Thursday, January 29, 2009

Cheatham Happy To Be Wearing Continental Maroon

(Morristown, NJ)- Michael Cheatham, or "Boo Boo" as he is affectionately known by teammates, friends, managers and Continental supporters, is a new player in the 1776 mix. He came to the club in late November and managed one appearance before the NJSL winter break commenced.

Since then Cheatham has been hard at work improving his footballing skills and his standing on Manager Vinton's First-Team. He's found a regular spot on the Morristown lineup card quite quickly as a right winger.

Cheatham has been a bright spot on the 0-3 indoor side and recently scored his first Continental goal, earlier this week in a 4-1 loss to Thorlabs.

Cheatham seemed upbeat but unsatisfied with the personal achivement after netting Morristown's lone twine tickler vs Thoblabs saying,"Next the goal is to win. I will take the team to the next level! I'll do everything I can for the team. I want the tables to turn for MT76 in the spring!"

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Become A Fan Of The Continentals On Facebook

The Club is proud to announce our new Club page on Facebook.

Check the club out on facebook.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

76 Falls 4-1

(Randolph,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC fell to Thorlabs 4-1 at Indoor Sports Pavalion in Randolph Tuesday night.

The Continentals surrendered 2 early goals and trailed until the 35 minute remaining mark when Mike "Boo Boo" Cheatham converted a rebound off a Dan Clayton penalty which was one of many key saves by the Thorlabs keeper. Newly appointed assistant manager Ryan Deighan set up the penalty with a delightful through pass.

Morristown seemed to take control of the action shortly before the Cheatham tally, Brady McDonald, in his Continental return had several scoring chances sail just wide, it was his first time playing left winger.

Deighan, Dylan Bauer, Mike Pollock, Marco Carvallaro and Russell Bauer, in his first full match at Fullback and Mark Basso ,as he returned to man Morristown's net, kept 1776 in the match.

The 1776 attack just couldn't convert on a multitude of scoring chances, but on the plus side the Continentals produced plenty of action around the Thorlabs net.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Russell Bauer Sits Down For A One On One

Q: In the game last week you played fullback for the first time in your Continental career, explain your initial feeling on that?

"The one thing that my coaches taught me in track was that being a good leader requires one to put his interests behind what is best for the team. In track that often meant I had to run 4 races in a meet. For the Continentals, that means I have to drop back to help our struggling defense."


Q:Will you miss spending all your time on the attack?

"Obviously I loved being a winger. You can probably ask any player and he would say he loves being on the attack. Attackers see all the goals and glory. You would have to find a lad with a few screws loose to say he loves defending; or maybe someone prone to violence, in certain situations. But the truth is, at this stage of my career, I want to see more wins and if playing defense can help the team reach that goal I would do my damnedest to keep us competitive at the back."

Q:There has been a lot of talk this season of playing "Total Football", does that have anything to do with a willingness to move closer towards your defending goal?

"I really have no objection to seeing myself in the back 4 or 5 because I share manager Vinton's vision of achieving Total Football, a popular ideology in world football which sees all players playing in a free-flowing style across the entire field. In this system, defenders and attackers are interchangeable, depending on where one finds himself on the pitch at any given moment and where he is relative to the ball. Really, I should never have to be 'just a defender.' It takes a very profound understanding of the game which the manager is trying to instill in the squad, and though it takes time and fitness, we're seeing a lot of progress in our indoor season."


Q:As a leader of the club are there any current weaknesses you would like to see filled going into the spring?

"The necessity to fill positions also exists, since my brother Dylan (our starting left back) is leaving for the Navy before the NJSL resumes, and former defensive all-star Louie C. is leaving to pursue NCAA interests."


Q:Final Question, As a player who wore the Continental Armband many matches in the fall, how fo you see yourself as a developing leader of the club?

"Although Clayton wears the armband, the Board and manager have entrusted me with an important leadership role on the team along with Clayton and veteran Deighan. I've worked hard to earn the respect of my teammates and I want to do what is best for the squad as a leader and one of eleven. Moving to a new position is a new adventure for me, but being a leader is all about doing what's best for the team."

NJSL Playoffs Not Out Of Reach

(Morristown,NJ)- Although The Morristown 1776 had a rough fall half of their NJSL fixture list they still have 10 games left before the NJSL Playoffs begin right after Memorial Day.

Their first scheduled spring game is March 29th vs Maiwand FC, a club that twice cancelled fixtures vs The Continentals, the first of which was initally ruled a Maiwand forfeit by the league,for which Morristown was awarded 3 points, only to be reversed to a reschedule later.

Although Morristown currently sits last in the NJSL New Jersey Division, the heavly loaded fixture list this spring allows Morristown the chance to make a run.

Considering sweeping changes that appear to be brewing in The 1776 Clubhouse, with expanded practice schedules,tactics, scouting and recruitment. 1776 looks like a parlay, long shot bettors dream for the spring half of the NJSL season.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Manager Vinton Calls For Commitment To Winning


(Morristown,NJ)- 1776 Manager Ryan Vinton held a press conference today calling on his team to "commit to winning".

The Morristown 1776 AFC has endured a trying few months without a victory. Vinton, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of The Club has raised his firing as manager at several board meeting only to have his resolution shot down by other board members.

"I appreciate the support the board has shown me, myself not withstanding," said Vinton today, "but I think this spring is truly my last shot at managing the club, and I plan on giving it everything I have, I'm f***ing sick and tired of losing, it has to stop now. I can't do it by myself, I need the full dedication of my players."

Vinton went on to outline his plan; The club continues their NJSL season after it's winter recess March 29th with a home match vs Maiwand FC. "I plan on holding spring training leading up to the Maiwand match. The Week of Monday March 23rd will see the team training Mon-Thurs, in an almost double session fashion. The week before will will hold practice Wednesday and Thursday (18th,19th). We will have a friendly Sunday the 22th vs a yet unnamed opponent, and cap off spring training with a dinner at Tavern Off The Green, Fri March 27th."

"This club have been together for a while and it's time we put the tactics into practice on the pitch, I need all my players to commit to this Spring Training Program."

In all Vinton set 8 training sessions in March leading up to the NJSL season; Wed 3/4,Wed 3/11, Wed 3/18,Thurs 3/19 all at 8pm. The Sun 3/22 Friendly, And the week of 3/23-3/26 with training starting at 6pm, sites are TBD.

Please Download New Club Toolbar

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC annouced today a new fundraising effort for the club. It is a small internet search tool or "toolbar" you download and put at the top of your browser.

This club toolbar, a partnership between the club and a fundraising company called BenefitBar will allow the club to raise money, up to 10 cents per search, every time you perform a simple internet search.

Show your Morristown 1776 pride and help support a good cause, as well as making your searches easier with a Google search right on your browser header.

Click Here For More Info




The Following is a message from BenefitBar:

It has arrived…
IT IS AS SIMPLE AS CLICKING ON THE BLUE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR CUSTOMIZED TOOLBAR

Click here for The Morristown 1776 AFC Benefit Bar

By using the Yahoo search engine that is conveniently located on our toolbar you are helping us raise dollars for our Organization. The same search information you receive using your current search engine. Every time you click on a sponsored link (anything listed in the shaded area with bullet points or anything listed on the right side of the page) you are raising money, 10 cents a click on a sponsored link for our Organization…..NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.


Performing searches every day on something you are interested in and clicking on sponsored links, because those links help you with the information you are looking for, will help us reach our goals faster! It’s that EASY!

What are you waiting for? Click on the link above to download our Toolbar and start helping us raise money. If you have any questions or special support needs do not hesitate to contact BenefitBar (our partner in this way to generate revenue … support@benefitbar.com)

We are proud to have you as a Supporter! We hope you are equally proud to have our toolbar on your computer. Please feel free to share this toolbar with your friends and family so they can help your organization fund its needs.
We are so excited to share with you our Personally Customized Toolbar. It will serve as a new way to generate revenue.
With this Toolbar we will raise much needed funds without you writing a check or selling a product!

This Toolbar will not replace your existing toolbar. The features on the Toolbar are all designed to help us raise funds in a non-intrusive way. Also, it is designed to make your life on the internet easier. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU. There are no pop-ups, adware, spyware or tracking and we also respect the user’s privacy. It is easy to download…just click on the link below.



On Behalf of Fundit
I can assure you that The Fundit Team will support you with any questions and assist you with the planning and execution of distributing your toolbar.

Good Luck and best of everything as you use of this technology.
Regards
EJ

Eric J Spirtas
National / International Director
Fundit a division of Benefitbar

Press Release:Upcoming Indoor Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(Randolph, NJ)- Indoor Sports Pavalion of Randolph has annouced the next two fixtures of The Morristown 1776 AFC's indoor schedule.

Tues Jan 27 10pm vs Thorlabs

Wed Feb 4 9pm vs Tacos


The remainder of the 1776 fixture list should be released soon.


For more info on The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. please visit www.mt76.org or contact the club at club@morristown1776.org

Thursday, January 22, 2009

1776 Comeback Clinks Off Crossbar

(Randolph,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. fell 3-2 Tuesday night to Skull And Bones the defending league champion in Indoor Sports Pavalion's Mens Open Division.

Dan Clayton scored early to give the Continentals the lead but Skull And Bones scored the next 3 to take a 3-1 lead with less than 3 minutes to play.

Morristown answered almost instantly as Clayton again found twine with a pretty back heel as the referee signaled 2 minutes of stoppage time.

1776 took the initiative in stoppage time as a Russell Bauer shot clinked the crossbar and Ryan Deighan also had a scoring chance as time expired.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

1776 Launch Kaka Bid.


1/20/09- The Morristown 1776 AFC announced today their bid for one of the world's most electrifying stars. After Machester City's bid for the AC Milan star for over 150 euros faltered this week, Morristown has reportedly offered the Brazilian $200 (USD), for a six month loan. The club is looking for some help in their indoor league and NJSL season, and when asked about the bid, manager Ryan Vinton said, "what the hell, right?".

Monday, January 19, 2009

FIXTURE UPDATE: Next ISP Game Tues. 10:00

Morristown 1776 will play their next indoor fixture on Tuesday, January 20th, at 10:00 pm at the Indoor Sports Pavilion in Randolph, against reigning C Division champions Skull N Bones. Skull N Bones, coming off a 3 - 2 loss to Real FC last week, will be looking to reclaim a win to set their course back to their winning ways to make a run for the playoffs again this session.


Morristown needs to anticipate a lot of possession. This is an experienced squad that has proven they have what is necessary to make a winning run. The key to this match-up will be in keeping the ball in 76 possession, with an emphasis on passes back to the defense and keeper to slow the pace of the game down and prevent SNB from having a lot of time on the ball.


There isn’t a formal scouting report, but it can be anticipated that SNB will use a three fullback system and keep one front man in the box that so many teams use in indoor competition, taking advantage of the no-offsides rule in ISP. Morristown should hope to spread the ball wide to draw the defense out with them and clear space in front of the net for a central defender or midfielder to make a run in the box or have space to shoot.


How much time the 76 backline gives the other team outside the box will determine how inflated the scoreline can get in favor of Skull N Bones. They will undoubtedly have one or two players capable of getting a solid foot on it and ripping dangerous shots from 15 to 20 feet out, and if the Sweeper or Center Attacker give them the time they will pummel the goal with shots.


The defensive strategy should see the defenders protect space inside the box while the wide men dropping back to man mark their attackers will be the key. Defense needs to be about crowding the box and not giving the opponent the shot.


Hopefully Morristown’s athleticism will give them an edge long enough to fight for a few goals in their favor while defense can keep attackers out of the box and prevent them from shooting.

Players should arrive around 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

ISP Fixture Notes

Because I commute to school, and my Thursday morning involves me waking up at 5 a.m., I spoke with the individual that runs the ISP league and we will most likely not play Wednesday nights anymore. Anticipate primarily Tuesday and Thursday, and I am told the full schedule will be released shortly. Most games will be later games in case guys are working till 8 or 9. Check back for more.

MATCH REPORT: Bauer Scores as 76 Falls in Indoor Debut

Midfielder Russell Bauer brought Morristown 1776 back into the game from being down two-nil with his 15th minute strike, only to see the Continentals go on to lose 6 – 1.

1776 marked its indoor debut with a strong performance, but several miscues and a referee error saw the game slip away in the dying moments of the game.

“We were experimenting a lot this game, moving guys around and trying new positions,” remarked Bauer on the loss. “The late goals came when we were already down and committed to the attack. We kept two men back and played a soft zone, and they took advantage of some lucky counterattacks. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the match at all.”

In the early part of the match, Morristown closed down opponent Incorporated with tough man-marking and creative midfield played, but that didn’t stop them from eventually conceding two early goals. The third Incorporated goal came off a 1776 clearance that deflected off the referee and fell to an unmarked opponent behind the line of defenders. Fitness became the obvious issue, as the pace and intensity of the Morristown attack fatigued the squad after 30 minutes and Incorporated moved the score to 4-1 due to defensive miscommunication.

Bauer’s goal came while he was playing in the central attack, from a low cross from defender Brian Daire which the goalscorer later described as “brilliant.”

Mike Cheatham set Bauer up with through ball into the box to try and draw the game level. Bauer made contact with the ball but collided with the Incorporated keeper. The referee signaled to play on, despite cries for a penalty.

Cheatham was the only player to be sent off via a yellow card for sliding at the Incorporated goalkeeper. In ISP, yellow cards result in 5 minute send-offs and sliding tackles are illegal.

Michael Pollock and Dylan Bauer had a few great chances on goal in the dying moments of the match from a series of corners taken by Russell Bauer, but could not manage to find the back of the net.

Morristown will continue play in the ISP next week, match date/time TBD.


LEADERS
Goals: R. Bauer (1)
Assists: B. Daire (1)
Shots: R. Bauer (9)
Fouls: B. Daire(1), M. Cheatham(1)
Saves: M. Cavallaro (?)
Yellow: M. Cheatham (1)
Red: (0)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Continentals Embark On Indoor Season

The Morristown 1776 Association Football Club, Morristown's own mens soccer team, begins their first indoor season tonight, 10:30pm at Indoor Sports Pavalion, located at the intersection of Hanover Ave and Sussex Ave in nearby Randolph.

The Morristown 1776, or the Continentals as they're known to supporters, have played in two outdoor leagues over the past three years and we're looking for a way to keep the club together and in shape during the harsh Morristown winter, similar as to how General Washington once prepared his Continental Army in Morristown during the late 1770's.

The club will play against Incorporated tonight, and feature many familiar faces. The Continentals should showcase veterans Clayton, Deighan, Bauer Brothers, Daire, Pollock, Carvallo and Griffin. Morristown will also feature a new face, Michael "Boo Boo" Cheatum to add some flare to the midfield.

When asked about the upcoming season, manager Ryan Vinton said, "I am excited. I would like to use this opportunity to prepare my club for success in our continued outdoor season this spring at Mennen Field".

Morristown 1776 AFC will play approximately 10 games in this indoor league before continuing their NJSL play in the spring.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Clayton Makes a Bold Statement


Hope(NJ)- Continentals Captain Dan Clayton, or to club supporters simply "Red" held a press conference this evening on the eve of the team's first indoor season.

Speaking with team officials, media and club supporters he had this to say....

" I know this is a team of individuals coming together for a common goal to help win. But lads, if manager Vinton will put me in the position I will lead the team in points this indoor season and do everything it takes to win." He also said "I will accept most of the blame for the infertility of the fall season, we have plenty of opportunities for the spring and I think with some of the new personnel, we will still make the playoffs like I said earlier in the year."


Is this man the new Nostradamus, Joe Namath,or just an Irish Rambling Drunk?, We'll see if this young man can cash in.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Wonderkid Catizone Takes Leave From Club

(Morristown,NJ)- 17 year old youngster Louie Catizone, who became both the youngest Continental to ever earn a senior team appearance and score a goal last summer, both feats he accomplished at the tender age of 16, has taken a leave from the club.

Catizone, who sat out most of the fall NJSL slate due to commitments to his high school cross country team, is pursing a college scholarship in that sport.

In a statement issued to the club Catizone said, "I have decided it's best if I don't play soccer through the winter. I may be running in college on a scholarship so after discussions with both my parents and coach we've decided it's best if I take a break(from soccer)."

When reached for comment 1776 manager Ryan Vinton said, "Obviously Louie's a big loss, we'd love to have him around, he brings a tremendous amount of pace and hustle to the lineup, but at the same time I want what's best for Louie and under the circumstances it seems like he's making the smart move, he has a opportunity you'd be stupid to pass up. He definitely has a good head on his shoulders and he's more than welcome back in the future."

Catizone has stated he'd like to return to the club at some point in the future.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

1776 To Offer Online Matchcasts

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. will offer online matchcasts this spring when they continue their NJSL campaign via their new twitter site, http://www.twitter.com/mt76 .

Continental supporters will be able to log on to the 1776 site, http://www.mt76.org, and view match updates as they occur on the pitch.

For more info on The Morristown 1776 Association Football Club visit them on the web at http://www.mt76.org or contact them via email at club@morristown1776.org or phone at (862)579-2652.

FIFA 09 Tournament Postponed

(Morristown)- The Morristown 1776 AFC have postponed their 1st annual Fifa 09 Tournament/Fundraiser scheduled for January 3.

The makeup date is TBA and should be announced by the club soon.