Malibu United News

United Featured on FSC?!?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:18:00 +0000

Jeremy St. Louis proclaims his loyalty

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Malibu United Soccer Club was name-checked on the August 10th edition of North America's premier soccer news program, the Fox Soccer Report.

Thuesday night anchor, Jeremy St. Louis, held up an MUSC t-shirt while extolling the virtues of its Canadian born manager, David Simpson.

Enjoy!!

story by kef

Passing Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Bosses satisfied with mid-table result on first season in new league

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United end their inaugural season in the Manchester Division of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Dinosaurs of Reggae.

On the previous weekend, the boys had logged a solid performance despite a 2-1 loss against the league leaders, Hollywood Allstars FC, and they were looking for a decisive victory in this match to finish off their campaign on a high note.

United began the pressure early when newcomer Justin “JJ” Saul broke free at the top on four minutes, but the resulting shot overtook the wrong side of the goal post.

They wouldn’t have to wait long for a repeat chance, however, when only one minute later Midfielder Henry Meller worked a nifty give-and-go with forward Dave Keffer near the top of the Dinosaur’s penalty area. Keffer’s return pass split the legs of the final defender as Meller ran through and calmly touched the ball past the keeper with the outside of his right boot to finally open his scoring account for the team.

On fifteen minutes, Meller would get another chance when the official awarded United with a free kick in a dangerous spot twenty-five yards from goal. JJ Saul stepped up to take it, and struck a bullet that beat the goalkeeper but was denied by the crossbar. Then, Meller jumped in to pounce on the rebound, but his header sailed over the bar to keep the score at 1-0.

United would convert again, though, at thirty-one minutes after Xadier Gonzalez chased a ball into the right corner. Gonzalez delivered a high, looping cross toward the back post that striker Gabe Bonetti nicked of the back of one of the Dinosaur defenders before powering it past the goalkeeper and into the twine.

In the second half, United continued to pressure. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth handed the gloves over to Ryan Silverman in order to take a run up top, and the change almost paid dividends on seventy minutes when Spilseth found himself with a heartbeat of space in the Dinosaur penalty area. His shot rolled wide of the mark, though, leaving his season tally at one goal and four clean sheets.

The Dinosaurs were able to pull one back before the end of the match on a nice flick from the right side that was re-directed past Silverman, but that would be all they could muster, and the game ended at 2-1.

The final season stats give the Golden Boot to striker Byron Paidoussi with ten goals in all competitions and seven in league play. Prodigal striker Ben Corrodi ties the league match tally with seven of his own, followed by newcomer Valentine Crisan with four, and veteran Dave Keffer with three. Keffer also leads the assists tally with seven total, followed by Paidoussi and team captain Ignacio Rodriguez with five assists each.

The days result leaves United sixth in a table of twelve teams, a position with which manager David Simpson seemed satisfied, “This league is a definite step up in quality from our previous league, and I think we represented well for the most part. We even gave the top four a run for their money on occasion.”

Looking toward next season, co-manager James Whalen added, “It’s a great position to build on. We’ll take a few tournaments and friendlies in the off-season, and we’ll be back stronger than ever next year.”

story by kef
photos by heidi

Gump Holds Strong

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Bubba Gump delivers a solid performance to best United in weekend romp

Santa Monica, CA – After holding fourth place Old Boys to a nil-nil tie last weekend, Malibu United were excited about their chances on Sunday against Bubba Gump. United had beaten the lower ranked team twice previously this season, and their recent form had been improving.

Unfortunately, Bubba didn’t get the memo. The opponents started the scoring after only three minutes when defender Robert Silverman got turned around in the penalty area. The Gump striker was able to get a shot off that beat goalkeeper Ted Spilseth in the upper left corner.

United would draw level a short time later when striker Byron Paidoussi created some space down the left sideline. He drove into the corner and delivered a cross into the six-yard box that caromed off a defender and into the path of Dave Keffer. Keffer sidestepped his mark with a quick touch and then pounded the ball between the post and the keeper.

Bubba Gump again pulled ahead on twenty-seven minutes when a high cross was pinched out of the grasp of Spilseth by the head of one of the Gump strikers. The 2-1 score would carry into the half time break.

After the restart, Bubba Gump would nick another on a quick counter attack that ended in a pile up on the goal line and the ball in the back of the net.

United kept pressing forward, and almost pulled one back when winger Johan Galvan received a nice through-ball from midfielder Robert “Tubbs” Pike, who is back in the starting eleven after a recent knee injury. Galvan struck the ball well and would have been celebrating if not for a dramatic fingertip-save from the Gump goalkeeper.

A few minutes later, however, the goalkeeper wouldn’t be so lucky when veteran United midfielder Matt Kawczynski received a pass from Pike just inside the Gump half of the field. Kawczynski took a few steps forward and then drove a scorching thirty-five yard shot toward goal. The ball dipped just under the crossbar to give United some hope with only ten minutes remaining.

Manager David Simpson threw everything forward as United tried to level the scoreline. Unfortunately, in the final minute of play Bubba Gump broke free on the counter-attack, and with few United players covering the back, made quick and easy work of the forth and final goal.

The result leaves United solidly at the middle of the table as they prepare to face third place Sports Harbour next weekend.

story by kef
photos by heidi

“Legends Never Die ... they just fade away.”

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:42:00 +0000

United salutes a passing hero

Malibu, CA – In May of this year, United midfielder Lord Michael Ridley announced that he would be leaving Malibu United, and indeed Los Angeles, at the end of July. It is an unexpected move but the unexpected should come as no surprise when it comes to Lord Ridley.

Ridley’s antics are legendary. No one has ever quite been able to explain why he jumped off a traffic light after the Red Sox won the World Series. Who can forget the day an injured Byron Bru looked to the sideline for a substitution, only to find a hung-over Ridley sitting on his wasted arse, giving Bru the thumbs up, telling him that he was fine to continue.

Lord Ridley was bought in several season ago by manager James Whalen due to his international experience and star quality. A gifted two-footed player with quick feet, he has been a continued fan favorite. He routinely sells more jerseys than Beckham, and one season he single-handedly inspired the crowd to believe that the Champions League was a real possibility.

During Ridley’s career, Malibu United’s fortunes have risen and fallen with his thunderous long-range bullets. In fact, while United never made it to Europe, some of Lord Ridley’s long-range efforts certainly have. “I think it would be fair to say,” mused veteran striker Dave Keffer, “that behind every goalie in our league is a long-range effort from Lord Ridley! Luckily, many of his other attempts have rippled the back of the net."

When asked what it is that United will miss most when Ridley hangs up his boots, midfielder Henry Meller reflected, “It will be the absence of his pearls of wisdom at half time that we’ll really feel. One match, we were up 3-0, and a deadpan Ridley made certain to remind each and every player on the team that if the opposition were to score three goals ... they would be right back in it.”

There have been moments of madness, flashes of genius, smiles, and yes, even tears throughout this young man's career with the club. And, in true Ridley fashion, he has made every player, every coach, every supporter a part of it. Each and every one of us was taken on this amazing journey, on and off the pitch. A journey which will no doubt be turned into a trilogy of novels and movies (Teammate Vincent Williamson is rumored to have optioned the rights).

However, when the legend of Lord Ridley begins to fade after the talented midfielder exits the pitch for the final time on July the twelfth, there will be one lasting image that will forever remain in the memory of those who cheered his name these many seasons. That is the image of the loose fitting strap of his trademark pink shin guards gently flapping in the wind.

“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

-Lord Michael Ridley - Midfielder - Malibu United #14

story by m. ridley
photo by heidi

MaliBru United!

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Striker Byron “Bru” Paidoussi returns from suspension to lead United to their third victory in as many weeks

Santa Monica, CA – Spirits were high at the start of Sunday’s midday match. Most of the squad had seen or heard the results of the first half of the Confederations Cup Final where the US Men’s National Team were leading Brazil by two goals. Luckily, today’s kickoff was scheduled to occur before any further news could come out of South Africa.

United had their full roster available as they faced VCA Rebels, newcomers to the Manchester League. The Rebels would begin the match down a player and never quite recover from that deficit.

United dominated from the start. Keeping with their recent form, the passing was crisp, and their ability to maintain possession was apparent from the onset.

Young strikers Ben Corrodi and Valentin Crisan create some early chances for themselves, but it was veteran midfielder Lord Micheal Ridley, playing in his penultimate match for the club, who would start the scoring early in the first half, after the Rebels failed to clear a United attack into the right corner. Midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez was able to get a toe on the clearance and redirect the ball into the path of Ridley at the top of the penalty area. Ridley volleyed past the keeper with his usual aplomb causing the netting to billow and the supporters to erupt in cheers.

The next goal would come only a short time later when Rodriguez again delivered the ball through the middle, this time to striker Byron Paidoussi who was in traffic within the Rebel’s penalty area. Paidoussi had just enough time to pivot and touch the ball with his left foot past the rushing goalkeeper. The ball gently rolled into the far corner to give United the two goal advantage and lift Paidoussi out of his recent scoring slump.

Only ten minutes on, Paidoussi would strike again, and the assist would again come from Rodriguez out of the middle, this time toward the left side of the penalty area. Paidoussi collected, and chipped the goalkeeper with a right footed strike into the top of the onion bag. The half would end with United in a comfortable 3-0 lead.

After the break, United began to loosen up a bit. Spirits were still high, and there was a good deal of laughing and ribbing coming from the sideline. The pinnacle of which came when forward Ryan Silverman was part of a play that earned United a penalty kick. One of the Rebel defenders knocked the ball down with an outstretched hand, and the official had no choice but to point to the spot. Young Romanian striker Valentin Crisan confidently stepped up to claim the kick, but when cheers of “Ryan! Ryan!” came from the sideline, Crisan graciously stepped aside to give young Silverman his chance to shine. Unfortunately, Silverman’s strike was blocked by the keeper's trailing legs, and when he rushed in to pounce on the rebound, he toe-poked the ball wide of the gaping goal that loomed in his path. Applause still sounded from the stands, however, because in the eyes of the United faithful, Silverman can do no wrong.

The Rebels would get one back in the midway point of the second half after goalkeeper Ted Spilseth covered a dangerous back pass from midfielder Henry Meller. Despite some confusion about the letter of the law, the official called for an indirect free kick inside the United penalty area. After a brief huddle to discuss their strategy, the Rebels came out with a dizzying cavalcade of step-overs that froze the United back line before their last man passed the ball toward the far post. A few bobbling touches later, and the ball found its way between the legs of the last United defender and into the net. The Rebels cheered at their creativity, as did many of the United players, some of whom were still spinning from the display.

The game then began to disintegrate a bit, as United started to lose a little bit of focus, but all it took was a stunning cross from defender Matt Kawczynski that curled with tempo into the six yard box to turn the momentum back their way. Kawczynski’s ball looked at first to be a dangerous shot, but the outward spin instead turned it directly onto the head of striker Byron Paidoussi who was waiting at the far post. Paidoussi redirected it cleanly into the net to secure the natural, three-appendage hat trick, and to put the match out of reach for the Rebels.

After the full time whistle, the United boys congratulated each other for another game well played. Team confidence is high going into next week’s Holiday break, but the boys will be needing everything they can muster when they return in two weeks to face second place Sunset FC.

story by kef

English Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:26:00 +0000

United build on last week’s success with a dominant 2-0 performance against Frogs Soccer

Santa Monica, CA – The mid-afternoon match on Sunday would provide an important three points for Malibu United as they faced off against the French Internationals of Frogs Soccer. The boys started strong and hardly wavered for the full ninety minutes in what many supporters are calling their best performance to date.

The scoring was initiated once again by young Valentin Crisan when defender Vince Williamson took a long throw from the left sideline. The ball found the diagonal run of forward Dave Keffer who was entering the box from the right. Keffer controlled it into the path of Crisan who pushed the ball to the end line, drawing the goalkeeper toward him. At the last second, Crisan toe-poked past the keeper at an impossibly acute angle, and the shot rolled right along the goal line and just inside the far post to give United the early lead.

Malibu maintained the lions share of possession for the remainder of the first half with a display of controlled passing that had most of the supporters on their feet. The boys were working the ball left to right in the back, and with midfielders Michael Ridley and Henry Meller commanding the center of the field, United rarely turned the ball over to their opponents.

After the half-time break, it was more of the same, and United would soon extend their lead. In the fifty-fifth minute, midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez was awarded a free kick only twenty-five yards from the Frogs goal. After a few hand signals to his team mates, Rodriguez stepped up and delivered a curling cross that dropped right into the path of forward Dave Keffer. Keffer put his head to the ball and redirected it into the back of the twine to give United the two goal lead.

That lead would stand for the remainder of the match as United maintained their dominance for the duration.

The result puts them back into the upper half of the table, and with next week’s match scheduled against another lower level side, United will be expected to continue their good form and build on their recent success.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Valentin's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:35:00 +0000

Romanian import finally makes good on his over-inflated transfer fee with hat trick in 7-1 rout on Sunday

Santa Monica, CA – After several weeks of disappointing results, Malibu United took the opportunity to put on a scoring clinic in the late match on Sunday against the most recent addition to the league, Dinosaurs of Reggae.

The Dinosaurs were added to the league to replace the disbanded Pacman FC who were forced to surrender their campaign after losing their main sponsor.

Despite their record, United’s recent form on the pitch had been consistently improving, and against this freshman side, their dominance was immediately evident. After only five minutes, striker Ben Corrodi, returning from a recent back injury, received a pass from newcomer Devon Myers and worked some of his dribbling mojo to create space for a well placed shot at the top of the eighteen. The Dinosaur’s goalkeeper had no chance as the ball found the lower-left corner to start the scoring.

Then in the eleventh, midfielder Johan Galvan outran his defender and slotted a perfect through-ball into the path of rookie striker Valentin Crisan. The Romanian wonderkind kept his cool and placed the ball into the lower right side of the net to mark his first goal for United after his much-lauded transfer from the Steaua Bucharest youth development program.

Ten minutes later, United had another great chance when midfielder Henry Meller headed the ball over the last defender toward Ben Corrodi who had only the goalkeeper to beat. Corrodi sidestepped the keepers challenge, but his shot was dramatically deflected off the line by the head of one of the Dinosaur’s defenders to keep the score at 2-0.

The drama continued in the Dinosaur’s penalty box when Corrodi got called for a studs-up challenge. The collision caused the defender to walk angrily off the field and straight into the bar across the street to order himself a pint and a bag of ice.

In the thirtieth, it was United who reaped the benefits of a foul called at about twenty-five yards out. Young Valentin Crisan stepped up with confidence to claim the free kick and delivered a precision strike that curled over the wall and into the upper left corner of the net. The Dinosaur goalkeeper made a valiant effort to block the shot, but had no chance as Crisan extended United's lead.

The Malibu boys would claim one more before halftime when midfielder Henry Meller found veteran forward Dave Keffer at the top of the Dinosaur’s penalty area. Keffer tapped the ball through to Ben Corrodi who was approaching on the outside. Corrodi struck the ball well, but the keeper parried it away. Keffer pounced on the rebound, however, and half-volleyed into the far side of the onion bag to carry United into the break at 4-0.

With the comfortable lead, manager David Simpson shuffled some players around. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth gave the gloves to defender Chris De La Riva and joined Gerry Smith up top to get some offensive minutes.

De La Riva was forced to make a dramatic “save” in the first minute of the second half when he slid in to collect a free ball in the area. With no attackers in sight, though, most of the supporters familiar with Riva’s style simply chuckled at the dynamic photo-op.

Spilseth nearly had a quick effect up top when he sent midfielder Devon Myers free on goal with a nice pass. Myers finished the try with ease, but the goal was called back when the linesman signaled for offside.

Gerry Smith then had a golden opportunity on fifty-two minutes when he settled a ball in the Dinosaur penalty area. His first try put the goalkeeper on the ground as the ball came back to his feet. Then his second try was stopped again, but somehow Smith was given a third bite of the apple. Unfortunately, though, the Dinosaur’s keeper was was able to control the final attempt and shut down the sizable striker.

United continued to press forward, and in the sixty-third minute, forward Dave Keffer received a ball just inside the Dinosaur’s half. He turned around his defender, and pushed a pass into the run of midfielder Devon Myers. Myers did well to collect the ball in traffic, sidestepped the last defender, and chipped the goalkeeper like a seasoned professional. This time the goal would stand, and Myers did a little dance to celebrate his first for the club.

Only three minutes later, things got a little heated when Byron Paidoussi was taken down just outside the box. Paidoussi, whose fiery temper has gotten him in trouble before, simmered in response. He was able to calm himself, though, for the resulting free kick, and he delivered a seething worm-burner into the pack where United goalkeeper Ted Spilseth, now playing in the front line, put one foot on the shot to redirect it into the lower right corner.

United were up 6-0, but the skies would darken a bit a few minutes later when Paidoussi finally came to a boil and retaliated against a knock he took in the Dinosaur penalty area. The referee instantly pulled out the yellow card, but that wasn’t enough for Paidoussi who continued to verbally challenge the defender. The official reached into his other pocket and sent Paidoussi packing.

Spilseth then had another chance to effect the scoreline when he found himself with time at the top of the eighteen. His strike was headed for the lower right corner, but the Dinosaur goalkeeper made a dramatic save to deny his counterpart.

Then in the seventy-fifth minute, it was again Valentin Crisan’s time to shine. After a well placed ball from forward Dave Keffer put him free on goal, Crisan powered a low, left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to make the score 7-0 and secure the hat-trick and the Man-of-the-Match award, and to provide a decent argument for making June 14th Valentin's day.

The Dinosaurs were able to pull one back a few minutes later to regain some dignity, and United would get a few more chances before the full time whistle, but with the 7-1 final score, United were happy to take three points on the day.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Weekend Friendly

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Bubba Gump forfeit gives United a chance to check out some new faces

Santa Monica, CA – With only seven men arriving on time, Bubba Gump was forced to forfeit Sunday’s match, giving United a 3-0 victory and allowing the lads to enjoy a low pressure friendly.

Striker Byron Paidoussi took the opportunity to break his recent scoring slump with three goals in the first half. Midfielder Lamine Sagna had three close chances, on of which was a diving header that nearly was redirected into the goal.

United backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman joined the opposition for the ninety minutes, leading to several fun moments in the Bubba Gump penalty box.

Overall, it was an entertaining afternoon which gave the boys a much needed three points on the day.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Struggling

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:35:00 +0000

After three dismal showings, United fight to maintain their mid-table position

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United served up a 3-0 Mother’s Day loss on the weekend against Sports Harbour to make a total of three league losses in a row.

Despite some runs of good possession and several good chances to crack open the Harbour defense, United couldn’t seem to deposit the ball into the net.

This comes on the heels of another disappointing performance against the third place team, Old Boys, in which frustration dictated the pace and the mood. The only bright spot in that 6-1 loss was a stellar header that midfielder Lamine Sagna powered into the back of the twine off a deep cross from Gerry Smith.

The results leave United fourth from bottom of the Manchester league with only fifteen points on the season thus far.

The positive news is that next week United will face off against Bubba Gump who sit third from the bottom with ten. Hopefully United can break their losing streak and regain some confidence against the lessor side.

Kickoff is at 4:10pm.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Right Through Their Fingers

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:50:00 +0000

United suffer disappointing 2-1 loss to a diminished Sunset FC.

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United faced off against the second place Sunset FC in the early match on Sunday, and it looked as though they may have caught a break when Sunset’s roster topped off at only nine men.

United took the initial lead on twenty-two minutes when they were awarded a free kick in the Sunset half of the field. Midfielder Lamine Sagna delivered a curling ball toward the far side of the six-yard box where striker Ben Corrodi put his freshly-shorn head on it, redirecting it toward the inside of the left post.

For the remainder of the first half, United held their own. Backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman did well to keep the ball out of the United goal, and the boys in blue looked confident with the two man advantage.

Unfortunately, that would change after the half-time break when Sunset were able to draw level and then, in the sixty-third, take the lead after a penetrating run down the left side left one of their midfield players free at the top of the box. The low shot was driven hard past Silverman into the far corner of the net, and almost out of nowhere, the score was 2-1.

United’s attitude began to crumble as well when several calls from the official seemed to be going against them. Striker Byron Paidoussi, never one to back out of a challenge, was cautioned for a dramatic foul while attacking a loose ball that a sunset defender was attempting to shepherd over the end line. And then, defender Robbie Silverman was cautioned in the seventieth for dissent when an offside call was missed by the linesman on the United end.

Things only got worse as United struggled to pull on back. In the seventy-fifth minute, there was a glimmer of hope when Paidoussi had again penetrated into the Sunset end. He drove the ball all the way to the touch line where he was able to cross in to Ben Corrodi in front of the goal. Corrodi calmly pushed the ball past the keeper, but the center referee had whistled the play dead from twenty-five yards out when he believed the ball went over the end line. The linesman, who was in a much better position to judge, seemed to disagreed and even called the center over to discuss. But in the end, the scoreline stay at 2-1.

United hung their heads low at the final whistle, knowing that they had just let a golden opportunity to collect three points slip away.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Turn Up the Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:58:00 +0000

United confidently collect three points from GT United

Santa Monica, CA – On one of the hottest days of the year to date, Malibu United got set to take on GT United in what many spectators were calling the “United Derby.”

Malibu were fielding a slightly diminished side, so managers Whalen and Simpson called up a few players from the reserves to fill in the gaps.

Strong from the onset, Malibu were the first to threaten when forward Ryan Silverman got ahold of corner kick that had been flicked on toward the back post. Silverman pivoted and struck the ball firmly on the volley with his right foot, but was denied when the attempt clanged off the woodwork.

In the thirteenth, winger Dave Keffer found himself with space on the left side, but after sidestepping his defender to put himself one on one with the GT goalkeeper, he shanked the shot to keep the game level.

Striker Byron Paidoussi, freshly back from a one match ban, also had some early chances, but it was wonder-kind striker Ben Corrodi who would put the first point on the board in the twenty-seventh minute when team captain Ignacio Rodriguez closed down a loose ball in the midfield. The Spanish skipper eyeballed Corrodi’s run and delivered a perfectly weighted pass right through the GT defense. As the goalkeeper collapsed in on the play, Corrodi pulled one of his classic side-step maneuvers and essentially walked the ball across the open goal line.

The Malibu defense was giving a strong display as well. Central defender Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva was on form as usual, doing his best to create dynamic photo-ops for posterity, and goalkeeper Ted Spilseth had several nail biting saves to keep United ahead until the half time break.

At half time, co-manager James Whalen took an opportunity to describe the previous evening’s adventures in West Hollywood, forcing midfielder Henry Meller to douse his cap in cold water to ensure he would stay focused on the task at hand.

After the break, it was more of the same, with both Paidoussi and Corrodi getting several good looks at the GT goal.

It looked as though the game might even out in the fifty-second when Chris De La Riva was called for questionable foul in the Malibu half. Riva had words with the official, but his mind was already made up and he awarded the free kick. One of the GT midfielders then delivered a cracking ball that bent its way around the wall toward the far corner of the net, and United would have found themselves level again if not for the acrobatic stylings of Ted “Teddy Bear” Spilseth, who took the opportunity to stretch his right paw skyward.

Only five minutes later, striker Byron Paidoussi was delivered a running ball down the right side of the pitch. He chased it down into the corner and was able to launch an off-balance cross that curled back into the far side of the GT penalty box and directly onto the waiting head of Ben Corrodi. Corrodi powered a header past the goalkeeper to make the score 2-0.

Malibu held on for the remainder, and even threatened to add a third. Solid displays from midfielders Jason Grima and Henry Meller created some offensive spark, and Paidoussi had several more chances to claim a goal of his own, but wasn’t able to convert any of them. The game ended at 2-0.

The result gives Spilseth his second clean sheet of the season and leaves United in sixth place on the league table.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Help Me Obi Wan

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:28:00 +0000

Striker Ben Corrodi returns to United front line and leads the squad to 4-1 victory over Frogs Soccer

Santa Monica, CA – United manager James Whalen convinced prodigal striker Ben “Obi Wan” Corrodi to suspend his early retirement and join the side on Sunday as they sought retribution against Frogs Soccer.

Corrodi’s speed paid early dividends as United were able to penetrate immediately into the Frogs end, but it was the Frogs who struck first when in the tenth minute United failed to clear the ball after a melee in the penalty box. Frogs pounced on the loose ball and converted the try to give themselves the early lead.

About thirteen minutes later, however, United leveled when newcomer Patrick Morrison was able to feed Corrodi near the top of the Frogs penalty area. Corrodi did a little sidestep before burying the ball into the twine.

Then on thirty-two minutes, midfielder Henry Meller won a fifty-fifty ball in the United end and sent Xadier “zod” Gonzalez sailing down the right side of the field. Zod turned on the back-burners and drove the distance toward the Frogs goal, smoothly passing the lone defender with a quick toe poke. The goalkeeper did his best to cut off the angle, but Zod’s right-footed strike found the far side of the net to give United the lead.

After the break, United came out strong. Skipper Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez and Henry Meller cut through the Frogs midfield before Meller crossed toward forward Dave Keffer at the top of the box. Keffer turned and shot, but failed to connect cleanly. When the ball came off a defender to the feet of Ben Corrodi, though, he had only to tuck it past the keeper for his second of the day.

Then, at around fifty-five minutes, Corrodi again found himself with space, this time on the left side. His defender gave chase as Corrodi pushed into the penalty area, but was unable to catch him. Corrodi's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, but when the rebound came back out, he buried his second attempt to secure the hat trick ... and the ice cream sandwich.

The 4-1 score would hold until the final whistle giving United their fourth win of the season.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Dance Dance Disillusion

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Fancy footwork aside, United fall to Pacmen in the final minutes.

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United had a strong showing on Sunday against third-from-the-top Pacmen, and almost walked away with a point for their effort.

Backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman delivered a stellar performance with several highlight-worthy saves, and the United back four did well to help keep the scoreline clean for most of the game.

Toward the end of the first half, United suffered a setback when striker Byron Paidoussi was ejected after displaying his affection for the opposing goalkeeper. Paidoussi first received a caution, but was given a second yellow when he couldn’t find it in his heart ignore the Pacmen goalkeeper’s advances. To balance things out, the referee showed the same courtesy to the Pacmen and ejected their goalkeeper as well.

Unfortunately, United weren’t able to take advantage of the change, and the game stayed knotted at zeroes until the eighty-seventh minute when one of the Pacmen strikers was able to find some space on the left side and slot the ball past Silverman.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Shots Fired!

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:11:00 +0000

United contribute to their own 4-0 drubbing by the undefeated league leaders

Santa Monica, CA – The ominous clouds and steady rain Sunday morning might have given some indication of the events to come. United faced off against the undefeated Hollywood Allstars FC in the early morning match, and began the day at a deficit. With several players injured or missing, and Hollywood fielding their usually full roster, it seemed only a matter of time and pressure.

Despite the odds and the weather, however, the sun soon poked through, and United seemed ready to stand up to the Hollywood onslaught. For the first several minutes of the match, United’s defense repelled the Hollywood attack, and the strike team had a few quick counter attacks that seemed to show that there might be a chance for an upset.

Unfortunately, that would change in the tenth minute when United let in a cheap goal after a Hollywood corner kick bobbled free in front of the net. United tried to close, but the shot rolled through the pack and into the lower-left corner of the net to give Hollywood the early lead.

It was a physical game, and United were doing what they could to keep pace. In the twenty-third, Adam McLean delivered a cross from the right side that the Hollywood goalkeeper mishandled after attacking pressure from midfielder John Visher. The ball fell free in front of Gerry Smith, who had pressed forward from the back, but Smith’s attempt to tuck it in the goal went wide.

Then on thirty-three minutes, Hollywood struck again with a well placed cross that was flicked on to the far side of the goal and into the path of their striker who buried it into the twine with a solid header to put his team up 2-0.

United weren’t about to give up, though. About a minute later, some nice combination play between midfielders Ignacio Rodriguez, Dave Keffer, and Robert Pike, left Keffer free in the penalty area. His left-footed attempt, however, glanced off the leg of a Hollywood defender and sailed wide of the target.

After the half-time break, United began to see a little more of the ball, and were winning many of the balls in the air at the midfield. Defenders Gerry Smith and Chris De La Riva were doing well to clean up the back, and the midfielders were beginning to find some holes in the Hollywood back line. New player Xadier Gonzalez, returning to the lineup after a brief injury, had several good runs of possession and distribution. Unfortunately, though, United couldn’t seem to convert any of their chances.

In the sixtieth, striker Byron Paidoussi was sent behind the Hollywood defense with a well weighted through-ball. The resulting shot, though, was parried by the Hollwood goalkeeper's lap, and when the rebound fell at the feet of midfielder Adam McLean, his shot sailed wide.

Five minutes later, Paidoussi again created some space for himself, this time down the right side. He cut in toward the goal, and slotted the ball past the keeper. Unfortunately, a Hollywood defender was able to pull the ball off the line just as United were beginning to celebrate, and the scoreline remained unchanged. It was beginning to feel as though the Malibu boys wouldn’t find the goal no matter how hard they tried.

That feeling was then confirmed in the sixty-seventh, when striker Byron Paidoussi, United’s leading goal-scorer of the season, found himself alone in the six yard box as the ball bounced through to him from the far side. He had only to tuck the ball into the back of the net, but as the day was going, no one was surprised when his close-range shot sailed high over the bar.

After that, it was pretty much downhill for United. Paidoussi was booked in the seventy-second minute for arguing with another player, who also received a caution. Hollywood scored a third goal, and then a fourth in quick succession, and United’s day came to a decidedly disappointing end.

The loss leaves United with the same nine points they had last week. Luckily, with the other results in the league, they will remain at the head of a three-team tie in the middle of the table against GT United and FC Kickers, both of whom fell against United in head-to-head competition earlier in the season.

Next Sunday pits United against the third place team, Pacmen FC. Kickoff is at 4:10pm at Santa Monica Airport Park.

story by kef
photos by heidi

United Kick Kickers

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Malibu hold onto a narrow lead in dramatic 1-0 victory

Santa Monica, CA – The boys suited up for a battle on Sunday against FC Kickers, another team near the middle of the Manchester Division.

Malibu was once again hampered by injuries and illnesses and went in to the game only suiting up 14 players on the team sheet. Luckily, their opposition was in the same predicament.

United did welcome back Chris Harvey a wide player with plenty of energy and pace and they knew that if he got enough of the ball he could make an impact on the days game.

The team was coming off a poor performance from the previous weekend, so managers David Simpson and James Whalen decided to clog up the middle with five midfielders in hopes of maintaining a little more possession. The strategy was effective immediately, with Malibu building up an attack and spreading the ball around.

With this strategy, lone striker Byron Paidoussi was forced to make a lot of lateral runs and hold the ball up when he received it in the attacking third. This suited Paidoussi’s style and he made the best out of every opportunity. Kickers were only able to get to the middle third while building up their own offence, and Malibu stood solid in the back anchored by Vince Williamson and co-captain Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva.

The first half was mostly played in the middle of the park with neither team wanting to give up an early goal. Iñigo Rodriguez and Dave Keffer made several good runs but nothing found the back of the Kickers net. The team looked solid down the middle of the field, with Robert “Tubbs” Pike holding down the midfield, and the wide players getting up and down the field.

Kickers did create one good chance from inside the Malibu box but goalkeeper Ted Spilseth reacted quickly and was able to palm the shot over the crossbar.

The teams went in the halftime break knotted at zeros.

Malibu stayed with their formation to start the second half but was also aware that their opponents would start to tire out forcing the game to really open up. Both teams produced looks at goal but nothing too concerning for United.

United needed a victory so they moved Rodriguez up top to play with Paidoussi. With just under 20 minutes left in the games some of the veteran United players were getting tired legs. This was most apparent when David Simpson was back pedaling to trap a ball and ended up on his back side. Without hesitation, though, he was able to improvise and do some freestyle juggling, collect his own pass and dribble away.

The mishap ended up turning into good fortune when shortly thereafter, this season's leading scorer Byron Paidoussi collected a through-ball played in off the foot of De La Riva and was able to slot it under the onrushing Kickers goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

The team once again dropped Rodriguez back into the midfield looking to hold on to the lead and secure the win.

Much to the dislike of the United players and fans the referee awarded Kickers a number of dubious free kicks just outside of the Malibu box but nothing became of them.

Malibu goalkeeper Ted Spilseth did a fantastic job in the remaining minutes collecting all of the Kickers shots, and he was almost able to created a few scoring opportunities by releasing winger Chris Harvey on the counter attack.

United rode out the remainder of the game and was able to put another win in the win column, marking the first clean sheet of the season for Spilseth.

With this result, Malibu currently sit in the middle of the league table, adjacent to four other teams all with the same win percentage.

United face the toughest battle of the season next Sunday as they are set to play the team at the top of the table, Hollywood All-Stars. The boys are looking forward to this encounter because not only does Hollywood bring their pompous name and their porn-star cheering section, but the team is also coached by former English Premier League player and current actor, Vinnie Jones.

Kickoff is at 9:30am. Arrive early for premium seating!

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Daylight Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:18:00 +0000

United take another hit in weekend dust up

Santa Monica, CA – In an effort to string together two wins in a row, Malibu United faced off against Sports Harbour on Sunday. Unfortunately, with several players unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, the result was much the opposite.

Sports Harbour managed a good deal of possession from the onset, but United were able to create a counterattack that threatened the Harbour goal on more than one occasion.

In fact, the first goal came only ten minutes in when United captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez burst behind the Harbour defense with a sprint toward the right side of the penalty area. When the defense tried to close him down, he dropped the ball to Byron Paidoussi at the top of the box. Paidoussi drew two defenders toward him before laying off a nifty back pass into the path of an onrushing Adam McLean who had collapsed in from the midfield. McLean took one step and buried the ball back across the goal and into the net.

This sweet display of passing gave United a boost in confidence that lasted until the twenty-third minute when Sport Harbour were able to level the scoreline.

United struggled against the grain to pull ahead again, and they looked as though they may when defender Chris De La Riva made a run from the back and was delivered a clever through-ball by Michael Ridley playing on the right midfield. De La Riva beat the offside trap and was one on one with the Harbour goalkeeper, but his final touch let him down, and United entered the break at 1-1.

Unfortunately, the second half would prove too much for the diminished United roster. With only two substitutes, the Harbour passing game would wear them down.

Despite some stellar defensive play, Sport Harbour netted three more before the end of the match, making the final score 4-1.

United’s upcoming schedule will prove to be difficult. The next three matches are against the top three teams in the league.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:47:00 +0000

United break out the trawl nets and catch themselves some shrimp

Santa Monica, CA – Going into Sunday’s match, Malibu United was coming off one of their worst losses in club history, losing 7-2 to the Old Boys. But, the team was determined to get another win under their belt while they prepared to face Bubba Gump.

Malibu fielded a strong starting 11, welcoming back Robert “Tubbs” Pike and Michael Ridley, the team also called on back-up goalkeeper Ryan Silverman to don the mitts.

United took control for most of the first ten minutes while limiting their opponents to very few touches of the ball. The United team kept pressing into the attacking third of the field and won a corner kick at the 13th minute mark. Team captain Ignacio Rodriguez delivered a well-measured cross with pace to the top of the box near an awaiting Lamine Sagna. Sagna rotated his body and attempted what would have been the Manchester League goal of the year only to see the Gump goalkeeper stand strong and punch it away.

Luckily for United the ball fell to the feet of their top goal scorer Byron Paidoussi and this time he gave the goalkeeper no chance by smashing it in off the inside of the post.

Malibu was ahead, but unfortunately this woke up the Bubba Gump players, and they started to climb back into the game. The opponents midfield was able to sneak a ball in behind the United back four and their striker was in with only Silverman to beat. The Petr Cech-like Silverman made himself big and came out at the striker to cut off his shooting angle. The back-up shot stopper came out on top and preserved Malibu’s lead.

Malibu once again settled down their play and spread the ball around the field taking several shots of their own. It looked like Malibu was going into the half up 1-0 when yet again Gump got in behind the defense. Center back Vince Williamson chased down the striker and was forced to bring him down just outside of the penalty box, earning himself a yellow card in the process. His effort more then likely also preserved Malibu’s lead because nothing became of the free kick and the referee blew the whistle for the half.

United started the second half like they started the game, maintaining most of the possession. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Gump earned a free kick 30 yards out and were able to capitalize on it. They delivered a great aerial ball that took a couple of deflections and landed at the feet of one of their players. He easily slotted the ball under Silverman from seven yards out and the game was tied.

Building on their momentum, Gump kept pressing forward and creating several good chances. Silverman and his back four came up huge on a few Gump opportunities and the game remained deadlocked.

With their opponents looking for the go ahead goal, United created a few good chances of their own. Skipper Rodriguez created great space for himself at the top of the Gump penalty area and let loose a thunderous shot only for the keeper to paw away. Then, with one of his trademark looping shots from distance, Michael Ridley beat the goalkeeper but not the crossbar.

The field really began to open with both teams not afraid to send players forward in an attempt to separate themselves from the middle of the table. This worked to United's advantage when Gump were exposed at the back. Veteran striker Dave Keffer pulled a lone defender just inside the box and nicely turned him, forcing the defender to take Keffer's legs out from underneath. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and United PK taker Ignacio Rodriguez stepped up with four minutes left on the clock and buried home a powerful shot into the top left corner. It was behind the goalkeeper before he even moved.

United killed off the remaining time on the clock and took home another victory. They looked more organized this week then their previous effort and are now starting to build some confidence.

With the help of many blocked shots by his field players, Silverman allowed only one goal in his first Manchester League appearance. With his unorthodox, but effective shot blocking, Silverman wins the Man of the Match award.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Bruised and Battered

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:08:00 +0000

United struggle against a strong Sunset FC side in weekend loss

Santa Monica, CA - Malibu United faced a tough test on Sunday against the team at the top of the Manchester division table.

Several key players were nursing injuries. United captain Ignacio Rodriguez was sporting a striking new head-bandage after a training accident on the treadmill left him with several stitches on his forehead. Veteran striker, Dave Keffer, was still sidelined due to a separated shoulder, but showed up to support his club. Defender Gerry Smith was also absent due to a bruised ego.

New defender Vince Williamson, still reeling from the previous evening’s escapades, showed his mettle by shaking off the cobwebs and stumbling onto the pitch. And, backup goalkeeper Michael Ridley was given the start as manager Simpson bemoaned the late arrival of their number one, Ted Spilseth.

The match began relatively slowly, with both teams having equal possession of the ball. Sunset would soon tip the balance, however, with several runs of good controlled passing.

When Spliseth finally arrived, he was substituted in for Ridley, but on the tenth minute, was forced to weather a bit of a bump when he lost his footing and had to smother a dangerous back pass. Sunset FC was given an indirect free kick within the United penalty area. Luckily, the United wall was able to deflect the attempt, and play continued at zeros.

Then in the twentieth minute, Sunset was awarded a penalty kick when United defender Robbie Silverman, back from his extended vacation in Switzerland, waved off the league’s slide-tackle policy to gave the supporters a demonstration of his defensive abilities. He was immediately cautioned for the offensive and sent to the sideline to contemplate his error. Fortunately for Silverman, United were able to narrowly avoid being a goal down when Spilseth was able to cover the resulting shot.

Sunset kept pressing forward, though, and were finally able to convert in the thirty-fourth minute after United defender Chris De La Riva gave up a foul just outside of the United penalty area. This time, the Sunset free kick was curled in beautifully over the wall, and Spilseth had no chance to stop it.

The 1-0 score line would hold until half time, but it was all downhill after the break.

Only a few minutes into the second half, a defensive miscue left one of the Sunset strikers wide open in front of the United goal. Spilseth did what he could to close it down, but the Sunset striker kept his composure and chipped the ball into the net.

Then, ten minutes later, Sunset again found space in United’s third. This time from the left side. Spilseth, who had made several solid stops at the back, again tried to cut off the angle, but the shot was well placed and put Sunset ahead by three.

At seventy-three minutes, things took a sour turn when United’s flamboyant winger Michael “Lord Ridley” Ridley was clipped while demonstrating the diversionary capabilities of his fancy striped socks. Ridley went down in a heap and suffered a severe ankle injury that had team physios predicting several weeks of recovery.

Sunset added one more to the score sheet in the eighty-fifth minute to make the final score Sunset FC 4, United 0.

The only positive outcome on the day was the long-awaited delivery of the championship trophy for the 2008 Summer League that United secured last August. However, that did little to lift the spirits as United must now go back to work in order to regroup for their next match against Old Boys at 2:30pm next Sunday.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Clobbering Time

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:09:00 +0000

United skipper leads new squad to 3-1 victory in second match of the season

Santa Monica, CA – Despite a 2-0 loss in their first match, Malibu United’s new roster looked strong, and on Sunday the team pulled together to create a convincing win against GT United.

Several new players were given a chance to demonstrate their abilities, but it was longtime team captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez, recently returning from a back injury, who began the scoring. A defensive miscue led the GT United goalkeeper to smother a backpass from his defender, and Malibu were quickly awarded a free kick within the GT penalty area. Manager David Simpson gave a few instructions before tapping the ball toward an onrushing Rodriguez, who delivered a bullet into the top right corner of the net to give Malibu the lead.

The only other dramatic incident before the break occurred when Michael “don’t call me ridley” Ridley took a knock on the ankle and turned it into a scene from Ace Ventura Pet Detective. Unfortunately, the referee hadn’t seen the movie, and wasn’t buying into the reenactment. Ridley’s colorful reaction left many supporters questioning his judgement.

Seven minutes into the second half, Malibu would strike again -- this time from a pair of newcomers. Puerto Rican import, Xadier Gonzalez carved himself out some space down the left side of the penalty area by powering past his defender. Gonzalez then unselfishly looped a pass over the head of the last defender toward Byron Paidoussi who was approaching the back post. Paidoussi calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give United a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Defensively, United were showing their mettle as well. New goalkeeper Ted Spilseth made several dynamic saves trying to keep the score sheet clean. Chris De La Riva and Gerry Smith were strong as ever in the back. Even superstar defender Josh Langdon, on temporary loan from his English League side, was free to have a few runs up top with the offense.

It was midfielder Robert “Tubbs” Pike, however, whose creativity and patience created the opportunity for the third goal. Pike slalomed through several players and drove into the GT penalty area, but he pulled up when the goalkeeper cut off the angle. He dropped the ball back to Michael Ridley at the top of the area, and when the return pass came he threaded a pass between two defenders and onto the left foot of James Whalen. Whalen hit the ball on the fly, redirecting it past a diving GT goalkeeper and into the far side of the net to make the score 3-0.

Malibu were in a comfortable position and on their way to a 3-0 victory until the linesman made a questionable call against goalkeeper Ted Spilseth when he handled a ball that was sitting on the penalty box line. The referee showed Spilseth the yellow card, and Gerry Smith donned the gloves for the remaining three minutes of the match. Unfortunately, that was all the time GT United needed, as they were able to nick a goal in extra time.

The win puts United in fifth place on the league table looking toward an early morning match next Sunday against Sunset FC.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Bienvenue!!

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Despite loss, United launch 2009 campaign in good form

Santa Monica, CA - After a long break, and some dramatic reorganizing, Malibu United Soccer Club began their 2009 campaign Sunday with their first official match in the Manchester division of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League.

The decision to transfer the club’s participation to a new league was a difficult one, according to co-manager James Whalen, but after a successful experience with the Santa Monica organization this past summer, both he and co-manager David Simpson decided to make the transfer official for league play in 2009.

With the new season also come some adjustments on the managerial side for the club. Simpson will now be taking more of a lead role on match days and in the day to day organization of the club, while, with the addition of Ryan Silverman as the club’s new financial officer, longtime boss Whalen will be turning his attention more toward developing the club’s community and business interests.

Said Whalen, “I’m tired of collecting and counting the pennies. From now on, I’d like to do more of the spending.”

All the clubs officers will continue their participation as players as well, joining several new faces on the roster for the start of the new season.

Sunday’s match pitted United against Frogs Soccer, a team mostly made up of French internationals. The game began with Malibu maintaining good possession of the ball. New signings, Robert “Tubbs” Pike and Adam McLean, added a good amount of stability to the midfield, and Vince Williamson, also new to the squad, gave supporters several examples of his confidence in securing the back line.

Up top, newcomer Byron Paidoussi created some early opportunities for himself and seemed to work well with United veterans Dave Keffer, in the other striker position, and Michael Ridley, on the wing.

Early in the first half, Ridley delivered a long cross from the wing that led Paidoussi past his defender. Unfortunately his shot sailed wide after a cleverly disguised tug to the arm brought him down in front of the Frogs goalkeeper. The referee wasn’t interested, though, and play continued.

The next chance came about two minutes later, when Robert “Tubbs” Pike found Dave Keffer just outside of the penalty box with a looping delivery from midfield. Keffer volleyed the ball on the bounce, but his shot was also off the mark.

The Frogs were patient and were able to test United’s defensive line a few times, but veterans Gerry Smith and Chris De La Riva were usually there to mop up. When the ball did find its way behind the back four, new goalkeeper Ted Spilseth was hardly bothered by what he had to deal with.

In the thirtieth minute, winger Michael Ridley took a hard hit at the top of the penalty area resulting in a free kick. Striker Dave Keffer stepped up to deliver a curling shot with the outside of his right foot that found its way around the wall, but not past the Frogs goalkeeper.

Six minutes later, Ridley had been shifted into the striker role, and had a chance at goal when Paidoussi chested the ball down and into his path. Unfortunately, Ridley was closed down by the defense and wasn’t able to get the connection he was looking for. The shot sailed high and wide.

Paidoussi had yet another chance minutes later when he drilled a worm-burner toward the lower left corner. The Frogs goalkeeper made a diving save, though, to keep the score-line at zeros for the half-time break.

After the restart, things heated up quickly when defender Chris De La Riva found himself racing down the right sideline only to be blocked off by a Frogs player. Even though his opponent took the brunt of the hit, De La Riva was awarded a free kick.

Gerry Smith stepped up to take the kick and delivered a curling cross toward the top of the box that found the head of striker Dave Keffer. Keffer flicked the ball past the defensive line and into the path of De La Riva who had circled around to the far side of the goal. Riva put his head to the ball and looped it over the Frogs goalkeeper and into the upper left corner of the net as the park erupted in cheers.

De La Riva’s goal celebration would be short lived, however, as the linesman signaled for offside. The score remained tied at zero.

United continued to press forward, and only a few minutes later, had another solid chance at goal when Gerry Smith rose above the pack to catch a corner kick with his head and redirect it toward goal. Only some decent acrobatics from the Frogs goalkeeper kept the ball from the twine.

Unfortunately, Smith set a different sort of example five minutes later, when tempers began to flare and he was cautioned for dissent.

In the sixtieth minute, it looked as if the Frogs’ patience was going to pay off when one of their strikers was able to chip a shot past Spilseth. Luckily, veteran player, and club co-manager, James Whalen had his wits about him when he dramatically cleared the ball off the goal line.

Unfortunately, that luck wouldn’t hold. Just four minutes later, the Frogs were awarded a free kick at the top of United’s penalty area. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth was able to parry the first shot away, but when the rebound fell into the path of the Frogs striker, there was little more he could do, and the Frogs went up 1-0.

United continued to press forward to try and find an equalizer. Senegalese midfielder Lamine Sagna created several opportunities, and Michael Ridley used his ball skills to weave through the middle, but the Frogs defensive line held strong.

In the seventy-fifth minute, new midfielder Adam McLean made a penetrating run down the left side of the field and beat his defender. He was able to get to the end line and deliver a low, screaming ball across the mouth of the goal, but unfortunately United had no one on the other end to finish the job.

Eight minutes later, the Frogs would put the game out of reach when one of their forwards found space on the left wing. He dribbled into the penalty box, and slotted a perfectly placed ball past Spilseth toward the far side of the goal. The ball barely caught the inside of the upright and bounced into the net to make the score 2-0 Frogs.

That tally would hold until the final whistle. But, to add injury to insult, in the ninetieth minute, veteran striker Dave Keffer was going up for a header in the Frogs penalty area when lumbering buffoon, Gerry Smith, decided to throw his ample weight around. Smith slammed Keffer between himself and the Frogs goalkeeper, and Keffer suffered a torn AC joint in his left shoulder. The team physician is predicting at least three to four weeks in recovery.

Overall, despite the loss, United look fairly solid, especially considering all the new faces on the roster. The new league is noticeably more competitive than the last, however most of the new signings seem to play a passing style of game that fits in well with Simpson and Whalen’s plan for the team.

With the roster being finalized, and the registration window closing rapidly, United look to be in good shape for the 2009 campaign.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Summer League Champions!

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 07:04:00 +0000

With the title in hand, United deliver a lackluster performance to end the summer season

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United went into their final summer match knowing that they had already won the league trophy. Several key players could not make the game due to prior commitments, leaving the team with a depleted line up. The Swamp Donkeys also wanted to prove to be the only team in the Santa Monica league to do the double on the newly crowned champions.

Malibu came out slow and lacking the enthusiasm that they normally possessed. The return of goalkeeper Ryan Silverman and veteran John Visher wasn’t enough to get the team motivated to make a good showing in their final game. Visher returned to the team after being in Oregon advising the Portland Timbers how to establish their bid for a Major League Soccer franchise.

The team couldn’t shake their consistent start-of-game funk, and it unfortunately stayed with them for the remainder of the match.

A couple of Malibu players grew frustrated near the end of the first half resulting in some unwarranted antics. The veteran United players just laughed it off and tried to keep the younger players in check.

To the Swamp Donkeys credit they stayed organized and played a great game leading 2 to 0 at the half time break.

The second half played out much like the first half with the Malibu players cheaply loosing possession of the ball and firing several wayward shots. Nothing was going right for United, they couldn’t string together passes or really create any scoring opportunities.

A Malibu defender grew frustrated and tried to get under a Swamp Donkeys skin but the Donkey player didn’t have any of it. He just kept playing and carrying on as his team was in a good spot.

The Donkeys scored another and this gave their goalie an idea to come forward and take a free kick. The shot didn’t go quite as planned and it fell to the United team captain Ignacio Rodriguez. This created the funniest moment of the day when Rodriguez neatly deked one player, and all he saw was the Donkey's goalkeeper scrambling back with an open net just over his shoulder. Rodriguez attempted a 25 yard shot, but mishit and shanked it well wide of the target. Both teams erupted in laughter, which unfortunately didn’t sit well with the United skipper whose mood for the remainder of the match was noticeably sour.

The Donkeys continued on and scored one more.

Not to be outdone, and in an effort to spoil the Donkey goalkeeper's shutout attempt, United forward Dave Keffer ran into space collected a long pass from Lamine Sagna. Keffer beat the keeper and buried the shot to give United their only goal of the game.

This would be Keffer’s eighth goal in ten league games, leading Malibu United for the summer session and winning the golden boot award. Ingnacio Rodriguez had seven goals for the season, and Justin Sweeney and Ramon Manak were right behind him with six goals a piece.

Despite the loss on the day, United won the league with a record of 6-3-1. They led the league in goals scored with a whopping 48 goals. Goalkeeper Ryan Silverman and the United defense, led by Lamine Sagna, recorded one shutout for the summer league, and the team let in only 32 goals during the campaign, second only to the Swamp Donkeys.

Saturday's match concluded summer league play in Santa Monica. The United squad all enjoyed their participation, and the league title adds yet another trophy to the club's growing display case.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Matador Mishap

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:31:00 +0000

United back into title spot despite weekend loss to Matador FC

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United had a chance to wrap up the league title going into their second to last game of the summer season. Once again their destiny was in their own hands. A win would put the league out of reach for the second place Swamp Donkeys, but a draw could possibly force United into another storybook, year-end title match.

The team were facing a tough opponent in Matadors FC. Malibu easily had the upper hand in the reverse fixture, but that was due in part to fielding several key players. United were forced to mount this Saturday's match without Ramon and Damon Manak, who were both back in England on trials for a lower league English side.

When both teams turned up in the same colored kits, the match was delayed by several minutes. The center ref made the decision to let the league newcomers keep their whites while the Matadors were asked to wear red pinnies. Unfortunately, when it became obvious the pinnies hadn't been washed in some time, the Matadors opted to go shirtless instead.

Malibu came out firing with Dave Keffer and Justin Sweeney taking several good looks at goal. Unfortunately it was their opponents who scored first with a midfielder running across the top of the 18 yard box and letting loose a quick low shot that ended up beating back up goalie Gerry Smith.

Malibu quickly gathered themselves after yet another slow start and began controlling more of the ball. The early goal also woke up team captain Ignacio Rodriguez who began fighting for every loose ball.

Rodriguez scored the second goal of the game and Malibu had their feet under them. The Matadors also fought on, though, and scored another, ending the half in the lead at 2 to 1.

United made one change at half time, moving James Whalen into the goal and bringing Gerry Smith out to play in the defensive line.

Once again, United were slow to restart. Gerry was caught ball watching and a Matador striker was able to sneak in behind him and score their third goal.

Not willing to give in, Malibu fought on and Rodriguez was able to net his second. The goal was shortly followed by a thunderous shot from Justin Sweeney.

The score was now 3 to 3. A draw would not be the worst result for the team and they played rather defensively for the remaining fifteen minutes.

This would prove costly, however, because moments later, both David Simpson and Lamine Sagna whiffed on the same ball and it neatly dropped to a Matadors foot inside the six yard box. He tucked home the goal and it would prove to be the winner in a hotly contested, good spirited game.

Feeling tired and beat up, United retreated to their touchline to talk about what could have been. They naturally believed that the Swamp Donkeys had won their fixture against their lower-level opponents, and everyone was preparing to go into another final game in a must-win situation.

As the boys were taking off their gear, the ever-aware, stat-checking veteran Dave Keffer noticed the Swamp Donkey’s manager walking by. He asked after their result, and the manager was like a politician conceding the election. He announced his team had lost. He conveyed his congratulations, and with little fanfare, Malibu United had another league title.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

El Señor Cucaracha!

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:10:00 +0000

The United skipper excites fans by scoring half of the team’s eight goals in weekend victory

Santa Monica, CA – The Malibu United summer squad had no idea what to expect from this weekend’s fixture against Half Riled. The last scheduled match between these two clubs resulted in a forfeit when United were the only team to arrive at the park.

With both Lawrence Whalen and Justin Sweeney missing from the roster, United supporters were thrilled to see the return of Cayman Island international, Michael Ridley, who had been on loan to a mid-level English Conference side for the latter half of last season.

Half Riled again had difficulty fielding a full squad, but at least they had the minimum number required, and the match began on time with their side only a man down.

United had the lion’s share of the possession for the first ten minutes, and the one-man advantage gave defender Lamine Sagna a comfortable amount of space at the back. Unfortunately, however, United’s initial confidence left them vulnerable to the counter attack, and Half Riled were the first to take advantage.

On a quick break in the fifth minute, a Half Riled midfielder launched a high through-ball toward the goal. United goalkeeper Ryan Silverman, back from his self-imposed one-week suspension, leapt to punch the ball clear, but was beaten to it by a Half Riled attacker who skillfully redirected it past Silverman with a glancing header.

After that, United began to wake up. Several chances were created which they came close to converting. Forward Dave Keffer hit the upright after a rebound fell to his feet, and Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez had a powerful header that tagged the crossbar before careening out to safety.

It would be Rodriguez, however, who converted the first for United when, in the seventh minute of play, he received a pass from Sagna and penetrated into the Half Riled penalty area. Rodriguez’s right-footed strike deflected off of the leg of a defender and over the goalkeeper to equalize the early scoreline.

Shortly thereafter, United would realize the benefits of returning midfielder Michael Ridley. After a stiff challenge allowed him to steal the ball from a Half Riled attacker, Ridley took one look at the bouncing ball, and with pink shin guards flapping, let loose an arching volley that took the Half Riled keeper by surprise. The ball snuck just under the crossbar and the supporters erupted in cheers.

United had several more chances in the first half, some of which came close, and a few not so close. But, it was Ridley once again who added the next statistic to the scorecard. After receiving the ball on the left wing from Lamine Sagna, the colorful midfielder took a moment to glance at the goal, and then struck a low, clean shot that sneaked past the Half Riled goalkeeper on the left. The first half ended at 3-1.

After the break, United had full command of the match. The next goal came just four minutes into the second half when a James Whalen attempt fell into the path of Ignacio Rodriguez at the top of the box. Rodriguez was running left to right and away from goal, but was somehow able to curve a right-footed shot back into the upper left corner of the net. The placement was so precise that the goalkeeper could only stand and watch it go in.

On the other end of the field, United net-minder Ryan Silverman collected the ball in front of his own goal. He spotted forward Dave Keffer open near the midfield line on the right side, and he tossed the ball into Keffer’s path. With one touch, Keffer switched the field to find the run of Michael Ridley who seemed to have acres of space on the left. Ridley slowed his pace to pull the two Half Riled defenders and the goalkeeper toward him, and then he slotted the ball between the lot of them and back across to Keffer who had continued his run down the right. Keffer had plenty of time to touch the ball into the back of the net and put United in a comfortable 5-1 lead.

A few minutes later, midfielder Lew Rakowsky delivered a cross from the right corner that again fell into the path of captain Ignacio Rodriguez. Rodriguez buried the ball with authority into the back of the onion bag to secure a hat trick.

Unfortunately, United may have become too comfortable at this point. The team started to relax a little bit, and Half Riled were able to dig two goals back in quick succession. They started to gain some momentum, and it looked as though they may have a chance to pull themselves back into the match.

Rodriguez wasn’t having it, though, and after one of the Half Riled players was sidelined with a yellow card, The Spanish Cucaracha converted his fourth from an assist by Michael Ridley.

Half Riled were able to add two more before the end of the match, but not without a last minute answer from United defender Robbie Silverman. The younger of the Silverman brothers took advantage of some space done the right side of the field and pushed up from the back to deliver a low, hard shot that beat the keeper on the short side. That final goal would make the score 8-5, with United taking away the three points, and Ignacio Rodriguez capturing man-of-the-match honors.

After this win, United sit clear by five points at the top of the Santiago League. And, with only two games remaining in the summer session, United have only to win one in order to ensure their victory and take home the trophy.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Double Digits

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:57:00 +0000

Led by three players with two goals each, a confident Malibu side trounces ACFC and claims the top position

Santa Monica, CA – Still reeling from their last result, United were prepared for their match against ACFC.

The team was in great spirits after a couple of squad members celebrated their birthdays during the week. Lawrence “Fuzzy Cuddler” Whalen, the offspring of manager / player James Whalen, turned nineteen, and team captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez celebrated his twenty-fifth.

The team also welcomed back John Visher, who had been absent from the previous fixture, and Lew Rakowsky who had missed the prior three games due to his side job as a stadium inspector. Rakowsky had been in South Africa where he was plying this trade on some of the new stadiums for the 2010 World Cup.

United felt confident before the game knowing that their last meeting with ACFC ended in an 8-2 win, and although the Malibu team had only ten players present, they didn't seem rattled by their opponent's ominous-looking roster of fourteen.

Malibu began the match with a lot of possession, even knocking the ball back to substitute goalkeeper Robbie Silverman, who was starting in goal due to the absence of his brother Ryan.

Malibu had ACFC pinned in their own half for the first ten minutes of the game. The team orchestrated a brilliant goal to open the score stats when Lamine Sagna went meandering from his fullback position, played an easy one-two with David Simpson, and then copied it again with Ignacio Rodriguez. Sagna then took advantage of the space he had created and slid the ball past the ACFC keeper.

United added another stylish goal shortly afterwards when John “Father Time” Visher played in Rodriguez for a twenty-five yard rocket of a shot past the diving keeper. The half finished at 2-0 with United feeling confident about their chances.

Malibu continued the pressure to start the second half, which paid off immediately when Justin Sweeney received the ball from Rodriguez near the midfield line and finished off with a solid shot on goal.

ACFC pulled one back shortly thereafter when an ill timed back pass was taken off the United defender and guided past Silverman in the United goal.

Malibu continued going forward, though, and it was rewarded when Lew Rakowsky jumped on a James Whalen rebound and finished with the goal of the match. Rakowsky maneuvered his body like a seasoned veteran, and demonstrated his new South African style by blasting a blistering right-footed volley past the ACFC keeper, making the net rattle in the process. Rakowsky’s teammates and the visiting supporters erupted in celebration at the marvels he displayed.

ACFC added one more a few minutes later, putting the game in limbo for United by making the score 4-2.

The majority of the second half was much like the first, though, with most of the play happening on the ACFC end of the field. Malibu continued passing and creating space, and they were able to break through again when Lawrence Whalen played a nice one-two with forward Dave Keffer. Whalen collected the return pass and finished the try with a tap in that made the score 5-2.

Shortly thereafter, the slightly-injured young Whalen drove in his second of the day from the edge of the penalty box. The ACFC keeper almost got his hands on the ball but the shot had too much pace to get mitt on it. United were in a comfortable lead and were flowing.

Keeping up with his goal-a-game streak, Keffer added one of his own by tipping in a low hard cross from John Visher.

Malibu had another great effort a few minutes later when Rakowsky attacked a bouncing ball inside the six yard box. Unlike his first wonder strike, however, Rakowsky sent this one flying over the cross bar and out of the stadium!

By this time, the game was fully in United’s favor, and they were cruising to victory. Rakowsky saved face, and joined Whalen in the two-goal club, when he poked in his second goal past a flailing ACFC defensive line.

On the restart after that goal, though, an ACFC player challenged his teammates to continue playing and keep giving the effort, and the ACFC goalkeeper swapped positions with a field player to came out of the net. This proved productive immediately with ACFC scoring the next two goals ... the first being well earned, but the second being a little suspect as Robbie Silverman appeared to have let himself get mugged inside his own eighteen yard box.

With just moments left in the game, Justin Sweeney capped off the day with another hard shot, securing a brace of his own, and making the final score 9-4. This meant Malibu finished the home and away meetings with ACFC on two wins, with a combined score of 17 to 6.

And then, to make the day all the more sweet, United learned of the Swamp Donkey’s loss. Malibu were clear by two points at the top of the Santiago League.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Weathering The Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Malibu United) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:48:00 +0000

United fight back to claim three points in wicked weekend battle

Santa Monica, CA – Entering the second half of the season, Malibu United were in second place trailing closely behind the league leaders Swamp Donkeys.

The team faced a tough opponent in the Hurricanes with which they drew 2-2 to start the season. Unfortunately, this time the team were several players short due prior engagements, which would prove extremely difficult in the sweltering heat. Even with the full roster of 13, Malibu was only able to field a measly squad of 8 players.

The team weren’t able to get anything going in the first half despite having a large following of supporters, thanks in part to the Silverman family and friends. Malibu was able to maintain a lot of possession but could not seem to connect in the attacking third.

One of their few chances was squandered when fullback Lemine Sagna stepped up to take a free kick from twenty-five yards out. Unfortunately the ball sailed way wide of the target. Then, to make matters worse, team captain Ignacio Rodriguez picked up a yellow card after a minor incident ten minutes into the game.

As a result, United found themselves down 2-0 at the end of the first half. And, if the halftime bickering was any indication, the team were starting to unravel.

The second half started off almost comically when goal keeper Ryan Silverman attempted a routine distribution from his own goal box. Somehow Silverman ended up hitting a Hurricane striker directly in the head with the ball. Luckily, though, was able to recover from his error and, all in one motion, he caught the ball before it ended up in the back of the net.

This seemed to become a turning point for United as they kicked it up a gear and started playing better team soccer.

Youth team call up Michael Galate helped the cause by netting a goal.

David Simpson then pushed into the midfield and collected a pass half way up the park. He then laid it in to space for an on rushing Dave Keffer who dribbled half of the field and finished a 1 v 1 against the lone keeper to equalize the scoreline. This also picked up United’s spirit and they continued to push on.

Malibu was in a comfortable spot after tying the game up and looking to take one point out of a hard fought match. The Hurricanes missed a couple of golden opportunities in the last five minutes which would prove to come back and haunt them.

Even though the tired Malibu team was content to play defense, young standout Michael Galate wanted more. After pressuring the Hurricane keeper, Galate caused him to force a bad ball from the back which he then collected and volleyed into the top corner of the net to make the score 3-2.

Malibu killed off the final two minutes, and as a result, came out with a surprise, come-from-behind win.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi