Southern Indiana United’s U-16 boys had a thrilling start to the season, coming out victorious in the Jackson Purchase Invitational in Mayfield, Kentucky last week.

Drew Starck’s team got off to a flyer, winning 2-0 against Blue Fire (Mayfield, Ky.) with goals from Tyler Butler and Francisco Bravo. It then doubled its win count for the day with a 2-1 victory over Croatian Eagles Blue (Milwaukee, Wi.), courtesy of goals from Bravo and Brandon McLaughlin.

When SIU suffered a 5-0 defeat to a bigger and stronger Owensboro United outfit in its third game, it seemed like they were going to have to settle for second best in the tournament.

However, when the sides met in the championship decider, SIU put up a much improved performance, running out 4-2 winners.

In the first game against Owensboro, SIU found itself 2-0 down after five minutes and down 4-0 by the end of the half. In the championship decider, it got off to a much better start, taking an early lead with a Bravo goal, his third of the tournament.

Weston Schrank then extended SIU’s lead with hard work and determination, when he followed up a ball played through the middle.

Owensboro pulled one back with just 20 seconds remaining in the first half, but Mitch Brinkworth helped SIU regain a two-goal lead halfway through the second frame, capitalizing on a ball played down the wing. He cut into the middle before firing one past a helpless Owensboro defense.

Owensboro pressed hard in an attempt to get back into the game, but SIU kept its composure and stayed strong on the ball, while keeper Adam McDermont made a couple of fine saves.

Then, in the 62nd minute, Mitch Brinkworth found the back of the net again to seal the deal. Owensboro pulled one back with just two minutes left on the clock, but it was scant consolation.

“I was so proud of these guys all weekend,” said coach Drew Starck. “Especially when our opponent (Owensboro) thought they were just going to roll over us on Sunday afternoon. We came out with an amazing amount of energy and heart. Any team that can lose 5-0 in the morning and come back to win that same day is a very determined team. These guys earned it.”

SIU will now look forward to its spring campaign in Division 2 of the Kentucky Select Soccer League, where it will face opponents such as Lexington, Thoroughbreds, Southern Kentucky (SKY) and Madison United Flyers.



Fun new approach for young players

When I was a young tyke getting up to no good on the dirty streets of Dublin, the first opportunity I got to play organized soccer was at the U10 level.

Now, there are clubs that offer U4 programs while, closer to home, SIU is introducing a new training approach at the U5 and U6 recreational levels.

Last Thursday, there was a meeting at New Albany High School for the parents of young players to inform them of what to expect.

The new approach is adapted from the academy-style programs and involves coaches working together as a team when teaching players how to play soccer.

These changes will help to improve the program by creating an environment that is fun and keeps it a game for all children.

It will also make it easier to teach parent-coaches who are new to coaching soccer, and it is hoped that it will generate a greater desire among children to continue in the sport.

Speaking at the meeting was Dutch Vigar, SIU's director of coaching, while club president Jim Kotowski discussed the game format and general SIU policies.

For further information, check out the club's website at: www.siusoccer.com.



Red is the color

Does your soccer club wear red?

If not, you might want to have a word with the coach about changing the color of your strip.

Two English universities — Durham University and the University of Plymouth — have just come to the conclusion that red is the most successful team color in soccer.

Researchers at the colleges analyzed data on English league results since World War II. They found that red, in nature, is often associated with male aggression and display.

“It is a testosterone-driven signal of male quality, and its striking effect has even been harnessed by soldiers in the past,” said the report.

It concluded that supporters are subconsciously more attracted to a club wearing red, so the club develops a bigger resource base within its community. There is also a positive psychological boost from wearing red that is reflected on the field of play.

So the success that Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have had through the years is due to the color of their strip — not the billions they've spent on players.

And why the likes of Derby County and Bolton, who wear white, are languishing down at the bottom of the Premiership table at the moment.

Incidentally, the least successful colors are yellow and orange, which probably explains why Holland has never won the World Cup.



Contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com