM 7. Swanger had 4 saves and Ludwing from Doane had 1. CSM had 3 corner kicks.

On the field, CSM was unable to get their possession game going and it seemed like we were chasing the game for long moments instead of controlling the game. It is disappointing to take a hit like this at the end of such an incredible season. I am sure that we will bounce back and take our game to the next level.

The next step is the MCAC Tournament hosted by CSM. I am thinking that we will play at noon on November 6th. The championship game will probably be at 1:00 PM on November 7th. The winner of the tournament goes on to the National Qualifying Tournament in Dallas, November 10-13. The winners of the MCAC, Frontier Conference and Gulf Coast Conference goes to Dallas along with the next 3 teams with the best Longo points. CSM is in the mix, so if we perform well, we hope to get to Dallas, where anything can happen. See you then.

York Defeated; MCAC Conquered

With a 9-0 CSM win over York, the Flames wrapped up their 12th MCAC Conference Championship. In conference play, the Flames outscored their opponents 17-0.

Melissa King scored a hat trick and also added 2 assists. On one of King's goals, she out raced the keeper to a ball, played it toward the goal line and shot at a severe angle. Kaela Croushorn scored a penalty kick on her birthday. Ashley Turco scored on a breakaway where she dribbled around the keeper. Turco added 3 assists. Erin Peterson also scored on a breakaway from a pass by Turco. Erin had a defender draped all over her but was able to slide and crush the ball past the keeper. In the second half, RaeLeigh Withey also scored on breakaway, bending the ball into the right side of the goal. Kira Cross scored off of a corner by Rae. Freshman Megan Tuenge scored her first collegiate goal in the last minute of the game with a shot to the far post that clanged off the post and went it. Here is the breakdown:
Time, Goal By, Assist
6th min Goal: Melissa King
11th min Goal: Kaela Croushorn (PK)
32nd min Goal: Ashley Turco, Assist: Melissa King
36th min Goal: Erin Peterson, Assist: Ashley Turco
57th min Goal: RaeLeigh Withey, Assist: Melissa King
71st min Goal: Kira Cross, Assist: RaeLeigh Withey
80th min Goal: Melissa King
86th min Goal: Melissa King, Assist: Ashley Turco
90th min Goal: Megan Tuenge, Assist: Ashley Turco

The girls played sharp and had a stubborn defense. Swanger played in goal in the first half and had to make 2 saves. Jones in goal the second half made 4 saves. York had 7 shots and CSM, 29.

The Flames will host the MCAC Tournament in 2 weeks.

Next opponent is Doane at our house, 4 PM the 27th of October. See you there.

CSM Vaults into MCAC lead beating Bellevue 1-0

The second half was looking like a Bellevue party when out of nowhere Sara Berens was able to beat her player on the right flank and get deep into the box with about 9 minutes to go into a 0-0 tie with Bellevue.  Sara crossed it with her right foot.  We had numbers in the box but the ball went over Melissa King's head.  Ramsey Miller was able to shoot it on goal.  Save by the Bellevue keeper!  But wait, the ball went right to the Flames Cindy Fibich, who shot it.  The keeper got a hand on it but pared it within reach of Melissa King who knocked it home from about 3 yards out.  GOOOOAALLLLLLLL! 

Seriously, the goal came against the run of play in the second half.  Bellevue was having all the possession and the Flames were chasing the game.  However, CSM had a moment of brilliance to turn the game in their favor.  The last minutes of the game, the Bellevue Bruins tried to attack with a series of long balls.  CSM was up to the task and were able to thwart the aerial attack and shutout the Bruins.

CSM had a good first half but was unable to match the energy of the Bruins for a majority of the second half.  I feel fortunate to beat the Bruins and hope that we play better the next time we face them. 

In the second half, our defense came up with a couple heroic saves from off of our own line.  Senior Jessie McLaughlin blocked a sure goal with the right side of her face and had to leave the game for awhile.  She was able to bounce back and go back in with 10 minutes to play (and let me tell you, she played hard.)

With a win next weekend vs York, the Flames will host the conference tournament for the first time in 3 years.  Let's hope the Flames capitalize on their good fortune versus a much improved York squad.

Swanger played the whole game in the Flames goal making 6 total saves.  Our other Keeper Mollie Jones was out for most of the week with illness but was available at the game. Allyssa Valquier was unable to attend the game due to illness.  Other Flames have also been battling illness this week.  At the end of the game, any feelings of sickness turned to joy with the big win.

Shot totals: CSM 10 shots.  Bellevue, 8 total shots.  Bellevue's keeper had 6 saves also.

It is a big win for the Flames who now have a few days off over their fall break.  Hopefully we will be ready to come back and finish the season strong!

CSM loses 0-7
Graceland goals by Phillips (3), Arrieta (2), Eskridge, Misner. CSM 8 shots, Grcelnd 26. Swanger 12saves, Jones 10 saves. CSM record now 7-4-2

CSM Stitches a Path through OWU

The visiting Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles found no joy on their trip to Omaha as the CSM Flames achieved their second conference victory 4-0.  Melissa King scored 2 goals in the first half in the 9th and 20th minutes.  Tiffany Reis dribbled up from her center back position and scored an unassisted goal in the 29th minute.  Jackie Swanger had zero saves first half.  Mollie Jones was in goal the second half and had 2 saves.

The second half started kinda slow.  The Flames had the game well in hand and kept possession, but didn't get a whole lot of chances on goal.  However, in the 70th minute, RaeLeigh Withey got the ball and saw that Senior Jessie McLaughlin was open in the box.  Rae passed it to Jessie and she scored her first collegiate goal with a right footed shot past the keeper.  Jessie had actually missed a penalty kick in the first half as well as missing the rebound.  She was very frustrated that she missed 2 good chances in the first half to score her first CSM goal so she was pretty happy she scored in the second half.  As a matter of fact, the celebration of that goal was so intense that RaeLeigh Withey was injured.  Kira Cross and RaeLeigh were jumping up and down and Kira's tooth accidently came into contact with Rae's eyebrow and ripped it open.  Of course, it bled a lot and Rae had to come off the field.  Rae is going to have to get a stitch or 2.

CSM had 26 shots and OWU had 2 total shots.  The Flames' record is now 7-3-2.  They are 2-0 in the MCAC.

The next game is at Graceland in Lamoni, Iowa this Saturday at 5:30.

CSM over CCC 3-0
Amanda Brabec scored her 1st goal of the season a minute into the 2nd half. King & Turco added 2 goals. CSM 19 shots ,CCC 2 (0 in 2ndhalf)

Dutch Treat for CSM

CSM scores 2 goals in each half to beat the Central College Dutch from Pella, Iowa, 4-1.  2 goals in the first half  and 2 in the second.  The first goal, MelissaKing just basically took the ball and dribbled straight through the Dutch defense and beat the keeper.  The second goal (by King again) came off of an assist by RaeLeigh Withey who played a beautiful little through ball to beat the defense deep in the box.

Sara Berens opened up the scoring in the second minute of the second half by knocking in a great cross from Katie Archibald, who beat a player on the left side and crossed it.

The Dutch got on the score board in the 53rd minute when our back line was trying to push up and left Central's Hasken onside.  Molly Jones came out strong and missed and Hasken slotted it in.

Melissa King got us back our 3 goal cushion on a header from a great cross by Kira Cross.  Sara Berens was there at the back post but the ball proved too tall for her.  King was positioned at a good angle behind Sara and was able to put it away, earned a hattrick.

CSM finished with 34 shots.  Swanger was in goal in the first half and made 2 saves.  Mollie Jones was keeper in the second have and made one save.  Central College finished with 3 shots per half for a total of 6.  Their keeper made 23 saves.

A good outing for CSM..Next game is in McPherson, Kansas on Thursday.

CSM TIES @ CLARKE 1-1
King scored on a breakaway(Archie assisted) 2 begin per. 2. We let Clarke bk in w PK in 74th min. Had great opportunities,didnt finish.

CSM TIES @ CLARKE 1-1
Shots-CSM 20,Clrk 13. Saves- CSM's swanger 8, Clrk 17. Crnrs-CSM 4, Clarke 8. Goals- CSM's King 49th min. Clarke's Gleich 75th (PK)

CSM in Dubuque
Right now the Flames are just finishing up having dinner at Red Robin in Dubuque. Tomorrow we play @ Clarke, 1 PM on campus. Ready to rock!

CSM v SAU STATS
CSM, 1 goal (sau og) SAU 3 Goals by dexter in 32nd min, by Dresden in 64th, Perkins in 71st. Shots CSM 4, Sau 21. CSM Saves 14, sau 4.

CSM Lose 1-3 vs St. Ambrose
King pressured SAU in2 an own goal in the 6th min but were unable to deal with SAUs long throws and gave up 3.

CSM Survive Concordia

CSM came out on fire, cooled a bit, tripped and finally eeked out a victory versus Concordia on a muggy Saturday afternoon.  Ramsey Miller scored off of an assist by Katie Archibald in the 3rd minute.  That would be the 5th time in 7 games that CSM has scored in the first 12 minutes of the game. 

Things were looking pretty good until Katie Archibald drew a red card for a foul off the ball.  Katie said that lost her composure and she retaliated after a player fouled her.  CSM then had to play one player down for the rest of the game.  Katie will also have to sit out the next game.

Red cards don't happen too often in the women's game and our players had little experience with it.  We were a bit confused for awhile but ended the half up 1-0.

At halftime we told the players to remain calm and composed.  The only difference was that we would just have one forward--everything else we play the same--no time to panic.  The important thing was to keep possession and try not to just send hopeful balls forward.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, RaeLeigh Withey lined up a free kick about 10 yards from the center line.  I told her from the sideline to focus and get the ball in the net.  Rae stepped to it and struck it clean.  It then sailed high in the air and dipped into the upper 90 to give us a 2-0 lead.  The keeper had no chance.

We made things interesting in the 69th  minute when Keeper Jackie Swanger had the ball at her feet, tried to cut it back at the top of the box and tripped.  With pressure on her, Swanger tried to play the ball out but it went to the feet of Concoria's Ford who put it in the back of the net to make the score 2-1.

We then buckled down and kept a lot of possession and had a few more good chances on the goal.  Defender Jessie McLaughlin almost scored her first career goal on a corner kick.

With about 3 minutes to go, we weren't trying to attack, just hold the ball in their end when we lost it and Concordia crushed it forward, catching our back line flat footed and the race was on. Swanger came out, missed the ball and Hilary Brown cleared it off of the line.  Concordia had 2 corners in the last 40 seconds but we were able to survive.  Whew!

A lot of positives came out of this game.  We learned that we can deal with adversity and still be successful.  We learned that we can change our style of play and keep possession when we need to.  We learned that if we play as a team, we will survive.  We are taking steps forward.  We do have a few things to work on--but I am sure we will attack our shortcomings with intensity.

CSM FAIL, LOSE TO DORDT 2-4
CSM goals by Sara berens & Melissa King. Down 0-2 in 2nd half, CSM cm bk w 2 goals but ran outta gas. CSM outshot Dordt 20-15.

CSM Tripped up by Morningside.

Monday, September 9 was Labor Day but the Flames didn't get the work done that it needed to and fell to Morningside 2-3.  The Flames started fast with Katie Archibald scoring in the 2nd minute from an assist by Jessie McLaughlin.  Katie beat the keeper with an awesome shot that sneaked in at the far post.

Unfortunately, we failed to maintain our discipline defensively and Morningside's Turnipseed was able to score off of a counterattack in the 24th minute.   CSM went ahead 2 minutes later when King beat the keeper off an assist by Archibald. 

Things looked good for a couple minutes then (OOPS) Morningside caught us twice with counters in the next 10 minutes, with Swotek and Hauptman beating CSM's Mollie Jones.

The first half ended with CSM down 2-3.  The Flames had 16 shots in the first half with Morningside having 8.

In the second half, CSM came very close numerous times, but was unable to find the net.  CSM completely outshot Morningside 27-12 ( Morningside only having 4 shots in the second half.)  A couple times the Morningside keeper dropped the ball on saves, but we weren't there.  We had some excellent crosses, but mistimed the box runs or we didn't fill the box.  We had 6 corner kicks (Morningside had none) and we came very close, but no joy.  We were one-on-one with the keeper maybe 4 times, but came away with nothing.  It was frustrating.

Keepers:  Jones played the first half and made 4 saves.  Swanger played the second half and made one save.

Hopefully, we will learn from this experience that we have to play a disciplined 90 minutes of soccer. It ain't over until it is over.

Next game at Dordt, 3 PM on Sept. 9.

GAME RAINED OUT
The game between CSM & MLC today has been cancelled due to rain.
(From Coach Jim Homan, CSM)

College of Saint Mary Flames burn Northwestern

The Flames beat Northwestern on Monday, October 31 by a score of 2-0. Goals by Melissa King and Sara Berens, both in the first half. Ramsey Miller assisted King's goal and King assisted Berens goal.

CSM outshot Northwestern 34-3 in a game dominated by the Flames possession. Swanger, the CSM keeper for the match made 2 saves in the first half and was untroubled in the second half.

I was pleased by the way the team responded the day after a physical game with DWU. We really made the ball work for us and didn't run ourselves into the ground.

The next game is vs Midland Lutheran at home, 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 3.

We did have a game scheduled for Saturday but that one was moved to October 10.

We do have a game against Morningside on Labor Day at 5.

Flames Tie at Dakota Wesleyan

On Sunday, Auguest 31, CSM and Dakota Wesleyan battled to a 1-1 tie.

Katie Archibald scored about halfway into the first half from a nice through ball from Melissa King (or "Kingy" as Neil has been calling her lately.) Katie placed the ball nicely past the keeper with the blue mohawk after King sprung her free into the box.

In the second half we gave up a free kick about 30 yards out. We were unable to clear it and DWU was able to tie the score. The rest of the game was back and forth with each team having periods of time with a lot of possession. In overtime it appeared that DWU scored, but the goal was called back for an offside violation.

CSM got the best of the shot total 28-11. Melissa King had 12, out shooting the entire DWU team. Archibald, Withey, and Cross each had 4 shots added to King's 12 with 4 others filling in to get the 28 shots total. 16 of those on goal.

Swanger had 4 saves, Jones had 4. Swanger made a fantastic save on the line to save a goal.

Thanks to all who attended!

Mobile Blogging
I set my phone to be able to instantly post 2 this blog. I will try to update it from my phone especially if we are on the road.

GREAT FINISH
I loved the way practice ended today! We're doing a drill & I told them that if they step it up to the next level, we end early. They steppd up!

CSM in a Goalfest!

Flames defeated the Crimson Wave of the Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) 9-0. 8 goals were scored by CSM in the first half alone. The goals went like this:
1. 3:16 into the game Ramsey Miller with the goal, assisted by Katie Archibald
2. 17:30 Molly McNea goal, Jessie McLaughlin assist
3. 20:07 Melissa King scored, Archibald with another assist
4. 21:38 Katie Archibald scored unassisted
5. 37:42 Erin Peterson nets the goal and McNea the assist
6. 39:56 Cindy Fibich scores unassisted
7. 40:04 Kira Cross, unassisted
8. 45:00 Mollie Jones with a great through ball assist by Cindy Fibich
Second Half
9. 53:14 RaeLeigh Withey headed it in from a cross by Sara Berens

Overall, a dominating match. Jackie Swanger played first half in goal with Mollie Jones in goal the second half.

Next game is at Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, South Dakota, home of the Corn Palace on Sunday, August 30th. See you all there!

Flames Engulf V-Hawks

Victory! The Flames put on a big show today in their opening game defeating the Viterbo V-Hawks 4-1. Melissa King led all scorers with 2 goals and one assist. As a matter of fact, King broke the game wide open in the 3rd minute with an unassisted goal smashed to the far post with her left foot. King didn't stop there. Nine minutes later she added her second goal with off an assist by Tiffany Reis who made a monster run forward from the back line. Melissa headed Tiff's cross, it bounced off the keeper, back to Melissa and she knocked it in. The first half ended with the score 2-0. CSM had 16 shots to the V-Hawks 2 at the end of the first period.

The Flames came out blazing again 15 minutes into the second half. Melissa King made her way down the right side and crossed it to Ashley Turco who headed it past the keeper's outstretch had to put CSM up 3-0. The Flames added a 4th when Katie Archibald beat her player on the left and dribbled deep in the box, she passed the ball across the goal mouth where it hit the far post and bounced right to Sara Berens who slotted it in.

Rita Rabb was able to score for Viterbo 8 minutes later on a long distance shot that just barely beat keeper Jackie Swanger's right hand.

Goalkeepers Mollie Jones and Jackie Swanger split time between the posts, Mollie beginning in goal the first half and Jackie finishing the game in the second. Jones had 2 saves and Swanger had 3. CSM finished with 29 shots to Viterbo's 7.

All in all, an excellent way to begin the season. The team is looking forward to the next game at Briar Cliff on Tuesday (By the way--that game time was changed to 6 PM.)

I told the players after the game that this game should make them hungry for more, hungry to keep improving and fighting to get ourselves to the next level. Speaking of hunger, I think I'll go get something to eat. Make a comment below!

Ready to Rock and Roll!

The season is about to begin and I am ready to rock and roll. Players come in this weekend and move into the dorms on Sunday from 1:30-3. At 3:15, its a meeting with our new AD, Jim Krueger. After that, the soccer team meets and at 4:30 it is time to eat.

This year ought to be incredible. We have added some exciting new players and everyone else has another year of experience under their belts.

Watch out! Here come the Flames.

Four More Join the Flames!

I would like to welcome 4 new players to the Flames! Sara Berens, Cindy Fibich, Courtney Pearcy and Jessica Caron.

Sara is a transfer student from Hastings College where she played mostly outside midfield. Sara will be joining our nursing program. She played her high school ball at Pius X in Lincoln.

Cindy is a transfer student from Briar Cliff and is also going to be a nurse. Cindy played at Gretna High School.

Courtney is not really a new face, she went through pre-season with in 2008 and then decided to not play for personal reasons. She is back and wants to prove to herself and her teammates that she can make an awesome contribution to the Flames. Courtney went to Lewis Central in Council Bluffs and then played 2 years for Iowa Western Community College. She is majoring in early childhood education.

Our final new player for CSM is Jessica Caron. Jessica hails from from Bryan High School and is just about ready to play again following an acl tear.

The above fab four join the following 2009 recruits
-Raeleigh Withey, Ft. Collins, Colorado--Rocky Mountain High School
-Allyssa Valquier, Sidney, Iowa--Sidney High School (played soccer for Glenwood)
-Megan Tuenge, North Platte, Nebraska--North Platte High School
-Ramsey Miller, Papillion, Nebraska--Papillion Lavista South High School
-Molly McNea, North Platte, Nebraska--North Platte High School/UNO Transfer

Our first adult league 8v8 game is this Sunday, June 7th at 6:45 on field 5 at the Discovery fields on 136th and Q. Also, we begin our Xplosive Edge training this Monday at 6 AM. Bright and early!

I can't wait for the season to begin.

(By the way, in a previous post I said that Jessica Nordlund was joining the team. Jessica changed her mind and is now going in a different direction.)

Former UNO Soccer Player SIgns with CSM

Molly McNea, a current freshman soccer player at UNO signed a letter of intent with the Flames, yesterday, March 12. Molly will be transferring to join the CSM nursing program in the fall. We are very excited for Molly to be a part of the Flames Family. She played indoor with us last Sunday and even scored a goal!

Molly is a 2007 grad of North Platte High School. Yep, that is the same school that current player Hillary Brown attended and the very same school that 2009 recruit Megan Tuenge attends. It seems that we have a NP pipeline going on at CSM.

Molly was a four year letter winner for North Platte and scored 13 goals and 6 assists as a senior. Molly's parents are Melvin and Michelle McNea and she has two brothers.

Welcome Molly McNea!

Papillion Lavista South Soccer Player Signs with the CSM Flames!

Ladies and gentleman, did you know that Ramsey Miller, a defender/midfielder signed her letter of intent with the College of Saint Mary Soccer team today? Ramsey plays soccer for Papillion Lavista South High School here in Omaha. She plays her club soccer with the Gretna Remix team. Ramsey's Remix team helped the Flames train in the fall season by coming and practicing with us in August.

Ramsey is excited to begin the occupational therapy program at CSM. A number of the soccer players at CSM are in the OT program. It is a great major where you can get both your bachelor's and your master's degree in only 5 years. Ya!

Ramsey will be a wonderful addition to the recruiting class of 2009 and the coaching staff looks forward to training her. Our recruiting class numbers a strong 4 right now and we are planning an signing a few more. Stay tuned to this space for more info.

Ramsey is also known to be a pretty good golfer as well as a good soccer player. Maybe she can take us all out to the course and show us her talents on the links?

CSM Winter/Spring Soccer

What is going on? Well, the CSM soccer players are training and playing. The training goes on every weekday except Wednesday at 6 AM at the Xplosive Edge training center on 147th & Giles. The playing occurs on most Sunday evenings at the same place as the Flames participate in the women's open soccer league.

The training is going well. Most of the players are gaining muscle and explosiveness. I am looking forward to seeing how much the girls have improved when they do their testing out on March 6th. When we first started training this year in January, all the players were tested on their vertical leap, pro agility drill, 10 and 40 yards dashes, et cetera. March 6th, we test them again to see if anyone got stronger and faster.

The playing is also going well in the women's open soccer league. The Flames are currently undefeated after 2 games but face an experienced and talented team this Sunday evening. We look forward to the challenge.

Last Sunday we had a potluck soccer banquet. We ate chicken, salads and great deserts. The evening was topped off with an awards presentation. The players won awards ranging from the "MVP" award to the "Biggest Crush on Zach" award. (Zach is one of our X-Edge trainers.) A good time was had by all!

Iowa Soccer Player Signs for Fall 2009

Allyssa Valquier, a senior at Sidney High School in Sidney, Iowa signed with the College of Saint Mary soccer team today. Coach Jim Homan and Coach Kim Matzen made the short drive to Sidney to witness the signing at Allyssa's high school. Present were her parents, the Sidney HS athletic director, her basketball coach and friends.

Allyssa plays soccer with the Glenwood soccer team because Sidney does not have a soccer program. She also plays basketball for Sidney, currently having a fantastic season at 11-5. They made it to the conference finals for the first time in 50 years--quite an accomplishment. Coach Dowling, (Allyssa's basketball coach) said at the signing, "You are getting a good soccer player but an even better person."

We are pleased to sign Allyssa. She is looking forward to contributing to our soccer program. She loves soccer and so does her dad who built a full-size soccer field on his property in Iowa. You can see the field just to the east of I-29 if you are traveling south, just past exit 15.

Allyssa works at Penn Drug in downtown Sidney. Penn Drug is said to be the oldest pharmacy in Iowa. At the signing--everyone said that Kim and I should check out their old fashioned soda fountain--so we did. Kim ordered the vanilla shake and I had the chocolate malt--both made by Allyssa (assisted by Holly's sarcastic comments--Holly works with Allyssa at Penn Drug.) I must say it was the best chocolate malt ever. If Allyssa's contribution to the CSM soccer program is as fantastic as her malt making skills, we are truly in for a treat!

North Platte Nebraska Soccer Player Signs with CSM

I am pleased to announce the signing of Megan Tuenge, a defender from North Platte High School. Megan signed her letter of intent yesterday, January 6th in the Alumni room in the North Platte high school office. Attending the signing were Coach Jim Homan from CSM (that's me,) Coach Janie McCarthy (NP coach,) Megan's parents and some of her friends as well as the school activities director.

Megan is a very solid defender who reads the game well. She is one of the captains of her high school team. Megan is a very committed player and as a matter of fact, right after her signing, she attended her high school soccer conditioning even after her coach told her she didn't have to come today. Yep, that shows commitment.

We are looking forward to having Megan play for us and we know she will make a significant, postitive contribution to the team. Everyone was very excited for at the signing and she was excited too!

I was impressed with the North Platte high school building--it is only about 5 years old. One thing interesting about the activities director that I learned is that in the summer, he is a rodeo clown. It is not everyday that you run into a rodeo clown. At least I don't. I also learned that Megan's father is a locomotive engineer--that is an interesting job.