Machnik Elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2017

No. 1 Soccer Camps is pleased to announce our Founder and President Dr. Joseph Machnik has been inducted to the very prestigious National Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2017. Often referred to as “American Soccer’s Renaissance Man,” Dr. Joe has succeeded at every level of soccer in the United States.

Universally heralded as a visionary for his implementation of curriculum, methods and procedures for training of Goalkeepers at every level, Machnik’s methods are utilized today at fields and in stadiums all around the world. His influence has been felt by over 100,000 players, staff and families who have been part of his No. 1 Soccer Camps, currently in its 41^st year of running soccer camps throughout the United States.

On behalf of No. 1 Soccer Camps, our directors, staff, campers and families, we send our sincerest appreciation for all that Dr. Joe has done for soccer in the United States. We congratulate Dr. Joe, his wife Barbara, daughters Janine and Collette, and the extended Machnik family for this amazing accomplishment.

As Rob Stone of Fox Sports so eloquently stated “Dr. Joe is one of our favorite human beings that we deal with, we are so proud!”

Dr. Joe Machnik’s accomplishments include:

All-American goalkeeper at Long Island University
Coached LIU to the 1966 NCAA championship game — as a 23-year-old.
He was a member of the 1965 US Open Cup champion New York Ukrainians.
Coach Of the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team at the University of New Haven.
Assistant Coach with the U.S. National Team when it reached the World Cup for the first time in 40 years at Italy in 1990
Director of referees for three leagues – Major Indoor Soccer League, Major League Soccer and National Premier Soccer League.
Coach of the New York Arrows (MISL).
Commissioner of the American Indoor Soccer Association.
A FIFA and CONCACAF Match Commissioner.
Current Rules and Match commentator for FOX Sports.

“Joe is one of the great personalities of the sport in the States, a person who has been at every level from player to coach to referee, administrator in the league with a vast experience and vast knowledge of the game in this country.When you talk about the pioneers of the game in this country, he has to be one of them.” – Alfonso Mondelo, MLS’s director of player programs

What Makes No. 1 Soccer Camps Number 1?

It’s not just a name. No. 1 Soccer Camps is #No1ForAReason. Several reasons in fact. Our players, staff and training are just a few things that have made our soccer camps a leader in the soccer industry for over 40 years.

OUR PLAYERS ARE NO. 1

In the 41+ years of being the most trusted name in soccer camps, over 80,000 players have come through our system. Some have signed professional contracts as players and coaches others have played for National teams or won the NCAA title. Our players are the driving force behind our camps and have set the high standard!

OUR STAFF IS NO. 1

At any of our sites you will find the highest quality staff alongside current college players, A-licensed coaches and coaches of current National Team players. Each week our staff coaches complete a 75-point evaluation and personal development plan for each player at camp. You will not find this evaluation or this level of quality coaching anywhere else!

OUR TRAINING IS NO. 1

If you have ever wondered about the roots of No. 1 Soccer Camps, you need to start with Dr. Joe Machnik. Since 1977, the “Machnik Method”, a distinctive soccer training method that is universally recognized and used today. Our unique “Go to Goal” curriculum with modern methodologies, we offer five distinct training levels and programs for a unique week of soccer education for field players and goalkeepers of every age and ability level.

#No1ForAReason

At No. 1 Soccer Camps, our mission is to provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

For more information on any of our camp locations from Connecticut to California, please visit our website at www.no1soccercamps.com.

In Memory of Tony DiCicco

By Dr. Joe Machnik, Founder of No. 1 Soccer Camps

It is a sad day today as the No.1 Soccer Camps Community has learned of the passing of Tony DiCicco, after a brief illness.

Many of our staff over the past forty years and many of our campers, as well, knew and worked for Tony, played for him and went to his camp, as campers.

Tony DiCicco has left a huge footprint on American soccer. He was an excellent player, better coach and an even better person.

I first met Tony while we were still playing, each of us selected to the All- Star team for the Connecticut State League. We combined to shut out the New Jersey State All-Star in the only game we played.

Of course, living in Connecticut, our paths crossed on many occasions. Small state with, at the time, a small soccer community.

We each ran soccer camps; and although we competed against each other in that business, we always treated each other professionally and with respect. In many ways, we had parallel careers, although Tony certainly eclipsed mine with his unprecedented success with the Women’s National Team in the Olympics and World Cup Tournaments.

Twenty years ago, our family moved from Connecticut to South Carolina and the occasions of seeing Tony on a regular basis diminished. Yes, there was the MLS Cup socials, and the NSCAA Conventions, but there was never really any time to talk, only to exchange pleasantries.

Then, by chance, both Tony and I were hired by Fox TV to work the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was great to be with Tony at meetings and even lunch and dinners. We had a chance to sit with each other and talk about the good old days, where soccer is now and whether the USA is on the right path.

Tony really cared. And so many people cared for him.

The outpouring of grief and sadness from every corner of the soccer world is so appropriate. I just wanted everyone in the No.1 Soccer Camp community to appreciate what Tony DiCicco has done for American soccer and to recognize that Tony was one of the great ones. We should all be thankful for his work and I am thankful for knowing him. I wish we had more time together!

Chad Liddle US Paralympic Team GK Coach

No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Chad Liddle named Assistant Coach with the US Soccer Paralympic Team

Chad Liddle, longtime Regional Director for No.1 Soccer Camps at Darlington and No. 1 Soccer Camps at Baylor School, has been with No. 1 since 2003.

Last summer, Darlington School hosted two weeks of training camp for the U.S. Paralympic National Team for their preparations for the Rio Para Olympics. In between his two No. 1 Soccer Camps at Darlington, Liddle was pulled to Atlanta to train the PNT’s two goalkeepers.

As of the first of the year, the team gathered at three training camps: Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, and then the Olympic Training Facility at Chula Vista. Liddle has coached the goalkeepers during the past two camps in Lakewood Ranch and Chula Vista.

During the last camp, the PNT played a team comprised of San Diego Sockers players as well as 3 members of the US Soccer National Beach Soccer Team. With 16 minutes to go in the game the PNT goalkeeper went down with an injury, and Liddle had to step in and play the rest of the game. The US was under a tremendous amount of pressure in the last 15 minutes, but held on to win 6-5. After the game, the team awarded Liddle his first US “Cap.”

The U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team is an elite level program that selects players from across the United States in preparation for International standard competition. The National Team, in addition to friendly matches and invitational tournaments, competes in the Intercontinental Cup, Copa America, World Championships, Parapan American Games, and Paralympic Games.

For players to be eligible, they must be ambulant (no requirement for assistive walking aids) and have a one of the following neurological conditions:

Have had a Stroke

Have Cerebral Palsy

Have had a Traumatic Brain Injury / Acquired Brain Injury

For more information on the PNT, visit their page at ussoccer.com.

This summer, Coach Liddle will be directing No. 1 Soccer Camps at Baylor School June 18th-22nd and No. 1 Soccer Camps at Darlington School Session 1 July 15 -19 and Session 2 July 19th – 23rd.

No. 1 Soccer Camps BFF Promotion

You + BFF + No. 1 Soccer Camps = Saving $$$

What’s better than attending the top ranked No. 1 Soccer Camps this summer? Attending No. 1 Soccer Camps with your best friends!

Grab your BFF, buddy, or teammate and register for any of our 28 locations across the US and save up to $89! Choose from College Preparatory Performance, Senior, Junior, Youth Academies or our new College ID Showcase Program. Whatever your age and skill, we have a program that will improve your technical, tactical, mental and overall soccer performance.

For over 40 years, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been providing exceptional soccer training for generations of soccer players while remaining true to our mission:

To provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

Take advantage of our discount before it’s too late! Receive 10% off any registration when you use promo code BFF10% at registration.

To see a list of our locations and dates for 2017, visit our website!

Team Camp at No. 1 Soccer Camps

Get the Preseason Advantage at No. 1 Soccer Camps Team Camp

Did you know No. 1 Soccer Camps offers a team camp for high school and club teams looking for a preseason edge? Our staff will work directly with your team to ensure a valuable and enriching team training experience. In addition to the positive camaraderie gained by living and playing together, we will also deliver rigorous team competition and training, all while developing the modern skills of attacking with speed and going for goal! Each individual player will receive our extensive 75 point personal evaluation for their personal use and future development.

“As a soccer coach and soccer parent, I haven’t found a better soccer camp experience than No. 1 Soccer Camps. My kids and players can’t wait each summer to attend.” – Marc Hatam Port Washington Cobras

No. 1 Soccer Camps offer exceptional opportunities for teams to attend the camp at a significant discount. For more information, contact the camp office at info@no1soccercamps.com or call 571-428-8387.

No. 1 Soccer Camps, the first national camp of it’s kind, was founded by Dr. Joseph Machnik in 1977. Since then, over 80,000 soccer players and coaches have attended No. 1 Soccer Camps and become part of the No. Family. Our tradition of excellence, professional coaches and world class facilities have made No. 1 the industry leader for US soccer camps for over 40 years.

Tony Pierce Inducted Into Wisconsin Soccer HOF

No. 1 Regional Director Tony Pierce Inducted Into Wisconsin Soccer Hall Of Fame

No. 1 RD and seventh-year Wisconsin Lutheran College head women’s soccer coach Tony Pierce was inducted into the Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Pierce, a longtime member of the No.1 Soccer Camps family, has coached collegiate soccer for nearly 30 years.

One of the winningest goalkeepers in the history of the former National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), Pierce was a goalkeeper for the Milwaukee Wave for eight years and one with the Chicago Power, appearing in 195 games, posting 75 wins and making 2608 saves. The three-time All-Pro also served as the Wave’s Director of Community Relations for six years. He was inducted into the Milwaukee Wave Hall of Fame in 2010.

Pierce was a member of the University of Connecticut’s 1981 NCAA Division I Championship soccer squad. He also returned with the Huskies in national semifinal appearances in 1982 and 1983. In 1983 Pierce was a co-captain with Jim D’Orsaneo.

Pierce also has one National Team cap versus Portugal for the US Men’s National Futsal Team.

No. 1 Soccer Camps at Wayland Academy in Beaver Falls, WI is under the direction of Tony Pierce who has been with No. 1 Soccer Camps for 36 years. This unique specialty camp blends the best of No. 1 Soccer Camps with its partner in Germany the Fussball Ferienschulen. The camp runs July 16-20th. For more information, visit www.No1SoccerCamps.com.

Win a Week of No. 1 Soccer Camps

On Tuesday April 4, No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director John Adams is shaving his head in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. All proceeds are to benefit research for Children with Cancer.

No. 1 Soccer Camps is partnering with St. Baldrick’s to help with the cause. We will be holding an online auction where the winner will get a FREE WEEK OF CAMP.

CLICK HERE to enter a bid

Some simple rules for our auction:

1) You must be 18 to bid.

2) DO NOT BID unless you are prepared to win.

3) Auction ends at 11:59p on Tuesday April 4.

4) Winning bidder will be contacted by No.1 Soccer Camps via E-Mail on April 5. We will provide you with instructions on how to make your donation and how to register for your camp.

5) No. 1 Soccer Camps will make a donation in the amount of the highest bid to St. Baldrick’s. The winner will be awarded with a week of camp at a location that fits you best. College Showcase ID Camps are not eligible.

From Coach John Adams:

It’s How I Help

Although I don’t have any personal dealing with childhood cancer, my father battled cancer for 9 years. When I first joined Jon Cohn’s Coaches United Against Cancer Team I didn’t know what to expect. When I walked into the event, it was packed. The energy in the room was nothing like I had felt before. As I worked my way up to the shavees, I saw her. She was a middle school girl, with long dark hair She was shaving her head. I was in awe. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized what I was a part of. The courage of this middle school girl was amazing, something I would never forget.

I still “Brave the Shave.” It’s how I can help. The goal of the Coaches United Against Cancer Team to raise funds. We have expanded to Arizona and are now recognized as a National Campaign. During our 8 years, we have raised over $200,000. For me to shave my head, it takes nothing. There is no courage on my part. The courage lies with my father who battled for almost 10 years before passing in September 2013. The courage is with the middle school girl who is shaving her head to help support children she doesn’t know, who are battling cancer. The courage is with all these children, battling cancer, who keep smiling and showing us that we should be enjoying life. Please consider making a donation HERE

Teacher, Trainer, Coach: What’s the Difference?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis

In the sport of soccer, we often have teachers, trainers, and coaches who each have a specific set of responsibilities for the development of their players. Looking at each title, there seems to be an overlapping and co-mingling of responsibilities that go with the job description. A teacher can have a more formal role in the development of their players and teams. A coach helps a player or team achieve success on the field, and a trainer is the facilitator of new skills. Can one person be all three? Absolutely!

If you have been fortunate enough to attend a training session that has been put on by Anson Dorrance, head coach at the University of North Carolina, former World Cup Coach and the winner of 21 National Championships, then you have been fortunate enough to have seen one of greatest teacher, trainers, and coaches of our generation. What makes this type of coach, teacher, and trainer so special? Is it their ability to articulate the message? Their communication skills? Their intuitive nature? Their knowledge of the game? Yes to all of the above.

No. 1 Soccer Camps John Amorim Teacher Trainer Coach — Former professional player and current US U14 National Camp Goalkeeper Coach, John Amorim was one of the inaugural participants in the No. 1 Soccer Camps as a camper in 1977.

At the recent Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Annual General Meeting, those in attendance were introduced to a person who clearly fits comfortably into the role of Teacher, Trainer and Coach. John Amorim is currently the head goalkeeper coach for the Region I ODP Staff. While watching Coach Amorim run his session, it was striking to observe a man comfortable being a teacher, a trainer and a coach – sometimes within the same sentence. Putting on a training session in a hotel ballroom is never easy. Add in the dimensions of training players that you are unfamiliar with, being surrounded by coaches who are only somewhat interested in your topic and those in place for required CEU’s, and you have an environment that is demanding to say the least.

John presented a goalkeeper session that at its basic level was not challenging in its format with one major exception – his delivery. John was able to present a multi-layered session that challenged each participant at the physical, technical, and psychological spectrum at every step of the progression. His delivery was as a teacher to the coaches in attendance explaining the exercise, as a coach to the players; he was working with and as a trainer executing drills and exercises. His session was exceptional. His knowledge of the position is at a very high level. Those in attendance were witness to an outstanding presentation, by an extraordinary teacher, coach and trainer.

His ability to layer each exercise with each dimension of the spectrum is a gift. The players had to think, react and make decisions related to each ball. The session was not the type of session that we often see put on by trainers at these type of events. More commonly we see sessions where the ball is constantly struck with mind numbing repetitions and little to no level of distinction as to the reason, method or purpose, other than to create the illusion of success.

At this session it was clear and refreshing to see an educator (a unique combination of teacher, coach, and trainer) present a session that was simple in concept but complex in methodology. If you are looking for an individual to be part of your staff or work with your child, strive to find someone with the capacity to incorporate all the ingredients for a successful session – someone who can teach, someone who can coach and someone who can train. All will benefit from that experience.

Coach Andrulis is a coach and teacher who has had the good fortune to have worked with and trained some of the best goalkeepers in the United States. His goalkeepers have played at all levels, including World Cup and national teams, professional, collegiate and club. As a 40 year staff member of No. 1 Soccer Camps, Coach Andrulis enjoys the opportunity to spend time working with the next great generation of players each and every summer throughout the United States.

To Shootout Or Not?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Rob Andrulis

Marco Van Basten, FIFA’s Chief Officer for Technical Development, thinks it is a good idea. Along with the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, FIFA is considering using run-up shootouts to break ties in the group stages of the World Cup. With the addition of the shootout, the World Cup could look like the early days of the MLS. If adopted this method could potentially be deciding matches in upcoming World Cup tournaments.

Since, 1996, the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been teaching the MLS shootout contest as part of our “Breakaways session.” During the session field players and goalkeepers are put through a series of technical breakaway exercises to prepare them for the contest at the end of the session. Safety is of the utmost importance while teaching the techniques of this situation.

“Back in the early days of the MLS, it was decided to institute the idea of having matches that where tied after regulation to have that tie be broken by a Shootout contest instead of penalty kicks,” said No. 1 Soccer Camps Founder Dr. Joe Machnik. “Back in the days of the NASL there was a 35 yard offside line put in place and by doing so, it created many break away situations from in and around that line, hence the idea of the 35-yard shootout was born.”

The set up for the MLS Shootout is very simple. The field player is 35 yards from goal and has five seconds once the ball is touched to shoot. The Goalkeeper must have at least one foot on the end line to start. If the goalkeeper touches the ball, the field player is not allowed to attempt a second shot. If a foul is committed by the goalkeeper inside or outside the box, a penalty kick is awarded and the Goalkeeper could receive a Yellow or Red card for the infraction. The MLS Shootout was developed to bring an exciting conclusion to the match – a true breakaway situation, field player versus goalkeeper, under the spotlight!

Dr. Joe added, “The MLS substitution rule at the time of three field players and one goal keeper allowed for many tactical changes near the end of regulation most notably goalkeeper changes.” A keeper who excelled in breakaway situation was often subbed late in the match for exactly that reason. A great example is how the Columbus Crew utilized Crew player (and former No. 1 Staff Coach) David Winner during a match. Then Columbus Crew Coach (and current No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director) Greg Andrulis liked the idea of the shootout and his ability to use Winner in that situation. “There were some nuances with it and it was a lot of fun; it brought some drama to the conclusion of the match instead of players and coaches shaking hands and moving onto the next match.”

Brazilian Legend Carlos Alberto Torres was a true wizard of the shootout during his playing days with New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League. Also known as “O Capitao do Tri”, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. During the shootout Carlos would use his incredible foot skills to lift a bouncing ball off the turf and calmly chip the on-rushing goalkeeper.

There are pros and cons to the Shootout Method of deciding a match. Injuries are an integral part of the equation. Collisions between the player and goalkeeper are a real possibility. On the flip side, in the past it allowed for a very exciting and entertaining way of deciding matches. The shootout also extended the playing careers of many American and International stars who excelled in the shootout format including International Great and Columbian National team player Carlos Valderamma who used his incredible touch and dribbling skills to score many artistic shootout goals.

Busch Shootout — MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2008) and former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach Jon Busch

We also asked for some thoughts from former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach and 2008 MLS goalkeeper of the year Jon Busch. Jon has had a very successful professional career playing for many teams including the Columbus Crew with the then Head Coach Greg Andrulis. “As far as the shootouts I liked the idea. When I first started my pro career, we had them in the USL and I enjoyed them better than PK’s,” said Busch. “They gave the goalkeeper a better chance of being successful. I believe there is a bit more skill involved on both sides of the ball in a shootout then in a penalty kick”.

A lot to ponder as FIFA ultimately decides: To Shootout Or Not?

Check out these Best Old School MLS Shootouts

No. 1 Goalkeepers Top MLS 50 Greatest

Earlier this month, Everybody Soccer, a website dedicated to following American goalkeepers, published an article ranking the 50 Greatest MLS Goalkeepers of All Time.

No. 1 Soccer Camps was pleased to find SIX of the top TEN MLS goalkeepers are part of the No. 1 Soccer Camps family as former campers and/or coaches, and and four others round out the 50.

Top 10 GKs of All Time by Everybody Soccer

1 Kevin Hartman (416 Games, 1997-2012)***

2 Nick Rimando (424 Games, 2000-present)***

3 Jon Busch (309 Games, 2002-2015)***

4 Pat Onstad (223 Games, 2003-2011)

5 Matt Reis (293 Games, 1998-2013)***

6 Joe Cannon (342 Games, 1999-2013)***

7 Zach Thornton (282 Games, 1996-2011)

8 Tony Meola (250 Games, 1996-2006)***

9 Scott Garlick (237 Games, 1997-2006)

10 Tim Howard (102 Games, 1998-2003, 2016-present)

Additionally,

16. Bo Oshoniyi (109 Games, 1996, 2000-2006)***

20. Kasey Keller (93 Games, 2009-2011)***

23. Brad Friedel (38 Games, 1996-1997)***

30. Mark Dougherty (123 Games, 1996-2001)***

***Denotes No. 1 GK

No. 1 Soccer Camps has a long history with the MLS and US Soccer. No. 1 Soccer Camps founder Joe Machnik was an Assistant Coach for the U.S. National Team 1990 World Cup team as well as being a FIFA/CONCACAF Match Commissioner and being inducted into six Soccer Halls of Fames.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis is the former head coach of MLS’ Columbus Crew.

Our coaching staff has experience at every level of American soccer from high school to collegiate D1, 2, and 3, to Major League Soccer and the US National teams. For over 40 years, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been training generations of quality goalkeepers and field players across the United States.

To learn more about No. 1 Soccer Camps and to locate a site near you, visit our website at www.No1SoccerCamps.com.

No. 1 Staff Collegiate Season Highlights

It was a record breaking collegiate season for several No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Directors and Staff Coaches. Read on to hear about a few honors and achievements our staff made in the 2016 season.

Nick Roberts No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director and Staff Coach Nathan Jones – Urbana University

Nick Roberts , who finished his ninth season guiding the Urbana University Men’s Soccer Team and was recently named Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year, has built an impressive program in Urbana. In 2016, the Blue Knights tied the school record for most wins after finishing 14-5-1 and made the team’s second-straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the round of 16.

UU spent the majority of the season ranked in the national polls and received the program’s highest ranking ever at No. 12 earlier in the year. The Blue Knights outscored opponents 48-17 this season, averaging nearly three goals per game.

In addition, several Blue Knights thrived under the UU coaching staff in 2016. Eight total student-athletes were voted all-conference performers, including the league’s Defensive Player of the Year (and No. 1 Soccer Camps Staff Coach) Nathan Jones.

Nick DeMarsh No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director – Buffalo State

Nicholas DeMarsh concluded his 15^th season as the head coach of the Buffalo State women’s soccer program in 2016, leading the Bengals to its first ever SUNYAC Championship and NCAA Championship appearance.

DeMarsh’s 2016 Bengals set a school-record for wins in a season, finishing 17-1-3 and winning the program’s first conference championship. In doing so, DeMarsh was named the SUNYAC coach of the year for the second consecutive season, and third time overall.

DeMarsh saw his team sweep the SUNYAC awards in 2016, winning the Offensive, Defensive, Rookie and Coach of the Year honors and is now the all-time winningest coach at Buffalo State with 134 victories and a .537 winning-percentage.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Staff Coach Lyndse Hokanse – Georgetown University

Lyndse Hokanse, First Assistant Coach helped lead the Georgetown University women’s soccer team to its most successful year in program history. Head Coach Dave Nolan and his staff were recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as the recipient of the NCAA Division I Women’s Coaching Staff of the Year, as voted on the by coaches in that division.

Georgetown advanced to the NCAA College Cup for the first time in program history and lost to eventual national champion Southern California. The Hoyas finished the season with a 20-3-3 overall record, ranked No. 3 in the country by the NSCAA and Soccer America and won the BIG EAST Tournament Championship for the first time in program history.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director John Adams and Staff Coaches Danielle Polvan, Angelina Piccirillo, Lexi Mack, Bridget Judd, and Lexi Fenn – Albertus Magnus College

No. 1 Soccer Camps Staff Coaches Collegiate Honors — No. 1 Staff Coaches Danielle Polvan, Lexi Fenn, Angelina Piccirillo , Lexi Mack

John Adams, Albertus Magnus Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach, and his Falcons also had a record-breaking year in 2016. New program-bests were set and the team earned its first-ever berth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship. The team ended the fall with an 11-8-1 overall record and were the No. 3 seed in the GNAC Tournament thanks to posting a 7-3-1 mark in league play.

Following the year, four Falcons received All-GNAC honors – three of whom are No. 1 Soccer Camps Staff Coaches. Junior midfielder Angelina Piccirillo had a breakout season and landed on the first team, while seniors Danielle Polvan, and Alexis Mack received second-team distinction.

In addition, Piccirillo earned a spot on the 2016 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-New England Team. She becomes the fifth player in program history to earn NSCAA All-New England. Piccirillo was one of just five GNAC players to earn regional recognition this autumn. Piccirillo had a breakout year for the Falcons, scoring six goals to go along with two assists for 14 points.

Polvan, a four time All-GNAC recipient, became the school’s all-time leader in goals in 2016. During her senior season, She also became the program’s all-time leader in points with 85. Polvan led the team this fall in goals (10), points (23), shots (66) and shots on goal (39).

Defensively, Bridget Judd along with Piccirillo anchored the Falcon backline this year. The Albertus Magnus defense ranked third in the conference in goals-against average and recorded nine shutouts. The team was one of three in the league that allowed less than one goal per game.

In net, GK Lexi Fenn had a solid 2016 season. In her first season as a starter, Fenn has posted a 1.31 goals-against average with 82 saves, a .788 save percentage, five shutouts and a 9-8-1 record. She currently ranks fourth in program history in shutouts and sixth in saves.

Youth Academy Meets Distinct Needs of Younger Players

You Asked, We Answered: No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy

For years, parents have requested a soccer camp for their younger children, and No. 1 responded. No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy is designed for players aged 7-10. Based on our 40 years of soccer camp experience, No. 1 Soccer Camps created a curriculum specifically constructed to meet the distinct needs and abilities of the emerging player.

The participants at our Youth Academy benefit from a positive and encouraging setting. We create a fun, nurturing environment and ensure no 3 L’s. No lines, no laps and no lectures are a mainstay of our youth curriculum. We understand our younger players have specific needs that if taught properly can insure a greater appreciation of the game. Fun, exciting, and engaging activities are all part of the week. We achieve this with individual and small group activities with the introduction of entertaining technical exercises and games that are engaging and relevant for the age group and ability level.

No 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy is available at many of our residential camps across the country. Half day and full day options are available for greater flexibility and to meet families and players individual needs.

For specific locations and dates for No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy in 2017, please visit our Youth Academy page here.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Enters 41st Season

No. 1’s 41st Season Of Soccer Excellence

In 1977 under the direction of former college, professional and World Cup coach Dr. Joe Machnik, No.1 Soccer Camps was born. That first year, Machnik started the No. 1 Goalkeeper’s Camp with 39 goalkeepers from thirteen states participating in a one week session. Coaches John Kowalski, Shep and Roy Messing, Mickey Cohen, Peter Johnson and Danny Gaspar joined Machnik in putting the young goalkeepers through their paces.

By 1995, it became evident that goalkeepers had progressed in technical areas, but tactical decision making abilities, which could only be tested by field players in match situations was missing. In addition, the lack of goal-scoring abilities was rampant in America and a striker’s curriculum was needed to provide players with opportunity to enhance technique and composure in front of the goal.

Accordingly, Machnik and Kowalski incorporated field players into the No. 1 Soccer Camps program with the addition of the Star Striker’s School which was the forerunner of the No. 1 Striker Camp program. Within no time, field players came from all over the country and the world to attend the unique No. 1 Soccer Camps program.

Machnik and his experienced professional staff continue to refine the program and update the methodology utilized to get results on both sides of the ball. In 2016, in response to age group and field size mandates from US Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps responded with steps to assist players and teams throughout this important transition.

“Entering the 41st year of the camp, it’s amazing to see the positive impact that the Machnik Method and philosophy has had on the development of goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches throughout the US and the world,” says No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis.

“Teaching methods that have had a profound effect on the development of goalkeepers at every level from club to National team players was the hallmark of the No. 1 Soccer Camps from its early days. Now with the combination of field players and goalkeepers competing in our unique “Goal to Goal” curriculum has set a new standard for specialized training for players regardless of which side of the ball players compete on.

Andrulis, who also serves as Head Coach at George Mason University, has witnessed firsthand the camp alumni successes, “The number of players who have benefited from our camps and who are actively competing at the highest level – youth national teams, college and professional teams continues to grow.”

Dr. Joe Machnik recently reflected on No. 1 Soccer Camps’ 41 season and secret to the camp’s enduring success: “The success and longevity of No. 1 Soccer Camps has been due in a large part to our continued pursuit of the most up to date and forward thinking curriculum for our participants. We have endeavored and have achieved a reputation for being innovators in all aspects of the environment that we create for strikers, field-players, goalkeepers, boys and girls, coaches and staff.”

“This year for the first time, some of our national teams will hold mini camps for goalkeepers and strikers in order to create an environment where strikers and goalkeepers alike can hone their skills in specific specialized sessions. Having recognized the need for this environment and intensive training that is possible with our Go to Goal curriculum, our camps have been providing this opportunity and related format for over 40 years.”

“It gives us a great sense of satisfaction to see that each year players and staff of the No. 1 Soccer Camps continue to have a significant impact on the success of soccer at all levels in the US as well as abroad. Our staff coaches and directors have had tremendous personal success with their own programs. We continue to have numerous players each year become professional players, national team players and achieve athletic scholarships, make their club teams and achieve personal satisfaction with their development. We are proud of the positive impact that the No. 1 Soccer Camps has had on the soccer landscape and we will always strive to stay true to our Mission:

For 2017, No, 1 Soccer Camps offers Youth Academy, Junior Academy, Senior Academy, College Prep Performance Academy and College Showcase ID Camps in locations across the US.

Goalkeeping Key to 2016 MLS Championship

THE KEY TO MLS CHAMPIONSHIP? STELLAR GOALKEEPING

By Dan Naden

As a former soccer goalkeeper and current goalkeeper coach, I see the goalkeeping as vitally important to a team’s success.

With the Major League Soccer (MLS) season now in the books, it’s telling to look back and review the critical role of goalkeeper.

The table below lists the MLS 2016 Goalkeepers organized by Goals Against Average (GAA). Note: Minimum of 10 games played.

Orange = Keeper for a Final Four Team

Grey = Keeper for a Playoff Team

A Few Goalkeeping Takeaways:

Half of the Final Four (Toronto and Colorado) rotated between 2 keepers throughout the year.

7 of the Top 10 keepers by GAA played for playoff teams, highlighting the pivotal role of goalkeeping.

Bingham (San Jose) and Knighton (New England) posted strong GAAs, but their lack of shutouts may have contributed to being left out of playoffs.

Tyler Deric, homegrown player and Native Texan, showed promise in limited time for Houston. (leader in GAA and Shutouts/Start)

Article courtesy of Dan Naden as originally published on DanNaden.com

Act Now For 2017 Early Bird Discount

No. 1 Soccer Camps registration is now officially open for the 2017 season! To celebrate our 40th year of soccer camps, we’re offering a limited time Early Bird 2017 discount to SAVE you up to $50.00 off your program fees.

Register for any of our Junior Academy, Senior Academy, College Prep or College ID Camps with the code EARLYBIRD2017 to receive $50 off!

This offer won’t last long, so reserve your spot at the nation’s No. 1 Soccer Camp today!

Author: Kelly McGuire