Dobson set to lead goalkeepers of UC-Santa Barbara
January 28, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
NEWARK, NJ (January 28, 2008) - Throughout his well-accomplished coaching and playing career, Stuart Dobson has seen a lot of cities and even more success. Dobson has been serving as the goalkeeper coach for the Ironmen during their inaugural season, and he is now taking over the same position with the men's program at the University of California- Santa Barbara.
"I am excited about the opportunity," Dobson stated. "My immediate expectations are to help the team get further than they did last year."
The Gauchos of UCSB fell to the Ohio State University Buckeyes this past fall in the NCAA Tournament Third Round in a double overtime heartbreaker, 4-3. The coaching staff of UCSB feels that they know what led to the defeat.
"I spoke with their head coach, Tim Vom Steeg, and he felt that it was goalkeeping mistakes that prevented them from going further in the NCAA Tournament," Dobson remarked. "I look to improve the goalkeepers so we can advance and hopefully win a championship."
Dobson, born and raised in Beverley, England, has worked with some of the most accomplished and recognizable names in the history of soccer in this country. He moved over from Europe at the age of 21 to attend the University of Portland where he succeeded eventual U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller. While earning his degree in Business Management, he spent four seasons playing under former U.S. national team assistant coach, Clive Charles. Dobson also played alongside four-time MISL Goalkeeper of the Year Peter Pappas with the Philadelphia KiXX, winning a league championship with the club in 2002 under the tutelage of current Ironmen Head Coach Omid Namazi. Most recently, he has spent this MISL season with the Ironmen working with former U.S. national team captain and Major League Soccer MVP Tony Meola, someone he has enjoyed coaching.
"Tony is clearly the most experienced of anyone I've coached," Dobson commented. "He brings a lot to the table, and his leadership is something you can't just teach someone. I've mainly given him tips on distribution and being involved in the offensive attack. As far as saving the ball, Tony doesn't need coaching. He knows how to do that."
Being an English native, Dobson has a unique perspective on the future of the indoor game.
"The indoor game will always have a place in American sports," he said. "Internationally, futsal is becoming more and more popular as well. Even in England, you can see the indoor game taking off."
Dobson entertained a lengthy professional career as a player, mainly on the platform of the indoor turf. His time within the MISL dates back to the league predecessor, the National Professional Soccer League. His longest stay was with the Philadelphia KiXX, and he even spent some time in his native England playing for Reading FC.
The Ironmen play a back-to-back this weekend, facing the Chicago Storm Saturday night on the road before returning to Prudential Center to host the Milwaukee Wave on Sunday. That match up is slated for a 4:00 start, and tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-IRONMEN.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from January 28, 2008
- Dobson set to lead goalkeepers of UC-Santa Barbara - New Jersey Ironmen
- Sharks drown Cougars again, California loses fifth straight 19-6 - California Cougars
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