Holmdel team wins Stallions’ first state cup
The NJX Xtreme boys U11 soccer team completed its fall season with a convincing run through the New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup tournament. Coach Rich Pekmezian noted that the NJX Xtreme is part of Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club team and the title is the first state cup won by a team in the Stallions organization, which was founded in 1993. NJX stands for New Jersey Soccer Excellence and is the advanced division of the Stallions club, which formed the division last year. Many of the players on Pekmezian’s team have been playing together for the past five years. In State Cup play, NJX Xtreme was dominant. They opened the 64-team tourney with a 6-0 success against Princeton FC Liverpool and followed up with a 6-1 victory against Arsenal Stampede, allowing the lone goal opponents would get in the tournament. Next up was a 3-0 triumph over Marlboro that propelled NJX Xtreme into the quarterfinals, where they came away with a 3-0 win over Morris United/STA. In the semifinal, the local boys earned a 5-0 victory against SSC Falcons, which set up a meeting with Den of Lions Academy in the finale. NJX Xtreme concluded its roll with a 3-0 win. “This really was a true team effort,” said Pekmezian, who played while at Rutgers and is the former varsity coach at Middletown High School North. “I’ve coach a lot of these boys since they were 6 years old, and to see how far they’ve come and how they cover for each other, it really made me proud of them all.” During the regular season, NJX Xtreme plays in the Mid Atlantic Premier Soccer League’s (MAPS) top flight, or most competitive division, where Pekmezian’s team has been at or near the top of the league tables each of the past four seasons. In addition, NJX Xtreme competed as a U10 team last fall in the U11 State Cup U.S. Club Soccer tournament and made its way all the way to the finals before falling. Pekmezian explained that the premise for NJX Xtreme is to train youth soccer players to play at a higher level, while ensuring that all members of the team see significant playing time. He noted that the Xtreme roster includes 14 players, and 11 players are on the field at any one time. “Playing time is essential for development and fun,” said Pekmezian. “We’re very proud of our roster stability. These kids have developed as a group, and it shows on the field. They know where to be and when to be there.” The members of the NJX Xtreme are: Andrew Aprahamian, Patrick Gates, Brandon Golden, Weston Maki, Matt Mawson, Ryan O’Connor, D.J. Palmer, Paul Ramsey, Chris Reale, Mason Remondelli, Zach Riviere, Julian Stifano, Matt Thorsheim and Brendan Wall. BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer 
Head coach of the Bangladesh Test team, Steve Rhodes, is hoping for a turnaround in form when the tourists face hosts West Indies in the second and final Test at Sabina Park, starting tomorrow. After suffering a massive defeat by an innings and 219 runs in the first Test inside three days at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Rhodes who was appointed three days before the tour of the West Indies, is hoping to lift his squad to a series levelling victory. “We won’t be giving away too much to the opposition team, so, tactical wise, we are not going to say too much. We hope that we can improve our performance after the first one (Test match),” Rhodes told The Gleaner during a training session at Sabina Park, yesterday. FIRST MORNING “I must pay a huge compliment to the West Indies team. I thought they maximised the conditions especially in the first morning of the first Test,” he added. “We obviously have to lick our wounds and come back and hope that we can improve over the next three or four days. We hope to prove to the West Indians that we can play cricket which we certainly can,” the former England ‘A’ team player, shared. “We don’t go into games without trying to win. It will be tough and we certainly are aware of the challenges ahead of us in the next Test at Sabina Park. If the West Indies have an off day we will be up for it and we will have a chance,” Rhodes said about last Test game in the series. “I only had three days preparation with the team before coming out to the West Indies. I am assessing the players and getting to know them. We will see how we go,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, with immediate effect, has suspended the activities of basketball in the country and referred the leadership crisis to the continental basketball governing body, Federation of the International Basketball Association, (FIBA)-Africa.Deputy Sports Minister Henry B, Yonton, Jr., in a communication to the President of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) Rufus Anderson, dated Wednesday, April 1, mandated the LBA to halt election, which was scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, and urged the leadership to allow the intervention of FIBA to resolve the current leadership crisis.“While we note the content of the letter with urgency, especially amid the ongoing disagreement between the basketball association’s leadership and the aggrieved stakeholders, we want to remind you of several efforts initiated by the Ministry at different levels to provide a level plain field to have accommodated all concerned…” Deputy Minister Yonton wrote.He added: “However, owing to the continuous contest between the leaders of the LBA and the aggrieved party, regarding its legitimacy, the Ministry has reached a decision to seek the intervention of the Africa basketball governing body – FIBA-Africa with offices in Abidjan and Cairo.”Yonton’s communication further told outgoing LBA president Rufus Anderson, “In view of the foregoing, the Ministry therefore requests that you adjourn all processes pertaining to the holding of election and advise further that you stay clear-off all basketball activities until further consultation with FIBA-Africa is concluded.”The Ministry’s letters to the LBA and FIBA-Africa are in fulfillment to recent comments made by Youth and Sports to take “drastic and appropriate actions at the LBA to save basketball in the country.”Youth Minister Nagbe at a recent congress of the Liberia National Olympic Committee expressed disappointed at the basketball leadership and aggrieved party in their roles in the current leadership crisis.Meanwhile, Secretary General (LBA), G. Allen Goodridge, yesterday said the LBA has resolved to reserve all comments on the latest action by the ministry.It may be recalled that since January 2015, the LBA has postponed its congress and election four times due to internal wrangling.The Ministry’s letters have put to rest suggestions of an interim administration or a new leadership by the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) through the directive of the Ministry to run the LBA.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The National Governors Council of Liberia, representing 16 tribes and 15 counties recently gowned and certificated the former Director of Cyber Crime (Ministry of National Security) for his five years work without salary and for his extraordinary services rendered to his country as contributing to the growth of Liberia. He was also honored for his heroic services rendered in a major combat in the deadly Baghdad slum, Sadr City, Iraq on August 16, 2004 while serving in the U.S. Army. He was awarded for his services by former US President George Bush at a ceremony held at the White House. One of the awards he earned was his courageous action that led to the evacuation of his crew despite numerous risks. As a member of the Poro society, his action put Liberia on the world map, said Madam Musu Thompson, president of the Liberia Governors Council. “You did not choose to remain in the United States,” Madam Thompson told Mr. Joseph J. Brown before the gowning ceremony, “but chose to come home to help your people.” She said the honor did not have anything to do with politics but simply to show their appreciation for a Liberian who did not forget his past. Delivering a special message from President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf before the gowning and certification ceremony, the Director General of the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs, Brigadier General Rudolf F. Kolaco Sr. (rtd), spoke about the character of Mr. Brown. “He is a veteran soldier with discipline who at a crucial part of his career managed to save his commanding officer during his tour of duty in Iraq,” Director Kolaco said. It was a reference Mr. Joseph J. Brown’s tour of duty as a corporal with US forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom initiated by the United States in 2003. Director Kolaco reflected on the quality of a good soldier, with emphasis on being a follower, faithfulness to duty, familiarity, a fighter and being efficient. “Mr. Brown is a veteran who possesses all these qualities,” Director Kolaco stated. Responding after the gowning and certification ceremony, Mr. Brown, now 31 years old, expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia and the Governors Council of Liberia for the honor and paid tribute to his mother and called for mothers to be respected in the country. Mr. Brown, who served for five years as the first director of Cyber Crime Unit at the Ministry of National Security, and rejected salary or compensation for the period, reflected on the positive values that he earned from his mother that helped him in his military career. He spoke about his determination to support the Poverty Reduction Strategy that President Johnson Sirleaf initiated. From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Brown loaned out U$350,000 to youth and business women as a way of empowering his community, along with a 40 foot container of computers and reading materials. Brown holds an Associate in computer information systems; a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Masters degree in public administration, a press release said.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
All Blacks skipper Kieran Read will be back at No.8 on Friday to give a timely lift to the Canterbury Crusaders as they return to New Zealand to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.“It’s been awesome watching the boys go well, but I have been really enjoying training the last few weeks,” said the double World Cup-winning back row forward.“I can’t wait now,” added Read, who sat out the first six weeks while his bad back was kept in cotton wool ahead of him leading New Zealand’s campaign for a third straight trophy in Japan later this year.Defending champions Crusaders have endured a difficult two weeks with the gun attacks in their home city of Christchurch deeply affecting all at the club and then seeing their 19-match win streak ended in Sydney last Saturday by the NSW Waratahs.– Highlander Smith faces weeks out –Out for four to six weeks: New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith © AFP / Ben STANSALLThe struggling Otago Highlanders have a bye, but they still suffered a potentially devastating blow this week when it was revealed that their All Black scrum-half Aaron Smith faces an extended injury lay-off.The Highlanders have only two wins and now face a tough run including four New Zealand derbies in the next five weeks almost certainly without their 82-Test star.Smith picked up an ankle injury late in last week’s loss to Auckland Blues and coach Aaron Mauger told stuff.co.nz he would be out “for four to six weeks” and he would look for an experienced halfback to fill in.“We’re not in this week so we have a bit of time up our sleeves to have a look around,” he said.– No Bull from Human –Bulls head coach Pote Human © AFP / Juan MABROMATANorthern Bulls travel to their favourite away venue — Kings Park in Durban — with coach Pote Human insisting their 56-20 mauling by the Chiefs last weekend is firmly behind them.Human has made two changes to the starting XV after the Pretoria debacle, bringing in scrum-half Embrose Papier and lock Eli Snyman.“We trained well this week and have put that humiliating loss behind us,” insisted Human as the three-time champions seek a fourth victory in six outings this season.The Pretoria side hope to complete a hat-trick of victories over the Sharks in the Indian Ocean city after winning 40-10 last season and 30-17 the year before.– One Folau isn’t enough –Seeing double: NSW Waratahs Israel Folau could be joined on the field by his brother John © AFP/File / WILLIAM WESTIsrael Folau’s younger brother John could make his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs on Friday alongside his superstar sibling against Japan’s Sunwolves.John, a wing who has played rugby league with the Parramatta Eels, was a late call-up to the bench after Curtis Rona was ruled out with an injury.The Waratahs are looking build on last week’s upset of the reigning champion Crusaders in Sydney, but they will have to do so without Wallabies Bernard Foley and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who are being rested.The New South Wales club will venture north from Sydney to Newcastle for a Super Rugby match for the first time as they host the Japan side.“This round for us will be celebrating country rugby and with close to 30 percent of the squad hailing from the regional NSW, we recognise just how important country rugby is to our player pathways,” said coach Daryl Gibson.– No beef with Angus –Queensland Reds flanker Angus Scott-Young has escaped a ban for striking former team-mate James Slipper before the Brisbane side entertain the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.There were fears the 21-year-old was facing a stint on the sidelines after he was cited for hitting the ACT Brumbies prop in the head with a closed fist last weekend.But a judicial hearing on Wednesday evening found he was making a “legitimate, albeit clumsy, attempt to clean out his opponent” and he was let off with an official warning.“The player’s explanation for the incident, including his attempt to protect his previously injured hand by closing his fist during the clean out, revealed absence of malicious intent,” said judicial committee chairman Robert Stelzner.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Back for Crusaders: Kieran Read © AFP/File / Ben STANSALLWELLINGTON, New Zealand, Mar 28 – Five talking points ahead of this week’s games in Super Rugby:– Read ready to roll –
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal criticised his side for not taking their chances, despite Robin van Persie’s last gasp equaliser rescuing a point in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.Old Trafford erupted with just 30 seconds remaining of injury-time when the Dutch striker hammered the ball home after Didier Drogba had opened the scoring earlier on.But while pleased with the Red Devils’ fighting spirit, Van Gaal was unimpressed for not scoring earlier and claimed his side could have been out of sight before half-time.“It was not our best performance and that’s a pity because in these moments you have to show yourself against the better teams,” the Dutch boss said.“But in spite of that we created a lot of chances, much more than Chelsea, and Chelsea has created one chance in the first half and scored.“Before the goal they had the chance with [Eden] Hazard that [David] de Gea stopped fantastically. But with the corner kick there was a lack of communication and that’s why they scored.“That’s always the difference in such games. After that we lost our heads for ten minutes and they could have scored a second goal, but they didn’t do that.“We created a lot of chances but we didn’t finish well. We could have finished the game before half-time, but we didn’t do that and then they scored.“You know Chelsea are the best club in Europe at killing a game but nevertheless we created one or two chances and scored the goal.”
City Manager Cynthia Kurtz said it’s a convenient solution because the demand for parking from light-rail commuters and shoppers comes at different times. “We thinks it’s a perfect match,” said City Manager Cynthia Kurtz. “There’s not a lot of people taking the Gold Line on Saturday nights.” And many of the station’s parking stalls often sit empty while the shopping district is choked with commuter consumers. So much that more than 100 of those spaces, Bogaard said, are currently rented to auto dealer Rusnak to store inventory. The city’s goal is to shift use by employees and other monthly users of the centrally located structures to Del Mar Station, freeing more space for visitors and shoppers. The city will operate the lot 24 hours each day and anticipates it will generate revenue within two years. todd.ruiz@sgvn.com PASADENA – It’s a long way to the top of Old Pasadena’s parking structures, and driving up those concrete spires without finding a space can be discouraging at the least. Plus it’s not something a city wants sales-tax contributors experiencing in its most profitable retail corridor. To relieve the parking crunch in Old Pasadena, City Hall wants to buy 600 parking spaces for $2.6 million at the Del Mar Gold Line Station at Del Mar Boulevard and Arroyo Parkway. “Parking has been key to the success of Old Pasadena since the early ’80s when those parking structures were put together,” said Mayor Bill Bogaard, adding that bringing the Gold Line was a “huge resource” to be tapped. On Monday the City Council will likely approve spending funds from the Old Pasadena and Downtown redevelopment areas to buy the underutilized parking spaces, increasing public stalls in the area to 2,200. (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4444 www.insidesocal.com/pasadenapolitics160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREFrumpy Middle-aged Mom: My realistic 2020 New Year’s resolutions. Some involve doughnuts.The demands of today’s information-now culture are changing how news about wildfires spreads. Some Web sites hosted by government agencies or teams trained to manage wildfires feature important news on blazes, as well as cool photos of flames or air tankers that double as public relations tools. E-mail makes it easier for businesses in fire-affected communities to stay up-to-date. And webcam shots have provided occasional looks at fire in Yellowstone National Park. But the rise of the Internet is also creating challenges for those who are the public faces of emergency and charged with delivering timely, accurate news, sometimes from remote locations and in environments where rumors can fly faster than hot embers. Errors – from wrong contact information to the mistaken alert that nearly one-third of a small Montana town’s population was being evacuated because of a fire – have made it online in the past month. “Things change so fast. It’s hard to keep up – I don’t care how many people you have – it’s hard to keep up with all the information,” said Maureen Oltrogge, a spokeswoman at Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, where a wildfire earlier this summer cut off access to the canyon’s North Rim. “No sooner than you push the button to send something out, it’s already dated.” While the Internet has played some role in disseminating fire information at least since 2000, agency officials this year began to more aggressively push its use – in part recognizing what one information officer in Montana called “the reality of the world we live in.” BILLINGS, Mont. – For Jack de Golia, the idea of issuing updates on wildfires by fax seems almost quaint. These days, the Forest Service spokesman prefers using the Web to post maps, fact sheets and anything else he thinks will help explain – as quickly and as often as possible – what a wildfire is doing and how firefighters are responding. “There’s been an evolution of information, and you have to keep up,” said de Golia, who, from assignments in Montana and Wyoming this summer, has posted frequently to a new, experimental government fire information Web site, www.inciweb.org. “There’s a need for people to have ready access to information on fires,” he added. “I think it’s important, when people are very frightened or concerned, that they have as much information on an event as they need to make decisions. “Once they hear there’s a Web site, our phones stop ringing.” It’s not that community meetings, phone calls and face-to-face discussions with displaced homeowners, business operators, reporters and others will go away; officials say those are key in outreach efforts. But the Internet is also important for reaching a broad and possibly growing audience, they say.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
On the singles circuit, Lobban has enjoyed a rich vein of form, reaching five finals and taking three titles this year, while Clyne secured his seventh Scottish national title in March.Clyne and Lobban will compete in both the singles and doubles men’s events. The first two squash players in Scotland’s 2018 Commonwealth Games Squad have been revealed.Alan Clyne and Greg Lobban, both from Inverness and now living in Edinburgh, will be heading to the Gold Coast in Australia next year.The pair are hoping to end Scotland’s 20-year wait for a games medal in the sport.Clyne and Lobban reached the World Doubles Championship final in August but eventually lost out to Australia as they sought to defend the title they secured last year in their first outing as a pair.
The crash will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Indiana State Polilce is securing the scene. More details to follow. Police are on the way to the scene of a helicopter crash in northwestern Dubois County. According to Sgt. Phillip Hensley of the Indiana State Police, the helicopter went down just before 11a at 6720 West County Road 450 North in Ireland, IN. Hensley said the pilot had a broken leg.