http://www.insidemnsoccer.com Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:15:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 2006-2007 insidemnsoccer@gmail.com insidemnsoccer@gmail.com 1440 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg http://www.insidemnsoccer.com 144 144 Just another WordPress weblog insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/02/06/q-a-with-tim-robbie-president-of-the-fort-lauderdale-strikers/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/02/06/q-a-with-tim-robbie-president-of-the-fort-lauderdale-strikers/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:20:20 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=31022 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/02/06/q-a-with-tim-robbie-president-of-the-fort-lauderdale-strikers/feed/ 8 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-2/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-2/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:31:52 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=30561 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-2/feed/ 3 0:37:38 Welcome to episode #20 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. This is the first IMS NASL podcast of 2012. It’s also the 2nd of a 2-part broadcast covering the last several months of activity in the NASL. Gerry Wittmann , [...] Welcome to episode #20 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. This is the first IMS NASL podcast of 2012. It’s also the 2nd of a 2-part broadcast covering the last several months of activity in the NASL. Gerry Wittmann , Jay (Yankiboy) Long, and yours truly, Brian Quarstad, review the happenings of the last several months of activity in the league since the 2011 final at the end of October. In part 1, we talk about the NSCAA Convention that I attended last week as well as the NASL Board of Governors meetings that took place in Kansas City in conjunction with that convention. And holy bowling NASL coaches. Listen to the podcast and you’ll understand what we’re talking about. We also run down, team by team, changes that may have taken place in venues, coaching changes and player personnel. In this 2nd part we cover the Minnesota Stars FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Puerto Rico Islanders and the San Antonio Scorpions. Please join us for this first IMSoccer News NASL Podcast of 2012. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-1/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-1/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:05:09 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=30553 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/18/nasl-podcast-episode-20-part-1/feed/ 9 0:27:37 Welcome to episode #20 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast.  This is the first IMS NASL podcast of 2012. It’s also the 1st of a 2-part broadcast covering the last several months of activity in the NASL. Gerry Wittmann ,  [...] Welcome to episode #20 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast.  This is the first IMS NASL podcast of 2012. It’s also the 1st of a 2-part broadcast covering the last several months of activity in the NASL. Gerry Wittmann ,  Jay (Yankiboy) Long,  and yours truly, Brian Quarstad, review the happenings of the last several months of activity in the league since the 2011 final at the end of October. We talk about the NSCAA Convention that I attended last week as well as the NASL Board of Governors meetings that took place in Kansas City in conjunction with that convention. And holy bowling NASL coaches. Listen to the podcast and you’ll understand what we’re talking about. We also run down, team by team, changes that may have taken place in venues, coaching changes and player personnel. In this 1st part we cover the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Watch for part 2 later today where we will cover the Minnesota Stars FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Puerto Rico Islanders and the San Antonio Scorpions.  Please join us for this first IMSoccer News NASL Podcast of 2012. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/05/eric-millers-monumental-year/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/05/eric-millers-monumental-year/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:43:43 +0000 Megan Ryan http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=30287 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/05/eric-millers-monumental-year/feed/ 2 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/29/stars-head-coach-manny-lagos-explains-teams-2012-roster-moves/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/29/stars-head-coach-manny-lagos-explains-teams-2012-roster-moves/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:16:58 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=29676 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/29/stars-head-coach-manny-lagos-explains-teams-2012-roster-moves/feed/ 4 0:08:58 Manny Lagos - photo by Jeremy Olson – www.digitalgopher.net The Minnesota Stars released a statement earlier today stating that the team is exercising contract options on 18 players this season. Last year the Stars returned 16 players and many credi[...] Manny Lagos - photo by Jeremy Olson – www.digitalgopher.net The Minnesota Stars released a statement earlier today stating that the team is exercising contract options on 18 players this season. Last year the Stars returned 16 players and many credited the consistency of returning players as one of the reasons for the team’s success. Lagos spoke to IMS this afternoon and explained why some players were not listed on that release. He also warned that even though the team exercised their option on 18 players it doesn’t mean those players will all be on the Stars roster come the April kickoff of the 2012 NASL season. (There is a full audio file of the interview with coach Lagos at the end of this article) He explained that contracts are between the players and teams, but there are also league-wide contracts that mandate clubs to give notice to the NASL within 30 days of the end of their season if they will be exercising contract options on multi-year deals. Several players were not mentioned in today’s press release simply because they did not have options that the team were required to disclose. Goalkeeper Joe Warren is one of those players who Lagos says was playing on a one-year contract. Even though Warren has expressed that he may be looking for work outside of playing soccer, the Stars head coach says he’s hopeful Warren will come back. “Like the fans I still remain hopeful that he’ll want to play again,” said Lagos. Lagos stated that defender Kevin Friedland remains an important part of the club as a player, assistant coach and working in the front office. His contract was also a one-year deal as was Daniel Wasson’s, who made a big contribution to the Stars in 2010. Wasson tore his ACL before the Stars’ season started in 2011 and spent the summer rehabbing. “Obviously Danny had a great year two years ago. He’s such a veteran player. He’s done a tremendous amount of work to get back into shape. I think he’s got the drive to be on the roster next year.” Jack Stewart was also listed as an option that the Stars picked up. Minnesota loaned the player to FC Dallas mid-season in 2011 and technically he is still on loan. But exercising their option on Stewart makes sure he is still part of the Stars roster. Dallas has a clause that would allow them to purchase the defender from Minnesota if they wish to make him part of the 2012 FC Dallas roster. “I think were in the situation where there could still be a lot of changes on the roster,” said Lagos. “There might be guys potentially going to MLS. There are guys who move onto other teams or want to hang up their boots. We’re still in the phase of building our roster for next year and we’re still acutely aware that there is a lot of room for change.” Defender Chris Clements, whose option was not picked up, had gone through periods of time in his two years with the Stars where he played regularly and other times when he seemed to fall out of favor and saw very few minutes. Lagos was asked about the defender from Allen, Texas. As he did in the press release, Lagos expressed that it was difficult making decisions not to exercise options on several players because they were all important to the team in a very special year that saw the Stars win the NASL Championship. “There’s always going to be tough decisions at this time of the season every year,” said Lagos. “Chris is and has been an outstanding pro. Sometimes we just have to make decisions about how we are moving forward as a club to try to improve and get better again. “We’ve got a great base of players who have had a great year and contributed. We fully expect that they will come back bigger and stronger and even better next year. But as a club we have to realize every team in our league is preparing to try to take us down. We have to make sure we are committed to be even bet[...] Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/03/nasl-podcast-episode-19-final-2011-show/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/03/nasl-podcast-episode-19-final-2011-show/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:47:47 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=29107 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/11/03/nasl-podcast-episode-19-final-2011-show/feed/ 3 0:55:24 Welcome to episode #19 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast, a special NASL Championship edition and the final show of 2011. The second leg of the NASL Championship was played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and just like last year[...] Welcome to episode #19 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast, a special NASL Championship edition and the final show of 2011. The second leg of the NASL Championship was played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and just like last year’s USSF D2 Pro League Puerto Rico Islanders, who came from the last playoff spot to claim the trophy, the 6th place NSC Minnesota Stars snatched the new Soccer Bowl trophy in the inaugural season of the new NASL. The Minnesota side did so by battening down the hatches and “defending like lions” and seeing the second leg out to a 0-0 draw, thereby giving them a 3-1 aggregate championship victory. Regular co-host Gerry Wittmann was not able to make the podcast this week but regular contributor Jay (Yankiboy) Long,  and yours truly, Brian Quarstad, recap the second leg game. We also have post game comments from the Stars’ head coach Manny Lagos and team captain Kyle Altman. We also have a very special guest this week in Bruce McGuire of duNord Futbol fame. One of the original American soccer bloggers, McGuire knows his football both American and international. But he comes on this show as the role of Minnesota Stars fan and Dark Cloud supporter and tells of his experience as the a handful of Minnesota fans flew to Fort Lauderdale and witnessed their team claim the D2 professional soccer championship in the U.S. Bruce also shares with us his tactical analysis of the game and the three of us also discuss the pros and cons of a 2-legged final. Please join Jay Long and myself as we present to you the last IMSoccer News NASL Podcast for 2011. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/25/nasl-podcast-episode-18-special-championship-edition/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/25/nasl-podcast-episode-18-special-championship-edition/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:09:37 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=28816 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/25/nasl-podcast-episode-18-special-championship-edition/feed/ 3 0:51:41 Welcome to episode #18 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast, a special NASL Championship edition. The first leg of the NASL Championship has been played in Minnesota with the home team securing a 3-1 win over the Fort Lauderdale[...] Welcome to episode #18 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast, a special NASL Championship edition. The first leg of the NASL Championship has been played in Minnesota with the home team securing a 3-1 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The IMSoccer News Podcast staff of Jay (Yankiboy) Long, Gerry Wittmann and yours truly, Brian Quarstad, recap the first leg game that sees the Stars heading to Florida with a 2 goal aggregate lead. We break down what went right for the NSC Minnesota Stars and what the Strikers will need to do to get overcome the Stars’ late season stifling defense and the 2 goal deficit. We also have post game comments from the Stars’ Lucas Rodriguez, Luke Mulholland, Strikers head coach Daryl Shore and Stars head coach Manny Lagos. Then we interview Stars player/assistant coach Kevin Friedland and speak to him about the team’s late season success as well as his role with the team as he wears many hats with the organization. Lastly we give our predictions on this week’s finals in Fort Lauderdale. Please join Jay Long, Gerry Wittmann and I as we present to you another IMSoccer News NASL Podcast. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/23/nasl-talk-on-the-best-soccer-show/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/23/nasl-talk-on-the-best-soccer-show/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:53:19 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=28739 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/23/nasl-talk-on-the-best-soccer-show/feed/ 0 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/18/nasl-podcast-episode-17-fort-lauderdale-strikers-and-minnesota-stars-heading-to-the-finals/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/18/nasl-podcast-episode-17-fort-lauderdale-strikers-and-minnesota-stars-heading-to-the-finals/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:34:53 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=28570 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/18/nasl-podcast-episode-17-fort-lauderdale-strikers-and-minnesota-stars-heading-to-the-finals/feed/ 8 0:30:49 Welcome to episode #17 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. The 2011 NASL semifinals are history. The top two regular season teams have been eliminated and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Minnesota Stars are headed to the Cham[...] Welcome to episode #17 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. The 2011 NASL semifinals are history. The top two regular season teams have been eliminated and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Minnesota Stars are headed to the Championship series. The IMSoccer News Podcast staff of Jay (Yankiboy) Long, Gerry Wittmann and yours truly, Brian Quarstad, review the victories for Fort Lauderdale and Minnesota and discuss what went wrong for Puerto Rico and Carolina. We also look forward to the Championship series first leg to be hosted by the NSC Minnesota Stars. We also discuss the controversy that seems to be brewing in Puerto Rico surrounding head coach Colin Clarke. Fans seem to be asking for a replacement. Really? After finishing second in the table and having some bad luck with FIFA international qualifiers during the playoffs?  We also pay tribute to Martin Rennie, who most certainly elevated the level of coaching in division II soccer for the past 3 years. Rennie will now leave the RailHawks to join the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS. Please join Jay Long, Gerry Wittmann and I as we present to you another IMSoccer News NASL Podcast. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/12/nasl-podcast-episode-16-minnesota-stars-and-carolina-railhawks-2nd-leg-semifinals-preview-with-neil-morris/ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/12/nasl-podcast-episode-16-minnesota-stars-and-carolina-railhawks-2nd-leg-semifinals-preview-with-neil-morris/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:57:50 +0000 Brian Quarstad http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/?p=28409 http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/10/12/nasl-podcast-episode-16-minnesota-stars-and-carolina-railhawks-2nd-leg-semifinals-preview-with-neil-morris/feed/ 5 0:38:41 Welcome to episode #16 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. This is a special edition of the NASL Podcast with special guest Neil Morris who helps me preview the 2nd leg of the NASL semifinal game between Minnesota and Carolina[...] Welcome to episode #16 of the IMSoccer News North American Soccer League Podcast. This is a special edition of the NASL Podcast with special guest Neil Morris who helps me preview the 2nd leg of the NASL semifinal game between Minnesota and Carolina. You may know Neil Morris as the writer who contributes to IndyWeek.com in Cary, North Carolina and who is the soccer beat writer for the for the Triangle Offense blog. There he covers many things soccer, particularly the Carolina RailHawks. We also play audio from post game interviews after last Saturday’s Minnesota Stars win over the RailHawks. Carolina’s Tony McManus, head coach Martin Rennie and Stars head coach Manny Lagos all reflect on the game and talk about the upcoming match in Cary at WakeMed Park this weekend. Minnesota has the one goal advantage going into the rematch and a 3-game win streak. Carolina has the most potent offense in the league and will be playing at home, but they have lost their last 5 games and, according to Morris, the team and their coach are asking questions to which no one seems to know the answer. Carolina played well Saturday night but so did Minnesota. One team will move on to the finals and one will pack their bags for the winter. Which team will claim the glory? Please join Neil Morris and me as we preview Saturday’s 2nd leg semifinal. You can find all past episodes of the North American Soccer League Podcast here. Interviews, Podcast insidemnsoccer@gmail.com no no