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Celebrating 55 Years in Style-Friday, November 14, 2008

Baltimore, MD - The Baltimore Kickers Club, founded in 1953, commemorate their 55^th Anniversary this year. The Club celebrates its founding as well as its sponsorship of a men’s soccer team in 2008. For 55 years the Club has supported soccer in Baltimore and heading into the final weekend of the Maryland Major Soccer League regular season, the Baltimore Kickers are in first place of the league’s second division with a 9-0-2 record. So far this season, the team has scored 33 goals, and has given up a division best, four goals.

The latest Baltimore Kickers’ victory came on Sunday, November 9 at Steffen Field in Catonsville, MD; the Kickers defeated Angle Inn, 2-0.

The Kickers controlled the game from the opening whistle but struggled to find the back of the net in the first half. Angle Inn occasionally crossed the mid line but when they did, the Kickers defense handled their attack. The opposing side’s best chance came on a cleared cross, when an Angle Inn midfielder struck a curling ball at the top of the 18 yard box that sailed just over the upper left corner of the goal. The Kickers’ scoring chances were plenty but the teams entered the midway point tied at 0-0.

Baltimore came out in the second half determined to get on the scoreboard. With under 30 minutes to play in the match, midfielder Justin Somerville controlled a cross-field pass, just to the right of the 18 box; shielded his mark and fired a shot that found the left side of the goal. A sigh of relief was had by all on the Kickers after dominating for so long and coming up short. Drew Dipasquale added an insurance goal roughly 11 minutes later to cushion the Kickers lead at 2-0.

The MMSL Division II playoffs are slated to begin Sunday, November 23. As of today, Friday, November 14, 2008, the league is planning on using the field at Stevenson University’s, Greenspring Valley’s campus (off of Greenspring Valley Road).

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Baltimore Kickers rally to take Division lead

After a thrilling come from behind 2-1 victory this past Tuesday evening at Catonsville High School over Middle River F.C., the Baltimore Kickers are in sole possession of first place of the second division in the Maryland Major Soccer League.

The Kickers conceded an early goal when keeper Mike Lott misplayed a strong shot from distance, roughly 10 minutes into the first half. Regardless of being down, the Kickers dominated play, controlling possession and stifling any build up Middle River could mount. Baltimore pressured the ball all over the field and pressed for the tying score the entire first half. Midfielder Greg Keller had a few solid chances on frame, but MRFC’s goalie was on point to stop the shots. The two teams entered halftime with Middle River still clinging to a one goal lead.

Baltimore maintained their intensity in the second half and it paid off 13 minutes in, when forward Ray Sturm touched in a brilliant cross by the opposing team’s keeper to level the score at 1-1. Almost 15 minutes later, forward Brandon Morgan got the game winner. The Kickers nearly added to the lead when stopper Brandon Kennel’s one on one was stopped. Ricky Sanchez also could’ve also built on to the lead but came up short on a couple of one on ones of his own. The team held on as the final whistle blew and a weary Middle River squad put up a valiant effort to tie the game.

Overall, in the month of October, the Kickers scored 19 goals and gave up none while going 4-0 in league play.

With two games left, the Kickers look to keep the top spot in Division II when the playoffs start on Sunday, November 23.

The team also registered for the DiMarco Cup which will begin play in early December. The DiMarco Cup is strictly for teams in Maryland Major’s second division. The team hopes to win the league’s regular season title, the league’s playoffs, and the DiMarco Cup; a feat that has not been accomplished in a number years by any team in the league.

Baltimore, MD - The upcoming 2008 fall soccer season will mark the 55th year the Baltimore Kickers will sponsor a men's soccer team. The men's team competes in the Maryland Major Soccer League, MMSL Site. The MMSL was established in 1965 and competing teams are all located in, or around, the greater Baltimore City area. The MMSL is affiliated with the Maryland State Soccer Association (MSSA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), U.S. Soccer, and FIFA. The men's adult league is comprised of two divisions and two annual cups. Division 1 is made up of regionally and nationally competitive teams.

The Baltimore Kickers men's team will compete in Division 2 of the MMSL this fall along with the following other clubs: JA Raiders, LaBlanquiroja, Angle Inn, Nottingham FC, Desantis, Saprissa, Charles Village, Middle River, White Marsh United, Badgernecks, Maryland FC.

The Kickers will battle for a top spot in Division 2 as the team that wins the championship will get promoted to Division 1 the next season.

The MMSL is slated to begin its games on Sunday, August 24. As of today, Friday, August 15, the Kickers will open their 2008 campaign at home on Steffen Field in Catonsville. The league has not finished their schedule, but when it is complete, it will be posted here on the Kickers website.

Kingsville, MD – The Baltimore Kickers battled to a 1-1 tie with Portside on Sunday, September 21 in their third match of the 2008 Maryland Major season.

The rout looked to be on as Baltimore dominated possession from the onset, especially coming off a 5-0 thrashing of Kings Villa United the Sunday before. The Kickers expected to continue their scoring ways but found Portside up to task. Baltimore had numerous chances to put the ball in the back of the net but, came up empty.

A goal by Drew Dipasquale, assisted by Justin Somerville, seemed to finally give Baltimore the 1-0 lead they greatly anticipated. Portside’s efforts barely got them across midfield but when they were able to go forward, they made the Kickers’ defense work. The first half seemed to settle with the Kickers controlling the ball and Portside trying to get out of their end. Right before the halftime whistle, the Kickers defense cracked, only slightly, but enough for Portside to get an equalizer. Kickers’ goalkeeper Mike Lott played a long punt that was headed back in his direction, bouncing over a Kickers defender and right on to the foot of Portside’s forward. The opposing attacker saw Lott out of position and touched the ball by him to make the score 1-1.

Sensing an urgency to get three points and climb to the top of the table, Baltimore came out pushing for the go ahead tally. The second half followed much like the first, with a strong Kickers squad maintain possession and Portside defending. Baltimore had plenty of good looks on goal but no one could knock home the game winner.

The game ended in a tie, 1-1. Portside was happy to get a point and escape with only having 11 men. The Kickers were a dejected bunch who will look to post their second win of the young season next week.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Kickers get first win of fall season

Kingsville, MD – The Baltimore Kickers put up five goals on their way to blanking Kings Villa United 5-0 on smoldering hot morning on Sunday, September 14, 2008.

From the opening whistle the Kickers controlled possession of the ball. Kings Villa had a few chances on goal, but no serious threats. Roughly midway through the first half, newcomer Adam Noll (Forward), put the Kickers on the scoreboard with a brilliant tally. After a number of shots sailed passed the goal, a firm cross was played to the six-yard box from the right flank. Noll beat his defender and re-directed the ball towards goal. As the first half came to a close, the Kickers served a floating cross deep from the left of the 18 yard box. Forward Ray Sturm, was alone on the back post and calmly headed the ball home to give the Kickers a 2-0 halftime lead.

The second half saw Kings Villa come out with resilience to get on the board and cut their deficit. The Kickers handled the opposition’s attack and continued to maintain the better of play. Midfielder Greg Keller increased the Kickers’ lead and snuffed out any comeback notions with a left-footed laser that skimmed off a defender’s head and rung off the left post, into the goal. Kings Villa continued to battle but the Kickers found the back of the net two more times before the final whistle. Co-Captain and assistant coach, Lance Reedinger and Keller got the last two scores for the Kickers.

September 7, 2008

Baltimore Kickers 2

JA Raiders 2

Catonsville, MD – The Baltimore Kickers opened their 2008 Maryland Major Soccer League campaign on Sunday, September 7 with a 2-2 draw to the JA Raiders at home on Steffen Field.

The Kickers came out strong off the opening whistle and pressed for the opening tally. Mid-way through the first half, they got it. Baltimore was awarded a direct kick at the top right of the Raiders' 18-yard box. Forward Ray Sturm calmly struck a left-footed ball around the wall and on goal. The keeper bobbled the save and midfielder Justin Somerville finished the rebound.

The Kickers added to their 1-0 lead roughly eight minutes later, when Sturm pressured the Raiders backline and gained possession of the ball just about at the same spot he took the direct kick. He looked up, and saw the opposing goalie out of position and lofted a curling left-footed shot to the far post. The ball nestled in the left side netting of the goal to give the Kickers a 2-0 cushion. A few minutes later, the Raiders cut their deficit in half with a 21 yard strike that knuckled and curved passed Kickers keeper, Mike Lott.

The half ended with Baltimore ahead 2-1.

The second half saw the Raiders come out with a sense of urgency to get an equalizer, while the Kickers we sluggish to maintain control of the ball. As the teams battled, about 17 minutes into the half, midfielder John Evermann went down with what turned out to be a sprained knee. Time was called by the officials and an ambulance arrived as a precaution to take him to a local hospital. Evermann will be out four to six weeks resting and recovering from his injury.

When play resumed, the Raiders continued to push forward and the Kickers struggled to find the rhythm they displayed in the first half. With just over 10 minutes to play, the Raiders notched the tying score. Coming down the right flank, slightly beyond midfield, they played a high arching cross to their forward just at the top left of the Kickers 18-yard box. Their forward took a couple of touches and flipped a ball to the opposite post, beating Lott and the Kickers' defense.

The game ended 2-2, with both squads earning a point for the tie.

The Baltimore Kickers finished with a 2-2 record at the annual Delaware Kickers 7 v 7 Soccer Tournament.

In their first game of the day against Greenhaus, the Kickers were sluggish off the opening kickoff and were downed 6-2. It was a costly loss in more than one way as Mike Lott (Asst. coach & co-captain) the Kickers starting goalkeeper, went down with a knee injury in the first 16 minutes of the game. Head Coach Ricky Sanchez (co-captain) stepped in and played in the nets the rest of the day.

After shaking off the morning rust, the Kickers began to gel and put together a much better effort against the team that typically wins the tournament, Jakers. Baltimore took a 1-0 lead on a great shot that nipped the post and caromed in the net. The Kickers created chance after chance to put the game out of reach, but came up empty. Sanchez played well in goal but the defense broke down as the game wound down giving up two scores. The game ended in another, but close, loss for the Kickers 2-1. The team stared to find their groove and coaches Sanchez and Lott made some formation adjustments heading into the final two games.

The host DSB team took on the Kickers in the third match of the day. Baltimore continued to work well together and took the victory 1-0. The Kickers squandered numerous scoring opportunities but were still able to hold on for the win.

The last game of the afternoon saw two teams that have had a heated rivalry over the years, the Springfield, VA Kickers and our Baltimore Kickers. Baltimore got on the board early only to have Springfield tie the game. Baltimore had the better of play and eventually netted three more tallies to earn the 4-1 win.

A great time was had by all and the team looks forward to going back to Delaware next summer.

Baltimore International Festival & Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament - Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3

Baltimore, MD - The weekend of August 2 and August 3, the Kickers played in the 4th Annual Mayor's Cup at the Baltimore International Festival held at Poly / Western High School. The Kickers represented "Germany" in the tournament as other local teams represented China, Jamaica, Romania, as well as other nations.

The Kickers' first game was at 9:00AM on Saturday, August 2 and was played on Poly's sport turf field, in their stadium. The Kickers handily defeated the Republic of Moldova, 5-1. Giving them three points in their group.

At 12:35PM, the Kickers played their second match on Field # 1, on Poly's practice fields. The field was small and the grass uncut, but the Kickers and the Caribbean played an entertaining match. Unfortunately, the Kickers fell, 3-0 bringing their record to 1-1.

The final and third game on Saturday kicked off at 6:25PM, again on Field # 1. The Kickers needed to win to advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday, August 3. Their opponent, Senegal, had a similar record at 1-1 and were in the same situation, if they won they would play on Sunday. The Kickers looked like they were the better squad netting a goal just before halftime for a 1-0 lead. As the first half ended, the weather quickly changed from sunny and warm to lightning and heavy rain. After about a 20 minute delay, the officials called the teams back on the pitch to finish the game. The rain soaked Kickers struggled in the second half, but managed a handful of point blank chances to score. Unfortunately they could not capitalize to put the game away. Senegal kept battling and eventually scored two goals to take the win.

The Kickers finished 1-2 but enjoyed the tournament and look forward to playing next year.

Columbia, MD - The Baltimore Kickers recently finished up their spring league in Division I of the Howard County Men's Spring Soccer League. The Kickers finished second, with 6-3 record.

Head Coach Ricky Sanchez enters into his fourth year at the helm of the Baltimore Kickers soccer club. Ricky is a native of Baltimore, growing up in the Catonsville / Arbutus area of Baltimore County. He graduated from Calvert Hall College High School in 1992 where he played soccer for legendary coach, Bill Karpovich. Sanchez's teams won back-to-back varsity Maryland Scholastic Association (now the MIAA) championships. He went on to play for CCBC-Catonsville in the fall of 1994 and was named to the All-JuCo Region XX Team. Sanchez also earned accolades on the lacrosse field for the Cardinals. He then transferred to Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College) in the fall of 1995. He lettered in both soccer and lacrosse and was named MVP of the men's soccer team at the end o the 1996 season. Sanchez graduated from Stevenson U. with a degree in Business Communications and has played for the Baltimore Kickers since the summer of 1992.

Mike Lott is one of the Baltimore Kickers' tri-captains as well as assistant coach. Mike joined the team in 1998. He remained with the squad until 2000 and then moved to Rhode Island for work. He later returned to the team in 2005. Mike is a native of Elizabethtown, PA and attended Catawba College in N.C. where he lettered in both soccer and lacrosse. He would go on to Gardner-Webb University as a graduate assistant for their men's soccer team.

Lance is a 2001 graduate of Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College) and played soccer his freshman season along side head Kickers coach, Ricky Sanchez. He lettered in soccer all four years at Stevenson and hails from Baltimore. Lance attended perennial power, Archbishop Curley High School, where he played on some of the most talented high school squads in the state of Maryland. Lance is an assistant coach of the Kickers and the other tri-captain along with Lott and Sanchez.

Our roster for 2008-2009 is just about set, but we will be happy to consider you for our team. College playing experience is preferred but not required or the deciding factor . If you would like more information, please contact Ricky Sanchez by e-mail at: rique.sanchez@gmail.com

From Baltimore: Take the Baltimore Beltway 695 to Exit 15B, "Baltimore National Pike - Route 40 West". Make a left at the first very first light, "Winters Lane". Make another left at the very next street "Old Frederick Rd", this will be a NO THRU street. Go until Old Frederick Road ends and you will see Steffen Field and the parking lot on your right.

From Howard County: Going on Route 29 North take Route 40 East. Make a right onto Winters Lane (last light before the Baltimore Beltway (695) across Home Depot. Make a left at the first street (Old Frederick Rd). This will be a NO THRU street. Go until the street ends. The field and parking lot will be on your right.

Contacts

Name	Role	Email	Phone
Ricky Sanchez	Coach	rique.sanchez@gmail.com	410-935-1982
Mike Lott	Assistant Coach	mdlott2@yahoo.com
Lance Reedinger	Assistant Coach	lancereedinger@yahoo.com
Victor Vegas	Manager	vv5335@aol.com	410-744-9446
John Sanchez	Assistant Coach/Manager