UTSA Show Promise in Texas State Loss

Brianna Livecchi on the ball

courtesy UTSA Athletics

UTSA played their last friendly before the games that count for the record on Sunday and they fell again losing 1-0 to I-35 rivals Texas State at Park West. There were promising signs for the Roadrunners though as they start to work toward making a good start to the 2015 season.

After a tight opening few minutes, Texas State took charge of the match as Lynsey Curry got a shot away but saw her effort saved by Katherine Tesno. In the 16th minute she was able to beat the keeper and it was a goal worthy of winning any contest. Curry found space 30 yards out and lifted it over Tesno to open the scoring.

Texas State were running through the bench which saw the sting of the match taken out as they went for rotations. But the Bobcats were still in charge of the match with Curry forcing another good save out of Tesno.

In a pleasing note they were looking dangerous from set-pieces with Brianna Livecchi going close with her header. Channing Machen went close in the 37th minute as she had the last shot of the half but it was well saved.

Curry continued to look dangerous for the Bobcats in the second half, but the substitutions were even more common. That broke up the flow, which made life difficult for Texas State to keep any chances going.

Late in the game UTSA really went for it and in the final five minutes they had two chances, with both coming from a set-piece. The first was a header from Livecchi which went wide following a corner before Texas State scrambled clear Harper Luczka’s effort from a corner to salvage the 1-0 win.

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UIW top UTSA in Season Opener

Emily Halal looks to run clear

courtesy UIW Athletics

The traditional San Antonio college soccer season opener took place on Friday night as UIW’s women welcomed UTSA. It was UIW who got their season off to a wonderful start as they managed a 2-0 victory over the only other Division I school in San Antonio.

Facing the absence of a number of seniors in 2015, UTSA have a young squad in 2015, and so will take time to gel. UIW have continued to build as they start really looking like a division I program, entering their third year in the division in 2015.

UIW looked to assert their physicality on the match in the early going as they looked to rattle the Roadrunners. But it did not take long for the Cardinals to start to look threatening as they had two chances in a row.

UTSA were using their bench on a regular basis as they looked to try new lineups, embracing the friendly nature of the match. The best passage for the Roadrunners in the first half came in the middle of the half with two quick shots, the best falling to Sabrina Gonzalez who forced a nice save out of Karly Brightwell.

But in the 27th minute a defensive lapse gave UIW the opening goal as Emani Stewart stole possession. That allowed her to run clean through at goal and then easily finish to give UIW a deserved lead.

That spurred on UTSA and they started to really go for the match as they controlled the final ten minutes of the half. Yet despite looking dangerous they just could not find the goal as their finishing let them down, and the best chances late in the half fell to Emily Halal who saw her efforts saved by Katherine Tesno keeping it 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw an attacking and entertaining start as both keepers were made to work but they both did well to keep the match tight. But yet again UIW were the first to settle and take charge of the match, with Nikki Poppa looking especially dangerous.

Poppa was terrorizing the UTSA defence but without much luck, that was until the 66th minute when she broke through. It was thanks to a stunning cross from Abigail Koenigs who lifted it over the keeper, allowing Poppa a simple finish to double the UIW lead.

The substitutions were thick and fast through the final half hour of the match which broke up the flow. UTSA had chances in those closing stages but they just could not break UIW down, who managed a perfect start to their season.

Own Goal Condemns Scorpions

courtesy San Antonio Scorpions

The Scorpions have fallen to another defeat as their 2015 NASL season continues to struggle. The Scorpions fell to a 2-1 loss to the New York Cosmos at Hofstra on Saturday night and remain in last place in the fall season.

courtesy San Antonio Scorpions

The loss will not help Alen Marcina, who must have pressure building on him as the fall from the 2014 Championship season has been drastic. Ill discipline again posed a problem for the Scorpions as they received another red card, finishing with ten men but it had little impact on the game.

The two sides started the match with attacking intent, but it did not take long for New York to start to take charge of the match. Chances were rare for the Scorpions in the opening 20 minutes but luckily for them the Cosmos could not convert their chances.

New York were made to pay for their wastefulness in the 45th minute after a fantastic run from Billy Forbes. He beat two defenders and then sent in the ball for Milton Palacios, who scored his first goal in Scorpions colors with a neat finish.

But the lead didn’t even last until the half-time break as Cosmos managed an equalizer in stoppage time. Raul found space outside the box and hit powerfully but his effort bounced down off the crossbar, and fell to Leonardo Fernandes who was left with an easy header to make it 1-1 at the break.

Five minutes in to the second half things got even worse for the Scorpions as a wicked deflection hurt the Scorpions. Hunter Freeman took a free kick and sent it in to the box, which created plenty of rushing before Brad Rusin redirected it past his own keeper.

With the lead, New York just shut up shop making life hard for the Scorpions who tried to attack but mounted little. Marcina made attacking changes in an attempt to go for the match but it was all scuppered in the 84th minute when Joseph Nane received a straight red card for a hard challenge, the Scorpions only card of the match, but it cost them badly as they could not get the goal with a man down.

Own Goal Condemns Scorpions

courtesy San Antonio Scorpions

The Scorpions have fallen to another defeat as their 2015 NASL season continues to struggle. The Scorpions fell to a 2-1 loss to the New York Cosmos at Hofstra on Saturday night and remain in last place in the fall season.

courtesy San Antonio Scorpions

The loss will not help Alen Marcina, who must have pressure building on him as the fall from the 2014 Championship season has been drastic. Ill discipline again posed a problem for the Scorpions as they received another red card, finishing with ten men but it had little impact on the game.

The two sides started the match with attacking intent, but it did not take long for New York to start to take charge of the match. Chances were rare for the Scorpions in the opening 20 minutes but luckily for them the Cosmos could not convert their chances.

New York were made to pay for their wastefulness in the 45th minute after a fantastic run from Billy Forbes. He beat two defenders and then sent in the ball for Milton Palacios, who scored his first goal in Scorpions colors with a neat finish.

But the lead didn’t even last until the half-time break as Cosmos managed an equalizer in stoppage time. Raul found space outside the box and hit powerfully but his effort bounced down off the crossbar, and fell to Leonardo Fernandes who was left with an easy header to make it 1-1 at the break.

Five minutes in to the second half things got even worse for the Scorpions as a wicked deflection hurt the Scorpions. Hunter Freeman took a free kick and sent it in to the box, which created plenty of rushing before Brad Rusin redirected it past his own keeper.

With the lead, New York just shut up shop making life hard for the Scorpions who tried to attack but mounted little. Marcina made attacking changes in an attempt to go for the match but it was all scuppered in the 84th minute when Joseph Nane received a straight red card for a hard challenge, the Scorpions only card of the match, but it cost them badly as they could not get the goal with a man down.

Houston Dash Held Scoreless

Sam Kerr, scorer of Sky Blue FC’s second goal

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Houston Dash’s playoff chances took a big hit on Friday night as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Sky Blue FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. A goal either side of half-time was enough for Sky Blue FC to put Houston’s playoff chances back out of their control.

Sky Blue were looking dangerous throughout the first half, seemingly the more likely side to find a goal, but it was Houston who had the first chance. In the 27th minute a ball in to the box fell to Melissa Henderson who held off her defender but was denied by a great Brittany Cameron save.

But in the 38th minute the Sky Blues pressure finally told as they opened the scoring. A cross was sent in, which deflected in to the path of Cami Levin, forcing Erin McLeod off her line, but Levin remained composed and lifted it over the keeper to allow Nadia Nadim to run on to it and score the opener.

That would be all the visitors needed to head to the break in front, but after the break Dash came out determined to get back on level terms. In the 58th minute Kealia Ohai sent in a cross for Jessica McDonald who beat her defender but could not beat the keeper.

In the 63rd minute Carli Lloyd had a good chance to get a goal as she stood over another free-kick from 25 yards out. She took the shot, curling it around the ball, but her effort was again denied by another fantastic save.

Seven minutes later an interception allowed Tiffany McCarty to break in to the penalty box, with the goal at her mercy. She attempted to chip the keeper but it turned wide of the goal, letting Sky Blue off the hook.

That would prove costly as it took just two minutes more before Sky Blue doubled their lead through some impressive work from Australia’s Sam Kerr. She broke free but Ella Masar slid in well to block the shot, only for the rebound to fall right for Kerr who made no mistake.

Houston Dash tried to find a goal late on but they just could not break through a stern defence who kept Houston scoreless. The result doesn’t quite knock Houston from the playoffs but does make the task harder.

Late Cummings Goal Steals Scorpions a Point

The San Antonio Scorpions needed a dramatic comeback but they got the job mostly done as they came from behind for a 3-3 draw against Atlanta Silverbacks at Silverbacks Park on Saturday night. Omar Cummings was the star for the Scorpions as he netted a brace, to solidify his place on top of the NASLGolden Boot race.

After a somewhat tight start, Atlanta opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as Kyle Porter’s cross found Pedro Mendes, who headed it past surprising starter Matt Cardone. But the Scorpions responded well and went on the attack straight away.

Two minutes after going behind, San Antonio pulled the scores back to level after some neat work from Cumings. A poor Silverbacks clearance fell to Cummings who was able to head it right back and in to the goal to make it 1-1.

That would be all the scoring for the first half as things seemed to calm down but the hosts came out from the break determined to restore their lead. And that came in the sixth minute of the half as an impressive Junior Burgos free-kick made it 2-1.

Just six minutes later Atlanta doubled their lead as Atlanta took San Antonio to the sword in the opening stages of the half. Jaime Chavez was able to score which saw Atlanta make it 3-1 to give Atlanta a comfortable lead.

The Scorpions looked to fight back and just three minutes later they were able to pull a goal back. A Rafael Castillo free-kick from 40 yards allowed him to find Billy Forbes, who was wide open, allowing him to nod the ball home.

The fight from the Scorpions continued after the goal and they finally got their equalizer in the 81st minute. Stephen DeRoux sent the ball over the top for Cummings, who broke free and hit a curling shot that left the keeper no chance to steal a point for the Scorpions.

Scorpions add Experienced Jamaican

The loan system has again helped the San Antonio Scorpions strengthen their squad and again it was San Jose who loaned the Scorpions a player. Khari Stephenson, a midfielder from Jamaica will join the club on loan, the club announced on Thursday afternoon.

Stephenson is a veteran of North American soccer, having first appeared in MLS in 2004 when he was drafted by Chicago Fire and ended up spending two years at Kansas City (then the Wizards). After two successful years in Kansas City the Jamaican moved on to Europe.

That MLS stint lead to a move to Europe, where Stephenson played 50 matches for GAIS and AIK in Sweden, with 25 games a piece. He then earned his one winner’s medal as he spent two seasons at Norway’s Alesunds, winning an FA Cup in the process.

Following that success, Stephenson fell out of favour with the club and was loaned to San Jose, before having that move made permanent. He made 69 appearances, in two seasons in San Jose before spending 2013 in Utah with Real Salt Lake.

Stephenson returned to California one year later and has since played 23 times for the former MLS Champions. After a coaching change with Dom Kinnear coming in, Stephenson seems to have been on the outer, a gain for San Antonio.

Internationally, Stephenson began his international career as an Under 20 international for Jamaica and played at the 2001 Under 20 World Cup. Stephenson joined the senior team and went on to make 32 appearances.

The gain adds plenty of experience to the Scorpions midfield which might be needed for a difficult attempt at a playoff push. Stephenson holds a green card which means he will not count as a foreign player for the Scorpions.

Texans Abroad August 2 to August 5 2015

River Plate fans celebrate

Photo by Juliana Flister/Getty Images

Wednesday August 5th

Copa Libertadores – Final Second Leg

River Plate 3 Tigres UANL 0 (3-0 Aggregate)

Jose Francisco Torres was an unused substitute as Tigres lost the Copa Libertadores final to Argentina’s River Plate.

United States of America

North American Soccer League

New York Cosmos 2 Minnesota United 1

Hunter Freeman played the full 90 minutes and scored the match winning goal (2-1 76′) as New York Cosmos defeated Minnesota United. New York Cosmos move up to fifth in the fall standings and first in the combined standings, New York Cosmos have already qualified for the NASL Playoffs.

Mexico

Copa MX

Leon 3 Atletico San Luis 3

Marco Vidal played the full 90 minutes, receiving a yellow card in the 46th minute for Atletico San Luis. Atletico San Luis move up to third in Group Two.

Tuesday August 4th

United States of America

United Soccer Leagues

Oklahoma City Energy 2 LA Galaxy II 0

Jacob Van Compernolle played the full 90 minutes for Oklahoma City Energy, getting two shots away as Oklahoma City defeated LA Galaxy’s reserves. Oklahoma City Energy move up to fourth place in the Western Conference.

Sunday August 2nd

United States of America

Major League Soccer

San Jose Earthquakes 0 Portland Timbers 0

Shea Salinas played until the 77th minute for San Jose while Andrew Webber was an unused substitute goal keeper for Portland as the teams fought to a scoreless draw. Portland Timbers move up to fifth while San Jose Earthquakes remain in ninth in the Western Conference

North American Soccer League

New York Cosmos 2 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 0

Hunter Freeman played a whole 90 minutes, and scored (27’ 1-0), also receiving a yellow card in the 39th minute as New York Cosmos won the match. New York Cosmos move up to seventh in the Fall Season standings and move up to second in the combined standings, New York Cosmos have already qualified for the NASL playoffs by virtue of winning the Spring season.

United Soccer Leagues

Tulsa Roughnecks 6 Arizona United 3

Jonathan Top played 86 minutes before being substituted and Danny Garcia came on in the 68th minute for Arizona United as they lost to Tulsa in a high scoring thriller. Arizona United remain in 11th place in the Western Conference.Wednesday August 5th

Three Join Scorpions

Daniel Fernandes in action in Germany

Photo by Sascha Klahn/Bongarts/Getty Images

The San Antonio Scorpions announced three signings on Wednesday morning as they revealed the additions of two defensive pieces. Goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes, defender Milton Palacios and forward Johnny Lawson join the club, and will be eligible to play once their ITC comes through.

The two signings will be welcome by San Antonio Scorpions fans, who have been crying out for a leaky defence to be strengthened. The Fernandes signing was actually completed earlier in the week and as such there is a higher chance he could play, of course he will have to unseat Darryl Sattler.

Fernandes, who was part of Portugal’s 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, joins the club on loan from FC Twente of the Dutch Eredivise. It has been a journeyman career for the Canadian born goalkeeper as the Scorpions mark the 12th club that he has played at, with six of those being on loan.

After spending the 2013-14 season at OFI Crete, seeing him make 21 appearances while at the club. 2014-15 was spent at Panthrakikos, continuing his run in Greece, but less successfully as he only managed four appearances for his previous club.

Being born in Canada made Fernandes eligible for the Canadian National Team and earned six caps for the Under 20s. But in 2006, Fernandes made his switch to Portugal, which proved a smart move as he earned two Under 21 caps and two senior caps for Portugal.

Milton Palacios joins the club on a free transfer after he was released from his club and will see him serve as a winger. Palacios has played throughout Central America, including playing time in the CONCACAF Champions League with Marathon.

The final signing announced was that of Johnny Lawson, the San Antonio Native and former Trinity University stand out. Lawson impressed for San Antonio’s NPSL side, Corinthians FC SA and with their season over, Lawson was picked up by the professional team.

FC Dallas run Halted by Chicago Fire

David Accam on the ball for Chicago

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The MLS form guide was torn up on Sunday evening as Chicago Fire snapped FC Dallas’ impressive run with a 2-0 victory at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas came in on top of the Western Conference, while Chicago Fire have been struggling in the East but none of that mattered on Sunday night.

It was a perfect start from Chicago Fire as they looked to defend the Brimstone Cup and just four minutes in they had the opener. David Accam made a great run on to the ball, to receive it on the right hand side before slotting it past the keeper.

With a surprising lead, the league strugglers were able to actually try and control the proceedings and hold Dallas out. It created a bit of a dull match, compared to a high scoring day the 24 hours before as that goal was the only notable play of the first half.

The next chance didn’t come until the 56th minute as Accam was at it again, forcing a good save from Dan Kennedy. In the 63rd minute again it was Kennedy who made the vital save as he stopped Jason Johnson’s volley with his chest.

After coming off the bench, Kennedy Igboananike probably would have doubled the Chicago lead if not for a poorly timed slip. In the 79th minute Chicago put their position in big trouble after Matt Watson lunged at Rolando Escobar and earned a straight red card.

But Dallas did not take advantage of the extra man and in the 85th minute Kellyn Acosta fouled Igbonanike in the box. That allowed Shaun Maloney to step up and hit the penalty past the keeper sealing the three points for Chicago Fire.