Jason Menicheschi made his triumphant return to the pitch on Tuesday night to join his fellow JPLers as they took on the Jesters at Twin Ponds in Mechanicsburg. After missing the first few games of the season, Menicheschi’s arrival was greeted with high-fives and excitement by all. In the 2006 season, Jason led Team JPL to two wins and secured the team’s scoring title.

“It’s good to be back in the line up,” said Menicheschi before the game. “I’m excited to play and help out the team!”

Menicheschi’s made his impact late in the game when he received a great pass from “Dancin’” Lena Penn and then assisted Nick Buckwalter for JPL’s second goal of the match.

Down But Not Out

The Jesters started the scoring with a quick goal within the first few minutes of the game and followed with 3 additional goals to take a 4-0 lead early. Determined not to fall down too far, JPL’s defense made some great plays to help feed the offense. Lead by Kim Quigley, Micah Jacobs, Leah Bergey and Anthony (AJ) Jenks, JPL’s “D” held strong for the remainder of the game.

JPL was down but not out. During a set piece, Joe Tertel’s corner kick found Nick Buckwalter for a blast from 10 yards out. The shot was blocked by the goalie, but the rebound found Jenny McClean who made a fancy pass to a crashing Joe Tertel for the first goal of the game and Tertel’s first goal of the season. The Tertel, Buckwalter, McClean line did it again later in the game as Buckwalter found the net for his second goal of the game to knot the game at 5-3.

A Photo Finish

As time expired, JPL found themselves down two goals. “We played a great game against one of the elite teams in the league. JPLers never give up!” exclaimed Kurt “Kdot-Adot” Allen, who not only played great on both sides of the ball, but also played videographer for the night. “We got some great footage to go back and study. We’ll review for this game, fix our mistakes and get a win next week!”

Next Week

JPL takes on the number one ranked team, Johnny Drama, at 8:45pm next Tuesday.

After 25 minutes of scoreless soccer, Team Leftovers scored 3 goals in 5 minutes to take the lead and ultimately defeat JPL FC. “It was a learning experience for our team,” commented Team Captain Joe Tertel. “We had our chances early in the game and a few late in the game, but tonight we couldn’t buy a goal. Our team will learn from this and get better.”

Unlucky

Throughout the first half of the game, Team JPL had multiple shots on goal and numerous missed opportunities. After several errant passes, defensive breakdowns and some “unlucky” bounces, JPL fell down and could not get back into the game. JPL pushed the offense late in the game, but missed shots and long rebounds lead to fast break opportunities in the other direction. The Leftovers made the best of their chances and defeated the team from JPL.

“We have a young team,” said Assistant Captain Katy Bastas. “We’ll get things right for the next game and come home with a win!”

Looking to Rebound

JPL FC takes on the Jesters next Tuesday at 9:30pm.

The cheers of JPL, JPL, JPL rang through the Twin Ponds complex. Signs reading “Go JPL FC” and “Score a Goal for Me!” were seen in the stands. The JPL faithful came out to support Team JPL FC as they challenged Acceptable Aggression in last night’s soccer match.

“This is the best team we’ve had in years,” commented Robin Kestner, 3rd year supporter of JPL FC after the game. “I know we’ll get some wins this year!” Dani Church, also a 3rd year fan, mentioned “It was an exciting game. I sat on the edge of my seat until the final second!”

Dylan and Melissa Washington could not believe how good the team was. “I’ve heard stories, I’ve read the articles, but this team is REALLY REALLY good!” said Melissa. “The team plays really hard! Tertel even went through a fence to get to a ball! What a game!”

Mimicking his mother’s comments, Dylan, a future JPL star, said “Those guys are so cool, I can’t wait until I’m old enough to play for the team!”

The Game to Watch

JPL got up early on the tie-dyed team of Acceptable Aggression after a free kick pass from Captain Joe Tertel found Nick Buckwalter for a goal. Defensively, new goalie, “Dangerous” Derek Vogel, keep the team in the game with some amazing saves and a blocked penalty shot. Vogel, a former teammate of Tertel, was a star goal keeper at the critically acclaimed soccer school of North Schuylkill. After starting goalie, Sovanna Mam, suffered a season ending hand injury that required surgery; Vogel took over the yellow jersey and gloves to man the goal posts.

A Highlight for SportsCenter

Even with Vogel blocking multiple shots, Team Aggression found itself up 4-1 late in the game. Switching the lines, team JPL found a spark when Nick Buckwalter found Chris “Zen” Zentmeyer who headed the ball up in the air and then bicycle kicked the ball into the corner of the goal. The JPL supporters went crazy as the ball hit the back of the net. The team kept the pressure on, but could not score another goal and fell 4-2.

“It was great to see the stands full with our fans,” Tertel said in his post game conference. “I’m hoping the next game we can get a win for them.”

Continue the Support

Next Tuesday JPL FC looks to eat up the Leftovers at 8pm, we hope to see you there.

Last night Team JPL FC challenged the Marines in a hard fought soccer match that pitted two teams looking for their first victory of the year. Throughout the first 10 minutes of the game, the teams felt each other out testing each goalie with difficult shots. It was not until the 15th minute that a shot by a Marines’ forward made it past JPL’s goalie Sovanna “The Great Wall” Mam. JPL held tight, but after two questionable calls, a tripping penalty near midfield that lead to a breakaway and an “unlucky” handball in the box that lead to a penalty kick goal, the Marines found themselves up 3-0.

Stellar “D” Keeps JPL in the Game

After the third goal by the Marines, JPL FC stepped their defense up to another level. Lead by Chris “The Big Man” Cook, who sacrificed his body to block two shots and who also prevented a 3 on 1 breakaway, JPL’s defense stood strong in the face of adversity. Aided by Kim “Tenacious K” Quigley and Hollie “The Rookie” Rudy, JPL’s strong defense held their opponents scoreless throughout the second half of the game.

The McClean, Tertel, Buckwalter Line Strikes Again – Twice

For the second straight game all of the scoring came from the McClean, Tertel, Buckwalter line. A pass from Jenny McClean found Joe Tertel who in turn found Nick Buckwalter for the first goal of the game for team JPL. Only seconds later, Buckwalter stole the ensuing kickoff to score on a breakaway.

Shots Anyone?

JPL came within one goal and continued to apply the pressure, but multiple shots from Katy “The Kat” Bastas and a breakaway attempt by Ryan Pudloski could not find the back of the net. In a nail biter, JPL lost to the Marines 3-2.

An Early Game Next Week

JPL FC takes Acceptable Aggression next week at 7:15. This is your chance to get out and support the team and still make it home to watch American Idol and House.

In a game that saw two teams fight to the final second, JPL FC battled Team CPA in last night’s late soccer game.

With a few scrum goals in front of the net, CPA took an early 3-0 lead. “Keep your heads up,” said “The Veteran” Jim Mitchell as he encouraged his team. “We are still in this!” Only a few seconds later, Jim stole the ball in his defensive end to start what would be the play of the game.

JPL Scores

After Jim’s steal, Nick “el profesor” Buckwalter took a pass to beat two defenseman and forwarded the ball to team captain Joe Tertel. Tertel made a nifty move around the final defenseman to draw the goalie out and with a beautiful pass, found “The Irish Sharpshooter” Jenny McClean wide open to score the first goal of the 2007 JPL season.

“It was unbelievable! What a pass! What a shot!” commented Dan “The Superfan” Leister, who came to the game to lend his support and photography expertise. “I can’t believe how good these guys are!”

JPL kept up the pressure with over a dozen additional shots late in the game, but could not add another goal and fell to Team CPA 4-1.

Call in the Cavalry

JPL FC battles the Marines next Tuesday at 9pm at Twin Ponds in Mechanicsburg. Come to the big game and show your JPL spirit!

Attached Photos

Thanks to Dan Leister for coming out to a late game and capturing all the action. Attached you will find photos of Jenny’s goal and the celebration of JPL’s first goal of the season.

In their first game at the Twin Ponds Soccer Facility, Team JPL FC made an impact on the Adult Co-ed soccer league. “I think we played great in our first game of the season. We played as a team and everyone had fun,” commented team captain Joe Tertel after the game. “We have seven more games left and we are just going to get better!”

JPL took to the pitch with a handful of new faces and some seasoned veterans leading the charge, but even before the game began JPL made their presence known. After an initial discussion with Captain Joe Tertel, Ron the Ref came over to the JPL sideline to lecture the team. “Apparently, our reputation proceeds us,” remarked 3 year starter Chris “Zen” Zentmeyer. “It does… it does” replied Ron the Ref.

2007 Kickoff

As the game began, JPL held tough defensively with new JPLers Ryan “The Milk Shaker” Pudloski and Kurt “The Machine” Allen heading the stand. After 8 minutes of scoreless soccer, Team Tim scored on a blast that was too much for goalie Mike “The Wall” Isbell. As the game continued, JPL had several chances to put the ball into the back of the net, but could not capitalize on their opportunities including a half field shot from Nick “el profesor” Buckwalter, a quick shot from Chris “Zen” Zentmeyer and several shots from JPL’s newest overseas acquisition, Jenny “The Sharpshooter” McClean.

While, JPL FC could not capitalize, Team Tim made the best of their chances. Sliding a few shots through Isbell and Sovanna Mam, who came in later to play goal, Team Tim earned the victory and handed JPL their first defeat of the season.

Next Game – Tuesday March 20th 10:30pm

Head home early, grab a nap and head out to see JPL FC challenge Team CPA in next Tuesday’s night cap.

Coming off of their best season ever, the JPL soccer team looks to improve on last year’s record. This year JPL welcomes several new faces to the team hoping to increase its defense stand and further improve its explosive offensive. JPL will also be featured in a new league this year. Previously participating in the Sports City indoor soccer league, JPL has decided to move to play at Twin Ponds in Mechanicsburg.

The Schedule’s Set for Excitement

Playing each game on Tuesday night, JPL will be playing a total of 8 games. Below is a list of the team’s schedule.

http://ezleagues.ezfacility.com/team.aspx?team_id=160473

Updates From the Field

As always, team captain and resident sports writer, Joe Tertel will update the JPL enthusiasts on the outcome of each match. Win or Lose, Tertel provides a non-biased look at the team and breaks down each game in detail. I for one am excited to hear his commentary!

See YOU in the Stands

Just like last year, we will be looking for the Super Fan of each game. You are welcome to come in your JPL gear and cheer on the team to victory. The team looks forward to seeing YOU in the stands.

So the show at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster was a success. Eric Macek headlined the show, but before he went on Adam Kowalczyk and Ralph Real took the big stage. I was downstairs with Josh Albright and another guy. There was a good number of people there and it was fun to play a show with several different musicians. Here’s how the night went down.

Rick and I got there early to set up and meet everyone. Rick Boyer was scheduled to take photos for Macek, Ralph and me, so he came with me. Josh Albright and I got the gear set up downstairs on the Lizard Lounge and we each did a quick sound check. Ralph and Macek came down to make sure that we were ready and I spoke with each of them about their music and what they are planning on doing. Both guys were really cool and down to earth. Kowalczyk on the other head was no where to be found. Later, I had a chance to speak with him and he blew me off, but whatever.

Kowalcyzk started the show upstairs on the big stage to only a handful of people. Honestly I think that there was more people downstairs to listen to Josh and me. I was surprised to see the lack of people to see Adam since he was suppose to be a big draw. I had a few minutes to listen to him. Kowalczyk has a good sound, no surprise he sounds like Live, but everything sounded like the slow Live songs, not the rocking ones that I really like.

Josh Albright and I talked before he started. The last guy that was playing downstairs with us didn’t show, so we each would have an extra 15 minutes to play. Josh went on and he brought a big crowd with him. Josh has a great sound. He uses a ton of different pedals with delays and preprogramed sounds. He also plays keyboard. His stuff was good and I hope to play a show with him again in the future.

Before I went on, Ralph Real and his band started upstairs. Ralph is an amazing musician and an amazing performer. He really commanded the stage and his unique style of hip-hop, funk, soul and rock fun to watch and really refreshing to see in Central PA. Ralph got everyone into the show and dancing. If you get the chance, check him out!

I followed Josh Albright in the Lizard Lounge, but right before I went on, the third guy downstairs showed up, so it looked like I was going to have to play my regular set. I opened with a Springsteen tune and played a couple new songs that I received some good comments. There was at least 20 people there to see me. If you were one, THANKS! I also handed out a few promo CDs before and after, unfortunately no autograph signings. I think the set went well, but I eventually had to cut it short to make time for the next guy. All in all, I was pleased with my performance.

Eric Macek headlined the show and started immediately after I finished up, so I got to see his whole show. Awesome! Macek started with an acoustic set and performed a duo with a beautiful young lady. He then brought out his band that consisted of musicians from the previous two bands including Ralph Real on keyboards. When they all plugged in, Macek and the boys rocked. Macek is a true professional. He is very talented and I could understand why he is having success in LA.

To wrap up… I think the show was great! Everyone sounded awesome and it was a great opportunity for me to play with several known musicians and to play a great club.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to check out Mr. Greengenes at the Paddock while I was in Ocean City Maryland with several friends. I’ve seen this band last year in OCMD and then again in Philly. I consider them the best cover band I have ever heard. I’m sure you know that I’m a HUGE fan of cover bands, (if not, please check out my previous posts) but Greengenes brings something different to the cover band title. The band has an attitude as if they wrote every song they played. What makes them great (other cover bands please listen up) is that they play unique b-sides and then rearrange hits to make them their own.

When you leave a Greengenes’ show, you remember the band, you remember the show and you remember the songs. What really stood out was their rendition of “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night”, their half accoustic half electric version of the Killer’s “Mr. Brightside” and of course their version of the Philadelphia Eagles Fight Song. Mr. Greengenes can be seen in OCMD, Delaware, Philly and sometimes in Harrisburg or York. You can also catch them before every Eagles game as they play outside Lincoln Financial Stadium, playing the Fight Song and all their great covers.

Before I headed into the studio with Shane to finish up “Before” and to wrap everything up, I shared my initial recording of “One Step” and “Forgive” with Wes, Geoff and the rest of bailey. Everyone had some good comments and Wes had some great suggestions.

I took these comments and suggestions in with me and Shane made the recommended changes in a few minutes. He mastered these two songs and then finshed the mix of “Before”. We put the finishing touches on each of the songs, added the production details and made the final master. Shane did an amazing job and I had a lot of fun throughout the process of recording. I’m looking forward to sharing these songs and then get back into the studio with Shane in the future to record more.

You can hear the recordings in the media section of my website. Feel free to let me know what you think here or on my myspace page.