Iowa Western and CSM Battle to a Tie

Coach Ammon Bennett and his Iowa Western Reivers ventured over the river and played us in an official scrimmage with refs on Monday. CSM jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with 2 goals from Melissa King. Iowa Western was able to climb back into the game late with 2 goals--one in an extra 15 minute period at the end. Jackie Swanger saved a penalty kick toward the end of the second 30 minute period that we played. Many good things occurred.

Overall, I thought the team did well. We had some fitness issues at the end of the game along with some other things, however, I could tell that we are getting used to playing with each other and improving. There are many steps still to take this season but we are progressing well.

Our first real game is in a week against Briar Cliff at 5 PM on Wednesday, August 27th. We are looking forward to it.

Alumni Outing a Success!

On Saturday we played a invited a group of Alumni to help us prepare for the upcoming season in the Annual Alumni Outing (see the photo of the Alumni players to the right--special thanks to Walter Fichter.) It was great fun seeing all the ex-players. IN our "large group activity," the Alumni scored first off of a poor clearance by the current CSM defense. The current CSM players came back and tied the score up and that is how we finished, 1-1. It was a beautiful day for soccer.

We were able to see what a lot of the current players could do against seasoned veterans who have 4 years of college playing experience under their belts. It was mostly back and forth in the midfield. Not a lot of chances at goal on either side. The Alumni players looked to be in pretty good shape. I spoke with a number of them after the event and they think they may be just a little bit sore today. :)

We were very impressed with the number of Alums and their families that attended the Alumni dinner at the dining hall. The big thing this year was that we were able to give each Alum a CSM Soccer t-shirt. I had so many of them tell me how much they appreciated receiving the t-shirt. We even had a discussion with Alumni about their old CSM t-shirts. A whole bunch of them have saved their old CSM t-shirts and refuse to get rid of them even though they may be full of holes and ragged. Their old CSM training t-shirts just mean so much to them that they can't bear to part with them. So--they were super glad to get a new one to refresh their collection. (Be sure to come back next year and get another one.)

Also--in the "discussions" with the Alumns after the game--one suggested a "team theme." What do you think about this? --> ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM! I like it, don't you?

A good time was had by all.

Next event: Monday, August 18th, 5 PM at the CSM practice field with Iowa Western Community College.

Practice Mania.

Last night had the pleasure of meeting and practicing with the Greta Remix. They are a good team coached by Digger Hawkins that gave us a nice challenge when we played a large activity at the end of practice.

We ended up scoring 3 goals on them but it was back and forth at times. They had some nice chances and our keepers happened to come up big. Gretna also did a nice job of keeping possession. I would say they had more possession than we did at and we just kinda of sat back and counter-attacked. After a water break we worked on keeping possession in their end and did a better job with that.

Unfortunately, one of our freshman midfielders, Alex Aldridge, got tangled up with one of the Gretna players and fell awkwardly on her wrist ending up fracturing both her radius and ulna. She has surgery on Friday. Be sure she is in your thoughts and prayers. The doctor says she shouldn't be out too long.

I was pleased with our performance for the most part. We still need work on our team shape and defense, but we did do a lot of good things and everyone was able to play.

If any Gretna players read this--I thought you guys did well! Keep up the good work. If you want to post a comment...do it! Or if you want to contact me you can call or text me at 402-850-1625 or email me at jlhoman@csm.edu.

Next big event: Saturday, August 16th at 3:00 with the CSM Alumni.

Pre-Season Begins!

I have been very pleased with the start of pre-season. The players are working hard and gellin'. The first day of afternoon practice was a scorcher--very hot and humid but the rest of the week wasn't bad weather-wise. Basically our schedule goes like this...we meet in the mornings at the Omaha Sports Complex at 147th and Giles here in Omaha for Xplosive Edge conditioning. We get back together at 2:30 for a meeting where we have done things like set goals, go over what I want to do for defense and distribute uniforms. Then from 4 to 6 we practice at CSM.

Coach Kim Matzen and I went to a conference in Indianapolis over the weekend. Coach Michelle was in charge of the team in our absence. Instead of practice on Saturday, the team went bowling. I am sorry I missed that because, as the team knows, I use my powers of sports psychology to excel at the sport of bowling. I hear that Jackie and Melissa made quite an impact at the lanes and were the leaders of the winning team. What did they win???? Kim promised to take them out for ice cream. A good time was had by all.

Moving on to a more serious note..one great thing that we have been able to do this year is finish our practices with a big game going 10 v 10. It has been a great opportunity for me to be able to watch players and start making decisions about who is going to start, etc.

Actually, my "starting philosophy" is kinda weird. I try not to put a whole lot of emphasis on "starters" and "non-starters." I do see benefit in identifying the top 12 to 14 or so players, ya. However, just because you begin the game on the field when the whistle blows, doesn't mean in my mind that you are necessarily one of the top 11. I may save a good player for later for tactical reasons. Here's the deal...it doesn't make sense to me to put the "strongest" players on the field at the beginning and then sub them out with "weaker" players so you get weaker as the game goes on. I want a balance. Also, I put parenthesis around the words "stronger" and "weaker" because some players are strong in some areas and weak in others.

For example, an opponent may prefer to send long air balls at our defense and run on to the ball. I need players in the back who can head the ball. My best header may not be the quickest player on the field or the most skilled but she needs to be in the game if the other team boots it high all the time.

One of the strengths of our current team is its diversity. I think there are players who will have specific strengths that we can take advantage of when the time is right. It should be awesome to see.

Missouri Soccer Player Signs and the Season Awaits

Alex Aldridge, a midfielder from the Kansas City area, signed with the team on July 16. We would like to welcome Alex to the team! She is excited to join us. Alex was one of the strong leaders of her high school team (Winnetonka.)

Alex's signing brings our total active roster to 20. Coach Kim Matzen (our wonderful assistant coach--recently married to David Matzen)can't remember ever having 20 players on the roster. Coach Kim helped start the soccer program as the starting keeper in 1994 and after she graduated--she became one of the assistant coaches and has been with the program since then, so she should know.

The coaching staff can't wait to get this great recruiting class on the field. August 4th can't come soon enough for us!

In the meantime, We won the championship of the adult women's 8 v 8 league on penalty kicks. Kaela Croushorn scored the winning PK to give us the championship for the second year in a row!

We are also finishing up our summertime training at X-Edge. It has gone very well--we recently had a freshman set a school record with a squat of 225 (two 45 pound plates on each side!) We also just finished up putting on a camp for the Springfield Soccer Club this past week. It was hot but it was a lot of fun. Some the highlights were watching camper Alexis winning the limbo contest and in the campers vs coaches final game--the campers tied the coaches 2-2!

4 Weddings and a Pre-Season

Today my family went to Molly McGowan's wedding to Andy Cada in Schuyler. It was a very nice wedding and a fun reception. I saw a number of former CSM players at the wedding and reception. It is great to see teammates supporting each other. It has been a summer of CSM weddings. Our assistant coach Kim Ernesti ('98 CSM grad) was married in May to David Matzen. Mandy Saar (09,) who played for us last year was married a few weeks ago. Molly ('08 grad) walked the aisle today and Jessi Brannen ('08) gets married on the 19th of July. As a matter of fact, both Molly and Jessi got engaged during the 2007 soccer season. It is truly great to see these quality individuals get married. You hope that CSM has been an important part of their lives and will continue to be so.

Pre-season begins in a few weeks on the 4th of August. We are all looking forward to getting started. In the meantime, we are playing in the Sunday 8v8 league (record= 2-1) and will be in Springfield July 21-25 putting on a soccer camp to help the club players there improve their soccer skills.

Schuyler Soccer Player Signs with the College of Saint Mary Soccer Program

I would like to introduce the newest member of the CSM soccer team, Carissa Orborny. Carissa graduated from Schuyler Central High School this year and was the teammate of Amanda Brabec who signed with us in May. Carissa plays midfield and defense and is a very quick player. She signed today during her school orientation. Welcome Carissa!

With Carissa joining the team, that makes the largest CSM soccer team in 5 years with 19 players. The current players are Daniela Padilla, Melissa King, Jessie McLaughlin, Claudia Cardenas, Tiffany Reis, Nikki Prusha, Kira Cross, Amanda Brabec, Carissa Orborny, Mollie Jones, Abbey Arlt, Jackie Swanger, Kaela Croushorn, Katie Archibald, Courtney Pearcy, Hillary Brown, Erin Peterson, Sara Schwieger and Jessica Alexander.

Glory Road

I was flipping through channels tonight on TV and I came across the movie "Glory Road." It is the story of the Texas Western basketball team who in 1966 thrilled portions of the nation by winning the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship with an all-black starting lineup, thus breaking an unspoken barrier and transforming the history of college basketball. The team had to face all kinds of adversity that year, especially from those who were racist. The team responded to the adversity by becoming closer, by encouraging each other and inspiring each other to overcome everything and play to play great. It wasn't an easy road. It was very difficult for the whole team. But I was inspired by the movie--it shows that a team, if they stay close to each other and support each other through adversity, great things can happen. I would recommend the movie if you haven't seen it. It is awesome.

Marriage and then Meeting

Coach Kim Ernesti is getting married tomorrow! She will become Coach Kim Matzen on Saturday night (although they probably won't introduce her that way.) I get to read in her wedding! I am looking forward to it.

On June 1st at 6 PM at CSM's Lied Fitness Center is our first meeting to kick off summer conditioning. Most of the team should be there. A few are out of town on vacations. It will be great to have the new recruits meet each other.

CSM Campus Tour Part 1

Here is the tour of the College of Saint Mary campus starring Melissa King and Tiffany Reis with a special appearance by Coach Jim Homan.

CSM Campus Tour Part 2

CSM Campus Tour Part 3

Here is part three of the campus tour.

Schuyler Soccer Players Signs

Amanda Brabec signed her letter of intent to play soccer for us at the College of Saint Mary on Thursday, May 15th. Amanda's parents and high school soccer coach were there to support her. Amanda is going to major in Biology. She also is one the recipients of the Marie Curie Scholarship. It is a very big deal to be awarded the Marie Curie and Amanda should be very proud. Amanda had a great high school soccer season and is excited to be continuing her career at CSM.

Let's Get Started

Right now our players should be signing up online for the Millard Star Adult 8 v 8 league that plays on Sundays during the summer. We usually play in this league and we won the championship last year. Also--we are going to have a players meeting on June 1st to discuss summer conditioning, etc. I just sent an email out to everyone. There are a couple players that will be out of town for the meeting but it looks like most of them can attend. Xplosive Edge begins June 9th.

Kearney Soccer Player Signs

Please welcome Jessica Alexander to the CSM Soccer Family. She is currently going to UNK but is going to transfer to CSM and enroll in the Occupational Therapy program in the fall. You may recognize Jessica's last name (Alexander.) Jessica's older sister, Molly Alexander played soccer for us last year. Molly is also in the OT program at CSM. Molly told her sister about the program and Jessica decided to transfer. Jessica just told me, "I am very excited to meet everyone and get started with the workouts." I am excited to get started too.

Wow, don't you just love the weather!

Today, I gotta say, thank God for the beautiful day. I just spent a weekend in Kansas City going to soccer games where the wind chill was in the teens. Yikes.

Currently, I am coaching high school soccer as well as trying to get to some of our recruit's games but it ain't working out so well. Coaching a high school team (Gross Catholic Girls) keeps me way busy. That and the horrible weather has prevented me from getting out there. A number of the games I could have gone to (so I could say "Hi!" to our recruits) have been cancelled due rain, cold or even snow. Hopefully today is the start of a warming trend that lasts until the summer. We shall see. Oh, and another thing, could anyone do something abou the wind? I don't need 45 mile an hour wind gusts and it seems like that is about all we have had around here for months.

Another Lucky Signing for the College of Saint Mary

On last Thursday the 20th of March, Kaela Croushhorn signed her letter of intent to play soccer at CSM in the fall. She is lucky number 13--the thirteenth recruit to sign this year. Kaela went to high school at Lewis Central in Council Bluffs and attended CSM her freshman year and played soccer at that time. She decided to transfer to Hannibal-La Grange in Missouri for her sophomore year. She emailed me a few weeks ago and said she would like to come back to CSM! I thought it was a good idea since she had a great freshman year and a few weeks later, Kaela signed again for us. Kaela told me that she is going to pursue a Bachelor's in nursing at CSM.

We are pleased to have Kaela back with the CSM family.

Millard South Soccer Player Signs her Letter of Intent!

Jackie Swanger, goalkeeper for Azzurri Mistral and Millard South, signed her letter of intent on Tuesday, March 11. I met Jackie and her parents in the Millard South conference room for the event. One of the assistant principals from Millard South was also there along with Jackie's high school coach, Kim Harrill. It was a beautiful day (for a change) and the sun was shining in the windows. A perfect setting for signing your life away (ha, ha--joke.) Jackie is a very good student and is going to study in the pre-vet program. Jackie actually practiced with the CSM soccer team a couple times in the fall. Our assistant coach, Kim Ernesti, has been Jackie's private keeper coach for a number of years and Coach Kim thought it would be good for her training to have some live shooting. It is also kind of a funny coincidence that our other keeper recruit (Mollie Jones from Columbus Scotus) is also going to study in the CSM pre-vet program. They will have much to discuss as Kim trains them.

We can't wait for Jackie (and everyone else) to start!

CSM goes Indoor

Yesterday the team began playing in the spring indoor college women's league at the Omaha Sports Complex. We will play for about 6 weeks. It is a great opportunity to work on some soccer skills and play against good competition. Our game was against Bellevue University alumnus and we lost 1-2. We generated a lot more opportunities than our opponent, but could not hit the goal. We did not keep official stats for the game (we are playing "just for fun") but we had a large number of shots hit posts and crossbars and go just wide--I would guess that we outshot them by 10. Sometimes that is the way it goes--soccer can be a cruel sport.

The next game is March 16 at 8:00 against Bellevue University. The other teams in the league are Wayne State, UNO, Dana and Midland Lutheran.

Millard South Soccer Player Puts Pen to Paper

Ashley Turco signed her letter of intent at Millard South on Wednesday, February 27. Ashley's dad and grandmother were also there for the big event. Ashley is a senior forward at Millard South and is looking forward to a great high school soccer season (if this weather will ever treat us right.) I am happy that Ashley will be joining us next year at the College of Saint Mary. She will certainly help us out. Ashley played her club soccer most recently with Phoeniz Infierno and has played with fellow CSM recruits KaSie Bergland and Kira Cross.

Welcome to the family!

CSM Soccer Players Work Out

Right now, we are in the 4th week of our winter conditioning program with the Xplosive Edge. X-Edge is located inside the Omaha Sports Complex, also known as "The Center" on 147th and Giles, just off of the highway 50 exit on interstate 80. We are trained by Gibb Duvall and Jaron Cook. I really believe in the benefits of their program. One way the X-Edge training shows itself is in the latter part of games. For example, last season the team went into 3 overtimes and won all three. Part of our success in overtime I attribute to our X-Edge training. Another big reason I believe in the X-Edge program is because of injury prevention. We just do not get soft tissue injuries (muscle pulls.) The only injuries we have had the past two seasons are a couple ankle sprains due to bad turf and a clavicle break (she got her foot caught in a net and fell hard on her shoulder.) Also, their program teaches correct running and cutting techniques which helps prevent injuries like ACL tears. It is challenging and not many people like getting up early to go work out, but I think it is great. It is part of who we are.

I would recommend the X-Edge program to anyone.

Another Soccer Player Signs with CSM!

Nikki Prusha signed her letter of intent to play for CSM in the fall this past Monday (February 25th.) Nikki is very excited to be able to join the team. She wants to be a nurse and was very impressed with the CSM nursing program. Nikki is a current freshman in college and is taking classes at Metro this semester after her first semester at UNO. Prusha played high school soccer at Gross Catholic (2007 grad)and club soccer for Azzuri Valencia, the same team that one of our other transfer students (Schweiger) played for.

I am delighted to sign Nikki and I look forward to coaching her again.

Ralston, Nebraska Soccer Player Joins the CSM Family

Erin Peterson, a senior defender from Ralston High School, put pen to paper on Monday, February 11, signing her letter of intent for CSM. Erin's mom and dad and high school coach, Andy Parizek were there to see her sign. Erin was also interviewed by the Ralston Recorder.

We are very happy to have Erin as part of the flames family. She is a very smart and powerful player who reads the game well. Erin wants to go into education at CSM. I am sure she will make a fine teacher as well as an exemplary college soccer player. Erin is the 9th player to sign for CSM this year.

Columbus, Nebraska Soccer Player Signs

On Thursday, February 7th, I got into my car and drove to Columbus so I could hand-deliver a letter of intent to Abbey Arlt so she could sign with CSM. Abbey is a current senior at Columbus High School. The signing ceremony occurred in the CHS library. Abbey's parents and coaches were there to witness.

Abbey is a wonderful player with a great family. I think she will make a fantastic contribution to the team and I am looking forward to coaching her. At this time, Abbey has not decided what she will major in at CSM. Welcome to the CSM family, Abbey!

See what the Columbus Telegram has to say about Abbey!

Iowa Western Soccer Player Signs with CSM

Katie Archibald, Iowa Western Community College midfielder, signed her letter of intent with us on Wednesday, February 6th. Katie is the teammate of Courtney Pearcy, who signed with CSM in December. As you recall, Iowa Western is the junior college National Champion runner-up in 2006 and 2007.

I am very pleased to add Katie to our the recruiting class of 2008. She will add her athleticism, work rate and great personality to the team. Katie plans on majoring in business with an emphasis in accounting. Welcome to the team, Archie!

Gross Catholic 2 Sport Athlete Signs with the College of Saint Mary

On Tuesday, February the 5th, Kira Cross signs her letter of intent with CSM. Kira is a soccer and a basketball player who is looking forward to competing at the college level. Kira is a current student at Gross Catholic High School in Omaha where I also coach. I think Kira will enjoy her experience at CSM and I am looking forward to continue to coach her. Kevin Lien (our basketball coach and AD) is also excited about Kira joining the basketball team next year. It will be just great!

Columbus Scotus Soccer Player Signs with CSM

Mollie Jones, current starting goalkeeper at Columbus Scotus, signed her letter of intent with CSM on Tuesday. Mollie is also a softball player and will be playing for CSM on the softball team as well. Softball Coach Chuck Brewer and I drove to Columbus to witness the event. Mollie's coaches were there along with her parents and the local newspaper reporter.

We are excited to have Mollie as a part of the team. CSM has a great tradition of awesome goalkeeping. Last year's starting goalkeeper, senior Laura Forbes was the MCAC Defensive Player of the Year. We hope that Mollie continues that tradition (or course, with help from our stellar Assistant Coach Kim Ernesti, who is a former All-Region goalkeeper with CSM.) Mollie is quick and agile and is great under pressure. I just can't wait for next season to begin!

Read what the Columbus Telegram has to say about Mollie.

Wayne State Soccer Player to Transfer to CSM

Sara Schwieger is the latest player to be joining the great soccer tradition at CSM. Sara is a current freshman who played for Wayne State in the fall of 2007. She will transfer to CSM in August and will be studying occupational therapy. Sara is a 2007 graduate of Millard West High School here in Omaha. As you may recall, Millard West's girls soccer team won the 2007 State Championship. Sara played her club ball with Azzurri Valencia coached by Paul Elam.

Sara is an awesome defender and a strong player and we can't wait to have her play for us!

CSM Coach Leads Team to Title

OK, I just received this picture and I had to post it. It is my 10 year old daughter's club team. I helped coach them to a championship last week. They were in the "Winter Blast" soccer tournament and won first place with an undefeated record. They got through group play without a blemish but had to go to a shootout in the semi-finals against a team from West Des Moines. Our team won the championship game 2-0. It was a great group effort. The team played well.

Could there be future CSM Flames on the roster? We sure do hope so! My daughter (Alex) is the one holding the championship plaque in the photo and she tells me she is going to CSM!

North Platte, Nebraska Soccer Player Signs with CSM

Hillary Brown who graduated from North Platte High School in 2007, will be signing a letter of intent soon to play soccer for the College of Saint Mary beginning in the fall of 2008. Hillary decided not to play soccer after high school and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She decided that she missed soccer too much and wanted to go to a smaller school, so she contacted me and the rest is history! Her high school coach says this about her:

She is quick, determined, and really understands defense. She was always very dependable, worked hard at practices and in games. She is definitely a good candidate for your program. I would strongly recommend her to you.

We really look forward to having Hillary as a part of our awesome soccer program.