First Official Practice of the 2011 Season (Video)

Here's a brief video of the first practice held by the Wilmington Hammerheads since their departure from the league in 2009. In this clip you'll see some scrimmaging as well as a couple words from Head Coach David Irving and defender Ivan Becerra. One highlight of the scrimmage, shown twice in the video clip below, is the bicycle kick from Richard that beats the keeper near post...



What will the Wilmington Hammerheads record be at the end of the season? Will they make the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup? Who will be their leading scorer?

Hammerheads Dominate First Preseason Match

The Wilmington Hammerheads wasted little time getting their first win of the 2011 preseason. Richard scored on a beautiful free kick in route to a 4-0 victory over Elon. Chris Murray, Jyler Noviello and Alex Grendi also added goals, giving the Hammerheads some confidence going forward. Tanner Wolfe has been invited back for a second look, with hopes of locking down a spot on the final roster. As of March 10th, I believe the unofficial roster count was at 16. It's quite possible we'll hear a couple more signings this week, but as far as I know all tryouts are over with and only players cut from MLS teams this week will be invited to camp from now on.

Preseason Schedule

March 12th - @ Elon - Win (4-0)
March 16th - @ Campbell
March 20th - @ Coastal Carolina
March 22nd - @ UNC-Pembroke
March 30th - @ UNC-Wilmington
April 2nd - @ Carolina Railhawks
April 10th - Open House @ Legion Stadium from (1 - 5pm) - Players meet and greet and an exhibition match vs. Hurricane FC

Campbell University, Jata's old stomping ground, is the next stop on the road to opening day(4/16). The game is scheduled to take place this Wednesday, in Buies Creek, with kickoff set for 7pm. Here's a brief video of Hammerheads Head Coach David Irving discussing the signing of Richard Jata and Tom Taylor last month.



Back at Legion Stadium sections of the new turf have been laid down. Hopefully things are coming along fast and error free. Either way, the stadium should boast a vastly improved appearance by opening day. This is what the field looked like as of March 1st. From what I understand, as of today, turf installation is running smoothly and sections have been laid down from one endline to the other. Now the main focus is on getting the sidelines done, perfecting the installation, working out all the kinks, painting, etc.



For more updates on the Wilmington Hammerheads please visit their official blog, written by Tom Grady of the Star News, at hammers.blogs.starnewsonline.com.

Jata Finds A Home In Wilmington

It's official, Richard Jata has signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads for the upcoming 2011 USL PRO season. After finishing off his last semester at Campbell University, where he used his free time as a volunteer assistant coach, Richard decided to move to Wilmington and try out for the Hammerheads. I guess it's true what they say, God does work in mysterious ways. With soccer as hard a sport to get into at the pro level, Jata kept the drive and persevered to accomplish something a lot of doubters out there thought he'd never do. After being drafted by the Chicago Fire and getting released just days before the 2009 MLS season began, Jata traveled all over the country and even into Europe on his quest to sign his first professional contract. Well, the time has come, now we just have to wait and see what's left in the tank. I think Richard(25) still has what it takes to make a significant impact in the pro circuit. I mean, if the Wilmington Hammerheads signed him, he's got to be doing something right...right?

The signing came nearly one week after his initial tryout, where roughly 30 players competed for a shot at making the team. I guess volunteering with the men's soccer team at CU was a smart idea because ultimately it gave him the opportunity to stay fit, both mentally and physically. There are still quite a few roster spots left to be filled, so stayed tuned. The best is yet to come!

Richard Jata - 2009 MLS Draft Speech (at 3:54 mark)



For more info about the signing and Richard Jata's bio please visit the official USL website or the Wilmington Hammerheads website via the links provided. Campbell University also posted an article regarding the signing on their official site. The first game of the season is at home on 4/16.

Moving In The Right Direction...

After a couple years of "chasing the dream" Richard finally returned to Campbell to finish his degree. With soccer still on his mind, he decided to take up a volunteer assisting coach position with his former team. Jata was able to help his former teammates and the incoming freshman in many different areas. He was also able to practice and travel with the squad, leaving him fresh for future opportunities down the road.

Jata still has many things he'd like to achieve and something tells me you haven't heard the last of his name at the next level. Whether it be playing or coaching, my brother still has a strong passion for soccer and the desire to keep it apart of his life. From a dominating youth career that included time at IMG Academy and numerous ODP teams, to Player of the Year honors and being named a NSCAA All American, it would be a shame to lose a player from the sport who is as knowledgeable and battle-tested as Richard.

I have a hunch that some new information will be available shortly, so check back soon. I've posted a short clip below from the past that I shot while visiting our parents in Florida.

Dynamo Season Over, Jata Returns To School

With soccer at a standstill for the time being, Richard Jata has decided to go back to school and finish his degree. When the Chicago Fire drafted him 2 years ago, he left school a semester early to pursue a career in professional soccer. Jata is on schedule to finish his degree and he accepted a volunteer coaching position with the Campbell Camels. Former teammate Aaron Johnson is now an assistant coach and Jata is very happy to be back. He's excited for what life has to offer and isn't officially calling it quits.

It's too bad soccer in the U.S. is so far from where it needs to be. Players aren't being given the opportunity to develop properly and talented players like Richard are looked over because of the "politics" involved. I'm really ashamed with the effort put forth by the USL and NASL. The web coverage is half-ass. There's tremendous potential in several players and the inability to take them to the next level is pathetic. Some people don't understand that USA soccer is actually really important to millions of people in America. Why can't we make the proper progress we need to make the sport successful? Drastic changes need to be enforced and a lot of people need to get fired...

Jata Scores, Dynamo Win 3-0

It's been an on and off season for the Carolina Dynamo, but it looks as if they will come up just short of making the playoffs. Currently they sit in 3rd place with only one game left remaining on the schedule. Things would be a lot more interesting if the Dynamo had pulled off victories in their final three away games, but instead they came out of it 1-1-1. Jata notched his first goal of the season in their last game against Central Jersey. The team's final match of the season is Saturday, July 24th against the Bermuda Hogges. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm and all fans who come out for the game will get a free team photo.

World Cup Final, 3rd Place Game & Highlights

The 2010 World Cup has been an amazing event. A Ghanaian friend of mine from college flew to South Africa for the Uruguay vs. Ghana game. He said the atmosphere was ridiculous and borderline scary, but one of the most exhilarating moments he had ever experienced. Watching Landon Donovan score in the final minutes of the Algeria game was one of the most memorable moments of the tournament for me and it's something I will never forget.

Yesterday we saw Uruguay take on Germany in a battle for 3rd place. Germany had several starters out, but still managed to pull off a 3-2 win. They rallied from a 2-1 deficit with Sami Khedira scoring the game-winner in the 82nd minute. Both teams had impressive runs and showed a lot of heart. Diego Forlan(age 31) and Miroslav Klose(age 32) were dominant forces, but it looks as if their chances of lifting the World Cup trophy in the future are long gone. It's been really great seeing these two players battle it out on the pitch the last few weeks in their quest for the golden boot.

With the World Cup coming to an end, the final should be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. The Spaniards have touch, skill and they dominate possession of the ball. The Netherlands have tremendous pace and are a threat to score at all positions. I'm extremely excited for today's game and Spain's lack of scoring depth is pushing me towards naming the Netherlands as favorites. The only thing holding me back is Spain's ability to possess the ball and completely control the game. Holland is unbeaten in their last 25 games and several players have 1 v 1 capability. My gut is telling me Holland, but my soccer background is telling me Spain. Who will win and be crowned the 2010 World Cup Champions?

My prediction - Spain wins 1-0 and takes home the country's first World Cup trophy.

Semifinal #2 - Germany vs. Spain

This is the matchup we've all been waiting for. Spain were the early favorites(besides Brazil) and are the highest ranked team left at this point. The Germans have been dominant on all sides of the ball and the most entertaining team to watch throughout the tournament. I have watched every single game of the 2010 World Cup and I still get extremely excited when Germany steps onto the pitch.

Both teams have star athletes, but the Germans have played slightly better as a "team" up to this point. However, the Spaniards are not far behind with their possession of the ball dominating every opposing squad. The Germans can pass, make great runs, and are a superb at finishing off their counter attacks. Spain controls the possession and their passing is second to none, but their finishing ability has not been there with Fernando Torres looking absent to say the least. Obviously, David Villa is Spains' biggest scoring threat. For the Germans, everyone is a scoring threat. Unfortunately, Thomas Muller(4 goals) will miss this match for accumulating too many yellow cards, but with Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski all tallying goals this tournament, I think Germany will do just fine.
My two favorite players in this matchup are David Villa(Spain) and Miroslav Klose(Germany). Both of these players bring the desire and determination to score goals. Villa has been Spain's only weapon on the offensive side of the ball and Klose is a great finisher. Klose is one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history and at 33 years old, he brings extreme leadership to a very young squad. I love Germany's midfield tandem in Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger. They make great runs off the ball and are reliant on the defensive side as well. It's no question that Spain's midfield duo is also one of the best, so the Germans will be put to the test in this highly anticipated semifinal matchup.

My Prediction - Germany wins 1-0 and advance to their 8th World Cup Final.

Semifinal #1 - Uruguay vs. Netherlands

The 2010 World Cup has been very exciting to say the least. From disallowed goals and offside blunders, questionable no-calls and numerous cards, extremely fast players and exhilarating moves, the World Cup has been everything I expected it to be and more! Today's matchup brings together two teams with very different stories. Uruguay won the first ever World Cup, but have been relatively absent as of late. They were given 100-1 odds at the beginning of the tournament, but have certainly proved that they belong here with exciting gameplay from Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. The Netherlands are heavily favored in this matchup despite never winning a World Cup. Their fast gameplay and precision passing have really helped them progress through the tournament. Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder have been great for the Netherlands and Arjen Robben brings a lot of speed out on the wing.
No one expected to see this matchup, but it's here. My two favorite players in this matchup are Diego Forlan(Uruguay) and Wesley Sneijder(Netherlands). These two players are brilliant on the ball and they have incredible vision. They also bring creativity, determination and extreme confidence. Forlan has been a huge scoring threat and a great distributor of the ball. Sneijder has kept the Netherlands in the tournament leading his team with 4 goals. My sleeper player is Dirk Kuyt because he brings 110% every time he steps onto the field. He's not the most talented player on the team, but his effort and unquestionable hustle to every 50-50 ball is second to none. When the World Cup is over, I will choose a 1st and 2nd starting XI. As of right now, Forlan and Sneijder have both proved that they deserve a spot on my 1st team. Who will join them?

My prediction - Netherlands win 3-1 and advance to their 3rd World Cup Final.

Tanner Wolfe Contributes, Immediately!

Right now the Carolina Dynamo sit in 5th place of the Mid Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. With 10 games played, their record stands at 4-4-2. They've scored 22 goals(2nd most in the division) but have also given up 19 goals, which is the 3rd most in their division. Only the top two teams qualify for the playoffs so the Dynamo definitely need to step their game up if they plan on having a successful run at the PDL Championship.

Richard Jata has been playing a variety of positions, but has yet to net his first goal of the season. He's getting limited minutes and is still trying to find his role in the system. Someone who seems to be fitting in quite well is Tanner Wolfe. Richard's best friend and former A-Sun Conference rival led the Dynamo to a 2-1 win Saturday night against the West Virginia Chaos. He played phenomenally, scoring a goal in both the first and second half.

The team does not play again until July 8th, when they will take on West Virginia again in a rematch at Schoenbaum Stadium. There are only 6 games left on the schedule so they must finish strong if they have any intentions of making it to the playoffs.

Soccer Is A Part Of Life...

After a brief layoff from the sport, Richard Jata has returned! Having previously played for the Carolina Dynamo, Jata was welcomed back with open arms. The Dynamo started out their 2010 season with a 1-1 tie and a 4-0 defeat, but since Jata's arrival the team is on a roll, winning 3 of their last 4 matches. Richard notched his first assist on a Scott Rojo goal in the teams 4-1 victory over the Hampton Roads Piranhas. He started the first 3 games as a sub, but finally got his first start of the season last Sunday against the Ironbound Express. He played 62 minutes, leaving with a minor injury to his foot. Richard said that his foot is fine and he's looking forward to contributing to the teams success in the near future!

The Dynamo's next game is at home, on June 12th, against Hampton Roads Piranhas.

Kickoff is set for 7:30pm!

Vince Petrasso Signs w/ Harrisburg City Islanders

After 4 solid years at Campbell University, the Vince Petrasso coming out party has officially begun! The Harrisburg City Islanders passed on the 2008 Conference Player of the Year in Richard Jata, but decided to sign the 2009 Conference Player of the Year instead. Campbell University sports writer, Stan Cole, recently posted an article listing all of Petrasso's stats and achievements.

Richard could not be any happier for his former teammate, roommate and close friend. In an interesting note, Jata was actually with Petrasso when he received the call from the Harrisburg coach to come join the team. He said it brought the both of them tremendous joy!

I have watched Vince progress over the years and it's truly a pleasure to see him make a professional team. At the moment, Vince is fighting for a starting spot with the Harrisburg City Islanders. The USL-2 season is currently underway and you can check out the Harrisburg roster and Vince's bio at cityislanders.com

Should I Suspend This Blog???

All I ever wanted to do was document my brother's journey towards a career in professional soccer, but I guess some people see it another way....

After Richard attended his second combine with the Tampa Bay Rowdies a couple months ago, I wrote an article(check back a few posts to see it). Well apparently, some of the Rowdies' execs viewed my blog and weren't pleased with what was written. No big deal for me, right? WRONG! It turns out, the Rowdies WERE interested in signing my brother, but because they didn't appreciate the things I mentioned on this blog, they decided not to offer him a contract. Richard was told(flat out) by his former agent, that what I wrote deliberately ruined his chances of signing his first professional contract. It's silly to think what a few words can do to affect someones future! To me it seems childish. I'm mean, this blog was originally created to get Campbell University press. It shifted to Richard when he left for the pros. It might have given Richard press before and during the combine, but he didn't need it after he got drafted and made his speech. At that point, he had made his own press.....I just documented it!

This blog has been reading material for friends, family, former teammates and parents, but after Richard became known throughout the states, more people tuned in. He became somewhat popular amongst soccer fans and people wanted to follow his story. So I wrote! Richard never asked me to do any of this, but I did it because I love him, I love to write and I look up to him(even though I'm taller and older). When Richard told me that I ruined his chance of signing a contract with the Rowdies, I was crushed! My intentions were harmless and they should be meaningless to coaches and GM's, but then again, I guess I got some pretty important people reading my blog, huh?

With these comments, I wonder if I(in any way) hurt my brothers' chances of signing with the Chicago Fire. Richard obviously proved himself by beating out all the other draftees and trialists before getting released. The Fire fans loved my insiders view on the preseason and the updates on their team. Just look back at the comments on my posts from last preseason. Some of the things I wrote about could have be shared with the public, but there are clubs out there that don't want to make the effort. So I ask myself, was Denis Hamlett reading my blog?(Haha, I doubt it) Did he not like the information I was sharing with the rest of the world? These are the things I have to live with now. All I ever wanted to do was help my brother, but in all actuality, I might have ruined two perfectly good opportunities for him to get that contract.

Months will go by, without any word from coaches or teams, but the players are talking. Richard has grown up playing soccer with several players in the MLS and USL. They all want to know why he STILL hasn't signed with a team!

Is THIS BLOG preventing my brother from signing his first professional contract?

Jata Has Plans To Reunite With Joe Brown

Richard Jata went to the Puerto Rico & Harrisburg City Islanders tryout in Orlando, FL with an open mind. Sure it wasn't the Chicago Fire, but all he really wants to do now is play ball. The coaches seemed to like what Jata did on the field, notching the only assist on a well-placed through ball in the final game of Day 2. Unfortunately, neither were looking for a center-mid so no immediate offers were made. With little time left until the MLS and USL seasons begin, it looks as if Jata will have to put his dreams on hold yet again.

However, this has given Jata more motivation than ever. Earlier today he talked to Joe Brown(Head Coach for the Carolina Dynamo) and told him that he wanted to come back to the team for the upcoming season. The Carolina Dynamo are one of the most prestigious PDL programs in the country so Jata has absolutely no regrets going to play for them.

Richard told me that he is determined to wear the Captain's band and lead the Dynamo to yet another successful season. His primary focus and main goal is to win the Lamaar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With the possibility of competing against MLS and USL teams who passed on him, there will be no holding back. Not one bit!

Richard Jata - Player Profile

Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 160 lbs
Birthday: September 21, 1985
Hometown: Port Richey, FL
College: Campbell University
Club/PDL: Carolina Dynamo

High School Stats

IMG Academy (Sophomore Year) - Coached by Tom Durkin

• Played on IMG Academy (Bradenton) PDL team at age 16
• Scored 35 goals and had 19 assists in two seasons at IMG Academy
• Trained with U-17 U.S. National Team - Coached by John Hackworth
  

Ridgewood High School (Senior Year) - Coached by Ed McComisky

• 33 goals, 17 assists - 83 points
• Player Of The Year - Pasco County
• Helped team to a #5 ranking in Florida
  

Club - Clearwater Chargers (Coached by Peter Mannino)
PDL - Bradenton Academics (Coached by Tom Durkin)

College Stats - By year

Furman University - Coached by Doug Allison

• Freshman Year - Led team in points (11) - 4 goals, 3 assists

Campbell University - Coached by Doug Hess

• Sophomore Year - Led team in points (21) - 7 goals, 7 assists
• Junior Year - Led team in points (22) - 9 goals, 4 assists
• Senior Year - Led team in points (28) - 12 goals, 4 assists

College Stats - Total

Goals (32) Assists (18) Points (82) Shots (244) GW (12) GP (74)

Achievements

• Athlete Of The Year - Campbell University (2008)
  
• Player Of The Year - Atlantic Sun Conference (2008)
• NSCAA All-American 2nd Team (2008)
• First Team All-South (2008)
• 2-Time Preseason Player of the Year (2007, 2008)
• First team All-Atlantic Sun Conference (2006, 2007, 2008)
• A-Sun All Tournament Team (2007, 2008)
• Second Team All-South (2006, 2007)
• NCCSIA All-State team (2006, 2007)
• College Soccer News National Team of the Week (2006, 2007, 2008)
• 12 Game-winning goals in 3 seasons at Campbell University
• 5-Time A-Sun Conference Player of the Week
• 15th All-Time in Points at Campbell (71) in just 3 seasons
• Led team to a 14-6 record his senior year and a #38 RPI (#22 in Soccer America Poll)
• Led team to an undefeated record (9-0) in A-Sun Conference play - regular season (2008)
• Led team to 3 consecutive wins over North Carolina including one at Chapel Hill (2 GW goals)
• Campbell is 20-1-1 in games when Jata scores

PDL - Carolina Dynamo (Coached by Joe Brown)

• USL PDL Southeast Division Champions (2007)
• Had 6 goals and 1 assist in only 793 minutes played
• Played in 15 games over a two year period (2007, 2008)

Professional Career

• 2009 MLS Superdraft - Drafted by the Chicago Fire
• Last player released by the Chicago Fire before the start of the 2009 season
• One of nine 2009 MLS draftees to be selected for the Rookie Life Series
• Signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads on January 27, 2011
• Scored the second PK vs Richmond Kickers in the Divisional Semifinals