Lightning coach Ted Nichols spoke after Friday’s 10-6 win over the Kansas Magic - their third straight win over Kansas and second in less than a week.  Nichols said the team is hitting its stride at just the right moment, but two huge regular season games remain.  The coach also talked about how his team’s fast start Friday helped pace them for the win over Kansas.  Check out coach Ted Nichols’ comments below:

What a debut it was for new Lightning signee Chris Markey on Friday.  The Alabama native by way of Kansas City arrived in Louisville on Thursday, then took the pitch for the Lightning Friday night to make his Louisville debut.  Markey wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring his first career goal in the 10-6 win over the Kansas Magic.  After the match, Markey talked about his debut and his first goal with the Lightning. 

The Louisville Lightning and Kansas Magic met Friday for their second contest in less than a week.  Just like the previous meeting, the magic was all on the side of the Lightning, as Louisville defeated visiting Kansas 10-6 at Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex.  It was the fourth straight win for Louisville with two regular season games remaining. 

The Lightning are hitting their stride at just the right time.  They defeated Kansas Friday to extend their winning streak to four games, including three consecutive wins over the Kansas Magic.

Unlike their meeting on Sunday, Louisville got off to a quick start Friday night against the Magic.  It took less than three and a half minutes for Louisville’s Tee Shipalane to score the first goal, as the former D.C. United star used some fancy footwork to beat his defender and find the back of the net. 

Just over a minute later, the Lightning would double their lead.  Othaniel Yanez and Corey Maret would team up for an impressive volley and mid-air strike from Maret to put Louisville up 2-0.  Olly Dyson would make a tremendous goal-saving block moments later, but Kansas would score their first goal when Carlos Camacho found Matt Kuhn with 8:40 left in the first period to make it 2-1. 

Louisville would retake the momentum just over a minute later, when John Michael Hayden would work to his left and fire a bullet past Magic goalkeeper Jason Jacob to make it 3-1.  With six and a half minutes left in the first, Kansas would answer once again.  Matt Germain would set up Randall Porter to make it 3-2. 

The Lightning would find themselves with a man advantage after a blue card to Kansas with just over five minutes remaining in the first.  Louisville would have a number of chances, with Olly Dyson nearly doubling the lead on a strike that sailed just off the mark, but instead the two teams would finish the first period with Louisville up 3-2. 

The second period would open with Lightning goalkeeper Frank Peabody on display.  The former Butler University star would open the quarter with a fantastic save to prevent a Magic goal, then deflect another shot four and a half minutes in to keep Kansas from finding the equalizer.  After Jason Jacob would save a blast on goal from John Michael Hayden, Louisville would turn it into a two-goal game once again as Tee Shipalane would find Simon Bird to make it 4-2.  The two teams would battle in the closing minutes of the first half, eventually heading to the locker rooms with Louisville leading by two goals. 

The Lightning would cling to a 4-2 lead at the half, but the team would use a third quarter offensive explosion to take full control of the match.  Simon Bird would strike again just over three minutes in, slipping a ball between two defenders and past Jason Jacob to make it 5-2.  Just 15 seconds later, Ross Hopkins would score off a Darren Yeagle assist to make it 6-2.  Matt Kuhn would score an unassisted goal with 10:36 left in the third period to make it 6-3, but Louisville would again take control. 

After each team picked up a blue card, Louisville’s Corey Maret would make it 7-3 off an impressive assist from Nick Judah with just under four minutes left in the third period.  A little more than 45 seconds later, former Louisville Cardinal Ryan McDonald would send a bouncing effort past the goalkeeper to make it 8-3.  Less than a minute later, Darren Yeagle would connect with Ireland native Ross Hopkins on the left side to make it a six-goal lead at 9-3. 

The two teams would trade blue cards once again, then Kansas would make it 9-4 when Brett Loving would find Randall Porter for the goal with just under 90 seconds left in the third period.  The two teams would continue to battle in the closing seconds before the end of the third quarter, with Louisville maintaining a 9-4 lead. 

After being in command most of the game, Kansas would make things interesting in the fourth quarter.  First, they would hold off a Lightning man-advantage early on in the quarter, then the visitors would insert a new goalkeeper into the game, replacing Jason Jacob with Tim Baum.  After keeping Simon Bird from adding to the lead on a frolicking chip shot over Baum’s head, the Magic would score on a Matt Germain goal with 8:22 left to make it 9-5. 

Tee Shipalane would miss the target on a shot attempt, then Kansas would cut the lead to just three when Jason Jacob, now playing as an attacker, found Matt Kuhn to make it 9-6.  The Lightning would get an unexpected lift to take control once more, however.  Chris Markey, making his Louisville debut after signing with the team this week, found the back of the net to make it 10-6, marking his first goal as a member of the Lightning.

Kansas would pick up a blue card in the closing minutes, and the short-handed Magic would be unable to find additional scoring opportunities against the stingy Lightning defense.  The final whistle would blow, with Louisville claiming the 10-6 victory. 

Louisville’s Corey Maret and Simon Bird each scored twice to lead the way for the home side.  Matt Kuhn of Kansas led all scorers with a hat trick on the night.  Randall Porter also chipped in two goals for the visitors.  Kuhn and Othaniel Yanez of Louisville both finished with three points to lead all players. 

Lightning goalkeeper Frank Peabody had 13 saves on the night en route to the victory.  The goalkeeper tandem of Jason Jacob and Tim Baum finished with 15 saves for the Kansas Magic.  Neither team scored on a power play Friday, with Louisville going 0-4 and Kansas finishing 0-2.

Two players made their Lightning debut Friday against Kansas.  Brothers Chris and John Markey, both of Kansas City, Missouri, signed with the team earlier this week.  Chris scored the final goal of the match in the fourth quarter to make it 10-6. 

Louisville will look to make it five straight wins next weekend.  The Lightning will host the Ohio Vortex Friday, February 10th at Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. 

It’s been a long but productive road for J.T. Murray.  The former University of Louisville star joined the Louisville Lightning after his collegiate career, and now Murray finds himself with a shot at the highest level of American soccer.  The midfielder is currently in training camp with the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he shares the pitch with global superstar David Beckham. 

For Murray, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime after polishing his skills with the Lightning.  The Ohio native was originally drafted by Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City in the 2011 MLS Super Draft, and he hopes his experience will lead him to bigger things with the Galaxy.  Murray spoke with the Louisville Lightning from the Galaxy camp recently.

LL: Congrats on heading to the Los Angeles Galaxy for an opportunity to earn a spot on the team.  How did this come about for you?  

JT:  I tried to get out there last year but there were some timing issues for me.  This time it just worked out with some great help from my former University of Louisville coaches and my agent.

LL:  Do you know how long you will be in Los Angeles? When do you leave/return?

JT: I’ve been out here for nearly a week now.  If all goes well, I won’t return, which would be the best result and indicate that I am playing well!

LL:  What are you enjoying the most so far?

JT:  Being here on trial in Los Angeles, I get to play with some of the best players in the United States.  Hopefully I can learn from them and then be able to incorporate those skills into my game.

LL:  What do you like most about the idea of playing with the L.A. Galaxy?

JT:  It’s a city where I haven’t spent much time and it wont be snowing much!

LL:  What challenges do you anticipate with changing your game from indoor back to outdoor?

JT:  For me, playing in a back four again and just the tactics of the game will be challenging. You definitely get used to playing indoor and seeing things differently.  I’ll just have to hop back on the bike and hope I remember how to ride.

LL:  Major League Soccer announced recently that international superstar David Beckham will be returning to the Galaxy for the next two seasons. How do you feel about training on the same pitch as David Beckham?  

JT:  I think it will be awesome to play alongside superstars, and especially an icon like Beckham. I will be able to watch them up close and pick up things they do that makes them stand out.  Hopefully I can get some pointers along the way that will help me improve as a player.

LL:  How do you feel your strengths will match up with the current Galaxy squad?  Are there other players you look forward to meeting and playing alongside?

JT: To be honest everyone has a certain set of strengths and weaknesses and that is what the trial is all about.  You go and see if you mesh with the others and their individual styles.  For me, coming from the University of Louisville,  I like to keep the ball and play good soccer.  Maintaining possession was a big focus for us.  I feel that I will fit in better here than I may have elsewhere.  I’m looking forward to playing alongside guys that are playing at a higher level than I’ve been thus far. It is how a player progresses his career, so I’m looking forward to the challenge. 

LL:  Kenney Walker from the University of Louisville was selected by Los Angeles in the MLS Super Draft earlier this month.   What do you expect to see from that competition?  How many other players will be there trying out?

JT: There are a lot of players here, although I don’t know the exact number.  Of course the competition is going to be fierce.  Not only is this the highest level of American soccer, but the Galaxy are reigning MLS Cup Champions.  Everyone here is giving their all just to get a chance to play for this team.  

LL:  Other than potentially signing a contract, what would you like to get out of this trip?

JT: I’d like to win a car from ’The Price is Right.’  I need to get on that show and try my luck!

LL:  If you’re unable to make an MLS roster at this time, how do you feel this experience could help you as a Lightning player?

JT: Training at the next level can only make you better, and although I’m not thinking about not making it, I know I still have a lot of room for improvement, and very few players ever get the opportunity to do this.  It’s only going to strengthen my skills as a player. 

LL:  What do you like most about playing with the Louisville Lightning and if the right circumstances occur, would you return next season?

JT: It is a great group of guys and the owners really put their hearts into it.  You hear so much about other teams not treating players so well but our staff was great.  It’s a family organization but the operation of the franchise is very professional and organized.  We have great fan support, and it’s always exciting to step onto the pitch and hear the fans cheering for you.  I would certainly return to the Lightning if the opportunity is there. 

The first three seasons of PASL-Pro action brought success to the growing Louisville Lightning franchise. With a roster full of local and international talent, tremendous fan support, and high scoring action on the field, the team is pushing more than ever before to make the league playoffs this year. Only five weeks remain in the 2011-2012 regular season and the Lightning hopes this is the year for playoff success to begin. 

Currently in second place in the Eastern Division, the black and yellow are expecting to make the PASL Playoffs for the first time in team history. After 11 games, the team finds itself at 7-4 (6-4 in league play), fourth place in the PASL, and second place in the Eastern Division. This year’s league playoffs include a new format, which invites four teams from the East and the West to compete in a quarter final match. The two quarter final matches in the Eastern Division will likely be hosted by the top seeded team. For example, if the playoffs started tomorrow, the Detroit Waza (first place) would host the Cincinnati Kings (fourth place) and the Louisville Lightning (second place) would host the Kansas Magic (third place). The two winning teams from the Eastern Division will then travel to San Diego to face the two winning teams from the Western Division for the Championships March 9-10. All playoff games will be single elimination. 

If this new format were to have been in place the previous two seasons, then the Lightning would have made the PASL playoffs both years. Despite hosting the National Championship game for the PASL US Open Cup in 2010, the Lightning barely missed the cut for the PASL playoffs. In 2011, the Lightning again finished a close second behind the Cincinnati Kings. So far this season, the Lightning defeated the Kings three out of four times and remain hopeful of overtaking Detroit in February. With six more games remaining for the Lightning and as many as nine more for two other teams, the fate of the Eastern Division is still very much undetermined. 

Detroit leads the Division with eight wins and one loss. Louisville sits 2.5 games back, followed closely by Kansas (3 games back), Cincinnati (4.5 games back), Illinois Piasa (5 games back), and Ohio Vortex (6 games back). Teams from the Western Division are also in a close contest with last year’s champion, the San Diego Sockers in first place at 9-0. However, the other teams are still very much in the race for the playoffs with the Turlock Express (2.5 games back), Tijuana Revolucion (4 games back), Anaheim Bolts (6 games back), Tacoma Stars (6.5 games back), and Arizona Storm (8 games back) jockeying for position as teams near the final few weeks of action. 

Louisville’s schedule for the upcoming weeks seems to be favorable. It includes four home games and only two road trips to meet the Ohio Vortex and Kansas Magic. Every point matters and every team is dangerous, especially when fighting for survival at the end of the season. However, the Lightning’s toughest challenges may be in February, when the team faces a strong and somewhat unpredictable Kansas Magic team at home and a powerful core of veteran players from the Detroit Waza during the last game of the regular season. The Lightning pulled out an incredible road win against the Magic earlier this year, but the Magic remain too close for comfort. Detroit has dominated every team in the Division since an early season loss to the Cincinnati Kings. The Lightning nearly came from behind to sneak a win on the road against the Waza last weekend, only to drop three unanswered goals late in the fourth quarter. 

The Lightning is positioned to surge ahead and lock in a playoff spot in the next few weeks. However, this will only happen if the team can overcome the recent heartbreaking loss in Detroit and take advantage of a schedule loaded with home games. Even now at this point in the season, every team is technically able to pull off a win streak and make the first round. It is simply too soon for any team in the Eastern Division to claim a ticket on the bus heading down the Road to San Diego.   

Although the Louisville Lightning has only existed for three years, its players harbor outstanding soccer experience that allows them to excel in professional play. In fact, five members of the Lightning—Charlie Campbell, John Michael Hayden, J.T. Murray, Tee Shipalane, and Othaniel Yanez—have formerly been drafted to teams in Major League Soccer, or the MLS.

Join the Lightning as they fight for their first Professional Arena Soccer League championship this season. With a mix of players from the MLS, USL Pro, and top local intercollegiate programs such as the University of Louisville, the Lightning offer fans a chance to see the top soccer players in the region.

Every Louisville Lightning home game features fast paced, high energy soccer, with lots of goal scoring and hard hitting action. Kids, families, and adults of all ages will enjoy the game, music from the professional DJ, a free kids zone with inflatables, autograph sessions, happy hours prior to the game, and promotional giveaways.

Check out the newly updated ticket portion of the Lightning web site at www.louisvillelightning.com/ticket for more information. With average walk up prices at about $10 per ticket, Louisville Lightning season ticket packages offer an affordable way for individuals and families to enjoy Friday nights this winter. Discounted options are available for  group, season, and individual season ticket packages.

January 30, 2012

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza: The current Eastern Division leaders will next challenge the Ohio Vortex in a home game on Saturday February 4.

Ohio Vortex: Before facing off against our own Lightning once more, the Vortex will challenge the Detroit Waza this Saturday, February 4^th.

Illinois Piasa: The Piasa will take a little break this week before ending into their last two regular season games, the weekend of February 10^th.

Cincinnati Kings:  On February 3^rd, the King’s reserve team will challenge the Cincy Saints. The next night, at a special home match, the King’s will host a “Boy Scout Night” where the scouts will have a chance to meet all of the players after the game.

Kansas Magic:   In an away match on Friday February 3^rd, the Magic will once again take on our own Lightning, rapidly following a previous match-up on January 29^th.  

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  The Bolts had a superb turn around in last weekend’s match against the Arizona Storm when they achieved a 17 to 3 victory. They hope to keep this momentum going in their upcoming matches against the Tacoma Stars the week of February 11^th.

Revelucion Tijuana:  There are no current updates for the team this week.

San Diego Sockers:  After last weekend’s matches, the Sockers have reached a 25 game winning streak that they hope will continue in the last few weeks before play-offs begin. The winning Sockers next take on the FIFRA Championship in Mexico.

Tacoma Stars:  The Stars hope to turn around the season with wins against the Anaheim Bolts in back-to-back matches on February 11^th and 12^th.

Phoenix Monsoon/Arizona Storm:  The Storm were recently defeated by the Anaheim Bolts in a 17 to 3 blowout.

Turlock Express:  There is no new news for the Express this week.

January 21, 2012

January 14, 2012

January 5, 2012

December 2, 2011

November 18, 2011

November 11, 2011 

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza:  The Waza had quite the opening weekend as they were victorious in both matches against the Ohio Vortex and our own Lightning with scores of 11-3 and 9- 3 respectively.

Ohio Vortex: Though the Vortex fell to the Waza in their first match, each of their three goals were scored by veterans and the team has faith that they will only improve as the season progresses.

Illinois Piasa: The Piasa will face off once more against the Kansas Magic this weekend on Nov. 12^th.

Cincinnati Kings:  The Kings just recently released their new roster for the upcoming season which kicks off on Nov. 12th.

Kansas Magic: After challenging the Illinois Piasa last weekend in Illinois, the Magic will again meet the Piasa this weekend on Nov. 12^th, but this time with home field advantage.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  There is no new news at this time.

Revelucion Tijuana: The team is currently entering its third season with the PASL.

San Diego Sockers: The Sockers will face off against the Anaheim Bolts in an away game on Saturday Nov. 12^th.

Tacoma Stars:  Unfortunately, the Stars lost both games this weekend to the freshmen team, the Turlock Express. Despite these losses, the Stars are using these matches as a way to examine the ways in which they need to improve for the season.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The location of the team’s inaugural game on Saturday Nov. 12^th has been moved.

Turlock Express: In the team’s very first matches in the PASL, they were victorious over the more seasoned Tacoma Stars.

November 4, 2011

October 28, 2011

PASL Weekly Round-up

October 21, 2011 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Septmeber 30, 2011

Eastern Division 

Illinois Piasa: The Piasa completed open tryouts September 20 and 22. They will be starting practices in October  

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza:    No updated news this week.

Ohio Vortex:   No news this week, but check back.

 Illinois Piasa: There is no current news.

Cincinnati Kings:    The Kings opening season is only a few weeks away with their first match on Nov. 12^th.

Kansas Magic: No current updates.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:   The Bolts recently had a meet and greet where fans were able to meet the brand new team and dancers before their season begins on Nov. 12^th.

 Revelucion Tijuana:   The team is currently entering its third season with the PASL.

 San Diego Sockers: In this weekend’s upcoming International Cup hosted by the Bolts, nine members of the Sockers have been chosen to be a part of the United States’ team.

Tacoma Stars:  The Stars will open their season on Nov. 13^th with a home game.

Phoenix Monsoon: Like many other teams in the league, the Monsoon have joined with Fre3kick to create merchandise that will be available both online and at games before the season begins.

Turlock Express: No updates from the new team.

The Canadian Division

The Canadian Division has now formed a separate league though they may face-off against PASL teams, it will not count towards PASL standings.

Calgary United: No new updates.

Vancouver: No current news.

Edmonton Drillers: No new updates.

Winnipeg Alliance: No new updates.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza:  The Waza kick off their season this weekend with opening games against the Kings on Saturday Nov. 5^th and against our own Louisville Lightning on Sunday Nov. 6^th.

Ohio Vortex: The team invites fans to come and cheer them on against the Detroit Waza in their season opener on Saturday Nov. 5^th.

Illinois Piasa: The Piasa’s website is finally up and running and a great place to see the team’s schedule including its opening home game against the Kansas Magic.

Cincinnati Kings:  The Kings who just recently released their new roster for the upcoming season which kicks off on Nov. 12th.

Kansas Magic: The team’s opening home game is against the Illinois Piasa on Saturday Nov. 12^th.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  At the 2011 International Cup, the Bolts were victorious over Mexico in their very first professional game.

Revelucion Tijuana: The team is currently entering its third season with the PASL.

San Diego Sockers: The Sockers will face off against the Anaheim Bolts in an away game on Saturday Nov. 12^th.

Tacoma Stars:  The Stars are beginning their second season with the PASL with a new general manager, former player, Todd Stauber.  The Stars also kick off their season tonight, Friday Nov. 4^th, against the newly formed Turlock Express in California.

Phoenix Monsoon: The opening night for the Monsoon is Saturday Nov. 12th.

Turlock Express: In their introductory matches, the Express will play back to back games against the Stars on both Nov.4^th and Nov. 5^th.

Canadian Division:

The Canadian Division has now formed a separate league though they may face-off against PASL teams, it will not count towards PASL standings.

Calgary United: No new updates.

Vancouver: No current news.

Edmonton Drillers: No new updates.

Winnipeg Alliance: No new updates.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza:  The Waza were once again successful in their matchup against the Ohio Vortex.

Ohio Vortex: Despite their best efforts, the Vortex once more fell to the Waza in a home game this past weekend, but look forward to facing off against the Kings this Saturday Nov. 19^th.

Illinois Piasa: This weekend, Saturday Nov. 19^th, the Piasa will challenge the Detroit Waza at home.

Cincinnati Kings:  This week the team is offering special deals on ticket prices…go check it out! Also, the Kings will be challenging our own Louisville Lightning this Friday, Nov. 18^th.

Kansas Magic: With two victories in a row under their belt, the Magic hope to keep this winning streak going when they face the Detroit Waza this Sunday, Nov. 20^th.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  Despite the fact that their very first game in the PASL was a loss to the more seasoned Sockers, the team considered their well-played, energetic game a success as most importantly they held the attention of their fans and set the stage for an exciting first season.

Revelucion Tijuana: The team lost their match last weekend to the rookie Monsoons.

San Diego Sockers: The Sockers will once again face off against the Anaheim Bolts on Saturday Nov. 19^th.

Tacoma Stars:  No current news.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The Monsoon barely edged out a victory over Tijuana with a 5-4 win, but fell just short in their second ever PASL game, with a score of 5-6.

Turlock Express: The Express hope to keep their winning streak alive this weekend when they contend with the Monsoon in a double header on Nov. 18^th and 19^th.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza: Check out We Live Soccer’s video about soccer in the state of Michigan featuring the Waza on the teams Facebook page.

Ohio Vortex: The Vortex will face off against rivals, the Cincinnati Kings on Dec. 3^rd at Cincinnati, then have their next home game on Dec. 16^th.

Illinois Piasa: Then Piasa will challenge our own Lightning this weekend at a home game on Dec. 2^nd at 7:30.

Cincinnati Kings:  At this weekend’s home game against the local Vortex, the team is offering a discount on game tickets with the donation of canned goods for their food drive for the Free Store Food band.

Kansas Magic:  The currently undefeated Magic with try to hold on to their untarnished record against our own Lightning this weekend on Saturday Dec. 3^rd.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  The Bolts have lately turned their attention to aiding local charities as they have partnered with both Boys Hope Girls Hope and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For each goal blocked this season, the team will donate $5 to BHGH and for each goal made, the team will give $10 to Make-A-Wish. Additionally, fans are able to donate both at the games and online.

Revelucion Tijuana: The team will face off in a home game against the San Diego Sockers this weekend, to whom they lost in their last match.

San Diego Sockers: The Sockers will once more play against Revelucion Tijuana whom they defeated in their last match.

Tacoma Stars:  This weekend, Dec. 3^rd and 4^th, the Stars will host their very first home games of the season.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The Monsoon will challenge the Bolts next weekend, Dec. 10-11^th.

Turlock Express:  There is no current news for the Express this week.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza: This Sunday, January 8^th, the Waza will take on the Illinois Piasa.

Ohio Vortex: Following their December 16^th matchup against Illinois, the Vortex will return from the holiday break against our own Lightning who will have the home field advantage.

Illinois Piasa: The Piasa return early from the holiday break with back-to-back away games against the Louisville Lightning and Detroit Waza on January 7^th and 8^th respectively.

Cincinnati Kings:  The Kings proved victorious in their match against the Lightning, a win which also helped to move them to the next round in the US Open Cup. The Kings will next challenge the Detroit Waza in Cup play, then on Jan. 13^th return to regular play against the Kansas Magic at home.

Kansas Magic: With their eighty percent winning streak, the Magic hope to keep this streak alive when they face off against the Cincinnati Kings on Jan. 13^th.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts: This Friday, Jan.6^th will serve as “Latino Night” where much more than merely a soccer match will be provided for fans; there will be a pre-game game where reserve teams will face off, Hispanic cuisine, a mariachi band, and so much more to entertain  fans for hours on end.

Revelucion Tijuana: The Revelucion will challenge the Anaheim Bolts in an away game on “Latino Night”, this Friday Jan. 6^th.

San Diego Sockers:  On Jan.7^th , the Sockers will conduct a once in a lifetime ceremony where they will honor the legendary indoor soccer coach, Ron Newman, and where the PASL will officially announce that the PASL league cup will be renamed after the exceptional coach.

Tacoma Stars:  Following back to back losses, the Stars hope to bring home a victory against the Sockers on Jan. 14^th.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The Monsoon will participate in the US Open Cup on the 21st of this month, and will follow up with a match against the Sockers on the 22^nd.

Turlock Express:  There is no current news for the Express this week.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza: On January 20^th, the Waza will travel to Ohio to challenge the Vortex.

Ohio Vortex: This Friday, January 20^th, the Vortex will face off against the Detroit Waza at home.

Illinois Piasa: Fresh off a match last weekend against the Cincinnati Kings, the Piasa will next face off against our own Louisville Lightning in an away game on January 20^th.

Cincinnati Kings:  The Kings secured another victory this past weekend in a 9 to4 win against the Kansas Magic, and next week, January 21^st, the Kings will once more face off against the Illinois Piasa in an away game.

Kansas Magic: On January 22^nd, the Magic will once more challenge the Cincinnati Kings to whom they lost in their last meeting.

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  Despite their recent loss to Revelucion Tijuana where the Revelucion were able to score an impressive 28 goals, the Bolts are still looking forward to events to come. The team has joined with the local branch of the Komen breast cancer group and will hold a “Pink Match” in February to raise money for the cause.

Revelucion Tijuana: In perhaps a record setting victory, the Revelucion were able to outscore the Bolts 28 to 7.

San Diego Sockers:  With their back-to-back victories over the Tacoma Stars last weekend, the Sockers have been able to maintain their 17 game (PASL play) winning streak. The Sockers hope to keep this streak alive with their Jan. 21^st match up against the Turlock Express.

Tacoma Stars:  Despite the fact that recent losses have jeopardized any chances at being in the playoffs, the Stars hope to perhaps change this in their upcoming match against the Sockers on Jan.21^st.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The Monsoon have undergone major changes including a new location, new owners, and most importantly, a new name, the Arizona Storm. The Storm will have their next game on January 22^nd.

Turlock Express:  There is no current news for the Express this week.

PASL Weekly Round-up

The Eastern Division

Louisville Lightning:

Detroit Waza: On January 28^th, the Waza will face-off against the Cincinnati Kings in a home game. The current leaders of the Eastern Division recently secured a 13 to 12 last minute victory against the Ohio Vortex.

Ohio Vortex: Following their Friday night loss to Detroit and subsequent loss to the Lightning on Saturday, the Vortex hope to fair better in their upcoming match against the Kansas Magic.

Illinois Piasa: Following this weekend’s matches against the Kings and our own Louisville Lightning, the Piasa prepare to face off against the Ohio Vortex in a home game on January 27^th.

Cincinnati Kings:  The results of today’s road game match-up against the Kansas Magic as well as next week’s away match against Detroit will affect the Kings chances of proceeding to the playoffs later this season.

Kansas Magic:   With their 4-3 standing in league play, the Magic hope to secure victories in today’s matchup against the Kings, as well as next weekend’s matches against the Vortex and Lightning respectively, to improve their record before playoffs begin.  

The Western Division

Anaheim Bolts:  The team has recently joined with the local branch of the Komen breast cancer group and will hold a “Pink Match” in February to raise money to aid the fight against cancer.

Revelucion Tijuana:  There are no current updates for the team this week.

San Diego Sockers:  In another strategic move to bolster their stellar record, the Sockers have recently signed defender, Antonio Sutton, an experienced defender who is not only a former champion, but also a former coach of the California Cougars. He was able to join the team right away for the recent matches against the Turlock Express and the Phoenix Monsoon.

Tacoma Stars:  Following about a three week break, the Stars will return to league play with two home games on February 11th and 12^th against the Bolts.

Phoenix Monsoon:  The Monsoon have undergone major changes including a new location, new owners, and most importantly, a new name, the Arizona Storm. The Storm will have their next game on January 22^nd.

Turlock Express:  The Express recently challenged the undefeated Sockers.

The team will be called “Juventus Lightning,” and partners the Lightning organization, players, and coaches with Juventus Louisville Soccer, a local and competitive team that has generated well-known talent and won numerous championships. Four professional players from the Lightning roster, including Jerry Chavez, Mariano Gonzalez, Safet Kovacevic, and Aziz Bogasevic have all previously represented the Juventus program within the past two years.

The Juventus Lightning team focuses on developing talent and passion for soccer within the diverse communities in Louisville, primarily the Spanish-speaking community. Nearly 18 of the 20 players on the roster lived in and originated from countries south of the United States, including Mexico, Haiti, and Ecuador. “This is an opportunity to bring the Hispanic and Louisville Lightning communities together to share one common factor in soccer,” said head coach Alex Molina.  “It's a great responsibility, and it's a great opportunity to lead these fine group of players, as it is my goal to train them so they can go and play at the next level as professionals,” Molina stated.

Many of the players that play on the current Louisville Lightning Reserve team will participate on this team alongside the afore-mentioned professional players, as well as individuals hoping to earn professional contracts in the near future. The team will participate in the Louisville Latino Soccer League beginning with their first official game this Sunday, April 10. Future events include participation in the US Open Cup Arena Soccer League Tournament and the Kentucky State Amateur Soccer Championships. Players interested in participating on this team should e-mail or call the Lightning front office for more details.