FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Piper, Omaha Football Club 402-896-4420, shanep@omahafc.com or Andrew Ferguson, Sporting Lincoln Football Club 402-314-0249, andrew@sportinglincolnfc.com
OMAHA AND LINCOLN SOCCER CLUBS JOIN FORCES New Relationship Assures Continued Club and Team Success
OMAHA, NEB – (May 10, 2013) – After working informally together for more than a year, Omaha Football Club and Sporting Lincoln Football Club, two major soccer clubs in Nebraska, have entered into a partnership designed to strengthen the Nebraska soccer community and provide a healthier, character-driven environment for all those involved.
“This partnership is not a merger or acquisition,” Shane Piper, Omaha FC Executive Director and Andrew Ferguson, Sporting Lincoln FC Executive Director said. “We didn’t go into this for financial or political gain,” Ferguson continued. “The partnership represents a group of like-minded, passionate soccer people committed to creating the best youth and player development model possible.” he added.
“Through our collective efforts, we are excited to promote unity within the soccer communities and player pools while de-emphasizing the individual success of any one particular team or age group,” Piper said.
Both directors underscored the single largest member benefit from the partnership: the ability of each club to supplement area leagues and reduce out-of-state travel needed to find new or competitive games or events for the teams. “The collective efforts of these two strong soccer clubs and communities are limitless especially due to both of our regional and national connections with other prominent soccer clubs within our respective networks (Premier Soccer Club Association and Sporting Club Network),” Ferguson said.
“An added benefit of this partnership will be the Regional and National attention Nebraska soccer receives,” Piper said. “We will be able to combine the best players from each respective Club to create a top team that will participate in special events.”
Both directors said that working together and sharing resources also will help both organizations operate more efficiently and employ the area’s most qualified coaches and clinicians. Each Club will continue to operate independently in many areas, but training, events and player opportunities can be provided to members more efficiently, economically and productively for both players and their families.
OMAHA FOOTBALL CLUB is Omaha’s Premier soccer club rich with tradition, expertise and stability. Our mission is to “Cultivate a passion for the game while developing character in coaches, players and parents.” We offer age and gender specific programs for players of all levels of play. We support our Members with the area’s largest professionally-licensed coaching staff, full time staff, training at indoor and outdoor facilities we manage and maintain; camps and tournaments. www.omahafc.com
SPORTING LINCOLN FC is the premier soccer academy in Lincoln, Nebraska and an Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City of the MLS. As a direct affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, SLFC has the responsibility of finding and training the highest level players in the area for possible continued development at high school, college, national, and/or professional levels including Sporting Kansas City. To learn more, go to www.sportinglincolnfc.com
Omaha Football Club is very proud of their players that have committed to be student-athletes at the next level! As of February 6, there are 34 that have committed. 14 more are finalizing their decisions on where they will be heading for 2013. 50 total boys and girls are taking their skills to compete at various universities across the country.
Top row (left to right) are as follows:
Nathan Wahlman—Belmont Abbey College
Kylynn Moyer—Drake University
Justin Baird—Northwestern College
Rachel Brennan—University of Nebraska Lincoln
Michael Kluver—Creighton University
Lindsee Larson—South Dakota State University
Miguel Espinoza—Iowa Western Community College
Nyoke Dumba—University of Nebraska Omaha
Alex Durbin—Dordt College
Melissa Hirschmann—Midland University
Andrew Chen—Columbia University
Laura Pivovar—Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mark Moulton—University of Nebraska Omaha
Front Row (left to right):
Alex Johnson—Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Donovan Roe—Dakota Wesleyan University
Jenna Springer—Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Denise Dantzler—Drake University
Brock Fitzgerald—Creighton University
Kelsie Walter—Grandview University
Hailey Smith—Wayne State College
Alex Prusa—Creighton University
Kylie Comba—Wayne State College
Mark Wallace—Belmont Abbey College
Heather Gunderson—Wayne State College
Ryan Anderson—Nebraska Wesleyan University
Erin Slattery—Wayne State College
Megan Brunnsen—Concordia College
Players that have committed that are not pictured:
Emily Roll—Creighton University
Brooke Jensen—Western Illinois University
Carson Hassel—Kansas Wesleyan University
Vivian Johnson—St. Mary’s University (MN)
Ali Sodal—Midland University
Nick Giaffogloine—Hastings College
Austin Schafer—Simpson College
Kristin Manley—Concordia University
Omaha FC's Peter Schropp was selected to attend the U.S. Under-17 Residency in Bradenton, FL for the fall of 2012 31 selected players live on campus at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, FL. They train in the morning and attend classes in the afternoon. The program in Bradenton provides players with an environment where they can prosper as individual players and come together as a team ahead of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship & the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Since its inception in 1999, more than 300 players have been through the full-time Residency Program, and more than 100 of those players have moved on to the MLS or the professional leagues in Europe. Twenty-four players have also registered at least one cap with the full USMNT. The Omaha FC family is proud of Peter and wishes him all the best on his new challenge!
Omaha FC 96/97 players Garrett Higgins, Ariel Larios and Dylan McHale were selected to participate in the Adidas International Training program at Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain this week. Players from Japan, Australia, Croatia and the United States trained twice a day and had 4 matches with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid Academy teams. The group watched the Real Madrid v Valencia La Liga match Sunday night. They also saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and coach Jose Morinho after their training session was completed.
On Sunday November 20th the Nebraska State Soccer Association held its annual meeting at the CoCo Key Water Resort and Hotel. We are extremely proud to announce the following awards and their Omaha Football Club recipients in order left to right:
Volunteer of the Year - Cindy Sukhram
Recreational Coach of the Year - Jacque Tevis-Butler
Administrator of the Year - Christina Lewis
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year - Ryan Kruse
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year - Becky Sanow
Congratulations to all the winners!!!! Your passion for the game, dedication to your teams, families, and overall commitment to the growth and development of our players is much appreciated. Your entire Omaha FC Family is extremely proud of you and your accomplishments and is excited that you have received this well-deserved recognition. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, the Staff at Omaha FC would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our member families and fellow soccer enthusiasts a safe and wonderful Holiday Season. We are honored and privileged to serve you and THANK YOU for being part of our family! Best wishes!
Omaha FC are extremely proud to announce that Michelle Xiao, has been invited to the u14 National team camp in Los Angeles, in addition to this great opportunity Michelle has also been involved in the following events,
a) Michelle made the US Youth Soccer Region II Team (Age 1997), and was invited to Thanksgiving Inter-regional on Boca Raton Florida Nov 19-24, 2011. » Click Here for the Full Camp Roster
b) Michell was selected to the US U14 Girls Identification Camp held July 31, 2011 through August 7, 2011 at University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. Only one player from Nebraska and only 10 players from Region II were invited to this camp.
c) Michelle attended "U.S. U-14 GIRLS’ NATIONAL TEAM I.D. CAMP OPENS IN PORTLAND, ORE.: The annual U.S. Under-14 Girls’ National Team Identification Camp has begun in Portland, Ore., and will run from July 31 through Aug. 7. The camp features 72 of the most talented female players in the country who were born in 1997 or 1998. The camp, which is being held in Portland for the second consecutive year, is being run by U.S. Soccer Women’s Development Director Jill Ellis. This group of players will be evaluated for a 36-player U-14 Girls' National Team training camp later this fall and will form the core of the 2012 U-15 Girls' National Team player pool.
In addition to these great soccer achievement Michelle also won 2011 Junior Olympic Track and Field Nebaska State Champion in 200 M Hurdles and went on to win the 2011 Junior Olympic Track and Field Region 8 Champion in 200 M Hurdles.
Michelle play's on the OFC E1 95/96 (u16) team.
Everybody at Omaha FC support Michelle in her journey to the top.
Alex Mason
Omaha FC
Director of Coaching - Girls
Girls Player of the Year
Boys Player of the Year
Coaches of the Year
U9 Girls Academy
Gracie Parsons
U10 Girls Academy
Kensley Heskett
U11 Girls Elite
Maren Ellis
U11 Girls Gold
Grace Blazek
U12 Girls Elite
Sara Hanson
U12 Girls Gold
Jessica Schufeldt
U13 Girls Elite
Elisabeth Arant
U13 Girls Gold
Jessica Pfrenger
U14 Girls Elite
Maria Deeter
U14 Girls Gold
Ariana Ibrahimi
U15 Girls Elite
Laura Ney
U15 Girls Gold
Ellen Townley
U16 Girls Elite
Mikayla Nordin
U16 Girls Gold
Vivian Johnson
U17 Girls
Kirsten Smith
U18 Girls Elite
Allison Graner
U10 Boys Academy
Gabriel Fish
U9 Boys Academy
Nathan Bauermeister
U11 Boys Elite
Eugene Lu
U11 Boys Gold
Anga Dumba
U12 Boys Elite
Stephen Siy
U12 Boys Gold
Trevor Yanovich
U13 Boys Elite
Colton Sila
U14 Boys Elite
Connor Tupper
U15 Boys Elite
Davis Erker
U15 Boys Gold
Hunter Peters
U16 Boys Elite
Brock Fitzgerald
U16 Boys Gold
Nick Fischer
U17 Boys
Hunter Gorby
U18 Boys
Mark Richwine
Girls Coach of the Year
Jason Fredrick
Boys Coach of the Year
Mike Dean
Coaching with Character Award
Tim Shriver
anticipation. Not sure if this comes from being a competitive multi-sport kid growing up (golf, basketball) or just who he is, but the combination often makes him a difference maker. This current camp at the Home Depot Center is Peter's third national team training camp experience. The first two (Boston and Mexico) were very positive for him. He really enjoyed the staff, his teammates, the extremely fast speed of play. Each time after the camps, you could see the positive impact the camps had on his game. This is what I like about players who are able to participate in the ODP experience. Regardless of the level (State, Region or National), they meet new players and coaches, play at different venues, etc. and are usually better for the experience.
- Submitted by Coach Lynch.
Fantastic weekend for a team that have struggled recently to find the back of the net. Our ability to "rise above" has been the teams values this season. Dealing with adversity on and off the field and having the determination and drive to SHINE. 4 games 11 goals and 1 allowed all weekend. Fighting a tough battle in the final winning 3-1 vs Metro Elite 95/96 Spurs. Great job to a great bunch of young ladies.
Diary of the Weekend
by Bailey Ketcham
I wanted to say fantastic job to my team Elite2 96/97! We never gave up on each other, we worked as a team and got the job done! The moment we walked on the field at 10:30 on Saturday morning we had the mood to win. We weren't going to stand for a loss. Right at kick-off we were the ones in control of the game. Whenever our midfielders needed help, our defenders were there for support. Everyone was in game mode and ready to back each other up. We protected our goal like it was our baby and made Sydney bored. Our first goal was scored by Carsen from a beautiful cross and a hit into the back of the net. Our second and final goal was scored in the first 25 seconds of the second half by Christina with a through ball and an open shot. That was an awesome way to start off the tournament. Victory number one against the Knights, 2-0.
Our second game on Saturday was played under the lights and was tougher. I myself think this was our hardest game. But once again, we didn't break down, we still played our best and succeeded. They may have stopped a lot of our chances to score, but we still did. They had the one defender that always stayed back, but we found a way to get around her. Jessica had one of her free kicks that Nikki got a chest off of it and into the goal it went. Carrera wanted to score on us so bad, but we never let them. Towards the end of the game BTM (big toe Mussman) toe kicked a ball outside of the goal box and went right over the keeper's hands. Hope your toe doesn't hurt Kelsey. For the last five minutes of the game, those of us on the sideline were having some fun. Every time a shot was taken and lots of other random times we went OHHHH... AHHHH! Final score 2-0, victory number 2!
On to Sunday morning, this game was difficult, too. They were more aggressive and a bit nasty with their words. However, we stood our ground and didn't give up a goal. Sydney knows how to take care of business. We pressured their defenders and goalie. Our first goal came on a corner kick and a charge by Lydia towards the goalie, ball in. In the second half, Jamie got her wish to score, from a good follow-up off of Kelsey's close shot. Yeah, she gets her ears double pierced now. Syd got to come out and play second half when Laurel took over as goal keeper. But in the last 30 seconds of the game J.R. got her wish too. She went in as a goal keeper. Neil finally caved to her being so annoying and let her go in. Victory was ours again with our third win, 2-0, over Kansas Rush. Championship here we come!
Championship game didn't start great - the first 10 minutes were pretty much crap. But we came to life and took care of business. Christina scored our first goal by dribbling through players and shooting. Nice assist Jamie. I was able to score the second goal by moving up at the edge of the box and one-touching it in. The keeper caught it - but inside the box - goal. Our final goal was scored by Snicker doodle (Nikki) where she psyched out the goalie and shot. Victory number 4 and tournament winners! Final score OFC 3, Capitals 0. Each game ended the same - no goals allowed! I got to hand out the medals, that was fun. Man was the trophy cool! I had a lot of fun this weekend and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too. The hotel was sweet and so was the breakfast - yum! Thanks Carsen and Christina for coming with us this weekend. It was fun playing with you.
Coaching Education
Recently the Omaha FC had 18 coaches finish the National Youth License (NYL) presented by the US Soccer Federation. The NYL is a 36 hour course spread out over two weekends specifically focused on coaching techniques to enhance the development of our young players.
Immediate Impact
Amanda Woelfel earns Newcomer of the Year Award at Iowa State University for her contributions as a freshman. Amanda played for coach Alex Vazquez for several years before moving onto Iowa State.
Taking it to the Next Level
So far this year Omaha FC players have already made several commitments to play at the next level. Congratulations to these players along with the many more still to come!
Players Name
School
Amelia Ambrose
Loyola University Chicago
Anna Calgaard
Northwest Missouri State
Ashley Hick
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Caitlin Parra
University of Nebraska - Kearney
Caitlin Wills
South Dakota State University
Chelsey Poole
South Dakota State University
Claire Wiese
Loyola University Chicago
Ellen McCormick
University of Wyoming
Haley Berner
Augustana College
Hannah Dittmar
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Jourden Casey
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Katie Pickenpaugh
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Katie Sturgeon
Augustana College
Kayleen Colson
Midland Lutheran College
Kelly Lange
Wayne State College
Kerry Pivovar
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Logen Watts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Margaret Powers
Iowa State University
Megan Kingston
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Megen Merrill
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Mia Juarez
Doane College
Monica Bosiljevac
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Morgan Karloff
Doane College
Sami Maybon
Dana College
Sarah Nelson
Creighton University (Basketball)
Theresa Kucera
Iowa State University
South Africa
Karl Ostrand, co-Director of Operations at Omaha FC, will be stepping down from his position and moving with his wife and two girls to Cape Town, South Africa on January 25th, 2010. They will be volunteering with All Nations, a non-profit organization, with a focus on church planting, AIDS prevention, illiteracy, human trafficking awareness, care for abandoned children, and many other ways to serve the community and townships of South Africa. Karl will use soccer to minister hope to children in desperate conditions. Please visit www.KarlAndJulie.com for the latest information on their journey! If you would like to donate your old Arsenal or Gladiator (as well as any club you played at before) jerseys, shorts and warm-ups to this and other causes, please drop them by the Omaha Sports Complex at 14706 Giles Road. You can make a difference in the lives of children all over the world with such a simple gift. Thank you!
U12 Girls win the Finals of the Winter Blast Tournament
Congratulations to OFC Synergy on a very good Winter Blast Tournament
and for a great performance in the Championship game. The girls
showed great composure in coming back in the second half to win after being a
goal down! Everyone played extremely well, displaying great effort, ball control
and team work.
It's all Omaha FC final at the Winter Blast Tournament for the U13 Girls
Congratulations to the U13's for place both 1st and 2nd in the Winter Blast.
Former Player Achieves Top Honors at the Collegiate Level
Redshirt freshman forward Nicole Baier was named to the Daktronics NCAA Division II Women's Soccer All-American Third Team. A total of 39 student-athletes representing 23 different institutions filled out the three teams.
Coaches of the Year
Congratulations to (Left to Right) Jeff Oksman for being awarded "Girl's Recreational Coach of the Year", Alex Mason for being awarded "Girl's Competitive Coach of the Year", and John Keating for being awarded "Boy's Competitive Coach of the Year" by the Nebraska State Soccer Association.
Former Player, Amanda Woelfel, Earns Big 12 Newcomer of the Week Honor IRVING, Texas—For the second time this season, freshman Amanda Woelfel was named Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week. Woelfel’s honor comes after matches played Oct. 2 and 4.
The Omaha, Neb., native played a key role in Cyclone victories over Oklahoma State and Northern Iowa. Woelfel scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over the Cowgirls Friday and assisted on Mary Kate McLaughin’s sudden victory goal over Northern Iowa Sunday. Woelfel served the game-winning assist to McLaughlin with 17 seconds remaining in the first overtime period against the Panthers.
Woelfel is leading the Cyclones in points (10), goals (4), game-winning goals (2) and is tied for the team lead in assists (2).
Woelfel is the first Cyclone to receive the league newcomer of the week honor twice in one season since Jordan Bishop in 2007.
Redshirt freshman forward Nicole Baier was named Daktronics South Central Region Player of the Year on Tuesday. She also headlined a list of 13 student-athletes named to the first-team all-region team.
Baier led the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association with 16 goals and 11 assists to finish the season with 43 points. Of her 16 goals, six of them were game-winning goals which was tied for the league lead.
Last week, the Omaha native was named the MIAA Player of the Year and was an All-MIAA first-team unanimous selection.
Baier is the second player in school history to earn Daktronics All-Region Player of the Year accolades. In 2006, Beth McGill was named All-Central Region Player of the Year.
Girls Go Undefeated in the Midwest Regional League (MRL) Both 91/92 & 92/93 Girl's go undefeated in the MRL this past fall. Omaha FC Elite 1 91/92 scored 28 goals and only allowed 3 in seven games. Their closest competition throughout league play was Omaha FC Elite 2 91/92 who finished second in the MRL. Yes, that means first and second place for Omaha FC 91/92 Girl's.
92/93 Girl's also finished first place in their age group by only allowing 9 goals and scoring 22.
Omaha FC 91/92 - Girls
Omaha FC 92/93 - Girls
It's Official... Omaha FC Wins 5 out of 8 State Cups
Congratulations to all the Omaha FC teams who not only won a championship, but thank you to the teams who helped prepare the Champions as well. It was good to see the huge amount of support for one another, and club unity!
U18 Girls Make it an All Omaha FC Final In the State Cup Finals for U18 Girls, Omaha FC represent proud in having the top two teams in the state.
U17 Girls Win State Cup in a ShootOut
After and exciting double over time match. The Champions of U17 Girl's had to me settled in a shootout.
U16 Boys Make it an All Omaha FC Final In the State Cup Finals for U16 Boys, Omaha FC represent proud in having the top two teams in the state.
Stars in the Making The Omaha FC helps Creighton achieve their second highest single game attendance record to date with over 1,500 Omaha FC members! Check out the next big soccer stars below.
Congratulations OFC Players for all your hard work!!!! 2009 US Youth Soccer Association Region 2 ODP Pools & Holdovers. The Below list is the group of players who were named by the Region 2 ODP Staff to be selected as some of the top players in the Region.
Player
Age
Club Affiliation
Jake Linden
1993
Omaha FC
Ameer Pinto
1993
Omaha FC
Jake Novak
1993
Omaha FC
Ryan Lynch
1994
Omaha FC
Gabe Garbin
1994
Omaha FC
Ashley Hick
1992
Omaha FC
Mayme Conroy
1992
Omaha FC
Logan Kinney
1996
Omaha FC
The Omaha FC Shows Immediate Success at Regionals!!!
Congratulations to the OFC U19 Boys for being the first Omaha Football Club team to advance into the Semi-Finals at Regionals.
What a great look into the future of the OFC
Keep Your Eyes Open for the OFC Billboard at New Heights???
Another Top Level Coach Joins the OFC!!!
Daniel Galvis the Assistant Coach at Bellevue University joins the OFC Goalkeeping Staff. Daniel has been BU’s goalkeeping coach for over two years now. He will continue to work with both programs creating another pipeline for the OFC’s players to go on and play at the next level.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM DANIEL!!!!
Daniel Galvis
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