It is with great pleasure that we announce the following appointments for the 2019 Pan Am O55 Men's Soccer Team.
Alec Mahrer and Ken Kramer have been appointed Co-Chairmen of the team that will compete in Mexico City.
Alec is currently a high school coach in NY and has been involved in soccer all his life playing in the German American League in the late 60's through the early 70's and was a member of the 1979 US Maccabi Pan Am team competing in Mexico City.
Ken Kramer has been involved with the Maters program for 4 years having participated with team in Las Vegas and most recently in the Copa De Mayo tournament this past weekend.
Congratulations to both of you and good luck in Mexico City.
The first responsibility of the chairmen is to select a coach and both Alec and Ken wasted no time in selecting former Masters coach (Israel '05) and player (Israel '09) Eric Brief who guided the team to a silver medal in his previous stint as the gaffer. Eric hails from New Jersey and will look to assemble a team that will better his previous result at the helm.
Congratulations to Eric on his appointment and we wish him great success through the entire campaign.
The Chairmen, Eric and an initial planning team have tentatively set an official tryout date for Aug 18-19 in New Jersey. If interested, please save the date and we will forward more details as they emerge. There is also a possibility of a west coast tryout that may coincide with a combined 35 and 45 tryout but those dates have not been finalized.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next event...
Gary "Gazza" Bernstein
Maccabi USA Grand Masters Soccer
Friday, May 11, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Copa De Mayo, Sunday 5/6/2018
Game 3 was played midday on Sunday and in similar fashion to previous games, MUSA gave up an early goal to go 1 behind after just 10 minutes. With only 4 subs, the team rotated every few minutes to keep the team as fresh as possible and it finally resulted in an equalizer at the 20th minute. After a succession of passes, the team made their way down the field and Dan Indech delivered a cross to the far post which was met by Gary Bernstein who deposited the ball into the upper corner from a tight angle.
As the half wore on, MUSA gave up another goal as the team struggled to mount any real pressure on the Pija Goal.
The second half was more of the same as mistakes cost MUSA another two goals and went on to be defeated 4-1 in what could have been a very different result.
Unfortunately, the next opponent was a no show and the MUSA was only able to play 3 games with a record of 0-2-1. The team walked away from the weekend with a better idea of what it will take to be successful in Mexico and if it wasn't for injuries to both Ramin Lalezari and Boris Tumarin, the team could have faired a bit better.
The team also saw newcomers Pierre Lotzoff and Boris Tumarin make their debut's for MUSA in what is just the beginning of the Mexico run up.
As the half wore on, MUSA gave up another goal as the team struggled to mount any real pressure on the Pija Goal.
The second half was more of the same as mistakes cost MUSA another two goals and went on to be defeated 4-1 in what could have been a very different result.
Unfortunately, the next opponent was a no show and the MUSA was only able to play 3 games with a record of 0-2-1. The team walked away from the weekend with a better idea of what it will take to be successful in Mexico and if it wasn't for injuries to both Ramin Lalezari and Boris Tumarin, the team could have faired a bit better.
The team also saw newcomers Pierre Lotzoff and Boris Tumarin make their debut's for MUSA in what is just the beginning of the Mexico run up.
2018 GrandaddyMasters
Back Row (L-R)
D. Kurtz, Maccabi USA Alumni Director
A. Rothman '09
M. Wiznevitz '09, '11, '13, '15, '17
D. Indech '09, '11, '13, '15,
G. Bernstein '09, '13, '17
R. Rosenberg '09
K. Kramer
J. Cohn '09
S. Cohen '05, '07, '09
B. Tumarin
R. Lalezari '05
Front Row (L-R)
B. Boone
D. Kent '09, '11, '13, '15, '17, other
D. Parks '05, '07, 09, '17
J. Mogul '11, '13
K. Silverman '11, '13
S. Agran
2005 USA Masters Soccer
Ramin Lalezari
Scott Cohen
David Parks
Don Kent
Saturday, May 5, 2018
MUSA bounces back but not quite enough
The second half showed more composure and with some key saves by Jeff Cohn '09, the team remained knoted at 1:1 until a combination of passes that saw the ball move from RB-RM-CM-LB-LM ending in cross to part time Jew Bob Boonowitz who ran over what seemed like 8 players to usher the ball into the goal with some unknown body part. I had no idea he had one of those.
Anyway, the lead lasted a scant few minutes until a miscue in the back saw a penalty given which was dispatched into the roof of the net for a 2:2 draw.
Much better play from MUSA and the team plays to get into the medal round at 12:15 on Sunday morning.
MUSA loses Game 1 in Copa De Mayo
The team struggled to gain any momentum and string passes together as the transcontinental flights and a morning of kibitzing and noshing took its toll.
We celebrated the return of players from Maccabiah 2009 and 2013 and some from earlier events in South America, Europe and Australia.
The team next plays at 3:15 and look forward to a different result.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Dateline Las Vegas 2018 King Cup - MUSA'55
The MUSA O55 team convened in Las Vegas for the first time ever
representing the oldest installment of a now long tradition of Grand
Masters Soccer for Maccabi USA.
With 2 games on Saturday, 2 on Sunday, and the possibility of 2 on
Monday, the team packed up their Vitamin I, Vitamin A2, Vitamin A3,
Vitamin V and Vitamin T in hopes of just making it through the
weekend. (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Viagra, and Tylenol)
The tournament started with a 3-3 battle of errors as the MUSA'55
fought back through 2 goals from Mark Wisnevitz (Macc '09, '13, '17)
and Ed Harris (Macc '13) to draw with Seymour FC from Vancouver and
straight from their Little Shop of Horrors revival.
In Game 2, the MUSA'55 began to roll as they defeated Mojos, (who had
none by the way), with a goal from recent import Laurence Swerner (ex
Macc GB who landed just before the Tramp immigration ban) and recent
addition to the tribe Bob Boone from LA and a former college teammate
of our own Scott Agran by a score of 2-1. Solid defense from the
legal team of Cohn, Cohen, Alhadeff, Silverman and Kramer kept the
opposition at bay setting up the win.
After Day 1, MUSA in second place by 2 points with everything to play
for on day 2.
As the sun rose on the Vegas Strip, the guys had difficulty finding
each other, not on the field, but in the lobby as the orchestrated
rides to the field.
Once that was accomplished, they came together to notch another win,
this time a 3-1 victory over Angelos who needed a prayer to beat
MUSA'55 on the day. Laurence Swerner notched another two goals and Ed
Harris notched his second of the tourney en route to an easy win with
just too much "FIRE"power for the Ohio team.
As the team headed into the Quarter Final round in the Sunday late
game playing the 3rd place team from the other Bracket (DTC Soccer
Geeks) who from the outset, were outclassed and outplayed by a now
well run machine spearheaded by Coach Hochberger (Macc '09). Never
before (in my short memory) have we seen such offensive prowess come
together with Swerner taking apart the Geeks with 3 goals, another 2
from David Parks (Macc '05, '09) and Maccabi veteran Scott Cohen (Macc
'09) getting his first of the weekend to send the Geeks back home to
their computers 6-1.
The team celebrated by finding a closed Sushi Restaurant and then
coming together with approximately 31 for dinner. What happens in
Vegas, Stays in Vegas.
Off to the Semis, the team had an early wake up call and had to travel
to the farthest field about 40 minutes north of town to play the
Number 1 seed from group A, Shaheen FC. It was a very tight affair but
Macc'55 prevailed on a single goal by Maccabian Dan Indech (multiple
representations including '09, '13). Again, the solid defense
spearheaded by saves from GK Jeff Cohn (Macc '09) and the entire
defensive crew, helped preserve the first clean sheet of the
tournament for MUSA'55.
Destiny had arrived as the team received word that their opponents in
the final would be the Seymour FC squad from Vancouver in a rematch of
game #1.
A tight affair resulted in a 0-0 draw, the second shutout in a row for
MUSA'55 but also the first game we failed to score. Penalty kicks can
be harsh on any team and after a recent penalty kick loss in Israel,
the team was out for revenge on whomever they faced.
With Ed Harris in goal for the PK session, Seymour kicked first and
scored followed by MUSA's Swerner who slotted home from the spot.
Subsequent kicks resulted in the following:
1-2 Seymour Score
2-2 Indech
2-3 Seymour Score
3-3 Hochberger
3-3 Harris Save
3-3 Lalezari Miss
3-4 Seymour Score
3-4 Alhadeff Miss
The final result 0 - 0 (3-4) PK's and Second Place for MUSA'55
Congratulations to the entire team of:
Jeff, Cohn ('09)
Don Kent ('05, '09, '13, '17, other)
Dan Kurtz (MaccabiUSA Alumni Director)
Mark Wisnevitz ('09, '13', '17)
Bob Boone
Keith Silverman ('13)
Scott Cohen ('05, '09, other)
David Stone ('09)
Ed Harris ('13)
Ramin Lalezari ('05, other)
Scott Agran
David Alhadeff ('09, '13)
Jess Mogul ('13)
Dan Indech ('09, '13, other)
Stu Hochberger ('09, other)
David Parks ('09, other)
Ken Kramer
Laurence Swerner (Macc GB '09, '13, other)
Steve Goldenring ('05, '09*)
Gary Bernstein ('09, '13, 17)
Mexico City is right around the corner and look forward to the next
tournament together.
--- Gazza
representing the oldest installment of a now long tradition of Grand
Masters Soccer for Maccabi USA.
With 2 games on Saturday, 2 on Sunday, and the possibility of 2 on
Monday, the team packed up their Vitamin I, Vitamin A2, Vitamin A3,
Vitamin V and Vitamin T in hopes of just making it through the
weekend. (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Viagra, and Tylenol)
The tournament started with a 3-3 battle of errors as the MUSA'55
fought back through 2 goals from Mark Wisnevitz (Macc '09, '13, '17)
and Ed Harris (Macc '13) to draw with Seymour FC from Vancouver and
straight from their Little Shop of Horrors revival.
In Game 2, the MUSA'55 began to roll as they defeated Mojos, (who had
none by the way), with a goal from recent import Laurence Swerner (ex
Macc GB who landed just before the Tramp immigration ban) and recent
addition to the tribe Bob Boone from LA and a former college teammate
of our own Scott Agran by a score of 2-1. Solid defense from the
legal team of Cohn, Cohen, Alhadeff, Silverman and Kramer kept the
opposition at bay setting up the win.
After Day 1, MUSA in second place by 2 points with everything to play
for on day 2.
As the sun rose on the Vegas Strip, the guys had difficulty finding
each other, not on the field, but in the lobby as the orchestrated
rides to the field.
Once that was accomplished, they came together to notch another win,
this time a 3-1 victory over Angelos who needed a prayer to beat
MUSA'55 on the day. Laurence Swerner notched another two goals and Ed
Harris notched his second of the tourney en route to an easy win with
just too much "FIRE"power for the Ohio team.
As the team headed into the Quarter Final round in the Sunday late
game playing the 3rd place team from the other Bracket (DTC Soccer
Geeks) who from the outset, were outclassed and outplayed by a now
well run machine spearheaded by Coach Hochberger (Macc '09). Never
before (in my short memory) have we seen such offensive prowess come
together with Swerner taking apart the Geeks with 3 goals, another 2
from David Parks (Macc '05, '09) and Maccabi veteran Scott Cohen (Macc
'09) getting his first of the weekend to send the Geeks back home to
their computers 6-1.
The team celebrated by finding a closed Sushi Restaurant and then
coming together with approximately 31 for dinner. What happens in
Vegas, Stays in Vegas.
Off to the Semis, the team had an early wake up call and had to travel
to the farthest field about 40 minutes north of town to play the
Number 1 seed from group A, Shaheen FC. It was a very tight affair but
Macc'55 prevailed on a single goal by Maccabian Dan Indech (multiple
representations including '09, '13). Again, the solid defense
spearheaded by saves from GK Jeff Cohn (Macc '09) and the entire
defensive crew, helped preserve the first clean sheet of the
tournament for MUSA'55.
Destiny had arrived as the team received word that their opponents in
the final would be the Seymour FC squad from Vancouver in a rematch of
game #1.
A tight affair resulted in a 0-0 draw, the second shutout in a row for
MUSA'55 but also the first game we failed to score. Penalty kicks can
be harsh on any team and after a recent penalty kick loss in Israel,
the team was out for revenge on whomever they faced.
With Ed Harris in goal for the PK session, Seymour kicked first and
scored followed by MUSA's Swerner who slotted home from the spot.
Subsequent kicks resulted in the following:
1-2 Seymour Score
2-2 Indech
2-3 Seymour Score
3-3 Hochberger
3-3 Harris Save
3-3 Lalezari Miss
3-4 Seymour Score
3-4 Alhadeff Miss
The final result 0 - 0 (3-4) PK's and Second Place for MUSA'55
Congratulations to the entire team of:
Jeff, Cohn ('09)
Don Kent ('05, '09, '13, '17, other)
Dan Kurtz (MaccabiUSA Alumni Director)
Mark Wisnevitz ('09, '13', '17)
Bob Boone
Keith Silverman ('13)
Scott Cohen ('05, '09, other)
David Stone ('09)
Ed Harris ('13)
Ramin Lalezari ('05, other)
Scott Agran
David Alhadeff ('09, '13)
Jess Mogul ('13)
Dan Indech ('09, '13, other)
Stu Hochberger ('09, other)
David Parks ('09, other)
Ken Kramer
Laurence Swerner (Macc GB '09, '13, other)
Steve Goldenring ('05, '09*)
Gary Bernstein ('09, '13, 17)
Mexico City is right around the corner and look forward to the next
tournament together.
--- Gazza
Friday, July 14, 2017
USA vs GB (2-2) PK (2-3)
The battle for 5th place at Maccabiah 2017 was everything it was thought to be. A GB team who had been beaten the last 3 times by the US was out for revenge.
The first half GB netted twice on two US errors.
In the second half the US pushed forward and a goal by Brett Epstein got the team back in it and a last gasp effort resulted in a penalty kick which Stefan Greenberg slotted home to tie the game.
In the penalty shootout, GB netted 3 with 2 saves by Lee Popper to keep the US in the game. Unfortunately, the US could only connect on 2 missing each of the other three chances. Goals by Larry Block and Stephan Felgoise finished the US scoring.
The first half GB netted twice on two US errors.
In the second half the US pushed forward and a goal by Brett Epstein got the team back in it and a last gasp effort resulted in a penalty kick which Stefan Greenberg slotted home to tie the game.
In the penalty shootout, GB netted 3 with 2 saves by Lee Popper to keep the US in the game. Unfortunately, the US could only connect on 2 missing each of the other three chances. Goals by Larry Block and Stephan Felgoise finished the US scoring.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
7/13/17 - 20th World Maccabiah Games Daily Update
This is very different than America because not everything is accessible whereas here everything is, especially the bathrooms have handicapped stalls, that has been incredible. There are curb cuts and ramps in every building.
During our Lev l'Lev trip, we had the opportunity to visit the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled. What an incredible place. Seeing the huge complex, that caters to athletes in rugby, basketball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, etc, the center stood out to me as being extremely inclusive, how it involves all types of disabled athletes.
USA 1 - 0 Chile
Chile ended the game with 10 men due to a straight red card late in the second half.
With the win, the US will play the winner of the GB - Australia game taking place now at the same venue.
Friday 11:00am, the winners will clash in a match for 5th place.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
7/12/17 - 20th World Maccabiah Games Daily Update
Juniors Boys' Basketball (above)
Open Swimming (below)
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