Super Y-League News Release

Friday, May 10, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The Super Y-League announced today that former Florida State University star Cindy Schofield has joined its management team as Manager, Super Y-League and ODP. It was also announced that Jason Arnold and Natalie Akula have earned promotion within the organization. Arnold becomes Executive Director, Youth Leagues while Akula becomes Senior Director, Super Y-League & ODP.

Arnold will continue to oversee all USL youth league properties and staff, leading the way as USL’s youth leagues continue to grow and develop. Akula oversees all operational aspects of the Super Y-League & ODP.

“Both Jason and Natalie have demonstrated strong leadership skills and are primarily responsible for the improvements in the operation of the league and service of its member clubs during the past year,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Our clubs can rely on their leadership and experience as we look forward to the continued growth our league is experiencing because of their efforts.”

A USSF “D” Licensed coach, Schofield brings with her a strong knowledge of the youth game and youth landscape in North America. She will work with Super Y-League and Super-20 League club administrators on all operational issues, overseeing competitive and disciplinary matters and coordinating the ODP scouting and evaluation network. She will also manage league events such as the Super Y-League and Super-20 League championships and the Boys and Girls ODP National Camps at IMG Academy.

“Cindy’s extensive background and pedigree in youth, high school and college soccer makes her a perfect fit for our youth leagues management team,” Holt said. “Her experience and contacts will be vital as we continue to reshape the role of the Super Y-League and its supporting events in North America’s elite youth soccer club landscape.”

Schofield received a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Florida State in 2004 after starring for the Seminoles from 1999-2003. She set more than 30 career, single-season and post-season records at FSU and was recently selected to be inducted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

A two-time All-American, ACC First Team selection and NSCAA Southeast Region First Team selection, Schofield began her coaching career in 2004 and has led girls teams for RSL Florida, Tampa Bay United and the VSI West Florida Flames for the past 10 years. She served as director of coaching for RSL Florida’s recreational program from 2006-08, starting the program and creating training plans for coaches.

Schofield has also served as the head coach for Tampa Preparatory School since 2009, leading the Terrapins to three state final fours and five consecutive district championships. She co-founded Elite Soccer Performance, Inc. in 2012, developing a soccer and speed training program to prepare players for college soccer.

Friday, May 10, 2013

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders kept Antigua Barracuda FC winless on the year and picked up their fifth win of the young season with a 4-0 win in the rain at Skyline Sports Complex on Friday night. The win put the Islanders in second place in the league as Sainey Touray had two goals and an assist to lead his side to victory.

The Islanders opened the scoring in the opening minute after the weather delayed the start of the game by 55 minutes. The opening goal came off the boot of Morgan Langley, who scored his second goal of the season after a cross from Touray that slipped behind Antigua’s keeper, who had come out of his net. The shot ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced in the goal.

The Islanders, wearing their brand new custom 10th Anniversary kits, looked they were ready to play after the long wait while the storm passed over City Island. They doubled their lead two minutes after the opener as Touray backed up his assist with his third goal of the season. The goal came off a Cristhian Hernandez corner kick sent deep to the far post, which was kept alive by Langley before a high bicycle pass from Greg Jordan set the ball at Touray’s foot for a volley past the goalkeeper.

The Islanders had two goals before the Barracuda could even get a shot to challenge Isle’s keeper Nick Noble, which came in the 10th minute. The first real challenge of the game for Noble came in the 38th minute when he made a diving save off a shot from Antigua’s Eugine Kirwan.

The rain started to pick-up in intensity during the second half, which caused a lot of sloppy play and ultimately resulted in a straight red card for Antigua’s Lawson Robinson in the 64th minute. The ejection was a result of a hard tackle against Islanders’ captain Jason Pelletier.

The ejection opened up the field a bit more for the Islanders and they used it to their advantage. The first goal of the second half came in the 68th minute when Antigua goalkeeper Molvin James came out to challenge Andrew Ribeiro on the right side of the penalty area. Ribeiro had two options to his left and chose to slip the ball to a charging Touray for his second goal of the night. Touray missed getting a hat trick by inches minutes later when a pass tipped off his left boot and went wide from close range.

The last goal of the game came in the 88th minute off of a Leo Fernandes free kick, with the on-loan midfielder from the Philadelphia Union striking the ball with pace to put it past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

The next match for the City Islanders is at Skyline Sports Complex on Friday, May 17th at 7 p.m. against Orlando City, which is currently in front of the Islanders by one point ahead of their game on Sunday against the Seattle Sounders Reserves. The match-up will puts two of the top three scoring teams in USL PRO against one another.

The game will also be the second of six micro-brew nights featuring Travelers Brewing Company. For ticket or more information visit the Islanders website at www.cityislanders.com or phone the Box Office at 717-441-4625.

W-League News Release

Friday, May 10, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League and W-20 unveiled new web homes today, with the leagues each enjoying a distinct web address while sharing content and interactivity. It was recently announced that the leagues would align operationally, and the new web sites were created to reflect this both visually and functionally.

The redesign of the sites also focuses on the branding of each league. While fans still have the ability to access other leagues, the identities of the W-League and W-20 will now reside together with the focus solely on promoting the women’s game.

The W-League, the first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, will offer news, features, videos, a match center and social media interaction at www.WLeaguesoccer.com. The W-20 site, highlighting the premier North American under-20 women’s league, can be found at www.W20soccer.com and will share written, video and social media content with the W-League site.

“As we continue to establish the close working relationship between the W-League and W-20, it’s natural that they would enjoy a seamless online connection as well,” W-League & W-20 Senior Director Amanda Duffy said. “These new sites allow the leagues to continue to highlight their place as the leaders in adult women’s soccer player development while offering an easy to navigate, enjoyable experience for fans and potential partners to learn more about their roles in the North American women’s soccer pyramid.

"We wanted the new design to be clean, dynamic, functional, and user-friendly." Duffy continued. "I think we were able to construct something that achieves all four of these aspects while offering an enormous amount of information."

Among the highlights of WLeaguesoccer.com and W20soccer.com will be new W-League Weekly videos, featuring host Nicholas Murray and Duffy, which focus on all the happenings throughout both leagues. Other new features of the websites are the league tables and match center, which allow fans to easily see which games are next on the schedule and where they’re favorite teams sit in the standings.

The new W-League and W-20 sites were designed and developed by Demosphere International, Inc.

Friday, May 10, 2013

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Rochester Rhinos got a late goal by Matt Horth to claim their first victory of the season as they took a 1-0 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads at Legion Stadium on Friday night. Horth’s first goal for the Rhinos came in the 79th minute, handing the Hammerheads their fourth consecutive defeat and second in a row at home.

The return of Hammerheads veteran Paul Nicholson in the midfield after a two-game suspension, along with former defender Tom Parratt, allowed the Hammerheads to control much of the first half. Brazilian forward Richard Isberner also made his USL PRO debut with the Hammerheads after officially being cleared for play earlier this week. He was joined up top by teammate Cody Arnoux, who pushed the attack early on, only for Rochester goalkeeper Kritian Nicht to deny all chances on goal.

Hammerheads defender Daniel Steres had the first opportunity of the game in the 13th minute with a shot that went just wide of the right post. Rochester midfielder Lance Rozeboom followed soon after with a similar attempt at the Hammerheads’ end of the pitch.

Wilmington had an opportunity to take the lead in the 20th minute after a handball was called in the penalty area on Rochester defender George Kyriazis. Arnoux stepped up to take the penalti kick, but the shot soared over the crossbar, leaving the match scoreless.

Another close opportunity came minutes later for the Hammerheads when defender Gareth Evans took a header off a corner kick from Arnoux and struck the corner of the crossbar and the intersection of the left post, the Rhinos being able to clear the rebound. Rochester also went close just before halftime, Michael Reidy shooting just wide of the right post from the left side of the penalty area on an effort that just slipped past Phil Tuttle’s grasp before rolling out of bounds.

Nicholson set the pace starting the second half as gained possession with a one-on-one challenge against Rozeboom before passing to Isberner, who moved the ball on for a shot by Parratt. Nicht tallied impressive saves during the match, but none as notable as his goal line save off a shot by Steres that left his entire lower body lying in the goal.

The lone goal of the match came in the 79th minute by Horth as he picked up possession just outside the penalty area from Reidy. The forward, on loan from the New England Revolution, hit a low shot that beat Tuttle, who reacted slowly, putting the Rhinos up 1-0. The Hammerheads tried to come up with a goal to tie the match in the final 10 minutes, but they were unable to find the back of the net to earn a draw.

The Wilmington Hammerheads continue their weekend doubleheader on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium as they face the Charleston Battery in a rematch of last season’s USL PRO Championship. The two teams encountered during preseason with Charleston taking the win in the second half 2-0. Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. as Charleston hosts Kick for the Cure.

For further information, please contact the Wilmington Hammerheads at (910) 777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Kickers midfielder Joseph Ngwenya posted a first half hat trick and midfielder Nate Robinson notched three assists to lead the Kickers to a 4-1 win over Antigua Barracuda FC on Saturday night at City Stadium. Antigua midfielder Tamorley Thomas recorded his second goal of the season to avoid the shutout before the Kickers rounded out the scoreline with a Luke Vercollone tally early in the second half.

The Kickers took an early lead when 17-year old forward Michael Seaton intercepted the ball in the midfield and played it back to Vercollone in the 18th minute. The Kickers veteran midfielder served a long ball down the left flank where Robinson kept it from going over the end line and whipped it across the goalmouth as Ngwenya rushed on to bury it for his first goal of the night.

Ngwenya wasted little time doubling the advantage, notching his second goal four minutes later. Robinson sent a cross into the box, finding Seaton in the air but the youngster collided with goalkeeper Molvin James, leaving the goal unattended. A well-positioned Brian Ownby blindly volleyed the rebound back into the mix, connecting with Ngwenya at the right post who finished from point-blank range.

Antigua pulled a goal back in the 35th minute when midfielder Eugine Kirwan stole the ball at the touch line and played a long ball to a streaking Thomas. The Barracuda midfielder flew down the field, beat his mark and fired a determine strike past a diving Andrew Dykstra and into the far corner.

The Kickers restored their two-goal advantage just before the halftime break as Ownby earned a free kick in the right corner, deep in Antigua territory. Robinson lined up the free kick at the touch line and served it to the near post where Ngwenya’s flick header dipped just over James’ outstretched hands to give him his first-half hat trick.

The Kickers picked up where they left off after the restart, adding their fourth goal of the night in the 48th minute. Robinson battled for the ball on the right wing and played a dangerous cross into the box, setting Vercollone up for a diving header past the Barracuda goalkeeper from six yards.

The Barracuda nearly cut the deficit in the 60th minute when defender George Dublin, lurking at the left post, attempted to sneak a header past Dykstra but the Kickers ‘keeper threw himself into the line of fire to block his attempt.

In the final 15 minutes, James faced a barrage of shots and made several big saves to prevent further damage, averting a pair of Vercollone shots and a close call by Matthew Delicate with a dramatic kick save and other acrobatics to finish the game 4-1.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium on Friday night to host Ladies Night and the Los Angeles Blues. The fun begins when the gates open at 6 p.m. with live music from the Salted Dawg Blues Band, boutique vendors and prizes, with the pro game kicking off at 7 p.m.

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Friday, May 10, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery (4-1-0) take on the Wilmington Hammerheads (1-3-0) on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ($10 - $18, www.charlestonbattery.com / (843) 971-4625). Saturday’s game is presented by McLaughlin Smoak and Clarke Benefits. The Battery enter the game on the back of a four-match winning streak, including two victories on the road last week in Harrisburg and Dayton.

Midfielder Nicki Paterson scored both game-winning goals in Harrisburg and Dayton, converting a penalty-kick in each game to lift the Battery into a tie for third place in the USL PRO standings.

Saturday’s game against Wilmington is a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO Championship Game that saw the Battery claim their fourth USL Championship. The Battery defeated Wilmington 1-0 in that match with the lone goal scored by midfielder Mike Azira. The Ugandan midfielder has also gotten off to a strong start for the clubt his season, scoring three goals so far this season to lead the team in the early going.

The Hammerheads have lost three consecutive games after starting the season with a 2-0 win against Antigua Barracuda FC. Wilmington’s last match was a 2-0 home loss to the Richmond Kickers in a game played on May 3rd, and they will face the Rochester Rhinos at Legion Stadium on Friday night as they look to break their downturn in form.

Kick for a Cure presented by McLaughlin Smoak and Clarke Benefits
The Charleston Battery are teaming up with Dragon Boat Charleston and the Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® at this Saturday’s game for the third annual Kick for a Cure night presented by McLaughlin Smoak and Clarke Benefits.

A Battery Pink Ticket that includes one East Box Seat and a Pink Tote Bag for this Saturday’s match is on sale now for only $11! $3 from each Battery Pink Pack will be donated directly to the Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and Dragon Boat Charleston.

Battery Pink Tickets can be purchased online at www.charlestonbattery.com by entering the special promo code: PINK or by calling the Battery Box Office at (843) 971-GOAL (4625).

The Charleston Battery players will be wearing special custom pink Nike jerseys during the match that will be auctioned off through a silent auction during the game with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the charities.

Blackbaud Stadium will feature a variety of fun Pink additions and decorations during this special match including donating 20% of Pink Specials (Pink lemonade, Pink Cosmos, and Strawberry Daiquiris) sold in the concession stands and Three Lions Club.

To order tickets visit www.charlestonbattery.com or call 843-971-4625.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, May 10, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers continue their eight-game home stand this Saturday night when they host Antigua Barracuda FC at City Stadium. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. and the gates open at 6 p.m. with live music from Sunbox, draft beer trucks, food trucks and family zone. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

Antigua travels to Richmond this week for the first of two match-ups at City Stadium. The two clubs met three times during the 2012 campaign, with the Kickers holding a slight 2-1 edge over their Caribbean rivals. After claiming a 2-0 win in Richmond and narrowly edging the Barracuda 1-0 in Antigua, the Kickers dropped their final regular season match, 2-1, last season.

The Kickers enter Saturday’s game following a back-to-back series against Wilmington and Charlotte last weekend. Claiming three points on the road, veteran midfielder Luke Vercollone converted a second-half penalty to give the visitors the lead before 17-year old forward Michael Seaton notched the decisive goal in stoppage time in his professional debut. Twenty-four hours later, the Kickers rallied for a dramatic 3-3 draw with the Eagles after conceding a comfortable lead before a stoppage-time comeback courtesy of a Conor Shanosky equalizer.

Meanwhile, Antigua travels to Harrisburg to face the City Islanders on Friday before battling Richmond one day later. Hoping to snap a five-game winless streak this week, the Barracuda most recently dropped points in Tampa and Orlando. Midfielder Tamorley Thomas gave Antigua an eighth minute lead against Tampa Bay before the visitors weathered three unanswered goals for a 3-1 loss. Then, Antigua suffered a 7-2 loss to league-leaders Orlando with second-half substitute Hazeley Pyle registering a 76th minute goal to prevent the shutout.

Players to Watch

Kickers: Two days after his 17th birthday, forward Michael Seaton became the youngest player in club history to represent the Kickers when he made his professional debut against the Wilmington Hammerheads on May 3. On loan from D.C. United, the Maryland native signed with D.C. as a Homegrown player in January after impressing with United’s Academy and notched his first professional goal in the Kickers' 2-0 win against the Hammerheads last weekend.

The Kickers all-time leading scorer, Matthew Delicâte returned to the lineup Friday for the first time this season after being sidelined through injury. Entering his seventh season with the Kickers, Delicâte eclipsed the franchise’s all-time scoring record in 2012, notching 65 goals and 18 assists in 161 appearances.

Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra joined the Kickers on loan from D.C. United just prior to the 2013 campaign and has since posted a pair of shutouts and a 3-0-2 record to start the season. While on loan to the Charleston Battery last season, the former VCU goalkeeper led the Battery to a 12-6-2 record en route to the USL PRO Championship title.

Barracudas: Following a string of shutouts to start the season, Antigua & Barbuda National Team midfielder Tamorley Thomas notched the Barracuda’s first goal of the 2013 campaign with an eighth minute tally over VSI Tampa Bay FC last weekend. He made his National Team debut on November 11, 2012 during the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification match against Haiti and has since earned 15 caps, including seven World Cup Qualifiers.

Nineteen-year old defender Hazeley Pyle scored his first goal for Antigua last week in the 7-2 loss at Orlando to avoid the shutout. Signing prior to the 2012 season, Pyle also brings Antigua and Barbuda National Team experience to the Barracuda roster.

Antigua and Barbuda National Team goalkeeper Molvin James backstopped the Barracuda to three wins during the 2012 season, posting 56 saves in 15 appearances. He signed with the Barracudas in 2011 after spending four seasons in the Antiguan First Division.

Seattle Sounders Women News Release -- www.sounderswomen.com

Friday, May 10, 2013

TUKWILA, Wash. – The University of Washington and the Seattle Sounders Women played to a 1-1 draw in the Sounders' final college exhibition match of the season in front of a crowd of 1,623. On a warm Friday night at Starfire Sports in Tukwila, Washington, Sounders Women defender Brigit Reder scored the equalizer on an 83rd-minute corner kick. That goal came in response to a 35th-minute finish by Lindsay Elston for Washington.

"We had countless opportunities; it was a matter of just finding the end of it on one of them," Reder said. "It went off my shoulder, not the head, it's not a pretty goal, but at the end of the day, it's one-one on the scoreboard."

The University of Washington fielded five players that will join the very team they were matched up against Friday night. Midfielders Lindsay Elton and Isabel Farrell, forward Allie Beahan, defender Annie Sittauer, and goalkeeper Megan Kufeld will all join the Sounders for the W-League campaign.

The game was a tale of two halves, as the University of Washington controlled the tempo and created most of the first half chances, connecting on one in the 35th minute.

Washington midfielder Isabel Farrell created space high on the left side of the penalty area and sent a cross down to Jaclyn Softli, who could not quite reach the header with her leap. The ball fell past her to the foot of Lindsay Elston, who quickly tucked it into the goal past the diving effort of goalkeeper Erin McNulty.

"I knew she was going to finish it right when it got there," said future Sounders Women player, Isabel Farrell.

The story changed in the second half and the trailing Sounders Women began to push the tempo and dominate possession.

In the 53th minute, Sounders midfielder Melissa Busque sent a free kick deep into the box to the head of Reder, but the effort was punched away by future Sounder Kufeld. On a crucial call in the 69th minute Melissa Busque took the ball into the box, and was tackled by Washington defender Annie Sittauer on a slide that could have sent the Sounders to the penalty spot, but instead, cut out the chance.

Sounders' defender Elizabeth Russell found space on the left half of the pitch in the 74th minute, and fired a screaming ball from about 30 yards out. Washington goalkeeper Kufeld backed up and reached to save the ball but only the crossbar was there to deny Russell’s attempt.

In a fast-paced and physical match-up between two teams with a lot of intertwined personnel, the hard work and determination to keep fighting paid off on both ends when the Sounders finally equalized in the 83rd minute. Busque sent a corner kick to the back post, where the ever present Brigit Reder rose to meet the cross. Amongst defenders and the upright, she turned and glanced it home off her shoulder.

Chances continued throughout the last 10 minutes for both teams, but none were able to break the draw in the end.

The Sounders Women next home match is May 17 against long-time Cascadian rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps. Tickets for this match and the rest of the season are currently on sale on SoundersWomen.com.

Friday, May 10, 2013

VANCOUVER, B.C. – On a sunny night at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 came back to defeat the Kitsap Pumas 2-1 to open their 2013 PDL season. 

The ’Caps lineup featured two loanees from the MLS roster in goalkeeper Simon Thomas and defender Adam Clement.

Just six minutes into the match, Pumas striker Sebastiaan Jansen took a chance against Thomas. Although his original header was stopped short of the line, he quickly followed his own rebound to head in the first goal of the match to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.

The Whitecaps (1-0-0) had a chance to equalizer in the 14th minute, Niall Cousens speeding in on goal and gently guiding a shot past Pumas goalkeeper Dustyn Brim, but it was cleared off the line into safety. Another chance arrived in the 39th minute as Cam Hundal played a nice ball to Bobby Jhutty who hit a shot on target that looked to be a sure goal, but Brim was there to make the last ditch save.

Kitsap (0-2-0) came close to doubling its advantage in the dying minutes of the first half as midfielder Shane Malcome was in alone on Thomas, but his shot sailed well over the crossbar. 

Going into the second half, the ‘Caps looked to regain momentum and equalize against the Washington State side. Five minutes in the ‘Caps had their first opportunity when Sasa Plavsic tried an audacious chance with a bicycle kick, but his shot narrowly missed the net.

Hellah Sidibe had a chance to increase the Pumas’ lead with a nice strike from just inside the 18-yard box on the hour-mark, but his shot was stopped by a diving Thomas.

Hundal finally equalized for the ’Caps in the 69th minute, as he picked up the ball just inside the 18-yard box and fired it passed Brim and into the top corner of the net to make it 1-1. Just a minute later, the ‘Caps took the lead when Plavsic passed the ball to Spencer DeBoice, who rifled it passed Brim to make the score 2-1 in favour of the home side.

Despite some back-and-forth play to end the match, the Whitecaps walked away with a 2-1 victory in their first match of the 2013 PDL season.

Head of high performance Stuart Neely was pleased by the result despite some nervousness.

"I think in the end, we deserved the three points," said Neely. "It was a little nervy at times, but there’s alot riding on the line for these boys. We got away from our game plan a bit tonight, but I think that was the nervousness of playing the first game at home. At the end of the day, results are important and if we didn’t get a result, I think the boys would have been upset. We got three points, but also have some things to work on."

Next up, Whitecaps FC U-23 will host British Columbia rivals Victoria Highlanders FC next Friday at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium.

Carolina Elite Cobras News Release -- www.centralsccobras.com

Saturday, May 11, 2013

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Carolina Elite Cobras have a new name and a new home in Greenville after partnering with the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) during the offseason. President and Owner of the Cobras, Ewell Gordon, said the idea behind the team’s move from Columbia to Greenville came after discussing how to expose more people in South Carolina to a higher level of women’s soccer.

“While many things may seem to have changed, what the Cobras are about remains the same. We welcome players from across South Carolina, neighboring states and a few from even farther,” Gordon said. “It is about providing an opportunity for players to play without boundaries and making it a positive experience for everyone involved.”

Gordon says he is looking forward to some of the other changes that have been made to the Cobras franchise.

“We have welcomed a number of new members to our sponsorship family along with CESA and look forward to working with each one of them,” Gordon said. “We cannot wait to kick off the 2013 season and to unveiling even more new developments in the future.”

Cobras Head Coach Sandy Burris is also excited to see the improvements her team has made during the offseason and is hoping to carryover the Cobras success from last year into their first game against the Atlanta Silverbacks on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the MESA Soccer Complex.

“Our goals for this season are simple, we want to make the playoffs,” Burris said. “We proved last year that we could compete with the other teams in our division so we think that this is a very realistic goal for us to achieve.”

Burris has added some new faces along with the 10 returning players from last year’s team to help make sure their playoff goal is reached.

“We are very excited about the new players we have added to the roster this year,” Burris said. “We have strengthened our team from the back line all the way up to our forwards by adding players like former USC player Blakely Mattern, former U.S. National team player India Trotter and Greenville native Stephanie DeVita.”

But with the weather keeping the practices to a minimum during the preseason Burris is ready to see what the new season has in store.

“Unfortunately we have lost a lot of practice time because of the bad weather, but I’m excited to see what the work we have been able to accomplish looks like when everyone gets a chance to play together on the field,” Burris said.

Both the fans and Burris can see how their team does when the Cobras open the season against the Silverbacks. Tickets for Sunday's game are available online, and also at the gate.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions snapped a two-game losing streak as they took a 4-3 victory against Phoenix FC in a fast-paced battle on Saturday night at Beavercree Stadium. Joel DeLass and Gibson Bardsley each scored twice for the Dutch Lions, who had to withstand a strong late rally by the Wolves to claim all three points. 

Phoenix drew first blood with a Thomas Ramos shot off the underside of the crossbar, which just bounced over the line according to the assitant referee, surprising the Dutch Lions with an early goal in the sixth minute. In an open game, both teams pushed forward quickly in possession, and the Dutch Lions were able to get back on even terms when Shintaro Harada skillfully set up DeLass, who rocketed the ball to the far post for his first goal of the game in the 18th minute. 

The Wolves (2-5-2) almost regained the lead a few minutes later as Diego Faria sent a long-range shot to the top-right corner of the Dutch Lions’ goal, but Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams punched the ball away to safety. 

Dayton (3-2-0) kept the pressure on, but was denied several opportunities including a great clearance by Wolves’ goalkeeper Andrew Weber, whose header outside his penalty area cleared away a dangerous opportunity in the 40th minute. The Dutch Lions' persistence paid off in the final minute of the half, however, when Bardsley, with four defenders crowding him, shot the ball through traffic from the left side of the penalty area to the right corner of the net for a 2-1 halftime lead.

As dark clouds crept in for the second half, the Dutch Lions and the Wolves continued their battle for possession with a feverish intensity that matched the ensuing storm. Things got a lot more cloudy for Phoenix in the 48th minute when Eli Garner threaded a cross to Bardsley, who burned past Phoenix for a thunderous goal, giving his side a two-goal advantage.

The Dutch Lions appeared to have put the game away in the 77th minute when they were given a penalty kick after a foul in the penalty area, DeLass converting from the spot into the left corner of the net. Phoenix hit back almost immediately, with second-half substitute Aaron King driving home a finish into the top-right corner in the 79th minute. The Wolves then pulled within a goal a minute later as Cam Vickers corner kick was headed home by Peabo Doue.

The Wolves thought they had found an equalizer three minutes later, only for a goal to be ruled out for offside, and they again went close in the 89th minute, with a header flashing over the crossbar. The Dutch Lions were able to see out the victory, however, moving ahead of the Wolves in the USL PRO standings in the process. 

“A couple of crazy minutes and then the goal fell and I expected the worst,” Dutch Lions coach Patrick Bal said. “I like the way it was played. It was hard and it was fair. There were no crazy tackles. Both teams knew what they were playing for. It was a huge win towards making the playoffs.”

The Dutch Lions return to action on Tuesday night in the U.S. Open Cup as they host the PDL's River City Rovers, from Louisville, Ky., at 7 p.m. at Beavercreek Stadium. Dayton then travels to Pittsburgh to face the Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium next Saturday. Dayton’s next home game is Sunday, May 26th, at 6:30 pm as they host Antigua’s Barracuda FC. For season and individual game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery defeated the Wilmington Hammerheads 4-2 on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,699 fans. Charleston jumped out to a four-goal lead in the first half but had to fight off a Wilmington comeback after the break in a heated second 45 minutes that saw a player from each team sent off. The victory was the Battery's fifth in a row, moving them into second place in the USL PRO standings.

The Battery got off to a flying start with goal in only the second minute after Nicki Paterson played a clever ball over the top for Dane Kelly to chase. Kelly shrugged off the challenge of Wilmington defender Gareth Evans and finished neatly into the right side of the goal.

Ten minutes later Charleston doubled its advantage as Paterson beat the Hammerheads' offside trap with a deep run from midfield. Running onto a pass from Colin Falvey, Paterson controlled the ball with a quick touch and then drilled home a shot past Wilmington goalkeeper Phil Tuttle.

Battery midfielder Zach Prince added a third goal at the 21st-minute mark as Charleston continued to attack with purpose. After a spell of pressure the ball ran loose at the top of the penalty area, and Prince clipped a curling right-footed shot around Tuttle and into the right corner of the net.

Charleston added a fourth goal nine minutes later thanks to a good individual effort from defender John Wilson. The veteran full back dribbled forward on the left side and then cut past his defender onto his right foot before putting a perfectly placed shot into the right corner of the goal.

The Hammerheads fought back after halftime and Paul Nicholson scored two goals in quick succession in the 53rd and 59th minute. With Wilmington in the ascendency the game changed course again as both teams had players sent off. The Battery’s Cody Ellison was shown a red card for his part in a scuffle at the edge of the penalty area with just under 25 minutes to play, and then minutes later Wilmington's Evans was ejected after tangling with Kelly.

The ejections took the steam out of the Hammerheads' attack and Charleston was able to see the remainder of the game for the victory.

The Battery head to Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Charlotte Eagles. The game can be viewed on USLNation.com, with a radio broadcast also available on Sports Radio 1450 AM.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Austin Aztex faced stiff opposition from Oklahoma City in the USL PDL season opener on Saturday night, but were able to score two late goals in a 2-1 victory. Westlake High School’s Walker Hume sealed the victory for the Aztex in the 88th minute when the 6-foot-5 defender sent a looping headed shot into the far side of the opponent’s goal. Justin Franz, from Cedar Park, provided the assist with a long throw-in.

The Aztex faced tremendous pressure from Oklahoma City FC, who were playing their first home game in their inaugural season in the PDL. The Aztex were able to maintain possession in their defensive half, but could not connect passes and create scoring chances early on.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City FC capitalized on an Aztex foul in the 20th minute. Oklahoma City’s Adam Black scored for the home team when he kicked a left-footed free kick that curved around the Aztex wall and into the goal.

The Aztex were forced to make early adjustments, sending Tucker Hume in at forward for Jacob Powell to add height to the Aztex attack.

“Paul (Dalglish) told me to establish a physical presence at the top,” Hume said. “My job was to lay the ball the ball off to my teammates, help win the second ball, and lay it off to Andres Cuero and then get into position to score.”

Trailing by a goal at halftime, the Aztex retooled the attack to target Hume up top as a target striker. The adjustment allowed the team to play the ball through the air. Near the 60th minute, the Aztex switched their formation with Kris Tyrpak moving up front into a 4-4-2.The adjustment allowed the Aztex to build momentum in their attack. Late substitutions, including Walker Hume and Oumar Djiba, gave the Aztex a tall, physical presence for any ball fought in the air.

The second half adjustments for the Aztex paid off as they were able to maintain possession and connect on short passes to create dangerous attacking opportunities. The Aztex found the game-tying goal in the 77th minute when Tony Rocha’s free kick deflected off of a defender and found the back of the net.

“I didn’t even see it go into goal, I just saw the net move,” Rocha said. “ I was aiming for the right post to see if someone could come in and flick it in. I saw my teammates celebrate so I started celebrating.”

The goal eased the pressure off the Aztex to find the equalizer. With that pressure off, they mounted more attacks and had Oklahoma City FC on their heels. Hume’s goal 10 minutes later sealed the victory for the Aztex. The play started along the sideline when Justin Franz tossed in a long throw-in. Tucker Hume was able to get into position and hit a looping header into the far side netting of the opponent’s goal.

Next up for the Austin Aztex is a home match against NTX Rayados in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff will be 7:30 p.m. at House Park.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Friday, May 10, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — After capping off victory against Antigua last Saturday night, Orlando City (5-1-1, 16 points) travels to Tacoma, Wash., to face the Seattle Sounders Reserves on Sunday evening at Cheney Stadium. The game marks the first interleague match of the season for the Lions in the 2013 season, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET.

The Sounders Reserves are 1-1-1 through three games in the 2013 MLS Reserve League. Seattle topped the San Jose Earthquakes Reserves 2-1 in its last match at Starfire Stadium, capturing its first win of the Reserve League season. The interleague match between the Sounders and Lions will count toward each team’s respective league tables as per an agreement made between Major League Soccer and USL PRO in the offseason.

The Lions are heading into the week coming off a 7-2 win against the visiting Antigua Barracuda FC. The game set franchise records in biggest goal differential (+5) and goals scored (7) in any USL PRO match since the team began play in 2011. Sporting Kansas City loanee and Orlando City SC forward Dom Dwyer scored his first hat trick in Orlando colors in just 40 minutes, leading the team to a dominant victory.

Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on the striker’s play after the match, saying he is impressed so far with the English native’s play.

“Dom’s got a history of scoring goals,” said Heath. “He looks as though he’s going to score every time he plays.”

The Seattle match marks the beginning of a three-game road swing for Orlando, which continues on to play away against the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rochester Rhinos on May 17 and May 18, respectively. The upcoming three road games is the only time this season the Lions will play three consecutive matches away from Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, where they are 4-0-0 in 2013.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

TACOMA, Wash. — Behind two goals from Sporting Kansas City loanee and Orlando forward Dom Dwyer, Orlando City SC topped the Seattle Sounders Reserves 2-0 for their third consecutive win on Sunday night at Cheney Stadium. Dwyer scored his league-leading ninth and 10th goals of the year as the Lions won their first ever contest against the Sounders Reserves.

Orlando got on the board early, with Dwyer scoring his ninth goal of the season in the fourth minute to give Orlando the 1-0 advantage. A curling cross in the box from defender Luke Boden found a waiting Dwyer, who converted with a first-time finish after Dennis Chin had flicked the ball on at the near post.

The Lions kept up the pressure in the first half, nearly converting another Dwyer chance in the 34th minute after defender Bryan Burke put in a well-placed cross. The Sporting loanee blasted his half-volley toward the top corner, only for Sounders goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to save well.

The Sounders Reserves team, which included first-teamers Steve Zakuani, John Kennedy Hurtado and first-round draft pick Eriq Zavaleta, kept fighting as the second half began. Despite the added pressure from the Sounders, it was again Dwyer who capitalized for the 2-0 advantage.

Chin created the opportunity in the 53rd minute, maneuvring past the Sounders backline and drawing attention away from the English native. Chin’s pass slid in front of Dwyer, who blasted his attempt into the top corner past Hahnemann for the two-goal lead. Dwyer’s goal marked his seventh in the last three games.

Orlando Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo made his first start of the season for the Lions after being sidelined late in the preseason due to a knee injury. The 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year came up strong in crucial parts of the game, making two saves for his first, and the team’s second, shutout of the regular season.

Orlando continues on the road with back-to-back matches against the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rochester Rhinos on Friday and Saturday night. The Lions have yet to face the Islanders in 2013, holding a 4-0-0 record all-time vs. the Pennsylvania-based club. Orlando topped Rochester 3-1 at home on April 14, with three different players scoring in the win.

The team will enter the U.S. Open Cup in the second round on Tuesday, May 21, either visiting the Ocala Stampede (PDL) or Red Force (USASA). The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is open to United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated teams. For more information on the upcoming regular-season matches and U.S. Open Cup games, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com. 

Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com

Monday, May 13, 2013

DAYTON, Ohio – The first round draw for the 2013 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has been announced, and the Dayton Dutch Lions have been selected to host the River City Rovers of the USL PDL. 

The match will be the first Open Cup game hosted by the Dayton Dutch Lions. It will take place at Beavercreek Stadium on Tuesday night with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. With only 150 miles separating Dayton and Louisville, fans of both clubs will be able to enjoy the contest.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, established in 1914, is the longest continually run national soccer tournament held in the United States. Any amateur or professional team associated with the United States Soccer Federation is eligible to compete. The field for the 100th staging of the prestigious tournament is made up of teams from across the spectrum of professional and amateur soccer in the United States. The champion of the single-elimination tournament will earn one of four USSF slots in the CONCACAF Champions League.

The Dutch Lions made a spectacular run in last year’s tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals before being elminated by Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, the eventual tournament champions. The Dutch Lions’ march through the brackets included victories over the Chicago Fire Premier and the Michigan Bucks, both of the PDL. The highlight of Dayton’s 2012 U.S. Open Cup accomplishments was the 2-1 third-round upset of Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium.

The Dutch Lions will once again open the U.S. Open Cup with an opponent from the PDL. The River City Rovers were founded in 2010, and this marks the first time that the team from Louisville has qualified for the U.S. Open Cup. The Rovers finished third in the Great Lakes Division of the PDL in 2012 with a 7-7-2 record to earn a berth in the tournament.

For more information about tickets or the Dayton Dutch Lions, please visit www.daytondutchlionsfc.com.

Portland Timbers U-23s News Release -- www.portlandtimbers.com

Monday, May 13, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U-23s kick off the 2013 campaign Tuesday evening at JELD-WEN Field as they play host to the Sacramento Gold of the National Premier Soccer League in the first round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $10, are available for purchase through the JELD-WEN Field box office and online at www.portlandtimbers.com.

The Timbers U-23s are one of 16 teams from United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League (PDL) competing in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup. The team qualified for the tournament based upon their second-place finish in the PDL’s Northwest Division in 2012.

The Timbers U-23s make their second appearance in the U.S. Open Cup this year, getting their first taste of the tournament in 2012. With the tournament fixture as the team’s first competitive action of 2013, head coach Jim Rilatt hopes to utilize this opportunity to help his players grow as a team.

“Our goal this year is to use the game to prepare ourselves for hopefully another U.S. Open Cup game and to get the players together and start to mold a cohesive group,” said Rilatt.

The team returns seven players from their 2012 roster, including defender Anthony Hobbs, who featured for the Timbers U-23s in last year’s first-round U.S. Open Cup match against PSA Elite.

“(Last year) was a good experience; we had the opportunity to play in the next round against professional teams, and MLS teams if you have a dream run,” said Hobbs. “Hopefully this year we get to experience the second round.”

A win for the Timbers U-23s on Tuesday evening would earn them a second-round matchup with the Charleston Battery of USL PRO at JELD-WEN Field on May 21.

A majority of the Timbers U-23s 2013 roster will arrive in Portland to join the team Monday, as players finish classes at their respective colleges. Despite the short preparation time, Rilatt feels that the talent the team possesses will help get them through the tight schedule.

“We have quite a few faces coming in that are from colleges with higher pedigrees than we’ve ever had before,” Rilatt said. “There are a lot of upcoming games in a two-week period, but when everybody arrives, we may have the depth to be able to manage those minutes better than we have ever had in the past.”

“Hopefully we can gel together pretty quick and get past the first game,” Hobbs said. “The longer we spend together the better we are going to get. Hopefully get past this game, improve for the next game and keep improving.”

The Timbers U-23s open their 2013 PDL season Thursday against the Seattle Sounders U-23s at JELD-WEN Field.

Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Monday, May 13, 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --The Charlotte Eagles (2-0-3, 9 points) return home to face their 21-year rival the Charleston Battery (5-1-0, 15 points), on Tuesday night at Queens Sports Complex. The Battery are the defending USL PRO Champions, and will challenge the Eagles undefeated start to the season as they enter on a five-game winning streak.

The Eagles took to the road for the first time this season on May 4th against the Richmond Kickers and came away with a 3-3 draw. The Eagles were down 2-0 at the break but scored two minutes into the second half when Christian Meza got on the end of a Shaun Francis cross. Charlotte would tie the game in the 79th minute as Stefan Smith headed home a corner kick to pull the Eagles level. Shaun Francis scored what looked to be the game-winner in the 89th minute with a wonderful strike from just outside the penalty area but Richmond struck just at the end of stoppage time to make it 3-3 and earn a share of the points.

Charlotte now sits in eighth place, with nine points from its first five games, in the USL PRO standings.

The Battery hosted a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO Championship game this past Saturday against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Charleston scored four goals in the first 30 minutes and then hung on to win 4-2 against the Hammerheads, with Nicki Paterson scoring his third goal in as many games while also adding an assist. The win gave the Battery 15 points this season and moved them into a tie for second place in the USL PRO standings with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

The Battery are led by head coach and general manager Mike Anhaeuser. The former Battery player joined Charleston in 1999 after playing at Indiana University and played five seasons for the club before moving into an assistant coaching role with the club. Anhaeuser became the head coach in 2005 and has led the Battery to two USL Championships in his career.

Scottish midfielder Paterson is back for his third season in Charleston. So far in 2013, Paterson is leading the team in scoring with three goals and two assists for eight points. Paterson was named the team MVP for the 2012 season after scoring 10 goals and adding two assists, while also earning USL PRO All-League First Team honors.

Ugandan midfielder Michael Azira is tied with Paterson with three goals this season, while former College of Charleston midfielder Zach Prince has two goals and two assists.

Last Season the Eagles were 2-1-0 against Charleston, splitting both games in Charlotte and coming away with a road victory against the Battery.

Tickets are still available! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets now.

Keep that Orange Flag Flying High and we'll see you on Tuesday at Queens Sports Complex!

Sounders FC U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com

Monday, May 13th, 2013

TACOMA, Wash. – The Sounders U-23 will take on Coast Soccer League champions, Doxa Italia, in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday night at Sunset Stadium in Sumner, Wash.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides and both are coming off of previous season successes. The Sounders U-23 were Premier Development League - Northwest Division regular season champions a year ago, and advanced all the way to the PDL National Final Four as Western Conference champions. Doxa Italia completed a perfect 16-0-0 season on their way to capturing the CSL Premier Division championship, and they will play for the CSL Cup title later this summer.

Doxa Italia is a formidable Southern California soccer club with a history of success inside and outside of California. They’ve won the CSL Premier Division league title five out of the last nine years, were USASA National Amateur Cup runners up in 2011, and that same year, Doxa made their first appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“Our previous experience in the U.S. Open Cup will certainly help us in our approach for this game,” said Doxa Italia midfielder/forward, Kyle Holland. “The Doxa Italia team that participated in the U.S. Open Cup in 2011 was comprised of a group that did not consistently play matches and train together the same way that this 2012-13 team has.”

The Sounders U-23 defense will have to be aware of the Doxa Italia goal scorers at all times. Doxa Italia scorched their opponents averaging over four-and-a-half goals per game (74 total), while allowing only 12 into their own net for the season. Leading all goal scorers was forward and team manager Bryan Byrne with 28 goals and 13 assists in 17 games. The offensive prowess comes as no surprise considering the level of experience present on the Doxa Italia side.

“The personality of this group is simple. Each player at one point or another in their career has played soccer at an elite level. So the competitiveness is always present at training and in games,” Holland said. “Most of us have played together for long enough to know one another’s strengths and weaknesses and not a single player is shy about calling another out if they aren’t providing what is needed for the team to be successful that day.”

Doxa Italia’s opposition, the Sounders U-23 are in their first US Open Cup. Head Coach and General Manager, Darren Sawatzky, has reassembled his young team, and is looking to add onto the success they achieved in their inaugural season last summer. Winning the 2012 PDL Northwest Division title earned the Sounders U-23 their first ever birth into this tournament.

“Qualifying for the Open Cup was a goal last year and the young players are excited to test their level against former professional players that compete in a very good league," Sounders U-23 coach Darren Sawatzky said. "Different than a team that plays and trains together regularly throughout the year, we field our group of academy players and top college players looking to get to that next level for a couple months. It will be a very good learning game for these players.”

The opening round match comes just ahead of the start of the 2013 PDL season for the Sounders U-23. Including Tuesday’s match, the Sounders U-23 will play three games in six days as they take to the road for their first two league matches. On Thursday afternoon they open league play at JELD-WEN field against last year’s runners up Portland Timbers U-23. Then the Sounders U-23 will travel north of the border to take on the Victoria Highlanders FC on Sunday night. 

The 2013 version of the Sounders U-23 will include some familiar faces, as well as plenty of new talent. Several of last year’s standouts have moved on to play in the MLS; such as defender Anthony Arena, goal keeper Doug Herrick, and current Sounders FC starter and U-20 U.S. National Team player DeAndre Yedlin, while others have moved on to other opportunities.

So far this year, the Sounders U-23, comprised mostly of trialists, went 1-0-1 in pre-season exhibition matches playing Bellingham United FC to a 0-0 draw, and defeating Seattle University 1-0. This first round match-up against a strong Doxa Italia team will allow the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the team in their first competitive match of the season.

“We play to win always so we look forward to the competitive nature Doxa Italia represents,” said Sawatzky. “Tuesday will be an exciting game for the fans.”

The winner of Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match will advance to face USL PRO team Charlotte Eagles at Queens University of Charlotte Sports Complex on Tuesday, May 21st. The loser is out of the single elimination style tournament.

For all Sounders U-23 information including roster signings, schedules, ticket information and more, visit SoundersU23.com, follow us on Twitter: @SoundersU23, or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.