Sunday, September 29, 2019

Houston Dynamo drop hard-fought match to Real Salt Lake

Archive photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Chris Price
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

SANDY, UTAH (September 29, 2019) The Houston Dynamo evened the score at one in the 32nd minute, but Real Salt Lake punched in the go-ahead goal late in the games they dropped a 2-1 match in their next-to-last game of the 2019 season. Houston fell to 11-4-18 (W-D-L) for the season as they go into their final game of the season against the LA Galaxy, scheduled for a 3 p.m. CDT start at BBVA Stadium on Sunday, October 6. 

RSL got on the scoreboard early in the game when Corey Baird broke away from the Dynamo defenders and got the ball past goalkeeper Tyler Deric 37 seconds into the match. Houston evened the match when Tomas Martinez scored, however Jefferson Savarino found the back of the goal in the 75th minute.

With the win, Salt Lake advances to the 2019 MLS playoffs; their third appearance in the past four years.

Three inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame

Photo by Mike Kiel
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Lou Roesch
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

FRISCO, TEXAS (September 29, 2019)  The National Soccer Hall of Fame inducted its three newest members in front of a packed house in Frisco, Texas. Former USA star Abby Wamback and Sunil Gulati, the face of U.S.A. soccer for nearly two decades joined the elite of the elite of the Greatest Game on Grass along with photographer Tony Quinn who earned induction for his ability to tell the game through pictures.

The order was of induction was telling as well. It went from the architect Gulati to the star, Wambach, who took it upon her shoulders to lift the US Women’s team and the essence of national team soccer to new heights while Quinn told the story through the lens of a camera.

Gulati was the face of soccer for 12 years but before that he was even more. 
Introduced by Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, the words used to describe Gulati were family, loyalty, honor and integrity. Four words that define the growing of a sport that was struggling to say the least when he was told by then US Soccer President Alan Rothenberg “to fix the mess.” Gulati’s life from his earliest upbringing in India has been one of service. Whether it’s serving the global soccer community or in the classroom at Columbia University, his goal is to make life better for each person he comes in contact.

For U.S. Soccer, there can be no greater accolade then to be called “the single most important person in the development of soccer in this country.” Before he was a known entity,  Gulati was seen doing the most menial of tasks and quickly became what Garber described as ”the suit that was as comfortable in the locker room as in the boardroom.” He developed relationships on and off the pitch turning as afterthought U.S. Soccer Federation into a decision maker at the table in 2019. His genius, expertise and relationship building led the three nation triumvirate that for the first time ever will host a World Cup in 2026. He serves on the FIFA Council and was named to the Independence Governance Committee, a group which provides recommendations for grievance changes within the FIFA structure ensuring that the United States will have a voice that the highest level of soccer.  

As Gulati grew soccer, opportunities blossomed for a player like Abby Wambach to take women’s soccer and more importantly U.S. Soccer to new heights on the pitch. Wambach came onto the national scene as she was invited to the senior side in 2001. Soaking in all she could from women’s legend Mia Hamm, the Rochester, New York native became the most prolific goal scorer (184) on the international scene scoring more goals then Messi and Ronaldo as she rippled the net 184 times. 

Throw in another 73 assists and you have the best all around star for women’s soccer. Despite her success, Wambach has never been comfortable with the praise directed her way. On Saturday night, her brother sent her a message to for once just accept it and she did with the grace and style that made her player and an even better teammate. Wambach said she most treasured the team bus rides and the relationships built over her career. Christie Pearce, who began the play that was finished by Wambach’s header to save the 2011 World Cup,introduced the superstar for induction with the words “If there was something to be done, Abby would see it through to the end.” Selfless devotion to team was the message, Wambach continues to espouse even  o this day.

“So the thing that I am most proud of is to be a part of that building , to be a part of the growth of this game, so that the millions of kids, girls especially have somewhere to look and actually see themselves potentially being part of.”

If Gulati was the architect off the pitch and Wambach the builder on the pitch, then Tony Quinn was the storyteller who brought it all to life. For decades, his phots told the story of Gulati, Wambach and countless others. Receiving the 2019 Colin Jose Media Award as just the second photojournalist of 12 honorees puts him in a unique class. His assignments have taken him to 54 different countries and territories capturing some of the greatest moments of soccer history. He was with Gulati for countless moments. He was there as Wambach joined the WUSA league. He was there for four World Cups, three Olympics, and countless Gold Cups and College Cups. His name is synonymous with soccer.

“I was flabbergasted and over the moon, two nice British expressions,” said Quinn about hearing the news of his selection. “And I’ve never been flabbergasted and over the moon at the same time before. I’ve been doing it so long, I just didn’t think it was that long and that I’ve been involved for all those years.”

Gukati, Wambach and Quinn, three honorees who will forever be remembered as the best of the Best.

USABS statement regarding BCS's release of Kaillie Humphries

Photo courtesy of
International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation
LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK (September 28, 2019) It was announced today that Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) released Kaillie Humphries (shown right), making her eligible to compete for a spot on the USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) team.

Please find a statement from USABS Chairman Emeritus and Interim CEO John Rosen below:

"Today, USA Bobsled/Skeleton learned of the decision by Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton to release Kaillie Humphries. With this release, Kaillie is now eligible to become a member of USABS and compete on equal standing with our athletes for a position on the USA National Team. USABS is honored by her desire to continue her sliding career with the USA.  USABS recognizes this was not an easy decision for BCS. We believe, however, that ultimately they made the correct decision to honor the desires of this athlete over the interests of the federation. USABS has, on multiple occasions, faced similar decisions in dealing with athletes who have requested release from our program.  In each and every case we reached the same conclusion as BCS did with Kaillie. We wish Kaillie, and BCS, continued success in the finest traditions of Olympic sport."

Saturday, September 28, 2019

HBU Huskies overwhelm Texas Southern Tigers 68-31

HBU quarterback Bailey Zappe tallied 511 combined yards
(passing and rushing) against Texas Southern.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 28, 2019) The HBU Huskies posted 438 yard of total offense in the first half; taking a 37-21 lead into the locker room at the break in route to a 68-31 win over the Texas Southern Tigers at Husky Stadium on Saturday evening. The Huskies scored 30 unanswered points through the 10:26 mark of the second quarter before the Tigers got on the scoreboard.

The story of the game was not that the Huskies overwhelmed the Tigers. HBU is currently 4-1 for the season, their best start in program history. Their only loss was a 36-34 decision to Texas-El Paso to open the 2019 season. The story is much more than the final score. It is about how dominating the Huskies have performed this season. Six different HBU players scored touchdowns against Texas Southern. Kicker Gino Garcia (Richardson, TX, Pearce HS, No. 37, shown below) booted two field goals of 30 and 54 yards, along with eight extra points.


Photo by Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (Victoria, TX, Victoria East HS) broke his own season-game records for completions (43) and passing attempts (59). He threw for 498 yards and seven touchdowns with a game longest of 52 yards, while being picked off once. He currently leads the nation with 21 touchdowns, competing 160-of-209 passes for 1,817 yards. Junior wide receiver Ben Ratzlaff (San Diego, CA, Westview HS/Golden West JC) is among the nation's top 10 with 40 catches for 601 yards and eight TDs. Dreshawn Minnieweather (Mesquite, TX, North Mesquite HS) is the Huskies' leading rusher with 438 yards while freshman kicker has made 8-of-9 field goals. including a career-best of 54 yards. Junior linebacker Caleb Johnson (San Diego, CA, (Point Paloma HS) leads the team with 59 tackles.

In the current week's national ranking poll, HBU again received votes (eight) which places them 33rd in the country. Other Southland Conference schools receiving votes includes Nicholls (404 votes, 9th), Central Arkansas (351 votes, 14th), Southeastern Louisiana (109 votes, 22nd), and Sam Houston State (11 votes, 32nd). The Huskies will face Southeastern Louisiana at home on October 26, Nicholls on November 9 in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and Sam Houston on November 23 in Huntsville, Texas.

The Huskies will next face Incarnate Word at Husky Stadium on Saturday, October 6 at Husky Stadium. The Cardinals are currently 2-2 after downing Abilene Christian by the score of 31-24 in San Antonio on Saturday evening.




Deer Park Cougars 10U split co-op games to post 3-1 record

Photo by 
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

LA PORTE, TEXAS (September 28, 2019) The Deer Park Cougars 10U softball team split two co-op contests at the La Porte Girls Softball Fields on Saturday. The "Ladies in Red" dropped a close 3-1 decision to the Pasadena 10U Eagles in the first game and came back to down South Houston 10U, 2-0 in the second game of the day. After four games of co-op play this fall, the Cougars have posted a 3-1 record.

In the second game, Deer Park posted runs by catcher Kirstin Kelly and pitcher Elizabeth Posada in route to their 2-0 shutout of South Houston. The battery of Kelly and Posada accounted for three strikeouts with only two runners getting on base. The Cougars tallies four hits in the game with designated player Brookelynn Smith and third baseman Mikaela Provost adding one each.

Against Pasadena, Deer Park secured hits by right fielder Ava Sarratt, left fielder Sesslee Shreffler, seconds baseman Jordan Halik. Excellent defensive field play by shortstop Aliyah Zavaleta, center fielder Paige Taylor, first baseman Maddie Farmer, and second baseman Galileah Perez contributed to the Cougars' success on Saturday.

The Cougars are coached by Larry King, Hillary Williams, Dale Yurt, and Cory Provost. 












Friday, September 27, 2019

North Shore rolls over La Porte 56-3

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 27, 2019) The No. 5 North Shore Mustangs tallied 531 yards of total offense in their 56-3 win over the La Porte Bulldogs at Galena Park ISD Stadium. The Mustangs saw four players finding the endzone in their scoring blitz with Dematrius Davis, who average 12.1 yards per reception, caught eight passes for 97 yards and three TDs. Also getting into the end zone was Zach Evans (8 catches/133 yards/ two TDs), Roger Hagan (9 catches/71 yards/ two TDs), and Ismael Villafuete (8 catches/45 yards/one TD).

Kicker John Villalobas booted all eight extra points, while Davis was 8-of 15 for 112 yards in the air. The lone score for the Bulldogs was 28-yard field gaol by Patrick Allen at the 2:12 mark of the second quarter.

Next up for the Mustangs is a Friday, October 4 meet.ing with the C.E. King Panthers at the newly opened Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Dynamo down Orlando City 2-1 in MLS action

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 21, 2019) Days after the devastating floods from Tropical Storm Imelda’s visit, the Houston Dynamo hosted Orlando City FC at BBVA Stadium. The night was a special night because the Dynamo were helping Kick Childhood Cancer program. These brave survivors were honored with the first kick, lined the orange carpet for the National Anthem and assisted in the cannon blast. The courageous children received the VIP treatment and had a front row seat to see a spectacular battle between these two talented teams. 


Orlando’s forward, Dom Dwyer, opened the scoring at the sixth minute showcasing why all MLS teams cannot sleep on Orlando’s offense. Orlando was displaying excellent passing skills that the Dynamo couldn’t keep up with or make gameplans for. After four corner kicks that the Dynamo couldn’t capitalize on, the defense started to settle down about the 20th minute and find a rhythm that was working for them. The first half ended with 1 minute of stoppage time on the clock and it wasn’t enough for the Dynamo to score. At halftime the score was 1-0 in Orlando’s favor. Alberth Elis (shown above) scored in the 69th minute to tie the game. 


He spent most of the second half of the game trying to find the back of the net with some amazing shots on goal. A second goal, scored by Christian Ramirez a minute later, gave the Dynamo the upperhand in the battle. The Dynamo defense came alive to assist Joe Willis, the Dynamo keeper, in not allowing Orlando to score. Willis made two Herculean saves to keep Orlando at bay. The crowd started cheering their team to victory and the Dynamo could feel the excitement. Orlando put up an amazing fight and did not back down until the final whistle blew. 


The Dynamo will take on LAFC in Los Angeles on September 25. Mark the calendars for October 6, which will be veteran DeMarcus Beasley’s final MLS game before celebrating his retirement from the sport.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

HBU receives votes in National Top 25 poll; Zappe, Walker receive weekly honors

Bailey Zappe (left) and Andre Walker address the media at the
Southland Conference Football Media Day in July, 2019.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 18, 2019) Coming off their stunning 53-52 upset win over South Dakota, the HBU Huskies again garnered votes in the FCS Coaches Poll rankings. The Huskies received 11 votes, and although it was not enough to break into the Top 25, marks their second time this season to receive votes. In Week 2, they also received 11 votes, to tie with Cal Poly for 43rd place in the rankings. The Husky's 11 votes in the current poll place them 30th; just 46 votes out of the Top 25.

With a 2-1 record, HBU will face Southland Conference opponent Northwestern State on Saturday, Sept 21 with a scheduled 6 p.m. CDT at Husky Stadium in Houston. The Demons are 0-3 in 2019, and are coming off a 65-14 loss to LSU this past Saturday.  Previously, they dropped 42-20 decision to TU-Martin in Week One, followed by a 33-7 loss to Midwestern State. The Husky's are 0-2 lifetime versus the Demons; losing 10-7 on October 28, 2017 in Houston and falling 31-28 on Oct 27, 2018 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. With a win against the Demons, HBU would post the best record in program history, through the fourth game of the season.

In addition to the votes in the Top 25 poll, quarterback Bailey Zappe and defensive end Andre Walker earned Southland Football Player of the Week honors.

Zappe racked up the tenth-most passing yards in Southland Conference history (513) against South Dakota. In addition, he broke his own school record for completions (41) and tied the program’s top mark with five touchdowns. He is currently the league leader in passing yards (1,062) and touchdowns (10) and led the Huskies down the field for the game-winning touchdown, going 5-for-5 with 64 yards.

Walker tallied a school-record four sacks, one shy of the Southland Conference record, for 27 yards lost. Against South Dakota, he totaled six tackles, including four solo stops. He also tallied back-to-back sacks.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Deer Park 10U Cougars down La Porte 4-0

Submitted photo by Kristine Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 14, 2019) The Deer Park 10U Cougars scores two runs in the first inning in route to a 4-0 win over the La Porte 10U Rodriguez girls softball team at the first round of Co-op Softball Games at Deerwater Softball Fields on Saturday.

The Cougars tallied seven hits in the game in route to their first co-op win of the fall season. Second baseman Delilah Rosales led off the game with a single, followed with a triple by shortstop Galilea Perez and a double by cather Kirstin Kelly. Perez' triple scored Rosales while Kelly's double scored Galilea from third.

In the second inning, the "Ladies in Red" added their other two runs off hits by right fielder Paige Taylor, first baseman Madalyn Farmer, and Rosales. Starting pitcher Elizabeth Posada gave up only two hits and struck out eight batters.

Also contributing to the win was the exceptional defensive and glove play of center fielder Aliyah Zavaleta, designated player Sesslee Shreffler, rover Ava Sarratt, left fielder Jordyn Halik and third baseman Mikaela Provost.

The Cougars are coached by Larry King, Hillary Williams, Dale Yurt, and Cory Provost. 

Monday, September 09, 2019

HBU Huskies future opponents: Week 2 Results

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 9, 2019) The HBU Huskies are two games into their season and have posted a 1-1 record; falling to Texas-El Paso 36-34 and downing Texas Wesleyan 58-13. They hit the road for their third game of the season, to Vermillion, Sound Dakota to take on the Coyotes of the University of South Dakota. Going into Week Three, let's look at the Huskies future opponents and see how they fared in Week Two.

Sept 14 @ South Dakota  (0-2) lost to Oklahoma 70-14

Sept 21 vs. Northwestern State (0-1) lost to UT Martin 42-20

Sept 28 vs. Texas Southern (0-2) lost to Incarnate Word 54-44

Oct 5 vs. Incarnate Word (1-1) beat Texas Southern 53-44

Oct 12 @ Abilene Christian (1-1) beat Arizona Christian 66-12

Oct 19 @ McNeese (1-1) lost to Oklahoma State 56-14

Oct 26 vs. Southeastern Louisiana (1-0) vs Bethune-Cookman CANCELLED

Nov 9 @ Nicholls (0-1) lost to Kansas State 49-14

Nov 16 vs. Lamar (2-0) beat Mississippi Valley State 23-20


Nov 23 @ No. 23 Sam Houston State (1-1) beat Oklahoma Panhandle 77-0


Sunday, September 08, 2019

Houston Dash fall to Chicago Red Stars 3-0

Archive photo by
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
For Houston Dash Press Release

BRIDGEVIEW, ILLINOIS (September 8, 2019)  A first-half brace from Chicago forward Sam Kerr lifted the Red Stars over the Houston Dash this evening at SeatGeek Stadium, 3-0.

Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell denied Chicago a fourth goal with a penalty kick save in the 84th minute, setting the NWSL single-season record with her fourth penalty save of the year.

Kerr gave the Red Stars the lead in the seventh minute when she found a ball that midfielder Morgan Brian sent from midfield. The ball slipped through the Dash back line for Kerr to dribble inside the box and shoot past Campbell.

Kerr found the back of the net for the second time in the 44th minute when Chicago forward Yuki Nagasato dribbled the ball into the box and crossed it to find the Australian international near the penalty spot. Kerr held off a challenge from a Dash defender before striking the ball into the left side of the goal.

Houston nearly leveled the score in the 33rd minute when forward Rachel Daly (No.  3 above) found a loose ball in the box after a corner kick from midfielder Sofia Huerta. Daly beat two Chicago defenders in the air to win the initial ball and was the first to recover to the second ball. Her first-touch volley appeared destined for the upper left corner of the goal, but Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher alertly leapt to push it over the bar.

Chicago forward Savannah McCaskill provided the Red Stars’ third goal in the 65th minute when she beat a pair of Dash defenders to the ball, putting it in the net on a one-touch hit.

Campbell set a league record with her fourth penalty save of the year when she denied Nagasato in the 84th minute, diving low to her right to push the spot kick wide of the target.

The Dash will return to BBVA Stadium to host the Utah Royals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CDT. Tickets for the match start at $15 and are available at HoustonDashSoccer.com

Saturday, September 07, 2019

HBU Huskies overwhelm Texas Wesleyan 58-13

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
By Robert Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2019) After trailing 7-0 at the 9:19 mark of the first quarter, the HBU Huskies jumped out to a 44-7 lead at halftime in route to a 58-13 trouncing of the Texas Wesleyan Rams at Husky Field on Saturday evening in Houston. Quarterback Bailey Zappe (shown left), who was taken out of the game midway in the second quarter, threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, along with rushing for 47 yards. to cap his second game of the season. In the Huskies' 36-34 loss to Texas-El Paso on August 31, the junior from Victoria, Texas completed 27-of-37 passes for 300 yards and two TDs. 


The game was the perfect tuneup for their next opponent on Saturday, September 14, when they travel to Vermillion, South Dakota to face the University of South Dakota Coyotes. South Dakota comes into the game with a 0-2 record after dropping their season opener to Montana and a 70-14 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman. The Huskies tallied a total of 624 yards of total offense against the Rams and will hope to stay close to those numbers when they face South Dakota. The Coyotes have averaged 345 yards of total offense per game, against two highly regarded opponents.  


After dropping the season opener to UTEP, the Huskies came onto the field at Husky Stadium with the honor of receiving votes in the weekly FCS Coaches Poll. HBU received 11 votes, tied with Cal Poly for 43th place in the weekly ranking. Eight Southland Conference teams received votes with Nicholls State leading the way in 10th place (300 votes), followed by Central Arkansas (18th, 275 pts.), and Sam Houston State (22nd, 108 pts.). Also receiving votes were McNeese State (17), Abilene Christian (14), Incarnate Word (12), HBU (11) and Lamar (5).


HBU wide receiver Ben Ratzlaff caught seven passes for 110 yards, with a game-high longest 43-yard reception. Ben Beck carried the ball eight times for 88 yards and one touchdown with one rush for 33 yards. You can view his post-game interview with the press by clicking here.