TEAM USA ARRIVES IN HAIFA; DAY ONE SUMMARY

The Maccabi U.S. Men's Master's Soccer Team descended on the great port city of Haifa throughout the day on Thursday, July 9th as players, coaches and team staff arrived in waves at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv prior to taking buses and cars up to the Dan Carmel Hotel.

Co-chair Steve Alper was among the first to arrive as he took a 10.5-hour flight from Newark Airport to Tel Aviv. Accompanying the New Jersey midfielder were Head Coach Al Albert and his wife, Gail, David Linn (Chicago) and Joel Zuckerman (Boyds, MD), among others. "For as tired as I should have felt, I felt refreshed and alive with anticipation of the events to come," said Alper.

Team USA had a spirited first training session on Thursday evening on the plush grass pitch at the Neve Shanaan Soccer Complex. Coach Albert led the team through a series of dynamic stretching exercises which progressed to a 4v4 game with small goals followed by 6v6+1 finishing game on one half of the fields. It's interesting to note that the Shanaan Complex is also home to Hapoel Haifa's first team, who was concluding a pre-season training session prior to Team USA's first workout on Israel soil.

Following a good night's rest at the Dan Carmel, members of Team USA awoke on Friday, which is hereby referred to as DAY ONE, to a splendid breakfast which included a variety of fresh fruit, cheeses, cereal, coffee, tea, juices, various Israeli salads with fresh greens, dried fruit and olives, hoummous, breads and an omelet station championed by the one and only, Moussa. At 9:30 AM, members of the team climbed aboard a private bus for transport to Brody Stadium, where Coach Albert asked members of the team to work on team shape, tactical organization of the defensive unit in the last third and finishing inside the box. The sun blazed throughout the session and temperatures soared into the high 80's with little relief from a passing cloud or storm.

After training, the team returned to the hotel and was told to report to the 2nd floor for lunch in "Le Rondo", the Dan Carmel's version of a Mediterranean bistro that just so happens to overlook the port of Haifa. The vista was simply breathtaking and everyone took solace in the blue backdrop of the Med and port cranes, which were inactive due to the coming of the Friday night shabbat. Again, the food was spectacular - fresh salads, pasta, hoummous, Israeli-spiced chicken, fish, beef and vegetable dishes accompanied by unique desserts and fruit. No one left hungry and put the calories back in the body for an afternoon at local beaches, hotel pool or simply a visit to a street-side cafe.

Team member Gil Oren arranged for his teammates and select members of their respective families to join him and his extended family at his home in Hertzliyya for a traditional shabbat dinner. For many, this was their first ever shabbat dinner in Israel and the Oren's made sure that it would be one of the most memorable for memnbers of Team USA. A gourmet sampling of pasta with a special lebneh cheese followed by an assortment of numerous greens and vegetable salads accompanied the first two courses as Gil opened the dinner with the lighting of the shabbat candles and the reading of several prayers to blesss the meal. After the appetizers were devoured, guests were given a choice of roasted chicken or steak as their main course dishes, which were savory and delectable. Dessert included trays of fresh canteloupe, cheese, figs, grapes and watermelon along with a custard cup of vanilla ice cream topped by pieces of halva that were drizzled with honey. By in large, this was Team USA's best dinner yet and concluded with the presentation of replica USA pennants that will be presented by captain Irad Young to the leadership of Great Britain, Mexico and South Africa prior to each match. Steve Alper and Doug Homer also received gifts from members of Team USA to recognize them for all of their hard work and effort to lead and organize the team's administrative and logistical mission for the 18th Maccabiah. Up next for Team USA on Saturday, July 11th is a free day of sightseeing followed by a light training session in the evening.

Up Close: Doug Homer..."I think about winning it all everyday..."

The Maccabi experience for defender Doug HOMER began in Sydney, Australia three summers ago. Invited to participate in the Games by fellow Maccabi alumnus Barry Gudelsky, Homer entered the tournament as the sole rookie on a team comprised of Open and Master soccer players.

It was here that he got his first look at how the Games were run and set up along with the taste of competition against Argentina, Australia and Mexico. While the U.S. team failed to medal, it did leave a mark on the Long Island native, so much so, that he returned in '07 to lead the U.S. Open team to a 4th place finish at the European Maccabi Games in Rome, Italy.

Fast forward a year later to the winter of 2008 and Doug's call up to the Pan American Games in Buenos Aires. Battling a groin injury he picked up at a team camp, Homer trained religiously with Calvin Poston of MOST and regained the strength and flexibility that he would need to compete for a medal. It was again a bitter tournament for the Master's team as they finished 5th and lost all three of their reound-robin matches. This bitterness is what motivates him today for the 18th Maccabiah.

Steve Alper sat down with his Co-Chair for the Maccabiah and asked him to reflect on his passion for the sport as well as some of the factors that have motivated him to train and prepare for this competition.

MUSA: You have been a player and coach in past Maccabi Games. What drives you to put the effort in for the 2009 games in Israel?

DH: I hate to lose and have come up short on three tries with Maccabi USA Soccer since I began this journey in '06. Every tournament has been a positive experience for me, but when you lose to the likes of Argentina, Brazil and Great Britain, you feel a rush of disappointment come over you that is both bitter and heartfelt. I've pulled that from within when I've pushed myself in the winter to play outdoors, put up more weight in the lifting that I've done and iced down my heels when they've told me I've over done it from running sprints too much. I also see the light blue and black of Argentina's jersey when I'm rowing on the erg for thousands of meters each week. I want to win it all and prove to myself, my supporters and teammates that we can achieve greatness despite the odds.

How have you balanced life's personal challenges with your activities as a Co-Chair and player?

I've spent a great deal of time on the phone as well as exchanging e-mails with Steve and Al over the past year defining each step of our plans and how that factors into the long-term goal of assembling the best possible roster for Israel. As an executive and father of two, it has been challenging from a time-management perspective, but my wife has been wonderful throughout and allowed me to go at this in a way that I haven't in the past. I'd wager to say that I spend 15-20 hours per week working on matters pertaining to this team, and intertwine that with the obligations I have to my clients and family beyond the norm of a "40 hour work week". I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge how grateful I am to Al, Steve, Mark Knue and all of the lads who toiled through tryouts and camps to reach this point together. This has been the most-responsive group of old greyhound footballers I have ever known!

When you saw the draw and schedule what were the first things that game to mind?

Rapper Chuck D once said "Don't believe the hype!" and I find that applicable to the draw that took place at the beginning of June. While it's nice to be in a group that does not include Argentina or the host country, Israel, I wouldn't be so sure that our pairings are not a "Group of Death" in their own way. None of the teams want to walk away from the Games with three defeats or little points, so I see each match as crucial to our goal of advancing to the final and winning it all. We must be mentally-prepared for everything and anything to come our way - whether it is poor conditions, injuries, disciplinary issues or a combination of rough tactics by our opponents, this draw is winnable but will require effort, unity and resilience from all 18 athletes. But, let me conclude by saying, that those who I am faced up with, will have a very difficult and exhaustive day ahead of them.


What aspects of soccer do you appreciate the most?

The comraderie that the game generates regardless of the score, language(s) spoken, cultural and religious implications or the age of the players involved. I've been fortunate to have played and coached all around the world - the only continent I've yet to ply my skills on is Africa, and I plan to be in South Africa next summer for the World Cup. Beyond the unity that the game helps foster, I am also quite touched by how the game is a universal language in itself. It has business and economic impact as well as a global acceptance that billions follow. I'm proud to be one of its students and look forward to continuing the journey for years to come, especially as my kids age and start to become more involved with sports.

What is the most important component of achieving success in the upcoming Games?

This is definitely a question Steve asks prospective employees at Barclays, so I know what his motivation is for asking me this last! With that said, I believe that the hardest ingredient to produce in teams that are assembled for tournaments of this nature is TRUST in each player, from the first XI to the last man standing next to the coach on game day. Of all the Maccabi teams that I've been a player, I'd say this aspect was most absent and clearly affected our chemistry, tactical understanding of the game and how to adjust on the fly against countries that have spent far more hours training and competing as a unit than we ever did. For this team to tattoo "impossible is nothing" on our arms and hearts, we need to trust each other and the decisions we make on the field. That's a monumental task but having someone as knowledgable and experienced as Al Albert is the real elixir in this team's cauldron. Without Al's vision and ability to inspire, we would not be the group we are today nor would I feel as dedicated as I am to what we're aiming for. I'm most grateful to him and his spouse, Gail, for agreeing to join us on this odyssey.

Up Close: Nir Sveri..."remember me as one funny guy!"

Midfielder Nir SVERI has a special bond with Israel that goes straight to the heart and roots of his heritage. Born and raised in Israel, Sveri is excited to return to his homeland and play before friends and family during the 18th Maccabiah Games.

Soccer has been a cornerstone of Nir's personal and professional lives, so much so, that he operates his own indoor facility on Long Island. It is here that he mentors players and coaches of all ages; with the goal of developing Long Island’s youth into professional players in MLS and the Women’s Professional Soccer league.

With the opening ceremonies less than 2 weeks ago, Sveri looks forward to the opening match against Great Britain and aims for Gold in the final on July 21st.

MUSA: Why are you passionate about the team and its goal to win Gold this summer in Israel?

NS: It is a very rewarding feeling to go back to your old home and win representing your adopting country…doing it in front of friends and family is an added bonus!

Who is your biggest supporter/fan? Why?

My wife, Kim. She understands that without soccer I would be impossible to deal with : ) so she is very supportive of me playing as much as I can!

What are your expectations?

On the personal side…showing my kids all the places I grew up in…visiting old friends…the food and the atmosphere…on the soccer side I know this is going to be very special…when I met the guys in VA I was very impressed not only with the talent but their make up…great group…I think Chemistry will carry us over the top!

If you were to choose an actor to portray you in a documentary about your life and career, who would it be and why?

Charlie Sheen…love his sense of humor…and if he is not available Zuck {Joel Zuckerman} can do it for half the price!

How do you want your teammates and younger members of the Maccabi USA Soccer delegation to remember you?

As a guy that always gave it his best…made his teammates better and put the team goals ahead of his own…(was that too deep?) then remember me as one funny guy!

Up Close: Matt Miller..."when an opportunity like this comes up, saying "no" is not an option..."

For Matt MILLER, the chance to represent the U.S. in the 18th Maccabiah is a life-long dream come true. The former Sockers '71 alumnus is on cloud nine after being named to the roster for the '09 tournament, which begins on July 12th against Great Britain.

Management sat down with Matt to discuss his expectations and extra motivation for a Gold medal in Israel.

As the newest member of the team, please describe the feelings you had after being contacted by Head Coach Al Albert and offered a position on the Master's Team. Did you ever envision a call coming to play in the 18th Maccabiah?

My initial reaction was overwhelming excitement. The adrenaline was pumping so much that I don't think I slept more than a few hours the first day or two after Coach Al offered me a position. I also felt deeply honored to be allowed the opportunity to join the team and represent the USA in the games. Hard to describe the sense of pride, honor and accomplishment when I received and first put on my USA gear. Awesome. Can't wait to complete the getup with a gold medal! As the new guy, I also have a bit of extra motivation to be sure I am in peak condition. I've been training like mad, working harder on conditioning and ball skills than I have in years. I may have been the last man chosen, but I hope to be one of the first to make a difference on the field, as we march to gold. I owe it to myself, my teammates and to Coach Al. I intend to make Coach Al look like a genius for making this off-season acquisition.

Did I envision a call coming to play in the 18th Maccabiah?

Not really. But when an opportunity like this comes up, saying "no" is not an option. The irony is that I've been training and increasing my playing days with an eye toward trying out for the Fire, so I was actually preparing for this level of play when the call came. True story. I've been threatening to tryout at the Fire's next open tryouts, to become the Fire's first almost-40-year-old rookie, but to play for the U.S. in the Maccabiah is way better. Either way, my friends and family think I'm nuts, which only encourages me more. So I wasn't expecting the call, but I've been working toward playing at a high level and I'm glad the call came.


What are some of your greatest soccer memories?

That's a tough question because there are so many memories. Soccer has been a huge part of my life for so long, and I've had the privilege of playing with great teams and teammates all over the country, in Canada and even for a summer in Europe. It is hard to choose a few memories as the "greatest," and honestly, I'm hoping that the greatest memory is the one yet to come in Israel--winning a gold medal. I can't imagine any better memory than that.

Rather than choosing any one memory, maybe the better way for me to answer this question is to say that the best memories are the friendships formed through soccer that have listed over the years, and that will last even when I'm done playing (though I don't think I will ever be done playing). These soccer friendships helped make this Maccabiah opportunity possible for me. It was Dave Linn, a former teammate and now a teammate again, who first brought this U.S. team to my attention and made the introduction to Coach Al. Thanks, Dave. In return, I promise to set you up for at least one goal--it will be up to you to finish it, but I will serve it up! And another former teammate, Franz Calixte, who has let me train and play with his club here in the National Soccer League. Thanks, Franz. It's great to be playing together again. Sockers '71--still kicking it!


Who are your role models and mentors in life? How have they helped shape you personally and professionally?

Personally, my mentors would have to be my parents. While I do not always listen, and do not always acknowledge when they are right, without my parents I would not be the person I am today, and I would not do the things that I do. rofessionally, Rich Prendergast, one of the finest lawyers and people I know. I'm proud to consider him a friend and mentor. Rich has taught me a lot about being a trial lawyer and the importance of helping others, always being a friend and--no matter how busy the schedule--being a good dad to my boys, Sam, Isaac and Henry. And although he is not obligated by family ties, Rich has always supported my various personal and work adventures--including my participation in the Maccabiah, so thanks, Rich, for everything.

If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner, who would they be and why?

Muhammad Ali. The champ. It would be quite the experience to have dinner with Ali, hear his sports and life stories. Muhammad Ali is one of a kind, and he's one of my favorite people to quote. My personal favorite: "I don't always know what I'm talking about, but I know I'm right." You have to admire the confidence of that statement--confidence of a champion. Plus, for those people who know me, I think the statement might well have been said by me.

Clarence Darrow. As a trial lawyer and a Chicago guy, I am fascinated by Clarence Darrow's story, and can never read enough about the cases he tried and the causes and people that he represented. He's an important part of our local, national and legal history, and if I could learn just a little bit from him--about being a lawyer, and about helping the greater good, even when doing so might be unpopular--then my life would be all the better.

Ben Harper. I'm a big music fanatic, and right now, Ben Harper is way up there on my list of favorites. The man can rock, oozes coolness and is super intense. Dinner with Ben Harper would be surreal. Can you set that up?

How do you want your teammates and others associated with Maccabi USA to remember you?

I would like them to remember me as that tall, dark-haired guy who tore it up in the middle of the field. But I'm not tall, and my hair is not as dark as it once was, so I will settle for being remembered as a great teammate, intense competitor, great addition to the team, fun guy and good friend, hopefully for years to come. I also hope to be remembered for a spectacular goal or two, some sweet assists, hard tackles and maybe even a good nutmeg (never in the back 1/2, I know). If I can set Morry up for the gold winning goal that he wants, that would be nice, too. But really, I'm a very soft-spoken guy, so I just hope to be remembered.

Up Close: Steve Alper..."Henry Kissinger would be an unbelievable guest..."

One of the more compelling stories left untold until today is that of Steve ALPER, Co-Chair of the Master's Over-35 Team, and one of Wall Street's silent heroes.

A New Yorker wherever he goes, Alper is always on the go and processing at a baud rate similar to the units IBM first tested in the 50's when the 360 was large enough to rival a Mercedes 5-series sedan. A native of the Bronx, Steve attended SUNY-Brockport where he ran up and down the flanks for the men's varsity soccer team for four years. His skills as an international financial expert have afforded him ample opportunity to spread his wings with Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital.

He is one of the most dedicated fundraisers management has come across and we are very fortunate to have #17 on our team.

MUSA: As one of the chairs for the Master's Team, you have taken on a great deal of responsibility to ensure that a quality team was assembled for the 18th Maccabiah. How much of a challenge has this been for you, both at home, work and in relation to the tasks that you have had to manage for the team?
-
SA: The last year of my life has been a fortitude-building experience. Professionally, I have had to deal with a roller coaster (ok, depth plunge) in my industry and the fall of a firm that I spent over 17 years of my life with. At home, the support of my family was a bit surprising as they always say to me, "Do you really need another thing to do in your life?" They made it easy for me to work on this for the past year and have high expectations for the team. My new organization has been incredibly supportive as well. Many more people want to talk about the Games given our support for the {English} Premiership and what the support means to the mother ship. Knowing that we have our opener versus Great Britain is quite an irony. As far as balancing the tasks for the team, life is about balance. Preparing for the Games over the last year has been an incredibly rewarding experience and was a pleasant distraction from a scary reality.

Describe the fundraising plan and process that you came up with for the team. What changes have you had to make in response to the market's volatility over the past 9 months?

SA: One year ago when I accepted the Co-chair role I had made a list of who I thought we could count on for support. After September I realized that the world had changed significantly and we needed to triple the number of asks and be more diligent with the follow up. We also had to create a message that gave a compelling reason for someone to want to support our team and the Games. In January I was scared #&* that we would fall short so I continued a call, email and letter campaign (each individual was asked more than once even if they said no to begin with) which proved to be effective in the end.

How would you describe your personal preparation for the Games? What have you done differently to get ready for the tournament?

SA: This can only be sated by a quote from my wife. She said "you are taking this much more seriously than when you went to Argentina." Not that I didn't prepare for the Pan American Games, it is just that I am older and needed more fitness training. Additionally I have been doing a lot more individual ball work training. My fellow early birders at the gym have made fun of me that I have been bringing a soccer ball with me to work out in the studio. I have also been playing for two teams since the early spring so up until recently (due to the rain we have had a number of games postponed) had been playing a ton of games.

If you could invite three influential people to dinner with you and your family, who would they be and why?

SA: Henry Kissinger would be an unbelievable guest at this fantasy dinner party. His view on world affairs from a current events and historical standpoint would be fantastic. Michael Bloomberg, love him or hate him, he has been an inspiration as a wall streeter, entrepreneur and now a force in the political landscape. Lastly, Kim Young Il, as I really want to know what this guy is thinking, it is completely baffling.

As a soccer player, who do you admire and try to be like on the field?

SA: Juergen Klinsman. He has had an accomplished career at multiple positions on the field and coaching. He is dedicated, determined and competitive, and never gave up and extended his professional career longer than most. He is my age (next month) and while I would like to admire the youth, I much admire the maturity which he has displayed throughout his career. Additionally he was reliable and consistent as a player. I feel that is how my teammates would remember me.

Doug, thank for all of your commitment to the team as well as keeping our blog interesting and current. You are an awesome player and Co-chair.

Al, you have really inspired me as a coach on and off the field. You have a presence which should be bottled and given to others.

To all of my teammates, thanks for the effort to give this team the best chance at success in the Maccabi Games. I look forward to playing with you and getting to know each of you better. Next stop: Gold in Haifa.