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Machnik Elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2017

No. 1 Soccer Camps is pleased to announce our Founder and President Dr. Joseph Machnik has been inducted to the very prestigious National Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2017.  Often referred to as “American Soccer’s Renaissance Man,” Dr. Joe has succeeded at every level of soccer in the United States.

Joe Machnik elected into National Soccer Hall of FameUniversally heralded as a visionary for his implementation of curriculum, methods and procedures for training of Goalkeepers at every level, Machnik’s methods are utilized today at fields and in stadiums all around the world. His influence has been felt by over 100,000 players, staff and families who have been part of his No. 1 Soccer Camps, currently in its 41st year of running soccer camps throughout the United States.

On behalf of No. 1 Soccer Camps, our directors, staff, campers and families, we send our sincerest appreciation for all that Dr. Joe has done for soccer in the United States. We congratulate Dr. Joe, his wife Barbara, daughters Janine and Collette, and the extended Machnik family for this amazing accomplishment.

As Rob Stone of Fox Sports so eloquently stated “Dr. Joe is one of our favorite human beings that we deal with, we are so proud!”

 

Dr. Joe Machnik’s accomplishments include:

  • All-American goalkeeper at Long Island University
  •  Coached LIU to the 1966 NCAA championship game — as a 23-year-old.
  • He was a member of the 1965 US Open Cup champion New York Ukrainians.
  • Coach Of  the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team at the University of New Haven.
  • Assistant Coach with the U.S. National Team when it reached the World Cup for the first time in 40 years at Italy in 1990
  •  Director of referees for three leagues – Major Indoor Soccer League, Major League Soccer and National Premier Soccer League.
  • Coach of the New York Arrows (MISL).
  •  Commissioner of the American Indoor Soccer Association.
  •  A FIFA and CONCACAF Match Commissioner.
  •  Current Rules and Match commentator for FOX Sports.

 

“Joe is one of the great personalities of the sport in the States, a person who has been at every level from player to coach to referee, administrator in the league with a vast experience and vast knowledge of the game in this country.When you talk about the pioneers of the game in this country, he has to be one of them.” – Alfonso Mondelo, MLS’s director of player programs

To Shootout Or Not?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Rob Andrulis

Marco Van Basten, FIFA’s Chief Officer for Technical Development, thinks it is a good idea. Along with the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, FIFA is considering using run-up shootouts to break ties in the group stages of the World Cup. With the addition of the shootout, the World Cup could look like the early days of the MLS. If adopted this method could potentially be deciding matches in upcoming World Cup tournaments.

Since, 1996, the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been teaching the MLS shootout contest as part of our “Breakaways session.” During the session field players and goalkeepers are put through a series of technical breakaway exercises to prepare them for the contest at the end of the session. Safety is of the utmost importance while teaching the techniques of this situation.

“Back in the early days of the MLS, it was decided to institute the idea of having matches that where tied after regulation to have that tie be broken by a Shootout contest instead of penalty kicks,” said No. 1 Soccer Camps Founder Dr. Joe Machnik. “Back in the days of the NASL there was a 35 yard offside line put in place and by doing so, it created many break away situations from in and around that line, hence the idea of the 35-yard shootout was born.”

The set up for the MLS Shootout is very simple. The field player is 35 yards from goal and has five seconds once the ball is touched to shoot. The Goalkeeper must have at least one foot on the end line to start. If the goalkeeper touches the ball, the field player is not allowed to attempt a second shot. If a foul is committed by the goalkeeper inside or outside the box, a penalty kick is awarded and the Goalkeeper could receive a Yellow or Red card for the infraction. The MLS Shootout was developed to bring an exciting conclusion to the match – a true breakaway situation, field player versus goalkeeper, under the spotlight!

Dr. Joe added, “The MLS substitution rule at the time of three field players and one goal keeper allowed for many tactical changes near the end of regulation most notably goalkeeper changes.” A keeper who excelled in breakaway situation was often subbed late in the match for exactly that reason. A great example is how the Columbus Crew utilized Crew player (and former No. 1 Staff Coach) David Winner during a match. Then Columbus Crew Coach (and current No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director) Greg Andrulis liked the idea of the shootout and his ability to use Winner in that situation. “There were some nuances with it and it was a lot of fun; it brought some drama to the conclusion of the match instead of players and coaches shaking hands and moving onto the next match.”

Brazilian Legend Carlos Alberto Torres was a true wizard of the shootout during his playing days with New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League. Also known as “O Capitao do Tri”, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. During the shootout Carlos would use his incredible foot skills to lift a bouncing ball off the turf and calmly chip the on-rushing goalkeeper.

There are pros and cons to the Shootout Method of deciding a match. Injuries are an integral part of the equation. Collisions between the player and goalkeeper are a real possibility. On the flip side, in the past it allowed for a very exciting and entertaining way of deciding matches. The shootout also extended the playing careers of many American and International stars who excelled in the shootout format including International Great and Columbian National team player Carlos Valderamma who used his incredible touch and dribbling skills to score many artistic shootout goals.

Busch Shootout
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2008) and former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach Jon Busch

We also asked for some thoughts from former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach and 2008 MLS goalkeeper of the year Jon Busch. Jon has had a very successful professional career playing for many teams including the Columbus Crew with the then Head Coach Greg Andrulis. “As far as the shootouts I liked the idea. When I first started my pro career, we had them in the USL and I enjoyed them better than PK’s,” said Busch. “They gave the goalkeeper a better chance of being successful. I believe there is a bit more skill involved on both sides of the ball in a shootout then in a penalty kick”.

A lot to ponder as FIFA ultimately decides: To Shootout Or Not?

Check out these Best Old School MLS Shootouts

No. 1 Goalkeepers Top MLS 50 Greatest

Earlier this month, Everybody Soccer, a website dedicated to following American goalkeepers, published an article ranking the 50 Greatest MLS Goalkeepers of All Time.

No. 1 Soccer Camps was pleased to find SIX of the top TEN MLS goalkeepers are part of the No. 1 Soccer Camps family as former campers and/or coaches, and and four others round out the 50.

Top 10 GKs of All Time by Everybody Soccer

 1 Kevin Hartman (416 Games, 1997-2012)***

 2 Nick Rimando (424 Games, 2000-present)***

 3 Jon Busch (309 Games, 2002-2015)***

 4 Pat Onstad (223 Games, 2003-2011)

 5  Matt Reis (293 Games, 1998-2013)***

 6 Joe Cannon (342 Games, 1999-2013)***

 7 Zach Thornton (282 Games, 1996-2011)

 8 Tony Meola (250 Games, 1996-2006)***

 9 Scott Garlick (237 Games, 1997-2006)

 10 Tim Howard (102 Games, 1998-2003, 2016-present)

Additionally,

16. Bo Oshoniyi (109 Games, 1996, 2000-2006)***

20. Kasey Keller (93 Games, 2009-2011)***

23. Brad Friedel (38 Games, 1996-1997)***

30. Mark Dougherty (123 Games, 1996-2001)***

***Denotes No. 1 GK

No. 1 SOccer Camps History Goalkeepers
Brad Friedel with Dr. Joe Machnik circa 1993

No. 1 Soccer Camps has a long history with the MLS and US Soccer. No. 1 Soccer Camps founder Joe Machnik was an Assistant Coach for the U.S. National Team 1990 World Cup team as well as being a FIFA/CONCACAF Match Commissioner and being inducted into six Soccer Halls of Fames.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis is the former head coach of MLS’ Columbus Crew.

Our coaching staff has experience at every level of American soccer from high school to collegiate D1, 2, and 3, to Major League Soccer and the US National teams.  For over 40 years, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been training generations of quality goalkeepers and field players across the United States.

To learn more about No. 1 Soccer Camps and to locate a site near you, visit our website at www.No1SoccerCamps.com.

 

No. 1 Soccer Camps Enters 41st Season

No. 1’s 41st Season Of Soccer Excellence

In 1977 under the direction of former college, professional and World Cup coach Dr. Joe Machnik, No.1 Soccer Camps was born. That first year, Machnik started the No. 1 Goalkeeper’s Camp with 39 goalkeepers from thirteen states participating in a one week session. Coaches John Kowalski, Shep and Roy Messing, Mickey Cohen, Peter Johnson and Danny Gaspar joined Machnik in putting the young goalkeepers through their paces.

By 1995, it became evident that goalkeepers had progressed in technical areas, but tactical decision making abilities, which could only be tested by field players in match situations was missing. In addition, the lack of goal-scoring abilities was rampant in America and a striker’s curriculum was needed to provide players with opportunity to enhance technique and composure in front of the goal.

Accordingly, Machnik and Kowalski incorporated field players into the No. 1 Soccer Camps program with the addition of the Star Striker’s School which was the forerunner of the No. 1 Striker Camp program. Within no time, field players came from all over the country and the world to attend the unique No. 1 Soccer Camps program.

Machnik and his experienced professional staff continue to refine the program and update the methodology utilized to get results on both sides of the ball. In 2016, in response to age group and field size mandates from US Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps responded with steps to assist players and teams throughout this important transition.

“Entering the 41st year of the camp,  it’s amazing to see the positive impact that the Machnik Method and philosophy has had on the development of goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches throughout the US and the world,” says No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis.

“Teaching methods that have had a profound effect on the development of goalkeepers at every level from club to National team players was the hallmark of the No. 1 Soccer Camps from its early days. Now with the combination of field players and goalkeepers competing in our unique “Goal to Goal” curriculum has set a new  standard for specialized training for players regardless of which side of the ball players compete on.

Andrulis, who also serves as Head Coach at George Mason University, has witnessed firsthand the camp alumni successes, “The number of players who have benefited from our camps and who are actively competing at the highest level – youth national teams, college and professional teams continues to grow.”

Dr. Joe Machnik recently reflected on No. 1 Soccer Camps’ 41 season and secret to the camp’s enduring success: “The success and longevity of No. 1 Soccer Camps has been due in a large part to our continued pursuit of the most up to date and forward thinking curriculum for our participants. We have endeavored and have achieved a reputation for being innovators in all aspects of the environment that we create for strikers, field-players, goalkeepers, boys and girls, coaches and staff.”

“This year for the first time, some of our national teams will hold mini camps for goalkeepers and strikers in order to create an environment where strikers and goalkeepers alike can hone their skills in specific specialized sessions. Having recognized the need for this environment and intensive training that is possible with our Go to Goal  curriculum, our camps have been providing this opportunity and related format for over 40 years.”

“It gives us a great sense of satisfaction to see that each year players and staff of the No. 1 Soccer Camps continue to have a significant impact on the success of soccer at all levels in the US as well as abroad. Our staff coaches and directors have had tremendous personal success with their own programs. We continue to have numerous players each year become professional players, national team players and achieve athletic scholarships, make their club teams and achieve personal satisfaction with their development. We are proud of the positive impact that the No. 1 Soccer Camps has had on the soccer landscape and we will always strive to stay true to our Mission:

To provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

For 2017, No, 1 Soccer Camps offers Youth Academy, Junior Academy, Senior Academy, College Prep Performance Academy and College Showcase ID  Camps in locations across the US.

No.1 Soccer Camps 41st Season