The NSL announces the loss of James Uko, 19, who died suddenly on June 9. That was a day before he was to enter the NSL draft. Uko was one of the best footballers in the area and had just attended trials at Los Angeles Galaxy. Uko arrived the country barely three months before from Kumba, Cameroon. Uko is with FIFA's President Sepp Blatter in the picture above.
Headlines
A Battle of Unbeatens: Young Bloods vs. Raccah Rovers 1-0
(By Robinson, NSL Staff Correspondent)
Raccah Rovers came into their contest against Youngblood arguably one of the hottest teams in the NSL, sporting back to back wins for the first time since their 2006 campaign. In addition, their defense had yet to allow a goal during that brief span. On the other hand, Youngblood were still looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2008 season when they missed the playoffs for the first time in team history, couple that with their lone 2009 win a lackluster victory against the Veterans, were looking to keep pace with the middle of the pack.
In front of an overflow crowd at Colmar Manor Ballfields, Youngblood, with the blazing speed of Emeka Ileka and Ayo Goriola on the wings, plus Kevin Tabe and Manfred Tambe holding down the midfield, took the game straight to the heart of the Rovers' defense led by the mercurial Lato Achikeh. It took only 10 minutes for the Youngblood attacking force to solve the puzzle and breakdown the Raccah Rovers defense.
MSSC completed a blockbuster trade by acquiring master of central defense whom I call “Christian Chukwu of NSL”,Ngo Neshang from Vasco da Gama in exchange for MSSC 2009 1st round supplemental Draft pick and striker Daniel Olawenruju. This trade will help MSSC solidify her midfield and maybe help her get a win this Sunday.
On the other hand Vasco acquired Mr Tambe Ayuk from Enyimba for undisclosed deal; I hope this is not another mysterious sealed envelope deal. Tambe may be a replacement for Ngo’s former role in Vasco. Tambe is a good defender whom Enyimba drafted last season but never played a single game for Enyimba. They have been a big question mark on his availability this season. Questions like, will his busy schedules allow him to play this time? Can he play the kind of defensive role that Vasco is looking for? Does he still have those defensive claws that made Enyimba go for him last season? These are known questions with unknown answers. Only time will tell.
Other players movements are, Johny Sessay moved from Raccah Rovers to Enyimba; John Sukue moved from Rangers to MSSC; Wale a.k.a "Bimore" from MSSC to Eastern United; Kissima moved from Young Blood to MSSC; Don moved from Inter Nationale to Vasco; "Chicken" moved from Vasco to Enyimba.
The Prince George's County Government in the State of Maryland is providing assistance to the NSL's Little League in 2007. This league shall involve both girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 10 years old. Contact the NSL Administrator for the Little League, David Okhumale(iokhumale@hotmail.com) if you are interested in registering your child. Here is information that you need
REGISTRATION/CLINIC: Saturdays (10am - 12 noon) beginning April 21
LOCATION: Heurich Field, 6001 Ager Road in Hyattsville.
Watch out for more information.
Talking point
List Of Sponsors
The Journey Towards A Little League
In 2005, [a few individuals led by Tunde Yussuf began to mute the idea of the NSL establishing a soccer league for children.
