5 Points Press Exclusive: One on One with MLS' Dan Courtemanche

For the past few months, there has been an abundance of articles, media coverage and discussions about the New York Cosmos organization efforts on wanting to become the 20th MLS team. During this ti- me, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has publicly admitted that the league is focused on awarding the 20th MLS team to an ownership group in the metropolitan NY-area.

We at 5 Points Press made the decision to learn about the process it takes to become a franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS). In addition, we wanted to know who else was competing with the New York Cosmos organization for the rights to become the second New York franchise in MLS.

I contacted the offices of MLS and a one on one phone interview was set up with Dan Courtemanche; MLS Executive Vice President of Communications. Taking a moment from his busy schedule, Dan answered all our questions and gave us a better understanding on the process any potential ownership group has to go through before they’re awarded the rights to be an expansion team.

Hopefully, this interview will answer some of your questions: http://issuu.com/5pointspress/docs/issue3

New York Red Bulls Honor Mike Petke with 1-0 Win over Sporting KC

Luke Rodgers scores third goal of the season. (Photograph courtesy of Bill Menzel)

Harrison, NJ - On the night the New York Red Bulls honored former defender and current individual development coach and business operations manager Mike Petke in a pregame ceremony, the Red Bulls won 1-0 over Sporting Kansas City.

After losing 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park three weeks ago, the Red Bulls have won three consecutive games by a a combined score of 8-0. With the win, the Red Bulls have regained sole position of the Eastern Conference lead where they are currently competing against the Philadelphia Union, Houston Dynamo, and Columbus Crew in this young 2011 MLS season.

To Read More: Red Bulls blanks opponents for third consecutive game.

New York Red Bulls vs D.C. United: Thierry Henry's Double Ignites 4-0 Victory

(Photograph courtesy of RBNY)

WASHINGTON—The New York Red Bulls have outscored their opponents 7-0 over their last two games. After only producing two goals in the first four games of the 2011 MLS season, the Red Bulls for the second consecutive game have shut out their opponent.

Playing on the road, the New York Red Bulls (3-1-2) regained the Eastern Conference lead as they decimated four-time champion, D.C. United 4-0 in convincing fashion.

Excellent ball movement combined by solid defense and clutch goal keeping have helped reinforce the belief that the Red Bulls seriously contend for the 2011 MLS Cup.

To Read More: Red Bulls scores 4 goals in Victory

Met Oval Forms Player Development Partnership with Italian club Juventus FC

(Photograph courtesy of Cesar Diaz)

MASPETH, Queens - One that thing that's often overlooked about tradition is the simple fact that in order for it to continue, it has to be preserved by the smart choices of the personnel involved. One individual who understands this is none other than Metropolitan Oval's President Jim Vogt.

In 1995, the Metropolitan Oval (Met Oval) was facing foreclosure over unpaid taxes. By stepping in and reorganizing the club as the Met Oval Foundation, Vogt and his team ultimately prevented Met Oval from becoming just a memory.

In a move to continue their tradition in being one of the premier youth soccer program which is "dedicated to the promotion and development of Youth Soccer in New York", Met Oval and world-renowned Italian soccer Club Juventus FC has formed a Player Development Partnership.

To Read More: Met Oval's New Partnership

United Neighborhood Organization hopes to increase Latino graduation rate through Soccer

(Photograph courtesy of United Neighborhood Organization)

"This is the only country in the world that has the pyramid upside down. You pay for having your kid play soccer. So we need to find ways to connect, however that could be, to connect with Hispanics, to connect with everybody in the soccer environment in the U.S., and to get kids who are really hungry, to get kids on technical level to perform, and what I mean is first touch." - Jürgen Klinsmann

Chicago, IL - In an effort to boost graduation rate amongst young Latinos, the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) announced on Wednesday, April 6th the nonprofit's innovative project: the UNO Soccer Academy. This K-8 elementary school will be made available to 575 students.

With soccer being the No. 1 sport within the Latino community, UNO organizers believes that by providing a soccer-based Charter School, more Latinos will be better prepared for High School. In addition, students at the Soccer Academy will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship to play soccer for a reputable High School while being prepared to excel in their classrooms.

To Read More: UNO Soccer Academy

Sky Blue FC Helps Citi Kick off Their Soccer Clinic for America SCORES NY

(Photograph courtesy of Howard Smith / WPS / ISIPhotos.com)

Harlem, New York - As part of their commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle for kids, Citi for the second consecutive year has partnered againwith the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) as they kicked off the WPS 2011 season with their "Get Active with Citi Soccer Kids" community program for the children in Harlem.

Citi and WPS has every intention of hosting additional Get Active with Citi Soccer Kids clinics throughout this season as part of the WPS league-wide platform to promote First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide campaign against childhood obesity.

Representing the WPS was the 2009 WPS Champions SKY Blue FC. Prior to the Sky Blue FC kicking off their 2011 Women's Professional Soccer League campaign in a 2-2 tie against the Philadelphia Independence, midfielder Allie Long and defender-midfielder Kendall Flectcher helped Citi run this successful soccer clinic in Harlem where 60 children between the ages 8-12 participated.

To Read More: Citi and WPS kick off "Get Active With Citi Soccer Kids"

U.S. National Soccer Team sponsor McDonald's Hosted a Youth Soccer Clinic

(Photograph courtesy of Olivia Sarracino)

Last week soccer fans anticipated last Saturday's International Friendly soccer match between the National Soccer Teams of the United States and Argentina. Taking place at the New Meadowlands Stadium, soccer fans looked forward to seeing the Landon Donovan and Lionel Messi play.

A day before the match, 100 children between the ages of 6 and 11 participated in a youth soccer clinic at the SuperDome Sports in Waldwick, NJ. This youth soccer clinic was made possible by McDonald's and Joe Rodriguez; Owner/Operator of a McDonald's in that area.

As part of their sponsorship for the United States National Soccer Team, this was McDonald's seventh annual youth soccer clinic in the NJ area and throughout the country. Along with the free soccer clinic, every child in attendance was given a soccer kit provided by Nike so they can wear during the clinic.

To Read More: McDonald's Host Youth Soccer Clinic

Covering the U.S. Men's National Team Match Against Argentina with Bill Menzel

(Photograph courtesy of Bill Menzel)

"I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion." - Mia Hamm

Last night 78,936 soccer fans were treated to classic international friendly match of Style versus Heart as United States Men's National Team tied the Argentina National Team 1-1. While Argentina marveled the fans with their precision short-passes and attacking offense, the United States countered them with the excellent goalkeeping skills of Tim Howard and Juan Agudelo's equalizer.

Last night was a night where soccer fans witnessed the amazing ball-handling skills and toughness of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi. Not only was he breaking down defenses, he would get up immediately after being checked so his teammates can pass him the ball.

To Read More: Covering Soccer With Bill Menzel

Borough Boys SC Host Successful Q&A with the New York Cosmos Front Office

(Photograph courtesy of The Borough Boys)

"I'm not talking to myself. When you talk to yourself you are alone. No one hears you. You happen to be with me. You hear me. Therefore I am not talking to myself." - Capt. "Howling Mad" Murdock

In an event hosted by the Borough Boys SC at Legends Bar NYC, press, fans, and Borough Boys members were treated to a Q&A session with the New York Cosmos front office.

Borough Boys president Nick Laveglia introduced to the audience Joe Fraga and Dan Cherry who along with Cosmos Academy East Director Giovanni Savarese were ready to answer any questions about the New York Cosmos.

To Read More: New York Cosmos Q&A

One World Futbol: Inspiring Hope with an Ultra-Durable Soccer Ball

(Photograph courtesy of One World Futbol)

"If this can be termed the century of the common man, then soccer, of all sports, is surely his game.... In a world haunted by the hydrogen and napalm bomb, the football field is a place where sanity and hope are still left unmolested." - Stanley Rous, 1952

There's the game of Soccer and there's the life of Soccer. There's the game of soccer and there's the life of soccer? THERE'S THE GAME OF SOCCER AND THERE'S THE LIFE OF SOCCER!!! What? There's - the - game - of - soccer - and - there's - the - life - of - soccer.

If you remove the words the game of life, you're left with, "There's soccer and there's soccer." Really? There's soccer and there's soccer. There's soccer and there's soccer? THERE'S SOCCER AND THERE'S SOCCER!!!

To Read More: One World Futbol

Red Bulls win 1-0 over the Seattle Sounders; Juan Agudelo Scores his 1st MLS Goal

(Photograph courtesy of Bill Menzel)

Harrison, NJ - Expecting to contend for the 2011 MLS Cup, last year's Eastern Conference regular season winners kicked off the 2011 MLS season with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.

The Red Bull Arena boisterous crowd of the Southward and the rest of the 20,982 fans were given a preview of how dangerous the New York Red Bulls will be once they're in sync and running all cylinders. They witnessed moments of brilliance when Thierry Henry was "shaking and baking" his defenders as he passed the ball to his teammates.

To Read More: Red Bulls record their first victory of the season.

Red Bulls launch Program to assist NYC Parks & NY Soccer Programs

(Photograph courtesy of Red Bull)

Harrison, NJ - With the New York Red Bulls home opener against the Seattle Sounders a few days away, the team held their Annual Media Day. It's a day where the Press has access to watch the team practice as well as interview the players, coaches, and staff about the upcoming season.

At one point of the event, VP of Communications and Community Relations Jurgen Mainka announced the launching of the "New York's Got Wings" campaign. For every goal the Red Bulls score this season, $1000 in equipment and clinics will be donated to NYC Parks Youth Programs and NY Soccer Programs.

To Read More: New York's Got Wings

New York Cosmos Front Office to Meet with the Borough Boys SC for Q&A

(Photograph courtesy of The Borough Boys)

If you're a Cosmos fan who lives in the Tri-State area and you have questions about the New York Cosmos, then I suggest you attend the "Q&A with the New York Cosmos." Hosted by the Borough Boys Supporters Club, this event will take place at Legends Bar NYC on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 7PM.

If you're unable to attend, Cosmos fans will have the opportunity to email and twitter their questions directly to the Borough Boys SC during the Q&A session with members of the New York Cosmos front office. Please take into consideration that Borough Boys members in attendance will be first priority in asking their questions.

To Read More: Borough Boys host Q&A with the New York Cosmos

New York Cosmos: A Conversation with the Former Team Doctor

Pelé posing with Dr. John L. Xethalis, M.D. (Photograph courtesy of Dr. Xethalis)

“They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table.” - Carrie Bradshaw; Sex and the City

One thing I love and appreciate about living in New York City are the diners. Along with the diversity of it's patrons and staff, the beautiful thing about diners is the no thrill no frills philosophy. It's the one place where I go to understand the rhythm of the city and it's people. It's also the place where one finds information that you'll never find anywhere else.

As a writer who covers soccer, diners have been my invaluable resource. No matter the time of day/night, there's always someone who I can talk too about soccer. Over the years, the soccer history (both locally & globally) that I've learned has given me a better understanding of the game and the impact it has in people's lives.

To Read More: The New York Cosmos Former Team Doctor

New York Red Bulls tie Sporting Kansas City 2-2 in Dramatic Fashion

(Photograph & Media Release courtesy of RBNY)

Despite falling behind twice, the New York Red Bulls fought back through goals from the forward tandem of Thierry Henry and Dane Richards to earn a 2-2 tie against Sporting Kansas City in front of a sellout crowd of 10,087 at Hi Corbett Field Saturday night.

In a seesaw battle between the two MLS rivals over the 90 minutes, Red Bull Greg Sutton was the first tested goalkeeper in the 13th minute, pushing away a left footed drive by Kansas City midfielder Davy Arnaud. Moments later, Arnaud volleyed a Kei Kamara pass that zipped over the crossbar.

To Read More: New York Red Bulls - Sporting Kansas City

NEW YORK COSMOS 2011 ASIA TOUR FEATURING PELÉ, ERIC CANTONA AND COBI JONES KICKS OFF

(Photograph courtesy of the New York Cosmos)

March 1, 2011 (New York, NY) – The New York Cosmos kicked off the 2011 Asia Tour today when Pelé, Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones arrived safely in Singapore. From now until March 9, all three New York Cosmos Ambassadors' purpose is to demonstrate the organization's good-will commitment to developing young talent and building global partnerships.

The tour begins in Singapore and continues onto Hong Kong starting March 6 (featuring Pelé only) and ending March 9, as stated in their press release:

To Read More: New York Cosmos 2011 Asia Tour

New York Red Bulls: Win The 2011 MLS Cup or Bust

(Photograph courtesy of RBNY)

New York, NY - Now with the 2011 MLS SuperDraft over, the New York Red Bulls have made it clear that they have every intentions of being a team that will attack the net in the 2011 MLS Season.

With all that talent, there's no reason why the Red Bulls should be a mediocre defensive team in 2011 who squeaked to the Eastern Conference title in the regular season. In order to be taken seriously, they're going to have to win convincingly from the very beginning and maintain that pace up until the playoffs.

To Read More: Win the 2011 MLS Cup or Bust

New York Cosmos: Restoring Cosmos Country

(Photograph courtesy of Cesar Diaz)

“I am very honored to join the legendary club New York Cosmos. It’s a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It’s kind of a mix between football and art. In addition to my artistic engagements, I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the #1 position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years.” - Eric Cantona, New York Cosmos Director of Soccer

Words are so powerful that it can add value to something or simply cheapen it. Of course in today's TMZ world many are more likely to be skeptical than faithful. As a result words are only as powerful as the actions behind it. If you live in New York City, seeing action doesn't come cheap.

To Read More: Restoring Cosmos Country

Homeless World Cup: Addressing Homelessness Through Soccer

(Photograph courtesy of Homeless World Cup)

If soccer is considered the global sport, then homelessness must be the global epidemic. The same way we recognize Lionel Messi in his uniform is the same way we would recognize a homeless person seated in a street corner with a sign asking for change.

How does one become homeless? For many of us, we believe homelessness is caused by the poor choices some individuals made in their lives. Those individuals are easier to hold accountable because we can call them out on their substance abuse, criminal past, and employment status.

To Read More: Homeless World Cup

New York Cosmos: A Conversation With The Artist Behind The Logo

"I love people, and I love passing on what I know."
"My philosophy is: if you have talent - use it." - Wayland Moore

After 15 minutes of staring at the New York Cosmos logo the same way Bobby Fischer would stare at a chessboard, I simply wondered who was the artist responsible for creating the New York Cosmos logo 40 years ago. A question so obvious and simple but yet I had neglected it.

To Read More: New York Cosmos Crest

Balls Without Borders: Helping The Youth In War-Torn Regions

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” - Cesar Chavez

Sometimes a brief exchange of dialogue with an individual maybe an educational one. A few weeks ago, I had finished covering Major League Soccer's SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland. As soon as the Draft was officially over, I made my way down to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention because I had agreed to be interviewed for a radio show based in Philadelphia.

To Read More: Balls Without Borders

America SCORES NY: Empowering Urban Students Through Soccer & Poetry

(Photograph courtesy of Rob Uvanovic)

"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends." - Mary McLeod Bethune

With the rise of obesity and asthma mixed low reading scores the children in this city continue to produce, they are endanger of never reaching their full potential. Along with the breakdown of family dynamics and the eliminations of after-school programs and non-profits, a service like America SCORES New York is doing their part in being addressing the needs of the children of Harlem.

To Read More: America Scores Article

Covering & Preserving The New York Cosmos Soccer Tradition

(Photograph courtesy of Mario Ramos)

"It was a traveling circus. Everybody speaking a different language, everybody with a different sort of personal assistant or trainer tagging along to help as a translator and to help with their various needs... it was an enormous entourage wherever you went and it was entertaining." - Lawrie Mifflin

New York, NY - With the new year in session, a plethora of articles have surfaced regarding the New York Cosmos. From Cobi Jones joining the Cosmos to Grant Wahl's Sports Illustrated interview, the Cosmos has been in the news.

To Read More: Covering & Preserving The New York Cosmos

Nuyorican Poets Cafe: Covering Soccer the Nuyorican Way

(Photograph courtesy of Miguel Algarin)

“I write to a listener whose chemistry is changed on hearing these words.” – Miguel Algarin

Prior to becoming a sports writer, I was like an archer without a target. My purpose of writing back then was simply to write whatever was on my mind.

To Read More: Covering Soccer the Nuyorican Way