Old Man Yells at Sky: From Amsterdam with Love

From across the ocean, I’m here, and I’ve got things to complain about.

1. My life isn’t just soccer - I can’t tell you how many people have asked me “what matches I’ve seen “ when I mention coming to Europe. Contrary to what some might think, my life doesn’t revolve around soccer outside of this site. And, beyond that, my wife isn’t that big of a soccer fan. I can’t imagine dragging my wife to something she has zero interest in. That’s not a good approach to marriage typically, heads up, guys.

2. Anyone else fired up for NISA? - We’re so close to the first week of NISA. I’m pumped. I know we’ll probably have some hiccups, which will fire up all the naysayers, but a first year league is going to have some issues to deal with. That much is true AND obvious. So let’s not throw dirt on the grave the first time we see an issue. Let’s see what a new league does to correct things that malfunction. That will be the first REAL test.

3. Maryland Bobcats win UPSL - I don’t know why anyone is surprised anymore by this club. Class group that has talent for days. I think if I were an NPSL club, I’d be worried. I was a little surprised when a certain person on twitter mentioned that they should go pro to NISA (I’m sure it was somewhat tongue in cheek), but they are REALLY good.

4. USSF Vice President - Apparently there’s a race going on. I couldn’t care less. The candidates I’ve seen are all old guard types who have been around forever. When the house needs to be torn down, putting fresh paint on the ceiling isn’t going to cut. Burn it to the ground.

5. Jetlag - Always thought it was bullshit. IT IS NOT. It has made this vacation complicated as heck. It is hell. And I say this while my wife is dead asleep next to me, 8 hours from El Paso time. 3a in Amsterdam, I’m WIDE awake. Jetlag is terrible.

6. USWNT Viewership Numbers - I love these people who point to good (but not great) viewership numbers for the UWSNT matches against CONCACAF rivals. Most of the matches were on 3rd and 4th string channels, with very little promotion. And the haters go really dark really quick with the sexist crap. I don’t mind realistic criticism of underperforming numbers, but give the women a chance. This team is full of superstars, both on and off the field. If the federation would try just a little, they could expand the game massively, instead it’s the status quo.

7. Chicharito to LAG - I don’t write about a lot of MLS stuff, but this signing is really smart. His skills have declined, so that will save you money, however, he’s young enough to still be a draw. And that’s beyond his connection the Mexican national team, which will play well in an LA market full of El Tri fans. It’s a really smart move for LAG and I think it will pay off big time. Will they win? Who knows. Does it matter? Not really.

8. Soccer Kits Abroad - I am sad to report that I saw almost no soccer kits on the streets of London. Spotted an Aston Villa in a pub one day. We did stay in Fulham and I saw a lot of FFC beanies because of the weather, but few kits. Spotted an Ajax or two here in Amsterdam and plan on finding one for myself if it fits in the budget.

9. Inter vs. INTER - Haven’t followed this story very well, but it cracks me up. This is what you get when you continue this ridiculous approach to naming your American clubs with European conventions. Just be you, stop trying so desperately. And now you’re getting sued and you’re losing. Hilarious.

10. Music - Beach House - “Lemon Glow” - Beach House has been a favorite of mine for a while now. Love them. Trippy video. nuff said.

Player Profile: Nick Kolarac

So Nick, how'd you come to soccer? What's your soccer story?

I was 3 years old when I started playing soccer. I played some other sports growing up as well but I was the best at soccer and fell in love with the game at a very young age. When I was around 11 years old when I started to play club as well as ODP. Won some state cups in PA West and also made the regional team for ODP twice. Played high school and led the country in assists my senior year. I went on to play D1 at Saint Francis University and after that played 5 years professionally!

Pittsburgh seems like a football town, are we wrong on that?

Pittsburgh is 100% a football town. The Steelers have been good for ages and very popular in Pittsburgh. Also, I feel like the people of Pittsburgh do not know much about the game of soccer or were ever introduced to it. Now, on the other hand, there are some people in Pittsburgh who are massive soccer fans and they support local soccer and know the game very well. So I would say the game is continuing to grow here in the Burgh.

Pittsburgh has a strong working-class image, do you think that's reflected in the style of soccer your club plays?

Yes, I would totally agree with that. Pittsburgh is known for having very hard-working citizens. Our club plays with a passion and energy that matches exactly that. We all put the work in every training and game to become a better club,

Last season was the first in the NPSL for your club, what lessons do you take from a 1-win season?

I knew going into the year it was going to be a challenge with a 1st-year club and a whole new list of players. But honestly we grew so much as a team and played very well --obviously, the results did not show that, but it was quality. Coming back for next season should be a core of players that did very well. Now we all know to feel comfortable around each other and know each other’s tendencies. We also know what Coach Tom preaches and wants out of us so I am very excited about this upcoming season.

Regardless of the lack of team success, you were named to your second conference XI, how would you describe last season for you personally?

Yeah, it was awesome being named all-conference I take a ton of pride in being named to the list. I think about me being the captain and an older guy on the team is to lead by example on and off the pitch. Being able to help some of the younger players through this experience of playing in the NPSL and helping each teammate grow into a better player. I played mainly holding midfield last year and my role was basically to build up possession or keep the ball as much as possible while being a solid defender in the center of the park.

You've played at many levels, including USL, what's the biggest challenge playing in a professional league? And conversely, what's the biggest challenge playing in an amateur league?

The biggest challenge playing professionally is the speed of play easily. The ball just gets pinged around and the players are so technical that it is basically like keeping possession in a pinball machine.

Playing amateur I would say honestly the league has more athletes. Players who might not be as good with the ball but are very strong and fast. That goes hand and hand with American college soccer being very direct at times.

What's the difference in the level of play between the USL and NPSL?

I would say for the most part the possession style of play. USL is a lot of possession-based and NPSL is very direct trying to get the ball over the back 4’s head and run onto it.

Do you have an opinion on pro/rel?

I am all for pro/rel in the USA. I think it could be hard to do money-wise for different reasons. But ultimately I feel like that is how you grow the game in the states. I also think pro/rel would help our national team tremendously.

What's the best spot to eat in Pittsburgh?

Wow, that is a tough one. I am a big fan of Mad Mex it is a very good Mexican restaurant! Another good one is Piper’s Pub in the Southside best soccer bar in the city.

On that note, if someone was visiting Pittsburgh, where's the one non-food spot they should check out?

Mount Washington is a very cool view and overlook of the whole skyline in the city. They also have some decent restaurants as well as the incline to ride up and down the mountain.

Chips Ahoy. Original or Chewy?

Chewy

What music do you listen to before a match?

I am a big fan of EDM music before the match. Always have been and I am superstitious so I never change it up always EDM before the match.

Cover graphic is the combined work of photographer Brad Oskowski (IG @mynameisbread) and graphic artist Cory Mizer (twitter @corymizer).

A First Look at the OVPL

So who are you and what role do you play in the league?

The league is co-founded by Brandon Ponchak (Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC) and Jason Brown (Indy Saints FC). But, in order to start the League properly, it was essential to get other Founding Members that wanted the same as we did. So, that is where Lexington Landsharks and another club that will be named later came into play.

For those unfamiliar, what is the Ohio Valley? How big is the area?

The Ohio Valley encompasses areas that have tributaries into/out of the Ohio River. It was one of the better "brands" we could establish within the region we wanted to exist -- Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. We haven't publicized it much, as we aren't as connected there, but we have to sanction in Illinois too. We like to plug a map with the Ohio River Valley, it's just a fun image to continue using.

Why another league versus playing in an existing league?

This League project has been an 18-month, or more, project. It all started when the Champions Soccer League USA folded, in which the Indy Saints played in 2017. In 2018, CDLFC started a second team and needed more competition. In the time span that CSL USA folded and CDLFC doing more, a lot of conversation was made about how we can provide more and do more.

The Ohio River Valley is a BIG area.

At those times, nothing else existed that made sense. We also do not believe that expansion fees are needed for what we want to do. So, that negated other league possibilities.

As a member of the US soccer public, we should encourage people of all ages to continue playing. Youth clubs have forever focused on youth players, while the 18+ age group has left the game (unless they play in college). It is important to the OVPL that teams utilize a senior team to continue playing for those who have graduated out of the youth system.

Additionally, through OVPL competition, teams can qualify for the longest-running tournament in the United States - the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. With a club's involvement in the senior team division, your club could represent your community in the biggest Cup in the US.

Studies have shown over the last 10 years; soccer numbers are decreasing in the US. Through the OVPL, we want to engage people of all demographics to grow the game.

There seems to be a move towards regional leagues. Is that wrong/right? Do you see your league as part of that movement?

We believe that regional leagues are the way forward. Building strong rivalries is necessary. Easy access for all teams and fans is important. Nearly the only time to compete and show pride in your community is through high school sports. Regional leagues allow for community pride. They also provide a platform for clubs to continue to bring alumni back to play for their club in a competitive setting, especially those that are fresh out of high school through college.

Cannibalization has been on full display this offseason, how do you see that issue?

BP: Not sure "cannibalization" is the term I'd use. Teams and club leaders always want to pursue greater. That looks different for a lot of people. I can't say anyone is necessarily wrong for trying to do something they think is best for their club. As long as we continue to grow the game and clubs exist, there should be places for them to play. We are providing a platform for clubs and communities to grow the game, represent their club, and have fun.

How will you protect your league from other leagues looking for potential clubs?

BP: We want to help communities and clubs grow. If we can help others grow to be bigger and better, isn't that successful? With the youth soccer numbers on the decline, I just want to make sure I'm doing all I can to provide soccer for people. I believe this is a great step for our region.

The Northern Ohio Soccer League kicked off this year, any plans on working with them to create a peaceful co-existence?

There has been no formal communication between our two groups. The Ohio Valley is a big region and we can co-exist. Our whole goal for the OVPL is to ensure financial sustainability, and part of that is a hyper-regionalized league. We promote the same value of lower costs and travel expenses, the only difference is that we are a sanctioned opportunity for teams in the region to compete and provide a competitive platform for clubs players in the u23 area to continue to play more matches.

So what clubs are in the fold now? What's the goal for opening day?

Before even going public, we had interest from seven clubs. Within 48 hours of being public, that number rose to 17. Our teams will play a minimum of 10 matches and enjoy the regional competition. We have planned growth for this type of league, as it has the potential for clubs to bring on senior sides to continue the player's ability to represent their club and community.

According to the OVPL website, 3 clubs have officially committed to the league.

What's the timeline moving forward? When will the soccer start?

The League is actually member-driven. Some of us (CDLFC/ISFC) will probably just operate in May-July 2020. There are others interested in longer seasons, which is what we hope for anyway. In sanctioning the League, it was important that we had a later start date (May) to ensure all clubs were fully on-board and as few of kinks as possible.

What's the purpose statement of your league?

Player development is a central focus of the League, as the League strives to promote the region at a national level. We believe young players need to be pushed as high as they can, as early as they can. That's why we have the League structured like it is. It's important for people to have community pride and utilize the game of soccer to help others. We hope our members know that and do that.

Anything else we should know?

If others want help in setting up regional leagues, let us know. We want to help #growthegame. No one has to be done playing at 18 years old, 16 years old, whenever. There's always an opportunity and it can be done affordably. It takes time, but it also takes getting the right people on board to get it going. We have those people committing and looking forward to kicking off in 2020.