Thursday, July 31, 2025
RSC 365: Wednesday, July 30 (Day No. 64)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- E-mailed directors and coaches about an upcoming meeting
- Prepared for meeting by printing off materials at the Walker Memorial Library
- Ate at a potential community partner restaurant
- Hosted a Board meeting at The Roosevelt Room in the Dormir Hotel
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Wednesday, July 30 (Day No. 193)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 249 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Bookshelf: When Towns Had Teams (Chapter 6)
When Towns Had Teams (Jim Baumer)
Chapter 6: Field of Dreams: The Lamoine Tournaments
This chapter is almost entirely based in Lamoine, a Down East town between Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island. Specifically, Baumer focuses on town teams based in Lamoine and a high-level annual tournament in the 1960s that featured a "Field of Dreams"-esque field in the backyard of a local benefactor.
Headlines: U.S. Youth Soccer, New Balance Ink Deal
New Balance and US Youth Soccer (USYS) on Tuesday announced a multi-year agreement, with the former as an official sponsor of USYS. The relationship includes New Balance’s support for grassroots initiatives to expand access to soccer and community engagement. As the exclusive provider of footwear, apparel and match balls for US Youth Soccer, the brand is outfitting USYS’ Olympic Development Program and providing performance gear to athletes at future US Youth Soccer signature events, along with onsite activations.
RSC 365: Tuesday, July 29 (Day No. 63)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- E-mailed event coordinator for upcoming Board of Directors meeting
- Prepared a social media post
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Tuesday, July 29 (Day No. 192)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 249 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Headlines: 36 Hours in Reykjavik
NYT:
Reykjavik is a quirky, colorful and surprisingly cosmopolitan outpost on the edge of the Arctic that offers much more than a launchpad to Iceland's volcanic landscapes. Lauded by UNESCO as a "City of Literature," Reykjavik takes great pride in its creative culture and the last decade has seen its restaurant scene finally blossom. Even a short trip can prove why this cold place is still a hot spot in 2025.
RSC 365: Monday, July 28 (Day No. 62)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Didn't do any work related to Rosevelt SC
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Monday, July 28 (Day No. 191)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 249 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Monday, July 28, 2025
Bookshelf: Inverting the Pyramid (Chapter 6)
Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics (Jonathan Wilson)
Chapter 6: The Hungarian Connection
Wilson anchors this chapter with the "Match of the Century," an international friendly between Hungary and England on November 25, 1953.
Despite being the proud progenitor of modern soccer and boasting an outstanding record at home, England was embarrassed by Hungary's dominating 6-3 performance. The Hungarians' tactical and technical superiority led by superstar Ferenc Puskás and coach Gusztáv Sebes humbled England, and Hungary's subsequent 7-1 win in a rematch in Budapest in 1954 led to a reevaluation of many aspects within English soccer.
RSC 365: Sunday, July 27 (Day No. 61)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Helped administer our club's 23U Men's and 23U Women's games at Thomas College in Waterville
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Sunday, July 27 (Day No. 190)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Administered 23U showcase games.
Daily Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 249 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Sunday, July 27, 2025
RSC 365: Saturday, July 26 (Day No. 60)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Didn't do any work related to Rosevelt SC
Maine Soccer: Saturday, July 26 (Day No. 189)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 243 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Cumberland Pick 3: Saturday, July 26 (Meet Day No. 32)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$295.60 (- 27.5%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 3
#3: Jazaa (9-2 ML)
Race No. 6
#2: Axion Hanover (5-2 ML)
Race No. 11
#6: Coach Cutsinger (2-1 ML)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$371.60 (- 8.9%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
John Morgan
$351.00 (- 13.9%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 3
#3: Jazaa (9-2 ML)
Race No. 8
#2: Wilder N Idy (3-5 ML)
Race No. 10
#4: Little Shot (3-2 ML)
Special Maidens: Saturday, July 26 (Wagers No. 20 + No. 21)
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(This feature will consist of a $2 wager on a first-time starter in a maiden special weight race.)
Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
Race No. 2
#6: Further Ado (5-2 ML)
Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
Race No. 7
#8: Immortalize (5-1 ML)
Pick Success Rate: 21% (4/19)
Total Bankroll: $116.20 (+16.20%)
RSC 365: Friday, July 25 (Day No. 59)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Didn't do any work related to Rosevelt SC
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Friday, July 25 (Day No. 188)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Worked on Maine 23U Showcase admin, and watched the Portland Hearts of Pine game.
Daily Time: 2.25 hours
Total Time: 243 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Friday, July 25, 2025
Bookshelf: How Soccer Explains the World (Chapter 5)
How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Franklin Foer)
Chapter 5: How Soccer Explains the Survival of the Top Hats
Using the legendary Pelé as a throughline and the club Vasco de Gama as a case study, Foer analyzes why the Brazilian domestic system of leagues hasn't been stronger, despite Brazil being a hotbed of international-level soccer talent.
The answer, according to Foer, includes a toxic cocktail of corruption, cronyism, cynicism, demagoguery, failed economic nationalism, greed, militarism, and nepotism.
Cumberland Pick 3: Friday, July 25 (Meet Day No. 31)
(Below are three selections for First Tracks Cumberland selected by Isaac Salisbury, Steve Morgan, and John Morgan. Each handicapper will start with a mythical $408 bankroll, and each selection will be bet with mythical $2 Win and $2 Place bets.)
Isaac Salisbury
$299.00 (- 26.7%)
Isaac is a Skowhegan native who became a passionate fan of horse racing when he discovered a knack for handicapping races when he was a senior in college during the pandemic in 2020.
Race No. 2
#5: Storm Bringer (2-1)
Race No. 4
#1: Cash Crazy Express (1-5)
Race No. 7
#4: Quan Blue Chip (6-5)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Morgan
$370.20 (- 9.3%)
A partner in the Ivory Pine Syndicate, Steve has been attending and betting on races in Maine since the grandstands were full and Leigh Fitch was the leading driver.
Race No. 7
#2: Reys N A Ruckus (2-1)
Race No. 8
#2: Beach Director (5-1)
Race No. 10
#1: Jax Spratt (3-1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
John Morgan
$355.00 (- 12.9%)
John is the founder and managing partner of the Ivory Pine Syndicate.
Race No. 1
#6: Deuces Red (12-1)
Race No. 2
#2: JS Peyton (3-1)
Race No. 3
#4: Real Horrorshow (1-9)
RSC 365: Thursday, July 24 (Day No. 58)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Sent reminder e-mail about the Yosaku Scholarship to the Class of 2025
- Sent invitational e-mail about our club's upcoming board of directors meeting to our coaches
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Thursday, July 24 (Day No. 187)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Worked on Maine 23U Showcase admin.
Daily Time: 0.25 hours
Total Time: 240.75 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Thursday, July 24, 2025
RSC 365: Wednesday, July 23 (Day No. 57)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Shared social media posts related to our club's appearances in a documentary about the Portland Hearts of Pine
- Scouted a potential meeting location for our club's meetings
- Updated the meeting agenda and compiled meeting materials for an upcoming club meeting
- Sent the meeting agenda and meeting materials to our club's directors
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Wednesday, July 23 (Day No. 186)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 240.5 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Bookshelf: When Towns Had Teams (Chapter 5)
When Towns Had Teams (Jim Baumer)
Chapter 5: Getting There (From Here)
In this chapter, Baumer focuses on amateur and semi-professional baseball in midcoast and Down East Maine.
Towns mentioned are: Calais, Cutler, Damariscotta, Dennysville, Eastport, Friendship, Hope, Jefferson, Jonesboro, Lubec, Machias, Pembroke, St. George Thomaston, Waldoboro, and Washington.
Teams mentioned are the Cutler Cardinals, Damariscotta Redlegs, Dennysville Townies, Dixie Eagles, Eastport Lobsters, Jonesboro Jets, Lubec Red Wings, Lubec Seals, Machias Bruins, and Pembroke Hornets.
And leagues mentioned are the Knox-Lincoln Twilight League, Maine-Quebec League, Quoddy League, and Waldo-Hancock League.
Headlines: Hearts of Pine to Host First International Friendly
MPBN:
A Nova Scotian team will face off against Maine's new professional soccer team in an international friendly match. The Halifax Wanderers and Portland Hearts of Pine will play August 6 at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. Governor Janet Mills said in a release that the match is the result of her trip to Atlantic Canada in June, during which she discussed hosting the match with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in Halifax.
RSC 365: Tuesday, July 22 (Day No. 56)
(This time of year is the always the busiest for our club because it requires us to wrap up our current season while also preparing for next season by finalizing budgets, coaching appointments, and roster offers. Throw in a few potential changes in Maine's club soccer ecosystem and a big change to age groupings across the U.S. next year, and the next 365 days could be topsy-turvy for our club with a small margin of error. Here's documentation of the upcoming 365-day stretch between now and May 27, 2026.)
- Worked on projected rosters for our 2026-2027 youth teams that will be impacted by a rule change related to age group cut-offs recently adopted by U.S. Youth Soccer
- Scouted a few potential sites for our club's 2025-2026 board meetings to get back to our norms of club-wide in-person meetings
- Talked with one our youth coaches about our 2025-2026 coaching roster
- Worked with one of our club directors on catching up on e-mails and other administrative responsibilities
Maine Soccer Roadmap: Tuesday, July 22 (Day No. 185)
(This series is the documentation of a 365-day project to help develop more local and regional soccer clubs in Maine, help improve the connectivity among new and existing local and regional clubs in Maine, and cultivate a more purposeful and accessible local --> regional --> state developmental pathway for all of Maine's soccer stakeholders.)
Didn't do any work related to Maine soccer.
Daily Time: 0 hours
Total Time: 240.5 hours
Daily Miles: 0 miles
Total Miles: 4,388.3 miles
Related: Now is a Good Time to Reimagine Maine Soccer (December 11, 2024)
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