Just to update - Soccer City FC will be posting some more player interviews over the next few days. More collegiate players, some MLS, and an overseas player or two. Stay tuned.
Below is Toronto FC's GK Brian Edwards with a solid save versus the Crew's Robbie Rogers.
Video courtesy of Major League Soccer's QuickKicks
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
AC Milan 1 - 2 Atalanta BC Highlights
Goals from Floccari (32') & Langella (42') proved enough for Atalanta to take 3 points from the match. A late score by P. Maldini (85') was not enough for AC Milan.
Video Courtesy of the SerieA.TV Channel @ YouTube.
Video Courtesy of the SerieA.TV Channel @ YouTube.
UEFA Champions League Quaterfinal Schedule
UEFA Champions League quarterfinal schedule found below.
4-1-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
AS Roma vs. Manchester United
FC Schalke 04 vs. FC Barcelona
4-2-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
Arsenal vs. Liverpool FC
Fenerbahce vs. Chelsea
4-8-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
Chelsea vs. Fenerbahce
Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal
4-9-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
FC Barcelona vs. FC Schalke 04
Manchester United vs. AS Roma
***
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final on May 21, 2008.
4-1-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
AS Roma vs. Manchester United
FC Schalke 04 vs. FC Barcelona
4-2-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
Arsenal vs. Liverpool FC
Fenerbahce vs. Chelsea
4-8-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
Chelsea vs. Fenerbahce
Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal
4-9-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
FC Barcelona vs. FC Schalke 04
Manchester United vs. AS Roma
***
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final on May 21, 2008.
Cheltenham Town 1 - 1 Northampton Town
Steven Gillespie scored his 10th league goal of the 07/08 season as the Robins landed an important point at home this weekend versus Northampton. Michael D'Agostino who spoke with Soccer City FC this season came on as a substitute late in the match. With the point, Cheltenham Town FC are now eight points above the relegation line.
CF America Embarrassed By Veracruz
Club America needs to find some consistency -- before the 2008 Clausura passes on by. America was just embarrassed by Veracruz during this past week (12) of the 2008 Clausura. Argentine forward Claudio Graf ended with a hat trick and now has nine goals in twelve games.
Veracruz 4 - 0 Club America
Goal Summary:
Veracruz 4 - 0 Club America
Goal Summary:
- C. Graf (5')
- C. Graf (33')
- R. Ruiz (42')
- C. Graf (84')
Gamba Osaka 2 - 1 Tokyo Verdy
Gamba Osaka defeated Tokyo Verdy in J-League action this weekend. Unlike his run at the Pan Pacific Championship, Bare did not find the score sheet, but he did receive a yellow in the 44 minute. Gamba Osaka's goals were scored by R. Bando (13') and Lucas (76').
The Weekend XI - MLS Edition: 3/29 - 3/30
The Weekend XI - MLS Edition will highlight the top eleven players from around MLS as judged by Soccer City FC. 3-5-2 format will be used.
- (GK) Columbus' W. Hesmer: Shutout and PK Save v TFC
- (D) KC Wizards' M. Harrington: 1 assist and Shutout v DC United
- (D) NE Revolution's M. Parkhurst: Shutout v Houston Dynamo
- (D) Colorado's F. Erpen: Shutout v LA Galaxy
- (MF) Chicago's C. Blanco: 1 goal v RSL
- (MF) Columbus' A. Moffat: 1 goal and helped clear PK v TFC
- (MF) Columbus' B. Carroll: 1 assist and Shutout v TFC
- (MF) Colorado's T Cooke: 1 goal and 2 assists v LA Galaxy
- (MF) FC Dallas' J. Toja: 1 goal v Chivas USA
- (F) KC Wizard's C. Lopez: 1 goal v DC United
- (F) Chivas USA's M. Galindo: 1 goal v FC Dallas
Team Count:
- Columbus - 3
- Colorado - 2
- KC Wizards - 2
- Chicago - 1
- Chivas USA - 1
- FC Dallas - 1
- NE Revolution - 1
Birmingham Match Review
Soccer City FC contributor Alan put together a tremendous review of yesterday's Manchester City v Birmingham City. Especially valuable for those of us here in the U.S. who were unable to watch the game on TV.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Soccer By Ives Pre-season MLS Power Rankings
This morning, Ives Galarcep listed his SBI Pre-Season MLS Power Rankings. His knowledge of MLS is vast and I highly recommend that you take time to stop on over at SBI.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Article: USA vs Poland Preview
And They Meet Again!
By: Alex K
Soccer City FC Contributor
The US and Poland are set to face each other in yet another friendly – their fourth since their Group D match in the 2002 World Cup – on Wednesday in Krakow. The Polish team is preparing for its first-ever European Championship in June while the Americans will experience tough competition on European soil ahead of its World Cup Qualifying campaign, also beginning in June.
A good showing for Poland arguably means more than one for the US, as the Poles have the difficult goal of advancing out of a European Championship group featuring the likes of Germany, Croatia, and co-hosts Austria. The US has a much easier road ahead; lets be honest, is playing Barbados really as challenging as facing Germany? While the US still has to win games in qualifying, there really is no question of which of the two sides – Poland and the US – needs to gel quicker.
Poland is boasting one of its best teams in recent memory after, for the first time in its federation’s history, hiring a foreign manager. Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker has molded the Polish squad into a team that is regarded as a dark horse in the Euro 2008 field from a team that has underperformed in its last two World Cups. The Polish side has no definite star – although Racing Santander striker Ebi Smolarek had a very impressive Euro qualifying round – but a solid team that plays great as a unit. The team, led by Larissa striker Maciej Zurawski, who was close to completing a move to the Columbus Crew in the MLS offseason before a deal fell through, is coming off 2-0 victories over the Czech Republic and Estonia and hasn’t lost since falling to Hungary in an October friendly.
However, Poland hasn’t had the most success with the US as of late. The teams have made quite a habit out of playing each other since their 2002 World Cup group game, which Poland won 3-1, with the United States winning twice – both on European soil – and drawing once in Chicago. On March 31, 2004, DaMarcus Beasley scored the winner in a 1-0 game in Plock, while later that year on a warm July day in Chicago, Carlos Bocanegra scored a late equalizer against a far from full strength Polish side. Two years ago in Kaiserslautern, the US once again defeated its Eastern European counterparts 1-0, this time off of a Clint Dempsey finish.
The US, which is now ranked behind Poland in FIFA’s always-questionable rankings, will be fielding a largely European-based squad in the game, as only Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, and Ricardo Clark have made the trip to Krakow from their teams in MLS. (Speaking of Krakow: this will be the first international game in the recently-renovated Wisla Stadium, home of the country’s most famous team and current Orange Ekstraklasa leaders Wisla Krakow.) For the US the game will serve as a precursor to the intimidating England-Spain-Argentina series prior to their World Cup qualifying series against Barbados.
As a Polish-American, I always have a hard time cheering for a team in these games, even though I love watching them. In a sense, you could say the game means more for Poland, as they have a hugely important tournament on the horizon, but the US is constantly trying to prove it can win road games in Europe. Ironically, Poland is one of the few teams the US actually has proven it can defeat in Europe. Is that the reason we keep seeing these games pop up? Who knows…I’m not complaining!
By: Alex K
Soccer City FC Contributor
The US and Poland are set to face each other in yet another friendly – their fourth since their Group D match in the 2002 World Cup – on Wednesday in Krakow. The Polish team is preparing for its first-ever European Championship in June while the Americans will experience tough competition on European soil ahead of its World Cup Qualifying campaign, also beginning in June.
A good showing for Poland arguably means more than one for the US, as the Poles have the difficult goal of advancing out of a European Championship group featuring the likes of Germany, Croatia, and co-hosts Austria. The US has a much easier road ahead; lets be honest, is playing Barbados really as challenging as facing Germany? While the US still has to win games in qualifying, there really is no question of which of the two sides – Poland and the US – needs to gel quicker.
Poland is boasting one of its best teams in recent memory after, for the first time in its federation’s history, hiring a foreign manager. Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker has molded the Polish squad into a team that is regarded as a dark horse in the Euro 2008 field from a team that has underperformed in its last two World Cups. The Polish side has no definite star – although Racing Santander striker Ebi Smolarek had a very impressive Euro qualifying round – but a solid team that plays great as a unit. The team, led by Larissa striker Maciej Zurawski, who was close to completing a move to the Columbus Crew in the MLS offseason before a deal fell through, is coming off 2-0 victories over the Czech Republic and Estonia and hasn’t lost since falling to Hungary in an October friendly.
However, Poland hasn’t had the most success with the US as of late. The teams have made quite a habit out of playing each other since their 2002 World Cup group game, which Poland won 3-1, with the United States winning twice – both on European soil – and drawing once in Chicago. On March 31, 2004, DaMarcus Beasley scored the winner in a 1-0 game in Plock, while later that year on a warm July day in Chicago, Carlos Bocanegra scored a late equalizer against a far from full strength Polish side. Two years ago in Kaiserslautern, the US once again defeated its Eastern European counterparts 1-0, this time off of a Clint Dempsey finish.
The US, which is now ranked behind Poland in FIFA’s always-questionable rankings, will be fielding a largely European-based squad in the game, as only Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, and Ricardo Clark have made the trip to Krakow from their teams in MLS. (Speaking of Krakow: this will be the first international game in the recently-renovated Wisla Stadium, home of the country’s most famous team and current Orange Ekstraklasa leaders Wisla Krakow.) For the US the game will serve as a precursor to the intimidating England-Spain-Argentina series prior to their World Cup qualifying series against Barbados.
As a Polish-American, I always have a hard time cheering for a team in these games, even though I love watching them. In a sense, you could say the game means more for Poland, as they have a hugely important tournament on the horizon, but the US is constantly trying to prove it can win road games in Europe. Ironically, Poland is one of the few teams the US actually has proven it can defeat in Europe. Is that the reason we keep seeing these games pop up? Who knows…I’m not complaining!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Article: A Matter of Two Halves
Soccer City FC's newest contributor Alan recently reviewed the Spurs match. I have provided the link here in case you missed it.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Collegiate Corner: Sven Simon
Photo Credit: Azusa Pacific Athletics
Sven Simon and his Azusa Pacific teammates returned to the NAIA National Championship for the third consecutive season in 2007. Their perseverance paid off as the Cougars captured the program’s first-ever title after defeating Concordia. Azusa Pacific defeated their Golden State Athletic Conference rival 2–0 with Simon scoring the historic first goal late in the first half of play.
The senior forward finished as one of Azusa Pacific’s most accomplished players. Throughout his career, Simon was named to several post-season teams including NAIA All-American and GSAC All-Conference. In 2007, he ended with 9 goals and 6 assists in the regular season.
Sven Simon continues Soccer City FC’s interview series from 2007's collegiate champions. He kindly answered our questions regarding the NAIA Championship, the Azusa Pacific program, and his time watching World Cup '06.
- As the season progressed, was there a specific moment where you realized that Azusa Pacific was going to win the 2007 NAIA Championship?
- Now that you have had time to reflect on the Championship, how satisfying was it to score the opening goal?
A: Honestly, attending APU has been one of the best choices I made in my life, thus far. Through APU, and particularly through my Coaches Phil Wolf and Dave Blomquist, I have learned that it is not about me scoring a goal, or the team winning a National Championship. It is about a lot more than that – the relationships that we build. Therefore, although it is great to win a National Championship and to score the opening goal, I am a lot more satisfied with the outstanding and special relationships that I was able to build with my coaches, teammates, and their families.
- Prior to this season's NAIA Championship, name your top three moments at Azusa Pacific?
1. Meeting my wonderful girlfriend Sara
2. Playing the most intense round of team “spoons” during our pre-season trip 2007
3. Scoring the golden goal in overtime against Lindsey Wilson at Lindsey Wilson in 2007
Photo Credit: Azusa Pacific Athletics - Coach Wolf has built an impressive program. What is his greatest characteristic?
A: When I think of Coach, the first thing that comes to mind is: My God, My Team, My Self – our team motto. He is the perfect role model, and a man of character. He is the most humble, caring, and genuine person I have met in my life. Through his “leading by example” nature he has transformed me. If I would have to choose a person that I would want to be most alike than I would immediately say: Phil Wolf!
- Were you in Germany for the 2006 World Cup? How was the experience?
A: Yes, I was in Germany for the 2006 World Cup, and I got tickets for my girlfriend and I for 5 games (Ghana vs. Czech Republic, Ghana vs. Italy, Ghana vs. U.S., Ghana vs. Brazil, and Brazil vs. France). It was definitely one of my favorite life experiences and probably the best time I ever had in Germany. The experience was incredible. Millions of people from everywhere in the world were celebrating the sport of soccer in a 100% friendly way. Streets had to be closed off so that people can walk on them, international street vendors were on every corner, and flags from all different countries were just everywhere. So it was simply a time to make friends.
- Are you looking into playing professionally or are you now solely focused on your MBA?
A: Right now I am extremely focused on my MBA. However, I certainly look around for all kinds of job opportunities. Meaning, if an opportunity of playing professionally arises, I would definitely look into it. However, graduating with my MBA certainly puts me in a nice position where not playing professionally would not be a disaster. Connecting the two by getting a job in the sports industry would be an ideal fit.
Photo Credit: Azusa Pacific Athletics
Arrival in Charleston
My wife and I have arrived in Charleston. Looking forward to following up with some players that Soccer City FC previously interviewed as well as putting together some new articles while here. Stay tuned as Soccer City FC reports from the Holy City.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Ricketts With Brace v Guatemala in U-23 Match
Tosaint Ricketts notched two of Canada's five goals today in their 5 - 0 victory over Guatemala.
Soccer City FC recently interviewed Tosaint. You can find that interview below.
Soccer City FC recently interviewed Tosaint. You can find that interview below.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Article: Sven Was Right From The Start
Soccer City FC's newest contributor Alan has written his first piece. A wonderful look at what has been an extremely pleasing season at Manchester City under Sven. You can find it at the link below.
Also re: City, there are some notes on Richard Dunne found at the link below.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Collegiate Corner: Chris Wright
Photo Credits: University of New Mexico AthleticsThe University of New Mexico men’s program qualified for the NCAA Tournament in six out of the last seven seasons. The Lobos also captured the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title for the fourth consecutive year in 2007. Chris Wright in concert with his teammates are training this spring with the goal of adding to the program’s impressive history in 2008. The MPSF Player of the Year spoke with Soccer City FC about his time in Brazil, last year’s season, and the upcoming spring schedule.
- You trained with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaese in 2004. Can you comment on the experience?
A: Training in Brazil was a dream experience each time. The environment at Clube Atlético Paranaense is extremely professional, from fields to facilities and training gear, everything was fantastic. The playing environment was very technical and challenged me to improve each and everyday. The coaches and players were all very genuine and invested time to help me improve, often pulling me aside and talking to me about certain scenarios. I developed many strong relationships with the players there and still keep in contact with many of them via the web. Not only did it help improve my soccer, but I also improved my Portuguese greatly as well.
- Both of your parents played collegiate soccer in California. Growing up, how much of an advantage was it to have parents with such strong soccer backgrounds?
A: The fact that both of my parents participated in collegiate sports helped me quite a bit as I was growing up because they understand the demands and rigors associated with playing sports at a high level. My mom was a multi-sport athlete all the way through college; she played volleyball first at BYU then Santa Clara before playing soccer there. Because of this, I learned how to deal with the pressures of time management and developed a strong work ethic. My dad has always been the one pushing me in soccer and he has been a vital source of feedback throughout the years with everything. We are very close and talk after every game. Because he is also a coach I have been able to learn a lot about the game from him, and he has always been willing to work with me to improve my skills. Without question, growing up in such an environment was a great advantage for me.
- You trained with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaese in 2004. Can you comment on the experience?
A: Training in Brazil was a dream experience each time. The environment at Clube Atlético Paranaense is extremely professional, from fields to facilities and training gear, everything was fantastic. The playing environment was very technical and challenged me to improve each and everyday. The coaches and players were all very genuine and invested time to help me improve, often pulling me aside and talking to me about certain scenarios. I developed many strong relationships with the players there and still keep in contact with many of them via the web. Not only did it help improve my soccer, but I also improved my Portuguese greatly as well.
- Both of your parents played collegiate soccer in California. Growing up, how much of an advantage was it to have parents with such strong soccer backgrounds?
A: The fact that both of my parents participated in collegiate sports helped me quite a bit as I was growing up because they understand the demands and rigors associated with playing sports at a high level. My mom was a multi-sport athlete all the way through college; she played volleyball first at BYU then Santa Clara before playing soccer there. Because of this, I learned how to deal with the pressures of time management and developed a strong work ethic. My dad has always been the one pushing me in soccer and he has been a vital source of feedback throughout the years with everything. We are very close and talk after every game. Because he is also a coach I have been able to learn a lot about the game from him, and he has always been willing to work with me to improve my skills. Without question, growing up in such an environment was a great advantage for me.
- What was your reaction to being named the 2007 MPSF Player of the Year?
A: Honestly, it was a big surprise to me. I was not thinking about any awards so it was a very humbling moment for me. In a certain sense, I look at it as a challenge because I know that I will need to work even harder to continue to have success.
- What was your favorite game from 2007?
A: Thinking back, I would have to say that my favorite game of last year was the game against UCSB. I felt like we performed really well as a team, we showed a lot of passion and never backed down. The game was played at a very high pace, and it was a big win for us at that point in the season.
- And your favorite goal scored from 2007?
A: Wow, that's a hard one to chose. Honestly, my favorite goal from last year would have to be P.J. Wilson's goal against San Jose State University when we played away. P.J. hit a screaming free kick into the upper corner off of a set piece from about 30 yards out. It was top class! My favorite goal that I scored from the year was the goal I scored against the University of San Francisco. I hit a volley on the run from the top of the box that hit the post and went into the back of the net. It was my favorite because my family was all there to see it, except for my sister.
- What are the team goals heading into the upcoming spring schedule?
A: I think our goals for this spring are to continue to really come together as a team and push each other to improve individually and collectively. So far I feel that we have been very successful with these goals in practice, and I know that we are all eager to play against competition. In regards to spring games, I think the main goal is to all get on the same page for the upcoming season so that when we get back everyone will be firing on all cylinders. That being said however, we want to win our spring games as well.
- Are you looking forward to the spring trip to North Carolina to compete against both Wake Forest and Duke?
A: Absolutely! Anytime you get to play two prestigious schools such as Wake Forest and Duke you will be very excited. I think that we are especially excited to see how we face up with the defending champions. We know that we can compete with and beat anyone in the country, so we are all looking forward to the challenge.
- What can we expect in 2008 from the Lobos?
A: I strongly believe that 2008 will a great year. We have a strong, deep group of guys who are all very talented and work hard for each other. We also have great support from the community, and we want to bring back the big crowds that have graced us in the past. I think that Lobo soccer in 2008 will be an exciting thing to watch.
Photo Credits: University of New Mexico AthleticsFriday, March 7, 2008
And Now, I'm Back!
His recent interview received a great deal of global attention.
If you haven't seen them, Setanta Sports created "I'm on Setanta Sports" hosted by Jose.
My favorite quote from the first installment:
"Maybe it is time to get new rocket and find new planet."
~Enjoy
If you haven't seen them, Setanta Sports created "I'm on Setanta Sports" hosted by Jose.
My favorite quote from the first installment:
"Maybe it is time to get new rocket and find new planet."
~Enjoy
The Weekend XI: March 1-2
The lastest edition of the Weekend XI is now at Soccer City FC's Corner Kicks. Follow the link below to see which players were selected from last weekend's matches.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Brian Grazier Signs Development Contract With Rapids
Midfielder Brian Grazier has signed a developmental contract with the Colorado Rapids. He was drafted with the 47th pick in round four of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.
Earlier this year, Brian chatted with Soccer City FC. You can find his Q & A interviews below.
Earlier this year, Brian chatted with Soccer City FC. You can find his Q & A interviews below.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Newcastle United Article at Corner Kicks
My colleague Lee at Do Soccer 24/7 has written a wonderful article on the current state of Newcastle United for Soccer City FC. Lee will routinely drop by Soccer City FC to discuss Newcastle United and The Premiership. His initial article can be found below.
Monday, March 3, 2008
College Soccer Weekly News Desk
Some news and notes from around College Soccer. 
- Xavier Signs Four
- U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Announces Spring Schedule
- Malmo FF to play UCF in Exhibition
- Marist Signs Seven
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Collegiate Corner: Cameron Keith
Photo Credit: University of Binghamton AthleticsPrior to his arrival at the University of Binghamton, Cameron Keith (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) enjoyed two successful campaigns with Keith FC in the Scottish Highland Football League. Last year, his club claimed the league title after an impressive and historic run. In 2007, they were undefeated in 27 matches. Cameron Keith finished first on the team with 13 goals scored in league play. He also was top goal scorer in the Highland Football League with a combined 26 goals from league and cup competition.
While at Binghamton this fall, the Bearcats forward scored 10 goals and was named the 2007 America East Conference Striker of the Year. Keith opened his scoring with a hat trick versus Cornell. The game marked the opening of the new Bearcats Sports Complex. Keith was the first player to record a hat trick for the Bearcats while competing at the Division I level. He scored a second hat trick later in the season versus Maine. The feat was especially meaningful because his family made the journey from Scotland to attend the game.
At the end of the season, Keith was named to College Soccer News Playmakers List, the America East All-Conference First Team, and the NSCAA All-Northeast Region First Team.
Binghamton finished the season 14-6-0 and won their second consecutive America East regular-season title but lost at home in the America East Tournament Championship to the Vermont Catamounts. It was the first loss at the Bearcats Sports Complex and their first home loss in the last 21 after going 15-0-6 over that span.
Cameron Keith took some time with Soccer City FC to talk about the Bearcats season, his time with Keith FC, and his thoughts on the Scottish National Team’s historic away victory over France in Euro 2008 Qualifying.
- Prior to coming to Binghamton, you played in the Highland Football League. What do you miss most about the league?
A: I played for Keith so I obviously miss my teammate and the fans at Keith as I have a lot of good friends up there. What I miss most about the league is playing every Saturday from August until May. It has been hard having to accept that the season here only runs from about August till November/December. I find it difficult during the spring not playing every Saturday.
- How did the league ready you for playing collegiate soccer with the Bearcats?
A: I felt like I was able to adapt quite well and become a leader within the side straight away. This is because I was used to playing with grown men who show no mercy for two seasons. I felt like this really toughened me up for coming across here. However, I must say that the fitness demands are a lot higher here and the technical level of players is a lot better than I expected.
- Did you get an opportunity to play in a Scottish Cup match?
A: Luckily enough I did as I played in the first round last season. The format for the Scottish Cup has completely changed. This is because amateur teams now have the opportunity to compete in the early rounds of the Scottish Cup from the off. Whereas beforehand, amateur teams like ourselves had to qualify first in order to even reach the first round.
- You scored your first hat trick of the season against Cornell in the first game ever to be played at the Bearcats Sports Complex. What was your favorite goal of the three?
A: To be honest, my favorite was the first goal for a few reasons. Firstly, it was the first ever goal to be scored at the Bearcats Sports Complex so that was special. Also, I was not playing that well at the time and I knew that I was about to be taken off until I scored. Thirdly, it was actually a wonderful goal and one of the better ones I have scored in my time.
- Your second hat trick came against Maine when your family was in from Scotland. How important was it for you to have a good showing with your family in attendance?
A: That was great because obviously you cannot predict what will happen in a match. So to score 3 goals in front of them was nice considering they had traveled so far. It felt like a bit of weight off my shoulders as everyone had been saying to me that I’d better score in front of my parents.
- A successful season ended with a loss to Vermont in the America East Championship. It was also the first home loss of the season. What positive did you take from the experience?
A: It really was a horrible experience and a major letdown considering the amount of fans that turned out that evening. But I think it made us realize how every game we play next season will have to be treated like a cup final. It will be the last season for a lot of boys so I believe that there is now a greater determination to ensure we never go through that again.
- Will you be heading back to Scotland in the summer or remaining to train in Binghamton?
A: I will be going home to Scotland in the summer to train and to spend time with my family and friends.
- Did you and your teammates watch Scotland’s historic away victory over France during Euro 2008 qualifying?
A: Yes. All the Scottish guys in the team watched it and it was a truly marvelous performance. I wish I could have been in the streets of Paris that night to celebrate with the Tartan Army. It was just a great pity that we did not qualify as I felt we deserved it. However pride has most definitely been restored in our national game again.
The National Team did well as did club sides Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen (my team) in European competition. They were still in Europe past Christmas for the first time in 26 years. So there is a high optimism back home that Scotland will qualify for the next World Cup.
- What can we expect from the Bearcats in 2008?
A: We will definitely be at the national tournament this year as we are determined to put the ghost to rest from last year. Then, we hope to progress far in the national tournament and put Binghamton on the map. We were greatly encouraged by the performance of U-Mass and that is definitely the example we wish to follow.
While at Binghamton this fall, the Bearcats forward scored 10 goals and was named the 2007 America East Conference Striker of the Year. Keith opened his scoring with a hat trick versus Cornell. The game marked the opening of the new Bearcats Sports Complex. Keith was the first player to record a hat trick for the Bearcats while competing at the Division I level. He scored a second hat trick later in the season versus Maine. The feat was especially meaningful because his family made the journey from Scotland to attend the game.
At the end of the season, Keith was named to College Soccer News Playmakers List, the America East All-Conference First Team, and the NSCAA All-Northeast Region First Team.
Binghamton finished the season 14-6-0 and won their second consecutive America East regular-season title but lost at home in the America East Tournament Championship to the Vermont Catamounts. It was the first loss at the Bearcats Sports Complex and their first home loss in the last 21 after going 15-0-6 over that span.
Cameron Keith took some time with Soccer City FC to talk about the Bearcats season, his time with Keith FC, and his thoughts on the Scottish National Team’s historic away victory over France in Euro 2008 Qualifying.
- Prior to coming to Binghamton, you played in the Highland Football League. What do you miss most about the league?
A: I played for Keith so I obviously miss my teammate and the fans at Keith as I have a lot of good friends up there. What I miss most about the league is playing every Saturday from August until May. It has been hard having to accept that the season here only runs from about August till November/December. I find it difficult during the spring not playing every Saturday.
- How did the league ready you for playing collegiate soccer with the Bearcats?
A: I felt like I was able to adapt quite well and become a leader within the side straight away. This is because I was used to playing with grown men who show no mercy for two seasons. I felt like this really toughened me up for coming across here. However, I must say that the fitness demands are a lot higher here and the technical level of players is a lot better than I expected.
- Did you get an opportunity to play in a Scottish Cup match?
A: Luckily enough I did as I played in the first round last season. The format for the Scottish Cup has completely changed. This is because amateur teams now have the opportunity to compete in the early rounds of the Scottish Cup from the off. Whereas beforehand, amateur teams like ourselves had to qualify first in order to even reach the first round.
- You scored your first hat trick of the season against Cornell in the first game ever to be played at the Bearcats Sports Complex. What was your favorite goal of the three?
A: To be honest, my favorite was the first goal for a few reasons. Firstly, it was the first ever goal to be scored at the Bearcats Sports Complex so that was special. Also, I was not playing that well at the time and I knew that I was about to be taken off until I scored. Thirdly, it was actually a wonderful goal and one of the better ones I have scored in my time.
- Your second hat trick came against Maine when your family was in from Scotland. How important was it for you to have a good showing with your family in attendance?
A: That was great because obviously you cannot predict what will happen in a match. So to score 3 goals in front of them was nice considering they had traveled so far. It felt like a bit of weight off my shoulders as everyone had been saying to me that I’d better score in front of my parents.
- A successful season ended with a loss to Vermont in the America East Championship. It was also the first home loss of the season. What positive did you take from the experience?
A: It really was a horrible experience and a major letdown considering the amount of fans that turned out that evening. But I think it made us realize how every game we play next season will have to be treated like a cup final. It will be the last season for a lot of boys so I believe that there is now a greater determination to ensure we never go through that again.
- Will you be heading back to Scotland in the summer or remaining to train in Binghamton?
A: I will be going home to Scotland in the summer to train and to spend time with my family and friends.
- Did you and your teammates watch Scotland’s historic away victory over France during Euro 2008 qualifying?
A: Yes. All the Scottish guys in the team watched it and it was a truly marvelous performance. I wish I could have been in the streets of Paris that night to celebrate with the Tartan Army. It was just a great pity that we did not qualify as I felt we deserved it. However pride has most definitely been restored in our national game again.
The National Team did well as did club sides Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen (my team) in European competition. They were still in Europe past Christmas for the first time in 26 years. So there is a high optimism back home that Scotland will qualify for the next World Cup.
- What can we expect from the Bearcats in 2008?
A: We will definitely be at the national tournament this year as we are determined to put the ghost to rest from last year. Then, we hope to progress far in the national tournament and put Binghamton on the map. We were greatly encouraged by the performance of U-Mass and that is definitely the example we wish to follow.
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