We want to first congratulate you on the job you have done thus far in creating a truly wonderful league. As supporters of the MLS, we see improvement in the quality of play, fan experience, and overall value. 

We the members of the Crocketteers, San Antonio’s Premier Soccer Supporters, are writing you this letter to state our intentions to support MLS in San Antonio.

We state our commitment to continued growth.

We state our commitment to creating a festive atmosphere that both the City of San Antonio and Major League Soccer can be proud of.

Today, we have over 350 members including over 180 paid members.  We wear our scarves with pride and we exist to see the establishment and subsequent support of professional soccer in San Antonio.  We have sold out our initial order of 200 scarves and will have 200 more on the way in the coming weeks.

Our growth has been tremendous over the last year and half of our establishment. In fact on this very day, 50+ members of the Crocketteers will be in Houston to cheer on the MLS All Stars and to proudly wear our supporter colors.

As you may or may not know, San Antonio’s new mayor, Julian Castro seems to be very open to the idea of professional soccer in San Antonio based on limited public comments he has made. We would like to believe that he is not unlike previous mayor Ed Garza in his willingness to see the MLS in San Antonio. And we are hopeful that this change might put the unfortunate events of 2005 behind us and that this change might also be an opportunity to reopen the dialogue between MLS and San Antonio.

In addition, the parent company of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) has recently indicated that they are interested in getting into the professional soccer business (perhaps MLS).  And while SS&E is interested in the prospects of our very own Soccer-Specific-Stadium, many of us believe that the Alamo Stadium with its storied history is certainly viable at this point in time. The success of the Sounders in Qwest Field and the prospects of seeing the Vancouver franchise in BC Place drive this point home nicely. 

We were very pleased to learn that Major League Soccer has continued interest in the San Antonio market. Your statements the past few days mentioning San Antonio as an expanision market for MLS reaffirms our establishment. We feel we are the largest supporters group without a team. We hope that is not always the case as we look forward to the day we see our team finally take the pitch.

Commissioner, the Crocketteers humbly ask you to strongly consider San Antonio once again. Perhaps you and your league are already in talks with Mayor Castro and a potential ownership group.  We hope all sides realize the tremendous potential of the MLS/San Antonio partnership.

If there indeed exists advanced discussions with your league and our city, I can assure you that the Crocketteers will support it’s future hometown team and all that MLS brings to our great city.

Lastly, I invite you to share in our vision for what could be the day MLS finally calls San Antonio home. We can make this happen!

Thank you again for all that you have done for the beautiful game in America and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Sincerely,

The Crocketteers

This interview is the second time in a matter of days he has mentioned San Antonio. Speaking to the British newspaper the Telegraph Garber talks about the massive demand in cities like Atlanta, Detroit, San Antonio, and San Diego.

Is this just talk Garber is placing out to get a feel for what cities are prospective expansion cities or is it in response to the rapid growth of the Crocketteers and our grassroots effort to bring a franchise to San Antonio?

As the largest soccer supporters group in the country without a team were are sure Garber and MLS have been keeping tabs on the growth of our group but having a large supporters group is only one piece of the puzzle.

A franchise needs a solid investment group and a plan for a soccer specific stadium. All three of these components are necessary for a successful franchise. San Antonio has shown that a fanbase is here.

The successful Texas Pro Soccer festival in 2008 drew over 10,000 fans for its three exhibition matches. The Crocketteers had sell out crowds for the US World Cup games at the Alamo Drafthouse and nearly 900 soccer fans showed up with the Crocketteers for the World Cup final down at the AT&T Center.

So the final two pieces of the puzzle must be brought together to make a successful pitch to MLS for a expansion franchise. Is there an investment group speaking with MLS? Are their plans for a MLS stadium to be built or is their plans to refurbish an existing Stadium?

We as the Crocketteers will continue to do our part in growing the fanbase here in San Antonio. Now are their some investors out there willing to step onto the pitch to bring us a pro soccer franchise? The fans are waiting.

Links:http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2010-07-24-commissioner-don-garber-chat_N.htm San Antonio mentioned at the 11:26 minute.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/news/7908343/Thierry-Henry-just-the-latest-step-on-MLS-chief-Don-Garbers-path-to-world-domination.html

If you would like to contribute something to the tailgating i.e more BEER, a special dish, soda, chips, dips, etc. the thought would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. The more food and drink the merrier.

Wear your Crocketteers shirt if you have one. If not we will have few for sale for $10 in sizes L, XL and 2XL.

See everyone in Houston on Wednesday.
Still need tickets? Here is a link to ticketmaster.  Tickets as low as $35 bucks when you buy 4.  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C004493A55E67C6?artistid=875665&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11

Back inside, you wipe the sleep from your eyes and pull your Alamo FC jersey over your head. A quick look in the mirror confirms that you are, in fact, awake. You walk out of your building and grab a coffee from the shop on the corner.

Drinking in the first sip of invigorating morning caffeine, and burning your tongue in the process, you emerge back onto the pavement just in time to catch the River North Streetcar that climbs up Broadway. You hop on, give “the nod” to the dozen or so others in their Alamo FC garb and allow the morning breeze to further awaken your senses.

Once at your stop, you and the other supporters exit the streetcar and join the throngs of folks just like you making their way toward the pubs lining the northern edge of the Museum Reach of the Riverwalk. There is an electricity in the air as you find yourself knee-deep in the pulsing pre-match festivities.

Supporters from The Upper Room and Puro 33 gather at Vito’s Sports Bar, where the michelada flows and the smell of chorizo soaks the air. You and the Crocketteers gather in your traditional spot, filling the old tavern with singing, shouting, and Freetail brews. Bands play as the supporters prepare to give a full 90 minutes to the home side just a short walk away at Alamo Stadium.

Match-time approaches and you begin the trek with the other supporters towards the stadium. The spirit of revelry is thick amongst the group. You smile as some around you wave scarves in the Texas sun, blow on parade horns, and generally swim in the pool of anticipation that is an old-world match-day. You think to yourself, “This is why I love soccer. This is what I waited so long for…”

Alamo Stadium is particularly lively this afternoon, the glorious old bones of the stadium made new with the fresh renovation. ABC is here to televise the MLS Match of the Week. All eyes (and cameras) are trained on Thierry Henry, as he warms up in his first San Antonio appearance as a member of Red Bull New York.

You slide into Row 6 and greet the familiar faces around you as the chants of your fellow Alamo FC supporters echo off of the limestone walls of the historic venue. An overflow crowd of 26,000 buzzes while the teams take to the pitch, flashbulbs popping away.  You look around and drink in the atmosphere, the revelry, the beautiful game.  What a moment for San Antonio…

The referee’s whistle blows, the ball is played in. You take a deep breath and survey the surreal scene one last time before throwing yourself fully into the match. This is real. The MLS is home in San Antonio.

Reminder: MLS Watch Party at Freetail Brewing Co. tonight May 13, 2010 8:00 PM

Chelsea wins EPL race, United takes second. Chelsea only needed a tie to win its fourth English League title and as it turned out a sixth minute goal by Nicholas Anelka was all Chelsea needed as they cruised to an 8-0 win over Wigan. United, 4-0 winners over Stoke, could only watch their hopes dim as Chelsea scored goal after goal on the season’s final week. Chelsea will try to win another trophy this week as it takes on recently relegated Portsmouth in the FA Cup final this Saturday. The game will be on Fox Soccer Channel at 9 am.

Manchester United Selected to play MLS ALL-STARS. Major League Soccer announced last week that English giants Manchester United will be playing this year’s MLS All-Star team in the annual MLS All-Star game on July 28th at the 70,000 capacity Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. This will be the Manchester-based club’s first MLS All-Star game appearance and the fifth English side to face off against the league All-Star’s. Tickets for the game will go on sale to the public on May 30th. Stay tuned for more information on how you can join the Crocketteers at this game.

Dynamo continue their dominance over Chivas USA. The Houston Dynamo came away with their 11th straight victory over Chivas USA last Saturday with a 2-0 win at the Home Depot Center. Brad Davis scored a goal and set up Adrian Serioux for the second in the first 8 minutes as the Dynamo won their first game on the road. The Dynamo currently sit in second place of the Western Conference behind the LA Galaxy. The Dynamo played without forward Brian Ching, who is still nursing an injury.

FC Dallas wins second game in row. Jeff Cunningham scores in the 68th minute to give Dallas its second win of the season at the expense of hapless DC United. United (1-6-0) was shut out for the fifth time this season. Cunningham’s goal was his fourth in just six games. For the second straight game Kevin Hartman started at goal over Dario Sala. Has Hartman taken over the starting goalkeeper job?

Seattle Sounders to pay back fans after loss to the LA Galaxy. Upon losing 4-0 last weekend, GM Adrian Hanauer made the following statement, “ I’ve been on the phone with Joe Roth and Tod Leiweke this morning, and Gary Wright, and some of the people that I run the business with. And that performance last night wasn’t good enough. The effort wasn’t good enough. The execution wasn’t good enough. The heart wasn’t good enough. The passion wasn’t good enough. The only thing that was good enough was our fans. So we decided that we’re going to give our fans their money back for that game. Our season ticket holders. The people who were with us from the beginning, and will be with us in the future. We’re in this for the long haul. We need them to be in it for the long haul. That wasn’t Sounders soccer. And it was quite frankly embarrassing, humiliating, and they don’t deserve that. It’ll come in the form of credit against next year’s season tickets because we want people in for the long haul. It just wasn’t good enough. It’s not a precedent. We don’t plan on giving people money back every time we have a bad game. But as the owners of the club, we reserve the right to do whatever we think we need to do to treat our fans the way they’ve treated us.” Anyone ever hear any other American team do something like this?

Austin Aztex tie on the Road in Tampa. In the first ever USSF D-2 Pro League game at George M. Steinbrenner Field over 8,000 fans packed the converted baseball complex in Tampa Bay last Saturday. Austin was able to come away with a 2-2 draw in a game that saw 3 penalty kicks. The tie sent the Aztex to 10 points and tied for second in the USL conference. The Aztex are off to a fantastic start this season.
The next home game for the Aztex is this Sunday, May 16th. Game time is 6:00 pm. Tickets for the Crystal Palace Baltimore match on May 16, as well as season tickets are available now. All season tickets are flex tickets and can be used in any combination for any regular season game. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.austinaztex.com or call 512-335-8881.

Houston Dynamo to play in Corpus Christi. The Houston Dynamo will play an exhibition match vs the Laredo Heat on Thursday, June 10, 2010 in Corpus Christi, Texas at Whataburger field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks baseball team. If you would like to purchase tickets to sit with the Crocketteers please go to our website and purchase your ticket no later than this Friday, May 14, 2010 by 12 noon.
http://www.crocketteers.com/2010/03/30/dynamo-to-play-in-ryan-sanders-shootout-corpus-christi/

US Soccer Names its preliminary 30 man roster for the World Cup. U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley has submitted to FIFA the 30-man preliminary roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. From this list, a squad of 23 players must be chosen by June 1 for the final roster that will travel to South Africa. The 30 players will begin reporting to Princeton, N.J., on May 15 for the start of training camp, with field sessions beginning two days later. Story and roster courtesy of US Soccer.
PRE-WORLD CUP TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

U.S. TRAINING CAMP ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (12): DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), José Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)

Soccer on TV. Courtesy of Soccer America. Http://www.socceramerica.com
TUESDAY, May 11

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Copa Libertadores CHIVAS GUADALAJARA-LIBERTAD (live) 8 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England League Championship Promotion Playoff NOTTINGHAM FOREST-BLACKPOOL (live) 1:30 pm.

WEDNESDAY, May 12

DIRECTV (461)
Europa League Final, ATLETICO MADRID-FULHAM (live) 1:45 pm

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Copa Libertadores FLAMENGO-U DE CHILE (live) 5:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores CRUZEIRO-SAO PAULO (live) 7:30 pm.

GOL TV
Uruguay PENAROL-NACIONAL (live) 6:30 pm.

THURSDAY, May 13

ESPN2
MLS REAL SALT LAKE-HOUSTON DYNAMO (live) 8 pm.

ESPN DEPORTES
MLS REAL SALT LAKE-HOUSTON DYNAMO (live) 8 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Copa Libertadores INTERNACIONAL-ESTUDIANTES (live) 7 pm.

GOL TV
Europa League ATL. MADIRD-FULHAM (delay) 7 pm.

TELEMUNDO
Friendly MEXICO-ANGOLA (live) 8 pm.

FRIDAY, May 14
no live games

SATURDAY, May 15

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
FA Cup Final CHELSEA-PORTSMOUTH (live) 9 am.
MLS KANSAS CITY-CHICAGO (live) 7:30 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
FA Cup Final CHELSEA-PORTSMOUTH (live) 9 am.
MLS KANSAS CITY-CHICAGO (delay) 11:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England League One Promotion Playoff tba (live) 6 am.
England League Two Promotion Playoff tba (live) 12 pm.
FA Cup Final CHELSEA-PORTSMOUTH (delay) 2 pm.

TELEFUTURA
MLS PHILADELPHIA-DALLAS (live) 3 pm.

MLS DIRECT KICK
MLS NEW ENGLAND-SAN JOSE (live) 5 pm.
MLS NEW YORK-SEATTLE (live) 6:30 pm.
MLS LOS ANGELES-TORONTO (live) 9:30 pm.

SUNDAY, May 16

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
Italy TBA (live) 8 am.
Italy TBA (delay) 10 am.
Italy TBA (delay) 1 pm.
WPS ATLANTA BEAT-WASHINGTON FREEDOM (live) 5 pm.
Argentina TBA (delay) 10 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Italy SIENA-INTER MILAN (live) 8 am.
Italy CHIEVO-ROMA (delay) 1:30 pm.
Argentina TBA (delay) 4 pm.
Italy AC MILAN-JUVENTUS (delay) 7 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
Italy TBA (live) 8 am.
Italy TBA (delay) 1 pm.
Argentina TBA (delay) 6 pm.

EPL Race remains tight. Chelsea climbed back to the top of the Premier League as Salomon Kalou’s hat-trick lead a 7-0 win over Stoke on Sunday which sent the Blues one point clear of Manchester United. The big test comes this Sunday at Liverpool. A win against 7th place Liverpool will only leave a home game next week against 16th place Wigan. Manchester United, one point behind league leader Chelsea, plays at Sunderland and finishes at home the following week against Stoke.

Dynamo fall on road to Fire. Lose Geoff Cameron for the season. Baggio Husidic scored in first half stoppage time, and Peter Lowry added one in the second half as the Chicago Fire defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 at Toyota Park on Saturday night. Already beset by injuries, the Houston Dynamo got an extra dose of bad news on Monday when midfielder Geoff Cameron was diagnosed with a ruptured right PCL suffered in Saturday’s game against Chicago. Cameron will undergo surgery later this week and will miss the remainder of the season. The Dynamo will host Kanas City Wizards at home this Saturday.

FC Dallas earns 2-2 draw with the Seattle Sounders on questionable penalty. FC Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham scores two penalty kicks, one the 27th minute and one in stoppage-time, The second spotkick came in the 94th minute, after rookie sub Jason Yeisley tried splitting two Seattle’s center backs in the box. The two defenders collapsed on the young striker and he tumbled over causing referee Terry Vaughn to point to the spot. The Sounders got goals Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero, who blasted in a stunning 41-yard freekick. FC Dallas plays DC United in the US Open Cup on Wednesday and travels to New England to take on the Revolution on Saturday.

Rhinos Derail Aztex. A furious first half of action left the Austin Aztex and Rochester Rhinos knotted at one goal a piece on Sunday at House Park, but a goal in the 65th minute by the Rhinos Anthony Hamilton gave Rochester a 2-1 win.

Austin stays home for one more exhibition match on Wednesday before heading on a two-game road trip to NSC Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Wednesday’s match is against the Haitian National Team and is free to all fans. All proceeds from the match will go to benefit the earthquake relief effort.

Tickets for the Crystal Palace Baltimore match on May 16, as well as season tickets are available now. All season tickets are flex tickets and can be used in any combination for any regular season game. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.austinaztex.com, call 512-335-8881.

Soccer on TV. Courtesy of Soccer America. Http://www.socceramerica.com
WEDNESDAY, April 28

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
UEFA Champions League BARCELONA-INTER MILAN (live) 1:30 pm.
Concacaf Champions League PACHUCA-CRUZ AZUL (live) 7 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
UEFA Champions League BARCELONA-INTER MILAN (live) 1:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores UNIVERSITARIO-SAO PAULO (live) 5:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores FLAMENGO-CORINTHIANS (live) 7:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
UEFA Champions League BARCELONA-INTER MILAN (delay) 4 pm.

TELEFUTURA
Concacaf Champions League PACHUCA-CRUZ AZUL (live) 7 pm.

THURSDAY, April 29

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Copa Libertadores BANFIELD-INTERNACIONAL (delay) 1:30 am.
Copa Libertadores CRUZEIRO-NACIONAL (live) 5 pm.
Copa Libertadores ALIANZA LIMA-U DE CHILE (live) 7 pm.
Copa Libertadores ONCE CALDAS-LIBERTAD (live) 9:30 pm.

GOL TV
Europa League LIVERPOOL-ATL. MADRID (live) 2 pm.
Europa League FULHAM-HAMBURG (delay) 7 pm.

FRIDAY, April 30
tba

SATURDAY, May 1

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
England MANCHESTER CITY-ASTON VILLA (live) 9 am.
England PORTSMOUTH-WOLVERHAMPTON (delay) 11 am.
Italy AC MILAN-FIORENTINA (live) 1:30 pm.
WPS SKY BLUE-GOLD PRIDE (live) 5 pm.
MLS HOUSTON-KANSAS CITY (live) 7:30 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
England MANCHESTER CITY-ASTON VILLA (live) 9 am.
England PORTSMOUTH-WOLVERHAMPTON (delay) 11 am.
Italy AC MILAN-FIORENTINA (delay) 6 pm.
MLS HOUSTON-KANSAS CITY (live) 7:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England TOTTENHAM-BOLTON (live) 9 am.
Italy PARMA-ROMA (live) 11 am.
England STOKE CITY-EVERTON (delay) 3 pm.

TELEFUTURA
MLS D.C. UNITED-NEW YORK (live) 3 pm.

MLS DIRECT KICK
MLS NEW ENGLAND-DALLAS(live) 6:30 pm.
MLS CHICAGO-CHIVAS USA (live) 7:30 pm.
MLS REAL SALT LAKE-TORONTO (live) 8 pm.
MLS SAN JOSE-COLORADO (live) 9 pm.
MLS LOS ANGELES-PHILADELPHIA (live) 9:30 pm.
MLS SEATTLE-COLUMBUS (live) 9:30 pm.

SUNDAY, May 2

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
Italy CATANIA-JUVENTUS (live) 8 am.
England SUNDERLAND-MANCHESTER UNITED (live) 10 am.
Italy LAZIO-INTER MILAN (live) 1:30 pm.
FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
MLS HOUSTON-KANSAS CITY (delay) 11:30 am.
Italy CATANIA-JUVENTUS (live) 8 am.
England SUNDERLAND-MANCHESTER UNITED (live) 10 am.
Italy LAZIO-INTER MILAN (live) 1:30 pm.
Argentina INDEPENDIENTE-BOCA JUNIORS (live) 4 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England LIVERPOOL-CHELSEA (live) 7:30 am.
England FULHAM-WEST HAM UNITED (delay) 9:30 am.
Italy LAZIO-INTER MILAN (delay) 4 pm.

We’ve addressed in this space already that soccer is a sport that is built on anticipation. That anticipation, when cultivated in the proper atmosphere, can give way to absolute euphoria.

For San Antonio, soccer all of the sudden seems closer than ever to being a professional reality, as the perfect atmosphere for “The Beautiful Game” in South Texas has emerged. The supporters of soccer in San Antonio can only hope that this hopeful atmosphere, this raised level of anticipation, leads to eventual euphoria in the form of a top-flight pro soccer team calling San Antonio home.

A recent article in the San Antonio Express News revealed that San Antonio Independent School District and Spurs Sports & Entertainment have in fact had discussions about venerable Alamo Stadium being placed in the managing hands of SS&E.

Alamo Stadium is a legendary local sports shrine that has fallen into various levels of disrepair as the cash-strapped inner-city SAISD struggles to maintain the facility. In its 70 years of existence, Alamo Stadium has hosted high school sports of all kinds in addition to college and professional football.

The beauty of the talks between SAISD and SS&E is that the Spurs organization (which has been itching to get into professional soccer) would not have to build a stadium for any proposed team, but simply would renovate an existing jewel that happens to be just the right size and in just the right place.

Some of the most revered (and well-attended) stadiums in Major League Soccer share a common trait: an urban location.

Seattle’s Qwest Field and Toronto’s BMO Stadium are the two oft-cited urban jewels of the league, each drawing capacity crowds and each famous for an incredible gameday atmosphere. Each also happens to be in the shadow of their respective city skylines. Alamo Stadium, for those keeping track at home, is a mere 4 miles from the front door of the Alamo.

Unlike stadiums in far-flung exurbs (like Pizza Hut Park in Frisco or Gillette Stadium in Foxborough), Alamo Stadium would be accessible by people from all over San Antonio by a simple 20 minute drive. Supporters from Stone Oak and Southtown would have easy access, as would families from the suburbs and young urbanites in the city. And for that growing number of folks living in the urban core, Alamo Stadium is accessible by public transport, with a VIA ride from Alamo Plaza taking a mere 15 minutes. With plans to add a streetcar line on Broadway in the near future, the booming residential area that is about to be River North will be connected to a refurbished, resplendent Alamo Stadium in a myriad of ways.

So the anticipation rises as the atmosphere around the potential for soccer in San Antonio heats up. SS&E is interested enough in bringing high-level soccer to San Antonio that they have entered into talks regarding management and renovation. SAISD is interested enough in staying solvent that they will bend over backwards to allow someone with resources to take over their historic facility. And San Antonio’s starving soccer fans are one step closer to realizing the euphoric dream of having professional soccer in the city. In Alamo Stadium, the beautiful game is as close as it has ever been to finding itself in the shadow of the San Antonio skyline.

Read more San Antonio Soccer articles at Crocketteers.com

The EPL title is now a race. Just when we thought Chelsea’s was on its way towards the Premier League title along comes another twist to this strange season to leave the race wide open again. With 20 seconds left on the clock at the City of Manchester Stadium, Paul Scholes kept a cool head when Man United needed it most to propel themselves within one point of league leaders Chelsea. United’s victory cuppled with Chelsea’s loss to Tottenham places United to within 1 point of the league leader. With each team with three games to go the race to the end will be interesting.

FIFA Says 145,000 World Cup Tickets Sold. FIFA reported on Sunday that over 145,000 tickets had been sold. In this final round of distribution many tickets are still available. So far, only 29 of the 64 matches are sold out. Included in that 29 are the sold out final and semi-final matches.

RedBulls late penalty sinks FC Dallas. When FC Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala stopped RedBull forward Juan Pablo Angel’s penalty kick in the 65th minute many thought Sala had secured a point for the visiting team. But Dallas was called for second penalty kick in stoppage time on a foul just inside the penalty area. This time Juan Pablo Angel made the most of it. Angel put it away to give New York a 2-1 victory and send FCD to its first defeat of the season after two draws. New York goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul came up big in the game stopping to one on ones from Jeff Cunningham and Eric Avila.

Houston Dynamo wins 10th game over Chivas. Geoff Cameron, Lovel Palmer and Dominic Oduro scored goals, and the Houston Dynamo shut out Chivas USA, 3-0, on Saturday. The Dynamo got two saves from Pat Onstad and extended its 10 game winning streak over Chivas USA. Chivas USA has not beaten the Dynamo since a 3-2 win in California back in August 2006. Palmer, in his first start for the Dynamo, Cracked a screamer from 25 yards out which may turn out to be the goal of the year. Check it out for yourself.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/content/lovel-palmers-30-yard-goal-puts-houston-2-0

Austin Aztex beat AC St. Louis, Remain Undefeated. The Aztex are on top of the table in the USL Division after beating last week defending USL champion Montreal. The next home game for the Aztex is Sunday, April 25th at House Park in downtown Austin against the Rochester Rhinos. Tickets, as well as season tickets are available now. All season tickets are flex tickets and can be used in any combination for any regular season game. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.austinaztex.com, or call 512-335-8881.

Haitian National Team delights the standing room only crowd. A crowd of over 2500 packed Trinity University on Monday night as the Haitian National team etched out a 2-0 win over Trinity University. The stadium was filled to capacity with fans spilling on to the field and behind the goals. Many watching from outside the fences of the packed stadium. The fans were treated to some great soccer from both the Haitians and the Trinity boys. The atmosphere was rocking. The Crocketteers were out in force and started many chants for the Haitian team. Hats off to my Crocketteer brothers and sisters.

High School Soccer’s Finest. The Expres-News published in Sunday’s paper the area’s best in boys and girls soccer. Check out the list of fine student athletes at: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/Parade_of_Champions_Express-News_honor_teams.html

Soccer on TV April 20-25 Courtesy of Soccer America.com

TUESDAY, April 20

FOX SPORTS NET
UEFA Champions League INTER MILAN-BARCELONA (live) 1:45 pm.
FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
UEFA Champions League INTER MILAN-BARCELONA (delay) 4 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
UEFA Champions League INTER MILAN-BARCELONA (live) 1:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores ESTUDIANTES-ALIANZA LIMA (live) 7 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
Copa Libertadores ESTUDIANTES-ALIANZA LIMA (live) 7 pm.

WEDNESDAY, April 21
FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
UEFA Champions League BAYERN MUNICH-LYON (live) 1:30 pm.
Concacaf Champions League CRUZ AZUL-PACHUCA  (live) 9 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
UEFA Champions League BAYERN MUNICH-LYON (live) 1:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores NACIONAL [URU]-MORELIA (live) 5:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores CLUB NACIONAL [PAR]-MONTERREY (live) 7:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England HULL CITY-ASTON VILLA (live) 1:40 pm.
UEFA Champions League BAYERN MUNICH-LYON (delay) 4 pm.

GOL TV
Italy UDINESE-ROMA (live) 11 am.
TELEFUTURA
Concacaf Champions League CRUZ AZUL-PACHUCA  (live) 9 pm.

THURSDAY, April 22

ESPN2
MLS DALLAS-SEATTLE (live) 7 pm.

ESPN DEPORTES
MLS DALLAS-SEATTLE (live) 7 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Copa Libertadores CHILE-U CATOLICA (delay) 1 pm.
Copa Libertadores SAO PAULO-ONCE CALDAS (delay) 3:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores INTERNACIONAL-DEPORTIVO QUITO (live) 5:30 pm.
Copa Libertadores CORINTHIANS-INDEPENDIENTE MEDELLIN (live) 7:30 pm.

GOL TV
Europa League HAMBURG-FULHAM (live) 2 pm.
Europa League ATL. MADRID-LIVERPOOL (delay) 7 pm.

FRIDAY, April 23
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SATURDAY, April 24

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
England HULL CITY-SUNDERLAND (live) 9 am.
Italy INTER MILAN-ATALANTA (live) 11am.
England BOLTON-PORTSMOUTH (delay) 3 pm.

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
England WEST HAM-WIGAN (live) 9 am.
England ARSENAL-MANCHESTER CITY (live) 11:30 am.
Italy PALERMO-AC MILAN (delay) 6 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England HULL CITY-SUNDERLAND (live) 9 am.
Italy INTER MILAN-ATALANTA (live) 11 am.
England BOLTON-PORTSMOUTH (delay) 3 pm.

TELEFUTURA
MLS NEW YORK-PHILADELPHIA (live) 3 pm.

MLS DIRECT KICK
MLS COLUMBUS CREW-REAL SALT LAKE (live) 6:30 pm.
MLS NEW ENGLAND-COLORADO (live) 6:30 pm.
MLS CHICAGO-HOUSTON (live) 7:30 pm.
MLS KANSAS CITY-LOS ANGELES (live) 7:30 pm.

SUNDAY, April 25

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
England ASTON VILLA-BIRMINGHAM CITY (live) 6 am.
England BURNLEY-LIVERPOOL (live) 9 am.
Argentina BOCA JUNIORS-SAN LORENZO (delay) 11pm

FOX SPORTS EN ESPANOL
Italy JUVENTUS-BARI (live) 8 am.
England CHELSEA-STOKE CITY (live) 10 am.
Mexico INDIOS-UNAM (live) 2 pm.
Italy ROMA-SAMPDORIA (delay) 4 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS
England ASTON VILLA-BIRMINGHAM CITY (live) 6 am.
England BURNLEY-LIVERPOOL (live) 9 am.
Argentina BOCA JUNIORS-SAN LORENZO (delay) 11pm

MLS DIRECT KICK
MLS TORONTO-SEATTLE (live) 1 pm.

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) and the Houston Dynamo Youth Development System have announced a partnership that will include opportunities for young men and women to become part of the Dynamo Academy. James Clarkson, director of Youth Development for the Houston Dynamo, joined OLLU’s Head Soccer Coach Shane Hurley to discuss this brand-new partnership Monday at The Lake.

The Houston Dynamo Youth Development System, presented by Statoil, will offer a special Residential Elite Camp at OLLU, including overnight accommodations. The camp, for older players born from 1992-96, takes place June 13-17. The curriculum and training will be based on technique and tactical development. Participants will play a number of small-sided and 11 v. 11 games throughout the week. Each player will be evaluated by the Dynamo coaching staff, and successful players will be invited to train with the Dynamo Academy. Registration is available by calling 713-276-7524.

The Houston Dynamo Youth Development System, presented by Statoil, is intended to develop and prepare soccer players to join the Houston Dynamo first team. The Youth Development System includes Kids Camps, the Dynamo Centers of Excellence, Dynamo Elite Camps, the Dynamo Junior Academy, the Dynamo South Texas Academy, and Academy teams at the U-15 and U-18 levels. More than 1,400 youth players participated in Dynamo Youth Development programs in 2008, with about 170 players participating in the Dynamo Academy and Dynamo Junior Academy.

The Houston Dynamo are a major league soccer (MLS) franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first four seasons and represented the U.S. in four consecutive regional championships. The Youth Development System was formed to develop and prepare soccer players to join the Houston Dynamo first team. The system includes kids’ camps, Dynamo Centers of Excellence, Dynamo Elite Camps, Dynamo Junior Academy, Dynamo South Texas Academy and academy teams at the U-15 and U-18 levels.

Prior to joining the Dynamo, Clarkson was the South Texas Youth Soccer Association’s Director of Coaching. He is also a national instructor for U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer. He played professionally with the Manawatu AFC in New Zealand. Hurley coached the men’s soccer team during its inaugural season in 2007. He had a successful season with a 10-4-1 record. In 2008, he returned as coach of the men’s team and added head-coaching duties for the first NAIA women’s soccer team in OLLU history. In 2009, both teams reached the Red River Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.

When: April 15, 2010

Time: 6:00 PM

Where: Freetail Brewing Co. (4035 N Loop 1604 W. Suite 105. San Antonio, TX 78257)

Come join us at Freetail Brewing Company for the ESPN MLS Game of the Week (to be presented on the big screen). We will be distributing Travis 250 membership cards to attending paid members. Come drink quality brew from our sponsor while enjoying the beautiful game.

If you are on Facebook, we’d appreciate the RSVP by clicking here.