Archived Quote - Goonies

Goonies NEVER Say Die.
-Mikey

Back to the Rheinland

Tuck in t-shirts, shave the tops and sides of your head, and cut the last quarter of your pants -- We're going back to Germany.


Zee Germans are known for their punctuality, organization, and lack of humor. Well today I learned that there are exceptions to all cultural generalizations. Germany played Argentina in the quarter finals of the World Cup today. I am blaming this match for the entire breakdown of the German transportation system. My flight (Air Berlin) was delayed 3 and a 1/2 hours, my luggage was lost (without making a connection) for 2 hours, and my train was 45 minutes retarded (that's actually what they call it).


As I waited for my train, I attempted to buy a snack from a vending machine. But apparently the machines won't dispense food when it's too hot (it was in the upper 90s) to prevent spoilage. Clever, right? So, do you know what doesn't spoil? The mystery meats in a hot dog vending machine. Don't worry, the machine cooks it for you. Deutschländer XXL, anyone?


But the highlight of the day goes to the girl flipping off the entire train when it prevented her from crossing the road. Some things do not get lost in translation.

Supertino

After being away from States for over 6 months, it was good to be back. I have to admit, during my first few days I had a reverse culture shock. At the supermarket I was a bit overwhelmed being surrounded by so many English-speakers. I have been used to being in my own reality when running errands and hearing only white noise. Yes, I could make sense of the static, but sometimes it was nice just to do my own thing. Also the customer service of the stores and the politeness of strangers took me off guard. I had also forgotten how awesome it was to have all my choices available in one place, and not having to go to 2 stores and an apotheke (drugstore) just to finish my grocery shopping. God Bless America.


It was great to see so much of my friends and family. When I do, it always reminds me how fortunate I am. So I am going to share some highlights of the visit:

Within my first week back, my family reunited in Cupertino (Brock and Dina flew in, and Sage drove down). There were jokes that we should have taken xmas photos while we had everyone together. Next, I headed down to Santa Barbara to officially graduate and walk (only 2 years late, but just right for Kyle Time). I tried be a cool guy and keep my sunglasses on for the ceremony. Some of my friends were riding me for how white I was, so I had to explain to them that the sun doesn't always visit the rest of the world.


I stayed with my 2nd set of parents down in Santa Barbara, Bob and Jen, who put me up in their pool house. They were even cool enough to let a friend, Peter, crash in Bob's VW van for a few nights. I met Peter while playing in Düsseldorf and I think he felt at home in zee German auto.


It was Peter's first time in America, so I enjoyed showing him all the stuff he was missing out on - Costco, In-N-Out, SUV's, and Mexican food. We drove down to Ventura to meet up with my buddy Ross, and Ross gave us some lessons on how to surf: I want you to ignore your instincts. Koonu will be your instincts. Don't try to surf, don't do it. The less you do, the more you do... Let's see you pop up... Pop it up... No, too slow. Do less... You're doing too much.


After Peter flew home, I drove back up north and was able to catch Jav's younger brothers perform their first show in SF. It was pretty sweet. Below I am standing between Jav and Jaime, Chrisitian (Jaime's cousin) is on the right. Jaime has like 40 cousins and I have met almost all of them.


On the Monday of the last week of June I got a call from my agent, Ari, telling me that there is an opportunity for me at the end of the week in Germany. So I scrambled to find a ticket leaving that Friday. Right after talking with Ari, I got a call inviting me to play with the Earthquakes against the U-20 US team. It's funny how sometimes there is nothing, and then everything happens all at once. Maybe that's what life is -- being prepared to make the most out of that phone call.

My bags are packed.

The last game of the season is tomorrow. For the June break, I planning to head back to California for 2 weeks.

I have been here now for over 6 months. During that time I have maintained a childlike enthusiasm because I am following my dream of playing professionally. So it's not homesickness I feel right now, but fear.

I have a recurring nightmare where I am in the States but I need to be in Europe. I start freaking out because I only have a one way ticket and can't get back. Then I wake up and it takes me a few moments to get my bearings.

All dream interpretations aside, coming back feels like the right thing for me right now. More importantly, though, I am excited to see my friends and family. You guys are the foundation upon which I am able to build. See you all soon.

Archived Quote - I have only my dreams

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
- W.B. Yeats

6 down, 2 to go.

I have played the last six games at inverteidiger (center defender) for SV Drochtersen/Assel. I feel back in my playing rhythm from all the match experience, but my play is still not quite where I want to be.

There have been many injuries among the starting lineup and not enough depth on the team this season. So despite my best efforts, the team will not aufstieg (be promoted) this season. Either way, there are two games left so I am going to concentrate on them.

FAQ's

Ehmm... so where are you and what are you doing?

For a good part of the past 5 months I have been traveling throughout Europe (mainly Germany) going on trials with various teams.

OK, so you are trialing in Germany. What does that even mean?

To trial with a club means to try-out or test yourself against the club's current players. The hope is, assuming all the conditions are just right, that the trialist will sign a contract with the team. It can be looked at as sort of a match-making process, not unlike courting a woman. In other words, a test player will travel around looking for a team that's looking for him.

What are the conditions that have to be 'just right'?

Well, quite a few: Is the team looking to add players?; Is it the right time to bring in a trialist (it affects the team psyche)?; Are the player's credentials strong enough? (If an "unknown" player is signed and doesn't produce then someone's job is on the line); What language does the player speak (can he understand the coach and his teammates)?; If the player is a non-EU player (he will cost money or be a hassle) is he better than the native talent?; If he is a foreigner will he get homesick? (It's been said that you have to sign 3 Brazilians just so you can make the one you want to play well); ...

How long does a trial last?

Depends...
if it's a youth player (< 19), the player is given time to settle in: 4 weeks - 2 months;
If a player is given a legitimate shot, but must prove himself: 3-4 weeks;
If the players has a well know name: 1-2 days;
If a favor is being called in: 1-2 days + more, if the player does well.

What happens on a trial?

The test player comes in for training about an hour before the start. He goes to the trainer's office, has a brief talk with the trainer, then is shown to the changing room. We he enters, he shakes everyone's hand in the room (this is important). If the team has money, then a kit (clothing) will be provided. If not, then he is left to fend for himself. The test player joins the players in training just like any other player. Sometimes he is taken aside at first to test his basic technique - passing, trapping, shooting, volleying, etc. At the end of training, the coaches give the player their assessment.

What are the guys like?

No one gives a fart about a test player until he plays well and demonstrate value on the field. I always know that I've had a good day when my teammates attempt speaking English with me.

Traveling can get expensive, how do you handle expenses?

That's just it, traveling is expensive, period. The cheapest way to travel is by carpooling (I have saved a few hundred euros using a ride share website). Also, a player can seek out trials in places where he has friends to stay with. Food is not expensive as long as the player gets groceries and tries his hand at cooking.

How are trials set up?

If the player does not have agent, he can send out his CV and highlight video (I did this for every A-League team in the States) or contact the coaching staff of a club anyway possible (phone, post, email, Facebook, or through a player who he knows on the team). Really, the best way is the old fashioned way: show up on the club's doorstep with boots in hand and ask for a trial (or at least to train with the team for the day).
If a player has an agent, then it is up to the agent to use his contacts find opportunities for the player.

And what does an agent do exactly?

An agent, or at least accredited ones, are licensed by FIFA. He and the player have a contract that usually says something like the agent gets %10 of the player's income (the agent is paid only when the player is paid). But as far as I understand an agent is the spokesman for player. The player is the product and his agent is the salesman. He will find opportunities for his player, negotiate contracts, and find brand sponsors.

That's all I got for now, any more questions?

Match Day 2

My second match was a derby against a local rival, Ahlerstedt. I had another solid performance and stole this kid's lunch money moments after the photo was taken. The article where this picture comes from said that we dominated the play for most of the game, but lost. Such is the nature of the game.

My First Match

I had to wait a few weeks for my international clearance through the USSF and the DFB, but it finally came through this week. I got my first whole match with SV Drochtersen/Assel last Friday and we won 1-0. I had a solid performance, but I think it will be a game or two before I find my rhythm. There is still a long road ahead of me and still much work to be done, but I am excited because this was another step towards realizing my goals (also, it has not been an easy process of getting my foot in the door). I plan to finish out the rest of the season, 7 games, and then hopefully trial at a higher level during the break.

Drochtersen plays in the Oberliga Niedersachsen Ost (5th division) and is fighting for promotion into the Regionalliga (4th division). We would need to win the league and then have a playoff with the top team from the Niedersachsen West for this to happen. Drochtersen has held the top of the tabelle for most of the year, but with a rash of injuries (7 starters out for the season) we have dropped to the third position. The league is comparable to D-2 college soccer, but there are more talented players sprinkled in this league (keep in mind some players can live off their Oberliga salaries). On a side note, I would place the MLS (US top division) between the German 2nd and 3rd divisions (depending on the team).

I have to admit, though, it's a tough comparison to make. American soccer players have the edge athletically, but German fußball players are more advanced tactically. Germans, and most of the rest of the world for that matter, grow up watching the game and having it as a part of their culture. Because of this, European players tend to have a deeper understanding of the game. America has a larger pool of players to select from and, naturally, the stronger athletes tend to fare better on the field (in the US). However, the best athletes in America are usually drawn to American football, basketball, and baseball (a discussion for another time) in high school and beyond. Whereas the best athletes in Germany and Europe (and the rest of the word) play football. Either way, the trend is slowly changing and soccer in the States is improving.

Archived Quote - Playing

-George Bernard Shaw

Tageblatt

Here's an article from a local German newspaper:

Here is a translation from Google:

A US-Boy for D / A (Drochtersen/Assel)
Kyle Kaveny plays on Friday evening in Kehdingen (a part of Drochtersen) for the first time in Germany

The trophy in his hands is made of chocolate and can not melt easily (the lady interviewing me didn't have a soccer ball on hand, so she bought the next best thing from a nearby pastry shop). Constant value arises Kyle Kaveny before his career. The 25-year-old American wants to be a professional soccer player in Germany. As Friday falls in Kehdingen the start. Then Kaveny accrues for the first time for a German club - for the SV Oberliga Drochtersen/Assel. Kick-off is 8 PM in Drochtersen against Rot-Weiss Cuxhaven.

Kyle Kaveny has spent the winter in Germany. He was in Dusseldorf, Munich, Erfurt and Hamburg. Hamburg is a great city, so liberal and exciting, just like San Francisco, he says in English. The Californian has already learned a little German, though in America, he studied Russian (this is not true) and Spanish (true). His dream would be a contract with a Bundes league. But first he is happy to be able to play at Drochtersen/Assel. "As a defender," Kaveny says suddenly in perfect German. "Right, left, and move out" were the words he first learned. "Before I could count one, two, three," says former student and laughs.

At the University of California, Santa Barbara, UCSB short, he studied mechanical engineering and sports sciences. Since November is Kaveny in Germany. End of May, he will fly back to his homeland - and he hopes that he can come back and he gets the new season with a team somewhere in Germany a professional contract. He wants to kick, necessarily - because even if Kaveny appears at first sight, somewhat of a smart surfer boy from California, where he has never surfed. "For me there was always football," he says. For SV Drochtersen/Assel Kaveny came in a roundabout way, through a friend of D/A-player Raphael Staffeldt.

A shelter has found Kaveny first with his now injured countryman and D/A-player Marcus Storey in Heimfeld. One of the unlucky fortune of the other: That the SV Drochtersen/Assel the defensive players for the last eight games of the season will still run, is on the losing streak of the staff in 3rd place. Nine players are missing coach Jagemann, seven of them from the starting lineup. New additions Fabian Völkner (knee injury) for which their season has ended, Markus Zimmermann (bruise) and Daniel Gröne (foot injury). Against the virtually relegated almost last in the table Cuxhaven, Kaveny will play well in central defense in a back four that has never before done this together (3 of the 4 starting defenders are new).

Hamburger

Today I sat down with the manager of Drochtersen to discuss the conditions for signing me for the remainder of the season. Nothing is official yet, so I have been putting off the celebrations until after I play in my first match. The biggest delay will be for my International Transfer Clearance which must be completed by the DFB (German Football Federation) and the USSF (US Soccer Federation). When I am cleared by the powers at be, I hope to do work on the field and help this club get promoted to the next division.


Hamburg is an international melting pot of art and culture like a New York and yet it has the liberal sociability of a San Francisco. We checked out the Sternschanze the other day and had some tee and ice cream in front of this beat up building. Supposedly, the structure was city-owned and home to struggling artists -- welcomed or not, I did not know.

St. Pauli is a club in Hamburg playing in the 2nd Bundesliga and fighting to get into the 1st. I was fortunate enough to check out a match and this club has the raddest culture I have ever seen. A carnival bordering the stadium adds to the feel of an oddball, carny atmosphere; their emblem of a skull and crossbones explains their nickname as the "pirates of the league"; and their colors of brown, red and white gives the feel of dirty and diehard with a pinch of class. To be a fan of the club is to be part of the "kult" culture. Everyone, from children to doctors to punk rockers, supports the club. If I had the chance, I would love to play for this side.

Archived Quote - The Right Track

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

- William Rogers

Hamburg

After months of anticipation, I finally made it up to Hamburg. For the past week or so I have been trialing with SV Drochtersen. Marcus, an American on the team, has been super cool and is letting me stay at his flat and showing me the ropes. I think Marcus went through a similar situation to get where he's at and understands my cause. Anyhow, I hope to finish out the remaining few months of the season with the club. Stay tuned.

Archived Quote - A True Champion

A true champion, face to face with his darkest hour, would do whatever it takes to rise above. A man fights the fight, and then fights some more. Because surrender is death, and death is for pussies.

Kenny Powers, East Bound and Down

Interview

Here is an interview I did that was just posted on Pro Soccer Weekly:

PSW: Kyle, tell us a little bit about yourself, specifically how you got interested in playing soccer.
KK: I grew up around guys who loved the game. Every time I would see them we would play. Everyday, day or night, this is how we spent our time. That is how it all started for me.

PSW: What are your strengths are as a player and what position do you typically play?
KK: I take great pride in my technical, tactical, and organizational abilities. I enjoy putting in the extra time to work on things that I can improve. My desire to improve and my love for the game has allowed me to pursue the opportunities I'm exploring now.

I studied Mechanical Engineering at university and I think these skills apply well in both areas of my life. Also, I am fortunate to come from an athletic family - my father threw the javelin after college, my mother played softball professionally, and my sister played and coached volleyball in college.

My coach at UC-Santa Barbara, Tim Vom Steeg, taught me to love playing centerback. An intelligent centerback can be the quarterback of a team: starting the attack, controlling the pace of the game, organizing his teammates, and being the leader on the field.

PSW: How did you find yourself in Europe?
KK: I found some people that believe in me, one of them being my agent Marc Rohrer, and we have been working towards a common goal ever since.

But had I never met Marc, I would have simply bought a ticket over here and improvised along the way. Knocking on the doors of clubs with my shoes in hand and asking to play. If you want something bad enough, then go for it. This is something my parents instilled in me.

PSW: Can you talk about living in Europe and any culture shocks you've experienced?
KK: I have grown immensely from living in Europe for the past several months. Being over here forces an individual to be much more responsible for his actions. You have to keep asking yourself questions to keep yourself in check. For example: does the train ticket you just bought need to be validated? If not, that's a $60 fine and the German authorities don't accept the excuses "I forgot" or "the machine is broken" (I know from experience). It's sort of like that scene from The Last Crusade where Indiana Jones throws the German guy out of the blimp and then says to the other passengers "No ticket."

No culture shocks yet, but lately I have been craving some good Mexican food.

PSW: Can you mention some of your experiences while on trial in Europe?
KK: One of the very first things I noticed here, after coming from the college game and PDL, was the speed of play. Every player here, even down to the fifth division, is technically sound, understands tactics, and tackles well. There is a big emphasis on winning your individual "sweikampf" or 50/50 battle. So much so that it's a stat used for game and player analysis.

To talk a little about the places I've been, I was first evaluated at FC Lucerne in Switzerland, by former Swiss national coach, Rolf Fringer. I remember his office was very humble and the floor was lined with artificial grass. Mr. Fringer told me that I possess all the tools to be a great centerback and that he expected to see me in the top division within the next 1-2 years. Hearing this from him helped me to believe what Marc had already been telling me.

One of the more interesting experiences came when I was with FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt. On my first day they did lactic acid threshold test training. Blood samples were drawn from our ears and our heart rates were measured at different stages of difficulty in a run. Coming from the States, that was a first for me.

PSW: You have had a lot of success going back to the Santa Clara Sporting Ruckus (US Club Soccer National Champions in 2003), the University of California – Santa Barbara (NCAA National Champions in 2006), and the Ventura County Fusion (PDL National Champions 2009). What have you learned from all of this early success?
KK: That it comes at the most unexpected hours; and sometimes not at all. I have learned to find my enjoyment in the process, but I understand results are what a professional plays for.

PSW: What was it like playing for the Ventura County Fusion in the USL PDL last season?
KK: The Ventura County Fusion was the most professional team I had been with up to that point. Our uniforms were clean and laid out before training, our sessions were very sharp and organized, everyone from the general manager down to the equipment manager was very professional. Also, the team was composed of many guys who had experience in the MLS, A-League (USL 1), and even international level and were looking to return - Brennan Tennelle, Ivan Becerra, Alfonso Motagalvan, Bryan Byrne, Adam Smarte, Henry Brauner, Anthony Hamilton, and Andrew Villalobos just to name a few.

UC-Santa Barbara was a big step forward from club soccer, and yet the Fusion were another level with the team and club structure in place.

PSW: What do you think it will take for soccer to become more popular within the world of American sports?
KK: I did a report on this for a class my freshman year at uni. What I believe it ultimately comes down to is that the sport needs more heroes, a soccer equivalent of a LeBron James that kids can grow up watching and say to themselves: why not me?

PSW: What do you feel is the best way for the U.S. to develop its young talent?
KK: Create a culture in which a love of the game is instilled in players. I got my love of the game from playing with my friends. What good is a young superstar if he doesn't enjoy playing and improving on his ability?

PSW: Do you feel that top young players should play college soccer even if it doesn’t allow them to begin their professional career at the same age as players in other countries typically start theirs?
KK: It depends on what that player wants to do in life. If all he has ever dreamed about was being a professional then who are we to stop him? However, if the player realizes that the average career does not go much past the age of 30 (unless maybe he is a keeper) and wants to have something to fall back on, then he or she should pursue a degree while playing in college.

PSW: What are your feelings about this quote from a recent interview that I conducted with Hugo Perez “college soccer has to play year-round, or at least have two seasons. The current system pushes the players back four years in their development in soccer because they only play for four months. Everyone else in the world is already ahead four years.”?
KK: Interesting statement. I am all in favor of extending the college season, but every college program is unique to the players and staff that make it. Yes, the college season may only last for four months, but do the players not play outside of those four months? Does the staff not continue to teach the team in pre and post season? I believe that if players and coaches stop working to improve because the four month college season has ended, then that is a completely different problem.

PSW: Given your experiences in Europe, what do you think about so many of the top young U.S. players going to European clubs and how do you think this affects their development?
KK: Again, it completely depends on the individual. If the player can derive all of his enjoyment from playing and developing his game, then great. But one of the biggest obstacles with going oversees is how a player reacts to the culture. If a player is not comfortable, his game will suffer. It's been said, that if you bring a Brazilian player to Germany you will have to bring three additional Brazilians just so the first will play well.

PSW: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment thus far in soccer?
KK: That I am still able to play and pursue my childhood dream of playing soccer professionally. In the first five minutes of my senior year at UC-Santa Barbara, I got stuck in an awkward challenge and came out with a broken fibula. Sitting back for 3 months and watching your senior year pass by without you does something to an individual. I feel very fortunate every time I am able to step on the pitch.

PSW: Going forward, what would you like to achieve in soccer?
KK: The same things that every other kid wants to do: play for my country, play for Barcelona, and play pick-up with Zizou. Really though, I hope to play at the highest level possible for as long as my career allows.

I have enjoyed every minute of this journey. Although I am happy, I'm not satisfied. There's a quotation from John Wooden that I like: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." I think that's what it's all about -- constantly striving to reach your highest potential.

Archived Quote - Graffiti

Graffiti… I don’t like graffiti, unless it teaches me something, you know? Like “Oh, that’s how Alex feels about Maria. I wouldn’t have known if I had not walked by there, thank you.” Graffiti’s the most passionate literature there is, you know? It’s always like “Bush sucks!”, “U2 Rocks!”. I want to make indifferent graffiti. “Toy Story 2 was okay!” “I like Sheryl as a friend, but I’m not sure about taking things further”, “This is a bridge!”, “That guy’s right!”

-Demetri Martin

[art by Pobel, found in London]