2006 News Archive

Dec 11th
A Late St Patrick's Party!

MiSTFA, working on behalf of the Canadian association CSTSA, has reached an agreement with the Patrick O'Ryans Irish pub in downtown Windsor, Ontario, to host the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix there. Find out more about the biggest tournament MiSTFA has ever organised, at MotownGP.MiSTFA.org. Make sure you keep the weekend of March 24/25 free in your calendars and prepare for a weekend of top class Subbuteo in the Motor City!

Dec 7th
Calvary Baptist Game Night

A group of junior high kids enjoyed their first taste of Subbuteo on Wednesday night as Mike Van Buren introduced them to the beautiful game in miniature. A dozen boys played 5 minute games in quick succession on two tables. All wanted more, and we look forward to a large contingent of them at the next Beker Van Holland on December 30th at Reliable Sport.

Dec 6th
T²SL

Duane Van Buren held Trent Bellew to a 0-0 draw as T²SL Autumn League play finally wraps up. Duane then lost 0-1 to brother Mike, the only goal scored late in the game. The final game between Duane and Mark Johnson will decide the quarter-final opponents for Tim Carr and Trent Bellew.

Trent Bellew 0 Duane Van Buren 0 (AL)
Mike Van Buren 1 Duane Van Buren 0 (AL)

Nov 22nd
Thanksgiving Trophy

T²SL's Thanksgiving Trophy continues play this week.

Mike Ewer 2 Dave Fleming 0 (TT Group B)

Nov 14th
Vacation Break

The T²SL Autumn League takes an unplanned two week break as Duane Van Buren failed to complete his schedule before going on vacation. In the interim, the other 6 players will play a mini-tournament to stay sharp.

The remainder of the Autumn League games should wrap up early this week. Mike Ewer beat Mark Johnson 2-0 with a long shot and a rolling ball goal to secure first place and send Mark into the Plate competition.

Mike Van Buren opened up the Thanksgiving Trophy with a 1-0 win over Mark Johnson, who celebrated his first shot on goal of his much shorter Subbuteo career. The week's play was wrapped up with a 1-0 Autumn League win for Mike Ewer over Dave Fleming.

Mike Ewer 2 Mark Johnson 0 (AL)
Mike Van Buren 1 Mark Johnson 0 (TT Group A)
Mike Ewer 1 Dave Fleming 0 (AL)

Nov 9th
November Nuts

Not quite the same as March Madness. November Nuts is when the T²SL gets too far behind in the schedule and forces its members to play two games simultaneously as part of the catch-up process. In addition to this, Tim Carr is off next week so will complete his schedule today.

In the first ever two-pitch session of the T²SL, Tim came back from behind with a last minute equaliser to tie the game at 1-1 with Mike Van Buren, both goals coming in the second half. Mark Johnson showed more improvement in a 0-2 loss to Trent Bellew.

Completing a hectic day of play on 11/9 were three (!) games played in the evening. Dave Fleming scored his second win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Duane Van Buren, while Mike Ewer finally put got through against Tim Carr, winning 2-0. Then Trent Bellew and Dave Fleming fought out a 0-0 tie.

Tim Carr 1 Mike Van Buren 1
Trent Bellew 2 Mark Johnson 0
Dave Fleming 1 Duane Van Buren 0
Tim Carr 0 Mike Ewer 2
Trent Bellew 0 Dave Fleming 0

Duane Van Buren will either emerge as playoff dark horse or a mere spoiler in the next couple of days. Wins can take him into second place and a semi-final place, but even without that he could trip up Trent Bellew or his brother Mike. Tim Carr has finished his schedule and knows he will play in the Wild Turkey round once he returns.

The two pitch capacity of the T²SL is caused by FK Dukla's home pitch not yet being returned to its new home in Holland after a 8-month loan period at T² HQ.

Nov 8th
Bellew strikes on the blue

He scored the first ever T²SL goal back in March, today he repeated the feat by being the first league scorer on the new T² Field, and both goals against the same opponent. The winner against Tim Carr was scored with 30 seconds left.

T² Field includes a Flickmaster pitch, the only one of its kind in the Great Lakes region. It is in the company colours of blue with white lines.

Nov 7th
Change in ranking system

MiSTFA is looking at a change in its ranking system, which has operated largely unchanged for its three year existence. Mike Ewer explained, "there's not enough reward for playing in a high level tournament with a large number of out-of-state players".

It is not known at this point what changes will be made, but one thing is clear: "It will be much fairer".

This reaction comes after an almost complete lack of movement in the rankings for players who took part in the last weekend's tournaments. "As it stands, the only movement in the rankings will be the fall of players who took part in the Turkey Shoot from two years ago, which now drops off the rankings. We need the rankings to be affected by today's tournaments, not those from two years ago."

Nov 6th
Schultz leads Maple sweep

Two individual wins and a hand in the team win for Indiana's Jon Schultz, who after a slow start found his true form and blew away all competition on Saturday in Jenison.

The visiting Maple City club took advantage of some patchy form from the Michigan hosts. Mike Ewer was off to a flyer with 3-0 wins over Brian Bostelman and Ian Roy, sandwiching a respectable 1-2 loss to Jon Schultz, but then plummeted down to earth with a 0-1 loss to Roy in the Michigan Cup semi-finals.

Ian himself was not on his best form. He scored just four goals in eight games. But one of those was enough to put him into the Michigan Cup Final.

Maple City earned revenge for their loss in the July interstate friendly when they represented Indiana against the Michigan Kestrels. This time the 2-1 score was in their favour, as Brian Bostelman swung the match the other way with a 1-0 win over Ian Roy. Ian would have needed to win the game as Jon Schultz - playing Thatcher Berends - was outscoring Mike Ewer, who was having trouble putting more than three past Matt Findley.

Although it was a small turnout, just six players plus Amanda Ewer who rested for the Michigan Cup but played the MiSTFA Challenge Cup, it was a fun day's play despite the constant distractions from idle young soccer players. There's too little common courtesy and manners taught to kids these days for a busy soccer venue like this to be chosen again.

Nov 1st
T²SL Week 8

Three chances, three goals, some early Michigan Cup form for Mike Ewer against Mike Van Buren, who also managed to get a goal on target, his first in competition play against him.

Mike Van Buren 1 Mike Ewer 3
Tim Carr vs Trent Bellew
Duane Van Buren vs Dave Fleming
Duane Van Buren vs Mark Johnson

Nov 1st
Jump around!

Check out this trick flick by none other than FISTF President Vincent Coppenolle!

Oct 30th
Michigan Cup Countdown

Just days to go before the Michigan Cup event at the Soccer Zone in Jenison. We will welcome a team from Maple City and look forward to a large local turnout. So far we have seven names on the list, we hope this will become double figures by the end of the week. Register your intent to play by e-mailing mike@mistfa.org.

The main event is the Michigan Cup, which has some prestigious winners in its history, such as Scott Aldridge and Chris Buttigieg. This competition will take up the majority of the playing time, any groupings will be as large as possible to allow as many games as possible.

Due to MiSTFA co-hosting the Canadian FISTF weekend in Windsor in March, we are bringing the 2007 MiSTFA Challenge Cup forward to November 2006. This is a knockout event with no seeding, and a draw after every round. Mike Benkart, Zach Walker and Erik Haefke are the previous winners of this competition.

Finally, Michigan and Maple City will compete in a team event, with any other teams still welcome to register.

A rough map to the location is here, however the building is actually about 400yds to the south of the marker, accessible from Cottonwood Drive just north of Chicago Drive, around the back of the Meijer supermarket.

Oct 26th
T²SL Week 7

An early start to play this week saw Mike Van Buren sneak one goal past rapidly improving rookie Mark Johnson and tie for first with Tim Carr.

Mike Ewer scored two second half goals to see off Trent Bellew. Duane Van Buren scored another point by holding Tim Carr to a 0-0 tie, in Duane's sixth straight shutout.

Mike Van Buren kept up the pace at the top with a 3-0 win against Dave Fleming.

Mike Van Buren 1 Mark Johnson 0
Mike Ewer 2 Trent Bellew 0
Mike Van Buren 3 Dave Fleming 0
Tim Carr 0 Duane Van Buren 0

Oct 20th
T²SL Adds "Turkey Plate"

With the addition of a 7th player halfway through the season, the T²SL is adding a consolation plate for the three players eliminated from the final four.

The "Wild Turkey" games already established - slated for Thanksgiving week - will determine who is the "wild card" and who is the "turkey". The two losers from these playoffs will compete against the 7th placed finisher for the "Turkey Plate".

Oct 20th
T²SL Week 6

The first game of the "back nine" of the T²SL Autumn League saw Mike Van Buren beat Trent Bellew, with a fine 2-0 win lifting him into third place. It was the first regulation time decision in eight competitive meetings between the two players.

Another week, another 0-0 between Duane and Mike E. Duane missed a few decent chances but the other end was the busier, including a shot which came down off the crossbar and bounced away to safety.

Tim Carr completed the double over Dave Fleming with a 1-0 win, extending Dave's scoreless streak to 6 games, or 144 minutes plus. He last scored in the final game of the summer regular season, against Trent Bellew in a 1-1 tie.

Dave Fleming finally got on the scoresheet after a two and a half month wait with an early goal against Mark Johnson. The long range effort was enough to beat Mark who showed some promising signs in only his second game.

Mike Van Buren 2 Trent Bellew 0
Mike Ewer 0 Duane Van Buren 0
Tim Carr 1 Dave Fleming 0
Dave Fleming 1 Mark Johnson 0

Oct 11th
LaPorte Tournament Cancelled

Due to a lack of availability of local players and limited commitments from travellers, the Maple City Subbuteo Club has cancelled its October 21 tournament.

MCSC founder Jon Schultz asked everyone in the region to focus on the next tournament, November 4th in Jenison outside Grand Rapids.

Oct 9th
T²SL Week 5

After a week's break for work commitments, the T²SL Autumn League resumed this week. Duane Van Buren battled out a 0-0 with Mike Ewer to start the action, then Mark Johnson played a fine first league game losing to two well-taken goals, one either side of half time, by Tim Carr.

On Tuesday, Mike Van Buren suffered an early shock with an empty net goal scored by Trent Bellew, but he immediately struck back with the equaliser. This early flurry was the sum of the scoring for the game.

To wrap up the week's action, Dave Fleming suffered a heavy 0-4 loss at the hands of defending champ Tim Carr, who brought his goal tally for the week to six.

Mike Ewer 0 Duane Van Buren 0
Tim Carr 2 Mark Johnson 0
Mike Van Buren 1 Trent Bellew 1
Tim Carr 4 Dave Fleming 0

Oct 6th
Ban "of concern to ASA members"

"It's not so much the justification of the ban, but the way it was executed" said Mike Ewer when asked about his thoughts on the recent ASA decision.

"It should be of concern to all ASA members the way the board proceded. Article 10 of the ASA Bylaws clearly states that the accused shall be notified in writing. That never took place."

"It also says that the board shall hear from all concerned parties. Now I would think, especially here in the US where the right to defend oneself is constitutional, that 'concerned parties' includes the accused."

"So now we have a precedent in the system where a 'kangaroo court' has decided the fate of an ASA Member. No representation, no chance to defend the charges."

Furthermore, the ban was discovered via an e-mail forwarded from the FISTF President, not directly from the ASA. When asked why he found out indirectly, ASA President Jonathan Smith said that 'someone beat me to it'."

However the e-mail was signed by Jonathan Smith. Is he lying, or was it someone masquerading as Jonathan Smith, intent on causing damage to Mike's position at FISTF?

Oct 5th
LMSC solidarity after Ewer ban

Members of the LMSC in Indiana and Illinois have showed solidarity towards MiSTFA founder Mike Ewer, who was charged with "working against the growth and healthy maintenance of the ASA in person and on the Internet" and had his ASA membership terminated yesterday.

The clubs in LaPorte, Indianapolis, Chicago and Fort Wayne have recognised the work done by MiSTFA to further the sport in Michigan, neighbouring states and with our neighbours in Canada.

Jon Schultz of the Maple City Subbuteo Club in LaPorte said "I've got full control and authority over tournaments I host", insisting that Mike and the rest of MiSTFA were welcome at his event. "There's plenty to look forward to over the next couple months, this doesn't change any of that" he continued.

The news was not even delivered directly to Mike or MiSTFA but via an apparent attempt to jeopardise his position as webmaster of FISTF's official website. Mike has the full support of the FISTF Board of Directors.

Ewer said last night "with the LMSC backing MiSTFA, there is now no need for MiSTFA to reconsider its existence and affiliation. It is a founder member of the Lake Michigan Subbuteo Circuit and anything else is irrelevant at this point".

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that any tournaments hosted within the LMSC would still count as ASA Opens.

Sep 30th
Mike gets double revenge for LaPorte defeat

Last time the Maple City Subbuteo Club were in town, Brian Bostelman stopped Mike Ewer's chance at a final spot by beating him into second place in their group on a 1-0 scoreline. That defeat condemned Mike to a semi-final against MCSC #1 Jon Schultz.

This time it was different. Fresh off his 3-0 win over Mike Van Buren in midweek, Ewer put in a tight performance to earn a 1-0 win, then followed that up with a 2-0 win a couple of hours later.

This edition of the Beker van Holland was so beginner-orientated that no standings were kept and no groups or brackets were played out.

New MCSC member Matt Findley played a two game series against Thatcher Berends, tying the first one 0-0, while Thatcher won the second 2-0. Thatcher also took on Brian Bostelman, going down in a respectable 1-2 score.

Two possible new MCSC members also got their first Subbuteo under their belts, Jared Saunders and Nate Reutter played some extensive practice.

Sep 30th
WMSL Latest

As part of the September Beker van Holland at Reliable Sport & Ski Haus in Holland, two more WMSL games were played. Thatcher Berends' Calcio Cristallo hosted the Ewers' FK Dukla and Mandalecht at the Stade de Jules Rimet.

FK Dukla went two up in the first game, but Cristallo came back valiantly and scored a fine goal in the second half, and were pressing forward as time ran out. In game two of the set, Mandalecht came unstuck losing 0-2 to some efficient attacking play by the youngster's team.

Sep 28th
T²SL Week 4

Trent Bellew's unbeaten streak came to an end with a 0-3 loss against Mike Ewer. Two goals in the first gave Mike an unsurmountable lead, although Trent did come close a couple of times.

Mike continued his good form by inflicting Mike Van Buren's heaviest loss, another 3-0 scoreline. An early chip shot into the far corner set the tone for the game.

For the second time this season, Dave Fleming lost out to the only goal of the game scored in the dying seconds. Just ten seconds were on the clock when Mike Van Buren calmly took his last chance to get his first win of the autumn campaign.

Later the same day, Tim Carr and Duane Van Buren played a tense and exciting 0-0 draw.

Mike Ewer 3 Trent Bellew 0
Mike Van Buren 0 Mike Ewer 3 (Wk 3)
Mike Van Buren 1 Dave Fleming 0
Tim Carr 0 Duane Van Buren 0

Sep 22nd
T²SL Week 3

Trent Bellew smashed home the only goal of his game against Tim Carr to keep his lead at the top of the table. Brothers Mike and Duane Van Buren battled out a 0-0 in a make-up game from last week.

Wrapping up the week's play with the battle of the Mikes postponed until next week, Duane Van Buren fired in two goals in the first half to defeat Dave Fleming, who is the only player yet to score a goal this season.

Trent Bellew 1 Tim Carr 0
Mike Van Buren 0 Duane Van Buren 0 (Wk 2)
Dave Fleming 0 Duane Van Buren 2
Mike Van Buren vs Mike Ewer P/P

Sep 15th
T²SL Week 2

Dave Fleming and Trent Bellew battled out a 0-0 draw in the first game of week 2 play in the T²SL Autumn League.

Summer champion Tim Carr came back from behind for the second straight game against spring champion Mike Ewer to tie their game 1-1. Carr had the ball in the back of the net minutes later but that attempt was whistled for a foul.

In a make-up game from last week, superb goaltending by Dave Fleming went in vain as Mike Ewer scored a last second winner for his first 3-pointer of the season.

Dave Fleming 0 Trent Bellew 0
Tim Carr 1 Mike Ewer 1
Mike Van Buren vs Duane Van Buren p/p
Mike Ewer 1 Dave Fleming 0 (Wk 1)

Sep 9th
WMSL Latest

Trent Bellew's Zapata Monoliths scored the equaliser against Mike Van Buren's MV 06 Lenteur with seconds left on the clock in the first game of the new WMSL.

Two first half goals for Mike Ewer's FK Dukla were enough against his wife Amanda's Mandalecht in the second game of the weekend. However the outcome could have been much different as Mandalecht hit the post twice.

Trent Bellew 1 Mike Van Buren 1
Amanda Ewer 0 Mike Ewer 2

Sep 8th
Big Welcome for Laskey

PSFS member Steve Laskey was a welcome visitor to Muskegon on Friday night for the Big Flickoff, a casual opener to the new season. Laskey emerged from the evening's play unbeaten in 4 games against WMSL opponents. Ties with Mike Ewer (1-1), Mike Van Buren and Ian Roy (both 0-0) went along with a 2-0 win against Trent Bellew.

If anyone was counting, Ian Roy scored the most points with 7, and Mike Ewer had the highest points per game average with 2.00. The five flickers played an imbalanced schedule to allow players more of a chance to play with someone they are less familiar with. The whole idea of the night was to meet new friends and have fun. And Steve will welcome the practice as he prepares to host an ASA Open next weekend back home.

Sep 7th
T²SL Week 1

Mike Van Buren hit the equaliser 30 seconds from time in the opening match of the T²SL Autumn League. Tim Carr scored in the first half of this Summer Final rematch, but Van Buren never gave up and put in the equaliser with time running out.

Tim is now unbeaten against Mike in 5 meetings (2 wins, 3 ties).

Trent Bellew came back from a goal down to beat Duane Van Buren in their autumn season opener.

Tim Carr 1 Mike Van Buren 1
Trent Bellew 2 Duane Van Buren 1

Sep 4th
The new season is here!

We're just days away from the first action of the MiSTFA season 2006/07. The Big Flickoff takes place on Friday, with some of the top players in the state and a visitor from the Philadelphia Subbuteo Football Syndicate.

The evening's play will include the opening fixture of the WMSL, a spousal affair between FK Dukla Foyle and Mandalecht. In addition, any other games between Holland players will count towards the new Holland Subbuteo League.

Also, this week sees the third season of T²SL play, a season which will see the inauguration of T² Field, a pioneering pitch from Flickmaster in Argentina. Play will begin on the John Peel Memorial Stadium but then switch over to the new surface when it is ready.

It's the beginning of the most exciting season of MiSTFA play to date!

Aug 29th
National rankings and fees change

The American Subbuteo Association (ASA) has announced changes for the 2006/07 season, which starts Friday.

The national rankings will now be on a 24-month rolling system just like FISTF and MiSTFA rankings. Players will keep their best 5 scores just like now. The annual point championship will also remain. MiSTFA founder Mike Ewer said today "we have been suggesting this system for years, it's nice to see progress".

Each participant in an ASA tournament will now pay a $2 fee, double the previous charge.

Aug 27th
New champion next year

State champion Mike Ewer revealed today he was lucky to win the title and even lucky to make the final. "Next season I fully expect I will miss out on the final. Everyone is improving. One good finish beat Mike Van Buren in the semi. And the final against Ian could have gone either way once again."

"Everyone has competition equipment now. This is getting more and more difficult by the week". Even Trent Bellew gave Mike concern. "Although the score of our game was 4-0, I didn't get out of my own half until he'd had three chances on my goal!"

Aug 26th
Muskegon sweep state titles

A thrilling individual final between Muskegon's Mike Ewer and Ian Roy went the way of the Englishman who scored his 6th shot to break the tiebreaker deadlock. Regulation time went goalless, with both players having chances to win the game. A frenetic period of two goals - rolling ball efforts no less - in 40 seconds in the full length extra time still failed to split the two rivals. It was Mike's first shootout win in five attempts this year.

Mike Van Buren and Amanda Ewer were the semi-finalists, Mike reaching the knockout stage with two ties. Amanda had a surprise 2-0 win over Trent Bellew to make the final four. Van Buren lost to Mike Ewer by a solitary goal three minutes from time, while Ian Roy fended off a brave challenge from Amanda, winning 2-1.

In the first ever state team title game, Muskegon edged Holland 1-0. Ian Roy provided the only win, beating Trent Bellew 2-0. Thatcher Berends had kept Holland in the match with a go-ahead goal against Amanda Ewer, but then conceded the equaliser which handed the win to Muskegon. Meanwhile the two Mikes were battling out yet another 0-0 stalemate.

The 2006 Michigan State Championships featured top quality play. It points toward a bright future for Michigan Subbuteo, particularly as all six players competing will be in the new WMSL and own their own equipment.

Aug 23rd
FK Dukla ready for action

FK Dukla paraded their new change strip at a photo session tonight. The club plans to use their new kit as first choice at the State finals this coming weekend.

The goalie kit is not that of Derry City, but is a tribute to Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings. His son of the same name currently plays for Derry City. (Pic: RTE)

Aug 22nd
State Cup gives everyone a shot

The KO cup format has proved popular, especially after this year's MiSTFA Challenge Cup when we had a clash of the giants in the first round and an underdog reaching the final. MiSTFA will be expanding on this idea with the new State Cup.

The State Cup is a chance for everyone to take a shot at a place in the prestigious Final Four, which will be part of the July weekend of ASA tournaments. It is MiSTFA's aim that everyone with access to a playing pitch and a team - whether their own or borrowed - will enter this competition.

It is a straight knockout (single elimination) tournament, played one round per month. It starts in April with the first round, from which the top seeds will get a bye. The first name drawn in each pair is the home player. So it may involve a trek from Lansing to Traverse City. But the timing is such that you will be able to make a spring or early summer trip with your family and work in the cup game. Or hang out and play all day, just making sure that you play 2x15 of official time at some stage.

So who will YOU draw in the first or second round? A home match against the state champion? A tricky road trip on a cloth pitch?

Although this competition may mean a long trip for an early knockout, participating in it is worth it. As it is planned to be the largest competition in the state calendar, there are lots of state ranking points up for grabs.

Registration should be sent in by February 1st. The draw for the first two rounds will take place in early February. The quarter-final and semi-final draws will be toward the end of May and June.

Aug 21st
WMSL thrown off balance by move

It was a well-balanced schedule. Then two of the WMSL teams decided at the eleventh hour to move. FK Dukla Foyle and Mandalecht will be playing their first WMSL games at the John Peel Memorial Stadium... in Holland!

The advantages and disadvantages of this move will see the schedule adjusted to create a 2-home, 2-away schedule. Also factoring into this rewrite is the addition of a new member which will join later in the season.

Aug 19th
Dukla to unveil change kit

FK Dukla Foyle, as they are now called, will be unveiling their new change kit at next weekend's State Championships in Holland.

The candy stripes of Derry City will be Dukla's reserve strip, although it is possible they will be used exclusively at the coming weekend.

Aug 16th
Big Flickoff with out-of-state guest

There will be a pre-season scrimmage on the night of Friday, September 8th, as a warmup to the new season and to welcome a visiting guest from Philadelphia, Olde City United managed by Steven Laskey.

Anyone wishing to play, contact Mike Ewer at mike@mistfa.org

Aug 14th
Michigan Cup is in "the Zone"

The Michigan Cup weekend, MiSTFA's first ASA tournament of the 2006/07 season, already has a venue. We are the welcome guests of the Soccer Zone in Jenison, which for our out of state visitors is in the SW corner of the Grand Rapids metro area.

The venue has some tricky directions so please contact us for exact arrival details. If you want to map out the distance, put [596 Baldwin St, Jenison, MI 49428] in your map software or site. It is located to the south of the Meijer lot, behind Culvers and Pages In Time. Yes, a Subbuteo tournament next to a Culvers. This could be a winner! Bear in mind it will be November though...

The tournament will include the Michigan Cup for individuals on the Saturday, and a team tournament, the Great Lakes Shield, on the Sunday. Other tournaments may be put in where necessary to produce two days' full play. Local accommodation information will be released later. If you need digs for the weekend please let us know!

There will be a minimal entrance fee, in return we must stress no outside food or drink will be allowed. We will provide an optional lunch. Sports drinks and pop will be available.

We look forward to visitors from around Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and beyond! Please register your intent to play at this tournament by sending an e-mail to: info@mistfa.org

Aug 12th
Schultz wins "Brick"

Top LMSC player Jon Schultz must have shaken off the rust in the recent Beker Van Holland. He went to St Louis to compete in the "Brick Tamland Celebrity Classic", an ASA Open, and won the title beating Tim Boone 4-0. This is the same Tim Boone who won the FISTF IO and reached the final of the Midwest Major back in April!

A sign that some top class flicking is coming to our region very shortly!

Aug 10th
Tim's title

Having reached the playoffs on the final day of the season, Tim Carr's T-Kicks completed an amazing post season with a dramatic shootout victory over Mike Van Buren's Bunch of Carnies in the T²SL summer championship final.

Yet another 0-0 deadlock that a 5 minute overtime could not break, and after 7 shots each Carr won 3-2 to grab the title.

Aug 9th
Carr crash for Ewer

Spring champion Mike Ewer crashed out of the T²SL summer championship at the semi-final stage in a shootout against Tim Carr. Qualifying for the playoffs for the first time, Carr scored a dramatic equaliser from distance and a sharp angle to take the game into overtime and then a shootout.

Tim Carr's T-Kicks won the game 2-1 on shots, as Mike Ewer lost his fourth shootout of the year so far. Mike Van Buren awaits in the final, having beaten Trent Bellew also in a shootout after a 0-0 tie.

Aug 6th
State title format announced

MiSTFA has announced the format for the 2006 State Championships. It will be played on Saturday, August 26th at the Reliable Sport & Ski Haus in Holland.

Because of the potentially large number of competitors this year, for the first time the tournament has a registration deadline. Competitors will need to register and pay their competition fee by August 18th. Entry is $3 regardless of how many categories you play.

Download the official information sheet here (PDF, Adobe Acrobat Reader required). If you have any questions: info@mistfa.org

July 31st
Flickers make news

Mike Ewer and Mike Van Buren made the sports pages of the Holland Sentinel on Sunday, the shots were taken during the team match between Michigan and Indiana.
View/download JPG here

July 30th
Hoosiers plunder individual ...

LaPorte Indiana's Maple City Subbuteo Club provided both finalists in the state ranked Beker Van Holland. Jon Schultz beat Chris Schnick 3-0 in the final. Schnick was a surprise finalist having earned a playoff reprieve when Mike Van Buren withdrew from the knockout stage, and made it count by beating Group B winner Brian Bostelman 2-0 in the semi-final.

Michigan's only representatives in the playoffs met in the wild card round, Mike Ewer defeating the vacationing Matthias Mayer of Oberhausen 3-0. The same score knocked MiSTFA out of their own tournament as Schultz beat Ewer in the semi.

Rising star Thatcher Berends was in a tough group but emerged with pride, just a 0-4 goal difference in a group with two semi-finalists and a finalist. Mike Van Buren completed a great day's play for Holland going through the group and his matchplay game without conceding a goal - extending his run to 120 minutes.

T²SL's Trent Bellew made his tournament debut but was off form all day. Thatcher's cousin Zach Beyer played his first Subbuteo and earned 3 ties.

July 30th
... but team prize is Michigan's!

Michigan won their first ever state representative match, beating Indiana 2-1 in a 3-game interstate challenge. Jon Schultz got the Hoosiers off to a flyer with an early goal against Mike Ewer. Mike Van Buren continued to impress with a first half goal against Brian Bostelman to tie the match score at 1-1.

The second half began with Matthias Mayer getting on the scoresheet against Brittni Sprouse, and Michigan had the lead. Despite his best efforts to maintain possession and keep goal difference down should it be needed, Ewer conceded one more against Schultz but Mayer and Van Buren held on for the win.

Chris Schnick was somewhat off form in the morning and gladly gave up his spot to his niece Brittni, who had impressed playing her first ever Subbuteo. Michigan too were without a starter, missing #2 Ian Roy for the whole day's play.

Certainly a confidence booster for Michigan as the inaugural LMSC season approaches.

July 27th
Watch out for these teams!

Watch out for these two teams in action this Saturday.

These colours have earned nine World Cup titles between them.

Brazil's and Italy's 2006 kits were on display during a training camp at the Gelderstadion.

July 24th
National returns to Midwest

Newly crowned national champion, Zach Walker, will get to defend his first title on "home turf" - well, at least in the Midwest. St Louis Subbuteo League will be the hosts for the ASA's Silver Jubilee National Championships next summer.

July 23rd
MV 06 Lenteur unveil colours

MV 06 Lenteur unveiled their new kit and equipment this weekend. Surinam-born forward Kim Koeman is pictured here at the club's new stadium, which should be completed this weekend.

Manager Mike Van Buren stated "we went with the Sureshot equipment as we had so much success with it at the Express Cup".

"I can't wait to see the guys play in our new stadium" he added.

July 16th
Röyals parade new kit and logo

Wëstside Röyals unveiled their new kit and logo this weekend. The kit is based on the New Zealand All Blacks rugby uniform.

The logo is also based on the Silver Tree Fern used by the All Blacks, and is in fact depicted in silver on the new kit, as are the numbers on the players backs.

Ian Roy's team will use black Pitchsurfers.

Whether they will perform the "Haka" before every game is still open...

July 15th
Maple City confirm Beker trip

The Maple City Subbuteo Club of LaPorte, Indiana, will be guesting at the first Beker van Holland later this month. The three members will be using the event as practice for the club's tournament debut at the Brick Tamland Celebrity Classic in St Louis on August 12th.

The first 'Beker' has eight players on its registration list already, with two weeks to go.

July 11th
Van Buren's team has an identity

Express Cup fourth placed finisher Mike Van Buren has a logo and a kit for his WMSL team. The Sureshot equipment will be ordered this week.

The club will base its colours and logo on Mike's family heritage. The kit will be that of Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch province of Gelderland, where the family name originates. The logo is a halved yellow/black shield as on Vitesse's logo, with a half red lion as on the family crest.

July 10th
Provisional rankings update

Some big moves in the state rankings after the Express Cup weekend. Sloth climbed six places to 3rd, his son James Veenstra rose nine places to 10th, and Thatcher Berends moved in at 16th.

The end of July will also see Michigan's first U-19 rankings published. Finalised rankings for the month of July will be released after the Beker van Holland on July 29th.

July 9th
The future of Michigan Subbuteo is in Holland

Local youngster Thatcher Berends, playing the first Subbuteo of his life, won the Toekomstbeker (Future Cup) U-19 tournament by beating Grand Rapids' James Veenstra 1-0 in the final. Thatcher's 2-0 win over 14 year old Geoff Stout from Indianapolis set up the spot in the final.

July 9th
Sloth reaches final but Haefke takes cup

Finally, a true cup bracket. In its third year of operation, the MiSTFA Challenge Cup found a home in Illinois after Erik Haefke's 3-1 final win against Grand Rapids' Sloth.

Haefke had earned revenge over Mike Ewer in a quarter-final classic which went to a shootout, won 3-0 by the Chicagoan. Quarter-final, shootout, incompetence, English... anything sound familiar?

Haefke then knocked out Ian Roy in the semi-final 2-0. Meanwhile Sloth had come through the quiet half of the bracket, beating son James and then Bryan Carter in the semi, each by a 1-0 score.

July 9th
Mike Ewer wins Express Cup

A glorious 2-1 win against Midwest Major consolation winner Erik Haefke set up Mike's domination of the inaugural Express Cup at Reliable Sport & Ski Haus in Holland.

The three favourites filled the top spots, but it was a surprising win for Ewer, who had crashed out of the major consolation round in April with a 0-3 defeat against Chicagoan Haefke.

Fast, efficient counter attacks along with deep defence were the trademarks of the win. A 1-1 tie with arch-rival Ian Roy turned a lack lustre tournament for FK Dukla into a successful one. The tying goal came with 10 seconds remaining, and was the claret and gold's first chance of the game.

Ian Roy placed second in this Swiss Ladder, a goal ahead of Haefke, each with 2-2-1 records. The middle of the competition was very deep, Amanda Ewer, Mike Van Buren and Indianapolis' Bryan Carter finishing with 50% records at 2-1-2.

Thatcher Berends, a 11 year old Hollander, scored three ties in his first five games of Subbuteo.

July 9th
FK Dukla choose a 3rd kit

Mike Ewer's FK Dukla haven't even got their change strip yet, and already they are planning their third kit, for use on special occasions.

Mike's first ever team, Green Pond Rovers of the PCABR League in London back in the early 80s, used a green and yellow stripe which was based on the colours of West Bromwich Albion's change strip. The image here is a copy of the kit in the original Subbuteo productions of the time.

June 2nd
MiSTFA proposes Lake Michigan Circuit

MiSTFA founder Mike Ewer has sent a proposal to the fledgling clubs in Chicago, Indianapolis and South Bend, proposing a monthly circuit of tournaments be set up, along with a regional ranking for individuals and teams.

The proposal would mean MiSTFA would now host just 3 ASA tournaments per year, one every 4 months, in rotation with the other clubs. The circuit would start rotation with the Express Cup weekend in July and a possible event in Chicago in August, but would officially start in September as the new season starts.

Mike said "we have a vast pool of resources in a relatively small area, and a lot of top quality players".

The name and history of the Lake Effect Trophy is being offered to the Chicago and South Bend clubs as Michigan's events would be in March, July and November, so out of the deep winter that named this particular event.

May 29th
Beker pushed back

The exodus that is Memorial Day weekend hit the first Beker van Holland which was cancelled late Friday night after a number of competitors pulled out. Another date will be scheduled soon.

May 24th
Back down to earth

After the success of FK Dukla at recent international tournaments, Mike Ewer's B-team the Laketon Lions came down to earth with a 0-1 loss to Mike Van Buren's Bunch of Carnies. The game was the resumption of friendly play in the T²SL, with the new Summer Championship season just 5 days away.

May 12th
Playing down the stats

FK Dukla manager Mike Ewer played down the fact his team is now ranked 144th in the world, a good 60 places higher than he has ever been.

"You have to consider the tournament weekend we were at in Toronto has added 100 places to our status. Although small tournaments carry less points, it is easier to sneak into a higher placing than in a large event", he explained.

"Not trying to take anything away from our play in Canada, which was excellent, but we got a lot more points for our effort there than I will ever see in my career."

"What's nice is, teams that support these smaller tournaments get this kind of reward in the world rankings. It encourages others to do the same until they get bigger, and then the benefit is not in the points, but in the experience."

May 2nd
Successful Canadian trip

Mike Ewer's FK Dukla shook off the disappointment of the Michigan Masters loss to reach personal bests on both days of the Canadian GP/IO weekend in Mississauga, Ontario.

Two 1-0 wins over Nate Buttigieg's team were enough on both days to reach the knockout stages. Two late goals gave Scott Aldridge's team a 2-0 win in the Grand Prix quarter-final stage, while Wolfgang Haas' Austrians stood in the way on Sunday, hammering out a 7-2 victory.

Mike was pleased with his team's performance against the team that won both FISTF tournaments over the weekend. "We scored two great goals that would have graced any Subbuteo pitch". After a 0-2 loss against the same team in the non-ranked Canada Cup event, Mike threw the defensive plan out of the window and went for goals. "We went out to have fun and that's what we had".

Best result of the weekend was Saturday's group game against Germany's Michael Beifuß. Laketon Lions had held the Germans to a 1-2 loss two years ago at the same event, and this time FK Dukla went a step further, nailing out a 0-0 stalemate against a team ranked 69th in the world.

"Michael's team is slightly overranked in the world list as they play so many tournaments, but he is still a tough cookie. He won the Canada Cup on Sunday so he is no slouch!

April 25th
Beker van Holland starts May 27

After the success of the Michigan Masters at Reliable Sport & Ski Haus, we are planning monthly events at the venue. The "Beker van Holland" will be competed for as a separate event each month. It will be ranked as a MiSTFA Open, although out-of-state players are welcome, no ASA points will be available. First event planned is May 27, yet to be confirmed. Watch this space!

April 23rd
Ian Roy wins second ASA title

Ian Roy managed just his second win in 11 major tournaments against arch-rival Mike Ewer at the 2006 Michigan Masters.

The pair could not be separated in their group game (0-0), in regulation in the final (1-1), or in nine pairs of shots in the shootout. The twentieth shot of the tiebreaker was the first to score, giving Ian's Wëstside Röyals victory.

Amanda Ewer's Mandalecht showed their new attitude wasn't just lip service, as they pulled off a 0-0 against Mike's FK Dukla, and scored two goals against the visitors, her first goals in tournament play in 15 months.

It was a successful tournament, although small again, on two counts: The development of a friendship with the fledgling league in Indianapolis who had two representatives on show; and the promotion of the sport at a superb venue - Reliable Sport & Ski Haus in Holland.

Bryan Carter, head of the new Indy league just a four hour drive from Holland, promised a quick return to Michigan for a future tournament. And Reliable looks like developing a strong relationship with MiSTFA too, and may be a key component in the establishment of the new WMSL.

The new rankings published for April show no change at the top. Holland's Mike Van Buren enters in at seventh having reached the final of the new T²SL.

April 14th
Laketon Lions win T²SL

Mike Ewer's development squad Laketon Lions won the inaugural T²SL Spring Championship on Good Friday by defeating Mike Van Buren's Bunch of Carnies by a 1-0 score. The only goal of the game came after five minutes of the first half.

Semi-finalists were the Li'l Kickers of Irv (Irv Wolfson) and Zapata Monoliths (Trent Bellew).

April 11th
New 'pro' league to start in September

Coinciding with the announcement by Mandalecht that they will be stepping up from 'semi-pro' to 'pro' status, MiSTFA announced an amendment to its rules on Regional Leagues. Members of Regional Leagues must be in possession of their own equipment and stadium, with the exception of groundsharing.

Applications are being taken for the new West Michigan Subbuteo League. Clubs can submit a Provisional Application immediately, and have until July 31st to finalise that application. League play will run from September 1st to March 31st. Clubs will be required to host one night's play per month, this can involve a maximum of three games against visiting teams. All teams will meet each other an even number of times at home and away.

MiSTFA has made the decision to restrict Regional Leagues to clubs owning their own equipment in order to secure the future of the game in the state. "Clubs need to invest to play at a higher level. You can't get in the MLS without a stadium. So you can't get in a MiSTFA RL without a stadium", explained MiSTFA founder Mike Ewer.

Mandalecht will groundshare with FK Dukla, and welcome the new setup. "We are aiming much higher than we were. We can't go to tournaments like St Louis and Toronto and just make up the numbers" said Amanda Ewer.

April 10th
The ups and downs of tournament play in the Gateway City

Mike Ewer's FK Dukla had mixed fortunes on their first top class appearance since last year's FISTF Satellite in Muskegon.

Playing in St Louis in the Midwest Major, Dukla crashed out in the quarter-finals of the consolation event 0-3 to Erik Haefke's team. The Chicago team however went on to beat John Sarra's Central West End Wildcats in the consolation final. Dukla's only other defeat of the day was a very respectable 0-2 against Mike Keller's Shaw Rangers who went on to win the tournament. Dukla's first game was a 2-1 win against Darren Koffman's TDL Retrostars, one of the SLSL's expansion teams.

Saturday evening's draw for the FISTF Open was kinder to the Muskegon outfit, who were seeded fourth due to St Louis' absence from international play over the last couple of years. Matt Brown's Swansea Swans were still a tough cookie, as they had knocked Keith Constable's St George Athletic out of the major the day before.

Game one was against Kristen Postle's River City Rockers, another club in this summer's expansion of the SLSL. Dukla's new Austrian goalkeeper made a penalty save with the score still 0-0, and the clarets went on to win 3-0, the final goal coming right on the final whistle.

Next up were the Swans, who had just edged Casey Blick's South County Cosmos 1-0. Dukla matched the Swans in a steady, careful approach to this game, but their quick gear change play caused them problems all game. Swans scored first, however Dukla came back to tie it with a right wing shot drilled low into the far corner.

Dukla had played on the Cosmos' smaller Liga pitch the day before in group play, and took advantage of the larger surface to complete the group on seven points, emerging victorious 2-0. Matt Brown's Swans limped to a 0-0 against fast-improving River City Rockers and Dukla topped the group, earning a direct route into the quarter-finals.

Again the draw was kind, avoiding the big guns from Europe and local giants Florissant United. But again the route forward was not an easy one. Matt Morice's Webster Groves Griffins went behind in spectacular fashion - a shot from an acute angle on the right wing which flew into the top corner of the goal and stunned the Griffins. Patient play soon earnt them the draw, and the teams went into extra time to decide the tie. Nothing to split the teams in the extra ten minutes, so it was penalty shots. Dukla's recent inexperience in the shootout was their downfall, mustering just one goal out of the five shots.

All in all an excellent weekend for FK Dukla, but more frequent top quality play must take place in Michigan if they are to keep pace with their St Louis rivals whose league can only improve with such expansion.

April 2nd
Countdown to GLC III

It's time to check your calendars and prepare yourselves for the biggest weekend of Subbuteo action yet in this state! The Great Lakes Cup is taking on better shape all the time as more competitors announce their availability. Make sure your place is saved by contacting MiSTFA today! The big one is less than a month away!

March 15th
Holland league starts up

Employees of T² Communications in Holland are getting to grips with the fine points of Subbuteo! The progressive fibre optic service provider (VoIP, broadband internet and IPTV) is currently home to FK Dukla's home turf, and games have begun in lunch breaks. Their Spring League will start March 20th. The lakeshore city of Holland will host the Great Lakes Cup in April at a venue yet to be determined.

January 22nd
Lake Effect Trophy is another all-Muskegon affair

Mike Ewer regained the Lake Effect Trophy with a 2-0 win in this year's final. Just as in the Michigan Cup, Mike went without conceding a goal, although he did slip up in his first game, Tyler Meldrum's first ever game using Flickmaster Pitchsurfer bases. Tyler's steady possession play and forechecking made it an uncomfortable first game for the eventual champion. All four of Tyler's games resulted in just 2 goals being scored.

Depending on whether the PTSL Holiday League Meisterrunde is likely to be completed this month, new rankings will appear this week or next.

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