Thursday, September 27, 2007

The Time Is Now


October 1, 2007 marks the inital launch of our print publication and new web site.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Four Washington U. Student-Athletes Earn UAA Athlete of the Week Honors

St. Louis, Mo., September 18, 2007

Four Washington University in St. Louis student-athletes were named University Athletic Association (UAA) Athletes of the Week, as announced today by the league office. This week's recipients are: freshman Jaclyn Bild, Miami, Fla. (Ransom Everglades) of women’s tennis, junior Caitlin Malone, Valparaiso, Ind. (Valparaiso) of the 11th-ranked women’s soccer team, sophomore John Smelcer, St. Louis, Mo. (Christian Brothers) of the 11th-ranked men’s soccer team, and sophomore John Watts, Marietta, Ga. (Wheeler) of men’s tennis.

Malone scored five goals, including three game-winners, as the Bears extended their regular season winning streak to 21 games with three victories for the week. She accounted for all of the scoring in a 3-0 win over Principia College, scoring twice in the first 18 minutes and adding a goal in the 52nd minute. At the Loras College Classic over the weekend, Malone scored the opening goal in a 4-0 win over the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and tallied the game-winning goal in overtime during a 2-1 victory over host Loras College. Malone leads the team and the UAA in game-winning goals (four), goals scored (six), and points (13).

Smelcer registered a pair of shutouts in a 2-1 week for the Bears. After going untested in a 2-0 win over Principia College, he made five saves in posting his third shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory over Southwestern University. Against top-ranked Trinity University, Smelcer made a career-high 10 saves in a 1-0 loss to the host Tigers.

Christopher Mitchell
Director, Sports Information
Washington University in St. Louis

Washington U. Soccer Players Caitlin Malone and Pierre Hoppenot Named to D3Kicks.com Team of the Week

St. Louis, Mo., September 18, 2007

Juniors Pierre Hoppenot, Princeton, N.J. (Princeton Day) and Caitlin Malone, Valparaiso, Ind. (Valparaiso) of the Washington University in St. Louis No. 13 men's and No. 10 women's soccer teams were named to the D3Kicks.com Team of the Week, as announced by the Web site on Tuesday.

Hoppenot scored a goal and had two assists in helping the Bears post a 2-1 record last week. In a 2-0 win at Principia College on Tuesday, Sept. 11, he assisted senior Marshall Plow's game-winning goal in the 49th minute. Three days later, Hoppenot tallied a goal and an assist in the Bears' 3-0 win against Southwestern University. In 2007, Hoppenot is second on Washington U. in total points (eight), with three goals and two assists.

Malone, the University Athletic Association (UAA) Offensive Player of the Week, scored five goals, including three game-winners, as the Bears extended their regular season winning streak to 21 games with three victories for the week. She accounted for all of the scoring in a 3-0 win over Principia College, scoring twice in the first 18 minutes and adding a goal in the 52nd minute. At the Loras College Classic over the weekend, Malone scored the opening goal in a 4-0 win over the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and tallied the game-winning goal in overtime during a 2-1 victory over host Loras College. Malone leads the team and the UAA in game-winning goals (four), goals scored (six), and points (13).

Both the men's and women's soccer teams will be back in action on Sunday, Sept. 23, when they host Illinois Wesleyan University for a doubleheader at Francis Field. The men's game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., and the women will follow at 3:30 p.m.

-Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information

Top Youth Talent Ready to Shine at id2

Elite youth players from across the nation are counting down the days until they receive their opportunity to shine in the 2007 id2 program.

Selected boys with 1994 and 1995 birth years and girls born in 1993 and 1994 have been invited to attend one of three id2 Regional Training Camps this fall where they will compete and train with each other for four days while being monitored by U.S. Soccer Youth Development Program staff for possible inclusion in the National Team Programs.

The id2 Regional Training Camps kick off Sept. 20-23 in Germantown, Md., before heading to St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 27-30 and concluding Oct. 5-8 in Irvine, Calif. Player creativity is a focal point for the 2007 program.

“As a country, we lack players who can break people down one-v-one and break down defenses by getting in behind and making things happen and putting defenders on the wrong foot,” said id2 Director Gerry McKeown. “We’re really looking to try and identify this type of player and have a little less emphasis than in the past on the physical part of the game. At this age group, players change. If they have the soccer, chances are there is a good opportunity for them to mature physically and then really have an impact.”

The significance the id2 program is placing upon finding imaginative boys and girls’ players in the U-14 and U-15 age groups, respectively, compliments U.S. Soccer’s recent launch of the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy for U-16 and U-18 boys.

“It’s a pretty good marriage in that the hope of the Academy is to make better players and not necessarily better teams because better teams means winning and there’s a lot of things sacrificed at the young age levels to win including player development,” McKeown said. “The emphasis has been on the physical piece, so now maybe we’ll have an opportunity to see these creative type players come in and blossom as coaches won’t be pulling them in the name of winning. I think it’s a great step and a no-brainer in terms of the two programs co-existing.”

Top club and collegiate coaches will conduct the id2 Regional Training Camps. Training sessions and matches will be contested in the mornings and evenings at some of the nation’s finest facilities: the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Md.; the brand new Scott Gallagher Training Facility in St. Louis, Mo.; and the Crawford Athletics Complex on the campus of UC-Irvine in Irvine, Calif. In the afternoons, players will receive instruction and engage in Question & Answer sessions with the id2 coaching staff in a classroom setting.

Once players arrive at the id2 Regional Training Camps, US Club Soccer covers all player expenses. Nike, the Official Apparel and Equipment Supplier of id2, will supply id2 athletes and staff with all necessary equipment needs including apparel, balls, bags and a variety of other items.

Follow all of the innovative aspects of the id2 program through a blog and photos from each camp at www.usclubsoccer.org. More information on the 2007 id2 Regional Training Camps and how players are selected to participate is also available.

Friday, August 31, 2007

Washington University Women’s Soccer Notches 3-1 Win Over Birmingham Southern in 2007 Season Opener

Christopher Mitchell
Director, Sports Information

Memphis, Tenn., August 31, 2007

The No. 11 Washington University women’s soccer team opened the 2007 season with a 3-1 win over Birmingham Southern College on Friday night at the Rhodes College Classic in Memphis, Tenn.

Sophomore Therese Fox, St. Louis, Mo. (Cor Jesu Academy), a transfer from the United States Military Academy, netted the game-winner for the Bears in the 49th minute driving a shot to the back corner of the net.

Sophomore Caryn Rosoff, Beverly Hills, Calif. (Harvard-Westlake), who led the Bears in scoring a year ago with 12 goals, scored the first goal of the season on a corner kick in the 19th minute to put WU up 1-0. Birmingham Southern, which competed at the Division I level last season, answered back just before halftime as Caitlin Gordon slid a shot past WU goalkeeper Carrie Sear, Evanston, Ill. (Evanston Township) to knot the score at 1-1.

After Fox gave the Bears the 2-1 lead, sophomore Kristina Noll, St. Louis, Mo. (Ursuline Academy) netted an insurance goal at 68:07 to make it 3-1. Sear made three saves in the nets picking up her 18th career victory. Washington U. outshot Birmingham Southern 20-4, and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Washington University (1-0) will have Saturday off before returning to action on Sunday, Sept. 2 at Noon against the host Rhodes College.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Washington University Men’s Soccer Picked 1st in University Athletic Association Preseason Coaches Poll, Women Chosen 2nd


Christopher Mitchell
Director Sports Information


St. Louis, Mo., August 28, 2007

Washington University in St. Louis’ men’s soccer team was picked first and the women’s team was chosen second in the 2007 University Athletic Association (UAA) Preseason Conference Coaches’ Polls, as announced by the conference office.

The men’s team, who won its final three games to come within a game of claiming the UAA title last fall, garnered four first-place votes in earning top honors with 43 points. New York University, which advanced to their first NCAA Division III final four in 2006, is the coaches' choice to finish second in the standings, earning a pair of first-place votes in tallying 40 points.

Case Western Reserve University, which won its last four UAA contest en route to claiming its first UAA championship in 2006, garnered a first-place vote in being picked to finish third with 38 points. The University of Rochester was picked fourth in the standings, getting one first-place vote in totaling 36 points. Rounding out the remaining teams in the poll, in order, are the University of Chicago (27 points), Carnegie Mellon University (20), Emory University (12), and Brandeis University (nine).

The men’s squad finished the 2006 UAA season tied for second place, with a 4-2-1 conference record. Washington U. recovered from a slow 1-2-1 start to league play to end the regular season on a three-game winning streak. The Bears’ 12-3-2 overall record resulted in the team’s first postseason berth since 1999.

Rochester, winners of 11 UAA titles since the formation of the league, is the preseason favorite to claim the women's championship. The Yellowjackets, who finished second in the standings last fall with a 5-1-1 record, edged defending Association champion Washington U. for the top spot, garnering five first-place votes en route to 46 points. The Bears, winners of three of the last four UAA titles (co-champion with Emory in 2004), claimed the remaining three first-place votes for 44 points.

Chicago is the coaches’ pick to finish third, collecting 38 points, while Emory was picked to finish fourth with 32 points. Carnegie Mellon (23 points), Brandeis (18), New York (13) and Case Western Reserve (10) rounded out the eight teams.

The women’s team finished the 2006 season with a program-best 17-3 overall record and advanced to NCAA Sectionals. The Bears posted a 7-0 record in UAA play, capturing their fourth conference championship in school history. Head coach Wendy Dillinger has guided Washington U. to a 69-21-8 overall record in five seasons on the Danforth Campus.

The women take the field for their 2007 season opener Fri., August 31 at 3 p.m., against Birmingham Southern at the Rhodes College Classic in Memphis, Tenn. The men also begin the season on Fri., August 31 in Memphis, Tenn., facing Rhodes at 5:30 p.m.

Washington University Men's and Women's Soccer Ranked in Preseason Top-25

Christopher Mitchell
Director, Sports Information

Washington University's women's soccer team is ranked No. 11, while the men's team was tabbed 23rd in the NSCAA/adidas preseason top-25 poll, as announced Monday by the web site. http://bearsports.wustl.edu

The women's team finished the 2006 season with a program-best 17-3 overall record and advanced to NCAA Sectionals. The Bears posted a 7-0 record in University Athletic Association (UAA) play, capturing their fourth UAA championship in school history. Sixth-year head coach Wendy Dillinger has guided the Bears to a 69-21-8 overall record, ranking 14th among active Division III coaches with a 74.5 winning percentage.

WU returns 24 letterwinners and eight starters from last year's squad, including sophomore forward Caryn Rosoff and senior goalkeeper Carrie Sear.

Rosoff, a first-team all-UAA selection and the 2006 UAA Rookie of the Year, led the Bears in goals (12) and points (27) in her first year with the Red and Green. Sear, also a first-team all-UAA honoree, started 20 games in goal, posting a 17-3 overall record with a school-record 0.34 goals against average. She also recorded eight shutouts and was sixth in Division III in goals against average (0.337) and ninth in save percentage (0.90).
Washington University's men's team posted a 12-4-2 overall record in 2006, and finished third in the UAA with a 4-2-1 mark. The Bears fell to Wheaton College (Ill.), 1-0, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the first postseason action for the Red and Green since advancing to the NCAA Second Round in 1999.

Washington U. returns all 11 starters from the 2006 squad, including senior defender Elie Zenner, sophomore forward John Hengel and sophomore goalkeeper John Smelcer.

Zenner, a first-team all-UAA honoree, bolstered a WU defense that allowed just nine goals all year. Smelcer earned UAA Rookie of the Year honors after posting an 11-4-2 record in net and boasting a 0.53 goals against average, the fourth lowest in team history. Hengel, an honorable mention all-UAA selection, led the Bears offensively, tallying 15 points on five goals and five assists.

The women take the field for its 2007 season opener Fri., August 31 at 3 p.m. against Birmingham Southern at the Rhodes College Classic in Memphis, Tenn. The men also begin the season on Fri., August 31 in Memphis, Tenn., facing Rhodes at 5:30 p

Monday, August 13, 2007

Nike/US Club Soccer Coming to STL


Nike & US Club Soccer Announce

2007 id2 Regional Training Camp Locations


MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Aug. 13, 2007) – Nike and US Club Soccer announced today the dates and locations of three id2 Regional Training Camps to be held in the Fall of 2007. Boys born in '94/'95 and girls born in '93/'94 will be invited to attend one of the following four-day id2



Regional Training Camps:


Sept. 20-23 in Germantown, Md.


Sept. 27-30 in St. Louis, Mo.


Oct. 5-8 in Irvine, Calif.


US Soccer Youth Development Program staff will be on site at each id2 Regional Training Camp to scout players for possible inclusion in the National Team Programs.


“The locations of the id2 Regional Training Camps allow us to achieve geographical diversity while utilizing some of the nations top facilities,” said id2 Director Gerry McKeown. "Participating players will benefit by showcasing their skills against high-level competition on quality fields.”


“Nike Soccer is proud and honored to support the id2 Program,” said Joe Elsmore, Nike’s Director of US Soccer Marketing. “Our strategic partnership with US Club Soccer continues to provide elite players with innovative and integrated opportunities to showcase their talents to the some of the best scouts and coaches in the country.”


Scouting is well underway for the 2007 id2 program. Players are identified for inclusion in the id2 Regional Training Camps as they compete in their own environment with their club teams. id2 scouts have already evaluated players at all eight 2007 US Club Soccer National Cup VI Regionals and the 2007 National Cup VI Finals, as well as matches and tournaments staged throughout the summer.


The id2 selection process is apolitical as players are identified regardless of their affiliation (i.e. US Club Soccer, USYSA, AYSO, non-affiliated, etc.). Parents do not have to pay fees and travel costs to multiple expensive tryout camps to insure their players are seen by id2 scouts.
Once players arrive at the id2 Regional Training Camps, US Club Soccer covers all player expenses. Nike, the Official Equipment Supplier of US Club Soccer, will provide players with training uniforms, balls, bags and other equipment. Top club, collegiate and national team staff coaches will conduct the id2 Regional Training Camps.


More information regarding the id2 Regional Training Camps can be found online at http://www.usclubsoccer.org/.


About US Club SoccerUS Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. It has been a member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, and has grown to over 2,300 member clubs and league teams in 48 states. In addition to sanctioning tournaments, leagues, and other competitions and conducting a range of programs for its members, it annually conducts the US Club Soccer National Cup, the Champions Cup and several Youth World Series events. US Club Soccer also conducts its own annual player identification and development program, id2. For more information, visit http://www.usclubsoccer.org/.


Web: 2007 id2 Regional Training Camps

Reprinted with permission from US Club Soccer

Monday, August 06, 2007

If You Build it They will Come

Pro-Soccer Returning to St. Louis
By Roger Cole
Publisher

A famous quote from an equally famous movie (Field of Dreams, 1989, Ray Kinsella) may soon become a reality in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Thanks, in part to Jeff Cooper and the St. Louis United Soccer LLC, the beautiful game will be returning to our area. Play is scheduled to kick off in April of 2008. Teams will play a 20 game schedule. This time around they are pulling no punches. The team will most likely find its home in its own stadium located of I-255 near Horseshoe Lake Road in Collinsville. Ultimately the Stadium will double as the home to a new MLS franchise. Wheels have been set in motion and details are being worked out. Local Club teams like Metro United of Southern Illinois have joined in the effort by gathering names of supporters through the petition process. The official numbers on these documents has not been released.

St. Louis has long been thought of as the Soccer Capital of the U.S. Support from the soccer community at large will play a huge role in the success of this venture. Recent trends are a good indication of the backing for these teams. The St. Louis Lions and River Cities F.C. – also owned by Jeff Cooper -- are two amateur teams in the area sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and FIFA. Both teams are achieving great results as they help local St. Louis talent make the transition to the next level.

The new league will begin play with a minimum of Six organizations. The initial members of the new league include:
Jeff Cooper, St. Louis United Soccer LLC - Territory: St. Louis, Mo.; AEG - Territory: Greater Los Angeles, Calif.; John Hendricks, Freedom Soccer LLC - Territory: Washington, D.C.; Soccer Initiative, LLC - Territory: TBD, pending its final decision to select a market; Jack Hanks and Brent Coralli, Dallas Franchise Group - Territory: Greater Dallas area, Texas; and WGLSI, LLC and an additional investor TBD - Territory: Chicago and Bridgeview, Ill..

Friday, August 03, 2007

Rising to the Top

Becky Sauerbrunn
By Roger Cole
Publisher
7/30/07

St. Louis native and former Ladue alumni, Becky Sauerbrunn has been selected to represent the Under 21 Womens National Team as they prepare travel to Vassa Finland to participate in the Nordic Cup. Sauerbrunn has been climbing the ladder with the U.S. developmental program. Locally she was a member of the JB Marine soccer club and a four year letter winner for Ladue High School. This fall Becky will return to Virginia to for her senior season with the Coach Steve Swanson and the Cavaliers. She is the third player in Virginia history to receive All American honors.

"It would be extremely difficult to find a better student, athlete and person anywhere then Becky Sauerbrunn. She competes at everything she undertakes, is a consummate team player, and is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. As great as she has been for us at Virginia both on and off the field, I feel her soccer career is just beginning and am excited for her as she continues to grow in the sport." -- Coach Swanson

Becky has been recognized as a top player by the on a annual basis, In 2003 she was named freshman year the following year she opted to play with the Woman’s’ National Team in the world cup in Tiland. She has returned to finish her senior year as a Cavalier

In 2006 she again received All-American honors from both the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz Magazine. Sauerbrunn played every minute of the 2006 season as a central defender.


She will help the WNT reclaim the Nordic Cup Title from Germany - A title that the US has held the prior eight years.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

A Sorber-ing Reality

Congratulations to St. Louis native Mike Sorber on his appointment to the Men's national team as the new Assistant Coach. Coach Sorber's carrier began here in St Louis and continued on to the Professional, International and National Team ranks. Coach Sorber will still be involved with St Louis University Soccer as a volunteer coach while he ramps up his duties with the National Team.

For full article on his appointment visit the Biliken web site through the link.

http://slubillikens.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/073007aaa.html

LEAGUE PREREVIEW

Are you looking for a league to play in? This section is for you. We will explore the many leagues that are available for your young budding soccer superstars to participate in.


Upward Soccer

Roger Cole

Publisher


SSLM sat down with Jeff Wells, Co- Director of the Greater St. Louis Upward Soccer Association, to discuss the leagues growth and impact on the soccer community. The Greater St. Louis Upward Soccer Association is in its third year of play. Practices and games are held at SportPort of Maryland Heights [12525 Sportport Rd. Maryland Heights, MO 63043(314) 434-1919]. Their mission: to introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Values are important to us all. Through Upward Soccer your child will be taught universal values that span a multitude of faiths. Their number one priority of the all-volunteer staff is the Children. Through building healthy relationships, the participants develop self-confidence and an understanding of the world around them. Servant Leadership through a life of integrity and faith is also taught. But most of all your children will be taught that how you live your life is more important than what you say about it. Weather you are a Christian or not; it doesn’t matter - all are welcome. The values learned by the children in this league would make any parent proud. To find out more information and how to participate visit the Greater St. Louis Upward Soccer Association web site at http://www.stlupward.com/index.html. Jeff Wells is Associate Pastor at Parkway Baptist Church located at 12465 Olive Boulevard St. Louis, MO.
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Monday, July 09, 2007

DiRaimondo’s Rapid Rate Plan

St. Louis Native on the Move
By Roger Cole
Publisher

St. Louis University has been a leader in producing soccer superstars both on the field and in the classroom. This month saw John DiRaimondo being awarded the Atlantic 10 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. This is a first for the program and the university but not so unusual for John. DiRaimondo has always been an exceptional student. He graduated from St. Louis University High in a 3 and ½ year period and repeated the feat at the University as well.

As a Billiken, John has received numerous honors and recognition for his efforts on the pitch. John’s list of accolades reads like a recipe for a hall of fame defender in the making. Topping the list is his back to back 2005 – 2006 Hermann Trophy semifinalist nods. He has also been named an All-American by Parade magazine, ESPN the Magazine and NSCAA. He is also the Atlantic 10 conference's third-leading scorer with a career-high 28 points (9G, 10A). It is no surprise that the Colorado Rapids organization selected him this past January in the supplemental draft.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Chaminade Rides the Tide

Boys top 25
By Roger Cole
Publisher

When people think of boys soccer in St. Louis several names naturally are at the top of the list. For Chaminade College Prep the ride to the Adidas National Soccer Coaches Association of America top 5 was a roller coaster ride. The Red Devils entered at number 13. On their journey they encountered peeks and valleys in the polls. The team dropped as low as 21st in week four, before making a steady climb leveling off at the number 4 slot. Coach Mike Gauvain’s boys capped their glorious rise by clinching the 2006 Class 3A state title over Coach Tim Walters Lafayette Lancers.

Seven St. Louis area teams spent time in the Region 7 top 15.
Teams in the national rankings included WEEK[Rank]:

Chaminade College Prep
National: 1[13],2[11],3[20],4[21],5[16],6[9],8[7],9[6],10[4],F[4]
Region 7: 1[2],2[2],3[3],4[3],5[3],6[2], 8[1],9[1],10[1],F[1].

St. Louis University High
N: 1[3], 2[3], 3[2], 4[2], 5[10], 6[4], 9[V]
R7: 1[1], 2[1], 3[1], 4[1], 5[2], 6[1], 8[5], 9[4], 10[8], F[6].

DeSmet Jesuit
R7: 1[9], 2[9], 3[7], 4[7], 5[11], 8[14]

Christian Brothers College
R7: 1[13], 2[13], 6[10], 8[10]

Rockwood Summit Senior R7: 6[15], 8[12]

Lafayette R7: 9[13], 10[5], F[7]

St. John Vianney R7; 9[12], 10[6]

20/20 Vision

2 Teams Make the Women’s Top 20
By Roger Cole
Publisher

The tallies are in and so are we. Two St. Louis area high school teams make the Adidas National Soccer Coaches Association of America top 20 national ranking. Class 2A State champions, and last years runner up, Fort Zumwalt West came in at number 11 with a season record 20-7-2. Coach Kristy Bush’s Jaguars broke into the rankings at number 11 by knocking off nationally ranked Incarnate Word Academy.

State runner up, Incarnate Word Academy, finished 16th (24-2-2). Coach Jack Baldwin’s Red Knights began their climb in slot 18 and quickly jumped into the top 10 [8] with their spotless 7-0 record in week 2. They continued their ascent racking up 8 more clean slates landing them as high as #6 before hitting a weekend hic-up in late April.

Nerix Hall also broke into the rankings in week 4 at #10 (18-1-0) and managed to peek at # 7 before disappearing in the final poll. The Markers finished the season with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Tim Walters Lafayette Lancers in PKs. This loss ended Coach Brian Haddock’s teams
run at the state title.

The three teams that made the list throughout the season include (week[rank]): Nerix Hall (4[10],5[7],6[10]), Incarnate Word Academy (1[18],2[8],3[6],4[18T],5[13],F[16]) , Fort Zumwalt West (F[11])

Throughout the season St. Louis area teams dominated the Region 5 top 10 (week[rank]). They include class 1A state Champs St. Dominic (19-5-4) F[9] , Incarnate Word Academy 1[3],2[2],3[2],4[4],5[3],F[3] , Fort Zumwalt West F[2] , Nerix Hall 2[6]3[5]4[2],5[2], Lafayette 5[5], Duchesne 2[8],3[8],4[7T], St. Joseph's Academy 1[8].

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Best in the Mid-West

St. Louis is home to over 100 high schools and 14 college and university programs offering both men's and women's soccer as well as over 20 club teams and countless recreational leagues. Many of these organizations offer camps and clinics for players of all ages. Thats a lot to offer when it comes to soccer.
We would love to hear about your best socccer club/camp experience. Post your club and camp recomendation with us.