"Flash on the Road"

The Tsunami, who are coming off a 7-0 loss will be no pushovers, especially given their home-field advantage for the match. This is not lost on Flash Assistant Coach Jerome Watson (who will be filling in for Head Coach Warren Barton while he is in Germany for the UEFA Champions League final and Fox Soccer Channel commitments).

“We don’t know too much about this new franchise except that they are formed around the local college players. We expect them to run all day and try to surprise us with an early goal.

“Last season we would have been wary about a game such as this given the travel, but luckily our boys have had that experience early on in the season when they travelled to Phoenix.

“They all have their own routines but one thing is for sure, they will be focused on the game at the hand at looking to set up a blockbuster of a game against Sacramento next week.” Watson said.

The final regular season meeting for the San Diego Flash with teams from the North will be on June 2 when the San Francisco Stompers visit Del Norte High School field in Poway (7pm Kick-Off).

The Mission of the San Diego Flash Soccer Organization is to be an inspiration to Youth Soccer Players in San Diego. Head Coach is Warren Barton, former English National Team and Newcastle United star. Player Talent Coordinator is Eric Wynalda, former US Men’s National Team, Major League Soccer star and member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. Their goals are to form the team from talented, local players and provide them opportunities to play professionally in their hometown of San Diego in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. It is also important to give youth players the opportunity to see top-flight soccer in person; to help motivate them to keep their passion for playing soccer. San Diego Flash is one of 49 teams that play in the National Premier Soccer League.

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) consists of 49 teams and is the top developmental league in the United States. The league was founded in 2002 to promote youth, amateur and professional soccer. The NPSL and its team members now reach over 49 soccer communities across the country.

If winning is a habit, what does that say about winning by shutout? San Diego Flash took a second consecutive 3-0 match on Sunday, May 13, marking their fourth clean sheet of the NPSL season and fifth victory overall. This time it was the Bay Area Ambassadors who fell victim to the stingiest defense in the West. The Flash have surrendered only three goals in regular season play.

In front of a small but enthusiastic Mother’s Day crowd, Flash opened the match a bit flat, allowing the visiting Ambassadors to dictate the flow of the first few minutes of play. Goalkeeper Nicolas Harpel, who pulled off two amazing saves on penalty kicks against FC Santa Clarita to preserve that shutout, was called on early to punch away one dangerous Bay Area attack. Eventually, though, San Diego found their rhythm and never looked back

In the seventeenth minute of the match San Diego put together a strong attack. Justin Picou blasted a shot up the middle that was cleared out to the left, where Andy O’rtega was waiting to center a pass for Brandon Zuniga. Bay Area goalie Doug Herrick attempted to clear the ball, but an Ambassador defender tipped the ball into the net for an own goal.

Andy O'rtega "Man of the Match"

That seemed to change the entire tenor of the game, and Flash pushed their offensive pressure into high gear. Bay Area refused to give in, though, and managed to put together several pushes of their own, but San Diego’s defense was just as resilient and the half ended with Flash up 1-0.

Flash kicked off for the second half and immediately went on the attack, pushing Bay Area’s defense to the limit. Then in the 50th minute Zuniga led an attack up the left side that pulled the goalie far out of the net. In the ensuing scramble Picou managed to center the ball to Brennan Tennelle, who promptly fired the ball in for a 2-0 lead. The Ambassadors complained that a foul should have been called, but the referee declined and the goal stood.

With time running down, Bay Area began to increase the pressure, looking for at least one goal on the day. Tempers began to flare and words were exchanged between the two sides, but the game continued without major interruptions. As often as the Ambassadors would make a run, San Diego would break it up and counter. Both Harpel and Herrick were required to make several acrobatic saves to keep the other side from scoring.

The match continued that way until in the 80th minute San Diego put together one last successful attack. Zuniga took a pass just to the left of center and charged forward. Fighting off defenders, he centered the ball back to where David Bakal was coming up from the middle. Bakal collected the ball and fired a left-footed shot that beat Herrick on the right for the final goal of the match.

After the game Flash head coach Warren Barton, who had rushed to the game after working the FOX Soccer coverage of the Barclays Premier League final day, was delighted about the results. “I thought it was excellent from start to finish,” he said. “I thought we really had that desire, that commitment, that effort, that focus and that quality. It’s a good feeling in the camp at the moment, and they’re doing exceedingly well. Jerome [Watson] and Jesus [Rico-Sanz] and David [Banks] are working them hard during the week. I’m pleased – another clean sheet. It allowed us to get some players run out there. [Backup goalkeeper] Christian Valdez got his first time playing in this circumstance. I thought it was excellent and I was very pleased.”

San Diego will next play two away games against opponents in the West-Northern Conference, with a game against North Coast Tsunami in Eureka on May 19 and against Sacramento Gold on May 27. These will be followed by the final regular season meeting with teams from the North when San Francisco Stompers visit the Del Norte High School field on June 2.

San Diego Flash 3
’17 Own Goal (Andy O’rtega)
’50 Brennan Tennelle – Assist Justin Picou
’80 David Bakal – Assist Brandon Zuniga

Bay Area Ambassadors 0

Man of the Match: Andy O’rtega

Next Match: SD Flash vs San Francisco Stompers – Kick-off 5pm
Click here for: Next Match 20% Discount on Pre-Paid Tickets and Season Pass information!

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GK Nick Harpel Brilliant with 2 PK saves

The undefeated San Diego Flash (4 – 1 – 0) solidified their hold on first place in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)  West-Southern Conference with a convincing 3-0 win over former second place FC Santa Clarita Storm. It also marked San Diego’s third clean sheet in four wins and one draw in the young season. Flash now have 13 points, four better than Fullerton Rangers (3-0-2; 9 points), who jumped past Santa Clarita with a 4-2 win over San Diego Boca to take over the number two slot.

Coming into the match Santa Clarita were the highest scoring team in the conference, and remain so with 15 goals – one better than Flash. However Flash entered with the conference’s best defense, having only surrendered three goals. In the end, it was defense that proved the winner and Santa Clarita suffered their first loss against two wins and two draws.

Early on the two sides battled evenly, with neither team able to crack the other’s defenses. Finally in the final five minutes Flash struck twice on goals by midfielders David Bakal and Brennan Tennelle. The first goal came after a Santa Clarita defender attempted to clear a throw in but instead dumped the ball at Bakal’s feet. Always willing to oblige, Bakal fired the gift into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Tennelle’s goal came on another Santa Clarita miscue. Sergio Valle-Ortiz attempted to play a ball over the top from 30 yards out but mis-kicked and it ended up coming to Tennelle, who was closely covered. “The defender bit,” said Tennelle, “I did a step over to my right and hit it into the far post when I saw the keeper was out about seven yards. Basically it was the defender thinking I was going to go right and I went left.”

The second half began the same as the first, with both teams fighting for advantage but neither converting. Finally with about 30 minutes left in the game newcomer Justin Picou, fed the ball into the center where team captain Nelson Pizarro avoided a defender and beat the Santa Clarita goalie for the final goal.

Penalty Kick Save #1 by Nick Harpel

The visitors were not about to concede, and continued to battle. Flash goalkeeper Nicholas Harpel was forced to make several difficult saves as Santa Clarita stepped up the pressure. Then in the 83rd minute Harpel fouled an attacker while trying to clear the ball, and the referee awarded Santa Clarita a penalty kick.

Refusing to let his defense’s hard work go to waste, Harpel read his opponent, dove to his left and knocked the shot out of bounds.

Penalty Kick Save #2 by Nick Harpel

Then as the teams continued into stoppage time, lighting struck again. This time Flash’s Adrian DuBois was called for a foul in the penalty box and Santa Clarita once again received a penalty kick. This time the shooter fired to Harpel’s right, but the determined goalie blocked the ball and then smothered it as it dribbled down the line.

When the whistle sounded moments later to end the game the Flash swarmed their goalkeeper.

After the game Harpel talked about the two stops. “My team was fighting hard the entire game,” he said. “We put away three early goals and my defense was working the whole time. I knew I had to come up big. We had a couple of mistakes – I made one of them – but we came back and fought through it and we got the ‘W’ and the clean sheet.”

San Diego Flash 3
(David Bakal ’42, Brennan Tennelle ’45, Nelson Pizarro ’60)

FC Santa Clarita Storm 0

Man of the Match: #1 Nicholas Harpel (2 Penalty Kick saves)

Next Match: SD Flash vs Bay Area Ambassadors – Kick-off 1pm
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Playing the “Freeway Series” with Fullerton Rangers (2-0-2) in Orange County yesterday evening, San Diego was clinical in a first half which yielded four goals before half-time. The Flash eventually ran out 4-1 winners and remain undefeated after four games this year.

#23 Sergio Valle-Ortiz 'Man of the Match'

SD Flash set the tone early on the back of an industrious display from Man of the Match; Sergio Valle-Ortiz (2 assists), a goal from Adrian Dubois (3’) and a double for Ladule LoSarah (24’ & 41’). Then when Conor Hearn struck just before half-time (44’), the game as a contest was effectively over.

Head Coach Warren Barton was obviously pleased with his side’s performance on the road, but was quick to point out that the season is far from over.

“We have had a good start but need to realize we are only four games into a long season. As we remain undefeated, the bigger the target on our back becomes.

“Our opponents this weekend, Santa Clarita Storm (2-2-0) are also undefeated. They are coming to San Diego and are also looking for another win. Another week another tough challenge, but that’s what our team thrives on.” Barton said.

San Diego Flash return home to Del Norte High School this Saturday, May 5 (5pm Kick-Off) for a clash with new franchise and second placed FC Santa Clarita Storm.

The weekends clash is sure to be a great game for spectators with the two highest scoring teams coming together to determine who takes top spot at the end of the first round of conference match-ups.

San Diego Flash 4 
(DuBois ’3, LoSarah ’24 and ’41, Hearn ’44)

Fullerton Rangers 1
(Ezequiel Estrada ’54)

Man of the Match: #23 Sergio Valle-Ortiz (2 assists)

Next Match: SD Flash vs FC Santa Clarita Storm May 5 – Kick-off 5pm
Click here for: Next Match 20% Discount on Pre-Paid Tickets and Season Pass information!

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San Diego Flash (2 – 1 – 0) continued undefeated for the 2012 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season as they beat Phoenix Monsoon 1-0 in a Desert Showdown at the Reach Eleven Sports Complex in Arizona. The win gives Flash seven points and a matching record with co-leader FC Santa Clarita Storm.

Flash knew going in that this would not be an easy game. Coming off a 9-1 loss against Santa Clarita, Phoenix would be looking for redemption on the pitch. While their record now stands at 0-0-3 (W-D-L), the Monsoon have the ability to score. In their preseason Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against San Diego Boca FC, Phoenix ran out to a fast 3-0 lead before Boca battled back to take the match in penalty kicks.

Brandon Zuniga, who scored a hat trick in the Flash home opener against FC Hasental, got the unassisted lone goal of the game in the second minute. San Diego continued to create chances throughout the game, but the determined Monsoon defense refused to crack a second time. Meanwhile the Flash defense and goalkeeper Nicholas Harpel kept the home team off the scoreboard for San Diego’s second clean-sheet game of the young season.

“It was a tough game,” said Flash Head Coach Warren Barton after the match. “Every team we play seems to raise their game 100 percent against us. The guys played really well and delivered a solid performance. It was the type of play on the field that wins championships.”

Adrian Dubois "Man of the Match"

The play of Defender Adrian Dubois was good enough to earn him “Man of the Match” honors.

Their next match, dubbed “The Freeway Series” will see Flash take on the talented Fullerton Rangers (2 – 0 – 1) at Eddie West Field in Orange County on Sunday, April 29 at 7pm. The Rangers (six points) currently sit just one point behind San Diego Flash and Santa Clarita Storm in what looks like a three-horse race for first place.

By Stephen Prendergast
One thing is certain when the San Diego Flash and San Diego Boca FC meet, the game will be intense and exciting. The latest meeting between the two teams lived up to its billing, as the San Diego Derby ended in a 2-2 draw at the home of the Flash; Del Norte High School.

Flash had opened the season with a convincing 4-0 win over FC Hasental the week before, and were focused on opening up a wider lead on the rest of the division.

San Diego Boca struck first in the second minute when forward Juan Perez took a feed in front of the net and fired past Flash goaltender Nicholas Harpel. The quick goal seemed to momentarily stun Flash.

Momentum did not stay with Boca for long, though, as Flash created several chances at the opposite end. Eventually, with barely four minutes before halftime, Flash was able to convert one of their chances.

In a scramble in front of the Boca net, Flash’s Ladule Lako-LoSarah managed to head the ball backwards over the reach of Boca goalkeeper, Steve Gonzalez to an onrushing Duatch “Dutch” Jock. The lanky Jock fired in mid-leap, sending the ball into the net for the tying goal. Both teams pressed the final minutes for a go-ahead score, but the half ended at 1-1.

The second half began with both teams pushing to establish momentum and pull ahead. Boca’s Juan Perez made several deep runs into Flash territory, only to be turned away by the defense. Likewise Sergio Valle-Ortiz employed his stellar ball-handling skills to orchestrate Flash attacks against the visitors. Then, in the 53rd minute Valle-Ortiz centered the ball to LoSarah who beat Gonzalez for the goal to put Flash ahead 2-1.

With the goal, Flash went back on the attack, looking to put some cushion into their lead. Boca would have none of it, and pushed back with lightning counter-attacks led by Perez. Finally, in the 68th minute, Flash Keeper, Nick Harpel went up for a high save and collided with a Boca player in the process. Unable to hold on to the ball, the Flash keeper fell to the ground as the defense tried desperately to clear the ball away. From seemingly nowhere, Perez darted into the fray and chipped a shot into the unguarded net to again tie the score as Harpel watched helplessly.

After that the game became even more physical as both sides battled for position and the chance to break the tie. At one point two Boca players lay on the pitch after collisions at opposite ends of the field. In spite of the effort, neither defense was about to give in.

Try as they might, neither side was able to break through and the match ended in a draw.

Click here for: Game Day Pictures
Photo Credit: Aaron Jaffe

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By Stephen Prendergast
Flash and Hasental kicked off the 2012 season at Del Norte High School. The first half was evenly played, with the two teams trading momentum through most of the first 45 minutes. Each team had opportunities but failed to cash in on them. Hasental came dangerously close to scoring early in the game when Alberto Anguiano’s shot slid just wide of the far post.  Flash forced Hasental goalkeeper Gil Aguirre to make several stellar saves as they peppered the defense in spurts.

Finally San Diego put together an attack that resulted in a scramble in front of the goal. At first it appeared that Aguirre had control of the ball, but then it came loose and bounced off Flash forward Brandon Zuniga and into the goal. Intentional or not, a goal is a goal and Flash took full advantage of the score. The half closed with San Diego up 1-0, but showing signs of adding more.

In the second half Flash turned up the heat on Hasental, pressuring them continually and allowing the visitors very few chances to break through. Zuniga was a constant threat, darting through the defense to challenge Aguirre several times. Sergio Valle-Ortiz came close with a right-footed blast that just missed the net on the near side.

About thirty minutes into the half the pressure paid off. Having noticed that Aguirre and his defense were occasionally unsteady clearing the ball, Zuniga charged into an exchange between the goalie and his left back. He managed to get a foot into the mix and redirect Aguirre’s clearing kick back into the net for his second goal and a 2-0 Flash lead.

Minutes later Zuniga struck again, as Adrian DuBois played a through ball that the speedy forward took at full stride. Zuniga drew Aguirre out, then cut around and fired into the empty net for a hat trick and a 3-0 lead. The icing on the cake was provided a short time later when recently acquired midfielder Justin Picou, drilled a low rocket that beat Aguirre for the 4-0 final.

Flash head coach Warren Barton was understandably pleased with his team after the game. “I think it was a very good game and I think it showed how strong we are,” he said. “It’s a nice way to start the season, with a clean sheet. It’s a long way to go, but it was a perfect start. You have to win the battle and our class showed against a very good team.”

San Diego Flash 4 (Zuniga 30, 55, 65, Picou 75), FC Hasental 0
Man of the Match: #22 Brandon Zuniga

Next Match: SD Flash vs San Diego Boca April 14 – Kick-off 5pm
Click here for: Next Match 20% Discount on Pre-Paid Tickets and Season Pass information!

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These Youth Clubs are affiliated with the San Diego Flash Soccer Club’s Head Coach Warren Barton and Player Talent Consultant; Eric Wynalda (see resumés below).

As young players in San Diego develop their skills, it is important for them to have access to the best talent evaluators possible. Warren Barton and Eric Wynalda have played the sport of soccer at the highest levels in the world. Because of who they are, they have connections in the socer world, that many others don’t.

The Youth Soccer Clubs on this list work with the San Diego Flash Soccer Club to give their kids access to Warren and Eric and all the connections they have to offer.

Nott’s Forest Soccer Club – Clairemont Mesa
Visit: http://nottsforestsoccer.com – Call: 619.985.1212
Director of Coaching: David Banks

Carmel Valley Manchester – Carmel Valley
Visit: http://manchestersoccer.net - Call: 858.344.1086
Co-Director of Coaching – Billy Garton

4S Ranch Avengers – Poway
Visit: http://www.4sranchsoccer.com - Call: 858.538.7988
Soccer Coach – Gary Rossi

Quest Soccer Club – East County
Visit: http://www.questsoccerclub.com - Call: 619.316.4935
Soccer Coach – Will Rells

Chula Vista Rangers – Chula Vista
Visit: http://www.ChulaVistaRangers.com – Call: 619.813.1240
Director of Coaching – Eric ‘Chi’ Chaisongkram

These Youth Soccer Clubs get special discounts and access to San Diego Flash events (Flash matches, Flash Coach and Player appearances at Clinics and Camps, etc.). To add your Club to this directory, send an email to: Info@SanDiegoFlashSoccer.com

______________________________________________________________________________________

Eric Wynalda:
- Alum of San Diego State University
- Major League Soccer – Scored 1st ever goal in history of MLS
- U.S. Men’s National Team – Retired from USMNT as all-time leading scorer with 34 goals in 106 appearances
- U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame Member
- Fox Soccer Channel Analyst
- Player Talent Consultant - The San Diego Flash Soccer Club

Warren Barton:
- English National Team
- Premier League; Football star for Wimbledon and Newcastle United – Was highest paid Defender in history of the League at time of transfer
- Former U-18 Head Coach for the L.A. Galaxy
- Fox Soccer Channel Analyst
- Head Coach / Director of Player Development - The San Diego Flash Soccer Club

If you are looking for something, check these Companies out 1st and mention that the San Diego Flash sent you. They will take great care of you!

We’ll keep adding to this list. So check back often!!

- A Soccer Store – Official store of the San Diego Flash:
Soccer Fanatic - Click here: http://SoccerFanatic.com - Call: 877.544.3456
3 locations in San Diego (Chula Vista, Serra Mesa, Solana Beach)
Voted #1 Soccer Store in the Country by U.S. Soccer!

- A Place to Watch Soccer – Official Soccer Bar of the San Diego Flash:
O’Brien’s Pub – Click here: http://www.obrienspub.net/ - Call:  858.715.1745
Watch all MLS, UEFA Champions League and other Fox Soccer Channel Matches with other San Diego soccer fans!
Also the San Diego Headquarters of  The American Outlaws - Nationwide Supporters Group for the U.S. Men’s National Team! - Learn about Membership. Click here: http://sandiego.theamericanoutlaws.com/

- A Credit Repair Guy – Official ‘Your Finances Matter’ Consultant of the San Diego Flash:
CRA – Credit Repair and Analysis – Email: Eran@CRACreditRepair.com Call: 858.345.1877
He will give you a Free Consultation! From Credit Repair to Financial Matters and more!

- A Video Guy – Official Videographer of the San Diego Flash:
It’s a Wrap Video Production - Email:  itsawrapvideo@gmail.com - Call: 858-776-2078
We create memories here in the San Diego area. Sports video productions, recruiting videos, weddings, events, video transfer, etc. We make your events more memorable!
All SD Flash videos are done by It’s a Wrap Video!

- A Photographer – Official Photographer of the San Diego Flash:
Aaron Jaffe Photography – Click here: www.jafferino.com - Call: 858.231.8512
All SD Flash Photos are done by Aaron Jaffe Photography!

- A Printer – Official Printing Company of the San Diego Flash:
Angel Print – Click here: http://www.angelprint.com  – Call: 888.769.2643
Offset & digital printing company, with a divine online printing service and Eco-friendly Green Printing solutions!

- A Great Restaurant – After Game Restaurant of the San Diego Flash:
Breadbites and Moore – Click here: http://www.breadbites.com – Call: 858.780.2501
Breadbites and Moore is a family owned and operated local restaurant. The restaurant offers high quality food in a quick casual setting. Specialty: The Breadbites are unique bread balls packed with flavor and baked fresh every 5 minutes! The San Diego Flash highly recommends trying BreadBites and Moore!

- A Place to make Keys and get Engraving:
Fast Keys – Click here: http://www.fastkeys.com  – Call: 858.278.1323
Specializing in key duplication, engraving and carrying a wide variety of key accessories. Making awards such as trophies, plaques, medals and other custom items.

A Travel Partner - Official Bus Company of the San Diego Flash
Five Star Tours and Charter Company – Click here: http://www.fivestartours.com Call: 619.232.5049
San Diego’s Tour Bus Leader since 1972. Specializing in group transportation and tour services for all types of groups or individuals.

Through our Social Media sites http://Twitter.com/SDFlashSoccer , http://Facebook.com/SDFlashSoccer , our Partners; Soccer Fanatic, SoccerNation.com and at Games, we can reach upwards of 250,000 Soccer Families to give your business exposure!

If you and your business supports Soccer in San Diego and would like to be on this list, send an email to Info@SanDiegoFlashSoccer to request information.

SD Flash is Ready to Take On San Diego Soccer!

As San Diego welcomes its newest professional team, all soccer enthusiasts should realize the growth of soccer in Southern California – and be exuberant.

The SD Flash announced today they have joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and that league matches begin the 1st weekend of April, 2011.

“We are happy to be a part of the NPSL.” Said Clent Alexander, CEO of the SD Flash Soccer Club. “After examining other league options for our club, we determined the NPSL was the best fit for our organization. We are looking forward to our 1st year in a professional league and predict an exciting season ahead for soccer fans in San Diego.”

A well known face to many, Warren Barton, the well-known soccer aficionado, is the Head Coach for the SD Flash.  Barton is a former English Premier football player and a TV soccer analyst for Fox Soccer Channel.

National Soccer Hall of Famer and lead goal scorer for the U.S. National team Eric Wynalda has joined the management team as a Player Talent Consultant and as Barton says “All is looking very good for the SD Flash.”

The Flash will play at Westview high school on Camino Del Sur in San Diego. Barton says he is committed to growing soccer in San Diego and to building a team from local soccer players.  Barton is not looking to bring talent to San Diego but to identify and train the city’s own talent.

Barton says, “San Diego’s soccer players want to come down and train with us.  Jerome Watson, our assistant coach, and I have done a lot of work to find and train the best players and build a great team.”

“Dozen emails a day come in from players who want to come out to play and this is what you need for soccer success,” says Barton.

“The outlook for soccer in America is very good.  While soccer is still not the #1 sport to watch in our country, we are reaching new heights.” Barton says. “Local fans being able to cheer for homegrown soccer, the future for soccer is bright in San Diego and all this will start this spring.”