UAB Blazers score upset win over Brigham Young in Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 18, 2021) In a back-and-forth game where both teams were basically even in most stats categories, the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers upset the No. 13 ranked Brigham Young University Cougars by the score of 31-28 at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Blazers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on a 10-yard pass from Dylan Hopkins to Gerrit Price and a 64-yard run by DeWayne McBride. BYU evened the score in the second quarter with two rushing touchdowns, the first a one yard run by Tyler Allgeier and the second, a two-yard run by Sampson Nacua.

Beginning in the second half, the teams traded scores until the 6:17 mark of the second half when Hopkins connected with Trea Shropshire on a 14-yard pass for the final score for the game. Hopkins completed 19-of-23 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. McBride carried the ball 28 times for 183 yards and one touchdown. Hopkins stated:

“I feel awesome. The past few days I have been really throwing well and it’s just another day we have to come out and execute, we’re playing a really good team. BYU is 10-2 for a reason. We just came out and played for these seniors. We knew that those were the guys that brought the program back, so that’s what we have been talking about this week, let’s finish it out for them, they’re the main reason we’re even here. I am super proud of both sides of the ball, it was a big team effort."

For the Cougars, Allgeier rushed for 192 yards on 27 carries and three TDs while Parker Romney completed 15 passes on 23 attempts for 195 yards. Defensively, Max Tooley tallied 10 tackles, six of them solos, while Blazers' lineman Antonio Moultre had nine tackles with four of them a loss.

UAB head coach Bill Clark stated after the game on n how big of a moment this win is for the program in terms of football games/on if it’s the biggest win for the program:

“It's one of [the biggest wins in program history]. You know, it’s definitely one of. I think championships are huge. I put it right there with him. You know, and I think when I will go back to the game against El Paso, you know, we had the heartbreaking loss. We break it down on champs every day. And I will say you set yourself up for some things that can happen when it doesn't go your way. We had sickness that week, we fought our way through it to get to get that win to get ready for this one. And then you know, we gave a little time off and they respond in the right way you know. I know I'm always talking to coaches what you know, is there something we could do different? Is there something we can do better? And I kept saying it over and over and there's nothing I would change and you know, I'm big on the preparation and our mindset and I just you know, like I said we were treated great all week long. Getting to hang out with Coach Sitake and BYU I had a lot of respect for them. But I thought our guys were going to play well and I knew they were going to play hard.”

HBU Huskies fall to Oklahoma Sooners, 57-40

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (November 24, 2021) The HBU Huskies jumped out to a 27-22 lead over the Oklahoma Sooners at halftime but were unable to retain the lead in the second half and as a result, dropped a 57-40 decision at the Lloyd Noble Center.

The Huskies shot 57% in the first half but could manage only 5-of-27 (18%) in the second. That, in addition to the Sooners shooing 44% in the last 20 minutes, sealed the loss for HBU.

Starting forward Zion Tordoff tallied 11 points for the Huskies, followed by starting guard Jade Tse with nine points. Darius Lee pulled down eight rebounds with Za-Ontay Boothman recorded two assists. HBU largest lead was at the 2:49 point of the first half, where they recorded a nine point lead (27-18).

Turnovers played a major role in the loss, with the Huskies turning over the ball 21 times to the Sooners. The loss pushed HBU to a 1-4 record, with their only win coming on November 11 at home against Barclay, 122-44.

HBU will play their next four games in the friendly confines of Sharp Gymnasium in Houston, where they will face Southwestern Adventist on November 29, followed by Oral Roberts on December 4. They will take on Champion Christian (December 7), followed by a meeting with crosstown foe Rice on December 11.

Oklahoma, with the win, climbed to 5-1 on the season. They were led by senior Elijah Harkness with 13 points and nine rebounds. He was followed by senior Jordan Goldwire with 11 points.

HBU Huskies drop season finale to Incarnate Word 44-14

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 20, 2021) The HBU Huskies scored 14 points in the second quarter, but it was not enough to overcome a 35-0 deficit in the first quarter as they dropped their season finale by the score of 55-14 to the Incarnate Word Cardinals at Husky Stadium in Houston.

The Husky scores both came in the second quarter; the first by Ean Beck (Taylor High School; Katy, Texas). The senior running back carried the ball the final two yards of a 75 yard drive for the first Husky touchdown at the 13:27 mark of the quarter.  The second score came with 7:10 remaining in the half. Sophomore safety Corey Smooth snagged  Cardinal pass and returned it 36 yards for the score. Gino Garcia scored both kicking conversions to secure HBU's final points of the season.

The Huskies finish the season with a 0-11record and will use the upcoming off-season to recover from this season's inquiries and to fill key openings in their roster due to graduation.

With the win, the Cardinals take the Southland Conference title and the automatic qualifying spot to the NCAA FCS playoffs, Incarnate Word will face former Southland Conference member Stephen F Austin at home on Saturday, November 27.

Pasadena Eagles swim team competes in Beaumont Sprint Invitational

By Chris Price

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

\

(Shown left to right in the submitted photo by Darla Kelly, Pasadena ISD; Jael Medrano, Alan Ramirez, Ana Mercado, Jose Estrada, Alexa Montanez) 

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (November 13, 2021) The Pasadena High School Eagles Swimming Team competed in the in the Christopher McClain Beaumont ISD Sprint Invitational at the Beaumont ISD Natatorium on Saturday, November 13. 

Five Eagle swimmers made the trip with all five showing improvement in their times against some of the top  high school swimmers from the southeast Texas area.

Senior Ana Mercado was the top performer for the Eagles, placing ninth in the 100-yard individual medley and 12th in the 100-yard freestyle. Sophomore Alexa Montanez, who is in her second year in the program, finished in 27th place in the 100-yard freestyle and 37th in the 50-yard freestyle. Fellow second-year swimmer Jose Estrada placed 25th in the 100-yard freestyle and 30th in the 50-yard freestyle.

First year swimmers Jael Medrano and Alan Ramirez also competed in the invitational, with Medrano taking 25th in the 50-yard backstroke and 30th in the 100-yard freestyle. Ramirez contributed with a 27th place in the 100-yard freestyle and a 37th finish in the 50-yard freestyle.

Next up for the AquaEagles is the 19-team Texas City Turkey Bowl Swimming and Diving Invitational on November 18-19 at Matthew T Doyle Natatorium in Texas City.

Pasadena Memorial swimming team find success at Beaumont Sprint Invitational

By Chris Price

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (November 13, 2021) The Pasadena Memorial High School swimming team travelled to Beaumont on Saturday to compete in the Christopher McClain Beaumont ISD Sprint Invitational. The competition was held at the Beaumont ISD Natatorium and included 17 of the top 5A and 6A teams from the southeast Texas region.

The meet saw four swimmers assent the victory platform in six events in route to a fourth place finished in the girls team standing and seventh in the boys standings. Rachel Del Angel continued her record-setting senior season with two victories; in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard breaststroke. Freshman Levi Del Angel captured gold in the 100-yard freestyle and silver in the 100-yard butterfly. Also securing top-three finishes were Alexis Rodriguez; third in the 100-yard backstroke and Samara Olvera; third in 200-yard freestyle. Rodriguez also placed ninth in the 100-yard freestyle and with Olvera taking 28th in the 50-yard freestyle. 

Also placing in the meet were Noe Gutierrez (7th in 200-yard freestyle and 13th in the 50-yard freestyle), Mikayla Williams (17th in the 100-yard freestyle and 22nd in the 50-yard freestyle), Cinthea Martinez (18th in the 50-yard backstroke), and Christina Guzman (25th in the 50-yard freestyle). In the relay events, Del Angel, Rodriguez, Martinez, and Olvera teamed up to take fourth place in the 200-yard medley relay and fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Next up for the AquaMavericks is the 19-team Texas City Turkey Bowl Swimming and Diving Invitational on November 18-19 at Matthew T Doyle Natatorium in Texas City. 

Sam Rayburn HS swimmers pick up three top-eight finishes at Beaumont Invitational

Submitted photo by
Darla Kelly, Pasadena ISD

By Chris Price
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (November 13, 2021) Select members of the Sam Rayburn High School Swimming Team travelled to Beaumont on Saturday to compete in the Christopher McClain Beaumont ISD Sprint Invitational. The meet was held at the Beaumont ISD Natatorium and saw 17 of the top high school teams from southeast Texas invited to compete in the annual classic.

The Texans were represented by four athletes in eight events, with three swims finishing in the top eight in their events. Senior and four-year team member Mitzy Gonzalez-Perez (shown second from left) carried the banner for Sam Rayburn, placing second in the 200-yard freestyle and seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke. Also breaking into the top eight was freshman Zachariah Flores (shown third from left) who took fifth in the 200-yard freestyle. He also placed 13th in the highly contested 100-yard freestyle.'

Senior Jason Arismendez (shown far left), who is also a four-year member of the Texan program, finished 11th in the 200-yard freestyle and 39th in the 50-yard freestyle. Freshman Darianna Rodriguez (shown far right) contributed with a 15th place in the 100-yard freestyle and 18th in the 50-yard freestyle.

As a result of the individual performances, the Texans placed 10th in the girls division, 12th in the boys division and 13th in combined scoring. Next up for the AquaTexans is the 19-team Texas City Turkey Bowl Swimming and Diving Invitational on November 18-19 at Matthew T Doyle Natatorium in Texas City. 

Houston Dynamo FC to face Sporting Kansas City on Sunday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2021) The Houston Dynamo FC hits the road with six games remaining in the season to face Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City with a 3 p.m. CT start.

Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos talked with the press on Friday, October 1, via zoom, and talked about the team's preparation for the match.

First, he discussed how the team is navigating this match prior to the international match.

 "Obviously, we're a little disappointed after this last game that we couldn't get three points. In particular, once we analyzed the video and we saw how many clear chances we had to win the game by two or three goals, it's disappointing. We have to keep moving forward. This team has done a good job of that, of putting things behind and working as hard as possible for the next game and that's what we'll keep doing."

He also talked about what to expect from Kansas City.

 "I think it's no secret that they are a really good team. I feel like Seattle and Kansas City are the two best teams in the Western Conference. I have to say, I'd have to include Portland in there because I think player-by-player, I think Portland is just as good and they will get their form. Kansas City is difficult in particular at their place. I feel like we're in a good moment right now and we're going for the win, that's what we prepare for."

With the MLS playoffs looming on the horizon, he stated: 

"I think we cross that bridge when the time comes. Personally, I can tell you I've been involved in soccer since I was five-years-old, so it's been 50 years of doing this. I've never quit anything, and we always do all we can to win games. At the end of the day, that's why you play the games. Right now, we're still in it, I think we need a big result this weekend. That's what we're going for and that's what the players are excited about." 

Having beat Kansas City earlier this season, he discussed if that game will play an impact on Sunday's matchup.

"We think we can, I think Kansas City is playing better now than they were at that time, but I feel like we're playing better than we were at that time. I think defensively we're much more solid right now than we were at that moment. I know we won the game I think 1-0, when we played them at home. I didn't feel like we were as solid as we are today, we didn't have Teenage (Hadebe) at that time I believe. I think we're a better team now than we were at that time and I think they are as well." 

He was also asked if they are doing anything differently to prepare for this road game:

"Not really. We have to analyze the video and we have to think about how we're doing according to what we see there. Not necessarily and I realize of course that I'm always responsible for results only, I know that's the one thing that matters. When we analyze the video, we have to look at chance creation and how we were in front of the goal and did we get in front of the goal and should we have been winning the game. I think we're at that place where I feel like this last game, we certainly should have won it and in Minnesota we made two serious mistakes to start the game that kind of took us out of the game, the rest of the game was good. Not that that's a consolation, but I do look at our last five games and I see us in a good trend playing better and doing well. I think at the moment, we of course improve a few little things here and there, but we're defending a lot better and we have to continue to do that and that gives us a chance to win."

Houston Dynamo FC battles FC Dallas to 2-2 draw in Texas Derby

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 21, 2021) Houston Dynamo FC trailed FC Dallas with less than 20 minutes remaining in the match, but a late goal tied the as the two Texas rivals had to settle for a 2-2 draw at BBVA Stadium on Saturday night. The stakemate pushed the Dynamo to a 3-8-10 record, for 19 points, while Dallas advanced to a 5-9-7 mark for the season, got for 22 points.

The Dynamo found the goal first, with a successful penalty kick by Fafa Picault in the 25th minute. It was the sixth goal of the season for the 30-year-old New Yorker, who played last season for Dallas. Fafa stated after the game:

 "We obviously wanted to win and we haven't won in awhile and I think everybody is aware of that. It's not a great feeling coming out with a tie at home, but it's done now, there's some character. We obviously went up and wanted to hold that lead in along with scoring. But we fell behind 2-1 and then we found a way back in to get the second goal. There's some character, and some positive there but at the end of the day, we are bummed to not come out with three points."

After a hydration break in the 31st minute, the match continued with much give-and-take play, with neither team able to game any advantage, With six minutes of stoppage time added to the first half, the result was still the same, with Houston taking a 1-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

However, Dallas was able to mount a comeback in the second half, Nine minutes late after returning to the pitch, defender Nkosi Tafari evened the score in the 54th minute,  It was his first career goal for the 20-year-old, Tafari played his college ball for the Connecticut Huskies and Seattle Redhawks. Four minutes later, forward Ricardo Pepi gave Dallas a 2-1 lead. 

After a strong offensive punch in the second half, Houston midfielder Matias Vera evened the score in the 72nd minute to close out the scoring. He was quoted after the game:

“This is bittersweet, we wanted to win for the fans today. I think we did lose focus for brief moment, the game just got away from us for a bit. Now, we have to focus on the road ahead. We have to win nine points during the remaining games, we just have to win.”

The result was the second tie of the year between the two sides, meaning that the annual Texas Derby rivalry series will be decided in the third and final meeting on Saturday, September 18 in Houston.

Houston will continue a four-game home stretch next weekend with a matchup with Minnesota United FC at BBVA Stadium. Kickoff for that game is set for 8 p.m. CDT on Saturday.

 

Houston-area athletes capture medals at TAAF Games of Texas Track and Field Championships

Photo by 
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 2, 2021) The track and field competition at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Summer Games ofTexas was held at the Corpus Christi ISD Cabiness Stadium on July 29 to August 1, 2021. Despite the hot and humid weather which taxed all competitors, Houston area and Gulf Coast region runners, jumpers, and throwers shown their determining and grit; and return home with numerous medals. 

Many of those athletes had just come off their respective high school seasons, which ended in May and continued their training well into the summer to show off their talents at the 2021 Games of Texas.

In the 18 and under division, Beaumont Track Club took home the gold medal in the 4 x 100-meter relay. The foursome of Jayla Franklin, Keasia Hall, Brianna Howard, and Daja Maxey covered the one-lap distance with the time of 47.09 seconds, just a mere 28-hundreths of a second off the meet record of :46.81 set in 2009 by Dallas Speed by Choice.

Beaumont also captured the silver medal in the girls 18 and under 4 x 400-meter relay with Hall, Franklin, Sanaria Butler, and Ashlynn Lane combining for the time of 4:09.58. Franklin also took home an individual gold medal in the girls 18 and under 200-meter dash with the time of 24.77 seconds. Butler added a silver medal to her haul in the 18 and under 400-meter dash (:57.08). In the long jump, Jamyia Wilson captured the silver medal in the 16 and under long jump (4.77m/15 feet, 8 inches).

Photo by 
Kristine Kelly
TexSport Publications
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

The boys 16 and under 110-meter hurdles saw John Sanderson in second place (15.22 seconds). Houston's Monte Bell won gold in the boys 18 and under 800-meter run (2:05.27), with Sonaia Johnson, also from Houston, captuing bronze in the 18 and under girls 800-meters (2:32.69), Fellow Houstonian Aleia Johnson finished third in the 16 and under girls 800-meter run (2:43.95).

Wharton County's Jacorric Allen also won gold, in the 16 and under boys 400-meter dash (49.98 seconds).

Houston’s Donna Bryant, who was attending the Games to watch her granddaughter compete, stated:

“It was a great meet and I was very happy to see my grandbaby run. Even though it is very hot, and I am proud grandma.”

The Games of Texas will return to the Corpus Christi in July-August, 2022. A photo slideshow from the track and field competitionm by TexSport Publications' senior photographer Darla Tamulitis can be viewed by clicking here.

Golf champions crowned at TAAF Games of Texas

Adhira Tippur, Sankirth Tippur, and Shay West
all took medalists honors in their respective
divisions at the TAAF Games of Texas golf competition.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 1, 2021) Golf was contested in the 2001 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas at Lozano Golf Center in Corpus Christi. Two nine-hole rounds were in the contested in the girls and boys 7-9 year-olds and 10-11 year-olds age groups, along with the girls 12-13 age group. In the boys 12-13, girls and boys 14-15 and 16-18, and the mens and womens 50-and-over age groups plays two 18-hole rounds.

In the girls division, Isabella Ramirez took top honors with two nine-rounds total of 87 (44-43) followed by Amabely Rodriguez with a 93 (45-48) in the girls 10-13 year-old division. In the girls 14-15 division, Adhira Tippur won the gold medal with a two-round, 36-hole total of 173 (89, 84), with Regan Williams taking the silver with the score of 216 (109, 107). 

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

In the 16-18 division, San Angelo's Shay West (shown left) won the gold medal with a two-round thirty-six hole total of 152, shooting a first-round 78, and coming back with a 74 on the second day.

After the tournament, she was ask about her play and how the course was. She responded:

"It was good. I liked it (the cousre). It presented a lot of challenges, but I was able to overcome them. This was my first time playing (this course). I didn’t get a practice round. So there was some places that were dangerous and I ended up going there and I had to get myself out of it." 

In the boys 7-9 division, Jack Rogers took home the gold with the score of 89 (46, 43), with Andrew Sperry earning the silver; 131 (70, 61). In the 10-11 year-old boys division Jaanus Cantu took top honors with the score of 76 (39, 37), followed by Farid Aounallah with an 85  (43, 42) in second. Dennis Kwon and Salatore Alejandro tied for third with the score of 92; shooing 44/48 and 41/51, respectively.

In the boys 12-13 age group, Diego Deleon won the gold medal (180; 91/89), with Avion Loera winning silver (183, 87/96), and Eliab Alvarez taking bronze (206, 103/103). The boys 14-15 division saw a close match with  Rene Garcia taking top honors with a two-stroke win (179, 93/86) over Joshua Castaneda (181, 101/80). Sankirth Tippur won the boys 16-18 division with a two-round total of 169 (82/87). 

In the 50+ competiton, Linda Lindsey won the womens gold with the score of 96, while Greg Bassett and  Oscar Houchins went 1-2 with scoers of 72 and 85 respectively.

Houston Dynamo FC, Real Salt Lake battle to scoreless draw

By Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 31, 2021) Houston Dynamo FC took on Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, looking for a win after their draw against San Jose. The Dynamo looked to better their record from 3-8-4 and the 10th place standing in the MLS Western Conference. The match marked the first time Houston saw attacker, Mateo Bajamich. 

In the first 10 minutes of play, both teams show rather equal strength in passing and defending. The goal post saved the Dynamo at the 10 minute mark and an excellent rebound save from Maric kept Real Salt Lake from scoring. At the 20 minute mark Real Salt Lake continued to push the Dynamo defense, trying to find an opening; and the defensive line holding strong, but Salt Lake was making them work for it. 

RSL’s goalkeeper had spectacular saves in the 22nd and the 23rd-minute of play to deny the Dynamo a chance at an early lead. Standout of the first half for the Dynamo was Sam Junqua, who spent a lot of his time moving the ball out of the goal area and frustrating Real Salt Lake. The best chance the Dynamo had in the first half was Memo Rodriguez,  who hit the goalpost with the best chance of a goal in the first half. 

Going into halftime the Dynamo had seven shots on goal, six saves and four corner kicks to Real Salt Lake’s six shots on goal, seven saves and four corner kicks. The half showed that both teams were rather equally matched in play. 

The second half of play saw the Dynamo substituting in Corey Baird for fresher legs in the midfield. Baird had one on target shot in stoppage time. 

Baird “...had a great game, not easy. He landed last night about midnight. So, he barely had a chance to adapt to breathing Houston air for a few hours. Here he is, thrown into a game that’s 0-0 during the second half against his old team.” 

During the second half of play Real Salt Lake was reduced to 10 men playing because of a second yellow card being shown to Justen Glad. These two teams were pretty equally matched with Real Salt Lake having possession of the ball 55% of the time. The Dynamo will need to work on being more aggressive on the offensive strategies in order to open more space for the attackers to be able to shoot the ball more accurately. 

Houston will hot the road to play Austin FC on Wednesday, August 4, with at 8:00 p.m. kickoff at Q2 Stadium.

Local swimmers find success at TAAF Games of Texas Summer State Championships

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (July 30, 2021) Two local Pasadena/Deer Park-area swimmers concluded their summer comeptitve season at the 2021 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas Summer State Swimming Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas. The competiton was held at the Corpus Christi Independent School District Natatorium and saw swimmers from around Texas vie for gold, silver and bronze medals.

Nicholas Brown (shown left) and Levi Del Angel (shown above) competed in the boys 13-14 age group and came home with five top 10 finished in their events. Del Angel, who will be a freshman at Pasadena Memorial High School competed in three events while Brown (shown left), who is also an incoming freshman, at First Baptist Christian Academy in Pasadena, swam two events.

Del Angel placed fifth in all three of his events; 100-yard freestyle with the time of  53.91 seconds, 50-yard freestyle (:24.89) and 100-yard individual medley (1:03.02). Brown placed seventh in the 50-yard bresaststroke (:34.91) and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle (:25.76).  

After his competition session, Brown stated,

"Being in Corpus was lots of fun, swimming against good competition was fun.  After the races he enjoyed eating at the Whataburger by the Bay.   I have been to State Games before and every time I have been I enjoyed it." 

Prior to the state championships, both young men competed in the TAAF Region 14 Swimming Championships at Katy High School in Katy, Texas. Del Angel won gold medals in all three of his events; 100-yard freestyle (55.60), 50-yard freestyle (:25.21), and 100-yard individual medley (1:05.28). Brown won the region title in the 100-yard breaststroke (:34.03) and took a silver medal in the 50-yard freestyle (:25.64).

The 2021 and 2022 TAAF Games of Texas are hosted by the City of Corpus Christi.

South Belt Area "All Stars" Swimming Team headed to TAAF Games of Texas

By Chris Price
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (July 27, 2021) The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team (SBAS) placed second in the team standings at the Texas AmateurAthletic Federation (TAAF) Region 14 Swimming Championships at Katy High SchoolNatatorium. SBAS qualified 21 individuals and three relays for the TAAF Gamesof Texas State Championships in Corpus Christi on July 29-August 1, 2021.

In the girls 11-12 division, Kirstin Kelly, who is a seventh grader at Deer Park Junior High, won gold medals in both the 50-yard butterfly and 100-yard breaststroke, and the silver medal in the 100-yard individual medley, qualifying in all three events. This will be Kelly third trip to the summer state championships. In the girls 13-14 division, Phoebe Kaatz (Bondy Intermediate School) placed third in the 50-yard backstroke to punch her ticket to the championships. She also placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle. Pasadena Memorial High School’s Vedika Deva will join Kaatz in Corpus Christi in the girls 13-14 division, placing third in the 50-yard breaststroke. She also placed fifth in the 50-yard freestyle.

The girls 15-17 age group will see a large contingent of swimmers who compete in high school for various Pasadena Independent SchoolDistrict. Pasadena High School juniors Emely Lopez (3^rd place: 50-yard butterfly and 3^rd place: 100-yard individual medley) and Briselda Diaz (1^st place: 50-yard breaststroke and 7^th place: 100-yard freestyle) will be competing at state. Pasadena Memorial High School will also have swimmers represent South Belt at state. Sophomore Samara Martinez (1^st place: 50-yard freestyle, 3^rd place: 50-yard breaststroke, 4^th place: 100-yard freestyle and 8^th place: 50-yard butterfly) will be joined by juniors Madison Arcizo (2^nd place: 100-yard freestyle and 4^th place: 200-yard freestyle), Nailea Esquival (3^rd place: 100-yard freestyle, 4^th place: 100-yard individual medley, and 6^th place: 50-yard butterfly), Jenae Flores (5^th place: 50-yard butterfly and 5^th place: 100-yard butterfly), along with senior Zulema Pica: (5^th place: 200-yard freestyle and 7^th  place: 50-yard butterfly. Pamela Guerrero, a junior at Sam Rayburn High School, placed second in the 50-yard backstroke, third in the 200-yard freestyle and fourth in the 50-yard butterfly.

South Belt will also have three women in the 18-and over master’s division. Former Pasadena HS and University of Houston swimmer Kristine Kelly won the 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard backstroke in the women’s 30-34 age group. Kelly will be joined by Renee Martinez, who won the 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard backstroke in the 50-54 age group, and Darla Kelly, who was victorious in the women’s 60-64 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard breaststroke.

 Three relays also qualified for the Games of Texas, with SBAS sweeping the top two places in the girls 15-17 200-yard freestyle relay. The foursome of Arcizo, Diaz, Lopez, and Flores won the gold medal, followed by teammates Pica, Martinez, Guerrero, and Esquivel, who took the silver. Arcizo, Diaz, Lopez, and Flores also combined to win the 200-yard medley relay.

 In the male division, Pasadena Memorial incoming freshman Levi Del Angel will compete in three events in Corpus Christi, by winning the boys 13-14 age group 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard individual medley. He will be joined by First Baptist Christian Academy’s Nicholas Brown, who won the gold medal in the 50-yard breaststroke and silver in the 50-yard freestyle.

Senior Harrison Brown (First Baptist Christian Academy) will compete in the 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 50-yard breaststroke, after placing first, first and second, respectively at regionals.

 McMurry University sophomore Christopher Brown, who will be in his second season competing for the WarHawks, will be swimming four events at state after placing first in the 18-24 200-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke, and 50-yard butterfly and second in the 100-yard individual medley at the region meet. Brown swam in high school for First Baptist Christian Academy.

 Also competing at the region championships was Elias Pica, who placed seventh in the 25-yard freestyle and eighth in the 25-yard backstroke in the boys 9-10 age group.

 This year will make the seventeenth year since 2005 for SBAS swimmers to compete at the Games of Texas since 2005. The Games of Texas were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The South Belt Area “All Stars” Swimming Team is a select swimming team consisting of elite swimmers from the Deer Park, Pasadena, Pearland, Friendswood, Clear Lake and greater Houston area.

2021 Games of Texas opening cermonies cancelled

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (July 24, 2021) Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) and the City of Corpus Christi has cancelled the opening ceremonies of the Games of Texas.

The opening ceremonies, which were slated for Friday, July 30, would have been attended by competitors, coaches, game officials, and spectators in numbers exceeding 10,000. Officials felt the decision would help reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

In addition, TAAF will direct everyone involved in the Games (athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators) to wear face coverings during all events. In addition, social distancing and hand washing/sanitizing will be encouraged. For more information, go to www.taaf.com.

 

USWNT fall to Sweden, 3-0 at Olympic Games

By Jennifer Edwards

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

TOKYO, JAPAN (July 21, 2021) The United States Women’s National Team suffered their worst loss in recent history, losing to Sweden 3-0 in the qualifying round of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The United States showed their defensive weaknesses that have plagued them for some time. Sweden was able to press the US for 90 minutes, never giving the U.S. a chance to set up or regroup. Striker Stina Blackstenius was a standout for her team and an aggravation for the U.S. defense scoring two of the three goals. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher tried to keep the goals from connecting, but the defensive pieces just weren’t there. 

The United States never got the chance to create their signature set-ups and set pieces to score. Megan Rapinoe said, “I don’t remember the last time we gave up a goal. So to give up three is not great.” Sweden has always been one of the United States’ toughest opponents. The two teams tied 1-1 in their last friendly match early in 2021. 

The United States will take on the New Zealand Ferns on the 24th of July at 6:30 A.M. central time with a replay shortly after that. The match will air on NBCSN.

CONCACAF Doubleheader at BBVA Stadium Scheduled to Resume at 7:50 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 13, 2021) Today’s Concacaf Gold Cup doubleheader at BBVA Stadium will begin at 7:50 p.m. CDT with the opening game of Group D between Panama and Qatar. 

The doubleheader was postponed due to lightning in the area around the stadium. The teams were allowed to enter the pitch at 7:20 p.m. CT and will have 30 minutes to warm up. The second match of the doubleheader between Honduras and Grenada will begin at 10:10 p.m. CT.

 For the safety of everyone involved, all players, referees and staff were not permitted on the field while there was lightning near the stadium, and the seating bowl was cleared. During the delay, fans were able to either stay in the stadium on the concourse or leave the stadium to seek shelter elsewhere. If fans left the stadium due to the weather delay, they may scan their ticket on exit in order to return when play resumes.

Houston Dynamo FC and FC Cincinnati battle to 1-1 draw

Photo  by
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly 
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 3, 2021) The Houston Dynamo FC is quickly becoming the "King of the Draw" during the 2021 Major League Soccer season. On Saturday evening, they added another point to their season total with a 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati at BBVA Stadium. The draw was the fourth consecutive draw by the Dynamo.

Both teams picked up one point in their season total, which kept them relatively in the same place in the MLS standings. The uniqueness of this game was in the sequence of the scoring and the flow of play in the game.

Houston found gold early in the game with their fastest goal of the season. In the third minute, Sam Junqua skipped a pass across the field to Tyler Pasher, who quickly drilled the ball into back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, Cincinnati midfielder/forward Alvaro Barreal scored from 12 yards out to even the score at one-all.  

For the remainder of the match, both teams battled back-and-forth with neither finding an opening to allow them to take the lead. Rough and aggressive play was the norm for the reminder of the match with numerous "incidents" drawing negative reactions from the crowd when yellow cards were not issued.

Houston head coach Tab Ramos commented after the match about the four consecutive draws by his team.

"I mean, it depends how you look at them. Obviously, we're trying to win the games and I think you could see that day. The idea is to win, I didn't think we played well away at Real Salt Lake and got that draw, but we got a good result and played pretty well against Portland at home. We should've gotten a win there and today we should've got a win too. So, there's only so much I can ask of the team. At the end of the day, I think they made a great effort today and today should've been three points."

Pasher also weighed in on the draws.

"Yeah, I think we are all disappointed because at home, we set a standard that we win every game at home and it has been frustrating but, the positive note from it is that we are so close to being there. These past few games we could be going up three or four goals in the first half. It's just a series of unfortunate events that we are continuing to work on and work through and get better each day, at least we are walking away with a point and hopefully we start putting more goals away and winning at home and on the road."

Next up for the Dynamo is a Wednesday, July 7 meeting with the Seattle Sounders with an 8 p.m. kickoff. 

 

 

U.S. Women's National Team 2021 spotlight: Defenders

By Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 6, 2021) The United States Women’s National Team will host the Summer Series as a gear-up to the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan later this summer. National Team coach, Vlatko Andonovski, has named his 23-player roster and today we will spotlight the defenders. 

The United States defense is arguably the best in the world, this is largely in part to the defender line staying in-tact through the last four World Cup cycles. Andonovski gave the nod to the following players: Alana Cook of Paris Saint-Germain, Abby Dahlkemper of Manchester City, Tierna Davidson of the Chicago Red Stars, Crystal Dunn of the Portland Thorns, Kelley O’Hara of the Washington Spirit, Margaret Purce of NJ/NY Gotham FC, Becky Sauerbrunn of the Portland Thorns and Emily Sonnett of the Washington Spirit. Alana Cook is the newcomer to this veteran line. It will be interesting to see where Cook can fit into the National Team defense. 

Andonovski is quoted as saying, “During these games we’ll also focus on preparing for the Olympic group matches, so we to balance all of that…” It will be exciting to see what happens in the Summer Series The Series games are as follows: US vs Portugal at BBVA Stadium on June 10 and Jamaica on June 13, US vs. Nigeria on June 16 in Austin’s brand-new Q2 Stadium.

U.S. Women's National Team 2021 spotlight: Goalkeepers

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved

By Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 30, 2021) The United States Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has named his 23-player roster for the training camp Summer Series that kicks off in Houston against Portugal on June 10 at BBVA Stadium.

Andonovski’s choices in goalkeepers are Jane Campbell (shown right) of the Houston Dash, Adrianna Franch of the Portland Thorns, and Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars. Absent is Ashlyn Harris of the Orlando Pride. 

Goalkeeping has always been one of the defensive keys to the National Team strategy and they are getting that with these three keepers. Naeher has been the go-to keeper for the last several years and she has proven herself to be a valuable asset to the team. Franch has had a few call-ups and a few starts but is largely untested in national team play as has Campbell. Both Keepers have put up impressive stats with their respective home teams. 

Keep an eye out on national team keepers. They put on a spectacular clinic for young soccer players to watch. 

The first National Team Summer Series game is June 10, 2021 at 7 p.m. CDT and will air on FS1 at the same time.

Houston Dynamo FC gain three points in 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Photo credit: Trask Smith / Houston Dynamo FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 22, 2021) Houston Dynamo FC scored two goals in the first half and raised their season record to 3-2-2 in their 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on a cloudy Saturday evening at BBVA Stadium.

The match was the first meeting between the two teams since 2019, with Houston coming into the match with a 5-1-1 home record against the Caps.

It did not take long for Houston to get on the scoreboard. Midfielder Fafa Picault kicked the ball from the left side which was deflected by Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Midfielder Memo Rodriguez recovered the defection and drilled the ball into the net from 12 yards (in the eighth minute) out for his second goal of the season.

The Dynamo gave Vancouver a chance in the midfield, costing midfielder Derrick Jones a yellow card for a professional foul in preventing the goal from the Whitecaps attack. 

Forward Maxi Urruti got his third goal of the season in the 42nd minute when Rodriguez fed him the ball for the score to give the Men in Orange a 2-0 lead at the halfway mark.

Vancouver cut Houston's lead to one in the 80th minute when forward Deiber Caicedo nailed a close shot as a result of a turnover from midfielder Boniek Garcia.  The Caps tried to even the score late in the game, but left Houston with a 2-4-1 record.

The match saw the return of Dynamo legend Ricardo Clark to BBVA Stadium o for the first time since he retired in February, 2020. The two-time MLS Cup champion returned as an assistant coach for the Vancouver after beginning his coaching career with the Houston Dynamo FC Academy in 2019 and spending time with the U-20 US Men’s National Team. 

Clark played for the Dynamo for nearly a decade and finished his career with the second most games in club history with 304 matches played and 25,139 minutes played in all competitions for the Dynamo.

Houston had 14 shots during the match, with three shots on target. Vancouver countered with 11 shots and two on target.