June 10, 2009

Bryan Scales, named head coach of the UMass Lowell men's soccer team on Apr. 17, recently returned from a three-match tour of Moenchengladbach, Germany where he helped lead the U.S. Under 15 National Team to a challenging 1-2 clip.

The Americans suffered a 2-0 loss to the Borussia Moenchengladbach U-16 team on May 19 and followed with a 2-0 setback to the Germany U-15 team in Moenchengladbach on May 21.

"Despite the loss, the Germany game was a pretty special event," Scales said. "I'd say there were about 3,000 spectators there. I felt like Germany was the better team on the day. But it also highlighted the daily environment that their players are in compared to our players. They've got players who train with teams like Bayern Munich, 1860 Munich and Werder Bremen.

"The second half we were much better on the ball and made good decisions," Scales added. "We just couldn't get a goal."

The U.S. capped its trip with a 6-0 victory over local team FC Wegberg.

"It is always an honor and a privilege to represent your country, but I am also especially proud to have represented UMass Lowell Soccer, River Hawk Athletics and our outstanding university," Scales noted. "It was a challenging trip."

On its final day, the U.S. camp attended the Borussia Moenchengladbach-Borussia Dortmund match, which ended in a 1-1 deadlock and helped Moenchengladbach avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

The U.S. team also spent significant time with Men's National Team midfielder Michael Bradley, a former U-15 standout, who plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach.

"Michael was on the U-15 team, so he knows the drill," Scales noted. "He was happy to have us there and the players were thrilled to meet him."

Scales, named an assistant with the U.S. U-15s earlier this year, is also a scout for the U.S. Men's National Team. The final U-15 camp of the season begins Sunday in New Jersey.

"There is no doubt that at this age group there are a lot of talented kids," he said. "It's fun to watch them progress through the age groups, to see them adapt."

A native of Medway, MA, Scales is among a handful of individuals with UMass Lowell ties to represent the U.S. in international sporting competition this year. Former standout Ron Hainsey, a defenseman with the Atlanta Thrashers, led the U.S. Hockey Team to the semifinals of the World Championship in Switzerland last month.

Also representing their countries at the Worlds was former goalie Dwayne Roloson (1990-94), who led Canada to the silver medal; as well as Yorick Treille (1998-02), Laurent Meunier (2000-02) and Baptiste Amar (2001-03), members of the French National Team.

Additionally, former cross country standout Nate Jenkins was named to the U.S. Marathon Team for the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Berlin Aug. 15-23.

UMass Lowell men's soccer players report for preseason conditioning on Aug. 16 and open the season on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at home against NCAA Tournament finalist Dowling College.