Soccer
Mill Creek welcomes spring with annual Eggstravaganza Spring Festival
MILL CREEK – Join the City of Mill Creek on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for its annual Eggstravaganza Spring Festival. The City has new egg-citing changes for this year’s event, including themed egg hunts, fun egg-tivities, and egg-stended hours! Join the fun at the Heatherwood Middle School Track (1419 Trillium Blvd. SE, Mill Creek) 10:00 a.m. […]

MILL CREEK – Join the City of Mill Creek on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for its annual Eggstravaganza Spring Festival. The City has new egg-citing changes for this year’s event, including themed egg hunts, fun egg-tivities, and egg-stended hours!

Join the fun at the Heatherwood Middle School Track (1419 Trillium Blvd. SE, Mill Creek) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Egg Hunts
Enjoy four themed egg hunts throughout the day; head to “Spring Training” with Mill Creek Sports, “Eggsplore the Y” with Mill Creek Family YMCA, have a “Garden Party” with Kiwanis of Mill Creek, and discover “Candyland” with Kiwanis of Mill Creek’s Key Club. At each, kids ages 1-12 and their families can hunt for colorful plastic eggs and return them for candy provided by Town & Country Markets and the City of Mill Creek at the end of each hunt. Bring a basket or bag to collect candy and prizes throughout the event.
Egg-tivities
We’ll have BIG games at the center of the Heatherwood track, including a Spoon Relay with Elevated Sportz, Soccer Drills with Washington Rush, the Inflatable Egg Run, and Pool Noodle Limbo with the Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board. Get your photo with the Easter Bunny at the State Farm tent with emcee Chris Jones. See the South County Fire Bike Team in action, staffed by paramedics and EMTs, and visit their AIR Rehab Unit truck for a rig tour. Enjoy complimentary coffee from Starbucks and chocolate milk from Smith Brothers Farms, and everything from bubbles to tattoos with Town & Country Markets, Nancy’s Noah’s Ark, Active Martial Arts, Mill Creek Pride, Stellar Kids Dentistry, Goldfish Swim School, Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Premier Martial Arts, Carbon Health, Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce, and the Mill Creek Police Department and Citizens Patrol.
Thank you to our generous sponsors: JL Remodeling, Mill Creek Sports, Chris Jones – State Farm Insurance, Community Transit, Starbucks, Town & Country Markets, Nancy’s Noah’s Ark, Premier Martial Arts, Goldfish Swim School, Stellar Kids Dentistry, and Active Martial Arts for making this free community event possible.


We also want to extend huge thanks to our many volunteers and community partners, including South County Fire, the Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce, the Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board, Kiwanis of Mill Creek, Jackson High School Key Club, North Creek High School Key Club, WM, and the Mill Creek Community Food Bank.

Parking is available at Heatherwood Middle School and neighboring Jackson High School but may be limited. We encourage you to walk, bike, or carpool.
Additionally, we encourage you to bring canned food donations to help support the Mill Creek Community Food Bank, which you can find near the Starbucks tent.
About the City of Mill Creek
Incorporated in 1983, the City of Mill Creek is in Snohomish County, Wash., and is home to more than 21,000 people. Mill Creek is a physically active community with 11 City Parks, plus many more neighborhood and community parks, more than 23 miles of nature trails, and recreational facilities that support diverse recreational opportunities. A vibrant, safe and friendly community, Mill Creek is a great destination for shopping and gathering. The award-winning Mill Creek Town Center and other business developments feature many fine retail shops and restaurants. Mill Creek offers an exceptional community experience, where natural beauty is preserved, neighborhoods flourish, businesses thrive, and recreational opportunities abound. For more information, visit millcreekwa.gov or follow us on social media at Facebook.com/MillCreekWA, Instagram.com/CityofMillCreek., and x.com/millcreekwa.
Source: City of Mill Creek

College Sports
Rutgers signs 8 recruits from PDA, NC Courage and Portland Thorns Academy
Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Mike O’Neill has signed eight first-year players to join the Scarlet Knights program for the 2025 season. The class includes Kennedi Cotter, Lindsey Hailey, Julia Joseph, Jayme Malanda, Sarah Martinez, Gabriella Sanchez, Sophia Stiles and Lauren Swafford. The group includes national team experience, championship resumes, and standout academic credentials represented throughout. “This incoming […]


Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Mike O’Neill has signed eight first-year players to join the Scarlet Knights program for the 2025 season.
The class includes Kennedi Cotter, Lindsey Hailey, Julia Joseph, Jayme Malanda, Sarah Martinez, Gabriella Sanchez, Sophia Stiles and Lauren Swafford.
The group includes national team experience, championship resumes, and standout academic credentials represented throughout.
“This incoming freshman class is one of the most dynamic groups we’ve brought ‘On the Banks’,” said O’Neill. “Together, their talents add depth, creativity, and a hunger to win championships and we expect them to make an immediate impact. The group’s competitive mentality and commitment to our team culture align perfectly with the standards of our program. We’re excited to see how they elevate the level of our training environment and contribute to game day winning performances.”
Kennedi Cotter
Forward/Midfield
Bayonne, N.J.
PDA / Paisley Athletic FC USL W
Bayonne High School
About Cotter: A dynamic attacking presence, Cotter comes to Rutgers as one of the most prolific young players in the USL W League. She notched eight goals and four assists during the 2024 season and was recognized as one of TopDrawer Soccer’s “USL W League Club Players to Know.” Cotter made the Paisley Athletic FC USL W first team at just 15 years old and started every game at age 16.
As a high school freshman, Cotter tallied 18 goals and nine assists, earning First Team All-County and HCIAL Player of the Year honors. She also played multiple sports growing up and was named MVP in her baseball and basketball leagues. Despite only playing one year of high school soccer, she demonstrated the ability to dominate against older, experienced competition.
Off the field, Cotter is the owner of NJ Card Breaks and authored and illustrated a children’s book promoting girls’ baseball. She graduated from Bayonne High School in just three years and plans to major in business at Rutgers, with career goals of either playing professional soccer or becoming a general manager in professional sports.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the program’s history of developing top talent. The program’s world class facilities and resources will support me in my development on and off the field. And I am excited to represent my home state: New Jersey!”
Lindsey Hailey
Defender
Raleigh, N.C.
NC Courage ECNL
Leesville Road High School
About Hailey: Hailey brings elite-level experience and leadership as a longtime captain of the NC Courage ECNL Academy, where she led her team to the 2024 USL W League Championship and numerous ECNL Mid-Atlantic titles. She’s been a mainstay in high-pressure environments, including the ECNL National Playoffs and the USL Academy Cup, and was named to the ECNL 06 Best XI at the 2024 postseason.
A model of consistency and work ethic, Hailey has captained her club team from 2018 to 2024, earning seven NCFC Sportsmanship Awards along the way. Though she played club exclusively instead of high school soccer, she’s also excelled academically—earning National Honor Society and English Honor Society recognition and maintaining Honor Roll status throughout high school.
She plans to major in exercise science and pursue a career in strength and conditioning.
Why Rutgers: “When I stepped foot on the campus, met the coaching staff, and the players, I knew that this was my home away from home. The amazing academic and athletic resources are going to be able to help me achieve the goals I will set for myself. I am excited to be a part of the Scarlett Knight family!”
Julia Joseph
Defender/Midfielder
Lake Oswego, Ore.
Portland Thorns Academy
Lake Oswego High School
About Joseph: Joseph enters the Banks from a strong Portland Thorns Academy side that reached the ECNL Final Four in 2024 and the Final 16 in 2023. She was also a member of the WPSL Thorns 2 team and was invited to train with the NWSL Portland Thorns, showcasing her development at the highest levels of club soccer.
At Lake Oswego High School, Joseph was a two-time All-League honoree and a four-year varsity starter, earning the role of team captain as a senior. Her team won the 2021 league championship and made the Oregon state semifinals and quarterfinals during her tenure. A standout in both athletics and leadership, she was also featured in the Lake Oswego Review.
Joseph is no stranger to the highest levels of the sport—her father, Miles, played in the 1996 Olympics, the MLS, and currently serves as Associate Head Coach at Charlotte FC. Her brother plays at Indiana.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers for its high academics and the opportunities Rutgers provides both academically and athletically. I love the family culture of the soccer program and the amazing facilities. I grew up in the Northeast so Rutgers felt like home to me.”
Jayme Malanda
Defender/Midfielder
Middletown, N.J.
PDA North Blue
Middletown North High School
About Malanda: Malanda brings a blend of versatility and scoring punch from the backline, having netted 28 goals across her first three seasons of high school. In 2023, she earned All-State recognition and was named her team’s Most Valuable Player after a 15-goal campaign. She helped lead Middletown North to a Shore Conference Coaches Cup Championship.
A product of PDA North Blue, Malanda helped her club win three ECNL conference titles and reach the national finals in 2022. She also earned National Honor Society distinction and was on the Honor Roll each year of high school.
Athletics runs in the family—her mother, Carolyn, scored 103 collegiate goals at Georgian Court University and was inducted into both the GCU and CACC Halls of Fame, while her father played football at TCNJ. Malanda will major in exercise science and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the competitive academics and athletics. The team culture is family oriented which is extremely important while still competing at a high level. The coaching staff is incredible and overall the program is amazing. Rutgers is close to home which makes it easy for my family and friends to come and watch me play which was a huge factor for me.”
Sarah Martinez
Midfielder
Apex, N.C.
NC Courage ECNL
Apex Friendship High School
About Martinez: Martinez arrives at Rutgers with a decorated resume at the club and international levels. She was named 2024 ECNL Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year and ECNL All-American, and previously helped her team win the 2023 USL Academy Cup. She has participated in multiple U.S. Youth National Team ID camps and represented Puerto Rico in five Concacaf events—including serving as captain for the U-17 squad.
An AP Scholar with Distinction, Martinez balanced her rigorous academic achievements with elite soccer competition. She is a member of HOSA and the Hispanic Honor Society and maintained Honor Roll status throughout her high school career.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the competitive and passionate culture, and the high standards of its elite soccer program that are demonstrated through the team’s unrelenting mentality. I knew that the environment would challenge me to become a better player and person. The staff and the players also made it feel like a home away from home through their comradery and deep trust in one another both on and off the field. The academic rigor, extensive resources, and variety of career paths reinforced my decision further, as it will allow me to continue finding academic success while developing my soccer career.”
Gaby Sanchez
Midfielder
Wayne, N.J.
PDA Blue 07
DePaul Catholic High School
About Sanchez: A local product with a consistent track record of success, Sanchez tallied 14 goals in 58 career games at DePaul Catholic. She was named First Team All-County in both 2022 and 2023, and helped her high school win multiple county, sectional, and conference championships.
Her club résumé is just as impressive—PDA Blue 07 reached the ECNL Elite 8 in 2023 and the Round of 16 in 2024 while capturing their conference title. Off the field, Sanchez works youth soccer camps and enjoys baking.
She plans to major in exercise science and pursue a career in physical therapy.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because it is a great academic and athletic school. The coaching staff for the women’s soccer is outstanding and will help me grow to my fullest potential. Also, the athletic facilities are amazing.”
Sophia Stiles
Defender
Portland, Ore.
Portland Thorns Academy
Jesuit High School
About Stiles: Stiles joins Rutgers after leading Jesuit High School to the 2022 Oregon state championship and four consecutive conference titles. She was named to the All-State Second Team twice and selected for the prestigious 2024 High School All-American Game.
On the club side, she played for the Portland Thorns Academy, where she earned First Team All-Conference honors and was selected for the 2022 ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game. Stiles also stood out in the classroom, earning academic honor roll at both the conference and school levels.
Stiles will major in education with a concentration in psychology and aims to become an elementary school teacher.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the family culture that the team and staff create. I also loved the facilities and the resources available to the team.”
Lauren Swafford
Goalkeeper
Moorestown, N.J.
PDA South
Moorestown High School
About Swafford: Swafford brings a wealth of shot-stopping experience to the Banks, recording over 375 saves during her high school career. She earned All-Conference, All-South Jersey, and All-State honors from 2022 through 2024 and was named ECNL All-Conference with PDA South.
A consistent high honor roll student, she is known for her leadership in mentoring younger goalkeepers and her involvement in her family’s apiary business.
Swafford will major in business with plans to focus on leadership and management.
Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers for a few different reasons. Academics are very important to me and I wanted a school that matched those values. As for the athletics, I loved the family environment I saw on my visit and whenever I went to games. Lastly, Rutgers is close to my hometown, so my parents and family can come watch my games.”
College Sports
Penn men's soccer program welcomes 8 recruits ahead of 2025 season
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania men’s soccer James C. Gentle Head Coach Brian Gill announced the addition of Adam Ambrus-Aikelin, Dylan Auffret, Max Bohemier, Becket Empson-Speiden, Kalani Kunimura, Lincoln Matuskiewicz, Theo Ottosson, and Phil Pak to the program. “Our staff works incredibly hard to understand the areas that we feel need to be addressed within the team moving into the coming seasons,” said […]


PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania men’s soccer James C. Gentle Head Coach Brian Gill announced the addition of Adam Ambrus-Aikelin, Dylan Auffret, Max Bohemier, Becket Empson-Speiden, Kalani Kunimura, Lincoln Matuskiewicz, Theo Ottosson, and Phil Pak to the program.
“Our staff works incredibly hard to understand the areas that we feel need to be addressed within the team moving into the coming seasons,” said Gill. “I appreciate the efforts made by both Matt and Steve as we covered the ground together to evaluate and learn more about this talented incoming class.”
The Class of 2029 is made up of three defenders, three midfielders, a forward, and one goalkeeper.
“Certainly, with every year that comes and goes, we know that each departing senior class leaves a significant mark on the program as they graduate,” Gill went on. “While we are more than grateful for their contributions, we are equally as excited to see how the returning and incoming players will come together for this Fall.”
Adam Ambrus-Aikelin
Midfield
San Diego, Calif.
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego Surf ECNL)
Club/Academy: Joined San Diego Surf ECNL in 2019 … Won the Surf Cup in 2021 and 2022 … Dallas Cup Champions in the 2021 season … Named ECNL Southwest First Team All-Conference in 2021 and 2022 … Played for the Bayer Leverkusen team while living in Germany … Called up to the Hungarian U16 Youth National Team during the 2022 and 2023 seasons … Won the ECNL National Championship in 2024 … Featured in Boys National Finals Best XI by TopDrawerSoccer.
High School: Played varsity soccer at Torrey Pines High School … Earned First Team All-Coastal League in 2024 and 2025.
Personal: Son of Agnes Mogyorosi and Geza Ambrus Aikelin … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “Penn has a superb reputation for everything I value, and after visiting the campus and meeting the coaches and the team, I knew it would be the perfect place for me to thrive.”
Coach Gill on Adam: “As a player, Adam comes to Philly with a solid foundation as he has had a chance to play for Bayer Leverkusen’s Academy when his family lived abroad, then with the San Diego Surf Academy upon his return, where he helped the team win the ECNL National Championship. We think he is a player that has the technical and tactical skill sets we like in attacking midfielders. We are excited to have Adam joining the program so that we can continue to learn and work more with him.”
Dylan Auffret
Goalkeeper
South Pasadena, Calif.
Laurel Spring School (LAFC Academy)
Club/Academy: Played for the San Diego Surf from 2016-18 … Won the Carlsbad Premier Cup in 2017 … Joined Albion SC San Diego in 2019 … Played for the LAFC Academy from 2020-25 … Won the Orlegi Cup with the LAFC Academy in 2022 … Called up to the USYBT training camps at the Olympic Training Center in 2022 … Made his professional debut with LAFC 2 in 2024 … 2024 MLS Next Cup semifinalist.
Personal: Son of Cherie and Ivan Auffret … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “Penn offers a great combination of high-level soccer and academics. I enjoyed all my interactions with the players and staff, and Penn feels like a place that is consistently investing in improving its soccer program.”
Coach Gill on Dylan: “Dylan is a mature goalkeeper who possesses a lot of qualities that we feel round out this position well. He is a very good shot-stopper but is also confident with his distribution and ability to organize players in front of him. Dylan has had a fairly accomplished youth soccer career to date. We are excited to see how he transitions into our program. He has been able to develop in a high-level environment at LAFC, where he has the opportunity to train and play with both their MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro teams.”
Max Bohemier
Midfield
Naples, Fla.
IMG Academy
Club/Academy: Played for Weston FC before joining the IMG Academy.
Personal: Son of Janelle and Joel Bohemier … Mom Janelle played soccer at the University of Manitoba … Father Joe played hockey and soccer at the University of Manitoba … Will enroll in the College of Art and Sciences.
Why Penn? “To further my academic and athletic career at a higher level.”
Coach Gill on Max: “While going through the projections for this class, we felt there was a need to provide balance in the center of the midfield, especially with some of the players graduating over the last couple of seasons. Max spent the last few years in different environments, but most recently at the IMG Academy, where he took positive steps in developing his game. He has an honest work rate and is able to use his physical presence along with his technical ability to be an important part of the lineup. We are interested to learn more about him and how he will continue to grow during his time here.”
Becket Empson-Speiden
Defense
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Saint Ann’s School (PDA MLS Next)
Club/Academy: Joined PDA MLS Next in 2021 … Started in all games with the PDA MLS Next from 2021-25 … TopDrawerSoccer U19 Player to Watch … Top goal scorer of 2024-25 season at wingback with 16 tallies … Attended Regional U.S. National Team Camps … Vice-captain of U19 PDA MLS team … Helped team qualify for MLS Next Cup in 2024 and 2025.
Personal: Son of Rachel Klauber-Speiden and Josh Empson … Grandfather George played football and ran track at Princeton … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “Penn offered me the opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the country, learn from a great coaching staff, and study at the premier undergraduate business school in the country.”
Coach Gill on Becket: “As a staff, we want to make sure that we have a good understanding of the personalities and talent in our general vicinity. Becket is a player that we have been able to see quite a bit over the last year and a half as a result of him being at PDA. During that time, we have learned about Becket’s mentality as he’s worked hard to come back from an injury to re-establish himself as a key member of his team. As a player, he has a good technical skillsets and a versatile game that we are interested in developing in the coming years.”
Kalani Kunimura
Defense
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Mater Dei High School (Pateadores ECNL)
Club/Academy: Joined the Pateadores ECNL in 2017 … Earned ECNL Secon Team All-Conference in 2021 … Played in the ECNL Selection game in 2022, earning ECNL First Team All-Conference … Won the Surf College Cup en route to ECNL First Team All-Conference in 2023 … Won the Porto International Cup for Portugal in 2023 … ECNL Conference Cup Invitee in 2024 … Helped team qualify for the 2024 and 2025 ECNL National Playoffs
High School: Played varsity soccer all four years at Mater Dei High School… Captain his junior and senior years … Won the CIF-Southern Section Open Division Championship and Trinity League Championship in 2024 … Trinity League First Team All-League honoree.
Personal: Son of Valerie and Shane Kunimura … Will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn for its prestigious academic reputation and the opportunity to be part of a top-tier collegiate soccer program. The unique combination of world-class academics and elite athletics allows me to grow both personally and athletically. I’m excited to contribute to the team’s future success and help win championships.”
Coach Gill on Kalani: “Kalani is another member of this class coming to Penn by way of the West Coast, who we learned a lot about when he attended one of our ID Camps over the last year. Right away, you were able to get a sense of both his motivation and competitive levels in both the training and game settings. As a player, he combines a handful of useful athletic qualities with his willingness to defend where needed and then flip the switch to become aggressive in his attacking moments as well. We are excited about the versatility that we have seen from him in both his Pateadores ECNL and Mater Dei High School Teams.”
Lincoln Matuskiewicz
Defense
Malibu, Calif.
International School of Los Angeles (FC Cincinnati Academy)
Club/Academy: Joined FC Cincinnati Academy UPSL/MLS Next in 2023 … Named UPSL Weekly Standout … UPSL Midwest Ohio Champions … Member of FC Cincinnati leadership committee … Invited to Trail with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim U19 in Germany … MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Champions … Appeared in multiple professional matches with FC Cincinnati 2 … Selected for FC Cincinnati 2 preseason trips in 2024 and 2025.
High School: Played varsity soccer at International School of Los Angeles … Won the CIF Divisional Championship for the first time in school history.
Personal: Son of Peggi Jewell and Gregory Matuskiewicz … Mother Peggi played basketball at Georgetown … Will enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn? “Penn provides the perfect academic and athletic environment for me to grow as both a player and a person. With a strong support system, high standards, and a competitive culture, I look forward to the challenge of a place that will push me to be my best.”
Coach Gill on Lincoln: “Lincoln has a lot of the qualities that we like in a center back here at Penn. His physical profile is one that lends itself well to the position, but he also offers a good deal in both his technical ability and tactical understanding of the game. Over the last two years, he made the move to Ohio in order to be a part of the FC Cincinnati organization and has had the chance to grow his game at varying levels within their setup. His calm yet competitive demeanor is one that we think will be important for this class and the program.”
Theo Ottosson
Forward
Los Angeles, Calif.
Harvard-Westlake School (LA Surf MLS Next)
Club/Academy: Played for LA Breakers ECNL from 2021-23, earning ECNL First Team All-Conference … Joined LA Surf MLS Next in 2023.
High School: Played three years of varsity soccer at Harvard-Westlake School … Won the State Regional and Section Championships … Earned League Champion twice during his three years on the team … Named Mission League Offensive Player of the Year during 2022-23 season … Landed Mission League Player of the Year twice in 2023 and 2024 … Named 2024 CIF Player of the Year.
Personal: Son of Karen Han and Paul Ottosson … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I chose Penn because it perfectly combines an elite soccer program and a world-class education. I am excited to maximize my potential under amazing coaches and professors.”
Coach Gill on Theo: “Throughout this recruiting cycle, we’ve been able to learn a fair amount about Theo by seeing him with his former LA Breakers ECNL and now current LA Surf Club MLS Next teams, as well as having the chance to work with him in various camp settings. Theo is a versatile, attacking-minded player who has both the physical and technical qualities to be effective at this level. We are excited to add him to our attacking group to see what more he can add and how he develops within our program.”
Phil Pak
Midfield
Denver, Colo.
Regis Jesuit High School (Colorado Rapids Academy)
Club/Academy: Joined Colorado Rapids Academy in 2017 … Team captain of U17 and U18 teams … Won the 2023 and 2025 Frontier Divisions … Tallied over 100 starts in Pro-Pathway competition … Top-150 Class Ranking … Team qualified for 2024 MLS Cup playoffs … Helped team to reach the finals of the 2025 MLS Next Generation Adidas Cup … Was named to the MLS Next Generation Adias Cup U18 Best XI in 2025.
Personal: Son of Angela and Peter Pak … Sister Sara plays soccer at Davidson … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn? “I felt Penn provided me with the opportunity to pursue a world-class education while developing as a player in an elite program. I really connected with the culture and the people, and I knew Penn soccer was something I wanted to be a part of from day one of the process.”
Coach Gill on Phil: “Over the years, it has been important for us to identify central midfielders in our recruiting who we feel possess both the technical quality on the ball as well as the natural positioning instincts to connect the team from back to front. Phil has played a key role in the Colorado Rapids Academy setup over the last several years and has emerged as a key leader in his teams. He recently captained his team on an impressive run to the MLS Generation Adidas Cup Final. We hope that Phil’s combination of ability and experience will be useful qualities for the team during his time at Penn.”
College Sports
North American Soccer Expo Launches
In the sprawling world of soccer, the brand-new North American Soccer Expo aims to bring together top coaches, directors and soccer professionals at all levels. While other opportunities exist to bring together officials from around the continent or world, the North American Soccer Expo aims to line up when the club calendar begins this summer. […]

In the sprawling world of soccer, the brand-new North American Soccer Expo aims to bring together top coaches, directors and soccer professionals at all levels.
While other opportunities exist to bring together officials from around the continent or world, the North American Soccer Expo aims to line up when the club calendar begins this summer.
“We saw a need for an event that brings club leaders together—not just to learn, but to connect,” Paul Tinnion, Michigan Jaguars Executive Director said. “The idea came from conversations with directors, coaches, and administrators who wanted more opportunities to share ideas, build relationships, and grow the game through collaboration. The North American Soccer Expo was created to be that space. We identified a need for local coaches who were unable to attend the United Soccer Coaches Convention.”
Set to be held from August 1-3 in Novi, Michigan, more than 50 presenters have already been locked up for the event. That includes coaches and technical staff from various levels of the game, spanning several MLS Academies, to college soccer coaches and officials from US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, Girls Academy and National League.
The overall goal is multi-fold. Offering education opportunities for coaches, hands-on learning to the real challenges club leaders face. It’s a space for decision-makers to connect, share ideas, and grow the game.
“Our primary goal is to raise the standard of soccer in North America by empowering the people who build it from the ground up,” Tinnion said. “By bringing together coaches and directors in one space, we’re encouraging dialogue across roles, disciplines, and levels of the game. We want attendees to walk away with new tools, fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed energy for the work they do—whether that’s improving player development models, enhancing club operations, or fostering positive cultures.”
The vision from Tinnion and the rest of the organization is that this becomes something bigger.
“We want to build an event that grows year after year, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving the soccer landscape,” he said. “Ultimately, we want this to be more than just an annual event—it should be a platform for continual growth and leadership development.”
To learn more and register for this year’s event, visit northamericansoccerexpo.com.
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College Sports
Hudson Valley NY College ID soccer camp
John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, pressures Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches. Peter Carr/The Journal News Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko plays the ball during […]

John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, pressures Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko plays the ball during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko defends Ardsley’s Tiernan Kenny during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, fights for the ball with Yorktown’s Stephano Alvarez during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.
Peter Carr/The Journal News
College Sports
10th annual “Kick for Cass” at Thomas College honors soccer player's memory
Waterville, Maine (WABI) – For the 10th year running, Waterville residents gathered to honor the memory of a beloved community member. Every year, high school soccer teams from all over Maine help kick off one very special event, honoring the memory of a beloved community member. The 10th annual “Kick for Cass” event took place […]


Waterville, Maine (WABI) – For the 10th year running, Waterville residents gathered to honor the memory of a beloved community member.
Every year, high school soccer teams from all over Maine help kick off one very special event, honoring the memory of a beloved community member.
The 10th annual “Kick for Cass” event took place at Thomas College in Waterville on July 12th.
The yearly event pays tribute to the late Cassidy Charette, who died tragically in a hayride accident in 2014.
Organized by the Shine on Cass foundation, the event saw a record-breaking 22 soccer teams participate this year in a round robin format.
Every year, one player is chosen to represent Cass’s number 11 jersey worn during high school. Messalonskee senior Rylee McKay was chosen this year.
With a decade gone by, the Kick for Cass event continues to shine on, inspiring members of the community and close friends of Cassidy.
“Just seeing the amount of teams that come out and celebrate, it’s been a really awesome ten years,” says Cassidy’s former teammate Gabi Martin, “I know we are honoring Cassidy, but it’s great to bring the community together.”
“Cass has embodied so many amazing things in this community, on the field and off the field, and being picked to wear her jersey number to represent that is really amazing,” says McKay.
Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the Shine-on-Cass Scholarships for local youth soccer. .
For more information, you can visit shineoncass.org.
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