Sunday, May 29, 2011

Honduras and El Salvador Battle to 2-2 Tie in Pre-Gold Cup Friendly

(Honduras' Edder Delgado (23) and Carlo Costly (13) "prepare" for a shot by El Salvador's Dennis Alas (14). Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)


By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 29, 2011) On two late goals by forwards Rodolfo Zelaya and Rudis Corrales,
El Salvador tied Honduras 2-2 in a pre-Gold Cup friendly soccer match at the University of Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

Honduras led 2-0 going into the final minutes of the game, when Zelaya fired a shot pass Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares to cut “Los Catrachos” lead to one.

“Cuscatlecos” got another score a scant three minutes later when Corrales got the ball and chipped it past Valladares.

Before that, the match was basically all Honduras.

They got their first goal right in the 45th minute, when forward Carlo Costly found himself right in front of an unprotected goal and nudged it in for the first score of the game.

They came back six minutes into the second half on a shot by forward Jerry Bengtson.

In the first half, El Salvador managed only seven shots, with a single attempt being on the goal. Honduras on the other hand, had three shots on goal with 13 attempts.

During halftime, Salvadorian manager Ruben Israel must have lit a fire under his players, as the countered in the second half with two addition shots on goal on seven more shots.

They finished the match with two goals, three shots on goal, and 13 total shots.

Honduras finished with two goals, four shots on goal, and 17 total shots.

The game was relatively free of any hostility between the two teams; with only two cautions issued.

Honduras’ Johnny Leveron received a yellow card in the 4th minute, while El Salvador’s Luis Anaya received his in the 23rd minute.

El Salvador will kick off the
2011 Gold Cup against Mexico on June 5 at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

They are in Group A and will also face Cuba and Costa Rico.

Honduras will start the
Gold Cup against Guatemala on June 5 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

They will also face Grenada and Jamaica in Group B action.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas Battle to 2-2 Tie in Game One of Texas Derby

(Dynamo players Andre Hainault-31 and Geoff Cameron-20 help goalkeeper Tally Hall-1 defend the goal during an offensive onslaught by FC Dallas. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 28, 2011) On an 87th minute goal by substitute Colin Clark, the Houston Dynamo (3-4-6, 15 pts) tied FC Dallas (6-3-4, 22 pts) 2-2 in Game one of the Texas Derby before 16, 709 soccer fans at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

Game two and possession of El Capitán will be played at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on September 24.

FC Dallas struck first on an unassisted header goal by midfielder Andrew Jacobson in the 27th minute.

Forward Fabian Castillo fired a shot off the cross bar which found Jacobson in position to hard the ball into the empty net to make the score 1-0.

Five minutes later, Dynamo defender Jermaine Taylor got into the box, crossed over to Cam Weaver who hits the ball Will Bruin.

Bruin than chests the ball back to Weaver but he could not get a shot off.

The Dynamo quickly rebounded and after some spirited play, found the goal in the 42nd minute to tie the score.

Dynamo captain Brad Davis kicked a cute chip to Weaver who volleyed the ball into the net from 8 yards out.

Davis was credited with an assist, his seventh of the season.

Dallas got the lead back in the 70th minute as Ugo Ihamalu headed home a Marvin Chavez corner kick to up the score to 2-1.

Things fell apart for the Dynamo in the 72nd minute when Kofi Sarkodie picked up his second yellow. He was previously issued a yellow card in the 57th minute.

He headed for that locker room, leaving the Dynamo with only ten players on the field.

Things seemed bleak for the Dynamo until the 87th minute when Davis got possession of the ball and played it forcefully to Colin Clark.

Clark quickly fired the ball past Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman to tie the score at 2-all.

Houston will next face the San Jose Earthquakes on June 4 on the road while FC Dallas will face the New England Revolution at home on the same day.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

ITALIAN BEAUTY IN MOTION – ITALIAN LUXURY CARS AND MOTORBIKES FEATURED AT ITALIAN EXPO 2011 IN JUNE

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 22, 2011) Eat, drink, and peruse hot Italian sports cars and motorbikes all under one roof! Come to Italian Expo, being held on June 3-5 at George R. Brown Convention Center, and see your favorite Italian automobiles and motorcycles! Italian motor vehicles are among the most exciting vehicles in the world and they offer a driving experience unlike any other.

The long-anticipated return of FIAT to the U. S. market is here and the new release, Fiat 500, will be on display at Italian Expo. Not only can Expo guests see the Fiat 500 (“Cinquecento” in Italian), but they also have a chance to take one out for a spin! Northside FIAT, one of four Houston dealers chosen from over 600 applicants nationally to represent FIAT in its return to the U.S. market, will be providing Fiat 500s to test drive. Four Fiat 500s will be parked on the sidewalk in front of GRB Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall D, ready to be test driven.

Houston Superbikes will be on hand with Ducati and Aprilia motorcycles. This all Italian motorcycle dealership carries a full line of motorbikes from these legendary Italian marques. Besides the Ducati-Aprilia experience, motorcycle aficionados can also see MV Agusta motorbikes provided by Metric Motorcycles.

Classic car buffs can enjoy seeing classic Italian cars like Lamborghini. Lamborghini Houston, part of Indigo Auto Group, will bring to the Expo the top of the line model of this fascinating luxury car. Synonymous with prestige and performance, Italian Expo guests can appreciate the sleek lines of this classic automobile.

Also, as an added bonus, a vintage collection of Lancia Integrale, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo cars will be on display. And, those with a need for speed, can get a good look at a Ferrari Testa Rossa!

While the Expo gives car and motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to enjoy fine Italian cars and motorbikes, it also features food and wine importers, handcrafted goods, Houston’s finest Italian restaurants, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, an inter-active kid's area, Italian language classes, and musical and dance performances. Italian Expo will be hosting over 150 companies and vendors from Italy and the U.S. to an anticipated audience of over 21,000 attendees.

Italian Expo tickets are $15 at the door, but are available for pre-sale online at www.italianexpo.us for just $10 until June 2 only. Italian Expo will be open from 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm on Friday, 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm on Saturday, and 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Sunday.

UTSA Wins Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup

UTSA also wins women’s all-sports trophy, while Stephen F. Austin wins men’s all-sports trophy

FRISCO, TEXAS (May 22, 2011) On the strength of two regular-season team championships and seven top-three finishes, UTSA claimed its second Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup, the league office announced Sunday.

UTSA compiled 142.5 points to edge last year’s Cup winner, Stephen F. Austin, by one point with 141.5 points. The Roadrunners won their first Cup in 2008 and have finished as the runnerup in four of the last five Cup standings. UTSA is one of four Southland universities to win at least two Commissioner’s Cups, joining Sam Houston State, UT Arlington and Texas State.

UTSA totaled 78.5 points to win their first outright women’s all-sports trophy in program history. The Roadrunners finished in a first-place tie with former conference member Louisiana-Monroe in 1994. Since that time, UTSA has finished in the top four 12 times with four second-place scores.

The Roadrunners had 64 points to finish second in the men’s all-sports trophy standings behind Stephen F. Austin, which totaled 69 points. UTSA, which won the men’s all-sports trophy in 2006 and 2008, has been one of the more consistent programs in the conference, finishing no less than third in each of the last eight seasons.

The UTSA women won its first golf championship and finished in the top five in five other sports, including second place in soccer and volleyball. The UTSA men won their sixth consecutive indoor track and field title and recorded a top-five finish in four other sports, including second place in tennis and outdoor track and field.

Stephen F. Austin, the 2010 Commissioner’s Cup winner, was one point shy of claiming a share of its second overall trophy in the last two seasons. SFA was equally impressive in 2011 as the men’s and women’s programs combined to win five conference championships. The men claimed titles in football and outdoor track and field and the women swept championships in cross country and both indoor and outdoor track and field.

Texas State (124), UT Arlington (121.5) and Sam Houston State (119.5), came in third, fourth and fifth place, respectively, by a margin of less than five points. McNeese State (112.5) finished sixth, Lamar (110), was seventh and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (89.5) finished in eighth place. Northwestern State (83.0), Central Arkansas (80.0), Southeastern Louisiana (80.0) and Nicholls (64.0) round out this year’s standings.

The Commissioner’s Cup is awarded annually to the top overall athletics program in the Southland Conference. Texas State leads all member institutions with four. In the 14-year history of the Commissioner’s Cup, UT Arlington and Sam Houston State each have three, UTSA now has two, and Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin have one apiece.

The Southland Conference all-sports trophies are awarded annually for men’s and women’s competition based on a 12-point system for all conference sports. Point values are 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, pending place of finish. Regular-season standings are used for sports that have a conference tournament. The Commissioner’s Cup is awarded to the university compiling the highest combined total of men’s and women’s all-sports points.

The three trophies will be presented at the annual Southland Conference Honors Ceremony and Dinner Tuesday night at the San Luis Resort in Galveston, Texas.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Houston Dynamo Ties New York Red Bulls 2-2 in MLS Action

(New York Red Bull defender Rafael Marquez (4) punches a shot towards the Houston Dynamo goal being defended by goalkeeper Tyler Deric (24). Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 21, 2011) The Houston Dynamo (3-3-5, 14 points) battled to a 2-2 tie with the New York Red Bulls (4-2-4, 16 points) in MLS action at the University of Houston's Robertson Stadium.

The Red Bulls tied the game in the 90th minute when Mehdi Ballouchy headed home a Joel Lindpere corner kick to endure the tie.

The Red Bulls got off to an early lead in the 1st minute when midfielder Dane Richards put the Red Bulls on the board early with a rocket past Tally Hall, with an assist from forward Luke Rodgers.

The Dynamo came back and tied the game on a Brad Davis penalty kick fired past Sutton to tie the score at 1-1.

The Dynamo took the lead in the 82nd minute when Koke fired home a rebound past Red Bulls goalkeeper Greg Sutton for the score.

The Dynamo will next face the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 25 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.


Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Houston Marathon Committee Announces Official Run for a Reason Charities

Charity program welcomes 57 nonprofits to its 2011-2012 campaign

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 4, 2011) The Houston Marathon Committee is excited to announce its new charity lineup for the Chevron Houston Marathon's 2011-2012 Run for a Reason program.

Linking more than 30,000 runners with 57 nonprofit organizations, the Run for a Reason program provides an avenue for race participants, individuals and organizations to collect donations on behalf of an official charity of their choice. In addition, it provides a platform for charities to raise awareness and educate others about their cause.

Last year, the Run for a Reason program generated a record $2,086,000 benefiting 52 nonprofit organizations, surpassing $12.4 million in charitable donations in the program's 17-year history.

"Local philanthropies need support more than ever and the passionate runners and fundraisers who participate in our event annually continue to exceed our expectations," said Wade Morehead, executive director of the Houston Marathon Committee. "We are proud to welcome and support these 57 charities, and are truly pleased with the continued success and growth of the Run for a Reason program."

The Run for a Reason program also offers additional ways to enter the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

A limited number of guaranteed race entries will be available through a "Hero" charity registration. This program enables runners to make an upfront, direct tax-deductible donation of at least $350 to an official Run for a Reason charity of their choice, plus the cost of registration, to secure a guaranteed race entry. "Hero" charity registration opens on June 1, 2011 and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Runners may also "fundraise for registration" to receive a guaranteed race entry. Participating charities set their own fundraising objectives and deadlines required to receive a race entry. "Fundraise for registration" entries are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A list of participating charities will be posted on the event website (RunforaReasonHouston.org) on June 1, 2011. Runners should contact these organizations directly for more information.

The 40th anniversary running of the Chevron Houston Marathon and companion Aramco Houston Half Marathon and El Paso Corporation 5K is scheduled for January 15, 2012.

To learn more about the Run for a Reason charity program and for a complete list of official 2011-2012 charities, visit RunforaReasonHouston.org.

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Pitching Powers UH Baseball To 5-3 Win Over UCF

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (May 1, 2011) Juniors Jared Ray and Jordan Mannisto combined to allow just three runs to the UCF Knights, giving the University of Houston baseball team a 5-3 win in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Jay Bergman Field.

With the win, Houston wins the series 2-1 and improves to 22-23 overall and 9-6 in Conference USA action. The Cougars also move in to a tie for second place with the Rice Owls in the C-USA standings.

In his second start this season, Ray earned his first win in five innings on the mound. He allowed one run on two hits with a strikeout and two walks. Mannisto pitched the final four innings, allowing two runs on six hits with one
strikeout.

Senior Caleb Ramsey led the team at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance,
scoring two runs with a double. Sophomore Chase Jensen added two hits, two runs
and an RBI.

Just has they had all series, the Cougars struck first in the finale. With one
out, Ramsey singled through the left side to put a runner on base. He would
advance to second on a passed ball by UCF catcher Beau Taylor before scoring on
junior Matt Creel’s RBI single to centerfield.

The Cougars’ run in the top of the first was answered in the bottom of the
inning, tying the score 1-1. Ronnie Richardson reached base after being hit by a
pitch and moved to third on D.J. Hicks’ single to right field before scoring on
Jonathan Griffin’s sacrifice fly to right field.

Jensen helped the Cougars break the 1-1 tie in the sixth inning. After reaching
base on a single to right field, he advanced to third on senior Joel Ansley’s
single through the left side and scored on junior John Cannon’s groundout to
third base.

Junior Codey Morehouse and Jensen helped the Cougars add to their lead in the
eighth inning. The pair hit back-to-back doubles to give UH a 3-1 lead and a
throwing error by UCF shortstop Darnell Sweeney allowed Jensen to score from
second base.

The Knights made it a tight game in the bottom of the inning, scoring on
Griffin’s two-run home run but the Cougars were able to score a run in their
final at bat and take the series win.

Following the series against UCF, UH will have a few days of rest before they
host cross-town rival Rice in a three-game series, May 6-8 at Cougar Field. All
three games of the series will air on Comcast Sports Southwest.