GAME PLAN AND CORNER KICK SEASON

After the winingless weekend many proposals were heard to improve our anemic offense. One of them was from Andres Solano who thinks that we should use a sweeper. Based on that and on the need of playing as a block going up and down we have designed a playing scheme with a sweeper (probably to share the position between William and Andres who are our fastest defensemen) and then two lines of three, one defensive and one offensive, although both would come up and down the field and ending with a single defined forward who would stay up the field at all time (see picture). Please feel free to comment on this option and suggest any other which you think might help the team.

CORNER KICK SEASON

Most of the players have expressed their preference towards a 9v9 league but also we know most of the team does not want to play anymore on latino leagues. Apparently no one has found another 9v9 league and given those perspectives the decision is (if nothing else comes up in the next couple of weeks) to have two teams play at Corner Kick (6vs6) one in the recreational category and the other in the premier league. There would be a cutoff at age 30 (although this is not mandatory and people can choose which team to play on). The advantages of doing this would be : 1) The two categories are played on Thursdays and we could still be together as a team and also allowing for players to cover in case one of the teams has not enough players. 2) Inter United would finally have a true competitive team as it has been the desire of many of our players. 3 ) Older players could play without the pressure of feeling that they slow down the team while they are on the field. For this proposal to be viable one thing needs to happen and that is that one or two guys take responsibility for the administration issues of the competitive team. If this does not happen Inter United would be forced to cut down number of players and return to the original Inter United team for a 6v6 league at Corner Kick. Please let the team know if you have any other options or, if you are OK with this proposal on which team would like to play.

OPTIONS FOR WINTER LEAGUE

Inter United has finally found a league where it feels comfortable. The Roseville League, suggested by Peter Trofin has shown a friendly atmosphere, affordable costs for a sponsorless team and competitive enough quality level as well as fair play that unfortunately is not seen in the hispanic leagues we have played before. The only downside is that it only plays for 8 weeks and does not have a winter version meaning we will be soon again without competition if we don't move fast. We have learnt that leagues like the Minnesota International League (where we played the 2004-2005 winter season) start play in October and are near to close registrations. It would be nice if to have some options that allow us to continue to play in a similar format as the one we have right now. A 9 v 9 playing field with no boards is the ideal but if not possible we have to consider other options. An indoor league at the National Sports Center in Blaine with a 6v6 format is an option and the proposed solution would be to split the team and have a +38 Inter United play on Wednesdays and a competitive Inter United on Thursdays. Another option would be to go back to playing the Minneaota International League which plays 9v9 on Saturdays at Augsburg College. Corner Kick and Soccer blast also have leagues but they have 6v6 format that would not allow for all current Inter United players to be on the winter team. We know that several Inter United players play for other teams in different leagues and they might know about other options. Woodbury, Eden Prairie, Stillwater and Plymouth, for example have domes but we don't know which leagues play there. Please let us know what your preferences are for winter play since we have to make a decision by the first week of October or end up not playing in the winter.

SHOULD INTER UNITED PLAY A SUMMER LEAGUE?

Through two different summer seasons, Inter United has struggled to get enough people to start a game. Last year the team ended up registering 24 players and even then had to start games with 9 or 10 players on the field. The situation eventually led to the team's withdrawal from competition with a few games still remaining. The fact that only players who went to the games were paying for refereeing seemed to be part of the problerm since it was thought then that someone who was not paying for a game might not care if he missed one. For this year players were required to pay in advance for the costs of the team but still the same situation is happening. We have used 21 different players this season but only nine showed up on time last Sunday.
The summer is a fun season and an opportunity for some good quality family time and making a commitment to consistently show up on Sundays for a soccer game, even for die hard soccer fans, is tough. In this terms maybe Inter United should reconsider competing in summer leagues and becoming a fall-winter team only. Is this how most of the team feels? Any suggestions about what other options we have?
Inter United has not yet won a Championship (we have been close) but that is not really the teams major goal. The main objective is to have fun playing but that goal becomes unreachable for the players who show up to play shorthanded on a hot summer day.
Discussion is open

INTER'S WORST LOSS IN ONE YEAR

Many things went wrong today and Inter United suffered its worst loss in over a year.
Some of those things are part of the game, like injuries and red cards but some others are within our control and we can work together to correct them.
1. The worst is the fact that after so many warnings and e mails there are still players that are showing up to the field without Inter United's uniform. Yesterday's game, even if we had scored 10 goals, would have been given to the other team since they had protested on the grounds that not all our shorts were the same!!!!!!!!! Once again, the shorts have to be completely black and players who have been with us since the 2004-2005 season have the shorts we used in that season. Players who don't have it could buy one from Alvaro or easily buy one at Target for less than $7. If we don't comply with this, no matter how we fix the other problems we will always loose the points because those are the rules we all agreed on.
2. Players are still showing up late to games, probably watching the World Cup which is understandable given we all love soccer but we have to consider that it is not respectful with teammates who have to start the game shorthanded.
3. Yesterday showed that we DO need more players. The reasons for not expanding our roster up until now was the fear of someday having everyone show up and eventually not being able to let everyone play, which is not fair in a team were every player has to pay to be a part of the team. However, it is clear that we don't have enough players that show up regularly in order to have a complete roster. We will try to make new recruitments in time for next week's game but anyone who joins Inter United will have to first meet all the requirements that current players have met in terms of payments to the team. Sadly in the past we have had very good players, always willing to come to every game but not doing their part to contibute to team finances and we are not willing to go back to that.
4. We have finally found a time in the week were we can practice (Tuesday's 7:00 PM at St Louis Park) Lets try to take advantage of this to improve our game.
Finally, we would again ask every player to give the team a notice in case you are not able to come to a game since at least we can do some advance planning and not have to wait for game time to know which players we can count on.
GO INTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PROPUESTA DE NUEVOS UNIFORMES / NEW UNIFORMS PROPOSAL

Joaquín y Helio han hecho una propuesta para que el Inter United renueve su vestuario con un uniforme que esté a la altura del equipo. En el pasado hemos tratado de buscar primordialmente la mayor economía para facilitar a todos los jugadores la adquisición del uniforme dado que nunca hemos tenido patrocinio. Los hermanos De La Torre piensan que la historia que ya tiene el Inter United merece un vestuario a la altura del equipo que en la actualidad tenemos. Hay varios sitios en latinoamerica que ofrecen uniformes de muy buena calidad (dry fit) y a precios razonables que no estarían por encima de los $40 incluyendo nombres, números, logo del Inter y envio. Como en realidad no necesitamos un nuevo uniforme porque todos los jugadores registrados ya tienen la camiseta oficial, esta decisión solo la tomariamos si de manera unánime la aprueban los jugadores. Es decir, si una sola persona no está de acuerdo no ordenariamos un nuevo uniforme. Si lo hacemos, los colores que ya son tradicionales del Inter con azul y negro se mantendrían. Esperamos comentarios y votaciones en este blog.

Joaquin and Helio have made a proposal for Inter United to renew its outfit with a uniform that is up to the level of the current team. In the past we have tried to look primarily for economy in order to make it easy for every player to acquire our uniforms since we have never had a sponsor. The De La Torre brothers think that the history that Inter United now has deserves an outfit according to our present team. There are several sites in Latinamerica that offer very good quality uniforms (dry fit) and with reasonable prices that would not be over $40 including numbers, names, team logo and delivery. Since we don't really need a new uniform since all the registered players already have an official team jersey, we will only make this decision if it is unanimously approved by the players. That is, one person who does not agree with this will be enough to cancel the idea. If we do it, the now traditional Inter United colors with black and blue will be mantained. We await your commentaries and votes in this blog.

SUNDAY"S GAME MOVED TO VADNAIS HEIGHTS

The game for Sunday May 28 has been scheduled for 1:00 PM at Vadnais Heights against a team called Lanix (they have won 2 and lost 1).
Blaine Sports complex is hosting an international tournament thiw weekend and will not be open for play of the Azteca Laegue.
This are the directions: Take 694 to Rice street. Take Rice north, parallel to a lake you will see to your right. At the first traffic light you will make a right and shortly after you will find a STOP sign where you will make another right on to County road FE. You will take that road and look for the field. There is a first field to the left which is not the one we are playing at. After the first field keep going and you will then see a second park. We know Tony, Alvaro and José Luis will be out of town. PLease let the team know if you are unable to come

EN SUFRIDO PARTIDO LLEGO LA TERCERA VICTORIA / THIRD VICTORY CAME ON A SUFFERED GAME

Tres nuevos puntos cosechó el Inter Unted al derrotar al equipo de On Site. Al inicio del segundo tiempo el Inter se puso en ventaja 4-1 y jugaba con un hombre más por la expulsión de uno de los jugadores rivales y el partido parecía asegurado. Sin embargo aparecieron las lesiones, el Inter tuvo que hacer cambios forzados, se perdió el orden y el rival se vino encima para lograr dos goles que pusieron en peligro la victoria. Alli apareció el espiritu de lucha y el amor por el equipo para que los muchachos que quedaron en el terreno de juego demostraran que al Inter va a ser dificil derrotarlo esta temporada. Otro aspecto importante fue que el conjunto logró mostrar un buen juego a pesar de la ausencia de David VonBank y Jorge Garzón, quienes habían sido muy importantes en los dos primeros juegos. La ausencia de jugadores jóvenes es muy dura para el equipo ya que cuando el Inter United tiene en el campo a los jugadores mayores tiene más años que el Imperio Romano.

Inter United harvested three new points by defeating On Site team. At the beginning of the second half Inter went up 4-1 and was playing with a one man advantage after the ejection of one of the rival players and the game seemed secured. However, then came the injuries, Inter had to make forced substitutions, our order was lost and our rivals charged to score the goals that endangered Inter's victory. The fighting spirit and love for the team showed up then and showed that Inter United will be hard to beat this season. Anothaer important thing was that the tean was able to show a good game despite the absence of David VonBank and Jorge Garzón, who were very important in the first two games. Missing young players is hard for the team since Inter United, when the veteran players are in the field, sums more years than the Roman Empire.

DOS EN LINEA / TWO IN A ROW

Inter United completó dos victorias consecutivas en el inicio de la liga . Nuevamente se vió un juego ordenado y efectivo ante un equipo más fuerte que el que nos correspondió en suerte en la primera fecha.Esta temporada ha demostrado que el equipo se conoce mucho mejor y que puede jugar un juego de conjunto que permite hacer cambios con la tranquilidad de que el nivel de juego se mantiene o en algunas casos se mejora cuando se hacen las sustituciones. Diego Reyes demosrtró que está recuperado plenamente de la lesión que lo alejó de la temporada pasada y que si el equipo lo necesita está en capacidad de dar 90 minutos de fútbol. Edward Gómez, también reapareciendo de una lesión demostró que puede aportar esta temporada y Bizcochito Lozano, aunque no estaba lesionadao, también reapareció después de una larga ausencia y tuvo uno de sus mejores partidos en la historia del equipo y no pudo elegir un mejor momento para hacerlo ya que precisamente en este juego no pudo estar presente William Castellanos, otro de nuestros juveniles que le dan el oxígeno a un equipo compuesto principalmente por veteranos. Nuestro otro jugador joven, David VonBank se ha convertido en la nueva estrella del equipo, capaz de defender y atacar durante todo el partido y seguramente será el lider del ataque del Inter United está temporada.


Inter United completed two consecutive victories in the beginning of league competition. Again an organized game was seen against a stronger team than the one we faced in the first week.This season has showed that the team is better integrated and that it can play a better team play which allows to make changes comfortably, knowing that the level of play is mantained or even improves when substitutions are made. Diego Reyes showed that he is completely recovered from the injury that kept him aside for the last season and that if the team needs it, he is able to give 90 minutes of good soccer. Edward Gómez, who was also reapearing after injury also showed that he will cntribute to the team this season and Bizcochito Lozano, although not because of injury, also returned after a long absence and had one of his best games in team history and could have not picked a better time to do so since William Castellanos, another of our youth players who give oxygen to the mostly veteran team, was not able to attend.Our other young player, David VonBank has become the new star of the team, capable of both defense and offense for the whole game and will probably be the leader of our attacking force this season.

BUEN COMIENZO TRAE ESPERANZA/ GOOD START BRINGS HOPE

El comienzo de la nueva temporada no ha podido ser mejor para el Inter United. La salida de algunos de los refuerzos que le dieron al equipo la solidez que lo llevó a la final de la temporada pasada hacia temer por la calidad del conjunto para el verano de 2006. Sin embargo, el hecho de tener un equipo en donde ya la mayoría de jugadores se conocen parece haberle dado al Inter United mucha fuerza y un juego de conjunto que no se había visto antes en la historia del equipo. Para destacar la buena asistencia al primer juego de la temporada y la paciencia de todos los jugadores cuando a pesar de crear muchas oportunidades la pelota no entraba en el arco. Los jugadores sabían que se estaban haciendo las cosas bien y efectivamente los goles llegaron en el segundo tiempo (seis). La única adición al Inter United para la nueve Liga Azteca es David VonBank quien jugó un gran partido y seguramente será pieza clave para este verano mientras que Tony Safo arrancó en punta en la carrera para convertirse en el nuevo goleador del Inter.
Para mantener la política de que todos los jugadores mantengan un tiempo de juego equitativo, en la próxima jornada los cambios durante el partido permitiran que descansen quienes actuaron los 90 minutos durante el juego contra Tabasco.
El Inter United reconoce el gran sacrificio de Héctor "El Tapetico" Sánchez, el primer jugador en llegar al terreno de juego y dispuesto a esperar en la linea hasta que el equipo lo necesite.
Recordamos a todos los jugadores que el equipo está entrenando todos los Martes a las 6:30PM en la cancha de St Louis Park.

The beggining of the new season could not have been better for Inter United. The exit of some of our stars that gave us the depth to reach the final during last season made us worry about the quality of the squad for the summer of 2006. However, the fact of having a team where most of the players know each other seems to give Inter United a strength and team play that we had never before seen in team history. The goood attendance to the first game of the season needs to be highlighted as well as the players' patience when, despite creating many opportunities the ball would not go in the net. The players knew they were doing things well and sure enough, goals came on the second half (six). The only addition for Inter United for the new Azteca League is David VonBank who played a great game and will surely be a key playerfor this summer while Tony Safo got an early lead in the race to become Inter United's new top scorer.
To mantain the policy of giving players equal playing time, next week substitutions will give some rest to those players who played 90 minutes in the game against Tabasco.
Inter United recognizes the great sacrifice of Hector "Tapetico" Sanchez, the first player to arrive at the field and willing to wait on the sidelines until the team needs him.
We remind all players that the team is practicing every Tuiesday afternoon at 6:30 PM at St Louis Park

A NEW SEASON FOR INTER UNITED

Summer is almost here and for the third time Inter United will play an outdoor league but this time on a different place. The team has decided to stay with the Azteca League and will play the second division on Sundays at Blaine's National Sports Center. Up to this point only one new player has joined the roster for the new season: Colombian David VonBank. Besides him Inter United will play with guys who at one point or another have defended our colors. Two players who were sidelined because of injury last season, Diego Reyes and Edward Gomez, should be ready to see action this summer. The rest of the roster includes original players Helio De La Torre, Gustavo Navarrete, Alvaro Sanchez, Jose Luis Lozano and William Castellanos as well as longtime team veterans Joaquín De La Torre, Nelson Granados, John Tschohl, Justo Garcia and returning players Tony Safo, Peter Trofin, Jorge Muñoz and Jorge Garzón. Two spots have been reserved for Juan Jose Vesga, original team member who is still debating a possible move to Chicago and Fernando Vassallo, our star forward for the winter season who is in his native Argentina and therefore has missed the selection process.
With Don Miki fully recovered and on the sidelines we hope to have another successful season and have lots of fun.
A good idea has been proposed by Alvaro Sanchez; rotating the team's coaching position for every game. Under this model one player would be coach in each game and would be in charge of selecting the starters, planning the strategy and deciding substitutions. He should only play in case of player shortage. The debate is open and we would like to hear everybody's opinion or suggestions to do this in another way.

DON MIKI NOW OUT OF THE HOSPITAL

Inter United's number one fan (one and only)and official reporter has run into some health problems that kept him for a while at St Joseph's Hospital in St Paul After succesful surgery Don Miki was discharged home on 4/10/06 and is now recovering in the peace of his home. All Inter United players are hoping for a quick recovery and expect to see Don Miki on the sidelines for the kickoff of our next season. Get Well Don Miki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS

A loss is always tough to swallow but even harder when we were just a single step from going all the way. However our main goals of having fun and meeting new people (Pablo, Ferny and Sebastian are great additions to our group of friends) were all met. Our group has grown so much that even some of our loyal friends and players could not have a spot on the team and yet they were always following our steps (Justo, Aitor, Rockola Carvajal, Edward and Roger just to mention a few). We had been here before but this time we feel we have grown stronger in what has always been our main goal: have fun and strengthen our friendship ties. Because of this we are able to celebrate a positive end of the season even after loosing a game were we didn't show all of our potential. Inter United will continue to participate in local leagues and the hope of having an even bigger trophy with the word CHAMPION on it is still alive. Until this moment comes lets continue to enjoy the pleasure of having such a nice and classy group of friends from all over the world and with a common passion for futebol, futbol, soccer, football, calcio or however you want to call the most popular sport in the world.
Congratulations to all the players who made this a great season:
John: Went beyond his duty this season. Only missed one of our games and gave us his usual share of saves and good plays but besides that was on the scoring board for the first time in his history as Inter United goalie and became St John when he put us in the final game making the only save of that semifinal shootout.
William: The player who has the most games with Inter United has always been the admiration of his teammates for his fighting spirit and physical condition but this season, when we thought we had seen him at his best, he went up a notch and added great passing to his repertoire. He has tought us this season that no matter how good you are you can always be better.
Joaquin: Unquestionably the strongest player ever to wear the blue and black stripes. His return to the team gave our defense another dimension and his enthusiasm on the sidelines is always encouraging for the players on the field.
Tony: Ever since we met him his skills were evident but this season he won everyones admiration with his passion and fighting spirit. Scored 9 goals and played defense when we needed him. His greatest asset: he plays his best on the big games!!
Nelson: The most experienced of our players. Tough and smart both in defense and ofense. Our team structure suffers when he can not make it to the games Besides his contribution on the field he became this season's hero with his recruiting efforts that brought other talented players to our roster.
Alvaro: His yellow card per game average decreased this season but not because he was any less combative or strong. Last minute sliding tackles and goal line saves became his trademark. His efforts have kept Inter United alive for two years and his enthusiasm and willingness to sacrifice led Inter United to yet another final.
Juan Jose: If one thing is missing in our team it is 2 or 3 more players like Juan Jose. He reflects the true Inter United spirit. Always calm and hoping for fun when he is playing. Not concerned so much about winning or losing but HOW WE PLAY. Always expect elegant plays when he is on the field.
Jose Luis: Although he was kept away from the team for personal reasons, in the few games Bizcochito was able to play he showed that he continues to be on the rise and that for some unknown reason, the Augsburg College Dome field brings the best out of him.
Jorge Garzon: If liters of sweat could give teams any points, Jorge would have us at the top of the standings. Since the first day he showed up for an Inter United game he has shown he has fuel for the whole game, mixing skills and strength up and down the field. One of few players who can confidently be placed in any position knowing that he will do well.
Sebastian: Strength, ball control, long distance shot are just a few of his skills and he is above average in all of them but his teammates were most impressed by his good manners and attitude. Always a smile on his face, enjoying the game and making it look easy.
Jorge Muñoz: Another all around player who ended up third in scoring with 10 goals even though he played many games in defense and onlymissed games because of suspension. He teamed up with Fernando for 4 goals against Veracruz when we beat them in the regular season in a night were Nelson, Sebastian and Pablo among others were not there. Who knows wht could have happened if he had played in the final.
Peter: As we said in our web page: he has Inter United in his heart. He will win or die trying. He likes playing forward and was a good scorer for the team but his trademark was his ability to hunt down rival forwards and defensemen to regain many balls for Inter.
Helio: One of the few original Inter United players remaining. Again showed his ball control and passing ability and even if he only scored 3 times it was always in critical moments like whe his header led us to a comeback victory against Barcelona.
Pablo: If there ever is an Inter United Hall of Fame, Pablo has won his place there in a single season. Our leading scorer with 18 goals and a great all around player he will be remembered as the best dribbler ever to play for Inter United.
Fernando: The only Argentinian to ever play for the team and he honored his country's soccer tradition. Besides his great skills he is enthusiastic and only missed one game over the whole season. Scored 15 goals but is not the typical selfish striker. We don't keep official assit statistics but it is safe to say he would be the all time leader in that category if we remeber all the goals he set up for his teammates.
Congratulations again for all the players and we hope to have this group back for some wonderful soccer in future seasons

WE ARE IN THE FINAL

After 50 minutes of intense play and 13 straight penalty shots made, Inter United players were able to celebrate reaching the final of the Azteca League competition. The team expects all the fans to be at the Augsburg College dome next Friday at 8:00 PM for another exciting game and hopefully Inter United's first ever championship. Things to change for next game? Any advice on how to play Veracruz based in what we saw last Friday when they beat Real San Lucas? Lets hear all the player's opinions on how we should play next week.
Any comments on our 100% convertion rate on the penalty kicking on the semifinal? Is there any other player besides Tony that can claim that he has never missed a penalty kick in his life?
We are wondering what the people from El Barrio are now thinking about John. He beat them last time with a goal close to the end of regulation time and now he makes the only save in the shootout to beat them again.

WHO IS GOING FOR THE PENALTY KICKS?

Welcome to Inter United's blog. Starting today all players, fans and readers can publish their comments live on the site. There is no official language but let's remember that we all have at least a moderate understanding of English but some of our players do not speak any Spanish. Our next game (if the league makes no further change) will be on Friday at 8:30 (not 8:00) against El Barrio. Last time we were tied 3-3 with only minutes to play when John scored his one and only goal for Inter United after more than 50 games. If we tie this time, we will go to penalty kicks. Who is ready to kick for Inter United? Who do you think should be the first five?

Bienvenida

BIenvenidos al blog del Inter United