Tag Archives: soccer

Female ACL Injuries

Each year, the number of female athlete participation grows but, unfortunately, with that growth in participants, there has been an increased number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. ACL injuries in female athletes are a problem for women, coaches and the sports medicine community. ACL injuries usually occur without contact from another person and most often occur while the athlete is participating in sports like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. Over two-thirds of non contact injuries are a result of one-step/stop deceleration, cutting movements, sudden change in direction and landing from a jump with inadequate knee and hip flexion. Female athletes have four to ten times more ACL injuries than male athletes. There are some theories that include differences in anatomy, knee alignment, ligament laxity, muscle strength and conditioning on why there is a higher percentage of injured in women rather than men.

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I personally, am a female soccer player and I have encountered so many girls with ACL tears. I have been in two games where a player tore her ACL and I have watched another girl tear her ACL. Many of these injuries result in surgery and about a year of recovery time before you are cleared to play again. Now that ACL tears have been frequently common, most coaches and athletic trainers focus on muscle strength in the knees to help prevent ACL injuries. I’ve seen girls ignore other knee injuries and continue to play which also can put pressure on your ACL and over time your ACL can tear under the pressure. Knowing and practicing healthy ways of preventing ACL tears will help you in the long run.

~Daniella

Was Brazil Really World Cup Material?

This past summer, the 2014 FIFA World Cup took place in Brazil. The World Cup is one of the largest international soccer tournaments across the world where 32 international teams fight for a chance to be named world champions. Fans travel halfway around the world to wear their team colors proudly and support their countries soccer team. This years champions was the powerhouse team, Germany. Second place went to Argentina and third was awarded to the Netherlands. The games took place in 12 different stadiums spread out across Brazil in places such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Natal. Each country was divided into one of eight groups (A-G). Each team in the group would play the other three teams and depending on the points that were awarded, the top two teams would advance to the sweet sixteen/knockout round, where if they lost, they were done in the World Cup.

The Brazil team was clearly the favorite going into the tournament. The stadiums were packed with fans wearing yellow and green and player’s jerseys. They won two games and tied one with Mexico in their group division and advanced into the knockout round. The first game was against Chile that turned into a penalty kick thriller where Brazil won 3-2. Next they faced off against Chile where they won, but lost their two best players, Neymar Jr. and Thiago Silva. Neymar was kneed in in his back by Juan Zuniga and fractured his vertebrae while Silva was suspended for the next match for receiving the maximum amount of yellow cards. The game against Germany in the semi-finals was pathetic. Brazil lost 7-1!! They couldn’t even win a game without their star players. The final match against the Netherlands to determine who would come in 3rd and 4th place, was also a let down. Brazil has Silva back, but still couldn’t pull through with a win without Neymar.

And that got me thinking, if they depended so much on Neymar to get them through to the finals, then were they really World Cup material or only playing because they were the host country? I mean, losing 7-1 in a semi-final game! You have to be able to do better than that if you expect to make it into the finals. One player should not be the foundation of the team where every single person depends on him. They should be able to step up their game and want to win it for Neymar. And don’t get me wrong, they probably did want to win it, they just didn’t try hard enough and have the competitiveness they should have in a semi-final match. Or, the other possibility is that Germany was just too good and way more skillful. Germany obviously had the drive and the determination to make it to the finals and were going to do whatever it took to get there, which turned out to be pummeling the host team. And I would have done the same exact thing that Germany did. Why feel sorry for a team that can’t play without one team member? From the beginning of the tournament, I never really liked Brazil. I thought they were overrated and playing way too easy teams. But when they were matched up against Germany, they just didn’t have the skill.

The World Cup was an amazing tournament this year and had some spectacular games. There were some devastating losses and and triumphant wins. Each moment was celebrated by fans across the world, young and old. And the World Cup is an event for boys, girls, men and women. It brings people around the world together for a competition and one word that all the fans go crazy for; soccer.

~Amanda

Helping Hand

Every Monday after school I go into Waterbury to volunteer for the Special Olympics Program. I teach children with special needs to play many sports game. Some of these games include Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer. These are just a few of the sports that are offered. Students participate in many sports from skiing to softball. It runs all year round and is a very popular organization. The PAL (Police Activity League) association is open to all kids ages 8-18. We work with the children, and help them to play in tournaments against other towns for championships, titles and medals.

 I find this organization to be very inspiring. PAL is a great way for kids with special needs to get involved in their community and play sports with other kids. This last weekend I was able to participate in a volleyball tournament for Special Olympics. Most of the kids in this program are not exactly capable of serving a ball, or passing the ball over the net. This experience has really made me be grateful for what I have, and the things that I am capable of. I enjoy this experience so much, because I feel that if I can help them, I am helping the people who are unable to do many things.

~Karly

USA Qualifies for World Cup 2014!!!

On September 10th, 2013 the US men’s national soccer team played against the Mexican men’s national soccer team for a chance to clinch a spot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Mexican team dominated the first 25 minutes of the game keeping the ball, but couldn’t score. The Americans began to wake up in the second half scoring early. After the early goal of Eddie Johnson the Mexican team broke down. They would mess up simple passes and their first touches. Then late in the second half Donovan scored which made it 2-0 USA, the traditional score of these two teams in Columbus.

I had high doubts Mexico was going to win this game as the USA had momentum going into this game losing only one World Cup qualifier. When the USA team came out sleeping I thought we’d have to make a comeback, but we got lucky, Mexico was unable to score a goal. Mexico seemed shy and a little intimidated, knowing their history playing USA in that certain stadium. Once the US scored their first goal I knew they won, Mexico breaks down under pressure which was made by the roaring Americans in the stands and now having to come back a goal down. Then when Donovan scored the second goal in the late second half everyone knew the game was over. After the game all the Americans changed their TV’s to the channel which had the Honduras-Panama game which decided whether they went to the World Cup and with that game ending 1-1 the US has a spot in the World Cup.

~Toby

The #1 Sport in the World

My soccer experience began when I was six years old. When I was younger I wasn’t very good at soccer, and I used to not even touch the ball. I would revovle around the ball because I was too afraid to go near it. Nevertheless, I loved running up and down the field with my friends. Now, that I am older my whole point of view on soccer has changed. I still play soccer to hang out with friends, but I am not afraid to touch the ball anymore. It is very entertaining to go out and play games against other towns. Currently, I play on the Cheshire 14U Comp team and we play teams all across Connecticut. I love the feel of walking out onto the field and breathing in the crisp cool air. To me, that is the best feeling in the world. Soccer is not about winning or losing the best thing is to go out on the field and try your hardest.

I encourage people to come join the Cheshire Soccer club because it is fantasic and a whole lot of fun. I have played for the Cheshire Soccer Club for the past eight years. There are many advantages at joining a soccer team. For example, over the past years of my soccer career I had made friends who are older than me as well as younger than me. The Cheshire Soccer Club is a great oppertunity to make friends and to improve on soccer skills. Also, the game of soccer can teach you life lessons. Such having sportmanship on the field and off the field. An example of sportmanship in soccer is shaking the players hands and saying, “Good Game”after the game is over. That is an example of what my team does no matter if we lose or win. In conclusion, the Cheshire Soccer Team has made my life easier in many different ways. I encourage anyone who has an interest in soccer to come and try it because it will change your life.


~Leigha Klem

“Red, White, Blue and Gold”

As you may know the U.S national women’s soccer team won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.  Lead by coach Pia Sundhage and captain Christi Rampone, the U.S team beat Japan 2-1 in the final match. After winning, the U.S women went on a fan-tribute tour. During this event they played against various team, traveled all over the United States, and visited fans across the country. Flashing their new white and red candy cane jerseys, the girl’s soccer team showcased their fancy foot skill for supporting fans and celebrated winning gold. These events occurred  from September 1st to October 23rd.  Events were well attended as fans were excited to see some of their favorite players – Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan play.

During the fan-tribute tour, I was lucky enough to attend the October 23rd event in East Hartford, Connecticut. I saw my favorite player, Megan Rapinoe play. Along with many of my soccer friends, we saw the women play against Germany where they tied the game 2-2. The highlight of the game was seeing Abby Wambach do a diving header to score. I believe the U.S women soccer fan-tribute tour was a great success.  It let many fans, especially young soccer players see a once in a lifetime game. I saw many other soccer teams gathered together in the stands like my team. Thru my own eyes, I witnessed the excitement of many screaming happy fans cheering on the team.  Congrats on the team for winning gold!

~Alexa Fiala

The Battle of the Best

Have you ever had a sports athlete you’ve looked up to? Well for anyone who plays soccer I’m sure you have heard of Ronaldo and Messi. Well we will be discussing which athlete is better. I look up to both these athletes, they are everything I want to be,  They both play for a very skilled professional team in Spain and they both represent their county in National games. Hey I bet a lot of people taking spanish have heard of Barcelona or Madrid, which are both located in Spain, and where they play professionally. Now lets get down to the real juice what makes these players so golden?

What do you think? If you were to know both these players who would you choose? I am a huge Messi fan. But I respect Ronaldo as an athlete because he has killer foot skills. Now most people will look at Ronaldo and fall in love with him, trust me it almost happened to me. On the other hand Messi might not be jaw dropping handsome but he has some skill that will definitely make your jaw drop. And lets not forget who won La Liga two times in a row, or who won two champion league titles. But thats just me I’m sure Ronaldo has won many famous titles. Now if I were to ever meet one of these players I would ask them how they became stand out athletes they are.   Was it from practice or were they born this way? Also, I would ask them how they got into soccer, was it something they had always wanted to do or did there mom or dad set them up with it? So tell me who do you think is better, is it the small La Liga winner Messi, or is it the good looking and tall Ronaldo? Well thats it for now, bye or as they say in Barcelona,  “Adíos!”

-Emma Takizawa

Written In The Stars

The moment had finally arrived. It took a long time to arrive but it was here at last.  So often in Bayern Munich’s glory era of the 1970s, it was Muller who always came through and carried the golden moment. This time it was Thomas and Bavaria’s hero who was given a standing ovation as he left the field. Home field advantage had definitely been an asset. Yet just a hour later, it was Chelsea who were European champions and not Bayern Munich. Muller had left the field to celebrate his moment of glory with the fans. Perhaps it  was presumptuous, as no one had taken the talent of Didier Drogba into account.

Drogba’s crashing headed equaliser on 88 minutes had ruined a night’s celebrations. It was his penalty that sealed Chelsea’s destiny, and fulfilled the  dreams of his  team-mates, their fans, and the owner who had invested the GDP of a small country into the club. The city of London was jubilant. It had its first continental championship, the European Cup, after 57 years. Written off, unloved, underestimated against supposedly superior opponents in each round, they had battled their way to primacy, embracing the drama along the way. Down 3-1 to Napoli in the Round of 16 led to the firing of their manger, placing  Roberto Di Matteo in charge of the club. Under new leadership, Chelsea jumped on Di Matteos counter attacking strategy and beat the powerhouse and defending champion Barcelona with 10 men in the semi finals. The finals against the German powerhouse Bayern loomed in their near future. The match was a combination of Chelsea’s will to win and the Bayern Munich players inability  to sustain their performance on the big stage. Bayern may have often undermined Chelsea but their skillful defense, consistent play and  Ashley Cole having  the greatest performance of his career,kept them in the game. It also helped Chelsea that Bayern’s frontline was faltering. Mario Gomez once again failed to prove that he is a top caliber striker, blowing both of Bayern’s best first-half chances. This was compounded by  Arjen Robben’s failure in missing an extra-time penalty, awarded  for a foul on Franck Ribery by Drogba. His nerves had  failed him yet again at the most crucial of times,  just as they did when he lost the golden opportunity to win the 2010 World Cup for his country.

As Chelsea repelled wave after wave of Bayern attacks, the deciding factor was to come in penalties. Drogba had his chance at  redemption. His track record with penalties hadn’t been the greatest. He had lost Chelsea the chance to defeat Manchester United in Moscow in 2008, and he had also missed a normal time penalty in this year’s African Nations Cup final. This time, he delivered and converted with a flourish off a short run, with what may be his last kick  as a Chelsea team member.

Chelsea was triumphant and after years of leadership changes and frustration Drogba had come through for his team. Chelsea is the undisputed champion of Europe.

~Sidharth Subramani

Didier Drogba: The Savior

Didier Drogba has saved Chelsea on several occasions, netting 158 goals for them. Drogba has helped Chelsea to win the Barclays Premier League three times, the FA Cup four times, the Carling Cup two times, the Community Shield two times, and now the UEFA Champions League. He will definitely go down into the record books for his heroics on May 19th 2012. He scored the equalizing goal in the UEFA Champions League to send the the game into ET then penalty kicks. Then in penalty kicks he scored the final penalty to win the first Champions League Title for Chelsea. After scoring this decisive penalty he announced that he was going to be leaving the club. He has spent eight years at the club becoming one of Chelsea’s all time greats. The amount of goals he has scored is the fourth best for the club and I expect his name to be seen all around Stamford Bridge and all of London. Before Chelsea he played for three other clubs. Most notably was his career at Levallois Sporting Club where they named their stadium after him. He also does a lot of charity work. He donated a large amount of money and had a hospital built in his hometown. Overall, Drogba was an amazing striker for Chelsea and I am sad to see him leave.

I have been a Chelsea fan for as long as I remember. I always loved Didier Drogba. His physical presence has a huge impact on the game, and when faced with the chance to score he normally puts it away. People would be hard pressed to find a game where Drogba didn’t score. His contributions to the game are normally significant. I did have somewhat of an idea that Drogba was going to leave Chelsea, but what a way to finish out his career with the club. Before the Champions League Final Drogba was going to be recognized throughout the whole Chelsea club. But with what he did on Saturday there is no way he will ever be forgotten as long as Chelsea is still around. Honestly, I thought he would go to America to play football, but it seems like he will probably finish off his career in China. It’s unfortunate he will not be playing in America, I would have loved to go see him play. Here is a video of his final kick, play, and goal in a Chelsea Jersey.

~Jake Goldstein

Champions League Showdown

On May 19th, 2012 at 2:00 PM a showdown between England’s finest, Chelsea FC, and Germany’s powerhouse, Bayern Munich, is taking place. The game is at the home of Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena and already it has sold out of tickets and a good 70,000 fans will be there cheering on the two sides. Furthermore, a worldwide television audience estimated in the hundreds of millions is expected to tune in to today’s clash of the giants. Another 65,000 fans will be at Bayern Munich’s old stadium to watch the game on giant TV screens. An estimated 25,000 Chelsea fans have made the pilgrimage from London to Munich.

“I think the determination amongst us, to be an underdog for whatever reason, as long as you believe in yourself and have a quiet focus and determination, and believe you can win the game — bring it on,” said Chelsea Midfielder Frank Lampard.

I believe that this game will be a close game. Personally, I am a Chelsea fan and I want them to win this. However, they are missing key players in their lineup. For example, John Terry was suspended for a not so smart foul against Barcelona, go figure. Chelsea midfielders, Raul Meireles and Ramires are also out of the finals due to yellow cards given to them in the Barcelona game. Branislav Ivanovic is also going to be excluded from the starting lineup due to a yellow card. However, Bayern Munich are also missing key defensive players, like, Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo who all picked up yellow cards in the semifinals against Real Madrid. Because of these suspensions the teams will be hard pressed to play their normal game plan and will have to make compromises as to what they are going to do. Now, I ask all soccer fans around the world, who do you think will win the finals and what will the score be?

~Jacob Goldstein