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Saturday, July 26, 2003

This is our last day in Denmark and the last day of the tour. It is hard to believe that two weeks ago we started this adventure at O'Hare Airport. We have had a tremendous time and a lifetime of memories. I think the players would echo that this has been an incredible experience. One player this a.m. said he wished the trip would not end; it was too short.

Each person has different highlights of the trip. Needless to say the soccer was pretty amazing. Playing the Brazilians and the Ghana teams rank as special moments for the kids. Both teams can be proud of its accomplishments and effort throughout the fortnight. The kids forged new friendships with teammates or people they met over here. I am sure some hearts might be broken. I think the kids (and adults) also might appreciate a little more what we have at home.

We would like to thank everybody who followed our journey. At last count we had more than 3,000 site visits since we left the States. We also want to thank the parents and family members who made this trip possible. It has been fun (and sometimes a technical challenge) to chronicle the 2003 LISC European tour. See you soon.--Don K. and Jeff F.

Friday, July 25, 2003

The U16 playoff run came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Weiss-Blau 63 (Germany) in the quarterfinals. Weiss-Blau scored off of two set pieces to gain a 2-0 lead before a goal by Philip Kojich midway through the second half sparked LISC. LISC controlled play the final 10-15 minutes of play, but couldn't come up with the equalizer. Two LISC late headers hit the crossbar and went just wide of the post. The physical play took its toll on the squad. Michael Marten didn't play due to a lower ankle sprain and several other players were nursing less major injuries. LISC finished the tour with a 5-4-1 record with two playoff berths and group championship at the Gothia Cup. The squad also played two high-quality Brazilian sides. That is believed to be a first in club history.

The players from both LISC have bonded with each other and have supported each other throughout the tour. The players have also struck friendships with players from other countries and other U.S. teams during the tournaments. There are 6-7 U.S. teams staying at dunes with us. We have really enjoyed this trip, but we are all looking forward to getting home and seeing our families.

Thursday, July 24, 2003

The LISC U16 team won its round of 16 playoff game with a physical 3-0 win over Systofte BK (Denmark). A goal by Steve Hosch on an assist by Michael Marten gave LISC a 1-0 lead going into halftime. Kris Wingo scored the second goal on a header after a superb cross by Jeff Yambert to give us a two goal lead. The final goal came on a corner kick by Philip Kojich. He hit a low worm burner that skidded past the goalie and into the net. As mentioned, this was a extremely physical game with players from both sides leaving the game due to injuries. After nearly a fortnight of the European tour, everybody is little banged up and also a little tired. The players are looking forward to their quarterfinal game today

Side note: After the U-16 game win, their was a little chaos catching the shuttle bus back to the Dana Cup central area. Two parents got on a bus with the Brazilian team that had beaten us earlier and a Swedish team that had just lost to the  them. Needless to say there was a lot of trash talking between the two sides. (You can understand trash talking even if you can't understand the language.) Then both teams started singing and chanting in their native language. It shows you the passion that many countries have for the sport--even at that youth level.

Another interesting ride included a nice chat with an English referee.  Colin Brownsell <click here> of Watford, London, Hertfordshire was on his way to our complex to work an Under 19 boys game.  He had been here many times, and had actually worked the Tampa Cup in Florida twice.  It seems the referees pay their own flight, and the tournament gives them sleeping arrangements and meals.  However, the sleeping arrangements are actually about 100 referees bunking in the Badmittenhasset (a badmitton gymnasium), or as Colin called it, "Snoring in Hjorring."  "I get a few kroners per game to ref, but it doesn't matter, as I spend it all on beer anyway.  I have to...I can't sleep.  I'm just here because I love the game."

Frankfurt Babi (Ghana) defeated the LISC U15 team 4-0 in a hard-fought game. Ghana scored two goals each half and controlled play with incredible speed and outstanding foot skills. Coming into the contest, Ghana had outscored its first three opponents by a 31-0 count. A 4-0 loss to Ghana was most respectable. Many fans watching the match came up to the LISC side and congratulated them on a well-played match and tournament. Ghana was the defending champ as it won the 2002 U14 Dana Cup title. Ghana displayed skills that you rarely (if ever) see in the States. The U15 team finished the European tour with an impressive 3-3--2 record after winning its group in the Dana Cup and qualifying for the B and A playoffs in the Gothia and Dana Cups, respectively.

A message from some of the U16 players:

After a rough start in Denmark, we are finally coming together as we did in Sweden. Unfortunately, we've landed ourselves into the B playoffs due to poor play at the beginning of the tournament.  We have found our stride at the right moment and hope to continue our success into the B championship. Findles has been really hitting on the American girls here in Denmark. Kris, Sweeney and Jeff are still just chillin. Bad boys for life. Our daily life has changed dramatically since we left Sweden. The hustle and bustle of city life has long since passed. Marooned on the northern coast of Denmark we chill on the beach and nourish ourselves with cheese Danishes. As we toss the Frisbee, we no longer see the familiar faces of pretty women. We miss you all and can't wait to get home. Fan 4 (JY Jelly, k-double dizzle, Sween Dogg and Fin Diesel).

Wednesday, July 23, 2003

The U15 won its group with seven points after tying Oppsal IF (Norway) 1-1. The Norwegians were up 1-0 at halftime before Matt Foreman smashed a shot passed the keeper for the equalizer. Jonathan Weyhenmeyer has the assist.  Foreman barely missed a header in the box on a corner kick late in the contest for the game-winner. The Ghana team the LISC team will face has scored more than 30 goals in three games at the Dana Cup.

Update - The U-16's took care of business against a resilient German team with a 1-0 victory on a late penalty kick by Michael Marten.  LISC dominated the game from the start, but had several shots off posts and high or wide.  The equalizer came after Andrew Sweeney was fouled in the box with approximately one minute left in the game.  Although the U-16's won, their first game loss to Team Sylt of Germany cost them a shot in the "A" playoffs, instead providing them a bye into the round of 16 in the "B" playoffs.  The opponent is unknown at this time, but the game will be played Thursday night at 8:20p (1:20p central time).

The U-16s came back with a vengeance to defeat Helset IF (Norway) 4-0 in today's first match. LISC took control early and often against the Norwegian side. Andrew Sweeney scored the game's first goal on a blast right around the 18 after Philip Kojich kept the ball in Heslet's defensive area on successive shots. LISC was up 1-0 at the half after dominating possession. The second half Michael Marten and Steve Hosch scored goals within minutes of each other. Kris Wingo wrapped up the scoring on a PK late in the half. The U16 squad still has an opportunity to finish second in the group and qualify for the A playoffs. A win later today against a German team guarantees a 3rd place finish and a first round bye in the B playoffs.

The U15 team is currently in first place with six points and a win later today assures them placing first in the group. It is still to determine playoff match ups, but there is a definite possibility that a team from Ghana might be on the horizon.

The people associated with the Dana Cup have extended their hospitality to everyone here. We have been  officially credentialed as members of the working press. Everyday we go to the press center and are allowed to upload our files and images to the web site. Without their generosity. we couldn't update the site from Denmark.

The kids are already talking about coming home and going to their favorite fast food restaurants. Watch out. We also now have logged more than 2,200 visits to our web site since the trip began. That includes more than 300 visits yesterday. Thanks for following the kids and their accomplishments.

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

This was a great day for the U15 team. They started off  the tournament with a 2-1 win over Troihattans BO (Sweden). The scored was tied 1-1 the half and Rod Musuruana scored the game winner on an assist from Benjy Mueller. Michael Belmont opened the scoring for LISC on an assist from Michael Belmont. The squad came back in game two of the day with an impressive 2-0 win over Varegg IL (Norway). Leroy  scored the game winner on an assist from Michael Belmont and Matt Foreman iced the game with a PK. The squad is in prime position to win the group tomorrow with a positive verdict against Oppsal (Norway).

The U16 team suffered two losses to Team Sylt (Germany) and to Rio Das Ostras (Brazil). Against Germany,  the scored was tied 0-0 at he half before the German side scored early in the second half. LISC was the aggressor the final 15 minutes and missed at least three golden opportunities to tie the score. The Brazilians attack and ball possession game was relentless. LISC was down 2-0 at the half and South American opponent scored three times in the second half to make the 5-0 final. LISC had a goal called back on a free kick that the center official ruled indirect and not direct. The Brazilians lead the group with six points afer two consecutive 5-0 wins.

The area weather has been very pleasant except for a torrential downpour early this afternoon. Walking back from Hirtsals at midnight you can still see twilight over the North Sea. We had an interesting conversation with a Polish coach this evening about pop culture. His limited knowledge of the United States was watching the TV shows Frasier and Boston Public. He thought Seattle would be a nice place to live because of the show; he also thought American public schools were all like the show Boston Public.

Even though most people in Sweden and Denmark speak English, there have been a few problems with translating from English to the native tongue. Today while eating at a local Italian cafe (which are most popular in Scandinavia), I asked how the chicken was cooked. Roasted? Fried? Baked? I was told "until it was done."--Don K. and Jeff F.

Monday, July 21, 2003

We went to Hjorring today for practice and to register the team. The teams went to the multiple souvenir tents to check what the Dana Cup has to offer. The opening ceremonies are this evening. It is supposed to be a parade through the town that will end up at the championship game stadium. We have been told that the Polish team we are scheduled to play tomorrow has withdrawn so we be playing a German team. We had significant rains last night. We hope to post Tuesday after the first round of games. Since we are much more isolated in Denmark than in Sweden, the updates may take a little longer.

We also appreciate the emails people are sending the web site. We have had more than 2,000 visits since the beginning of the month and more than 1,500 since we started the trip July 11, 2003.

Comments from the U-15's after the first week of action.

According to Benji Mueller, the soccer is very fast paced and physical. It is very intense. Rod Musuruana agrees that the play is a lot more physical, and the officials don't think twice about giving out cards. Michael Scheitlin likes the overall atmosphere of the games. Michael says, "They respect soccer over here. I look forward to playing a lot more games." Jake Sweeney added that the playing fields are real nice. The boys think they played better as the week went on.

Off the field things are good as well. According the Benji, the "scenery" is beautiful. Stated a little more obviously, Jake added that the chicks are awesome.

It is now off to Denmark where we hope more of the same great atmosphere and greater success.

Sunday, July 20, 2003

This is a relaxing day as we get settled in. The hotel is on the beach and we are less than a mile from Hirtsals, a town on the North Sea. Some of the kids waded into the North Sea this a.m. The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool and other amenities for the kids. We are isolated out here since the Internet connection is limited and we don't have phones in our rooms. The entire area is tranquil and serene. The lifestyle is much more laidback than what we have in the States. 

We have some great views and sunsets on the beach. Along the beach you can see bunkers from World War II. We are planning to have a beach BBQ this Friday.

The ferry ride on Saturday was very pleasant. It took us about 2 hours to cross the Baltic Sea. The ferry transported busses and cars from Gothenburg to Fredrikshaven, Denmark. We also watched a couple of championship games before leaving for Denmark. The parents walked into town a couple of times to get supplies (groceries, drinks, etc.). We used many methods to haul the groceries back 1.5 miles from town, including shopping carts and hauling close to 40 pounds of groceries in luggage. The kids have kitchenettes in their apartments  and have made bacon and eggs and French toast. Parents made the kids a spaghetti supper last night after playing beach soccer.--Don K. and Jeff F.

Friday, July 18, 2003

Today was a free day for the kids. They toured the city, shopped on the Avenue, rode the roller coaster at the amusement park, and watched some of the championship games being played at Ullevi Stadium. Some of the kids played sand soccer at the Heden Center and watched the Nike Soccer Cage matches. Tonight is the last night for the kids to disco. This is our last full day here before taking the ferry to Denmark. I think the kids are looking forward to it since it is a place none of them have ever been to before.

Since we will be leaving tomorrow we will not be posting to the Web site until we work out the logistics of getting an Internet connection in Denmark. We hope to post some updates on Monday. Monday night is the opening ceremonies in Denmark. Competition starts on Tuesday for both teams.

Thursday, July 17, 2003

The U-16 squad lost a hard-fought 3-0 round of 32 game to Pequeninos do Jockey (Brazil). The game was pretty even through most of the first half. Brazil led 1-0 at halftime. LISC had a couple of excellent scoring opportunities in the first half, but couldn't capitalize. Brazil scored two goals in the second half, including one on a PK. LISC applied a great deal of pressure the last 10 minutes of the game and registered a couple of corner kicks and a pair of free kicks right outside the 18.

Many spectators, including Brazil fans, lined the field to watch the game. It was a tremendous effort by both teams. LISC was spent after the game due to the precise passing and foot skills of Brazil. Appx. two hours after the game, the area had an intense thunderstorm. It provided much-needed relief from the heat.

Both teams went to a pro soccer game at Ullevi Stadium. There was an exciting environment with fans from both sides chanting, singing, and waving flags and banners.

Earlier this week, Philip Kojich saw and talked to Selma, the Swedish exchange student who played soccer at Centennial this past spring. Selma lives in Gothenburg and was playing in the tournament. Today, Selma's father attended the U16 game and made many positive comments about our play. The U15 team spent the day touring the city and went out to watch the playoff game.--Don K. and Jeff F.

Wednesday, July 16, 2003

An exciting day here in Gothenburg. The opening round matches concluded and teams were seeded for the A and B playoffs. You must finish in the top two in your pool to qualify for the A playoffs and the third-place finisher makes the B playoffs. The U-15 team defeated Trandas FF (Sweden) 3-0 to advance to the B playoffs. LISC went ahead 1-0 in the first half and then doubled the goal tally in the second half. Matt Foreman scored two goals for LISC and Jake Sweeney added one. Jon Huff, Benji Mueller, and Kyle Moore had the assists on the goals. LISC was scheduled to take on Storvreta IK1 (Sweden) this evening. 169 teams in 42 groups started the tournament in the U-15 boys division; LISC is one of only three USA teams in this age group. This is the knock-out portion of the tournament. 

The U-15 team lost its first round playoff game to Storvreta IK1 (Sweden) in a shoot-out. The shoot-out score was 3-1. LISC was up 2-1 in the second half courtesy of scores by Benji Muller  and Nick Leigh. Rodrigo Musuruana assisted on Leigh's goal. However, the Swedish side  fought back and scored on a PK and tied the game in the final minute of regulation. The game went straight to a shootout where the Storvreta IK1 prevailed.

The U-16 team won its pool with seven points after defeating Frigg Oslo FK (Norway) 2-1 in a hotly-contested match. Frigg Oslo went up 1-0 early in the first half and held that lead until under the 15 minute mark left in the game. Andrew Sweeney tied up the game with his second goal of the tour and then Jeff Yambert added the game-winner with under five minutes left in the game. Nick Gaynor came up with a clutch defensive play late in the game to help preserve the victory. LISC wins the pool based on goal differential. The U-16 team's next opponent is Pequeninos do Jockey (Brazil). Strangely enough, this is the team we watched at the Heden Center on Monday during the showcase matches. Pequeninos do Jockey is one of the most successful clubs in Gothia Cup history with seven tournament titles; that is fourth all-time. There are 145 teams in the U-16 divison, including 12 from the U.S. Five U.S. clubs in the U-16 qualified for the A playoffs, and only three teams won its pool. 

Both teams have represented the U.S. and the state quite well.

The heat wave hitting Europe has been tough to cope with because nobody has AC here. They also don't serve ice (or very little) in drinks around here. Actually, our kids are accustomed to playing in the heat, but many of the northern European countries are struggling a little bit. The heat really hits you on the 25-30 minute tram rides we must take to the game sites. The air circulation is virtually non-existent. Sunset has typically occurred around here at 10:45 p.m. That has taken some getting used to.

There are kids from many countries staying in the school, including Switzerland, Zambia, Guyana, Sweden and Denmark. There is also a U-14 girls team from Rockford staying there. That team is also traveling to the Dana Cup.

Messages from the players:

LISC Fans,

We are having a great time in Sweden. We tied our first game 1-1 against a Swedish team and won our second game 9-1 with 8 different players scoring. This game has brought us school-wide fame. The girls really go for us, especially Peter "Gustav," who is a natural-born Swede. We just played our third game and came from behind to win 2-1 against a Norwegian team. We play Brazil next so wish us luck. Shout out to my family and Leslie. I love you all all.--Jeff Yambert

I am having so much fun just hanging out with the team and playing the game I love. The intensity of today's game (win versus Norway) made this whole trip worth it. We were all very willing to go all out because we knew how important a victory would be.--Michael Marten

This has been a great experience for me to play soccer internationally. The first game I was a little shaky because I hadn't played on a field as nice as we were playing on. I was so hyped up before the game. The 2nd and 3rd games were great. Although I enjoyed the 2nd game, the intensity that came out of the 3rd game was unparalleled. I'm grateful for how well we have done and hope to continue on in the tournament.--Adam Findley

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Opening Ceremonies 'Parade of Countries'

Opening Ceremonies 'We Are One' Performance