Steel City Table Soccer League
Pittsburgh's Premier Subbuteo Club
SCTSL dusts off the cobwebs
April 10, 2009
In an effort to get Mike Benkart back into game shape for the Nationals, the SCTSL finally got together again for the first time in a few years. Most games were dominated, as usual, by the one time top 40 internationally ranked Benkart. Game one between him and Jim Desmond ended 2-0. Game two was a shocker as not only did the game end in a draw but a 2-2 tie. The third match of the evening again went Mike's way in a 3-0 win. The fourth and final game of the evening was a total embarrassment to Jim as not only was he destroyed by Mike 5-0 but Mike was playing with majorly reduced players on the pitch. That totally opened up the pitch and caused major errors in Jim's play.
It is hoped that the SCTSL will be able to meet at least twice a month during the spring and summer months. Look for pictures to be posted of Mike's new pitch in the very near future.
SCTSL Welcomes SCC Member
September 24, 2006
The SCTSL was pleased to welcome Eddie Davidson from the Subbuteo Club Connecticut. Slide team manager Jim Desmond took Eddie on a quick tour around town. The travels included the famous trip down the Parkway West through the Fort Pitt Tunnels, a view many Pittsburghers take for granted, which allows new visitors to Pittsburgh the suprise of the city appering out of 'nowhere'. When exiting the tunnels you can see Heinz Field to the right, PNC Park just about straight in front of you and the city's skyline just to the right.
Also included was a visit to South Park and a description of all the activites available in the park. Some of those activities include; bicycle/walking trails, tennis courts, paddleball courts, basketball courts, street hockey rink, ice scating rink, wave pool, countless soccer/baseball/softball fields, children's playground, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, fairgrounds area plus much more.
Following the tour, Eddie and Jim played some friendlies. Four games were played with Eddie taking all four matches. Final scores were 3-0, 2-0, 3-0, and 2-0. All matches were played with 12 minute halves to allow for more games to be played. Jim was thrilled to both finally christen his new pitch and try out Scott Brister's Subbuteo scoreboard program. If you play Subbuteo and have a PC or Mac nearby this program is a must have.
The SCTSL was pleased to welcome Eddie Davidson from the Subbuteo Club Connecticut. Slide team manager Jim Desmond took Eddie on a quick tour around town. The travels included the famous trip down the Parkway West through the Fort Pitt Tunnels, a view many Pittsburghers take for granted, which allows new visitors to Pittsburgh the suprise of the city appering out of 'nowhere'. When exiting the tunnels you can see Heinz Field to the right, PNC Park just about straight in front of you and the city's skyline just to the right.
Also included was a visit to South Park and a description of all the activites available in the park. Some of those activities include; bicycle/walking trails, tennis courts, paddleball courts, basketball courts, street hockey rink, ice scating rink, wave pool, countless soccer/baseball/softball fields, children's playground, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, fairgrounds area plus much more.
Following the tour, Eddie and Jim played some friendlies. Four games were played with Eddie taking all four matches. Final scores were 3-0, 2-0, 3-0, and 2-0. All matches were played with 12 minute halves to allow for more games to be played. Jim was thrilled to both finally christen his new pitch and try out Scott Brister's Subbuteo scoreboard program. If you play Subbuteo and have a PC or Mac nearby this program is a must have.
2006 ASA Nationals
July 26, 2006
The American Subbuteo Association's premier event, the Nationals, was hosted by the Subbuteo Club of Connecticut
the weekend of July 22 and 23rd. The SCTSL was represented by Mike Benkart for Saturday's Open event. Mike posted a 2-0-1 record in the group stage and promoted him to the knockout rounds. Mike beat former Nationals champion Rick Wilcox (WTSL) in the round of 16 by a score of 1-0. The round of 8 matched Mike up with Zach Walker (MSL). This game is already being talked about as one for the ages around the ASA. The end of regulation saw the score at a draw, 1-1. In the ten minute golden goal overtime, Mike had a great scoring chance but Zach was up to the challenge making the save. Overtime expired and the game went to a shootout where Zach prevailed 2-1. Though Mike's day came to an end, Zach's continued all the way to the championship round. The finals matched Zach against Miguel Marques. At the end of the day, Zach Walker had been crowned champion with a 3-0 victory.
The second day of the Nationals saw the team competition. Four players make up a team playing against another team of four. The team with the better overall record of the four games wins the match. Goal differential is used as the first tiebreaker if neccessary. Eight teams competed for the ASA title. Teams involved were the Washington Tuesday Subbuteo League (WTSL), Maryland Subbuteo Club (MSC), MSC II, Team South, Subbuteo Club of CT (SCC) Black, SCC Blue, SCC White, and the Mid-West Premier League (MWPL) . The MWPL was able to advance out of the group stage with a 2-1-0 record. The MWPL fell to WTSL 2-1 in the semi-final round. The MWPL played MSC in the third place game again falling, this time 3-1. The Team National Championship game ended in a 1-1 draw with SCC Black winning on GD 4-2.
[Photo above, from left to right: Mike Benkart (SCTSL), Jim Desmond (SCTSL), Chris Walker (MSL) and Zach Walker (MSL) were the members of the MWPL team]
The American Subbuteo Association's premier event, the Nationals, was hosted by the Subbuteo Club of Connecticut
the weekend of July 22 and 23rd. The SCTSL was represented by Mike Benkart for Saturday's Open event. Mike posted a 2-0-1 record in the group stage and promoted him to the knockout rounds. Mike beat former Nationals champion Rick Wilcox (WTSL) in the round of 16 by a score of 1-0. The round of 8 matched Mike up with Zach Walker (MSL). This game is already being talked about as one for the ages around the ASA. The end of regulation saw the score at a draw, 1-1. In the ten minute golden goal overtime, Mike had a great scoring chance but Zach was up to the challenge making the save. Overtime expired and the game went to a shootout where Zach prevailed 2-1. Though Mike's day came to an end, Zach's continued all the way to the championship round. The finals matched Zach against Miguel Marques. At the end of the day, Zach Walker had been crowned champion with a 3-0 victory.The second day of the Nationals saw the team competition. Four players make up a team playing against another team of four. The team with the better overall record of the four games wins the match. Goal differential is used as the first tiebreaker if neccessary. Eight teams competed for the ASA title. Teams involved were the Washington Tuesday Subbuteo League (WTSL), Maryland Subbuteo Club (MSC), MSC II, Team South, Subbuteo Club of CT (SCC) Black, SCC Blue, SCC White, and the Mid-West Premier League (MWPL) . The MWPL was able to advance out of the group stage with a 2-1-0 record. The MWPL fell to WTSL 2-1 in the semi-final round. The MWPL played MSC in the third place game again falling, this time 3-1. The Team National Championship game ended in a 1-1 draw with SCC Black winning on GD 4-2.
[Photo above, from left to right: Mike Benkart (SCTSL), Jim Desmond (SCTSL), Chris Walker (MSL) and Zach Walker (MSL) were the members of the MWPL team]
Pittsburgh Open Closes Quickly
June 11, 2006
Hopes were high, but ultimately realistic, for the 2006 Pittsburgh Open (click link for photos). The hopes: huge amount of interest would grow from a little seed planted in the back banquet room of a local restaurant. A league of ten regular players would develop. The realistic: it's a kid's game that had not been very popular in the US for many years.
"Oh the dreams were there. When I got that first invitation to demonstrate Subbuteo at a Riverhounds game, I started to
envision a nice full league of players," said league founder Jim Desmond. "Then when Joe (owner of La Romana Restaurant in Glassport, PA) offered to host the SCTSL for a tournament and demo of the game the dreams grew.
"It is such a fun game. I really do love it. I still hope that a local league can be formed with at least five or more players. Currently, "local" for us is the next closest Subbuteo club near Baltimore, MD, about four hours away. There is also a newly reformed club in Philadelphia, about five hours away, or a brand new club in Indianapolis, about five and a half hours away. If any or all of these clubs could have attended would have been great. But, then it would have been a throw back to the early days of the North American Soccer League (NASL). European clubs were brought to the states to play in cities as US clubs to start the league. All of us that are in our late thirties or early fourties know what ended up happening to the NASL. I would not want to see a repeat of that. I would rather try to find a nice solid little base of players here in the western PA region."
Desire to succeed in forming a league still burns for Jim. "It is not an easy sell to people that have not heard of the game before. The next hardest thing is to teach them the rules. Too many people are used to foosball, they just want to flick at the ball wether in possession or not. Some may get the feeling that you are making up the rules as you play."
Jim still plans to travel, when available and funds allow, to other tournaments.
Hopes were high, but ultimately realistic, for the 2006 Pittsburgh Open (click link for photos). The hopes: huge amount of interest would grow from a little seed planted in the back banquet room of a local restaurant. A league of ten regular players would develop. The realistic: it's a kid's game that had not been very popular in the US for many years.
"Oh the dreams were there. When I got that first invitation to demonstrate Subbuteo at a Riverhounds game, I started to
envision a nice full league of players," said league founder Jim Desmond. "Then when Joe (owner of La Romana Restaurant in Glassport, PA) offered to host the SCTSL for a tournament and demo of the game the dreams grew."It is such a fun game. I really do love it. I still hope that a local league can be formed with at least five or more players. Currently, "local" for us is the next closest Subbuteo club near Baltimore, MD, about four hours away. There is also a newly reformed club in Philadelphia, about five hours away, or a brand new club in Indianapolis, about five and a half hours away. If any or all of these clubs could have attended would have been great. But, then it would have been a throw back to the early days of the North American Soccer League (NASL). European clubs were brought to the states to play in cities as US clubs to start the league. All of us that are in our late thirties or early fourties know what ended up happening to the NASL. I would not want to see a repeat of that. I would rather try to find a nice solid little base of players here in the western PA region."
Desire to succeed in forming a league still burns for Jim. "It is not an easy sell to people that have not heard of the game before. The next hardest thing is to teach them the rules. Too many people are used to foosball, they just want to flick at the ball wether in possession or not. Some may get the feeling that you are making up the rules as you play."
Jim still plans to travel, when available and funds allow, to other tournaments.
2006 Connecticut Cup
June 5, 2006
The Steel City Table Soccer League was pleased to send a representative to the 2006 Connecticut Cup.
Jim Desmond (below right, verses Jeff Davidson from the SCC, photo: SCC) traveled to the event, held at the Farmington Police Department complex. In the group stage, Jim failed to talley a victory in the group stage going 0-3. Advancing from Group C were Luis Silva (3-0) and Rick Marques (2-1). Both players advanced to the Quarterfinals where Rick beat Eddie Davidson 1-0 but Luis fell to Miguel Marques 2-0. Rick conitnued his march through the Semifinals to advance to the Finals where he lost in overtime to Andrea Gasparini 1-0 in overtime. Full results of the event can be found on the SCC's 2006 Connecticut Cup page.
"I had a great time," stated Jim. "It is great to get to meet all the players from other parts of the country. I only wish I could travel to other cities and get the chance to meet everyone."
"The thing that is great with this game [Subbuteo] is when you are a lower level player like myself, the higher level players are more than happy to give you tips to try to help improve your game. Personally, I know and I even see, that I tend to 'chase' the play. It is as if I am reading the next flick just one or two flicks too late. Hopefully with more practice and games that will improve."
The Steel City Table Soccer League was pleased to send a representative to the 2006 Connecticut Cup.
Jim Desmond (below right, verses Jeff Davidson from the SCC, photo: SCC) traveled to the event, held at the Farmington Police Department complex. In the group stage, Jim failed to talley a victory in the group stage going 0-3. Advancing from Group C were Luis Silva (3-0) and Rick Marques (2-1). Both players advanced to the Quarterfinals where Rick beat Eddie Davidson 1-0 but Luis fell to Miguel Marques 2-0. Rick conitnued his march through the Semifinals to advance to the Finals where he lost in overtime to Andrea Gasparini 1-0 in overtime. Full results of the event can be found on the SCC's 2006 Connecticut Cup page."I had a great time," stated Jim. "It is great to get to meet all the players from other parts of the country. I only wish I could travel to other cities and get the chance to meet everyone."
"The thing that is great with this game [Subbuteo] is when you are a lower level player like myself, the higher level players are more than happy to give you tips to try to help improve your game. Personally, I know and I even see, that I tend to 'chase' the play. It is as if I am reading the next flick just one or two flicks too late. Hopefully with more practice and games that will improve."
Changes for the 2006 Pittsburgh Open
May 24, 2006
The SCTSL has changed the location and date for the 2006 Pittsburgh Open. The Open will now be held on Sunday, June 11 at La Romana Restaurant and Catering in Glassport, PA. The change was made due to a couple of factors. On Saturday, June 10th, England plays their first game in this years FIFA World Cup. This conflicted with many regional Subbuteo players as this is either their home country's team or favorite team. Secondly, the venue with the Riverhounds FC, Falconi Field, the game tables would be set up outdoors. If there would be inclement weather, the event would have to be postponed, something that the SCTSL would not like to see for our friends traveling from out of state.
For those attending the Open, the SCTSL will still be holding a demonstration at the Riverhounds FC game on Saturday, weather permitting. Feel free to join us there to help spread the word and educate 'Hounds fans on the fun and excitement of Subbuteo.
Another advantage of the location change is La Romana is only 15 minutes from Kennywood Park, a great family vacation destination. The park is smaller in size which allows you the chance to ride all the rides in one day (unlike Cedar Point, Six Flags and so on), not to mention to try the greatest French fries in the world from the Potato Patch.
The SCTSL has changed the location and date for the 2006 Pittsburgh Open. The Open will now be held on Sunday, June 11 at La Romana Restaurant and Catering in Glassport, PA. The change was made due to a couple of factors. On Saturday, June 10th, England plays their first game in this years FIFA World Cup. This conflicted with many regional Subbuteo players as this is either their home country's team or favorite team. Secondly, the venue with the Riverhounds FC, Falconi Field, the game tables would be set up outdoors. If there would be inclement weather, the event would have to be postponed, something that the SCTSL would not like to see for our friends traveling from out of state.
For those attending the Open, the SCTSL will still be holding a demonstration at the Riverhounds FC game on Saturday, weather permitting. Feel free to join us there to help spread the word and educate 'Hounds fans on the fun and excitement of Subbuteo.
Another advantage of the location change is La Romana is only 15 minutes from Kennywood Park, a great family vacation destination. The park is smaller in size which allows you the chance to ride all the rides in one day (unlike Cedar Point, Six Flags and so on), not to mention to try the greatest French fries in the world from the Potato Patch.
2006 US FISTF Grand Prix and International Open weekend
May 8, 2006
The weekend saw a sweep by Wolfgang Haas. Wolfgang beat Zach Walker to take the Grand Prix championship on Saturday. He followed up the win with his second in two days by defeating tournament host Paul Eyes in the International Open.
The SCTSL was pleased to send Jim Desmond to represent the club against some of the top US and international players. On Saturday, for the Grand Prix, Jim advanced to the Mary Jane Finals where he fell to Jody Schaaf 4-0. The second day of the tournament, Jim advanced from the group stage for the first time in his tournament career only to be knocked out of the event in the Barrage round.
The weekend saw a sweep by Wolfgang Haas. Wolfgang beat Zach Walker to take the Grand Prix championship on Saturday. He followed up the win with his second in two days by defeating tournament host Paul Eyes in the International Open.
The SCTSL was pleased to send Jim Desmond to represent the club against some of the top US and international players. On Saturday, for the Grand Prix, Jim advanced to the Mary Jane Finals where he fell to Jody Schaaf 4-0. The second day of the tournament, Jim advanced from the group stage for the first time in his tournament career only to be knocked out of the event in the Barrage round.
SCTSL Member Runner-Up at FISTF International Open
April 9, 2006
Mike Benkart, of the SCTSL (right), finished in second place
at the 2006 FISTF International Open in St. Louis, MO.
The final took place between Mike and Tim Boone. Tim lead the match until the final seconds when Mike scored the equalizer, tying the game at 2-2. The golden goal overtime went scoreless sending the two to a shootout. Tim converted on 3 of his 5 attempts, Mike on 2. Mike's second place finish in the event moved him to the 52nd ranked player in the world, up from 56th.
Congratulations to Tim on his championship. Well done Mike on your second place finish.
Photo : Mike Ewer
Mike Benkart, of the SCTSL (right), finished in second place
at the 2006 FISTF International Open in St. Louis, MO. The final took place between Mike and Tim Boone. Tim lead the match until the final seconds when Mike scored the equalizer, tying the game at 2-2. The golden goal overtime went scoreless sending the two to a shootout. Tim converted on 3 of his 5 attempts, Mike on 2. Mike's second place finish in the event moved him to the 52nd ranked player in the world, up from 56th.
Congratulations to Tim on his championship. Well done Mike on your second place finish.
Photo : Mike Ewer
2006 Pittsburgh Open hosted by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC
April 6, 2006
The Steel City Table Soccer League is proud to annouce it will be hosting the 2006 Pittsburgh Open at Falconi Field in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The event will take place on Saturday, June 10, before the Riverhounds take on the Cincinnati Kings. This will be the first American Subbuteo Association (ASA) tournament held in Pittsburgh. As per ASA Open rules, matches will last a duration of two 12
minute halves. The format of the event (round robin or group stages) will be decided the day of the tournament, depending on the amount of entries.
An additional game table will be set up to show kids and adults the exciting game of Subbuteo. Subbuteo is not to be confused with the much more prevalent foosball. In Subbuteo, small plastic players on weighted bases are moved around the pitch by a 'flick'. A very nice history of the game is available at the ASA site. There are also videos available from the links page to see the skill and strategy involved in Subbuteo.
Participants can register for the event on through the 2006 Pittsburgh Open page. For further information about the event, please contact the SCTSL at pghtsl@hotmail.com.
Come out and celebrate the kickoff of the 2006 World Cup, Riverhounds and the SCTSL! As an added bonus, it is the Riverhounds Father's Day promotion night. The first 1,000 men in attendance get a free T-shirt!
The Steel City Table Soccer League would like to thank the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the chance to show off the "beautiful game" in miniature form.
The Steel City Table Soccer League is proud to annouce it will be hosting the 2006 Pittsburgh Open at Falconi Field in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The event will take place on Saturday, June 10, before the Riverhounds take on the Cincinnati Kings. This will be the first American Subbuteo Association (ASA) tournament held in Pittsburgh. As per ASA Open rules, matches will last a duration of two 12
minute halves. The format of the event (round robin or group stages) will be decided the day of the tournament, depending on the amount of entries. An additional game table will be set up to show kids and adults the exciting game of Subbuteo. Subbuteo is not to be confused with the much more prevalent foosball. In Subbuteo, small plastic players on weighted bases are moved around the pitch by a 'flick'. A very nice history of the game is available at the ASA site. There are also videos available from the links page to see the skill and strategy involved in Subbuteo.
Participants can register for the event on through the 2006 Pittsburgh Open page. For further information about the event, please contact the SCTSL at pghtsl@hotmail.com.
Come out and celebrate the kickoff of the 2006 World Cup, Riverhounds and the SCTSL! As an added bonus, it is the Riverhounds Father's Day promotion night. The first 1,000 men in attendance get a free T-shirt!
The Steel City Table Soccer League would like to thank the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the chance to show off the "beautiful game" in miniature form.
SCTSL Returns Bruised From Maryland Open
March 26, 2006
Mike Benkart lead the way for the members of the Steel City Table Soccer League in the 2006 Maryland Open. He advanced to the knockout stage with posting a group record of 2-1-1. In the quarterfinals, Mike ran into the buzzsaw that was Zach Walker. Zach posted a 4-1 win in the match, on the way to winning the Maryland Open. Jim Desmond did not fair as well and failed to advance to the knockout rounds. He posted a 0-3-0 record in the group stage and moved into the Mary Jane bracket. In the play-in game Jim fell to Randy Grice 3-0. Randy continued his fine play until the Mary Jane final where he met up with Eddie Davidson. Eddie showed improved play as the day went on and prevailed as the Mary Jane champion.
Click here for photos from this event.
Mike Benkart lead the way for the members of the Steel City Table Soccer League in the 2006 Maryland Open. He advanced to the knockout stage with posting a group record of 2-1-1. In the quarterfinals, Mike ran into the buzzsaw that was Zach Walker. Zach posted a 4-1 win in the match, on the way to winning the Maryland Open. Jim Desmond did not fair as well and failed to advance to the knockout rounds. He posted a 0-3-0 record in the group stage and moved into the Mary Jane bracket. In the play-in game Jim fell to Randy Grice 3-0. Randy continued his fine play until the Mary Jane final where he met up with Eddie Davidson. Eddie showed improved play as the day went on and prevailed as the Mary Jane champion.
Click here for photos from this event.
Subbuteo Launching In Pittsburgh
March 7, 2006
Hot on the heels of the Pittsburgh Steelers winning Superbowl XL, a new league has formed in the Pittsburgh area. Football of a different sort, the world version. On a much smaller scale.
The Steel City Table Soccer League is proud to announce the launch of a Pittsburgh based table soccer league. We are currently looking for team managers. Managers have full control over their team, from team colors to the final performance of the team on the pitch. The SCTSL has no franchise fees or dues. Subbuteo requires minimal start-up costs only if you choose to purchase your own playing figures and bases. Please see the contact page for approximate costs. Teams will be available for loan, if necessary, to see if Subbuteo is the game is for you.
If interested in joining or even checking out the game, please leave a message in the Guestbook or contact Jim at pghtsl@hotmail.com
Hot on the heels of the Pittsburgh Steelers winning Superbowl XL, a new league has formed in the Pittsburgh area. Football of a different sort, the world version. On a much smaller scale.
If interested in joining or even checking out the game, please leave a message in the Guestbook or contact Jim at pghtsl@hotmail.com
What is Table Soccer?
Table soccer is mostly commonly referred to as Subbuteo. As in real soccer, the object in table soccer is to out score your opponent. Players are moved around the pitch by "flicking" the players base with the fingernail of your index finger.
When on offence, each flick of your players must make contact with the ball to retain possession. The same figure may only make contact with the ball three consecutive times. Once another attacking figure touches the ball the first figure may touch the ball again up to three times. The attacking team tries to move the ball beyond the defending teams "shooting line". When the whole of the ball is within the defenders shooting area, the attacking team may take a shot at goal. The attacking team loses possession when they miss the ball, commit a foul or flick the ball; into a stationary defensive player, over the touch line, over the goal line or scores a goal.
When defending, you get one flick for every offensive flick taken. The attacking team does not have to wait for the defenders flick. Defenders will try to block the path of the attacking teams sight of the ball. To recover possession, defenders will try to slide their figure so it stops in front of a rolling ball. The defending team may not flick their players into attacking team players, strike a stationary ball while moving or a moving ball while still moving.
To see a video demonstration of how the game is played please visit the Worcester River Plate Severn web page. Then do not forget to comeback and get in touch with the SCTSL about joining in on the fun!
When defending, you get one flick for every offensive flick taken. The attacking team does not have to wait for the defenders flick. Defenders will try to block the path of the attacking teams sight of the ball. To recover possession, defenders will try to slide their figure so it stops in front of a rolling ball. The defending team may not flick their players into attacking team players, strike a stationary ball while moving or a moving ball while still moving.
To see a video demonstration of how the game is played please visit the Worcester River Plate Severn web page. Then do not forget to comeback and get in touch with the SCTSL about joining in on the fun!
