Maccabi USA Grand Masters Soccer

The King Cup Team

2012-01-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

Front Row (L-R) Steve Goldenring, Craig Sheftell, Adamo Zweiback, Don Kent, Dave Stone, Brian Kronick, Dave Parks, Simon Mermelstein
Back Row (L-R) Gary Bernstein, Stu Hochberger, Bruce Marcus, Ben Bressler, Brian Kerriberg, Jim Benjamin, Eric Brief, Bob Larkinstein, Jim Maddowitz, Ramin Lalezari, Dan Indech, Jeff Cohn.

King Cup Results - Day 3

2012-01-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

For our final game of the 2012 tournament, we were without some of our players due to other commitments. Jim Benjamin took the reins coaching for his first game in charge so we could free up previously unavailable players.

The lineup looked like this to start but we quickly got back into the rotation mode to keep players fresh.

The remaining player pool was still strong but we had less to choose from.

Quick update.

2012-01-15T17:42:00.001-08:00

MUSA loses 0 - 2 in final game of 2012 King cup.

Game report to be posted shortly.

King Cup Results - Day 2

2012-01-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

Another gorgeous day here in Las Vegas but a bit earlier than yesterday with the team congregating in the Monte Carlo lobby at 8:30 for a 10:00 kickoff at the same field as Saturday. We made our way over in the usual manner by pooling our vans, cars, cows, donkeys etc just to get everyone taken care of.

Our opponents today were the Gibos team from Conejo Valley in Southern California. Gazza, having played them the week before in a pre tournament warmup knew they would be challenging but beatable.

Our tactics today were to continue on with the progress we made on day 1 and be more forward thinking and play simply across the vast green wasteland. While the pitch is a bit more narrow than we have played on in the past, it seemed difficult to use it as we wanted. Sometimes theory doesn't understand reality.

We established the following lineup with the intent of getting some early momentum built up supplementing the original 11 with fresh and proficient legs.

Substitutes for the game today:

We added Dave Parks to the list of available players as he was able to free himself up from the rigors of an AYSO coaching clinic where he learned what a wall pass was. We asked him to show proof of this skill before the game and he seemed to get it right. Well done Dave. One unique thing about the tournament this year is "official AGE" wristbands which show you've been cleared to play from an age not skill perspective. Glad we weren't checked for the latter. Dave not having a wristband made a mad dash for the scorers table across the park just in time to come back to a 0-1 deficit. After 2 minutes we played sloppy passing and were exposed by a player who appeared to be contained by Adamo, got off a quick shot to the far post. 1 nil to the Gibos.

We were being pressured for the remainder of the half as we freely substituted players in and out to keep players fresh and keep the rhythm we were starting to feel. The half ended with a 0-1 deficit but we were getting more play on the ball.

The second half started and we made some small player adjustments and continued to move forward. After successful ventures into the penalty area with shots just missing wide, we were awarded a penalty kick after the referees just barely noticed the flagrant handball in the box on the far side. While both refs saw the infraction, they still failed to award a PK until the walked across the field where Brian Kronick remained standing at the site of the foul.

PK AWARDED.

After discussions between forwards, Dan Indech stepped up to take the PK, waited for what he thought was the whistle and scored just to the left of the keeper. While there was a whistle, it wasn't meant for the kick to be taken but to move players out of the area. When have you heard of a whistle being blown for that? Anyway, Dan remained ready and the second attempt was placed in the same spot but was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The rebound came out and Dan sent the ball high over the cross bar and the score remained One Nil to the Gibos. We continued to press forward and really put the pressure on but just could not get the ball into the goal.

On defence, we continued to play solid with a combined back of Jim Benjamin, Ben Bressler, Eric Brief, Jim Madden, Ramin Lalezari, Dave Parks and Adamo Zweiback. Little made its way through to our always available goalkeeper Jeff Cohn who made some key saves when needed in both the first and second halves of the game to keep us within striking distance in spite of the missed PK.

Excellent play also from our diamond "shape not age" midfield of Brian Kronick, Bruce Marcus, Brian Kerrigan, Jim Madden and Don Kent.

Our outside midfielders and forwards really began to assert themselves in the game with Steve Goldenring taking up a more midfield position than his usual striker role along with Craig Sheftell, Bob Larkin, David Stone, Stu Hochberger, Dave Parks and Dan Indech.

Up front we were looking to Simon Mermelstein, Brian Kerrigan, Dan Indech and Don Kent to work to slot one home but the opportunities didn't materialize as we expected.

In the end, a hard fought game we should have at least tied but we end up with no points on the day and most likely remain in 4th position in a 5 team group.

Our next game is at 4:15 local time as we look for a respectable finish.

We are hoping that a number of our dual team players continue to play with us to finish up the tournament as we are possible down 2 or 3 with some minor injuries. In previous years we have had more self inflicted wounds through celebrating the Vegas lifestyle but this year, as we prepare for a Maccabiah, I'm happy to report that none of our team stayed out past 11:00, drinks were held to a 2 drink minimum, and the many sponsor calls from the Betty Ford Clinic have kept us on track.

Well done so far and keep up the great work. I was able to talk to our Brazil Captain (Rosenberg) late this morning who sent us great words of encouragement. "Go Win"!

King Cup Results

2012-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

A gorgeous 60 degree day in Las Vegas as the team gathered to begin the King Cup Soccer tournament. Expectations were high as the team met in the lobby of the Monte Carlo Hotel at 9:30 prior to our departure for the Ed Fountain Park in North Las Vegas.

Today's 11:15 game is against OC Spurs from Chicago with MUSA in White and OC Spurs in Red

The team was chosen with a 4-4-2 formation as shown.

Substitutes used for the game were:

The MUSA 48's were under pressure at the outset and hung tough to just before halftime when a goal was scored from a run down the middle of the field. Dribbling through a couple of players with only our keeper to beat, the forward slotted the ball neatly into the bottom right corner of the net for a half time deficit of 0-1 to OC.

The second half saw more of the same as the MUSA 48's remained under pressure and failed to get any momentum going forward. Despite numerous substitutions and fresh legs, the pressure eventually resulted in a second goal scored from the right side from 35 yards over our goalkeeper and into the left side netting 0-2. Finally a mistake in the back gifted OC their final goal and all 10 points for game #1. A hard fought game by all players but in the end, the lack of a cohesive tactical display was MUSA's undoing.

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Game 2 was scheduled for 1:55 and got off to a late start as the Referees were cleaning their reading glasses, binoculars, telescopes or any other seeing device they would need as their poor display continues to haunt this tournament. No signifiCUNT calls so far but I'm sure there will be more time to f-up.

The weather was again gorgeous, with a warm 62 and sunny day with no wind. During the one hour break the team discussed the many issues in the first game and we decided to change our formation to get us to move forward and press in the final 3rd of the field. We moved to a 3-5-2 layout with the following players assigned to man the various green spaces of finely mowed Astroturf.

Who cuts this stuff so evenly? I have a lawn in LA that needs some tending to if they can make themselves 282 miles southwest.

Anyway, here is the lineup for Game 2 vs the NoCo Zombies from Northern Colorado.

Substitutes for the game today:

The new formation paid off immediately as the team seemed to gain confidence going forward and pressed early. The defenders had significant play knocking the ball across the back line to open up space on opposite sides of the field. Quick and efficient passing flowed more easily and the team spent most of the first 15 minutes in the opponents half. Within 20 minutes, the breakthrough the team was looking for came with some great passing and a final finish by Brian Kronick who, from the left flank, scored in the right side of the net. Excellent play all around from the MUSA 11. We continued to press forward making good decisions but lost some of the momentum just before half time as the NoCo Zombies began to move forward. The half ended 1-0 for MUSA.

The second half saw a re-shuffling of players back to the way we started the game as we went forward to score again. We pressed, but could not take advantage of our superior play. We shot high, wide, crosses cam in and were cleared but rarely troubled the opposing goalkeeper. The game ended unceremoniously with MUSA finishing 1-0 for our first win in 2012.

In the end, we felt disappointed for not having score 5 more, but it was still a win which gave us 8 points. We now need some help from the other teams in the group to finish near the top of the group and have a place in the Semi's.

More to come tomorrow from Sunny LV. What happens here, stays ........... on the blog.

The Forecast

2012-01-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Vegas 2012

2012-01-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

Tournament Schedule

The 2011 Pan Am Maccabi Games Masters 45 Tournament Schedule and Standings

2012-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Final Standings

The MUSA Football Chain Continues To Grow...Day By Day...Year by Year

2012-01-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

Maccabi Brothers, congrats on a job well done in Sao Paulo. It was truly an honor and a privilege going to battle with all of you in Brazil these past two weeks. Now that we are back in our respective locations, I just want to thank you for an outstanding experience in these Pan-American games. The medals will come our way in time, to be sure, but more important is the continued growth and maturity of our 45+ team both on and off the pitch. We competed with quality and class. It was so cool to see how hard we played in each game, only to then hug our respected opponent and take group pictures with big smiles on our faces....certainly the sentiment that defines the Maccabi spirit. I also want to personally thank you all for welcoming my Heather into our team bus with open arms. She had a terrific time meeting you all, and I greatly appreciate the hospitality. A special thanks to our coaches, Lenny and Jason, our Team Captain Russell and our Team Manager Fish for their wholehearted commitment. Also, a nod to our team blog-meister Indy for keeping the extended MUSA team/friends updated. And finally, a speedy and complete recovery to Snyder, Glancy and Moshy and anyone else who suffered injury.

So where do we go from here ??

Well, by my clock, Leon, Eli, Jess, Keith and the rest of the Geezers will be kicking it off tomorrow morning at 6:00 am in the Big Apple...and spending the rest of the day reading Warren's 16 page game analysis. David, Bryan, Paul, Moshy and Howard will be getting it going back in Philly....and Fiona and Bailey have opened up an apparel trading post at the corner of Market and 15th Street...In Chicago, Dave, Russell, Wis, and Hakimian will be returning to their Sunday morning game right after Russ's son chants his Bar-Mitzvah Haftarah this Saturday (Mazel-Tov !!!). Indy and Adamo have new outdoor seasons in the Phoenix sun. DKNY and Jake have their regular Saturday morning game. Greenie will be playing extensive minutes across all of his indoor facilities. Fish and Stoner will join the Jersey/Milburn boys for some sort of winter and spring ball. Glancy is playing in 9 leagues in the D.C. area, including the U-12 boys and the U-19 girls...Many of our guys will lace them up for the Vegas tournament next weekend (good luck !!), and, of course, Maccabiah 2013 is not too far down the line.

So yes, indeed, the MUSA football chain is stronger than ever !!!

Happy New Year to you all. Stay healthy, stay fit, and keep smiling.

B'shalom,

David Alhadeff

Memories of the Twelfth Pan Am Maccabi Games

2012-01-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

Day 13 - The Last Day and Departure to USA

2012-01-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

Today we packed up and checked out of our rooms. Some went to the pool to lounge in the first beautiful sunny day we've had since we arrived in Brazil. Others went to do some last minute shopping while the rest just hung out in the hotel or at Hebraica. We boarded the bus to the airport and said our good-byes to one another. Then to NY and to places beyond. Till next time...

Day 12 - Closing Ceremonies and Schwag Trading

2012-01-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

With the competition over, we returned to our hotel, got some lunch and relaxed for the afternoon. At 7:45, we headed to Hebraica with bags of gear that we were hoping to pawn off on the unsuspecting in exchange for choice jerseys, warm-up suits and anything else we could barter for. The names of the legendary traders were acknowledged including Briefs, Parksy, Kronick and Cohen. The newcomers including Zweiback, Mogul, Silverman, Pollack, Lorry, Bailey Moshal and Heather Alhadeff as well as the seasoned veterans Glancy, Fishel, Indy, David Alhadeff and Wiznewitz had been eagerly awaiting this moment. By the end, there were some monumental acquisitions with the USA boys definitely getting the best of their inexperienced adversaries. We are not quite sure whether there was even a closing ceremonies as most of us didn't make it past the uniform flea market. A great time was had by all.

Day 12 - Bronze Medal Match USA vs Argentina

2012-01-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

4 - 2

On the heels of a difficult loss against Israel, we geared up again for our last game against the losers of the other semi-final match. It was a glorious sunny day and it was heating up. Coach Jason Hirsch gave us our pre-game pep talk and announced the starting line-up. Alhadeff and Rosy in the middle back, Lorry and Pollack at the outside backs, Moshal and Greenie in the central midfield, Wiz and Silverman at outside midfield and Indy and Kent up front. The first 20 minutes were played in the mid-field with both teams protecting their goals. Argentina struck first when their striker received a ball from the right outside midfielder at the top of the box, turned on a dime to his left, took one step and hammered the right side netting. Fishel had no chance. Ten minutes before the first half ended, Wiz hustled forward to pressure the left defender in the box. The defender attempted to square the ball to the keeper and Wiz was able to get a toe on it deflecting it at the keeper. The keeper managed to sprawl and parry the ball away from goal but it laid nicely in the penalty box for a charging Indy to neatly tuck into the goal. The half ended at 1-1. USA was excited that they were in this match. Argentina changed a few of its players for the second half bring in #21 and #9 – two dangerous top class strikers. In the 50^th minute, #21 received a perfect cross from the left side and beat Fishel to the bottom right corner of the net making the score 2-1. In the 55^th minute, USA had a chance when a cross came into the box that the keeper could only punch away. The ball sat nicely at the 15 yard line for Stone who had moved forward and got onto it. His volley to goal just missed the left post. In the 59^th minute, USA created another chance when a through ball was pushed forward to Indy who was behind the defenders. The linesman raised his flag but Indy let the ball run into space checking back to an onside position. The keeper came off his line to challenge the ball. Avershal had overlapped and charged into this space. With a collision eminent just outside the box, Avershal stretched and got his toe to the ball first. He and the keeper collided and the ball bounced of the keepers body and squirted loose. Indy had turned back towards the play and was first to the loose ball and deposited a left-footed curling ball over the head of their last man who had stepped back to the goal-line and into the top left corner equalizing the score at 2-2. The next ten minutes were back and forth as both teams defended feverishly to protect their goals. In the 75^th minute, Argentina picked up an errant pass in the middle of the field and with some deft passing from left to right and right to left, surgically deposited the ball behind our helpless keeper. In the 79^th minute, they added their final tally as our defenders had pushed forward but that one really didn’t matter. The game ended in the 82^nd minute with Argentina surviving a scare from the underdog Americans and prevailing 4-2. The teams congratulated each other with hugs and hand-shake. A frantic uniform exchange ensued and there were many bare-chest 45+ men in their compression shorts milling around the pitch. It was not a pretty site! With this final match and our second consecutive well-played game, our Maccabi tournament came to an end. In spite of the disappointment of not winning a medal, Team USA 45+ was successful beyond expectation and we congratulated each other for a job well done. It's party time and then the preparations begin for Maccabiah in Israel 2013.

Day 11 - The After Party

2012-01-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

In spite of the bitter loss, we gathered on the 15^th floor with the 35’s team in the executive lounge for pizza and beer. They also suffered a bitter defeat losing 3-2 in overtime against Brazil. Spirits were high though as both teams gear up for bronze medal matches tomorrow against Argentina. As per tradition, we presented signed jerseys to both Chairman Fishel and Captain Rosenberg to acknowledge their tireless efforts off the field the past year and for leading us to battle in Brazil in 2011.