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Battery Earn Victory In Houston

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Sunday, May 18, 2013

HOUSTON -- The Charleston Battery defeated the Houston Dynamo Reserves 1-0 on Sunday in an interleague match at BBVA Compass Stadium. Dane Kelly volleyed home the winner in the 35th minute to earn Charleston its sixth win of the season. With the win the Battery (6-2-0) move back into second position in the USL PRO standings.

The Battery enjoyed the better of the first half and created a number of good chances. Defender Taylor Mueller came close in the fourth minute but his header from a Nicki Paterson corner rose over the crossbar. Paterson was involved again in the 25th minute as Jose Cuevas picked out his run with a weighted pass down the right side. Paterson allowed the ball to come across his body but his right-footed volley looped over the bar.

Minutes later, defender Colin Falvey picked out Cuevas with another long pass that carried beyond the Houston defense. Cuevas controlled the ball onto his left foot, but his attempt from just inside the box curled wide.

The breakthrough came from a free-kick 10 minutes before halftime as Cuevas played the ball quickly down the line, catching Houston by surprise. Defender Emmanuel Adjetey lifted a cross to the back of the box for Kelly, who cushioned home his volley into the far corner of the goal.

The Battery continued to create chances after the break but as the game wore on the Dynamo Reserves’ pressure began to tell. Forward Brian Ching almost scored in the 82nd minute meeting a corner at the penalty-spot but his header flew wide.

With time running out Houston defender Christian Gonzalez tried his luck from 20 yards, but his drilled strike was tipped around the post by Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper, and the Battery were able to hold on the claim all three points.

Next up for the Battery is a second round US Open Cup game versus the Portland Timbers U23’s on Tuesday night in Portland, OR (10:30 p.m. EST / Sports radio 1450 AM).


United Advance Past City Islanders

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

READING, Pa. -- Reading United created a little bit of Cup magic on Tuesday night. On warm and humid late evening, United earned a historic 1-0 win over USL PRO’s Harrisburg City Islanders in front of their faithful fans. The win helped Reading maintain its perfect start to the 2013 season and also helped them book a place in the third round of the 100th U.S. Open Cup, where they will face Major League Soccer powerhouse, the New York Red Bulls.

Photo courtesy Glenn RiegellUnited entered the match against their fellow Philadelphia Union affiliate riding a tremendous wave of momentum. Reading started the season by scoring 13 goals while not conceding a single goal to open the 2013 campaign with a 3-0 record in all competitions. After defeating FC Lehigh Valley United, United Head Coach Brendan Burke acknowledge the challenge posed by Harrisburg. “It’s a great opportunity,” said Burke. “No real pressure on us, but it’s a big mountain to climb in terms of getting a result.”

As they had in their three previous matches, United began the match aggressively, putting the pro side on its heels early in the match. United backs Jonny Dolezal and Ben Sweat attacked down the City Islanders flanks while forwards Larry Ndjock and Mario Pinto pressed the Harrisburg back four.

Reading’s hustle and hardwork paid off in the ninth minute. Mario Pinto, the PDL Player of the Week last week, got under a long ball from goalkeeper John McCarthy. The bouncing ball took a deflection which Pinto volleyed past a helpless Nick Noble to stake Reading to an early 1-0 lead.

Harrisburg went in search of an equalizer and began applying pressure on Reading. United left back Ben Sweat was more than a match for former Philadelphia Union midfield Morgan Langley, who was frequently dispossed and left frustrated by the talented defender from South Florida.

The City Islanders had a golden opportunity to level the match in the 39th minute. Lucky Mkosana had an open header on goal, only to see McCarthy flash across the net and palm away the big forward’s effort.

With Reading 45 minutes from an Open Cup third round date with the New York Red Bulls, Burke made no adjustments to United’s tactics. “We said mentally, you guys need to stay switched on,” Burke said of his halftime team talk. “This game will turn on a counter-attack, this game will turn on someone falling asleep on a dead ball. You need to make sure that there are no mental lapses.”

Harrisburg came out of halftime on the attack. The United back line was under constant pressure for much of the second half. In need of a goal, Islanders Head Coach Bill Becher turned to his leading scorer Sainey Touray and Yann Ekra in the 61st minute. Intent on holding the lead, Burke countered by deploying holding midfield Fatai Alashe for the tiring Ndjock.

It was end-to-end stuff as the Islanders surged forward, only to be caught when Reading was able to launch a counterattack through the speedy Darius Madison. The Union academy product troubled the City Islanders backline with his pace and his footwork. A sequence in the 83rd minute saw Madison tip-toe his way through several Harrisburg defenders before forcing Noble to make a fingertip save.

It was almost heartbreak for Reading in the 85th minute when Jimmy Ockford fouled Touray inches outside the Reading penalty area. With the ball in a very dangerous spot, Mkosana’s free kick went straight into the wall. The rebound fell to one of his teammates, but his shot was smothered by McCarthy.

Under relentless siege by Harrisburg over the final minutes, Reading’s defense held firm and kept the Islanders off the scoreboard. Burke acknowledge the fine play of central defender Damion Lowe in helping to preserve the win. “He was my man of the match,” said Burke following the game.

Referee Ian Bongaardt’s final whistle signaled a historic victory for United and set off a celebration amongst the Reading supporters. The win was Reading first against a professional opponent in U.S. Open Cup play and avenges a crushing 2-1 loss to Harrisburg in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup. “I’m just very happy for our boys to have accomplished what they did tonight,” Burke shared following his post game huddle with the elated Reading squad.

The victory also means Reading will travel to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. to face the New York Red Bulls next Wednesday, May 29th. “It’s like a dream come true, to play against Juninho and all their stars,” said Mario Pinto following the game.

Reading United return home on Friday, June 7th when they host the Philadelphia Union at Don Thomas Stadium. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.readingunitedac.com. Reading United offer 2013 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages. Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.

Kelly Named Player of the Week

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USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week Nine of the season on Tuesday, with the Charleston Battery’s Dane Kelly earning Player of the Week honors after scoring the game-winning goal in the Battery’s 1-0 win against the Houston Dynamo Reserves on Sunday morning. The win moved the Battery into second place in the USL PRO standings, and handed Houston its first reserve defeat this season.

Kelly proved a threat from the off against the Dynamo Reserves, making good runs in behind the defense and helping create attacking opportunities throughout. Kelly was rewarded in the 35th minute as the Battery took a quick free kick that released Emmanuel Adjetay down the left, and his cross to the far post was volleyed home by Kelly for his second goal of the season.

Joining Kelly on the Team of the Week was his Battery teammate Colin Falvey, who put in a strong performance defensively as the Battery withstood late Houston pressure to claim victory. Falvey made a key block of a shot by Brian Ownby, sending the ball out for a corner, and kept his back line organized throughout the contest.

Falvey was joined in the Team of the Week defense by the Charlotte Eagles’ Shaun Francis, who scored a spectacular goal to give his side a 1-0 win against Charleston last Tuesday night. Wilmington’s Jamel Wallace was also selected after scoring in the Hammerheads’ 2-1 win against Los Angeles on Saturday, while Richmond’s Andrew Dykstra earned selection after making a number of key saves to earn the Kickers a point against Los Angeles on Friday.

Los Angeles’ Shay Spitz earned a berth in the midfield after his industriousness helped the Blues rally to claim a late equalizer against the Kickers on Friday night. Pittsburgh’s Matt Dallman was also selected after recording assists on both goals by the Riverhounds in their 2-2 draw with Dayton. The Dutch Lions’ Tjeerd Westdijk also earned selection, scoring the game-tying goal and recording an assist in the same contest.

Orlando’s Erik Ustruck was selected after scoring the game-winning goal for the Lions in their 1-0 win against Rochester, while Harrisburg’s Don Anding rounded out the quintet after a standout performance that saw him assist on Sainey Touray’s opening goal and prove a threat for much of the game down the flank. Completing the side is Orlando’s Dom Dwyer, who earns his fourth consecutive selection after scoring another pair of goals to take his league-leading total to 12 in the Lions’ 2-2 draw with Harrisburg.

The USL PRO season continues on Thursday night as the Charlotte Eagles head west to take on Phoenix FC at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium at 10:30 p.m. ET. Friday night brings a pair of games, with the Richmond Kickers hosting the Harrisburg City Islanders in a must-see clash from City Stadium at 7 p.m. ET, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds hosting Antigua Barracuda FC at 7 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium.

The Charleston Battery host the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Pat Ercoli returning to the sidelines for his first league game as coach for the Rhinos. Also on Saturday, the Wilmington Hammerheads begin their Florida swing with a visit to Orlando City at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the night being capped by Charlotte’s visit to the Los Angeles Blues at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The weekend concludes on Sunday evening as Antigua Barracuda FC visit the Dayton Dutch Lions at 6:30 p.m. ET. VSI Tampa Bay FC then returns to league action as it hosts Wilmington at Plant City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Every game of the USL PRO season can be seen on USLNation.com, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Pos

Player 

Team

Highlights

GK

Andrew Dykstra

Richmond

Had five saves to preserve Kickers’ undefeated start to season

D

Jamel Wallace

Wilmington

Scored opening goal as Hammerheads took victory against Blues

D

Colin Falvey

Charleston

Helped Battery record shutout against Dynamo Reserves

D

Sean Francis

Charlotte

Brilliant free kick earned Eagles victory against Battery

M

Erik Ustruck

Orlando

Had game-winning goal as 10-man Lions defeated Rochester

M

Matt Dallman

Pittsburgh

Recorded pair of assists in Riverhounds’ 2-2 draw with Dayton

M

Don Anding

Harrisburg

Put in excellent performance, recorded assist, for City Islanders

M

Tjeerd Westdijk

Dayton

Had game-tying goal, assist as Dutch Lions earned point

M

Shay Spitz

Los Angeles

Provided impetus for Blues’ comeback against Kickers

F

Dane Kelly

Charleston

Scored game-winner in Battery’s victory in Houston

F

Dom Dwyer

Orlando

Two more goals in Lions’ 2-2 draw against Harrisburg

Honorable Mention: Charleston – Emmanuel Adjetay, Jose Cuevas; Dayton – Gibson Bardsley; Harrisburg – Yann Ekra, Coady Andrews; Los Angeles – Allan Russell, Juan Perez; Orlando – Rob Valentino, Kevin Molino; Pittsburgh – Andrew Marshall, Jhonny Arteaga; Richmond – Luke Vercollone, Joseph Ngwenya; Wilmington – Daniel Steres, Tom Parratt.

Bosco, Houilston, Edgcomb Join K-W Utd.

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K-W United FC News Release - www.kwunitedfc.com

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WATERLOO, Ont. - K-W United FC is pleased to announce the signings of Veronica ’Ronnie’ Bosco, Anne Houilston and Carling Edgcomb for the 2013 W-League season.

Bosco is from Oakville, Ont. and has an impressive track record. With the Oakville Soccer Club, Bosco was a 2007 Ontario Cup champion and was the 2009 U14 OYSL top goal scorer. She was also the 2009-10 U14 national all-stars Golden Boot winner, which led to being selected for the U15 Canadian National team in 2010.

From 2008-12, Bosco was a member of the U14, U15 and U16 Ontario provincial teams, while being a member of the U17 National Training Centre in Ontario. Bosco comes to K-W United FC after spending last year with Hamilton FC.

"Ronnie is a game-changing type of pl ayer who has an abundance of talent,"head coach Brett Mosen said. "She thrives on competition and has a true ’winning’ mentality. We are thrilled to have Ronnie with us at United and expect her to be a major part of our W-League team."

Houilston, from Scotland, joins K-W United after becoming an assistant coach for Central Michigan University and has an impressive collegiate, professional and international resume. She began her coaching career in 2009 and her playing career in 1992, playing in the Scottish Premier League. Houilston was an NAIA first-team all-American and a member of the all-conference team at Lindsey Wilson College.

She has also played in the W-League with three different teams, as well as with three clubs in Scotland. She won both the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Cup as a member of the Glasgow City Ladies FC in 2005-06. Houilston represented Scotland on the U16 team once and three times at the European championships as a member of the U19 team.

"Anne will bring a wealth of experience to the W-League team," assistant coach Gerry Austin said. "Anne is very technical on the ball and has great vision. She will be someone the younger girls will look up to on the field."

Edgcomb is a senior with VCU. The defensive midfielder has played for the Montclair and FC Bucks club teams. She was a Region 1 finalist for Montclair in 2007, as well as a regional tournament semifinalist. Edgcomb advanced to the USYS national championships with FC Bucks in 2008 and 2009.

She was also a member of the ODP regional pool in 2007 and 2008, and the Inter-Regional in 2007 and 2009. Edgcomb started on  a team that won the U16 national championship and was a U17 national finalist.

"Carly loves to get forward and is a great attacking fullback with tons of energy," Austin said. "She started every game for VCU this season and we are delighted she is here with K-W United."

K-W United opens its W-League season on Wednesday, May 22 against the London Gryphons at home. Game time is 7 p.m.

Miller Called Up To U.S. U-20s

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

Monday, May 20, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers U-23s defender/midfielder Eric Miller has been called up by the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team for the upcoming 2013 Toulon Tournament in Toulon, France, it was announced today by U.S. Soccer.

Led by head coach Tab Ramos, the U.S. U-20 National Team opens play in the Toulon Tournament on Tuesday, May 28, against France at Stade Léo-Lagrange at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific). The United States is one of 10 countries participating in the 41st edition of the tournament and will compete in Group A against Colombia, Congo DR, South Korea and host France.

The group stage features four games, after which the group winners face each other in the championship match and the group runners-up meet in the third-place game on Saturday, June 8.

“It is a huge honor to be called up to play for your country and I’m excited to make my last push before the U-20 World Cup to try to earn a spot on the roster before the team heads to Turkey,” said Miller. “The tournament should be really good preparation to really figure out where we are at heading into the World Cup.”

Miller (Woodbury, Minn.) is one of 13 players on the U.S. U-20 National Team roster for the Toulon Tournament that helped the United States take second place at the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in early March in Puebla, Mexico. He will depart Friday for national team duty.

Miller has been a member of the U.S. U-20 National Team since 2012. He started against the Costa Rica U-20 National Team during the recent CONCACAF U-20 Championship, helping the United States qualify for the upcoming 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In 2012, he was called up for the Northern Ireland Milk Cup, the Marbella Cup and a series of friendlies, earning seven caps last year.

In his second season with the Timbers U-23s, Miller has helped the team open the 2013 Premier Development League season with a 2-0-0 record, tallying a goal against Sounders FC U-23 on May 16. He also aided in the Timbers U-23s win over the Sacramento Gold in the first round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 14. Miller was member of the Timbers U-23s squad in 2012 that reached the PDL’s Western Conference semifinal.

Miller is entering his junior season at Creighton University, where he is an all-conference player and has helped the school reach the NCAA College Cup in back-to-back seasons.

The U.S. U-20 National Team kicks off the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which runs June 21-July 13, against Spain on Friday, June 21, at Türk Telekom Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Austin's Cuero Ready For Former Team

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Austin Aztex Feature -- www.austinaztex.com

Monday, May 20, 2013

AUSTIN, Texas -- Andres Cuero is standing in front of a green screen at a local television studio filming promotions for an upcoming youth soccer tournament. The Aztex forward is asked to add more energy to each take, the television producer asking for that “gusto” for the promo.

Cuero is finding the energy for the shot, but a few minutes into filming, Cuero receives news: The Austin Aztex would host his former team, the Wilmington Hammerheads, if they advance to the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Immediately, Cuero is jubilant at the news and on his next take he attacks the promotion with a buzzing energy filled with a renewed sense of vigor.

He found his “gusto”.

Few people are being filmed when they receive news of a dream matchup. For Cuero, the Hammerheads announcement brought electricity into the room.

“When I found out about the possible match up against the Hammerheads I got really excited,” Cuero said. “I think whenever anyone plays against a former team, and still having friends on it, the game becomes a little more meaningful.”

Cuero joined the Aztex after spending the previous two years with the USL PRO squad. Cuero had to work his way on to the team, and he was able to do so after a strong showing during open tryouts in March 2011.

The forward scored four goals and added an assist in 1,441 minutes played over his two seasons. However, the bulk of his work came in the 2011 season, where Cuero scored three goals and the assist after logging 1,117 minutes. In 2012, Cuero was a key role player in limited minutes for the Hammerheads, who lost to the Charleston Battery in the USL PRO championship game.

“I enjoyed my time in Wilmington,” Cuero said. “They have a strong backing from the community and their fan base is one of the best in the USL PRO and that was awesome to experience.”

Now Cuero has returned to Austin, where he was a graduate from Westlake High School. Cuero’s transition to the Aztex has also gone smoothly.

“Paul (Dalglish) has done a good job in bringing in not only quality players but also stand-up guys as well,” Cuero said. “So right off the bat we have all gotten along well.

“Representing Austin in the U.S. Open Cup means a lot to me,” he added. “I am from Austin so having the opportunity to represent it on a grand scale is an honor. It also means a lot to represent the hard work that the owners, staff, and coaches have put into this great club. I think being able to positively recognize the Aztex is a tribute to those who work hard behind the scenes and the U.S. Open Cup is a good means to do so.”

Cuero did not disappoint during the 3-0 first-round victory against the NTX Rayados. The forward scored the opening goal in the 14th minute when he collected a rebound from Sito Seoane’s shot on goal. Cuero was able to tap the ball in just far enough for the ball to cross the line. The win secured the matchup versus the Hammerheads, a dream matchup for Cuero.

Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish says regardless if it were cup game or not, there is an extra motivation to perform well any time a player faces off against a former team.

“I am sure Andres will be motivated to prove himself against his former teammates,” Dalglish said.

With Tuesday’s match on the horizon, the Aztex are focused on the Hammerheads. After all, the Hammerheads are the first pro team to visit Austin since 2010.

Cuero in particular is ready for the reunion on the field with his former team. After training wrapped up Monday morning, Cuero stood on the field and took extra shots on goal, envisioning the game tomorrow.

“I feel very good about the matchup,” Cuero said. “I think with the squad that Paul has assembled, with all the talent and blue collar work ethic, we can match up against anyone. What I would love most is to win. I don’t care how we do it or who scores as long as we get the win.”

VSI To Host Rowdies In Open Cup

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

Monday, May 20, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC is proud to host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second round of the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night. Kickoff at Plant City Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with the winner meeting Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC in the third round next week.

VSI advanced to the second round after winning a penalty shootout against the Orlando City U23s in the opening round last Tuesday, and sets up the first-ever meeting between the club and the Rowdies. VSI scored all five of its penalty kicks in the shootout against Orlando after the two teams had finished tied 1-1 through regulation and extra time.

VSI Tampa Bay enters the match sitting sixth in the USL PRO standings after seven games. VSI won its last league contest, defeating Antigua Barracuda FC 3-1 on May 3. Since then, the side has been focused on the Open Cup, with Andriy Budnyy scoring his third goal of the season last week against the Lions.

VSI has been strong defensively, with Kyle Hoffer and Josh Rife two players to watch in Tuesday night's game. Offensively, Alex Freita, Tony Donatelli and Budnyy have developed a strong understanding of each other's movements, and will aim to provide the goals to take VSI into the third round and a visit to the Sounders.

Tickets are available online at www.vsi-fc.com, or at the Plant City Stadium box office, which opens at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night. General admission tickets for Tuesday night's game are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old. Parking is $5. Any child under 18 years old wearing a soccer jersey will be able to gain free admittance for Tuesday night's game, while Alessi Bakery will continue to provide concessions for all of VSI Tampa Bay FC's home matches in the 2013 season.

 

 

Eagles Set For Sounders U-23

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Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Monday, May 20, 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles are set to host the Sounders FC U-23 in the second round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Queens Sports Complex.  The winner of the matchup on Tuesday will play Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. If the Eagles win they will host the Fire at Winthrop University at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29th.

Seattle comes to Charlotte after beating Doxa Italia of Manhattan Beach, Calif. 5-1 in the first round. Sounders U23 forward David Geno, 21, scored four goals in the first half as the Sounders took a 5-0 lead into the half. Geno, who just completed his junior season at East Tennessee State, was signed by the Sounders U-23 out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. In his junior season Geno ended the year with 11 goals and eight assists in 20 appearances.

Formerly known as the Tacoma Tide, the Sounders FC U23 are a USL Premier Development League team that serves as the development platform for Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC. The head coach is Sounders FC director of youth development Darren Sawatzky. The team is comprised mostly of college-aged players who may have the opportunity to play for the MLS Sounders down the line.

The U.S. Open Cup is widely regarded as U.S. Soccer's National Championship, as the yearly tournament is open to all teams affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation. The winner of the Open Cup is given a berth into the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will play for a chance to go to the FIFA Club World Cup and compete against the best teams in the world.

Tickets, if purchased online, are $7.50 for Adults and $5.50 for Youth plus fees. To purchase tickets for the Open Cup game CLICK HERE


Nor'easters Set For Riverhounds

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Ocean City Nor'easters News Release -- www.oceancityfc.com

Monday, May 20, 2013

OCEAN CITY, N.J. -- After defeating the New York Red Bulls U23 team 2-0 last Tuesday, the Ocean City Nor’easters have been rewarded with a home game against USL PRO team the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The game will take place at Carey Stadium on Tuesday night with a 7:30 p.m kickoff.

The Riverhounds are struggling this season with a single victory against new franchise Phoenix FC two weeks ago. This was their first victory of the 2013 season after seven games without a win, and they are coming off a 2-2 draw on Saturday against the Dayton Dutch Lions at their home, Highmark Stadium.

The Riverhounds reached the second round of the Open Cup after struggling with amateur team RWB Adria from the USASA. RWB Adria took Pittsburgh to a penalty shootout after having a 1-0 until the halftime break, only for Seth C'deBaca to pull the Riverhounds even with a goal in the 53rd minute. After two scoreless periods of extra time, the Riverhounds won 5-4 on penalties to set up the fixture with the Nor’easters.

The prize for these two teams is a third-round game with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. The third round of the U.S. Open Cup is where all of the teams who enter want to be as the MLS teams enter the competition. The prestige and financial rewards for the smaller professional teams and amateur teams is what makes the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup such a unique and fantastic tournament in American sports.

To keep up to date with the latest news from the Ocean City Nor’easters please follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Rough Riders Open Season Strong

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Long Island Rough Riders News Release - www.liroughriders.com

Saturday, May 18, 2013

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - 
The Long Island Rough Riders started their 2013 W-League season with a dominant performance, defeating the Fredericksburg Impact 3-1. More than 1,800 fans were on hand as Amanda Epstein and Luisa Echeverry secured an early lead and Amanda Ferranti added an insurance goal in the second half.

The game was filled with drama and excitement from the start with Rogh Riders forward Grace Hawkins taking the first shot only 20 seconds in.  Just a minute later, Kayla Pifer’s corner kick found Echeverry, who passed back to Epstein to tally the first goal of the game.

The Rough Riders controlled the rhythm of the game, leading to multiple chances on goal. Hawkins played a vertical ball down the right flank, but Epstein’s shot was stopped by Impact goalkeeper Pacheco. When Holly Dawson passed deep to Echeverry however, Pacheco couldn’t do anything but watch the second goal of the game (33rd minute).

The Impact trie to get back in the game and sent defenders forward to pressure on the Rough Riders’ defense. The excellent play of the home team secured the 2-0 lead at halftime, with Long Island enjoying a 9-3 shot advantage.

The Rough Riders came out in the second half exactly where they left off in the first. The home team was playing attractive soccer, controlling the pace of the game. Hawkins’ attempt in the 47th minute beat the keeper, only to hit the cross bar. Long Island stayed alert and was able to add another goal when Hawkins beautifully found Ferranti, who secured the 3-0 lead.

When the game seemed to have been decided, the Impact had their best moment of the night when Chelsey Haney beat Rough Riders’ keeper Kim Comstock from the left corner of the 18-yard box (80th minute).

The victory puts the Rough Riders in first place of the Northeastern Conference with 3 points.

United Take Victory against Rangers

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

READING, Pa. – It’s difficult to start a season any better than Reading United A.C. have in 2013. Reading have started the season by scoring thirteen goals and have gone 270 minutes without conceding a goal on the way to earning three wins in all competitions. On Sunday, Reading posted a solid 3-0 victory over the visiting New Jersey LUSO Rangers in Premier Development League action. Goals from captain Steve Neumann, Stephen Baker and Jason Plumhoff and a strong showing from the Reading defensive unit helped to keep United perfect.

The match against the Rangers was Reading’s third in eight days. Head Coach Brendan Burke used the match to rest some key members of the squad ahead of Tuesday’s second round U.S. Open Cup match against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Burke made seven changes to United’s starting line-up that played against FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, including handing goalkeeper Alex Bono his first start of the season.

Reading again started fast, pressing the Rangers’ defense in early minutes of the match. PDL Player of the Week Mario Pinto created United’s first opportunity, racing into the New Jersey penalty area before crossing to a streaking Shane Campbell. The Rangers scrambled to clear the early threat, but they continued to struggle with Reading’s high tempo passing game.

A Rangers’ error allowed United to get on the scoreboard in the 15th minute. While attempting to close down Reading midfielder Dante Marini, one of the New Jersey defenders handled the ball in the area. Referee Ian Bongaardt pointed to the spot and Neumann fired his effort into the upper-left corner of the goal to stake Reading to a 1-0 lead.

The Rangers did little to threaten United’s back four and failed to record a shot in the first half. They did manage to hold firm defensively over the final 30 minutes of the half to keep the score at 1-0.

With an eye towards Tuesday’s Open Cup match, Burke made four substitutions at the half. Neumann made way for his Georgetown teammate Melvin Snoh. Jonny Dolezal replaced Damion Lowe in central defense while Fatai Alashe made his Reading debut when he came on for Keegan Rosenberry. Pinto would also come off in favor of Penn product Stephen Baker.

New Jersey upped its game in the second half, frequently testing the Reading back four. Following a Plumhoff free kick that forced Rangers’ keeper Rafeal Krauze into a spectacular diving save, New Jersey countered and a low drive to the far post sent Bono diving to his right to tip the ball around the post for a Rangers’ corner in the 56th minute. The big Syracuse keeper came off his line strongly to claim the corner and end the threat.

United would double their lead in the 73rd minute. Attacking down the right flank, Darius Madison worked his way into the box and picked out Plumhoff near the penalty spot. The midfielder took a shot, but it was blocked and rebounded back to his feet. Plumhoff spotted Baker on the left side of the penalty area and the Penn forward buried his opportunity to make it 2-0.

Any chance of a Rangers comeback ended in the 80th minute when Phillip Cunha picked up his second yellow card of the evening and was ejected for a hard challenge on Bill McConnell.

Reading sealed the win in second half stoppage time when Marini worked his way down the left flank before sending an inch perfect cross to an unmarked Plumhoff, who headed the ball home to make it 3-0 to Reading. “I saw Dante winding up and just got myself to the back post. The cross was amazing, I just headed it home,” said Plumhoff.

With the win, Reading sit atop the PDL’s Mid Atlantic Division with six points and an eye-popping plus-11 goal differential. “The six points are huge,” said Burke. “Early season is when we’ve tripped up in the past. Now, we’ve stepped up and taken care of business and done it in style.”

United will look to continue their winning ways when they play fellow Philadelphia Union affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders, in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night. Reading will look to avenge a close 2-1 loss to Harrisburg in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup. The match will be played on Reading’s home field, Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium with kick off scheduled for 7 p.m.

K-W United Adds Two

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K-W United FC News Release - www.kwunitedfc.com

Monday, May 20th, 2013

WATERLOO, Ont.
- K-W United FC is pleased to announce the signings of sisters Courtney and Candace Conrad for its W-League team for the upcoming season.

Courtney, from Dartmouth, N.S., comes off her second season with Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was one of three players to start every match with the Rams. She led the team in goals with 11, game-winning goals with five, and points with 23. She was named to the First Team All-Atlantic 10 and also gained NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic region honors. She was a member of the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team in the same year.

Prior to VCU, she spent a season with Jacksonville University. She led Jacksonville in both points (20) and goals (8) and was named to the Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team and the All-Tournament Team. She was a member of the U-20 Canadian National team player pool.

Candace joins Courtney at K-W United, after playing for Dartmouth United for the past six years. She played for Halifax County United when she was 16 and played for Prince Andrew High School and received the Rookie of the Year award.

Candace also played for the Nova Scotia Provincial team for five years, from the age of 13 until 18, and played the role of captain for the U-16 and U-18 teams. She was a member of the National Training Atlantic from 2007-09.

Candace has not committed to a university yet, but is debating between McGill University, University of New Brunswick Fredericton, and Acadia University.

The women start their season Wednesday against London at 7 p.m. at University Stadium.

For more information or photos, please contact Shelby Blackley at sblackley@kwunitedfc.com or 519-575-6002

MLS Announces New York City FC

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Major League Soccer News Release

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that a partnership of global sports powers, Manchester City Football Club and the New York Yankees, has acquired the League’s 20th expansion club. The new team will be named New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and expects to begin play in 2015.

“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country. The New York area is home to more than 19 million people¬, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city.”

“New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City Football Club, who will oversee the process of filling top New York City FC leadership positions in the weeks to come. “We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer. In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride.”

Manchester City will be the majority owner of the new Club. As an investor, the Yankees will be an active member of the ownership group. The New York Yankees and Manchester City Football Club have an existing commercial relationship through Legends Hospitality, LLC, an international entertainment, hospitality and marketing organization. Yankee Stadium is pleased to be hosting Manchester City on Saturday, May 25 for a “friendly” match against Chelsea FC, giving New York area fans a rare opportunity to see two outstanding English Premier League clubs up close.

“We are pleased to be associated with this major move by MLS to increase its presence in the New York market and to enhance the opportunity for New York soccer fans to enjoy high-level play in their own city. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Manchester City to create something very special for the soccer fans of New York -- and to bringing another terrific team to this city for all sports fans to enjoy,” said Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner of the New York Yankees. “Randy Levine, president of the New York Yankees, will be the point person in leading the effort to launch and establish the team on behalf of the organization,” Mr. Steinbrenner added.

With millions of residents watching soccer every week and nearly two million people actively playing the game, the New York/New Jersey area is one of North America’s most vibrant and proud soccer communities. The region has filled stadiums for countless marquee soccer events including the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, three MLS All-Star Games and numerous international exhibition matches. NYCFC becomes the first MLS club whose home will be located within the five boroughs, joining the Red Bulls as the second MLS club in the metropolitan area.

“Soccer is one of the world’s most exciting and popular sports, and it should be played on the world’s biggest stage -- in New York City,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “New Yorkers are the greatest sports fans in the world, and they will welcome a Major League Soccer franchise with the full-throated and loyal support they are famous for. Manchester City has a great reputation for both winning teams and serious community investment, and that will help them fit in well with the excellent leadership of New York City’s other professional sports teams. Increasingly, sports events and activities -- from the NHL playoffs to the MLB All-Star game to the SuperBowl -- are spurring economic growth, as our investments in new arenas and infrastructure are paying off.”

MLS was advised by Joe Ravitch and The Raine Group in connection with this transaction.

Future: A Home Field for NYC’s Newest Team

New York City FC is committed to seeking a new permanent stadium in New York. Until that time, the new team is arranging to play in an interim home beginning in its inaugural MLS season in 2015. Over the past year, MLS began discussions with the City of New York and other stakeholders about the possibility of constructing a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (FMCP) in Queens. The Club’s new management will continue these discussions with local government officials, community residents and businesses, soccer leagues, and MLS. The Club will continue to review other potential sites as well.

“New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer -- a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success,” Soriano said. “But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York. Only in this way, can the Club truly represent the City whose name it will carry.”

“City Soccer in the Community”: NYC FC’s Commitment to Youth Soccer in NYC

Manchester City is a leader among sports organizations in its charitable efforts, with one-sixth of its staff fully dedicated full-time to community outreach. Building on this tradition of community outreach, New York City FC will expand and enhance the grassroots youth soccer program “City Soccer in the Community,” which it has been running in New York since 2010. The program, now headquartered at PS 72 (Lexington Academy) in East Harlem, which boasts New York City’s only rooftop soccer field, provides quality soccer instruction and programming to thousands of children in 20 NYC public schools each year. New York City FC looks forward to expanding its community outreach to bring soccer to thousands of more kids throughout the five boroughs.

Manchester City has funded the construction of soccer facilities for youth in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington D.C. For more on City Soccer, click here. In addition, the “City in the Community,” foundation focuses on similar initiatives worldwide.

From Chasers to Defenders

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Ottawa Fury News Release - www.ottawafury.com

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

OTTAWA, Ont. - For this first time in their history, the Ottawa Fury do not enter the season as championship chasers, rather as championship defenders. After a veteran-laden lineup led them to the W-League Championship in 2012, and several members of the squad joined the professional ranks, the Fury will begin their 14th W-League season with many new faces.

The Fury's ability to develop talent continues to garner attention worldwide, so it comes as no surprise the head coach Dom Oliveri has been able to attract some top international players. The 2013 squad will feature a pair of Australians in Emily Gielnik and Gema Simon; New Zealand international Liz Milne, and Katie Brussel from England, who just completed the 2012/13 season with Liverpool Ladies FC.
 
Ottawa's American contingent includes a pair of players from Penn State in Britt Eckerstrom and Kori Chapic, University of Michigan defender Holly Hein, Syracuse striker Alexis Koval, and a pair of NCAA veterans in Tessa Gavilsky and Karen Gurnon.

Another American that is new to the roster for 2013, but familiar to Fury fans, is 2011 W-League Defender of the Year Amanda Fancher.

Oliveri's returning cast includes a pair of veterans - captain Jasmine Phillips and defender Gillian Baggott - as well as Fury Youth Academy grads Lauren Hughes and Breanna Burton, who return for their second year of W-League action. Graduates from the Fury Youth Academy Emma Donnelly and Kayla Adamek will begin their first W-League season, as will Carleton University players Briana DeSouza and Veronica Mazzella.

Two new faces that boast plenty of W-League experience are Alysha Mottershead and Kinley McNicoll, who join the Fury from the Toronto Lady Lynx, along with Canadian U20 National team player Shelina Zadorsky.

The final new look for the Fury this season will be their logo, which will feature a star set above the crest to signify their W-League Championship - a reminder of more than a decade of hard work and commitment to success and development.

Orlando Earns Victory In Ocala

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

OCALA, Fla. — Behind one goal in either half, Orlando City SC advanced past the PDL’s Ocala Stampede 2-1 on Tuesday night in the second round of the 100th edition of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Forest High School. With the win, the Lions will host Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Colorado Rapids next Tuesday, May 28, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

“I thought our first half performance was very good,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We gifted them (Ocala) a goal in the second half and let them back in the game. But at the end of the day we bring the Rapids to Orlando next week and it will be a good game for us.”

The Lions came out on the attack to begin the match, with league-leading scorer Dom Dwyer nearly converting chances early on, including a bicycle kick in the 20th minute of play. The Sporting Kansas City loanee and the Lions frontline continued to press, with it paying off just past the halfway point of the first half.

After an Ocala throw-in, Erik Ustruck took away control from the Stampede, passing his attempt into the box where an Ocala defender knocked a deflection to Dwyer. The striker then lobbed the deflection up and over goalkeeper Lex Craggs, putting Orlando up 1-0.

Just after the second half began, the Lions went up 2-0 after an Adama Mbengue strike in the 50th minute. The midfielder found space just inside the 18-yard box, blasting a low strike past the Ocala defense and into the right corner for the two-goal advantage. 

Ocala responded with a goal of their own in the 58th minute, with midfielder Christian Blandon scoring after Orlando goalkeeper Jon Kempin made two diving saves in a penalty situation. The Stampede were awarded a penalty after Kempin took down an Ocala striker inside the box, with the Sporting KC loanee making two saves initially, only for Blandon to secure the follow up and cut the lead down to 2-1.

Orlando regained composure after the goal, retaining possession while getting multiple chances at a third score. The last part of the match was a back-and-forth affair, with the Lions ultimately holding strong and ending the match with the victory.

The club plays one regular season match on Saturday night against the Wilmington Hammerheads before hosting the Rapids in the third round of U.S. Open Cup play on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Bank at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Tuesday’s game marks the first time Orlando has hosted an MLS team at home in the knockout tournament, with the Lions traveling to opponent’s venues in the third round of the past two seasons.

Tickets will be available on www.Orlandocitysoccer.com/tickets. For more information on the upcoming matches, please visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.


Tucson Grabs Victory In Shootout

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — FC Tucson had done everything it could to beat San Antonio in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. But as the players waited for San Antonio’s Kevin Harmes to take their final penalty kick, all the club could do was rely on their opposition to find out their fate.

Harmes sent his penalty kick into the night sky and FC Tucson moved on to the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a 2-2 draw in regulation and a 4-3 win in penalty kicks. The win makes FC Tucson the first club in Arizona history to advance to the third round of the U.S Open Cup.

“It’s big time,” said FC Tucson midfielder Ricardo Velazco. “It’s big time for Arizona. It’s big time for the staff, for all the FC Tucson fans and for me. … This goes to Arizona. This goes out to all of Tucson and the supporters who have been behind us. This goes out to all of them.”

FC Tucson was moments from winning the match 2-1 at the end of regulation but a late handball call in the box gave the Scorpions new life as Hans Denissen converted the penalty kick to tie the match.

“I talked to everyone and tried to calm everyone down (and tell them) to play our game,” said Eli Galbraith-Knapp about his reaction to the penalty kick. “And we did. And we came back and fought for 120 minutes and we got the win.”

But the final goal of regulation may not have happened if it had not been for the goalkeeping of Dallas Jaye. In the 59th minute, Jaye leapt to punch a shot over the bar to keep the match 1-1. Then in the 88th minute, Jaye managed to stop a shot from close range before it got tangled in a web of flying legs before finally being cleared.

Even the handball call was the result of a Jaye save. During the sequence, a Scorpions player fired a close-range shot, but Jaye pushed away toward his left before it hit an FC Tucson player for the handball call. Then Jaye made two more big saves in extra time.

“It fires up the team,” said captain Travis Campbell about Jaye’s performance. “That gets the team going. He made some great, huge saves: one-v-one and everything. It was a real big boost for us on the field.”

San Antonio opened the scoring when Harmes came screaming into the box and headed a corner inside the near post past a helpless Jaye. The score remained 1-0 until the 57th minute when Velazco cracked a shot from just outside the box into the bottom corner of the net.

Then in the 64th minute forward Saeed Robinson appeared to score FC Tucson’s second goal of the match but it was then called off because Robinson was caught offside. Three minutes later Conner Bevans found Robinson right at the far post and Robinson tapped the ball in to give FC Tucson a 2-1 lead.

FC Tucson will now play the Houston Dynamo in Houston on Wednesday, May 29 in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Kickers Move On To Third Round

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers claimed a 4-1 win against Icon FC in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night, setting up a third-round contest where they will face the club’s MLS affiliate D.C. United on Tuesday, May 28. After conceding a ninth-minute Argjent Duka goal, the Kickers rallied behind a Joseph Ngwenya penalty kick and a pair of Stanley Nyazamba tallies to oust their USASA opponent from the tournament.

Photo courtesy Suz KitsteinerKickoff for the U.S. Open Cup Third Round match-up is set for 7 p.m. at City Stadium and tickets are on sale now for $15, youth and adult, at RichmondKickers.com.

Searching for their second upset in as many weeks, Icon grabbed an early lead, capitalizing on their first chance of the night when defender Kevin Garcia eluded defenders on the left wing and fed the ball into Duka’s path. Duka dummied the ball as Nelson Becerra played him in behind the defense as Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra came off his line to challenge the charging forward. He beat his last mark and slotted the ball through to the far right corner inside the first 10 minutes of the opening whistle.

The visitors’ celebrations were short-lived, however, as the Kickers leveled the score two minutes later. Ngwenya held up the ball at the top of the box and played it to Nyazamba who beat the ‘keeper in similar fashion to draw his side even.

Soon after, Kickers midfielder Luke Vercollone warded off a feisty Becerra in Icon territory and threaded the ball through to Nate Robinson. The Kickers playmaker attempted a shot from the penalty area but goalkeeper Chris Duggan sprung into action to make the save.

The Kickers were rewarded for their offensive pressure in the 24th minute, gaining the advantage for the first time of the night. Sandwiched between a pair of defenders, Ngwenya was brought down in the box near the touchline and made no mistake from the spot, burying a low driven ball just inside the right post.

After conceding a second goal, Icon pressed forward and tested Dykstra several times before the end of the half. Attempting to benefit from a dangerously positioned free kick, Jonathan Yazo delivered a curving ball on target, forcing Dykstra to reach to his right to wrap it around the near post in the 31st minute. Dykstra came up big once again two minutes later when Teddy Nizolek got on the end of an inswinging free kick from the right flank, to bat the ball over the endline.

Following the restart, the Kickers renewed their pace and pressured Duggan in the 51st minute when Robinson served up a blazing cross through the box, connecting with Vercollone in the air but his close-range header was thwarted by the unwavering Icon goalkeeper. Vercollone was integral again seconds later when his cross found Nyazamba at the top of the box. Duggan punched the resulting shot from harm’s way, with the rebound falling to Robinson but his well-timed side volley glanced inches over the crossbar.

The Kickers extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Ngwenya received the ball at the top of the box and played it wide to an awaiting Mike Callahan deep on the right wing. The Kickers midfielder lined up a dangerous cross that took a big deflection off an Icon defender and over Duggan’s outstretched hands.

As regulation neared, Nyazamba added his second goal of the night to close out the 4-1 scoreline. Battling for the ball on the left edge of the box, he stepped around his defender and lofted the ball into the far upper 90 to carry the Kickers through to the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Before taking on D.C. United in the tournament next week, the Richmond Kickers return to regular season action this Friday night when they host the Harrisburg City Islanders at City Stadium at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

Menace Spring Surprise In Minnesota

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

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Des Moines Menace fans, make plans to pack the bus for Kansas City.

Put it on your calendars: Tuesday, May 28 – Des Moines Menace against Sporting KC at Sporting Park. For the first time in the franchise’s 20 seasons, the Menace takes center stage in a Major League Soccer venue.

A nail-biting, 1-0, upset of Minnesota United FC on Tuesday night set the scene for one of the most anticipated matches in Menace history. Under rainy skies at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, Brandon Fricke’s headed goal in the 86th minute lifted Des Moines past the pros, and into the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Menace are headed to Kansas City, Kan., to the state-of-the-art, $200-million Sporting Park, for a 7:30 p.m. CT match against the reigning Open Cup champions.

Can head coach Mike Jeffries’ crew hang with an MLS team? On this night, they got past the North American Soccer League’s 2012 runner-up – the same group that knocked the Menace out of the cup’s second round a year ago.

“It was fantastic,” Jeffries said. “The guys came out with the right attitude and effort. They knew what they wanted, and they made it happen.”

Jimmy Tulloch set up the game-winning goal with less than five minutes left in regulation, sending in a well-placed corner kick. From the far corner of the six-yard box, Fricke timed his jump in perfect rhythm. The fourth-year defender from Grimes nailed the ball just inside the left post, beyond the reach of Minnesota goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.

“We had put pressure on them all game with corners,” Fricke said. “We were just finally able to connect on one.”

Fricke’s teammates mobbed him before he could sprint all the way back to midfield. Tulloch celebrated by motioning to shush the home fans. Minnesota forward Pablo Campos took issue with this. The NASL’s 2012 Most Valuable Player chased after Tulloch and gave him a chest bump; the center referee intervened.

In the final minutes, Des Moines pulled everyone back and held on for dear life. Minnesota attacked with a series of shots, including one that pinged off the cross bar. Menace goalie Scott Angevine secured his third straight 1-0 shutout win – and a chance to play against his former team. Angevine, a Kansas City native, played for his hometown MLS side in 2012.

Tulloch has used corner kicks to assist goals in the Menace’s last two matches. He headed in the goal in a 1-0 win over Madison in the Cup’s first round on May 15, and he nearly scored again in the 23rd minute against Minnesota. VanOekel’s backward, diving save knocked the ball over the goal, deflecting Tulloch’s hooking chip shot.

The visitors caught a break when Campos’ apparent goal was disallowed in the 68th minute, called back on an offside call. Minnesota took 16 shots – double the Menace’s total – but not one found the back of the net.

Des Moines improves to 10-7 all-time in the Open Cup, including a 6-5 mark against professional teams and a 4-3 record in road matches. In 2005 and 2006, the Menace lost fourth-round matches against the Kansas City Wizards. Those are the only two occasions Des Moines has faced an MLS team in the Cup, and neither of those matches was played in the Wizards’ home stadium.

MAN of the MATCH, presented by Seneca Companies: Brandon Fricke, whose second goal with the Menace will not soon be forgotten. Fricke, a defender from Grimes, attends Butler University. He played for the Kanas City Wizards’ youth academy.

UP NEXT: Des Moines hops back into PDL action on Saturday (May 25), for the second of six straight road matches. The Menace faces Heartland Division rival St. Louis in a 5 p.m. grudge match at Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in St. Peters, Mo.
The Menace’s next home match is Saturday, June 8 against Springfield on Youth Soccer Night.

BUS TRIP: The Menace organization is working to make bus trips, including admission into Tuesday’s game, available to fans on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit MenaceSoccer.com for further details.

Fury Take Aim At Title

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Ottawa Fury News Release -- www.ottawafury.com

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

OTTAWA, Ont. -- After falling a goal shy from reaching the PDL Final Four in 2012, the Ottawa Fury are not just eyeballing their fourth division title in five years in 2013, but they are taking aim at the PDL Championship. The trio of Stephen O’Kane, Jason Whiting and Marc Lapointe return after spending the off-season building what is arguably the best roster that the Fury have ever seen - on paper - and the 2013 season will determine if having depth, talent and experience at every position is a recipe for a PDL Championship.

Despite their successes in 2012, O’Kane and company only have seven returning players for the 2013 campaign led by veteran Will Beaugé, who currently sits at 96 career points with the Fury, and striker Carlo Basso, who finished second to Beaugé in team scoring last season. Another returning striker is local product Robbie Murphy. The Fury’s backline see’s the return of Sandro Rajkovic and Peter Manginas, while the last line of defence has Nils Carlson and local product Chad Bush back between the pipes.

While the Fury will have several new faces for 2013, they won’t be short on PDL experience. Carl Haworth joins the Fury after capturing the PDL Championship last season with FC London and should provide ample offence and leadership for the club in 2013. Another major coup for the Fury was landing a pair of captains from a pair of top PDL squads from last year - Jordian Farahani who captained the Thunder Bay Chill and Joseph Dawkins who captained the Ocala Stampede. Jacob Barron joins the Fury from Reading United and former Capital City FC players Emir Zrnic and Francis Letourneau return to Ottawa after spending the 2012 season with the Chicago Inferno. Shaun Foster, who plies his trade at Hofstra University, joins the club from rivals the Jersey Express who the Fury eliminated from the post season back in 2010.

The team’s international contingent boasts some impressive talents led by defender Artur Piperkov and midfielder Yannis Becker who both came through the Werder Bremen Youth Academy. French midfielder Loic Miliani joins the club after capturing the NAIA Championship with Belhaven this past fall and Kozarac, Bosnia native Maid Memic comes to the Fury after captaining NCAA Division 1 School Hofstra University. The team’s British connection includes a pair of NCAA Division 1 midfielders in Eddie Jones from the University of Dayton and Jon Barden from James Madison University.

The experience runs deep for some of the Canadian and American talents that have also been added for 2013. Kennedy Owusu Ansah has played for RoPS Roviemi in Finland and was also capped four times for the Canadian U20 team. Oakville, Ont. native Niko Jelicic comes to the Fury after leading a major turnaround as captain at NAIA school Holy Cross while Jacob Van Compernolle is another standout defender who plies his trade at UNC Wilmington. Goalkeeper Barrett Nielsen joins the Fury from Lander University where form Fury captain Jamie Ramm played, and the club is also excited to have Gatineau native and Fury Youth Academy graduate Justin Maheu back in the fold after he spent the last couple years in Germany with the Fortuna Dusseldorf Reserves.

With depth, talent and experience at every position the Fury have assembled all of the necessary ingredients to challenge for their first-ever PDL Championship. 

Wolves Set To Host Eagles

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Phoenix FC News Release -- www.phoenixfc.com

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

PHOENIX -- Phoenix FC's first league match in almost two weeks pits the Wolves against the Charlotte Eagles on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. PT at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in a match that will see forward Darren Mackie in the Wolves' starting lineup for the first time this season. Phoenix FC is also hosting Military Appreciation Night.

Former Scottish Premier League standout Mackie was the first player ever signed to play for Phoenix FC, and he was intended to be the centerpiece of a high-octane offense for the Wolves. Mackie suffered a groin injury early in training camp and has since been sidelined, making only one brief appearance off the bench. His addition to the starting lineup has been highly anticipated both in Phoenix and in international circles, where "The Dazzler" has a substantial following of devoted fans.

Phoenix FC will also kick off the Memorial Day weekend with a Military Appreciation Night by offering a free ticket to all active and retired military members. Proper military identification must be presented at the Phoenix FC ticket booth beginning at 6 p.m. to receive one (1) free admission.

Phoenix FC hasn't played a USL PRO match since May 11 at Dayton. The Wolves (2-5-2) have eight points from nine matches but are only two points out of a playoff spot with 17 matches remaining on their schedule. The seventh-place Eagles have 12 points from a 3-0-3 record, so their spot in the standings is somewhat misleading having played fewer matches than all but one other club.

Phoenix FC made late charges in its two most recent league matches at Dayton and Pittsburgh but just missed a draw in each. The Wolves led until the 82nd minute in Tucson.

Aaron King, Peabo and Tommy Ramos scored their first goals of the season at Pittsburgh and Dayton. King scored one in each game and shares the club lead in league goals with Diego Faria and Netinho. Faria has three goals in all competitions to lead the Wolves. , while midfielder Scott Morrison has played every minute of every league match, 810 total minutes plus stoppage time.

Charlotte got a goal from defender Shaun Francis, a former MLS player with the Columbus Crew, to defeat defending USL PRO champion Charleston last week. The Eagles then took a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Sounders FC U-23 of the Premier Development League.

This could present a challenge, as the Eagles must play, then go from North Carolina to Arizona the next day and face Phoenix FC the following evening.

Other Eagles to watch are forward Cuitlahuac "Christian" Meza, goalkeeper Eric Reed and top reserve Sergio Villasenor of Mexico, who played for the ill-fated but memorable Indios de Juarez during their short-lived run in Mexico's First Division and who faced his current team in the U.S. Open Cup a year ago while with the El Paso Patriots of the PDL.

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