Sunday, September 26, 2010
Lady Salamanders Featured at Nike Photo Exhibit
Time Magazine's photography division got a group together to shoot sport for development photos. See the selection of Lady Salamanders Lisa and Jasmine below. This photo was taken at the exhibit in Rio.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Teams Enter Trophy Rounds
The Lady Salamanders beat India and the Men's team beat Luxembourg. After the US dropped it's first game to Scotland, it was eliminated from the top prize competition. Tomorrow it squares off against Austria in the semi finals of the Dignity Cup.
The Lady Sals will play India again in their final match.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
ESPN Features Lady Salamanders
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5584508/women-paving-way-homeless-world-cup
Check out this article in ESPN highlighting the Lady Salamanders!
Check out this article in ESPN highlighting the Lady Salamanders!
US fells Italy, contends for title
USA staid in contentionf or the Homeless World Cup with a victory of Itlay in Penalties. After that they took a lead at halftime against undefeated Poland, and came the closet of any team yet to defeat them. "We had them on the ropes," said Coach Acuna, "It was our game to win and that shows we can compete with anyone."
The Lady Salamanders lost on penalties to Uganda in a game where the US team showed their superiority, but failed to finish off the game. They face Norway today in a rematch of the first round.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Lady Salamanders Round 2 competition
The Lady Sals play Uganda at 1:20 today. The rest of their group include:
USA
Uganda
India
Norway
Looking for victory number 2! Watch Leslie and Lisa secure the team's first victory yesterday in penalties:
USA
Uganda
India
Norway
Looking for victory number 2! Watch Leslie and Lisa secure the team's first victory yesterday in penalties:
Round 2 Group for Mens Team
USA will face Italy first and then Poland today. We will also get a chance to knock off our friends from Russia in Round 2 action. Top 2 teams in the group make the quarterfinals of HWC 2010.
Italy
USA
Russia
Scotland
Ireland
Poland
see other groups at www.homelessworldcup.org
Scotland were champs in 2007 and Russia 2006 and Italy 2004 and 2005.
Italy
USA
Russia
Scotland
Ireland
Poland
see other groups at www.homelessworldcup.org
Scotland were champs in 2007 and Russia 2006 and Italy 2004 and 2005.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
5-3 Bafana Bafana wins
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Historic Win for Lady Salamander
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Lady Sals 2. Haiti 6
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Monday, September 20, 2010
Aishling Scores
Salamanders drop game to Argentina but Aishking of Portland gets first goal in another close match 6-3.
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Huge win for USA
Jaime was man of the match. 9-4 victory puts US in position to qualify for second round top graphic. Lady Sals play next vs. Argentina.
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Coaches regroup with team after Colombia fought back
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How's your German
Team USA appeared on this German TV piece. Sent courtesy of intern Philipp Henerkes who works at Ketchum. On Sept 29th TK from NY has an interview for second job with agency through an employment project Philipp established for Street Soccer USA. Here is the video link http://www.focus.de/panorama/videos/brasilien-fussball-weltmeisterschaft-der-obdachlosen_vid_20037.htm
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USA WINS 6-1
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Morning Practice
Team USA warms up on a street soccer court in Botafogo
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Sunday, September 19, 2010
The River of January 1522 in September 2010
Rio de Janeiro means "River of January." The city's name refers to what explorers thought was the mouth of a great river back in 1502. In fact the river mouth was the Guanabara Bay, which means "arm of the sea" in the local language. The mistaken explorers navigated the coast along the abrupt rising and falling of the Sugar Loaf Mountain Range to arrive at present day Rio on January 1st. In order to keep track of discoveries, it was the custom to name places according the date of disovery. The name stuck, and the lanscape once teeming with jaguars and tapirs became the city know as Rio de Janiero, later the remote capital of Portugal, and then the capital of Brazil until it moved to Brasilia in the 1950's.
Upon arriving in Braziil, one of our players, Deqo, who is of Somali origin, said she thought we had played a trick on her, and that in fact she was back in Africa. Indeed the palm and banana trees, the hazy-thick air, and the haphazard stacking up of houses on the wild curving topography all are the traits of her birthland. Driving in the from the airport we approached the city's center on a high rising freeway overseeing the favelas, which seemed more like sea wreckage washed up on the hillside than the homes of more than 15% of the metropolitan area's 11 million inhabitants. The favelas (slums) of Rio have birthed famous footballers like Ronaldo (most goals ever at the Fifa World Cup), Garrincha (the best dribbler ever to grace a soccer field), and Romario (the highest scoring professional soccer player in the world with more than 1,000 professional goals). As the van hooked east toward the water, our Brazilian Gudie, Paula, apologized for the poverty, saying that Rio is much more than just this, which stuck an extra strange chord given the nature and title of the tournament we had come to compete in. Just as Paula said this, French colonial architecture began to emerge from the sea of favela housing, giving way itself to modern architecture from the latter half of the 20th century as well as cheaper cement apartment buildings, and finally after passing through a low semicircular tunnel, the busy streets and coastline soccer fields of Copacabana took center stage and the favelas were out of sight and out of mind on the far side the Sugar Loaves.
The US teams are staying with the Romanian Team in Botafogo, home of the black and white striped soccer club for which Garincha played. From the street in front of the hostel we simply have to look up to see Jesus perched, arms embracing the vastness of sky, sea, and man made maze before him. He looks out from Corcovado - "the hunchback" - a 2,300 ft. mountain named for its lumpy and leaning posture.
The hostel in Botagofo is one metro stop away from Cardinal Acroverde, the site of the tournament headquarters at "Mellow Yellow Pary" hostel, a tall, slender, dingy, cement building where the largest group of teams are housed.
Our hostel has been the perfect retreat from the tournament's excitment. We've relaxed in the courtyard, told jokes and compared notes about all we've seen and done. After 2 days, it feels like we've been here two weeks.
Upon arriving in Braziil, one of our players, Deqo, who is of Somali origin, said she thought we had played a trick on her, and that in fact she was back in Africa. Indeed the palm and banana trees, the hazy-thick air, and the haphazard stacking up of houses on the wild curving topography all are the traits of her birthland. Driving in the from the airport we approached the city's center on a high rising freeway overseeing the favelas, which seemed more like sea wreckage washed up on the hillside than the homes of more than 15% of the metropolitan area's 11 million inhabitants. The favelas (slums) of Rio have birthed famous footballers like Ronaldo (most goals ever at the Fifa World Cup), Garrincha (the best dribbler ever to grace a soccer field), and Romario (the highest scoring professional soccer player in the world with more than 1,000 professional goals). As the van hooked east toward the water, our Brazilian Gudie, Paula, apologized for the poverty, saying that Rio is much more than just this, which stuck an extra strange chord given the nature and title of the tournament we had come to compete in. Just as Paula said this, French colonial architecture began to emerge from the sea of favela housing, giving way itself to modern architecture from the latter half of the 20th century as well as cheaper cement apartment buildings, and finally after passing through a low semicircular tunnel, the busy streets and coastline soccer fields of Copacabana took center stage and the favelas were out of sight and out of mind on the far side the Sugar Loaves.
The US teams are staying with the Romanian Team in Botafogo, home of the black and white striped soccer club for which Garincha played. From the street in front of the hostel we simply have to look up to see Jesus perched, arms embracing the vastness of sky, sea, and man made maze before him. He looks out from Corcovado - "the hunchback" - a 2,300 ft. mountain named for its lumpy and leaning posture.
The hostel in Botagofo is one metro stop away from Cardinal Acroverde, the site of the tournament headquarters at "Mellow Yellow Pary" hostel, a tall, slender, dingy, cement building where the largest group of teams are housed.
Our hostel has been the perfect retreat from the tournament's excitment. We've relaxed in the courtyard, told jokes and compared notes about all we've seen and done. After 2 days, it feels like we've been here two weeks.
It's a great testimony to the group of 8 staff here with us that the players have bonded so well. Though they are first to give the players themselves the credit, our Street Soccer coaches have facilitated comraderie that took center stage during opening parade. See the photo of our merry gang (left).
One example of the comraderie is the invasion of the Mohawks. Lisa Wrightsman has brought the Mohawk back in style with her super-doo and super skills on the field. She originally wore it along with her fellow Sacramento teammates as a sign of their commitment to recovery. So far, Kevin, Jasmine, Pete, Will, Chris, TK, and Tura have joined the Mohawk madness, and more members may be persuaded to abandon their hairy temples soon. Going for the Mohawk is a complicated gesture. On the one hand its calling attention to one's self and on the other hand it symbolizes a shedding of personal identity with that of the team's identity. Literally or effectively, so far all of the players have answered the Mohawk Challange.
As we explore the country more and as we are challanged through the crucible of the tournament, this trip will continue to be one of discovery. Kevin of Fort Worth stroked phantom whisps of hair above his ear as we descended the subway escalater on the way home from dinner tonight as he said to me, "This trip has really made it clear to me what Street Soccer is all about. It's not about soccer at all, it's about making friendships, learning from others, like for me meeting all these other people who are further ahead of me in their recovery. But most of all it's learning to trust new people, which I have not really done before. I mean, we really support each other. Man, I don't know what I really expected, but it's been awesome. Better than I thought, but in a different way."
In the words of the whole team during the parade and during our games, and echoing still in my ears, "Ole Ole Ole, USA!, USA!"
Gameday 2--First Matches Against India and Columbia
Team USA Men face India at 10:40am. Kevin of Fort Worth set to make his first start in goal. India dropped their opening match to South Africa, so it's crucial encounter for both teams.
Salamanders 5 Dutch 8
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US Men drop 3-2 opener to defending champs
The Lady Salamanders play Netherlands in their opener at 5pm Brazilian time today.
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
Lady Salamanders to Play Netherlands in Opening Match
Group A: Argentina, Haiti, Netherlands, USA, Norway, New Zealand.
The Lady Salamanders will rely heavily on star Lisa Wrightsman as the women's competition looks to be a tough challenge. Team USA features few experienced soccer players in contrast to the Netherlands squad who traveled to various tournaments to compete. The first ever US national women's team kicks off in the final match of day 1.
Stay tuned for live pictures and updates all day tomorrow on blogger, twitter and facebook. Post comments or send messages of encouragement to the squad.
The Lady Salamanders will rely heavily on star Lisa Wrightsman as the women's competition looks to be a tough challenge. Team USA features few experienced soccer players in contrast to the Netherlands squad who traveled to various tournaments to compete. The first ever US national women's team kicks off in the final match of day 1.
Stay tuned for live pictures and updates all day tomorrow on blogger, twitter and facebook. Post comments or send messages of encouragement to the squad.
US Men Draw Defending Champs In HWC Opener
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
All Invited: Send Off Tonight, Red Bulls Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, NY Redbulls and DHS Commissioner Diamond Present the National Team with their Jerseys and Then Jersey Sponsor, the Promotion Factory , takes on SSUSA Nationals in rematch from last year at 1pm on the corner of Broom and Chrystie in Soho.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Lady Salamander National, Lisa Wrightsman, Sacramento, CA (Striker)
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| Lisa, left, in action. (Rich Qualters) |
Lisa Wrightsman, Sacramento, CA (Striker)
Lisa Wrightsman survived cancer as a child. She played college and semi-professional soccer until drug and alcohol addiction overtook her life. She is now 10 months sober and was the National Women's Player Of the Tournament at the SSUSA Cup in Lisa has said that getting sober and back onto the soccer field had been “the toughest thing she has ever done,” including beating cancer. “I’ve worked harder for this anything I ever have in my life.”
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Lady Salamander National, Jasmine Alyssa, Minneapolis, MN (Goalkeeper, Striker)
Jasmine Alyssa was homeless for two years prior to joining the Street Soccer USA
“I started counseling at my coach’s request even though I didn’t like talking about my problems. I’ve benefited a lot from this because now I know how to handle things better and I’m more open to talking about things. I also got into transitional housing a month ago and I’m starting a new job next week. I’m graduating soon and also enrolled in college for the fall.” – Jasmine Alyssa
Jose Acuna, National Team coach in 2009, and coach of the Street Soccer USA Cup winners in 2008, and finalist in 2009, is indeed a winner. However what he achieves with the youth off the field is where his real talent lies. In addition to coaching, Jose is performs outreach for our partner YouthLink MN in Minneapolis.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Lady Salamander National, Aisling Rose O'Grady, Portland, OR (Defender)
Aisling Rose O'Grady, Portland, OR (Defender)
Portland’s Outside In serves homeless teens in the city. They launched their first soccer team by first training and building trust in the latter part of 2009. Things gained momentum and they brought a full squad to the 2010 Cup in DC. Aisling was the lone girl on the team, and made the Lady Salamander national team.
“I enjoy playing soccer with the Street Soccer USA program. I’m just finished a 10- week work experience, as well as a summer term at Portland Community College. I would like to study music. I come from a musically talented family!”- Aisling Rose
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
SSUSA National, David Alan Altherr—Ann Arbor, MI (Defender)
David Alan Altherr—Ann Arbor, MI (Defender)
David survived a difficult and abusive childhood, took responsibility for the consequences of some bad choices he made in his adulthood, and now thrives as a 7-months-sober, housed, responsible citizen who is a positive example and mentor to his 9-year-old daughter and his peers. He also inspires his coaches with his optimism, wicked sense of humor, and compassion for others. His motto: “I never give up. I persevere.”
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Lady Salamander National, Jessica Watson-Crosby, New York, NY (Defender)
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| Lady Salamanders Celebrate with Founding Sponsor Sheila Johnson |
Jessica Watson-Crosby, New York, NY (Defender)
At 62 years old, Jessica is not one who thought learning new tricks was possible. “The experience of playing soccer and being around such a group of positive people, taught me that actually, I was oppressed. A prisoner in my own mind. I thought Street Soccer was some kind of joke, but even before I got to play on this national team, I can honestly say that it changed my life.” Jessica is a resident in the in the Brownsville women’s shelter Brooklyn run by HELP USA. She joined the first ever women’s team catalyzed by the launch of the Lady Salamander Program in 2010.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Street Soccer USA National, Marlon Alexander—Los Angeles, CA (Striker, Goalkeeper)
Marlon Alexander—Los Angeles, CA (Striker, Goalkeeper)
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| Marlon with Liverpool's David Ngog when he and friend | Emmerson Boyce visited SSLA |
“This program has awakened in me a dream . . . I feel that being a member of this team brings new challenges and new goals; now I believe that I can do anything as long I put my mind into it.”- Marlon Alexander
Marlon's high school teacher says there is clear dividing line between Marlon before playing soccer, and Marlon after. His hygiene in proved, he was smiling and talkative, she shared. "Something had clearly changed so I asked him," she said. "I am part of a soccer team," he said.
Street Soccer LA is run in partnership with Jovenes, Inc. Former Street Soccer USA National Captain (2008), Johnny Figueroa coaches the team. Jovenes, Inc., located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood serves homeless teens, providing permanent and transitional housing in addition to an array of other support services.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
SSUSA National, Tura Sultan Hassan Minneapolis, MN (Striker)
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| Tura (right center) with his MN teammates |
Tura was born in Ethiopia and moved to Kenya when he was three years old after his twin sister was shot and killed. Tura experienced a difficult youth as the living conditions in Ethiopia and Kenya
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Lady Salamanders National, Hani Haybe, (Striker / Midfield) Minneapolis, MN
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| Hani controls the bar at Kastles Stadium in DC |
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Friday, September 10, 2010
SSUSA National, Jaime Alexander—San Francisco, CA (Midfield)
Jaime Alexander—San Francisco, CA (Midfield)
I am thankful to the sport of soccer because all my life I have been happy to play it. My dream was to be a professional soccer player, but because of some poor choices I started to drink alcohol heavily and became homeless. The Street Soccer program has helped me get my life back and in order. Playing on this team is really helping me to be a better person and be more responsible.”- Jaime Alexander
Jaime plays on the San Francisco Team coached by David Rodrigues and Antoine Lagard. Antoine, a former player on the 2009 SSUSA Championship team and David coached their team to the finals of the 2010 Cup. The focus of the San Fran program, run in partnership with the Glide Foundation, has been to connect homeless teens and young adults to housing with a special focus on getting their high school diploma.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
SSUSA National, Tokynbo Ajiboye—New York, NY (Midfield)
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| TK (top) celebrates with Asst. Coach Reed and Goalie Ron (photo Rich Qualters) |
Tokynbo Ajiboye—New York, NY (Midfield)
Tokunbo Ajiboye, “TK”, was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky but lives now in Far Rockaway, N.Y. His parents are Nigerian, and took him home when he was young. Trying to get back to the US to pursue secondary education and soccer, TK helped a friend traffic drugs and consequently served 18 months in prison. Determined, but frustrated and overwhelmed, TK found Street Soccer USA at the HELP USA shelter in NYC. That has made all the difference. Now TK is working towards his bachelor’s degree, and is currently in his own apartment, which he supports by working as a waiter in Long Island, NY.
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Street Soccer USA National, Ali Hussein Ahmed--Minneapolis, MN (Midfield)
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| Ali with ball |
Like many of his fellow teammates in Minneapolis, Ali came to the United States as a refugee from the war in Somalia. He came to Street Soccer USA through our partner, Youthlink, MN which serves the homeless teen demographic. At 18 Ali was completely on his own, was sleeping on friends couches, and sometimes wherever he could. Speedy and reliable, Ali simply loves to play soccer. He’ll be a relied upon field general for the US team. Off the field, Ali is getting his high school degree
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
Lady Salamander National, Leslie Leigh Bradford--Charlotte, NC (Goalkeeper)
Leslie Leigh Bradford--Charlotte, NC (Goalkeeper)
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| Leslie, right, with coach Peter Fink |
Make an online donation during the month of September and receive a free, red, SSUSA supporters' bracelet.
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