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.

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.