Bethesda Internationals

17 Nov. '03. Inter Bethesda, U12/D1, is looking for committed players to add to its spring and fall 2004 rosters. The team is coached by Pete Mehlert (USSF ‘A’), one of Washington’s premier soccer clinicians. Pete was the former and successful head coach of American University and is currently a scout for the prestigious Adidas ESP Program. Under Pete’s direction, players will learn to play ‘good soccer’ and to excel in both their individual/technical and team tactical skills – to play a more matured team possession style of soccer. Experienced, athletic and competitive players who are enthusiastic and passionate about competing at the highest level of youth soccer and who desire to prepare to play at the next level of high school and collegiate soccer are invited for a special tryout session with Inter Bethesda. Interested players and parents are encouraged to call Pete @ 301-657-0950 (h) or @ 202-885-3035 (o), or EMail: pete@socceryearround.com for any questions. Or, Alan Olson (Mgr) @ 301-217-0088 (h), or EMail: way2cool1x@comcast.net.

16 Nov. '03. On an overcast day with a few rain drops sputtering on a very poor, bumpy field at Rock Creek Hills LP in Kensginton, MD, Inter Bethesda and the U13/D2-MSC Synergy Lightning met in a first-time friendly scrimmage. Only 10 players were available for Inter due to prior family commitments and a last minute injury by a guest player, Robin, from ABGC Sharks. MSC Synergy Lightning fielded 14 players, several of whom were guesting from their U13/D6-MSC Synergy Thunder B team. At about the 5 minute mark, Inter struck first as a result of a pass up field by Patrick that was cleared by MSC Synergy but then intercepted by Carsten who made a break away run, eluding the defenders and juked out the keeper to find the back of the left side of the net, 1-0, Inter. Just before half, MSC Synergy sent a volley up field to the right and their fine right mid-fielder, Ethan, made a perfect strike at the ball in the air and it sailed high over Ben's outstretched arms into the upper left side of the net. Ben stepped in for Rob who was out nursing a nagging week long cold. Due to the bumpy field condition and the fine defense of both teams, neither Inter nor MSC Synergy were able to effectively dribble/pass the ball in the second half, resulting in a deadlocked, 1-1, tie. Many thanks to MSC Synergy Lightning for an enjoyable scrimmage.

2 Nov. '03. Out at Muldoon's Farm on a beautiful, warm, sunny day at high noon with temps in the low 70's, Inter played the last game of the fall 2003 season against the last place Loudoun Cyclones, who had yet to win a game. After giving RFC '91 all it could handle the week before in a tie game, 2-2, the scrappy Loudoun team came to play Inter with enthusiasm, intensity and determination, wanting to notch a W in the worst way. The game was evenly played in a scoreless first half, with Loudoun taking 4-SOG's and 2-CK's, while Inter fired 3-SOG's and 5-CK's. Several of Skylar's very fine CK's were nicely headed by Nat but unluckily sailed high over the cross-bar/net. Loudoun stepped up its intensity in the 2nd half, and at the 3 minute mark a DFK ball from about +35 yards out to the right was collected by a Loudoun player - who out-hustled Inter's defenders - and dribbled to his left forcing Rob to come out to his right to cut off the angle, but the skillful Loudoun player cut the ball to his right and quickly shot in the goal to the right of the net. Except for the two goals scored by Loudoun, the second half was played fairly even for the most part, with Loudoun taking 4-SOG's/1-CK and Inter taking 6-SOG's/1-CK. With just (11) players and no subs, Inter looked flat and lethargic and couldn't muster up strong enough SOG's to find the back of the net, but credit must be given to Loudoun's defenders for thwarting Inter from scoring. They were constantly challenging/pressuring and often tackling the ball away from Inter. Loudoun's second goal also came as a result of another DFK from about 25+ yards away at about the 6 minute mark, which Inter cleared out but Loudoun countered with nice passing and a good cross to the goal mouth where an unmarked Loudoun player found a seam and struck in the goal. Congratulations to Loudoun for doing what it had to do and win this game, 2-0, to end their unfortunate season on an upbeat note before being relegated to D2 next spring 2004. The dogged and determined play of the Cyclones should help them earn their way back to D1 next fall 2004.

26 Oct. '03. On a mostly cloudy, wind-swept day at the nice MD Soccer Plex field, no officials showed up and Ole/Pete agreed to allow an Inter parent/SIAR, Manuel C., to conduct the center officiating -- and Manuel did a very commendable job. The RR's pretty much controlled most of the match on Inter's side of the field. Although the RR's fired off numerous shots on goal and several corner kicks, Inter's defenders were able to clear the ball away and Rob made several great saves; and, a couple of the SOG's sailed high over or hit/deflected off of the cross bar. With the wind at their back, the RR's managed just (1) lone goal at about the 15 minute mark of the first half with a nice cross by Sam B., which found Dasean in the goal mouth who turned and fired in the winning goal. Inter had the wind at their back in the second half, but could not captitalize any SOG or CK opportunities, mostly due to the RR's quick defenders and swift couterattacking. With Pablo still out for two more weeks due to hairline fracture to his right big toe, Inter valiantly played with just (11) players and no subs, giving the RR's all it could handle. Congratulations to our sister RR's for another win in their arsenal of W's over the past several seasons. Inter always enjoys playing this very fine and talented team.

19 Oct. '03. On a crisp and sunny mid-day on a bad field in DC, Inter's (11) player squad battled the feisty DCST Blue Thunder. Despite the poor, bumpy field condition, Inter controlled and passed the ball well, relentlessly attacking/countering on the Blue Thunder side of the field, and set up numerous scoring opportunities - but, Inter was able to finish just the lone (1) goal coming in the 7-8 minute mark of the first half, 1-0, coming from a nice cross from the left by Patrick which was deflected in the goal mouth and then punched in by Ben. Inter's stingy defenders prevented any deep penetration into the goal mouth, closing quickly and allowing Blue Thunder no more than 1-2 attempted shots on goal. Numerous fouls were committed by DCST players throughout the match, with one DCST player being sent off mid-way through the 2nd half with a 2nd yellow, although Inter was no angel in its play at times committing several fouls and receiving a warning.