Portland Timbers News Release -- www.portlandtimbers.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have signed midfielder and Timbers U-23s product Steven Evans as the club’s second Homegrown Player, it was announced today. The Portland native joins the club after three standout seasons at the University of Portland. Per league and club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Evans, 21, played four seasons with the Timbers’ development team from 2009-12, helping guide the Timbers U-23s to the 2010 Premier Development League championship and three playoff appearances. He recently finished his junior season at the University of Portland, where he was a three-time All-West Coast Conference (WCC) selection.

"We have watched Steven develop first-hand over the years, with Eastside Timbers at the youth levels and recently with the Timbers U-23s, into a quality young player," said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. "Being able to develop and produce first-team players through our development system is an important goal of our organization. We are delighted to sign Steven as a Homegrown Player."

The club’s 2012 Timbers U-23s Player of the Year, Evans played in 17 games for the Timbers U-23s during the 2012 Premier Development League campaign, recording four goals and one assist and leading the team to the Western Conference semifinals. He assisted on the game-winning goal in the 2010 PDL title match, helping the Timbers U-23s become the first undefeated champion in league history. Evans, a member of the inaugural Timbers U-23s team in 2009, ranks among the team’s all-time leaders in games played (42) and goals (8).

“I have always wanted to play for the Timbers; this is something I’ve been working toward since I started playing the game,” said Evans. “I grew up watching the Timbers, and the opportunity to play professionally in my hometown is a dream come true. I couldn’t be more excited.”

At the University of Portland, Evans tallied a career-best 14 goals in 19 matches during his junior season in 2012, finishing second in the conference and eighth among NCAA leaders in goals scored. He was named to the All-WCC First Team for a second straight season and garnered NSCAA All-Far West Region second-team honors. Evans ranked among the WCC’s leading goal-scorers in each of the last two seasons and was also named the 2010 WCC Freshman of the Year. In total, he compiled 24 goals and 12 assists in 53 career matches.

Evans, who was called into camp with the U.S. U-20 National Team in December 2010, was an all-state player at Portland’s Central Catholic High School during his prep career. He played club soccer for Eastside Timbers, a member of the adidas Timbers Alliance, and was a member of the Eastside team that won the U.S. Youth Soccer U-18 national championship in 2010. Evans was also a four-year member of the Timbers/Oregon Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2004-08.

Evans joins forward Brent Richards, a native of Camas, Wash., as the Timbers’ two Homegrown Players. He also becomes the fifth player from the Timbers U-23s to sign with the first team. 

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Orlando City has signed defender Bryan Burke to its professional team roster, the club announced Tuesday. The Newport Beach, Calif., native was a part of the LA Blues last season, leading the team in minutes played (1,867) and tied for the team-lead in games played (23) after moving up from the PDL one year ago. Burke will wear No. 7 for the Lions.

“Bryan is by far the best player we played against all last year,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “When we get the opportunity to take a player like that then we have to sign him. He’s a great athlete and we’re delighted to pick him up.”

Burke got his start with Orange County Blue Star of the USL PDL. Playing from 2007-10, Burke appeared 29 times for Orange County, scoring four goals. In 2011, Burke joined the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL, leading them to the 2011 PDL Championship. Burke’s assist led to the game-winning goal in the 11th minute of the championship match, earning him MVP honors in the 1-0 win against the Laredo Heat.

The signing, which was originally announced at the club’s fan forum in early December, adds to the already impressive Orlando City backline that boasts 2011 USL PRO Defender of the Year Rob Valentino and winger Luke Boden. The backline, which allowed a league-low 18 goals last season, is something Heath says will be key to repeat for a third regular season championship in 2013.

“The way that we play, we see adding Burke as a strong point,“ said Heath. “He’s very good at going down the right hand side and will be a great asset for our attacking half.”

The club is looking to add four to five more players heading up until the regular season starts, with many players on last season’s championship squad now free agents, including Kyle Davies, Erik Ustruck and 2012 USL PRO player of the year Kevin Molino. Stay tuned to all roster updates by going to OrlandoCitySoccer.com through the entire 2013 preseason.

Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Monday, January 7, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that Katie Cousins has been selected to the initial roster for the upcoming U.S. Soccer U-18 Women’s National Team domestic training camp. To be held in Carson, California, February 2-9, 2013, this training camp will host the current group of U-18s mostly focused on the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

A true U-16 player, who currently plays an age group up with the Kickers U-17 Girls Elite, Cousins is ranked the number two player in the nation according to Topdrawersoccer.com. She led the Kickers to a perfect 12-0-0 record in the 2011 Super Y-League season, recording 11 goals and 7 assists.

“We are thrilled with Katie’s selection into the U-18 National training camp,” commented Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers U-17 Girls Elite Coach. “This is a tremendous honor for a young player who has worked hard over the last several years to develop her game. Katie has a unique skill set that allows her to blend in with her teammates and make our team better in training and in games.”

“She has the ability to change the tempo of a game and she thinks like a professional player in terms of her decision-making,” added Ukrop. “Katie has the potential to be a future game-changer with the U.S. Women’s National Team.”

The February camp marks the second U-18 Women’s National Team call up for Cousins who recently attended a training camp at the Olympic Training Center this past October. The midfielder caught the eye of the U.S. technical staff, having previously attended several U.S. Girls National Team camps at the U-15 level.

Cousins and the Kickers U-17 Girls Elite team recently claimed their second consecutive Disney Showcase championship, boosting the team to a #5 national ranking by GotSoccer. The high school sophomore plays basketball and soccer at Jefferson Forest High School in Lynchburg, Virginia and has verbally committed to attend the University of Tennessee upon graduation.

USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL today announced the initial list of participants for the 2013 USL PRO Combine, with a number of familiar names in the group set to train and compete at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy from January 24-27, 2013. Now in its seventh year, the USL PRO Combine provides an opportunity for elite men’s soccer players to showcase their talents for both domestic and international scouts and professional coaches.

Among those selected are former Los Angeles Galaxy player Dustin McCarty. A former standout at the University of North Carolina and the PDL’s Carolina Dynamo, the younger brother of U.S. international Dax McCarty leads the group of defenders that also include former Des Moines Menace standout Logan McDaniel, a former MLS supplemental draft pick of the Portland Timbers and two-time All-West Coast Conference selection, and Real Maryland’s Josh Danza.

Players who participated at the 2012 USL PRO Combine also return for the second consecutive year, with goalkeeper Robert Mueller back after spending the past summer with the PDL’s Austin Aztex. Others include the St. Louis Lions’ Dean Lovegrove, who had five goals this past PDL season, and Moses Aduny, who helped Orlando City U23 reach the PDL playoffs.

Other players selected include River City Rovers standout Dillon Tufty, who had nine goals and three assists in 10 appearances this summer in the PDL, and Steven Beattie, who was selected in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by Toronto FC after standout seasons in the PDL for the St. Louis Lions and Cincinnati Kings before heading most recently to Iceland to play for UMF Tindastoll.

“We are delighted with the quality of player that has applied for this year’s combine,” USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor said. “For the second consecutive season we have had more than 400 applicants for the event, making the selection process a very difficult one, but we believe that a number of this year’s group has what it takes to play in USL PRO in the upcoming season.”

Players such as the Orlando City U23’s Anthony Arico and Chip Sanders, who had a 0.538 goals-against average for the Lions this past summer, former Montreal Impact forward Steven Miller and FC London’s Chris Dillon, who helped his side claim the 2012 PDL Championship, are also among those that could catch the eye of the USL PRO and MLS coaches who will be in attendance.

Past beneficiaries of the event include 2012 USL PRO Rookie of the Year finalist Bryce Taylor of the Wilmington Hammerheads, who was scouted by the Hammerheads at last year’s event. He followed in the footsteps of 2011 USL PRO Rookie of the Year Luke Mulholland (Wilmington) and 2012 USL PRO Rookie of the Year Jose Cuevas (Charleston), who both participated in the 2011 Combine. The 2012 scoring leaders for USL PRO’s Dayton Dutch Lions – Eli Garner and Gibson Bardsley – were signed following their performances at the 2012 USL PRO Combine.

Goalkeepers will report and begin training for the 2013 USL PRO Combine on Thursday, January 24, followed by field players on Friday, January 25. The event concludes on Sunday, January 27.

IMG Academy, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, is the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and education complex. For more than 30 years, IMG Academy has helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes reach their full potential in and out of sport, by providing world-class coaching, tailored programs and professional facilities within an energetic environment across a 450-acre campus.

Des Moines Menace News Release -- www.menacesoccer.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – The Des Moines Menace’s new coach has nearly 20 years’ experience as a professional-soccer coach and player, including more than 10 years on the Major League Soccer sidelines. A former member of the United States Men’s National Team and the NCAA’s player of the year, he has ties to the game’s international and college levels.

Announced today by Menace owner Kyle Krause, Mike Jeffries is the eighth head coach in the franchise’s 20-year history.

“Our search for a new head coach was comprehensive and I am happy to say we found the ideal person to lead the Menace forward,” Krause said. “His coaching experience at all levels of the game – from the NCAA to MLS to the World Cup – make Mike Jeffries perfectly suited to fulfill our expectations of success in both the Premier Development League and [Lamar Hunt] U.S. Open Cup.”

Jeffries’ MLS career includes three seasons (2001-03) as Dallas’s head coach and two stints with the Chicago Fire. He led the Burn (since renamed FC Dallas) to the MLS Playoffs in each of his first two seasons and was nominated for MLS Coach of the Year in 2002.

The Bethesda, Md., native assisted Bob Bradley during the Fire’s first three seasons. The inaugural Fire won the 1998 MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup titles; Chicago repeated as Open Cup champion in 2000. After his time in Dallas and four years as a college coach, Jeffries returned to Chicago, where he was an assistant coach from early 2008 until early 2010, and director of player personnel from October 2010 until last September.

“I’m excited to work with a premier franchise, to work as a head coach again,” Jeffries said. “I’m looking forward to working with young players, getting back to the development mode of the PDL, and directly impacting players' improvement. I relish the challenge of building upon the success of the Menace.”

Jeffries, 50, was a scout for the U.S. national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, assisting Bradley and his staff in South Africa. In 1984 and 1985, he earned three caps as a member of the national team.

A graduate of Duke University, Jeffries earned the 1983 Hermann Trophy (NCAA soccer’s equivalent to football’s Heisman Trophy) as a senior. His junior season ended in an epic national-title match – an eight-overtime, 2-1 loss to Indiana.

A couple college stops led to a coaching position with his alma mater. A volunteer assistant at Southern Methodist in 2004 and the head coach at The University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio) in 2005, Jeffries was Duke’s associate head coach in 2006 and 2007.

“The PDL prides itself on developing the next generation of professional soccer players,” Menace general manager Matt Homonoff said. “Mike Jeffries has a proven track record of identifying top domestic and international talent, and we’re confident that he’ll build a winning team here in Des Moines.”

“Recruiting wise, it’s a plus that I come in having worked with a lot of college coaches,” Jeffries said. “My familiarity with MLS will help in establishing professional standards for the team as well as providing players a reference with direct MLS ties. I want to set a good foundation for the Menace, establishing Des Moines as the first place top-level players want to come to develop and prepare for the pros.”

From 1984 until 1988, Jeffries played in the country’s top professional ranks. In the final season of the original North American Soccer League, he scored two goals in 10 matches for the 1984 Minnesota Strikers. The first pick of the 1983 Major Indoor Soccer League Draft, he played in the league for the Minnesota Strikers from 1984-1987 and for the Dallas Sidekicks in 1988, when a torn ACL in his knee ended his playing career.

The first stop in his coaching career was New Orleans (A-League), where he was the head coach from 1995-1998. In his first two seasons there, he coached Ezra Hendrickson, a member of the inaugural 1994 Menace who went on to play 12 seasons in Major League Soccer. Hendrickson and Jeffries were reunited with the Dallas Burn in 2003.

The Menace’s new head coach carries a high standard for the organization and the players who will represent it.

“I will run the team as I would a professional team,” Jeffries said. “I want to provide a situation in which players will get exposure to the professionalism they can expect at the next level; equally importantly, I will work with them and push them in the areas they need to improve. The communication between coach and player is vital - I will provide players a clear picture of what is expected and what they need to do.”

And what can fans expect?

“I intend to build a team which builds the game by passing and moving quickly, shows creativity in possession, and displays tenacity in winning the ball back from the opponent. We’re going to work hard to win the (Heartland) division, to put together a run in the playoffs and to put together a run in the Open Cup, allowing us to compete with professional teams.”

Already on the recruiting trail, Jeffries will be in Des Moines full-time starting the week of the Menace’s open tryouts, set for April 6 at Valley Stadium.

Rochester Rhinos Feature -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos are beginning to build for the 2013 season by retaining the core of last season’s award winning defensive unit. Head coach Jesse Myers has seven players from last year’s defense returning for the 2013 season including 2012 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year Kristian Nicht and 2012 USL PRO Defender Player of the Year Troy Roberts. Last season the Rhinos had the second best defensive record in the league with 23 goals conceded in 24 matches.

2012 was Nicht’s first season in Rochester after spending his first 11 seasons as a professional in Europe – primarily in the Bundesliga2. His 11 clean sheets led the league and was the third best mark in club history while his 12-7-4 record, 0.91 goals against-average, 21 goals conceded and 86 saves in 23 matches all ranked among the league leaders in USL PRO. In addition to being named the league Goalkeeper of the Year, Nicht was also named to the 2012 USL PRO First 11 and won club recognition as the Rhinos co-Defensive Player of the Year.

“About this time last season we were looking for a goalkeeper who could come in and continue Rochester’s storied tradition at that position.” Myers said. “We were fortunate to find a quality, veteran European keeper on the transfer market last winter, and he exceeded most if not all of our expectations in his first season with the Rhinos. We’re excited to have him back this season, and we’re looking forward to having him pick up where he left off for us. Nicht, Roberts, and Kyriazis give us an experienced trio in the back to anchor our defense and form the foundation of our team.”

Roberts will return to the middle of the Rhinos back four in 2013. The four year Rhinos veteran has been named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year each of his first three seasons with the club. He has been named All-League all three years as well. Roberts has played 74 of 78 possible regular season matches with the Rhinos, and he has played in every minute of every match in all competitions in two of his three years with the club. Rochester is 39-22-13 with a 0.878 goals-against average and 30 clean sheets in the 74 matches that he has appeared. They are 1-1-2 with six goals conceded and no clean sheets in the four matches that he has missed. This season will be his third campaign as captain of the Rhinos. Roberts has won two regular season championships with the club, but is still searching for postseason success in Rochester.

“Obviously we are disappointed with how last season ended.” Roberts said. “I think the disappointment we suffered at home (against the City Islanders) in 2011 focused us for our strong start to last season. Last year’s loss to Charleston at home should be giving the guys we have coming back all the focus they need to stay fit and work hard during the off-season. We’ve had good success in the regular season since I’ve been here but our goal is to win a championship.”

Second-year center back Georgios Kyriazis has signed on for another year with the club, and he will be re-united with Roberts in central defense. Last season Kyriazis joined the club and brought his 16 years of European experience with him. He played eight years in the Greece Super League and eight more years in Italy’s Serie B. Kyriazis logged 1,284 minutes in 15 matches in his first year with the club. Seven of the Rhinos 11 clean sheets came in matches that Roberts partnered with Kyriazis in central defense.

“One concern that you have when bringing players in from abroad is how quickly they can adapt to the pace of play in our league.” Myers said. “USL PRO is a league based on athleticism and pace of play, and that isn’t always the case overseas. Georgie and Kristian are both veteran players who joined us last season and both hit the ground running. The strength of our team last year was our defense and Georgie, Kristian, and Troy are the foundation of that defense.”

Argentinean right back Lucas Fernandez will be the fourth Rhinos starter returning for the defense in 2013. Fernandez started the last 13 regular season matches and the USL PRO semi-final for the club. He logged a total of 1,401 minutes last season. Fernandez began his career in the Boca Juniors Academy, the home of Argentinian legends Diego Maradona, Fernando Redondo, and Juan Ramon Riquelme, at age 10. He signed his first professional contract in 2007 and made his debut with the first team in 2010 after spending three years in the reserves. Fernandez spent the 2011 season playing for Colombia’s Jorge Wilstermann, where he participated in the group stages of the Copa Libertadores – South America’s version of the Champion’s League. Fernandez settled in as an overlapping right back who was solid in defense and could help support the Rhinos attack down the right flank as the season progressed.

Fourth-year center back Tyler Bellamy, Rochester (The Aquinas Institute) native Kyle Manscuk, and second year goalkeeper Brandon Miller will also be returning to the team in 2013.

“We’re actually quite fortunate to have four center backs who can all play in this league on our roster.” Myers said. “Bells is only 24 years old and he has already started 50 games for the Rhinos, and we have confidence in putting him into any situation. We’re hoping to have Kyle Manscuk back on loan from the Rochester Lancers in 2013. Manscuk is another young player who grew up in Rochester, has worked his way up the ladder in the PDL, and now is plying his trade in the MISL and USL PRO in his hometown. Both players have also been great off the field with their work in the community. We’re also excited to have Brandon Miller back. He has great potential and could be another goalkeeper on our roster with MLS aspirations.”

One surprise for the Rhinos is their need to find a left back for the 2013 campaign. The club exercised their contractual option on Jack Traynor, but he retired during the offseason after four seasons of professional soccer. The Notre Dame graduate secured full-time employment that would have conflicted with his professional soccer career. Traynor played 1,540 minutes for the club last season in 19 matches, and won a USL PRO Cup with Orlando City in 2011.  Myers is also not expecting Quavas Kirk or Michael Zaher to return to the club at this time.

W-League Feature

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The National Women’s Soccer League announced the 55 players to be allocated to the league’s eight clubs from the U.S., Canadian and Mexican Women’s National Teams on Wednesday evening, with a large number of former W-League standouts set to star in the new professional league that begins play this spring.

All 18 members of the U.S. Women’s National Team that took gold at the 2012 Olympics in London will be part of the new league, with former Rochester Ravens standout, and 2012 FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, Abby Wambach leading the way. Former W-League champions Tobin Heath, Lauren Cheney and Ashlyn Harris, who helped the Pali Blues claim the league title in 2009, were also selected, as was 2012 D.C. United Women defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

Wambach’s fellow finalist for the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award, Alex Morgan, leads a large contingent of players from last year’s Seattle Sounders Women squad, with forward and former All-League selection Sydney Leroux, goalkeeper Hope Solo and midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Keelin Winters all being announced.

Another member of the Sounders Women, Veronica Perez, leads the members of the Mexican National Team, with the 2012 All-League selection set to be a key player for her new club as she looks to build on a standout season that saw her score 12 goals and add two assists. Also among the players from Mexico is former Pali Blues standout Anisa Guajardo, who helped her side win the Western Conference title in 2012.

Every member of Canada’s contingent brings W-League experience to the NWSL, with the group led by former Vancouver Whitecaps Women standout and national team captain Christine Sinclair. In addition to Sinclair, other former Whitecaps include Melanie Booth, Robyn Gayle, Emily Zurrer, Sophie Schmidt and Kaylyn Kyle. The Ottawa Fury’s Diana Matheson was also selected, as was Rhian Wilkinson.

Overall, 42 of the 55 players selected by their national federations to participate in the NWSL will bring W-League experience. Players will find out which team they will play for on Friday, with the inaugural NWSL College Draft set to be held a week later on January 18 as part of the NSCAA Convention. 

PDL Feature

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Major League Soccer announced the final rosters for the 2013 MLS Combine on Thursday, with a number of top PDL players set to play at the annual scouting event as the 2013 MLS SuperDraft nears. Of the 72 players selected to compete at the Combine, four of whom arrive from overseas, 49 bring PDL experience, making up 72 percent of the domestic players invited to the event.

In addition to announcing the four combine rosters, MLS also completed its 2013 Generation adidas class with the signing of Reading United’s Deshorn Brown and the Austin Aztex’s Kekuta Manneh. Both players had standout seasons in the PDL in 2012, with Brown earning All-League honors after scoring 13 goals in 13 games to finish tied for the league lead. Brown’s addition, and that of 2012 All-Eastern Conference selection Stephen Okai, gives Reading a PDL-leading nine alumni selected to the event.

Manneh, meanwhile, was an All-Southern Conference selection after scoring 10 goals in 12 games as Austin reached the Southern Conference Championship Game. He joins Aztex teammates Blake Smith and Dillon Powers at the Combine, with Manneh and Smith together on Team Prime for the event.

Brown and Manneh’s addition brings this year’s Generation adidas class to seven players, with former PDL standouts Andrew Farrell of the River City Rovers and Mikey Lopez of the Orange County Blue Star also being included. Former Super-20 League North American Finals All-Tournament selection Eriq Zavaleta, who played for the Columbus Crew Juniors in 2011, has also signed to be part of this year’s class.

In addition to Okai, another seven senior standouts were added to the original list of 54 players announced in December. 2011 All-Eastern Conference selection Brian Fekete of the GPS Portland Phoenix had a strong season in the Northeast Division this past summer, while three players from the Worcester Hydra – Michael Bustamante, Charlie Rugg and Dylan Remick – were also added to the combine list.

The Des Moines Menace’s Lebogang Moloto, Central Jersey Spartans’ Ryan Clark, and Ottawa Fury defender Drew Beckie, who had three goals in 10 appearances to help his side reach the PDL Playoffs last season, were also named to the combine rosters on Thursday.

They join an impressive group of current and former PDL standouts who had already been announced, with Hermann Award finalists Jose Gomez and Ryan Finley, both of Reading United, and Powers anticipated to be top prospects along with the Generation adidas class.

The action in Fort Lauderdale kicks off on Friday afternoon, with each of the Combine’s games being streamed live on MLSSoccer.com. The 2013 MLS SuperDraft is set for next Thursday, January 17, as part of the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis.

2013 MLS Player Combine
January 11-15, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Will Bates – Reading United
Deshorn Brown – Reading United
Michael Bustamante – Worcester Hydra
Ian Christianson – Reading United
Marc Cintron – Central Jersey Spartans
Ryan Clark – Central Jersey Spartans
Greg Cochrane – Reading United
Machael David – Tacoma Tide
Dan Delgado – Orange County Blue Star
Andrew Farrell – River City Rovers
Brian Fekete – GPS Portland Phoenix
Ryan Finley – Reading United
Ben Fisk – Washington Crossfire
Shaun Foster – Jersey Express
Joe Franco – LA Misioneros
Jordan Gafa – Carolina Dynamo
Jose Gomez – Reading United
Scott Goodwin – Carolina Dynamo
Coleton Henning – Kansas City Brass
Erik Hurtado – Portland Timbers U-23s
Larry Jackson – IMG Bradenton Academics
Taylor Kemp – Real Colorado Foxes
Kory Kindle – Ventura County Fusion
Mikey Lopez – Orange County Blue Star
Kekuta Manneh – Austin Aztex
Jonathan Mendoza – Orlando City U23
David Meves – Chicago Fire PDL
Lebogang Moloto – Des Moines Menace
Fernando Monge – Sounders FC U23
Colin Murphy – Worcester Hydra
Jimmy Nealis – Long Island Rough Riders
Stephen Okai – Reading United
Kofi Opare – Michigan Bucks
Dillon Powers – Austin Aztex
Dylan Remick – Worcester Hydra
Andrew Ribeiro – Portland Timbers U-23s
Charlie Rugg – Worcester Hydra
Eric Schoenle – Reading United
Blake Smith – Austin Aztex
Donald Smith – Carolina Dynamo
Yannick Smith – Virginia Beach Piranhas
Luke Spencer – Cincinnati Kings
Brad Stuver – Akron Summit Assault
Chris Thomas – Carolina Dynamo
Dylan Tucker-Ganges – Portland Timbers U-23s
Emery Welshman – Portland Timbers U-23s
Daniel Wenzel – Carolina Dynamo
Daniel Withrow – Michigan Bucks
Paul Wyatt – Reading United

Charleston Battery Feature -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Friday, January 11, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire returns to the Carolina Challenge Cup for a third year this February and in preparation for the upcoming season the Fire have set their preseason schedule. Chicago has also been busy in the transfer market, acquiring forward Joel Lindpere from the New York Red Bulls, while goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been called into Jurgen Klinsmann’s upcoming USMNT camp.

Chicago Fire Preseason
The Chicago Fire announced their full preseason schedule last week which includes trips to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. to take on the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, Jan. 30 as well as a trip to Ventura, Calif. from Feb. 2-10 for a match against the San Jose Earthquakes at Oxnard College. The Fire will conclude their preparations for the club's 16th MLS season in Charleston, S.C., competing in the 10th annual Carolina Challenge Cup.

Joel Lindpere
Estonian international Joel Lindpere has signed with the Fire from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a 2013 International Roster Spot. Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Estonian International made his professional debut for Estonian Meistriliiga side JK Nõmme Kalju in 1997, scoring 14 goals in just seven games. He also represented Estonian sides Lelle SK, FC Flora and FC Valga. In 2004 he transferred to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia where he made 11 appearances. From 2007-09, Lindpere scored five goals in 75 appearances for Norwegian side Tromso IL before joining the Red Bulls in 2010.

A product of Tallinn, Estonia, Lindpere made his international debut for Estonia on Nov. 1, 1999 in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates. He scored his first international goal on Feb. 18, 2004 in a 1-0 win over Moldova, and has since scored five goals in 83 total appearances for his country.

Sean Johnson
Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been selected by U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann to participate in the annual January Training Camp at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from Jan. 7 - 27. The three-week training camp will culminate with an international friendly against Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Jan. 29 at 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2).

Johnson made his international debut Jan. 22, 2011 against Chile at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Johnson has been capped twice for the United States, earning his second cap Jan. 25, 2012 against Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. Johnson played the second half and preserved the shutout in a 1-0 victory.

The Lilburn, Ga. native recently returned from England, where he honed his skills with training stints with English Premier League sides Stoke City from Dec. 5 - 9 and Everton F.C. from Dec. 10 - 23. Before turning professional, he played in the PDL for the Atlanta Blackhawks.

Carolina Challenge Cup tickets
The Carolina Challenge Cup is the premier preseason tournament in the US. Each year for the past decade the Battery has been joined by three teams from Major League Soccer for the round-robin competition. For more information or to purchase tickets please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

2013 Carolina Challenge Cup Schedule
Saturday, February 16
Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20
Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb 23
Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m. 
Charleston Battery vs. Houston Dynamo, 7:15 p.m. 

Seattle Sounders FC News Release -- www.soundersfc.com

Friday, January 11, 2013

RENTON, Wash. – Seattle Sounders FC has signed defender DeAndre Yedlin, the club announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Yedlin is the first Homegrown Player signed by Sounders FC in franchise history.

"We are thrilled to sign DeAndre as our first Homegrown Player,” said Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “Darren Sawatzky and Dick McCormick deserve much of the credit, as they have developed a top academy program for Sounders FC. Hopefully DeAndre is the first of many local players who will come through our system and wear the rave green at the professional level."

Yedlin, 19, played for the University of Akron the past two seasons after graduating from the Sounders FC Academy system following the 2010-11 season. Yedlin, a Seattle native who attended O’Dea High School, was honored on the All-MAC First Team in his two seasons with the Zips and was named a College Soccer News Freshman All-American in 2011.

In addition to his time with the Sounders U18 Academy team and Akron, Yedlin also played for the Sounders FC U23 team in the PDL last summer, earning All-PDL First Team honors after posting one goal and one assist while playing every minute in 16 matches for the Tacoma-based club.

“It’s amazing to start my professional career in a place where I started playing soccer in the first place,” said Yedlin. “I’m excited to be able to perform in front of all the fans. It’s the best place to play in the United States—one of the best in the world I think. It’s very exciting for me.”

Yedlin appeared in all 45 games for Akron over the past two seasons, making 41 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 12 assists, including six assists last season, ranking third on the team. The right back served four assists during a five-match stretch in 2012 and recorded four game-winning assists in his freshman season.

Prior to his collegiate career, Yedlin was a starter for Seattle’s O’Dea High School and the Sounders FC Academy team. He led O’Dea to three Washington State championships in 2005, 2008 and 2009. Yedlin was invited to the U.S. Soccer U18 Men’s National training camp and the 2010 SuperElite International Showcase. He participated on the ODP state team from 2006-09 and was named to the USSDA 93 Academy Select Team in 2009 and 2010. Yedlin was ranked seventh in the nation among all 2011 recruits by Top Drawer Soccer and was ranked 12th by College Soccer News. 

Real Maryland FC News Release - www.www.realmaryland.us

Monday, January 14, 2013

ROCKVILLE, Md - Real Maryland FC is proud to announce its 2013 Super Y-League boys coaching staff. The experience that will be brought to the pitch this season includes coaches who have played and coached at the professional and collegiate levels and the youth elite club level.

Some of the familiar faces include the staff from the 2012 Real Maryland FC PDL squad. Head Coach Silvino Gonzalo and Assistant Coach David Edlow return to guide the current senior team for the Monarchs. Gonzalo has coached in the professional ranks at various levels for more than 20 years and has a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title.

Like Gonzalo, Edlow has coached with various Real Maryland FC teams and projects, helping to create a solid foundation for the club. Edlow is currently the head coach of Blake High school's boys varsity soccer program. He coached the RMFC SYL U17 Boys teams the past two seasons while coaching with the PDL Team. Edlow will take on the RMFC SYL U16 Boys team as well as Super-20 League duties in 2013.

Returning for their second season with Real Maryland FC, Gerardo Carcamo and Victor "Profe" Carcamo will take on one of the RMFC SYL U14 Boys teams and the RMFC SYL U17 Boys team.

Victor "Profe" Carcamo is from El Salvador where he played soccer in his town from the age of 5 with a local club. At the age of 18 he was brought onto the reserve squad of the local professional team. Eventualy Profe was signed to the senior professional team. After playing and coaching at Divisions I, II and III in El Salvador, he moved to Los Angeles to assist at California State University. While he coached with Cal State, Profe was also a local high school boys varsity coach. He coached with Future Soccer Club and Real Maryland FC in 2010.

Gerardo Carcamo will lead the RMFC SYL U17 Boys in 2013. Gerardo played his youth club ball in Southern California. He played in the Pasadena, California area and in the ODP Program in San Diego. His playing career took him to professional leagues in Mexico, Sweden and El Salvador. During a seven year stint, his professional playing career placed him on two Division 1 teams and on an international national team.

The second RMFC SYL U14 Boys team coach will be Victor Aquino, who was born in Guatemala City and played there as a child. Aquino moved to the Washington D.C. area where he played school ball at Our Lady of Victory Middle School and Good Counsel High Schoo,l where he lettered four years. Aquino has coached adult teams in the Salvadorian league and youth elite teams in regional leagues to numerous accolades. Many of his players go on to play soccer in college.

The RMFC SYL U12 and U13 Boys will be coached by Darius Qualls. He holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) license. Coach Qualls' coaching experience includes 15 years working as a National Collegiate Association of America (NCAA) coach at Towson University. Qualls has also coached at National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with Prince George's Community College. At the high school level he was a Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) coach at Bishop McNamara Catholic School. At the youth levels he has coached numerous club teams (girls and boys) and has been involved in several camps for the past 26 years. Qualls is also the current Maryland ODP (Olympic Development Program) U-16 Boys Head Coach.

Online Registration for Super Y-League Tryouts

https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/futuresc/12-13/SuperY.html 
 
Tryout information can be found at www.realmaryland.us.

The Monarchs' senior team qualified for the Playoffs in 2009 and 2012 while the youth teams have qualified for the playoffs every year since 2008.

For more information on Real Maryland FC and Future Soccer Club, please visit www.realmaryland.us.
 

VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com

Sunday, January 13, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Alex Horwath to the roster for the club’s inaugural season in USL PRO. Another player signed by VSI who reached the USL PRO championship game in 2012, Horwath comes to VSI off the back of a hugely successful campaign with the Wilmington Hammerheads where he started and played every minute of every game in the regular season.

“Alex is a tremendous talent. His experience, leadership, and ability to control the box, is a huge addition to a first-year club," VSI Director of Soccer Clay Roberts said. "With a creative, attacking style of play, the defense has to be fully capable of withstanding a counter. Alex will be that backbone that is needed to help organize the entire team, and make the saves that are necessary. I know Alex will have another standout year in this league as we make strides towards a championship.” 

A former United States U17 & U19 National Team player, Horwath was signed by Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer in April of 2010. He joined San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders in the same year before agreeing to terms with the New York Red Bulls in March of 2011. One day later Horwath made his official debut for New York, helping his new club to a 0-0 draw against the Columbus Crew.

Horwath was waived by New York in November of 2011 before signing terms with the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL PRO for the 2012 campaign. Horwath recorded seven shutouts for the Hammerheads last season, finishing the season with a 1.33 goals against average.

“Alex is another great signing for this club. He is destined for the next level and we are delighted he has opted to choose VSI after several offers elsewhere,” said Head Coach Matt Weston.

“I am excited to join an organization that is focused on developing a high quality level of play with a goal of immediate success in the USL," Horwath said. "My expectations are to come in, work hard, bring my experience and continue to develop. With the players we are able to attract this year I expect to be competitive and compete in year one.”

Follow VSI Tampa Bay FC at www.vsi-fc.com. Get involved with the day to day conversation with players and staff on Facebook and Twitter.  

Monday, January 10, 2013

Four former USL Super Y-League players have been named to the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team Residency Program for the spring semester. Shaquell Moore (Southern Soccer Academy), Tommy Redding (FC America), Wesley Wade (NJ Rangers FC), and Christopher Lema (NJ Stallions) are among 31 players that will train full-time at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. All players called into the residency program are eligible for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates between October 17 and November 8.

Full U.S. Soccer News Release - www.ussoccer.com

CHICAGO, IL - U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team head coach Richie Williams has invited 31 players to the 2013 Spring Semester of the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. In 2013, the U.S. will be participating in the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, which serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup for the CONCACAF region.
“We are very excited about the group of players that we brought in this semester,” said Williams. “We feel very confident in this group that will provide us with 20 players to go on to World Cup qualifying and hopefully through a successful World Cup qualifying campaign, and will lead us to this year’s World Cup.”

Five players – Collin Fernandez, Justen Glad, Nathan Kohl, Erik Palmer-Brown and Caleb Smith – join the Residency Program for the first time, while Steven Echevarria returns to the fold after being absent during the 2012 Fall Semester.

Twenty-five players return from the previous semester, including defender Shaquell Moore and forward Rubio Rubin, who lead the current cycle in caps with 24, as well as midfielder Corey Baird and defender John Requejo Jr., who have 22 caps each.

The players in Bradenton represent 17 U.S. Soccer Development Academy clubs. The New York Red Bulls send four players in midfielders Echevarria, Christopher Lema, goalkeeper Evan Louro and forward Wesley Wade.

The U.S. players live on campus at the IMG Academies in Bradenton and train in the morning under the guidance of Williams and his coaching staff. In the afternoon, the players attend classes at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.

While in the full-time Residency Program, the U.S. team not only trains daily, but also has access to the IMG Academies facilities. The team regularly uses the state-of-the-art strength-training facilities, as well as brand new dormitories and meal rooms.

The U.S. U-17 MNT will compete in the 2013 CONCACAF Championship from April 6-19 in Panama. The U.S. will be joined in Panama by the hosts, as well as by Barbados, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago and.

“This is the most important semester we have here,” said Williams. “They’ve been developing over these past three semesters and now it comes to the most important games, which really mean something in terms of going down to Panama and having to qualify for the World Cup. We think we’ll be ready. We still have three more months. We’re excited and we’re confident that this group of players will lead us to the World Cup.”

Beginning in 1999, the Residency Program has given players an opportunity to grow and move up the ladder in the world of soccer and become professionals in Major League Soccer, some of the biggest clubs in Europe and even make an impact on the full U.S. Men’s National Team. The program in Bradenton provides players with an environment where they can prosper as individual players and come together as a team ahead of regional and world competition.

Since its inception, more than 300 players have been through the full-time Residency Program, and more than 100 of those players have moved on to Major League Soccer or the professional leagues in Europe. Twenty-four players have also registered at least one cap with the full MNT: Freddy Adu, Gale Agbossoumonde, Juan Agudelo, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Bobby Convey, Landon Donovan, Eddie Gaven, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Johnson, Eric Lichaj, Justin Mapp, Chad Marshall, Dax McCarty, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Santino Quaranta, Robbie Rogers, Brek Shea, Jonathan Spector, Danny Szetela and Anthony Wallace.

U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jeff Caldwell (NC Fusion; Todd, N.C.), Paul Christensen (Seattle Sounders; Woodinville, Wash.), Evan Louro (New York Red Bulls; South River, N.J.), Carter Richardson (Crew Soccer Academy; Dublin, Ohio)

DEFENDERS (10): Conor Donovan (NC Alliance; Fuquay Varina, N.C.), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake AZ Academy; Tucson, Ariz.), Malcolm Jones (Chivas USA; Chino Hills, Calif.), Elijah Martin (Unattached; Fresno, Calif.), Shaquell Moore (Unattached; Powder Springs, Ga.), Erik Palmer-Brown (Sporting Kansas City; Lee’s Summitt, Mo.), Tommy Redding (FC America Premier; Oviedo, Fla.), John Requejo Jr. (Real So Cal; Carpinteria, Calif.), Peter Schropp (Omaha FC; Omaha, Neb.), Tyler Turner (South Central Premier; West Haven, Conn.)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Mukwelle Akale (Minnesota Thunder; Minneapolis, Minn.), Steven Echevarria (New York Red Bulls; Slate Hill, N.Y.), Collin Fernandez (Chicago Fire Academy; Downers Grove, Ill.), Junior Flores (Unattached; Manassas Park, Va.), Angel Heredia (San Jose Earthquakes; San Jose, Calif.), Christopher Lema (New York Red Bulls; Ridgefield, N.J.), Rolando Muñoz (LA Galaxy; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Caleb Smith (Solar Chelsea SC; Arlington, Texas), Ben Swanson (Crew Soccer Academy; Grove City, Ohio)

FORWARDS (8): Corey Baird (San Diego Surf; Escondido, Calif.), Sebastian Elney (Boca United; Lake Worth, Fla.), Bradford Jamieson (Chivas USA; Los Angeles, Calif.), Nathan Kohl (Crew Soccer Academy; Hilliard, Ohio), Rubio Rubin (Unattached; Beaverton, Ore.), Ahinga Selemani (CSA Wolves; Ann Arbor, Mich.), Wesley Wade (New York Red Bulls; South Orange, N.J.), Alan Winn (Solar Chelsea FC; Garland, Texas)

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Monday, January 14, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host NCAA Finalists Georgetown University and the fourth annual Pro-Am Challenge at Ukrop Park on Saturday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $5 each, youth and adult, and space is limited to just 500 seats.

“Georgetown had a dream season on their way to a NCAA Championship appearance and Coach Wiese and his staff are to be congratulated for compiling such an impressive group of players,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “As always, the Pro-Am Challenge is about playing the best that college soccer has to offer and I have no doubt that the Hoyas will provide exactly the type of competition we are looking for in preseason.”

The Hoyas put together a historic season, going 19-4-3 and advancing to the national championship where the team fell, 1-0, to Indiana University. Along the way, the 2012 team advanced further than any team in program history, won the BIG EAST Blue Division Regular Season, made it to the BIG EAST Tournament Championship and set a new record for wins in a season.

Leading the Georgetown roster were such players as U-20 U.S. National Team players Brandon Allen and Tomas Gomez, NSCAA All-American Steve Neumann and MLS Combine participants Ian Christianson, Tommy Muller and Jimmy Nealis.

Georgetown will be familiar with Ukrop Park, having used the complex for preseason training in 2011. They will return to the Kickers state-of-the-art facility in September 2013 to host the 2011 NCAA Champions and ACC Powerhouse University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

In addition to the Pro-Am Challenge, at least one other showcase game will headline the Kickers preseason schedule with an announcement of dates and opponents coming later this week.

Don’t miss a minute of exciting Kickers pro action this season with a 2013 All-Access Pass. Gain entry to all of the Kickers preseason and regular season home games, as well as potential exhibitions, U.S. Open Cup and playoff matches for just $99. Order now at RichmondKickers.com.

USL News Release

Monday, January 14, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues will be represented by a large staff contingent at the 2013 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Annual Convention, and will hold its inaugural USL Youth Annual General Meeting, presented by the National Guard, in conjunction with NSCAA gathering. With the NSCAA Annual Convention set for January 16-20 in Indianapolis, the USL Youth AGM will take place on January 16-17.

“The USL Youth AGM is a much-needed piece of the puzzle as we continue to raise the bar on the level of competition and service teams competing in USL’s youth leagues receive,” Senior Director of USL Youth Leagues Jason Arnold said. “We are looking forward to bringing our clubs together so we can all work to continue to raise the profile of USL’s youth leagues.”

More than 50 youth clubs representing hundreds of teams participating in the USL Super Y-League and Super-20 League will convene at the Indiana Convention Center for meetings addressing multiple topics including operations, registration, insurance, standards, ODP, scheduling, communications, college recruitment, etc. Arnold will direct the event along with Super-20 League & NGS Director Abe Thompson, Super Y-League & ODP Director Natalie Akula, and Super Y-League & ODP Manager Bryan Bachelder.

Further, several special guests will visit the proceedings including a prominent NCAA Division I coach, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and league partner, the National Guard.

"We are excited to be supporting the inaugural USL Youth AGM,” SFC David Therrell said. “It is extremely important to the National Guard to reach those centers of influence who our prospective recruits turn to for advice. We are eager to inform these individuals about National Guard benefits and opportunities and how these help their players achieve their goals."

USL staff will travel to Indianapolis representing each of its leagues and properties including USL PRO, the MISL, the PDL, the W-League, the Super-20 League, the Super Y-League, NGS and Major Beach Soccer. Additionally, USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor, a longtime staff coach for the U.S. Soccer Federation, will introduce the new goalkeeping “D” and “E” License curriculum to coaches in attendance at the convention.

Billed as "The World’s Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches," each year the NSCAA Convention draws approximately 4,000 coaches and more than 9,000 attendees over five days. Throughout the event, USL will occupy booth 3001 - one of the larger 20’ x 20’ spaces in the NSCAA Exhibit Hall on the floor of the Indiana Convention Center - while its staff meets with prospective partners and current league members.

Charleston Battery Feature -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- With just over one month until the Carolina Challenge Cup kicks off, the Houston Dynamo have begun preparations for the upcoming Major League Soccer season. Three Dynamo players were called in the USMNT camp last week, which the club also learned who it will face on the opening day of the MLS season.

Davis, Bruin and Hall called into USMNT camp
The Houston Dynamo have a strong tradition of putting players in the U.S. national team picture and another strong run to MLS Cup in 2012 sees a new group primed to carry on that tradition as midfielder Brad Davis, forward Will Bruin and goalkeeper Tally Hall were all called into this weeks USMNT camp.

Based on their performances, the call-ups should come as no surprise, as all three set career marks in 2012. Bruin and Davis established career highs in goals and Hall set the franchise record for shutouts as the Dynamo advanced to MLS Cup, where they fell to the LA Galaxy.

Now a little over a month after their MLS Cup disappointment, the trio will venture back to California for a national team camp that will culminate with a match against Canada in Houston on January 29.

Houston open league schedule March 2 vs D.C. United
Major League Soccer announced the 2013 league schedule on Wednesday, including the Houston Dynamo’s 34-game slate for its eighth season in Houston. The Dynamo will play 17 regular season home games in addition to at least three CONCACAF Champions League matches.

The 2012 Eastern Conference champions open their season on Saturday, March 2 with a rematch of the 2012 Eastern Conference Championship against D.C. United at 7 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium. The match will be broadcast nationally on the NBC Sports Network.

The Dynamo carry a 25-game regular season home unbeaten streak (30 games in all competitions) into 2013, the second-longest streak in league history.

For more news about the Houston Dynamo please visit www.houstondynamo.com.

Carolina Challenge Cup tickets
The Carolina Challenge Cup is the premier preseason tournament in the United States. Each year for the past decade the Battery has been joined by three teams from Major League Soccer for the round-robin competition. For more information or to purchase tickets please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

2013 Carolina Challenge Cup tournament schedule
Saturday, February 16
Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20
Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 23
Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m. 
Charleston Battery vs. Houston Dynamo, 7:15 p.m.

Seattle Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women announced today that Lesle Gallimore has been named the club's Technical Director. Gallimore is the longest-tenured coach in the Pac-12, as this season marked her 19th as the women's head coach at the University of Washington. She will continue her role with the Huskies, while taking on Sounders Women Technical Director duties in the spring and summer.

“We’re excited and honored to have Lesle as a part of our organization," Sounders Women co-owner, Lane Smith, said. "With the successes she’s had at the University of Washington in building that program and developing professional and national team players, she’ll be a tremendous asset to the Sounders Women."

"The Sounders organization provides and has provided a lot of positive influence in the Seattle soccer community, and I’m honored to be even a small part of that positive influence and growth," Gallimore said.

Gallimore’s Technical Director responsibilities include recruiting, personnel decisions, local and national community relations, and advisory on all soccer-related business. The position will utilize Gallimore’s playing, coaching, and managerial experience from the past 30 years. She was an All-American player at the University of California and reached the final four as a player and assistant coach, has USA National team experience as a player and later as a coach, and boasts 12 NCAA appearances as the Huskies’ head coach.

"Lesle is on an elite level in terms of soccer reputation." Smith added. "There are very few people in our region that have as much positive influence in the women’s soccer game as her.”

"It’s always exciting to take on new ventures in the soccer world,” Gallimore said. “I’m always happy to help grow the women’s game in this country however I can, and if I can lend any type of experience or expertise to the Sounders Women organization it will be a fun challenge for me.”

Per NCAA regulations, Gallimore will not play a part in coaching at Sounders Women matches or training. However, as many as five current University of Washington players will still be eligible to join players from throughout the country in competing in rave green.

"I think it’s a great opportunity for me to help the Sounders put the best possible product on the field moving forward,” Gallimore added. "It has become increasingly popular for players from across the country to branch out and play W-League seasons away from home; so being able to combine homegrown talent with players from other top programs is hopefully something I can contribute to the organization."

Gallimore has compiled a record of 199-158-34 during her illustrious career with Washington. In addition to her head coaching duties, she also serves as an NSCAA and US Soccer Coaching Instructor and served on the NSCAA Board of Directors. This weekend she will receive the NSCAA Women’s Committee Award of Excellence at the NSCAA convention. As a Board member and Women's Committee member, she represented NSCAA interests in Washington, D.C. in the late 1990s for key considerations on Title IX and women’s rights in college sports.

Gallimore is a two-time NSCAA West Region Coach of the Year, was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, and previously coached Sounders Women Hope Solo, Tina Ellertson, Veronica Perez, Kate Deines, and countless other Sounder-Huskies.

For more information on the Sounders Women and the club’s staff, see www.SoundersWomen.com.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to kick off the 2013 preseason schedule with an exhibition against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, March 2. The match, which is slated for 7 p.m. at Ukrop Park, will serve as the showcase game during the weekend’s Ultimate Cup Tournament, hosted jointly by the Richmond Kickers and Chesterfield United. Tickets are on sale now for $10 and space is limited to just 500 seats. Special rates are available for Ultimate Cup participants.

In addition to the Pro-Am Challenge featuring NCAA Finalists Georgetown University scheduled for March 16, the Kickers will face a lineup of closed door preseason scrimmages including games against George Mason University, The College of William & Mary, Longwood University and James Madison University. With a roster combining Kickers veterans and trialists vying for professional contracts, the Kickers will take on local favorites Virginia Commonwealth University during their second Pro Combine on Saturday, March 23.

"We have assembled a highly competitive preseason schedule against talented opponents who we respect greatly,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “However, this preseason will focus much less on our competitors and much more on the qualities, values and habits needed to produce a successful USL PRO and Open Cup campaign."

Don’t miss a minute of exciting Kickers pro action this season with a 2013 All-Access Pass. Gain entry to all of the Kickers preseason and regular season home games, as well as potential exhibitions, U.S. Open Cup and playoff matches for just $99.00. Order now at RichmondKickers.com.

2013 Richmond Kickers Preseason Schedule

Please note: Dates, times and opponents are subject to change. 

North Sound SeaWolves News Release -- www.seawolvesfc.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

EDMONDS, Wa. — North Sound SeaWolves forward Abduwali Aman’s soccer career has taken another large step forward as the 23-year-old recently trained with the Ethiopian National Team as it prepares for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Aman was one of 31 players in camp in Addis Ababa and made his first appearance in an international game in late December when Ethiopia defeated Niger 1-0 in a friendly. He was among the final three cuts as the team trimmed to 23.

“We’re so excited for Abdul,” SeaWolves owner/coach Alex Silva said. “He’s worked so hard to get to this level and this was an incredible experience for him.”

Aman has played for the Edmonds-based SeaWolves the past two seasons, scoring nine goals, including a team-leading five in 2012. After the 2011 season he received a scholarship to play for the University of Washington and played two years for the Huskies, scoring twice in 2012. He was also selected by the Seattle Sounders in the 2012 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft, spending time in training camp with the club.

“Abdul represents what our club is about,” Silva said. “He continues to show that if you put in the work, the SeaWolves can be a great way to further your career. I’m very proud of him.”

By being included in the player pool for the national team, Aman is now in solid position for consideration to be called back to the team for World Cup qualifiers and, should the team make it, to potentially play in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Silva’s home country.
“What a dream it would be to have one of my players playing in the World Cup in my home country,” Silva said.

Aman is now considering professional offers in Europe and Africa and is awaiting the results of the upcoming MLS SuperDraft taking place on Jan. 17.

“He has a great future,” Silva said. “He’s been working towards a professional contract for a long time and now it looks like it’s going to happen for him, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

The SeaWolves are a member of the Northwest Division of the Premier Development League, the highest level of amateur soccer in the United States. The team plays its home games at Edmonds Stadium from late May through early August.

Laval Comets News Release - www.lavalcometes.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

LAVAL, Quebec – Quebec native Cindy Walsh has been named the new head coach of the Laval Comets. The 33-year-old is no stranger to the team, as she wore the team’s colors as a player from 2006-10, as well as in 2012 when she was named to the W-League All-League Team and won the Defender of the Year award. She played in the W-League for 11 years on four different teams, the Laval Dynamites, the Toronto Inferno, the Western Mass Pioneers and the Comets.

Walsh also has a great deal of experience as a coach. She has been the assistant technical director of the Association régionale de soccer de la Rive-Sud since 2009, coaching Rive-Sud’s U-13 girls’ regional selection and being involved in the sports-study program at Collège français in Longueuil, Quebec. She has also been involved as an assistant coach with the Équipes du Québec from 2007-09.

“Since 2006, the Laval Comets have been offering an exceptional platform for female athletes, allowing them to develop in the best way possible," Comets General Manager Philippe Ciarlo said. "With the hiring of Cindy Walsh, we hope that we can now offer the same benefit to coaches. We are very happy to offer this opportunity to Cindy. Her career as a player is remarkable and we will try to help her achieve equal success in her coaching career.”

Walsh’s hiring represents a historical event, not only for the Comets, but for the entire soccer community in Quebec, as Walsh becomes the first woman in Quebec to hold a head coaching position at this level.

Walsh’s arrival  as head coach also means the departure of Lyonel Joseph, who had been in charge of the team since 2009 after serving as an assistant coach from 2006-08. In four years as the head coach, Joseph helped the Comets reach the postseason three times. Last year, he led the team to the conference final for the first time in club history.

“Lyonel Joseph’s contribution over the past seven years has been extremely important, and we will never forget what he did for this organization," Ciarlo said. "His experience, his professionalism, his work ethic and his knowledge of the game in Quebec made the Comets one of the best clubs in the league on the field. Personally, I’m very proud of having worked alongside him since the creation of the Comets. On behalf of the entire Comets organization and myself, I wish to sincerely thank Lyonel for everything!”