Marty Espinoza Memorial Tournament
JOIN MARTY'S TEAM FOR GOLF
Even before Marty Espinoza joined the Dynamos training staff, he appeared regularly whenever our club staged golf tournaments, his personality and ability with the golf club always shining through. While many of his fellow trainers slashed their way around the course, Marty always finished among the leaders. The soccer and golf world lost Marty in June 2010, when he died at the age of 48 from cancer; but his spirit carries on, as does his name on the backs of Dynamos uniform shirts. The upcoming Dynamos’ Marty Espinoza Memorial Golf Tournament--Mon., April 30, at Longwood Golf Club--will honor him with a benefit to raise funds for the competitive program and college scholarship fund. Andrew Bridges again heads up this event and volunteer assistance, directed by Sue Easley, is needed for tournament day. "We need golfers and sponsors!" exclaimed Andrew this week. "Diamond in the Rough will be back with sports memorabilia and trophies are ordered and ready for pick up. Silent Auction online will be available again." Sue, too, is putting out the call for assistance from parents and coaches, and even players. "There is a need for a total of 24 volunteers!" said Sue, "I'd like to remind volunteers that they are welcome to bring their children if needed, but, if doing so, to please sign up for volunteer spots in the club house." If you can help, please contact abridges@dynamossoccer.com or sue.easley@gmail.com.
Dynamos in Action
SHELBY STILL STANDING
Going into tonight’s (Friday, April 13) 5A State playoffs match, Shelby Willey of Tomball HS is the last Dynamos player still involved in the Texas state high school title run. The District 20-5A champion Cougars, unbeaten with a 19-0-5 record, faced Port Neches-Groves in the Round 4 showdown. It is only the second time in school history Tomball has reached the regional round. Shelby plays for the 03 Dynamos. Jason McDaniel reported in the Houston Chronicle that the Cougars are coming off a stretch of traveling more than 900 miles in eight days on the team bus making trips to Georgetown, Lufkin (twice) and Bryan in the far-flung Region III-5A bracket. (Tomball High defeated Port Neches-Groves, 1-0, in PKs).
U14 BOYS EDGE ONE WORLD
By Mark Wilkinson
(Dynamos trainer reports on key victory in Austin)
It was a hard fought and important 1-0 win for the U14 Dynamos Gold boys. We traveled to Austin to play the One World Soccer 04 team, in a fantastic setting at the Formula One Race Track (Circuit Of The Americas). The pitch itself was brilliant and the game very competitive. The One World team is in the lower half of the United Soccer Club Champions League and had beaten us in a previous encounter in September. Traveling for three hours and playing a game takes its toll, especially in the second half of games and this one was no different. We played well in the first half, but had to work hard to protect a 1-0 halftime lead. We had chances to be further ahead, but managed to score only once. One World finished the half strongly. At halftime, we spoke about our shape for the second half and the need to be compact, prepared to shift as the ball moved. When we won the ball, we would counter quickly and try and take our chances. Also for the second part of the half, we would let them have the ball in their defensive third and press when the ball was played forward into the middle third. These tactics worked as One World's players were restricted to long distance shots and not allowed much space inside our box. We had good chances to score on the counter, but our focus was our defensive shape and to not let them score. To be honest, it was a very long half, but credit goes to the boys for sticking to the task and coming away with the victory.
U18 BOYS RETURN WITH WIN
Trainer Stephen Gonzalez welcomed back the U18 Dynamos boys and they responded with a 2-0 victory over Dynamo-Dash in their first club outing since high school play last Sunday at Burroughs Park. After a sloppy start—“It took both teams a good 15 minutes to settle down and start moving the ball,” said Stephen—but with strong defending themselves, and a probing attack, the Dynamos began to break down the opposing defense and scored with a great individual effort by Roberto Morales. A missed penalty kick near the end of the first half kept the Dynamos from increasing their lead. After halftime, though, there was a strong response. “Tactically, we were very sound,” pointed out Stephen. “The midfield was dominated by us and, as a result, we created numerous chances. Casey (goalkeeper Jones) got a well-deserved break in the second as he was hardly tested at all.” After numerous chances were created, the Dynamos put another goal away, this one off a three-man buildup, with Carlos Martinez scoring with help from Roberto Morales and Omar Fernandez. “We controlled more and more of the game and we very well could have won by four or five,” exclaimed the trainer. It ended, 2-0. “A great start for the boys,” said Stephen. “I was a little worried going in, with so few practices together, but all in all a great performance for our first game. Thanks to Casey Jones from the U16 Gold boys for helping us out (when the regular keeper was unavailable), he was big time in goal.”
U12 BOYS SILVER ROMP
Following a scoreless first half, the U12 Dynamos Silver boys collected a pair of goals from Jorge Quiroz and another from Cameron Villegas to blank the Dynamo-Dash, 3-0, last weekend at Gosling Park. “The game definitely opened up after halftime,” said trainer Stephen Gonzalez. “We were using the outsides more and slowly forcing the opposition to open up.” Quiroz got the first goal on a splendid free kick from just outside the box, and after scoring from a splendid buildup, the final goal came off a corner. Goalkeeper Derek Staiger recorded the shutout. “A hard-fought game,” praised the trainer, “and another big win for these boys.”
Tryouts
REGISTER NOW FOR SELECTION PROCESS
Players are signing up rapidly for the Dynamos Select Team tryouts, which will be held at Dyess Park in May (for U11-U13 boys and girls), and in June (for U14-U19). Don’t delay—registration is online (elsewhere on this website). Players unable to participate due to injuries, or other valid reasons, are still required to register online (and notify their respective trainers with a specific reasons for their unavailability) in order to be eligible for selection. The tryout schedule:
May Tryouts
May 14 and May 16--Under-11 boys & girls - 5:30-7:00pm, Under-12 boys & girls - 7:00-8:30pm
May 15 and May 17--Under-13 boys & girls - 5:30-7:00pm
June tryouts
June 4 and June 6--Under-14 boys & girls - 5:30-7:00pm, Under-15 boys & girls - 7:00-8:30pm
June 5 and June 7--Under 16 boys & girls - 5:30-7:00pm, Under 17-18-19 boys & girls - 7:00-8:30pm
Players will find that Dynamos tryouts are pleasurable, not stress-driven. In fact, the Dynamos trainers will be there to ensure that boys and girls have fun, playing small-sided and full-sided games. Parents who warn players to try extra hard or they won’t make it merely add pressure. If players relax and enjoy what they are doing, their true ability will emerge.
RIDE THE TEXT TRAIN
A snippet from text exchanges by Dynamos trainers on a cold Saturday morning:
Trainer One: “Heading to Starbucks, then back to Dyess. Requests?”
Trainer Two: “Can you deliver to The Woodlands, please?”
Trainer One: “Yes, but I'm more expensive than a taxi.”
LOOKING BACK
2008--During the Dynamos golf tournament (before the passing of Marty Espinoza), Marty, an excellent golfer, was playing a round with Olivier Finidori and Roland Sikinger, who as golfers are excellent soccer trainers. Marty played away, his partners in awe of his skill. Meanwhile, the French Firecracker and Rolie the Goalie were slashing their way around the Gleannloch Farms course. After the first hole, Oli asked Roland, “How many did you take on that one?” Roland replied “Five.” “It’s my hole,” said Oli,"I took a four.” After the next hole, Oli repeated “How many did you take on that one?” “Six,” replied Roland. “It’s my hole, then, I only took five,” said Oli. After the third hole, Oli asked again, “How many on that one?” “Oh no,” countered Roland, “It’s my turn to ask first this time!”
THE BUZZ
Congratulations to Dynamos player Michelle MacIntyre on her commitment to play this fall at the University of Dallas in Irving. Michelle plans to major in biology in hopes of becoming a veterinarian. . . Among the more than 15,000 fans who witnessed the U. S. Women’s National Team’s 6-2 romp over Mexico at BBVA Compass Stadium last week were many Dynamos and former Dynamos, many wearing our club’s colors. . .A lightning strike during recent storms wiped out the sprinkler controller system at Dyess Park leaving the fields dry for a period, but it was replaced by Oscar Irrigation experts on Tuesday, and water returned to fields 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. . .Coaches, parents, and players, please lend your hands to help keep Dyess Park clear of plastic bottles, bottle caps, candy wrappers, tape and other debris that accumulate during game days. Coaches are asked to supervise parents and players each weekend in a post-game check of the sideline area. There’s a waste barrel within proximity of every team area. Please help in keeping up appearances at Dyess Park. Every “litter” bit helps! . . .Glenn Davis welcomes you to his audience on “Soccer Matters,” his radio call-in show on ESPN 97.5FM on Wednesdays at 7pm. Glenn conducts meaningful interviews, and discusses local, national and international soccer, and chats with callers during a fascinating two hours. Call-in number: 713-780-3776. . .To submit items for The Buzz, or the Coaches Memo, email jwalker@dynamossoccer.com.
After announcing her commitment to play soccer at the University of Dallas, Dynamos' player Michelle MacIntyre (fourth from left) celebrates with friends from the Jersey Village High basketball team.
GOALS GALORE
Under-17 Dynamos Gold players (left to right) Kayleigh Duncan, Emily Wilson, Meredith Curtis, and Ayden Bridges lend support to the United States Women's National Team last Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium in the USA's 6-2 victory over Mexico.
QUOTABLE
"That next victory could be just around the corner, one more try away"--Coach Charlie Brown of Peanuts fame
THOUGHT ON COACHING
Crystal Dunn played forward for English Club Chelsea before joining the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL this year. But United States Women's National Team Coach Jill Ellis has slotted Dunn as a defender in the last two games. "I think I'm one of the few that don't play the same position on the national team as I do club." Dunn said. "I think there's definitely a difference being in the back line versus being in the front line, but I think it comes down to knowing that if you haven't gotten a lot of practice there you need to make it as simple as possible. Dunn said she's focused on developing her discipline in the role, something she expects to come with time. "I try to just read the game and know that at the end of the day I'm still playing the same sport," she said--From a Houston Chronicle dispatch by Glynn A. Hill.
ANOTHER THOUGHT
We may be just over a month into the 2018 Major League Soccer season, but it has already produced several milestones, from record-breaking goals to how the league’s newcomers are faring, the season is already telling its story. MLS may very well be the most unpredictable domestic competition in the world. While some use that to disparage it, fans should embrace it. It means that every game counts and the outcome is always in balance. That generally makes for a more exciting product. Unlike the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich seems to run away with the title almost every season, MLS teams can go from first-to-worst from one season to another–sometimes even in the same season such as FC Dallas did in 2017. For now, FC Dallas and NYCFC remain undefeated, while DC United, Portland Timbers, and the Seattle Sounders are winless. NYCFC and Sporting Kansas City are both at 13 points, but can either team see that through? The current snapshot, in other words, can dramatically shift in the coming weeks and months. Other questions persist. Will the Los Angeles Galaxy get much better with Zlatan Ibrahimovic? One thinks so after his amazing two-goal debut and 40-yard goal, but the Galaxy’s 2-0 loss at home puts it all into question. Will Toronto’s Concacaf Champions League run hamper its efforts to repeat? Not likely given how far apart the two competitions are when it comes to playing games that matter. Can NYCFC’s stout defending and impressive goalkeeping help win it the title? In a league where defending is often not a priority, it’s not likely.--Clemente Lisi, USSoccerPlayers.com
IT’S ONLY FAIR
Friday the 13th doesn't bother Coach Cy Fair, who assumes if he doesn't have bad luck, he won't have any at all. Coach Flo is offended by global whining.