> SOUTHERN INDIANA — You’ll be able to dunk a politician, buy some interesting items, and, of course, play the beautiful game at Youth Soccer Day at Community Park in New Albany from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. this Saturday.

The day-long event is one of many activities planned for the eighth annual Youth Soccer Month, which is being organized by local clubs Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers.

Games will take place all day, while you’ll be able to pick up some bargains at the special soccer yard sale, visit informational tables and have a chance to take home some freebies and door prizes.

Rumor has it that in addition to local soccer coaches getting dunked by the kids, state representative Ed Clere will also take his turn on the hot (or should that be wet) seat.  

“It will be a fun, family day to celebrate youth soccer,” said SIU’s vice president Debbie Webb.

Along with club president Jim Kotowski, Webb collected the merchandise for the yard sale.

“There will be soccer items for sale at ridiculous prices and no item will cost more than $5,” she said.

Other events as part of Youth Soccer Month will be tonight’s Floyd Central/Providence and Christian Academy of Indiana/Silver Creek girls’ matchups, two of many high school games this month where you can wear your club jersey and get in free.

SIU will spend an evening with the University of Louisville’s men’s soccer team this Friday, ahead of the Cards’ home game against Fordham (7 p.m.), while Ultimate Soccer Mom (and Dad) Appreciation Day will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Youth Soccer Day organizers would like to give a special thanks to sponsors Lorch & Naville, Fifer and Schad law offices, Floyd Memorial Hospital, MainSource Bank, Priority Radiology, Judge Susan Orth, Benefit Payee Services and Mr. Rooter Plumbing Services.

For further information on this month’s events, log on to www.siusoccer.com. If you want to help out with activities, contact Webb at 812-945-5627 or 502-523-4382.



STRIKERS FACE OFF IN RIVAL CLASH

Tonight will be one of the highlights of the girls’ regular season when Floyd Central will host rival Providence at 7.

Both teams have gotten off to good starts, with the Highlanders standing at 6-2-1 and the Pioneers at 5-1-1.

And both feature standout strikers in the shape of juniors Taylor Patty (Floyd Central, 10 goals) and Casey Marlin (Providence, 12 goals).

So far, Floyd Central has had good 1-0 wins against Mercy Academy of Louisville and Jasper. Defeats came at the hands of Manual of Louisville (3-1), a team ranked No. 2 in Kentucky at the time, and Evansville North (3-0) at this weekend’s Hoosier Cup in Bloomington, which coach Lewie Stevens described as “a very disappointing showing.”

Patty racked up four goals in the tournament, with a hat trick in the 8-0 demolition of Vincennes Lincoln and another goal in the Highlanders’ win against Christian Academy of Indiana.

It’s by no means a one-woman show, however.

Also expect attackers Lauren Haley and Kady O’Farrell, Cassie Holland in midfield and seniors Emily Foster and Alysen Shireman to play an important role. Cassie Sakai, meanwhile, is a senior transfer from California and plays in goal and in midfield.

Meanwhile, Providence’s five wins have included victories over Columbus East, Forest Park and Jeffersonville, while it tied with Christian Academy of Louisville. Its lone loss thus far came against Indiana’s “Team to Watch,” South Dearborn.

The Pioneers will be hoping Marlin — who has fired in three hat tricks to date —- can add to her impressive tally tonight, and to the goal she scored in last year’s 2-1 regular-season triumph over Floyd Central.

Providence coach Dave Smith also is expecting the likes of Leah Mattingly, Kelsey Rogers, Cristian May-Boquiren, Erin Duncan, Lauren Holland and freshman Kasey Wallace to step up to the plate in the hope of reversing the scoreline when the rivals last met. That was a 2-0 postseason win for Floyd Central, achieved on its way to a fourth consecutive sectional triumph.



CHELSEA’S TOPPERS TOP KAITLIN’S ACES

Western Kentucky University, featuring Jeffersonville’s Chelsea Grover, proved too strong for Evansville, with New Albany’s Kaitlin Robinett in its lineup, last Friday.

The Hilltoppers (1-2-1) put four past the Purple Aces in Bowling Green, Ky., with goals from Mallory Outerbridge (two), Sydney Sisler and Chrissy Tchoula.

Robinett was a starter on defense, while Grover, a senior and captain of the team, played 50 minutes.

Evansville, however, bounced back Sunday to record its first victory of the season (1-3-1), beating Middle Tennessee 2-1.

Both Western Kentucky and Evansville will play again on Friday. WKU will play at home against Ball State, while Evansville will host Tennessee-Martin.



PASSIONATELY PINK DONUTS

The second annual Passionately Pink game between New Albany and Floyd Central girls will take place on Thursday, Sept. 16 at Prosser Field.

However, prior to the fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, a lot of work is being carried out behind the scenes to ensure the evening is a success.

Both teams are joining together to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, and one of the events taking place is an all-you-can-eat Krispy Kreme donut breakfast  from 8-11:30 a.m. this Saturday at Mt. Tabor School. Tickets can be purchased at the door.  

Contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com.