Knights and Lancers square off...on Facebook

Soccer Sam, founder of the MISL Rochester Lancers claims Rochester, NY is "Soccer Town, USA". Silver Knights President & Coach Tommy Tanner thinks differently!

The Bet.... 1st team to 1,000 "Likes" will prove who is Soccer Town, USA and win dinner for their team at the expenses of the other after a preseason match up.

So chose your side and Like either the Knights:

Or Like the Lancers:

MISL Prepares to kick off 2011-2012 Season

Indoor Soccer fans can now officially mark their calanders as the opening date for the upcoming 2011-2012 has been set, November 3rd.

A new era for the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) is set to kick off in November, with a mix of traditional powers and exciting new clubs set to fight for the championship in North America’s most storied professional indoor soccer league.

The new MISL has grown from five to eight teams for the 2011-12 season as the Baltimore Blast, Milwaukee Wave and Missouri Comets are joined by a new franchise in Chicago (name?) as well as the Norfolk SharX, Rochester Lancers, Syracuse Silver Knights and Wichita Wings. The eight teams will be divided into two geographic divisions - Eastern and Central. 

Eastern Division
Baltimore Blast
Norfolk SharX
Rochester Lancers
Syracuse Silver Knights

Central Division
Chicago
Milwaukee Wave
Missouri Comets
Wichita Wings

The MISL 2011-12 will announced the full schedule later this week. The 2011-12 MISL regular season will consist of 24 games, with teams playing 16 games within their division - six games against their nearest geographic rival and five games each against the other two teams. They will face each of the teams from the other division twice, once home and once away. Regular season play will end March 4^th. The MISL playoffs will begin with the semifinals March 9-11, featuring the top two teams from each division meeting in a home-and-home series with a mini game to decide the series following the second game if needed. The championship will follow the same format on March 16-18. The higher seed will choose which game it hosts. 

“We are thrilled with the growth that the MISL has seen during the off season and are excited for what the future holds for the Milwaukee Wave and MISL,” said Milwaukee Wave owner, Jim Lindenberg. “The growth and stability of the league has allowed the Wave to continue trending positively with season tickets and corporate sponsorship this off season. We are anxious for the full schedule to be announced later this week.” 

Anaheim Bolts partner with FRE3Kick Gear apparel

The Anaheim Bolts are Orange County’s Newest Professional Indoor Soccer Team. The Bolts will be the first professional soccer team in Anaheim since 1997. They are hard at work gearing up for the inaugural season coming this October 2011 playing 12 home games at the Anaheim Arena.

FRE3KICK teams up with the Anaheim Bolts professional indoor soccer team to provide co-branded T shirt and custom apparel. The fast growing sports apparel company FRE3KICK is currently finalizing designs with the Anaheim Bolts. The first run of shirts should be available to fans in September 2011.

"Superb collaboration between FRE3KICK and Anaheim Bolts. We are honored to be chosen as the Anaheim Bolts official street wear sponsor and partner. We are also looking forward to a great upcoming season" said FRE3KICK founder Rob "KICKS" Medina.

“I’m excited about this unique partnership and can’t wait until the Bolts Signature T-shirts are released. We’ve seen some draft designs and they will be guaranteed fan favorites!” said Bolts Head Coach Bernie Lilavois.

FRE3KICK is also the first to pioneer and revolutionize the soccer apparel market with some of the most uniquely designed and eye catching apparel items available. The revolutionary designs provide a wide array of choices and a way for loyal soccer fans to truly express their love for the sport.

FRE3KICK is the most recognizable urban wear brand with distribution in California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, New York, Miami, and also in the countries of Brazil, Mexico, and Europe.

  For more information, visit the company's website: http://www.freekickgear.com/ or call (714)317-3504

To learn more about The Anaheim Bolts, visit: boltsoccer.com

Chicago Riot making a return to MISL?

There are rumors that the Chicago Riot may be making a return to the MISL for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. MISL to announce division lineups, playoffs and one more team returning

When Indoor Soccer News reached out to Riot President & CEO Peter Wilt via Twitter his response was simply:

@PeterWilt1 : @VASN_Indoor we're hopeful!!

We are too Peter and we imagine all of the Chicago Riot fans would be too if the team where able to return to action this season.

Anaheim Bolts announce more offseason signings

The signings just keep on coming during the PASL offseason as teams prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Today Managing Partner/Head coach, Bernie Lilavois and the newest professional sports team in Southern California, Anaheim Bolts, will announce the second player to be signed in Jeff Hughes, as well as new goalkeeper coach, Jeff Tackett.

Hughes, 27, joins the Bolts after spending time in the German Bundesliga, the USL, and for the last three years the PASL in Cincinnati. Hughes was named PASL MVP two years ago and MVP runner up this past year playing in only fourteen games. Hughes brings a lot of experience to Anaheim and has had a knack for scoring goals in his indoor career.

The Bolts have also signed goalkeeper coach Jeff Tackett. Tackett is the owner of the Southern California School of Goalkeeping. Tackett has coached Mt. San Antonio College, Cal Baptist University men/women, Cal Poly Pomona Men, and has been an integral part of the Cal-South Olympic Development Program.

Milwuakee Wave start Winter Indoor Training

The Milwaukee Wave is thrilled to announce a new winter indoor training program. The Wave Academy will be conducted by players and coaches from the Milwaukee Wave who represent countries from around the world. The Wave Academy’s advanced training will offer players U8 – U14 the opportunity to develop into a more confident player. 

The winter indoor training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 1st – April 5th at Uihlein Soccer Park between 4 pm – 6 pm. Sessions will be offered every 4 weeks allowing players to learn different techniques to make them a better player.The Wave Academy will offer the best advanced soccer training teaching foot-skills, speed and agility, shooting, futsal and goalie technical skills.

The specialty training for strikers / goalkeepers gives forwards and goalkeepers the opportunity to work strictly on their goal scoring and goal saving abilities.The Milwaukee Wave currently trains thousands of young players at our summer camp.

“We are answering a demand for an advanced winter indoor academy based upon our Wave Summer Soccer Camp surveys,” stated Milwaukee Wave’s Head Coach, Keith Tozer.

Wave extend 2011 MVP Goalkeeper Feenstra two years

The first MISL game VASoccernews.com ever covered was the 2011 MISL Championship in Baltimore, MD between the Wave and Blast. Right from the opening save it was evident that Wave goalkeeper Marcel Feenstra was "in the zone". He went on to be named MVP of that game.

Now the Milwaukee Wave have announced a two-year contract extension for their MVP goalkeeper




“We are very happy to have extended Marcel’s contract and have him as part of the Milwaukee Wave for three more seasons. He has improved year after year and proved that he can play in the big game when he was named MVP of last year’s championship game” stated Milwaukee Wave Head Coach, Keith Tozer.

Feenstra, a native of Holland, has played three years with the Milwaukee Wave. Last year he saved over 115 goals and ended the season with a .779% in the box. “The Milwaukee Wave is a great organization and Milwaukee is a great city. I am excited to be a part of this team for the next three years. I can’t wait for the season to start,” stated Feenstra.

Comets add two more in preperation for upcoming season

The offseason moves continue to take place as MISL teams are building their rosters for the upcoming Indoor Pro Soccer season.

The Comets announced today the signing of defenders Ryan Junge and Stefan Stokic.  Pending league approval, both players have signed two year contracts and are a big part of Coach Kim Roentved’s plan to build a championship caliber defense to match his already powerful offense.  

RYAN JUNGE (JUHNG) - Junge started his professional career in 2007 after being drafted by the Columbus Crew.  He was an important piece of the Crew’s 2008 Championship appearing in 13 matches and starting 3.  He transitioned to the indoor game last season with the Omaha Vipers.  Junge accounted for 21 of the team’s 31 defensive points and was half of the league’s All-Rookie defensive team with current Comets star, Brian Harris. 

Although he is known as a physical, tough defender, he plays a very smart clean game.  He spent only two minutes in the penalty box all last season, which was the lowest amount of any defender with more than five games of experience.  “Indoor Soccer is a lot different than the MLS, but in a better way for sure…at least for my style of play,” says Junge about his transition to the MISL. 

“I'm definitely looking forward to helping out the team in any way I can. The mix of some of us new players plus the guys coming back from last year seems like it’s going to be a good mixture for a run at a championship.”

STEFAN STOKIC (Stoh-Kich) – Although Stokic was born here in Kansas City, he is proud of his Serbian heritage and the gritty, speedy style of play that he is known for.  Stokic signed his first professional contract when he was only 19 years old with the Swedish club Malmo FF. 

In 2004 he decided to return to the United States and play for the Kansas City Comets.  That season he scored five goals and seven assists for his hometown club.  Following a short stint in New Jersey with the former XSL team, the Ironmen, Stokic returned home again last season with the Comets. 

“I am excited to be back again.  We were one game away from playing for the title last season and I think this group is ready to get there this year.”

Lancers name Billy Andracki head coach

Jeff DeVeronica of the DemocratAndChronicle.com has reported that the Roshester Lancers have named Billy Andracki as their Head Coach.

Andracki is listed on the Rochester Rhinos website as an Assistant Coach.

The Lancers have Player combine & tryouts are scheduled for August 20-21, 2011. For more information, visit the 2011 Rochester Lancers Player Combine page for info.

The club dates back to 1967 when they where first officially named the Rochester Lancers. The Lancers are returning to action in 2011 as part of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).

Progress for Pro Indoor Leagues

United States Indoor Soccer Association | GOAL Online

Bolts attract 75 hopefuls

Pro soccer tryouts attract 75 Bolts hopefuls The Orange County Register

Norfolk Sharx Pro Announce current Intern Opportunities

Sales Intern-commissionedSharX Sales interns will have an opportunity to learn about one of the most pivotal aspects of a professional sports team's front office - ticket and sponsorship sales. The ideal candidate will have strong business and marketing acumen, excellent interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic interest in the soccer and sports industry. The candidate should also be self-motivated, competitive and have a willingness to both learn and adapt.

 

A sales intern will have the following responsibilities:

• Identify prospects
• Book sales meeting with prospects
• Preparing sales presentations
• Conducting face to face business meetings
• Writing follow up letters
• Developing specific ticketing strategies for specific markets
• Developing mail campaigns
• Creating promotional materials targeted at specific groups
• Sales interns are paid on a commission basis.

 

 

Marketing Interns-unpaid   

Sponsorship: - This position will work closely on relationships with SharX Official Sponsors. Responsibilities may include: organization of sponsored elements, facilitation of game day programs and half-time events and production of event & game summaries. Candidates should have a strong commitment and a flexible schedule, as many events fall on weekends.

 

Grassroots: - Exploring the different facets of grassroots marketing for a professional soccer team, duties will include general fulfillment of the Youth Partnership and Fan Club programs, assistance with merchandising, planning, staffing, and attending mobile marketing events and mascot appearances throughout the community. Weekend availability is preferred, but hours will be determined on an individual basis with some flexibility.

 

Promotions: - This position will work closely with the Marketing Coordinator on a variety of promotional activities with a special focus on event management. Responsibilities may include assistance in advertising and promotions development, work with the team's media partnerships and coordination of pre-game Soccer Celebration activities.

Operations Intern -unpaid

Team Operations/Logistics - Intern will be responsible for day-to-day duties revolving around the team, Norfolk Scope and events throughout the Hampton Roads area. Specific tasks will include the facilitating of various team activities such as training sessions, logistical preparation and management of Scope for all home games, storage movement, office maintenance and various event management duties. The intern will work directly with the SharX Operations Manager. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, be very detail oriented and be able to perform physical labor duties on a daily basis.

Match Production - Intern will be responsible for all in-house game day production preparation including creating the PA script and timelines for all SharX home games. Responsibilities also include coordinating meetings for all departments involved with game day activities. The intern will work directly with the SharX Operations Manager, game day producer, production crew and PA announcers. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be very detail oriented.

Volunteer/Hospitality Program - Intern will be responsible for assisting with the SharX volunteer program made up of over 25 volunteers. Duties include interviewing new applicants, scheduling duties for all home games, managing the incentive program and facilitating the needs of all volunteers. The intern will also be responsible for assisting with hospitality scheduling for all home games. Various other duties include managing the credential program. The intern will work directly with the SharX Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and be very detail oriented. Prior experience with customer service and people management is recommended.

Silver Knights President Tanner Named Head Coach

It is not the best sign for a newly announced club when they fail to hire their first choice for coach and settle on having the club president take on the role of Head Coach. But that is exactly the position the Syracuse Silver Knights find themselves in heading into their first season of play in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).

The Syracuse Silver Knights of the MISL have announced that Syracuse native Tommy Tanner will serve as head coach for the team’s inaugural campaign in 2011-12. The Silver Knights also named Joe Papaleo and Ryan Hall as goalkeeping coach and player coach, respectively.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a press conference at the CenterState CEO annual clambake, in front of nearly 800 local business leaders and executives. The Silver Knights will launch their inaugural season at the Onondaga War Memorial this coming November, playing high-profile teams such as the Baltimore Blast, Milwaukee Wave and cross-state rival the Rochester Lancers.

Tanner is a Syracuse native with a professional career that encompassed 14 years with the Cleveland Crunch of the MISL and Rochester Raging Rhinos and Syracuse Salty Dogs of the USL First Division. During his 14 years as a professional soccer player, he played in 13 league championships, winning seven titles. Tanner was Rookie of the Year in the MISL in the 1991-92 season.
Tanner, who graduated from Henninger High School and North Carolina State University, is president of Empire United Soccer Academy and holds a USSF "B" coaching license. He is also a local business owner who understands the important connection between a professional club and the community.

"Our goal obviously is to bring a championship to Syracuse, but just as important is our mission to be part of the Central New York community and be a positive asset to the many youth organizations and schools,” Tanner said. “We also have a tremendous commitment to earning strong relationships with area businesses to help connect them to our fans. We have an outstanding opportunity to provide the highest level of indoor soccer, offer outstanding family entertainment and build partnerships with local businesses that are mutually beneficial."

Papaleo is a graduate of Syracuse University and enjoyed an extensive professional indoor career that included being named MISL Goalkeeper of the Year in 1991 and 1993. Papaleo is an active member of the Syracuse soccer community who was inducted into the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and continues to coach at Christian Brothers Academy.

"Syracuse is a great soccer community and I have been proud to be a part of it,” Papaleo said. “I am excited to bring my experience as a professional to the Silver Knights and build a team with Tommy and Ryan that makes an impact both on and off the field.”

Hall is also a Syracuse University alumnus, starting for the squad from 1999 through 2002 and returning to SU as a volunteer assistant coach for its 2005 and 2006 campaigns. He was a member of the Syracuse Salty Dogs (USL A-League) during their two seasons and was drafted in 2002 by the Cleveland Force of the MISL. During his six seasons in the MISL, Hall was named player of the week seven times.
For the past two years, he has been the director of coaching for Team Challenger Columbus Crew Jrs. North.

"I am excited to return to Central New York; I have family in the area and enjoyed my time in college and with the Salty Dogs,” Hall said. “When I spoke to Tommy, it made perfect sense to finish off my professional career as a player while working with Tommy and Joe on the coaching side."
Visit www.syracusesilverknights.com to sign up for the Silver Knights mailing list and have late-breaking news, ticket/merchandise and prize information delivered directly to you. Follow the Silver Knights on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

For any additional information about the Syracuse Silver Knights, including sponsorships to promote your business, please call the Silver Knights office at 315-303-7261 or email allenlaventure@syracusesilverknights.com.

Preseason Dates, Open Tryouts Announced by Comets

Many professional indoor soccer franchises are now preparing for the upcoming season and the Missouri Comets of the MISL are no exception.

Once again the team will be holding an Open Tryout, giving players a chance to show their stuff to Coaches Kim Roentved, Vlatko Andonovski and Doug McLagan.  Shortly after that players will be participating in an invite-only Combine where the final spots for the team will be selected and Training Camp will officially open for the 2011-2012 MISL season.  All three events will be held at the Official Training Facility of the Comets, the Kansas City Soccer Dome, 5909 Equitable Rd in Kansas City, MO. The Open Tryouts are just that, open to anyone who thinks they might have what it takes to play for the Comets. 

They will be held September 17th-18th.  Registration materials for the event can be found on CometsIndoorSoccer.com.  The fee will be $50 for those who pre-register or $65 to register at the door.  All participants will receive an Official Comets training shirt.  Coach Kim Roentved knows valuable talent can be found through the tryout process. 

“When I was a player I remember thinking these open tryouts were pointless, but then we found two guys who ended up having great careers in Doug McLagan and Chris Duke.  You never know when you’ll find a diamond in the rough.”  The team will follow open tryouts with an Invitational Combine on October 12th-14th.  Players who make an impression on the coaches at the Open Tryouts will join players invited by Coach Roentved to fight for a chance to participate in the Comets 2011-2012 Training Camp.

Bolts Announce Second Tryout Date

If you live in Southern California and want a chance to play a soccer at the professional level then this is your opportunity. The newest professional sports team in Southern California, the Anaheim Bolts, will be hosting their second open tryouts at the ArenaSoccer Park of Orange.

The Anaheim Bolts 2011 Open Tryouts provides an opportunity for players to showcase their talent to the coaching staff of the newest professional indoor soccer team, The Anaheim Bolts. Tryout participants will have an opportunity to make either the Bolts Professional Roster or the Developmental Team (Official Affiliate Reserve Team of The Bolts).





What: Registration fee is $25
When: Sunday, August 14th - 11:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Arena Soccer Park of Orange, 2190 North Canal Street, Orange, Ca.


Who: This is open to the public, must be 18 years of age or older in order to tryout.

Go to http://www.boltsoccer.com/ for mor information.

Copa D.C. XI - Indoor Soccer Tournament

6v6 indoor soccer tournament presented by D.C. United and Volkswagen: Virginia Online Soccer News: Copa D.C. XI Event Reminder

MISL Throwback Video of the Week - Cleveland Force

The Cleveland Force where one of the six charter franchises in the original Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).  They played from 1978-1988.

Enjoy the memories!