The Men’s team took home the championship trophy and $1000 prize at the 39th annual Schwaben senior tournament. The event is a high profile open men’s tournament attracting many talented Midwest teams. The team is led by captains, DJ Braun, Matt Gloshen, and Andy Connor. 

The Kickers finished the tournament with 5 wins and 1 loss. They defeated Galaxy 4-1, Portsmouth 2-1 and lost to United Serbs 0-2 in group play.  They advanced into the playoffs and defeated Green White 4-0, Schwaben 4-3 (PKs) and Ela Elite 2-0 in the championship game.
 

Badger High School’s Kyle Blechner has also committed to the Phoenix. Blechner was a First-team All-Conference selection his junior and senior years and played on the Chicago Kickers club team. For his hard work in the classroom Blechner was the recipient of the Bucky Award and Citizenship Award.

“Kyle is a smart and tough midfielder who will bring a workman like approach to our team every day. He has a good soccer mind and joins a long list of former Chicago Kickers players who have played for Green Bay,” said Poitras.

Below (L-R) Jenny Blechner, Kyle Blechner, Kurt Blechner and Badger HS Coach Ross Fowler on Signing Day.

Visitation:  Tuesday, March 2, from 4pm – 8pm, Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main Street, Antioch, IL.

Memorial Service:  Wednesday, March 3, 10am – 11am, Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main Street, Antioch, IL.

From Green White’s Website:

Stefan Zimmer, a “true-green” Green-White member, passed away today. He will always be remembered as a great player, coach, general manager, and friend. We can also never forget his wonderful meat and sausage at all the Schlachtfests and “Steve’s famous burgers” and Hungarians at all the tournaments. At our 45th anniversary, he was elected “Mr. Green-White” – a title he earned and proudly held.

Wake:  Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 3-9, Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Hts. Rd, Elk Grove, IL

Funeral:  Wednesday, Jan 27, St. Matthew, 1001 E. Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL.  Depart funeral home at 9:00 a.m.

 Joe Soehn Jr. Comments:  “On the behalf of all the Chicago Kickers, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Zimmer family. Mr. Zimmer was a pioneer to our game of soccer. He touched and taught hundreds of soccer players on how to play the game correctly. His passion and work ethic goes unprecedented. He always took the time to say hello, while always willing to critique the game when ask to do so. The game of soccer and the city of Chicago has lost a great ambassador, a great friend, a hole in the sport that quite frankly will never be filled. They just plain do not make them like Mr. Zimmer anymore! We are going to miss him! May he rest in peace.”

Mike will be posting training updates during the 2010 MLS pre-season.

Mike will also be posting videos with tips, skills and drills for youth players.

To access you need to Join Facebook (ask your parent’s for permission) and link to Mike’s account (www.facebook.com/jukaskills).

“Careful! Careful! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You’re cooking too many at once.

TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They’re going to STICK! Careful!.CAREFUL! I said CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you’re cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you crazy?

Have you lost your mind? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!”

The mother stared at him. “What’s wrong with you? You think I don’t now how to fry a couple of eggs?”

The son calmly replied, “I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m trying to play soccer.”

Commentary:  The article below has been circulated on many youth soccer websites.

Proper sideline etiquette from supporters should be focused on cheering after an action;  nice effort,  good try,  good run,  great shot,  great hustle.

Supporters should focus on making positive statements that will support the players efforts after they have performed them and not before. 

Don’t give instructions, most players are likely to be confused and / or embarrassed.