The Team

My teammates are funny. Well at least the few guys on my team that I can communicate with. My locker-roommate's favorite English phrase is "In yo' face!" and another locker-room-flatmate will scream, "I love my life!" every now and then, when the situation permits. One day I was sitting on the team bus listening to music, when a teammate sitting behind me took out my headphone to tell me, "Last weekend... [pause to find words] I had sex with a girl." These little, golden moments always brighten my day.

Also, my teammates love to buy clothes with English writing on them, even if they have no idea what the writing means. A teammate explained to me that he had worn a pink shirt for two years before he understood that the shirt said, "Tobacco Gay Boys." He just liked the color of the shirt.

Then there is Gourcuff and De Rossi (center of photo). Both speak English well enough to joke and talk schmack in both languages. De Rossi has taken me under his wing, and sort of acts like an older-younger brother (he is 6 months my elder, but looks 14 when he shaves). These guys have made my transition over here much easier.

-Jaap Stam

Archived Quote - Perfection

Everything is perfect, but there is a lot of room for improvement.

- Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

Ein Amerikaner im Parkstadion

Translated from the local paper:


His job in the TSG-central defense done without compromise: Kyle Kaveny (left), the American in the Neustrelitz Dress.

Neustrelitz. The guy has made a few weeks of discussion among the die-hards of TSG Neustrelitz. Even the little ones from the youth team know the name of the Amis ("Ahm-ee-s"; German name for Americans) from the men's first team: Kyle Kaveny.

The old men in the stands tell of their club, almost with reverence to this story. It was in the match against Hansa Rostock II: A Rostock striker had "stolen" the ball in the back of the defense. TSG-defender Kyle Kaveny sat at the prosecution, took quickly to recover the three meters from the enemy and the ball so cleanly.

Such kind of applications the fans in the stands have enjoyed. The number 2 is the one who knows his trade and, incidentally, remains on the field. And, it is one that anyone who has met him, a smile holding it. He is a guy even a step-mother would like. The die-hards in the Park stadium rewrite it simply: "Kyle is a fine fellow."

In fact, The Californian Kyle Kaveny is well on its way to the viewers. The 25-year-old at the College of Santa Barbara has completed a degree in mechanical engineering, the sport appears to be the genes. His father was a successful javelin thrower, and his mother played softball. And Kyle went through the typical American sports: track, football and basketball (the writer means baseball). But the joy of "Soccer", as the European tradition of football is called in America, was larger. "My father would have preferred it if I had continued to play basketball. Though I know both my parents are proud of me. But since high school, football (soccer) was the number one for me," recalls Kaveny. He played, after all, the college team from Santa Barbara. And today his name is on their website - in memory of the team that handled services in the College Cup 2004, the boys from the "Duke" 5-0 (I actually didn't play in that game, but it is listed on my UCSB profile as one of my fondest soccer memories). "We were the underdogs, the little ones." Clear that such a victory will be remembered, Kyle smiles as he speaks about them. Unforgettable for him remains winning the national college championship - against the "arch enemy" of the University of Los Angeles.

Then it moved Kaveny out into the world: With a college choice, he toured Europe in search of a club. In Croatia, the team played, consultants were aware of the boys. "My agent knew Rastislav Hodul, so the connection was made to Neustrelitz," said Kaveny. And coach Hodul was quite hot on the 1.93-meter giant, the calm but uncompromising completed his job in the penalty area. "Yes, I've seen on YouTube videos of Kyle. An interesting man, I thought. And after the trial period, it was clear, we wanted him," said Rastislav Hodul. So Kaveny's time began at the Park Stadium. The 25-year-old feels at home here. "The team, the coach, the environment - everything fits here. I feel good," said Kyle.

And, via the Internet, his parents, three sisters, and brother watch the career of the youngest. By a translator program, they learn about match reports. Since it is possible that Kaveny's father welcomes the call on the phone: Kyle, why did you miss that great opportunity? "Yes, my family, keeps their fingers crossed. They know, I live my dream here." Kyle's way, the will of the ambitious Californian, will not end in Neustrelitz. Professional football - that's the big goal. "We Americans believe in our chance. Everything is possible. That's how I think. Why should not it work, "Kyle wants his dream come true. The TSG team, he is certainly a fixed position. And ever since his headed goal against derby rivals General Torgelow he has a great stone in the board with the fans (I have no idea what that means).

Kyle is living his dream, but it is far from being a dreamer. For the professional future, he sees himself working in the field of biotechnology. "But right now I'm concentrating on football, I want to do well here" says Kyle, who - as he happily reported - in Neustrelitz finds new friends everyday.

And a girlfriend? "Right now, not yet," says Kyle. But, as the American maintains that kind of question, the answer also. "Anything is possible," and since it is then again, that friendly laugh of Kyle Kaveny.

Source: Nordkurier Newspaper

Archived Quote - Champion

Rule #76: No Excuses. Play like a champion.

-Jeremy Grey

Spieltag 7: Draw

We drew again this past Sunday. There was an "applause" because our opponent Berliner AK had not lost or drawn any games this season coming into the game. Despite our rough start, I still feel we have the quality to aufstieg (be promoted) this season.

The old Olympic Stadium in Berlin

Outside.

Savli (teammate) and I.


Just I.


It's a bit difficult to tell from the picture, but there is a ball on a string and you can get it into the net with a little willpower.

Mitfahrgelegenheit

I was invited by one of my teammates to stay in Berlin during one of our off days. As I went to buy a ticket at the Neustrelitz train station I was approached by a guy in his mid-twenties who asked me if I wanted to join his group of 3. I wasn't completely sold on the idea that the world need another boy band, but he reassured me that it was just to ride together on a group ticket to Berlin. Ride with some complete strangers to save a few bucks? You bet. I have driven across driven Germany with car full of strangers using a carpool service called mitfahrgelegenheit (with-drive-opportunity), so I didn't give a second thought to this train ride.

I got to talking with one of the guys and found out that he was a hard core fan of TSG. He quickly produced a TSG scarf that fans wave at the games. When he figured out that I was from California and played for the club, he prodded excitedly "Kyle Kaveny?" I gave a big smile, and I think the coincidental meeting made both of our days.

After that experience, exploring Berlin with my teammate only added to my excitement.

Spieltag 5 & 6 --- "Gameday 5 & 6"

We have dominated our past two games but have come away with just 1 point (out of a possible 6 points). I could name a few reasons for this but I think they are better left for the locker room. Either way, our trainings have been sharp and I am hopeful that our work will pay off.


Zum Schluss die Kalte Dusche = Conclusion, The Cold Shower

Experiential Learning

I saw this under the sign for a toilette. I knew that vorsicht meant caution, but I was unfamiliar with the second word. Stufe, resembles stuffy or even stink, so I thought to myself, "OK, get ready for a bad smell and make sure you keep the door closed." So just as went to enter the smelly bathroom, I tripped. And that's when I learned that stufe means step.

Derby

As the days grew closer to the weekend derby against Torgelower, our trainer grew more and more anxious. A win bonus was added to the game, and throughout the week he would pull players aside and remind them of the importance of the Sunday game. He even put together a board with colored pictures of every opponent and their position. He put an exclamation mark next to their forward, explaining to us that this was God's gift to the Oberliga. He was doing his best to put the pressure on us. But as the saying goes, you can either play 15% better or worse under pressure.


Despite the trainer freaking out, my head was clear going into the match. In the second minute of the match I scored my first goal and eventual game winner of a 3-0 drubbing of our rivals. The goal was nothing flashy, it was a centerback goal. Regardless, I was happy with it and before I could do my end zone dance I was mauled by teammates. A game winner, and a tight defensive effort against the league's best offense - a good day at the office.

Münchkens

I met up with a friend from UCSB, Leigh (right), and her friend Ginna (holding the camera) when I was down in Munich sorting out my visa. The picture was taken at the English Gartens, a large public park. Apparently, it is normal there for people to sun bathe on their lunch breaks. Today, the gentleman over my left shoulder was the only one. I kinda feel like we captured Big Foot on camera.

My First* German Club

My goal is to play 3rd division and higher in Germany (professionally). So when I began, I never expected I would be happy to settle in the 5th league. However, I have found it's not easy to break in over here. After 6 months of searching, I feel that I have found a place where I can grow and develop as a player. So I am excited to have been offered a contract with TSG Neustrelitz. My foot is finally in the door.



*Technically, D/A was the first place I played over here. But that was set up as a temporary situation for the end of last season.

Test Match #4: Man City U19

In my deepest and roughest German accent I wished the last player in line "Viel Glück" (good luck) as we shook hands before the match. It was my best impression of the Icelandic player from D2: The Mighty Ducks.


After a solid diet of German for the past month, it was a welcome relief to hear English spoken again, even if it was a bit squeaky and unintelligible coming from those foul-mouthed little Mancs. On the field, I took this rare opportunity to trash talk any of them who came within earshot. It felt good to know my insults could be understood again, and the Manchester kids were a little surprised to get a good lashing in their native tongue.


The game was decided in the final minutes by a free kick that was buried in the upper corner by one of the MCFC youngsters. So as is tradition, I said in my deepest Icelandic accent, "Let's go shake their hawnds." Unfortunately, no one on my team understands Icelandic.

Out with the Old, In with the Neu.

On just 4 days notice I made my return to Germany for an opportunity with the 5th division side VfL Oldenburg. I left Friday afternoon, arrived Saturday night, and was set to play a test match with them on Sunday. Shortly after arriving at the club, I found out that they had just signed two centerbacks (the position I was expecting to fill for them) on Friday and Saturday. Either way, I took the news like a champion and played 90 minutes on Sunday in a 4-1 win.


After the catastrophe with Oldenburg, I was fortunate that an opportunity arose with another Oberliga side, TSG Neustrelitz. So, I went directly to Neustrelitz and I have been testing here for the past 10 days or so. In that time, I have played 3 matches with the club, one being against the newly relegated (from 2nd to 3rd div) side Hansa Rostock. It was a good experience for me, and I played well against Hansa. But alas, their quality showed on most parts of the field and they smashed us up 0-4.

Neustrelitz is an hour's train ride North of Berlin. The town is small, but classy. I am staying next to an outdoor theater that has a summer line up of shows. I am currently being serenaded by an opera in German.

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.