An Online Guide to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

The U.S. Women's National Team opens its 2011 World Cup tomorrow morning, when it takes on North Korea (11:45a ESPN, ESPN3.com). Below are some links you might find helpful as you follow the U.S. as it tries

FIFA 2011 Women's World Cup

U.S. Soccer Women's National Team

U.S. Women's National Team player profiles

ESPN Soccernet

- John C.L. Morgan

Roger Levesque Caps Supporters' Tifo

Supporters of the Seattle Sounders FC unveiled an impressive choreographed visual display, or a tifo, on May 14 prior to its game against rival Portland, and Maine native Roger Levesque's face highlighted the display.

Levesque, a Falmouth product, was celebrated for a first-minute goal he scored against Portland in a 2009 U.S. Open Cup game. Of course, the fact that he also appears to be the most hated player in Portland fans' eyes (see here or here) probably didn't hurt when Sounder fans picked which Sounders, past and present, would represent the club.

- John C.L. Morgan

MLS Birthplace Map

The MLS By Birthplace

Major League Soccer (MLS) has released its annual survey of its players' birthplaces.

As of March 23, 57% of the 487 players on MLS rosters were born in the United States. A breakdown by continent can be found below:

North America
71% (348)

South America
11% (52)

Europe
9% (46)

Africa
7% (34)

Oceania
0.8% (4)

Asia
0.6% (3)

- John C.L. Morgan

Soccer and Mud Season

Sun Journal:

While many local gyms are dark and most recreational sports programs are in a holding pattern, youth from the communities of RSU 58 and a few from Farmington are celebrating soccer. Indoor soccer, to be precise, played on a high school basketball court temporarily infused with the personality of a hockey or roller rink. "It’s dead time in the gym," association registrar Darren Allen said. "Mud season's here. What can you do outside, sink?"

- John C.L. Morgan

How Tactics Have Changed

Michael Cox of Zonal Marking ranks the most remarkable changes in soccer tactics over the last decade.

- John C.L. Morgan

Q&A: Jordan Rich

[Editor's Note: Jordan Rich, an alum of the Westbrook Soccer League and Westbrook High School ('06), was named Soccer Maine's "2010 Male Young Referee of the Year" at the organization's annual awards dinner in March. Below, Rich briefly talks about his officiating experiences and his aspirations as a referee.]

How long have you been officiating?
I have been officiating for about 8 years.

Why did you start officiating?
I started refereeing going into my freshmen year in high school. I got started when my high school coaches made an announcement during pre-season that they were looking for referees to ref local rec league games. There was a referee certification class coming up, and they said they would pay for it. I figured it couldn't hurt to take the class, so I did. I started out by refereeing the Westbrook rec league 9-13-year-olds at $20 a game for 2 or 3 games on a Sunday. I had no expectations and, at first, no desire to move up. I just thought it was a good way to make a few extra dollars on the weekend.

What are your refereeing aspirations?
This is something I am very invested in, as I reffed about 400 games last year alone. Right now I need to pass one more assessment to get my grade 6 in USSF/FIFA. Grades 6 and 5 are considered a "state badge." I would at least like to get my grade 5 and possibly my Grade 4 or 3, which are considered a "national badge." Getting your national badge is very difficult (only one referee from Maine has ever obtained a national badge), so right now I am just focusing on one step at a time.

What stands out as a memorable moment in your officiating career?
Last year I had many memorable moments. I was lucky enough to attend the Disney Soccer Showcase in Florida, which was a lot of fun. I also had my experience [as the head referee] in a Premier Development League (PDL) game. That was exciting, as it was the highest-level game I've officiated. I did have to give a penalty kick in the second half which lead to a 1-1 tie. I was fortunate enough to get out with minimal complaints and no cards, so I was happy.

Would you like to add anything?
For those younger players out there considering officiating, it is a great way to get involved and stay involved with the game of soccer while making money. It can be very good money. I can make $400-$500 a weekend refereeing. Not many college kids have a job that pays that well while they get to watch a sport they love. Another perk is I get to travel. Many tournaments will pay for your travel, food, and lodging. Just last year I had paid trips to Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and almost every New England state. I highly encourage high school and college age players to give it try. I would be happy to assist and talk with anyone interested in getting started.

For more information about becoming a soccer referee--including the dates of upcoming certification and re-certification classes--click here.

- John C.L. Morgan

Related: WSL Alum Shares South African Experiences (February 5, 2010)
Related: WSL Alums Playing College Ball (January 20, 2010)