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Dec 15, 2007 TV3 Reporter: Sebastian Salazar Indoor Soccer Invades Valley

A | A | A The Shenandoah Valley now has it's own semi-professional indoor soccer team. The Winchester Impact kicked off their existence back on December 9th with a 18-4 loss against the Maryland Tigers, and despite the loss in their debut the Impact's players have high hopes for this season. "We are ready to take the next step" says midfielder Mike Koper, "We were really upset with the outcome of the first game and we are not going to let that happen again." The team is made up primarily of former college players who now reside in the Winchester area. Led by player/coach Terry Hudson, the Impact is promising fans an exciting alternative to traditional sports. "People who don't know soccer will even enjoy it" says Winchester's head coach. "It's real fast paced, a lot more physical, a lot of checking into the boards... just the pace is a lot more attractive to the average sports fan." The Impact competes in the Premier Arena Soccer League, which serves as a feeder league for the fully professional Major Indoor Soccer League. Tickets to Impact games cost 5 dollars while a season pass costs 15 dollars, Winchester's regular season schedule is as follows.

Indoor soccer league hopes to make an impact

By Teresa Dunham
The Winchester Star

Winchester — Winchester’s new semi-professional indoor soccer team is bringing the fast-paced, high-scoring alter-ego of the outdoor game to local crowds for the first time this weekend.

"There’s lots of shooting, pounding, and physicality that doesn’t translate to the outdoor game," said Winchester Impact goalie Ken Melnikoff, 35, of Winchester.

It’s almost an extreme sport, he said, with players shooting the ball toward him at 70 to 90 mph during their two to three minute play increments.

"It’s a whole lot faster than the outdoor game," said Melnikoff.

Winchester Impact’s 17-player team has its first game at Sportsplex this Sunday against the Maryland Tigers — and they’re hoping the community will come out to support them.

The team is part of the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL), which is a feeder for the professional Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).

"Quite literally, there are scouts at the games. You never know who’s watching," said assistant coach Mike Chalmers, adding that outstanding players could be recruited to the MISL-level Baltimore Blast.

Head coach Terry Hudson said the team brings a lot to the table.

"There are a few guys that do have the potential to go on to the next level," he said.

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Owned by local man Rodney Brown and sponsored by Gatorade, Winchester Impact was organized collaboratively by Hudson and Chalmers.

The team includes men ages 20 to 38 who once excelled at the college level, with some players originally hailing from far away as New Zealand, Brazil, England, and Mexico.

Their 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night practices attest to their passion, and their early Saturday morning fitness training sessions keep them from staying out late on Friday nights.

"It helps show who is dedicated and who is not," said Hudson.

These guys are willing to travel to New York and Ohio for away games while balancing a home life.

Players like Melnikoff say they could never play without the support of their families.

"My wife [Jennifer Melnikoff] absolutely knows how much I love this sport," he said. "Without her support, it couldn’t be done."

His three children — Emily 11, Koen, 3, and Laken, 1 — are on board for the ride too.

"I’m older than a lot of the team. I figured it was my last chance," Melnikoff said of the opportunity to play.

This isn’t his first time playing at a competitive level though.

The Winchester resident, who works as a Network Systems Engineer for Frederick County Public Schools, commuted to play for the semi-pro Maryland Strikers from 1993-1996.

Winchester Impact’s recent scrimmage against the Fredericksburg indoor soccer team gave Melnikoff a taste of what’s to come — and he can’t wait.

More than 300 Fredericksburg fans packed an arena just for the scrimmage, he said.

"For some of us, it was the first time we’d played in front of that many people," he said. "It gets your adrenaline pumping. The atmosphere was unbelievable."

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Like Melnikoff, defensive midfielder Mike Danielson said a supportive family makes his dream of playing possible.

"It’s my last chance for some glory in the sun," said Danielson, 36, of Stephens City.

His wife, Stephanie Danielson, stays home with their two boys, Ryan, 4 and Nicholas, 1.

"I’m just lucky to have the support. I couldn’t even imagine doing this if she were working," he said. "She understands how much soccer means to me."

Danielson used to play for Shenandoah University’s soccer team, where he earned first-team Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association honors his senior year.

"I just want to get a lot of community support," he said. "I hope that we make the playoffs. We’re coming to win."

He hopes folks will come to see how hard the team has worked.

"A lot of guys have put in a lot of hard work on and off the field. Some of the guys have dropped a significant amount of weight. I think we can compete," he said.

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Player Mike Koper is a contrast to the team’s family men.

The 25-year-old bachelor is a first grade teacher at John Kerr Elementary School — and Hudson calls him the "poster boy" of the team.

"He’s an all-American, apple pie kind of kid," Hudson said. "We’re hoping he’s going to get a couple of dates out of this."

Even if he doesn’t find a lady, Koper is certain to give his students some extra entertainment on the field.

He’s already sent home a flyer with all of his students, asking them to support him at the games.

"I love the game. I’m very passionate about it," said Koper, who coaches for Winchester United youth travel soccer. He is also an assistant coach for Handley’s girls’ varsity soccer team.

Koper used to play for Grove City College in Pennsylvania, and he can’t wait to get in front of a crowd again on Sunday.

"I always get butterflies. I’m looking forward to that feeling," Koper said.

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Winchester Impact home games cost $5 per person, with a season pass for $15. The first game is Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at Sportsplex at 221 Commonwealth Ct. Winchester. Tryouts are still open for anyone who is interested. Youth who play for Winchester United can also look forward to clinics from Winchester Impact in the future. For more information, visit www.winchesterimpact.com.

221 Commonwealth Ct.
Winchester, VA 22602
540-868-2200

GAME SCHEDULE

Dec 9 Lost 18-4
to Maryland Tigers

Jan 6 Lost 10-8
to Fredericksburg Generals

Jan 12 Lost 10-0
to Richmond Rowdies

Jan 20 6PM vs
Central NY United

Jan 26 8PM at
Fredericksburg Generals

Feb 2 7PM at
Virginia Legacy

Feb 10 6PM vs
Virginia Legacy

Feb 17 6PM vs
Richmond Rowdies

Feb 23 7PM at
Maryland Tigers

Feb 24 5PM at
Cleveland Pride