Jays' Horn to coach in All-America Game

Jefferson City soccer coach Eddie Horn has been selected to coach the Choice Hotels Boys High School Soccer All-America Game on Saturday in Camden, N.J.
Jefferson City soccer coach Eddie Horn has been selected to coach the Choice Hotels Boys High School Soccer All-America Game on Saturday in Camden, N.J.

It will be a busy weekend for Eddie Horn. Busy, but fun.

Horn, the head soccer coach of the Jefferson City Jays and Lady Jays, will serve as one of the coaches at this weekend's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Boys High School All-America Game on the campus of Rutgers University in Camden, N.J.

"It's an opportunity to work with the best high school players in the country and be among some of the top coaches as well," Horn said.

A total of 42 players have been chosen for the game, which will be be played Saturday night. Horn, who is one of five coaches on the East squad, isn't quite sure what his responsibilities will be. Not that it matters.

"It's an all-star game, I'm sure everything will be laid back," Horn said. "It's all about the kids, the best senior players from around the country, getting a chance to showcase their talents."

The game has a definite Missouri flavor. Three players from the state - defender Kyle McLagan of Rockhurst, midfielder Dominic Recca of St. Dominic and forward Keith Grieshaber of Marquette - are on the West team. One of the West's coaches is Chris Lawson of Rockhurst.

"When you think of high school soccer, I believe Missouri is almost the equivalent of high school football in Texas," Horn said.

Horn, who recently completed his 23rd season as head coach of the Jays, credits the Jefferson City overall program and school as among the reasons he was selected to coach in the game.

"We had seven teams on our schedule this season that were ranked in the nation at one time or another this season," he said. "I think the soccer community realizes how strong Missouri soccer is and how tough it is to coach soccer in the central part of the state.

"But since we have the reputation of being willing to play just about anybody, anytime, I think our program has garnered some respect from a lot of people."

The All-America Game coincides with the NCAA Men's Division I Soccer Championships. The College Cup will pit Virginia against Maryland in one semifinal, with Notre Dame facing New Mexico in the other Friday. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday.

The high school teams and coaches will be in attendance for all of the games.

"For a soccer nerd like myself, it will be a lot of fun to go to the College Cup for the first time," Horn said. "And getting to work with a lot of great players, it will be a fun weekend."

Those games will be played at PPL Park, the home of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.

Link:

The 2013 Boy's All-American game will stream live at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at www.nscaatv.com/2013-boys-all-american-game.