Verrado girls soccer falls to Campo Verde

Game ends after penalty kicks following 100 minutes of scoreless play

Verrado's Shea Smith lunges toward a penalty kick taken by a Campo Verdo opponent during a penalty kick tie-breaker. Smith made the save on the play.

  

For the second time in three seasons the Verrado girls soccer team fell to the Campo Verde Coyotes in the Division II semifinal game.

  

  The Vipers latest loss to Campo Verde came in a playoff game played at Williams Field High School on Wednesday evening.

  

  The loss ended the Vipers’ bid to repeat as Div. II State Champions.

  

  Campo Verde defeated the Vipers 3-1 on penalty kicks after playing 80 minutes of regulation and two ten minute overtime periods without a goal by either team.
  

  Verrado Head Coach David Hopkinson felt he had the better team.

  “I told the girls after the first half that we had the better team,” Hopkinson said after the game.  “They’re a good team. I thought we were fairly evenly matched. I do think we created more chances”

  

  Verrado outshot Campo Verde but several acrobatics saves by Coyote goal keeper Amanda Canzona kept the Vipers off the scoreboard.

  “[Campo Verde’s] keeper made one of the best saves I’ve ever seen,” Hopkinson said. “Not just for a high school keeper, but any keeper.”

  

  Verrado goalkeeper Shea Smith also had her share of saves by deflecting balls and stopping balls headed toward the goal.

Hallie Shippy

  

  Verrado’s only score during the penalty kicks came off the foot of freshman Hallie Shippy during penalty kicks. Shippy’s shot was initially deflected by Canzano but ricocheted off the crossbar and then off Canzano’s back and rolled into the net. 

  

  Verrado’s keeper Shea Smith faced five Campo Verde penalty kicks and anticipated correctly on most. Two goals were just out of her reach and one was kicked behind her. Shea made one save and another shot hit the post.

  

  “I told the girls we’re a save or two away from winning that game,” Hopkinson said. “Our defense played too good.  Shea’s unbelievable in goal. To play three games and not give up a goal [in open play] is pretty impressive”

  Verrado’s attacks came in waves with some waves challenging Campo Verde multiple times.

  

  “We just couldn’t sustain it for more than a few minutes at a time,” Hopkinson said. “That’s probably on me.”

  Hopkinson added the high level of individual talent led to spurts of activity but the team game had room for improvement.

  “Maybe our issue throughout the season has been we’re so athletic,” Hopkinson said. “We’re so good individually. I don’t know if I did the best job this year to put together a real team game.”

  Hopkinson also acknowledged the success of this year’s senior soccer players. The seniors who played four years went to four state semi finals and won a state championship.

  

  “This might be the last competitive high school soccer game they play,” Hopkinson said. “I told them you can’t feel this bad if you don’t make it this far.

    

  “It still a phenomenal accomplishment. We just came up a little short.”

Verrado's Jessica Farmer pushes the ball toward goal during the first half of Wednesday's girls Div. II Semi-final game.

AIA offers revision to initial high school team sports placement

The Arizona Interscholastic Association has released a revision to its proposed high school team sport division placement for the 2015-2018.

  The revision came after much public outcry by coaches, schools and media about what appeared to be obvious errors in the proposed placement.

  The formula used to determine placements was a combination of each school's enrollment, percentage of free/reduced price lunches and MaxPreps' record and ranking history.

  Though most of the immediate attention focused on football, placement in other sports also caused observers to scratch their heads.

  For schools in The Buckeye Valley News circultion area the original placements saw Buckeye's football team moved from Division III to Divison IV. This was despite four straight years of winning records and going to the playoffs three of the past four years.

  Another curious placement was the Youngker's boy's soccer team which was initially proposed for Division I despite never attaining a winning record.

  Just days after releasing the initial proposal the AIA issued a statement that its two "highly competent" consultants had used a wrong field in the formula to calculate the placements and that work had begun to "run the formula using the correct data points and update the initial division placements." The AIA added that new proposed placements would be out by Jan. 26.

  The proposed placements released on Monday did seem to correct errors caused by the incorrect formula. However, the percentage of school/sport combinations in the BVN circulation area affected by the proposed placements remained the same - nearly 74% of sports are slated to move up or down under the proposal.

The table above relfects the REVISED proposed 2015-18 placement issued by the Arizona Interscholastic Association on Jan. 26. The shaded areas in the revised table represent those sports which are proposed to move up or down a  division during  the  2015-18 school years.

  Six teams are recommended for Division I play including Buckeye tennis and Verrado boy's and girl's soccer, boy's and girl's tennis and baseball. Conversely, Buckeye is seeing six sports recommended for a move down to Div. IV. Those sports are boy's basketball, boy's and girl's soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball.

Estrella Foothills saw several teams move up to Div. II.

  Schools have until Feb. 2 to file an appeal for sports they feel may be out of place.

  Verrado soccer Head Coach Ted Campbell suggested he will appeal the Div. I placement for his team while girl's soccer Head Coach David Hopkinson said he'd like to discuss the issue further with the school administration.

  Verrado Athletic Director Nick Browder said he had scheduled a meeting with his coaches Wednesday to discuss placements and determine appeals could be made.

  Following the appeals deadline the AIA will hold a series of appeals hearings during early February with a final division placement made public to AIA membership on Feb. 18.

2015 TicketCity Cactus Bowl Pre-Game

Players are starting their warm-ups and fans are filing into Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University for the 2015 TicketCity Cactus Bowl.  The game pits the Washington Huskies vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Washington Marching Band plays the school fight song at the request of Washington players who were beginning their pre-game warm-ups at Sun Devil Stadium.

Oklahoma State Quarterback Mason Rudolph gets some practice throws in during pre-game warm-ups for the 2015 TicketCity Cactus Bowl. Rudolph is expected to get the start for the game.

Washington Tight End Darrell Daniels works on sideline catches during pre-game of the 2015 TicketCity Cactus Bowl.

Arizona United SC moves to Scottsdale Stadium for 2015 season

The Arizona United Soccer Club announced Scottsdale Stadium will be the team's home for the 2015 USL PRO season.

The announcement came via a notice to season ticket holders and a press release issued by the team early Tuesday morning.

“This is the next step in professional soccer’s evolution in Arizona,” Arizona United Soccer Club owner Kyle Eng said through the release. “Our mission is to serve the entire Arizona soccer community, and this move will bring the beautiful game to a wider audience. With Scottsdale Stadium’s proximity to restaurants and nightlife in Downtown Scottsdale, our supporters will enjoy a game day experience that is second to none.”

Scottsdale Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane was on hand as members of the Arizona United organization toured the stadium complex Tuesday afternoon.

"Given the popularity of soccer worldwide, and the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, I can only imagine [playing in Scottsdale] is going to positive," Lane said. "We're always looking for the right kind of connection for Scottsdale. Having an event, particularly a sports related event, is an added experience. It's always a plus for us."

Lane also said proximity to downtown Scottsdale will benefit the business and soccer fans alike. Arizona United's season will begin just as the busiest tourist season is waning.

"This is a big plus," Lane said.  "For our downtown, at that point in the season, there will be a lot of things [visitors] can do downtown."

Lane added he doesn't foresee any issues moving crowds in and out of the area on game days.

"We have facilities that are really wide open that time of year," Lane said. "We're not into the heavy season with an influx of a lot of visitors.

"You're going to have free parking. It's a mainstay and a requirement of the City of Scottsdale. There's more than enough capacity to meet the needs [Arizona United] anticipates."

Arizona United's newest signee, Rob Valentino, is also excited about the team's move to Scottsdale.

"I've been describing it as my big kid dream come true," Valentino said.  "When I was a young kid I didn't have the dream to be able to play professional soccer in my backyard and know I do.

"It feels good to be home with family and friends and now to be in Scottsdale, it's great. This is where I grew up playing with Sereno. It will be fun to play in professional games here."

Scottsdale Stadium is located at 7408 E. Osborn Rd, just east of Scottsdale Road between Thomas and Indian School Roads.

Representatives from Arizona United SC flank Scottsdale Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane during a visit to Scottsdale Stadium. Pictured are (l to r) Brad Stisser, Asst. Coach Cory Robertson, Head Coach Mike Dellorusso, Mayor Lane, General Manager Kevin Stevenson, Scott Morrison, Rob Valentino.

Verrado girls soccer opens with 6-0 win over Chavez

  The defending state champion Verrado girls soccer team began its 2014-15 season with a target on its back. Many teams will work just a little harder to try to get the edge on the Vipers this season.

  Verrado’s opening match of the season was played at Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix on Tuesday.  The Vipers emerged victorious with a 6-0 win.

  The Vipers have  several players with experience from last year’s title winning team, as well as players who have move up from Junior Varsity. The Vipers also have four freshmen on the roster.

Jessica Farmer

  Despite what may have been a brief, sluggish start the Vipers found an opportunity during the 15th minute of the game when Jessica Farmer snagged the ball near the top of the 18-yard box, took a few touches as she moved toward the net and blasted the ball past the keeper to give Verrado a 1-0 lead.

  From that point forward Verrado peppered the Chavez goal with a steady barrage of shots from all angles.

Hallie Shippy

  Verrado scored again a few minutes later when Hallie Shippy took the ball toward net from midfield and fired a shot from 15 yards out. The ball took a slight deflection off the keepers right foot and into the goal.

Sandra Christiansson

  Sandra Christiansson was the next Viper to score. She dribbled the ball down the left side and fired a shot from a very tight angle. The Chavez keeper was able to get a hand on the ball but it still found the side netting.

  A fourth  first-half goal was added just before time expired. Christiansson centered a ball from the left side finding Sierra Smith directly in front of the goal. Smith put the ball into the net with one touch.

Sierra Smith

  Sierra Smith opened the scoring in the second half when she dribbled the ball from just right of center and fired from about 20 yards away to make the score 5-0 with 26 minutes to go in the game.

  Verrado got it’s last goal on a genuine golazo by Christiansson who scored on a corner kick. She was able to bend the ball directly into the net from the right side.

   Up next the Lady Vipers take on Betty Fairfax at Verrado on Friday, Dec. 12. Game time is 6:00 p.m.

Arizona State falls to Arizona

Wildcats claim PAC-12 South Title

  A sign outside the Arizona State football locker room at Arizona Stadium in Tucson read “Warning! The temperature on the field is 109° F.”

  The temperature on the field became the least of the Sun Devils worries during the team’s first offensive series last Friday when Arizona’s star linebacker Scooby Wright III hacked scrambling ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly, causing a fumble. Arizona Safety Anthony Lopez scooped up the ball and ran 25 yards to the end zone for a touchdown just 44 seconds into the game.

  It was not the start Arizona State wanted. The ultimately lost 42-35.

  At stake in the ASU-UA game was a possible PAC-12 South title and an opportunity to play Oregon for the PAC-12 Championship. A loss by UCLA meant the winner of the ASU-UA game would clinch the PAC-12 South title.

Scooby Wright III

  Arizona State (9-3) returned the favor with a defensive touchdown of its own when Wildcat quarterback Anu Solomon lost the ball inside Arizona’s 5-yard line. Sun Devil defensive lineman Demetrius Cherry grabbed the ball and dived 2 yards for the score to tie the game at 7-7 with just less than six minutes to go in the first quarter.

  Arizona (10-2) answered quickly with a 69-yard scoring pass from Solomon to Samajie Grant on the third play of the following drive.

  The teams continue to trade touchdowns with the score even at 21-21 at the break.

  The Wildcats gave themselves some breathing room in the third quarter by scoring twice on rushes by Nick Wilson to widen their margin to 35-21.

  Late in the third quarter Arizona State Head Coach Todd Graham opted to keep starting quarterback Kelly on the sidelines and let Mike Bercovici call the signals for remainder of the game. Bercovici responded and threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.  The first touchdown got Arizona State to within seven points of the Wildcats, but Arizona again responded when a second Solomon to Grant touchdown pass increased the lead to two touchdowns with the score 42-28.

  As the lead increased, the buzz in the stands among Arizona fans tuned into the internet began to swell as word that Stanford was leading UCLA in Pasadena. If Arizona was able to maintain its lead the team would win the PAC-12 South title.

  Bercovici, however, was not done yet and led the Devils on a 78-yard drive capped by a 9-yard scoring pass to De’Marieya Nelson with just over five minutes remaining.

  Arizona State’s defense stopped the Wildcats on the ensuing possession and forced a punt but the Devils were not able to capitalize and the drive ended with Bercovici throwing three straight incomplete passes allowing Arizona to take possession on downs.

  The Wildcats ran out the clock to win the game and the celebration was on.

  Arizona Fans stormed the field as members of the Wildcat team took possession of the Territorial Cup, the original and newly revived trophy passed to the winning team at the end of each year’s rivalry game.

  Arizona will now face Oregon in the PAC-12 Championship game in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday.  Both teams have incentive to perform well and win that game as Oregon is hoping to maintain its position in the top four schools eligible for the NCAA National Championship playoffs.  Arizona must win to be considered a candidate for one of the top four spots.

Arizona State ends 2014 home schedule with 52-31 victory over Cougars

Team heads to Tucson to play in Territorial Cup game Friday

Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly acknowledges fans in the student section during senior recognition prior to Saturday’s game against Washington State.

  Arizona State weathered a rocky start to it’s PAC-12 conference game against the Washington State Cougars on Saturday and rebounded from a 21-7 deficit to earn a 52-31 victory.

  It appeared the Devils came out flat following last week’s disappointing loss to Oregon State—A lost that dashed any hopes Arizona State had of earning one of the coveted top 4 playoff spots in the NCAA football championship playoffs.

  Tough play by the defense that earned five turnovers that resulted in 35 offensive points.  Arizona State intercepted Cougar quarterback Luke Falk four times and recovered on fumble.

Add captionWashington State quarterback Luke Falk hits the deck after being sacked for an 11-yard loss by Arizona State defensive lineman Marcus Hardison.

  Arizona State Senior Quarterback Taylor Kelly, who endured several rounds of boos from the crowd during a lackluster first half, went 15-of 25  for 232 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown strike to Cameron Smith.

  Arizona State rallied at the end of the first half and scored two touchdowns during the last 3:12 of the half to tie the game at 21.  A field goal by the Cougars as time expired in the first half gave Washington State a 24-21 lead at half, but the momentum appeared to have already shifted in Arizona State’s direction.

  Senior running back D.J. Foster lead the Sun Devils in rushing, gaining 96 yard on 15 carries. He scored all three rushing touchdowns for Arizona State.

  Damrious Randall led Arizona State on defense with 11 total tackles during the game, followed by Laiu Moeakiola who had 8 tackles.

  One of the defensive highlights of the game was a fumble recovery and return by Arizona State linebacker Viliami Latu. After recovering the ball Latu lumbered 51-yards down the Washington State sideline to the 18-yard line. Foster scored and 18-yard rushing touchdown on the next play.

  Arizona State’s final game of the season comes Friday as the Devils take on Arizona in the annual Territorial Cup game.

  The PAC-12 South championship could be on the line during the Territorial Cup game. Arizona State, Arizona and UCLA all have an opportunity to win the South crown. If UCLA loses to Stanford University on Friday, the winner of the Arizona State-Arizona game will win the South and play Oregon for the PAC-12 Championship.