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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

CHICAGO – The fourth-round scenarios and locations have been announced for the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – the 100th year of the competition – with matches scheduled for Wednesday, June 12.

Home teams are determined by a random selection process from among those clubs that have applied to host and whose venues meet the minimum tournament requirements. Twenty of the 32 teams competing in the third round have a chance of hosting in the fourth round – 18 are known with this announcement, with two others to be determined in the near future.

Second-round action concluded on Tuesday, May 21, with four PDL teams advancing to the third round, taking place May 28-29. All 16 domestic Major League Soccer teams open play in this year’s tournament next week, with 2012 U.S. Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City beginning defense of its crown on May 28 against the PDL’s Des Moines Menace.

For a full breakdown of the upcoming schedule and previous results, complete with venue information, visit the following 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup pages:

• 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament Home
• 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule

THIRD ROUND SCHEDULE

37. Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET

38. D.C. United (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. ET

39. New England Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:35 p.m. ET

40. Chicago Fire (MLS) at Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO)
Winthrop University Stadium; Rock Hill, S.C.
Wednesday, May 29^, at 7 p.m. ET

41. Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET

42. FC Dallas (MLS) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET

43. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET

44. Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. CT

45. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. MT

46. Chivas USA (MLS) at L.A. Blues (USL PRO)
Titan Stadium; Fullerton, Calif.
Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. PT

47. LA Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:15 p.m. ET

48. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET

49. Reading United AC (PDL) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET

50. FC Tucson (PDL) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, Texas
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. CT

51. Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla.
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET

52. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) at Portland Timbers (MLS)
JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.
Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. PT

FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE

53. Reading United AC (PDL)/New York Red Bulls (MLS) winner at New England Revolution (MLS)
Harvard University; Cambridge, Mass.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Reading United AC (PDL)/New York Red Bulls (MLS) winner at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:35 p.m. ET

54. Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)/Philadelphia Union (MLS) winner at D.C. United (MLS)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

OR

Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)/Philadelphia Union (MLS) winner at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

55. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)/Columbus Crew (MLS) winner at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)
Beavercreek High School; Beavercreek, Ohio
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

56. Colorado Rapids (MLS)/Orlando City SC (USL PRO) winner at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. MT

OR

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

57. FC Tucson (PDL)/Houston Dynamo (MLS) winner at FC Dallas (MLS)
FC Dallas Stadium; Frisco, Texas
Wednesday, June 12, at 8 p.m. CT

OR

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, Texas
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) vs. FC Tucson (PDL)
TBD

58. Chivas USA (MLS)/Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO) winner at LA Galaxy (MLS)
StubHub Center; Carson, Calif.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. PT

OR

Chivas USA (MLS)/Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:15 p.m. ET

59. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)/Charleston Battery (USL PRO) winner at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks Park; Chamblee, Ga.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)/Charleston Battery (USL PRO) winner at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. MT

60. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)/Portland Timbers (MLS) winner at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. PT

OR

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Portland Timbers (MLS)
JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. PT

OR
Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
TBD 

W-League News Release

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced its Team of the Week for Week 2 of the 2013 season today, honoring LA Strikers midfielder Rachel Daly as Player of the Week after she led the defensive effort as the Strikers shut out Pali 2-0, handing the powerhouse Blues only their second home defeat in six seasons.

Daly’s midfield partner Jamie Bell was also named to the team after she scored the game-winning goal in the upset win. Rounding out the midfield is Atlanta’s Stacy Balaam, who scored a goal and dictated the midfield play as the Silverbacks improved to 2-0 with a 3-0 victory against Charlotte.

The Team of the Week defense is led by a pair who scored game-winning goals in a two-game weekend series between VSI Tampa Bay and Carolina Elite. Carolina’s Hannah Gmerek scored the winner in Friday night’s 1-0 Cobras victory, and Cara Patterson returned the favor in a 2-0 VSI Tampa Bay win Sunday. Gmerek’s teammate Rose Hull, who made five saves Friday night, was chosen as the goalkeeper after earning her first shutout.

Also selected on defense are the Long Island Rough Riders’ Amanda Ferranti, who scored a goal in a 3-1 victory against Fredericksburg, and the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Meghan Cox, who led her team to a shutout victory against Virginia Beach.

Washington striker Ashley Herndon leads the forward contingent, the high school senior having scored the game-winner vs. Virginia Beach, and she is joined by Luisa Echeverry of Long Island and Atlanta’s Savannah Jordan, who each had a goal and an assist in their teams’ wins.

W-League Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Atlanta - Jane Campbell, Cherie Sayon; Fredericksburg - Rebecca Burrows, Caty Butler, Ashley Herndon, Jesse McGinley; Long Island - Amanda Epstein; Los Angeles – Kristy Krohn; New York - Kelci Hegg, Aya Noguchi; VSI Tampa Bay – Karina Gutsche.

New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

EWING, N.J. - Humid conditions surrounded Lions Stadium at The College of New Jersey on Wednesday night, and the host New Jersey Wildcats (1-0-0, 3 points) caught some fire of their own in the opening match of its 2013 W-League season. The Wildcats struck for four first-half goals against the visiting North Jersey Valkyries (0-1-0, 0 points) before turning to a defensive mindset in the second half, earning a 4-2 victory and three critical points against its Northeastern Conference foe.

The Wildcats opened the scoring in the 11th minute, starting off a crafty possession from midfielder Claudia Vasquez of the Puerto Rican National Team. After acquiring the ball on the left flank near the center circle, Vasquez looked upfield and delivered a well-placed strike onto the feet of a streaking Jess Fuccello. The UPenn graduate then one-touched the ball forward and raced through a hole in the North Jersey defense to find herself alone in front of Valkyries netminder Lianne Maldanado. Once seeing the situation, she chipped the ball over the head of Maldanado to give her team an early 1-0 advantage.

Fifteen minutes later, Fuccello put herself on the other side of the stat sheet, hooking up fellow striker Daija Griffin in the right zone of the penalty area. Once gaining possession, the speedy Piscataway native turned on the jets and continued driving to that side. She then quickly stopped on a dime, which froze Maldanado, wasting no time in firing a right-footed shot into the wide side netting to make it 2-0 for the Wildcats.

North Jersey was able to respond in the 28th minute, with midfielder Ashley Clarke breaking through the left side of the Wildcats box before feeding forward to early substitute Danielle Schulmann. The crafty striker then maneuvered herself around New Jersey goalkeeper Sage Dovale with the ball at her feet, making it to where she could easily tap in a goal with her left foot.

Despite the three goals in the first 30 minutes of the match, the first-half scoring was still far from over. First, Griffin made some room towards the top of the box in the 42nd minute before quickly turning to find Fuccello. The New Jersey native then touched around a defender and fired a hard shot towards the far post that ripped into the netting, making it 3-1 in favor of the host side.

Substitute Jesse McDonough later extended that lead to 4-1 in the waning seconds of the half, registering a stoppage-time tally. After distribution came from Vasquez, she gained possession from deep out and caught Maldanado overcommitting to the long ball she received. Seeing the opportunity in front of her, McDonough quickly chipped a ball over the opposing netminder's head, and the Wildcats held a 4-1 advantage when the two sides broke for intermission.

Only one goal was recorded in the second half, and it was from the feet of the visiting Valkyries. After earning a free kick from about 30 yards out, North Jersey midfielder Nickolette Driesse stepped over the ball. Sensing a bit of an opening, Driesse then put a near perfect strike on a shot attempt, sending it over the New Jersey wall and ricocheting into the net after hitting the nearside post.

After seceding that goal to make it 4-2, the Wildcats buckled down on the defensive end of the field to make sure no more damage was done. Both sides turned up the aggression as well, and a handful of yellow cards were revealed as a result.

Next up for the Wildcats is a road outing on Saturday, June 1, when the team travels to Virginia Beach to play the Piranhas and then the Fredericksburg Impact the following day. The next home match for New Jersey is on Saturday, June 8, when it hosts the Piranhas at 2 p.m. at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel.

Tickets for all Wildcats home matches are now available and can be attained by calling 732-298-7619. Individual game tickets as well as team and family packages are available.

Carolina Dynamo News Release -- www.carolinadynamo.com

Thursday, May 23, 2013

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Carolina Dynamo are set to host the inaugural National Amateur Championship, part of U.S. Soccer’s Centennial Celebration, this Memorial Day Weekend at Macpherson Stadium. The Dynamo, who qualified for the tournament as the PDL’s representative after reaching the PDL Championship Game last season, will face Boston-based USASA side the Battery Park Gunners at 8 p.m. ET in the event’s second semifinal on Friday night. The NPSL’s FC Sonic and USASA’s Croatian Eagles will meet in the first semifinal at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The two semifinal winners will meet on Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. ET to decide the inaugural winner of the National Amateur Championship.

"We are proud to announce the inaugural National Amateur Championship, which will bring together the best amateur teams in the country and crown a true National Amateur Champion," USASA Executive Director Duncan Riddle said. "It is especially fitting to begin this tournament as U.S. Soccer celebrates its Centennial year.  Many of the member leagues and teams of USASA are also commemorating U.S. Soccer’s  100th year and have done so much to grow and popularize the game of soccer throughout the United States."

The winning team will be awarded the Hank Steinbrecher trophy, which the USASA named in honor of the former Secretary General of U.S. Soccer and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.

“What a fantastic year to celebrate not only the 100th anniversary of U.S. Soccer but to start a new, truly historic National Amateur Cup,” Steinbrecher said. “I am looking forward to attending the event in Greensboro and spending time with players, referees and administrators. What fun it will be. My family and I are delighted to have the trophy named in our honor although the real honor will be to crown the first National Amateur Champion.”

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

Thursday, May 23, 2013

WATERLOO, Ont. - In their inaugural game as K-W United FC, the W-League team fought back to tie the game late into extra time, claiming a draw with the London Gryphons, 1-1.

Maxine Murchie, a Kitchener, Ont., native, found the ball after a scramble at the top corner of the box and sent it into the net to tie the game in the third minute of extra time.

"The dressing room was very intense and I was a little bit nervous, obviously, but as a team we supported each other," Murchie said. "We said it's the first game as K-W United, first game ever, and we just said 'lets kick butt out there, let's do our thing.'"

The first half of the game began slow for United, as it struggled to find momentum and bring the ball up the half. However, Emma Kruse stood tall in net for K-W and came up big on a London corner kick in the 37th minute and a free kick in the 45th minute to finish the half.

K-W United came out flying in the second half, with Kruse playing big in net and Scotland native Anne Houliston having two big chances. First, she broke down the left side, but was called offside in the 72nd minute. Five minutes later, Houliston had a clean shot on London goalkeeper Miranda Horn, but Horn got a hand on it to send it wide.

The teams played even for the following 10 minutes until in the 88th, when London's Alex Charlebois beat Kruse to put the visitors up 1-0.

In the 90th minute, however, Murchie's goal brought them even to pick up a point.

"I just hauled my butt up there and luckily Courtney [Conrad] dug in with the goalie and I was just there for the rebound and got it in," Murchie said.

Wednesday's game was K-W United FC's first game, and the team has only been training together for two weeks. The team is comprised of elite women's players from throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.

The W-League team's next game is next Wednesday at home against the Toronto Lady Lynx. Game time is 7 p.m. and tickets are still on sale.

PDL News Release

Thursday, May 23, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced today its Team of the Week for the third week of the season, with Michigan Bucks forward Zach Steinberger being honored as the Player of the Week. Steinberger played a role in all five goals for the Bucks in their 5-0 win against the Chicago Inferno, recording a hat trick and two assists, to lead Michigan to victory in the opening game of its PDL season.

Steinberger opened the scoring for the Bucks in the 19th minute, firing home from the top of the penalty area from a pass by Adam Montague. Steinberger then assisted on a pair of goals by Montague in the final five minutes before the break, giving the Bucks a 3-0 halftime lead, before finding the net again himself just before the hour mark, volleying home a finish from Stewart Givens’ long throw-in. Steinberger capped his performance with 18 minutes to go, completing his hat trick.

Steinberger was joined in the Team of the Week’s attack by Billy Forbes of the Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors, who had a pair of goals in his side’s season-opening victory against the West Virginia Chaos. Victoria’s Brett Levis completed the trio, scoring twice as the Highlanders took their third consecutive win to start the season with a victory against the Sounders FC U23.

Manny Andrade of the Real Boston Rams led the midfield contingent, scoring twice in the club’s first victory, a 3-1 win against the Vermont Voltage. Also selected was Ricardo Velasco, who had a pair of goals in FC Tucson’s 3-1 win against the Southern California Seahorses, and U.S. U20 international Eric Miller, who had the game-winning goal in the Portland Timbers U-23s’ 2-0 win against the Sounders.

Defensively, Oklahoma City FC’s Scott Parkinson earned selection after scoring in his side’s first victory in club history. Des Moines’ Taylor Diem, who scored the only goal and was a force defensively for the Menace in their 1-0 win against Winnipeg, also earned selection, as did Ido Ligety, who played a key role in the Jersey Express’ 2-0 win against the F.A. Euro – New York Magic. Orlando City U23s’ Kyle Fisher rounded out the quartet, scoring in his side’s 3-1 win against IMG Academy Bradenton, while Laredo’s Emmanuel Frias took the goalkeeping honors after recording a shutout in the Heat’s 2-0 win against West Texas.

PDL Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Austin: Chuy Cortes, Leone Cruz; Baltimore: Michael Gamble, Julio Arjona; Carolina: Mamadee Nyepon, Sean Davis; CFC Azul: Mario DiMiceli; El Paso: Naoyas Aizawa; Houston: Walter Kromholz; Jersey: Jake Keegan; Kitsap: Shane Malcolm; Laredo: Alejandro de la Garza; London: Aaron Boyd; Long Island: Dominick Sarle, Tyler Arnone; Michigan: Adam Montague; Ocean City: Ken Tribbett, Frank Tweneboa; Oklahoma City: Adam Black, Niall Crick; Portland: Mark Sherrod, Clark Phillips; Reading: Dante Marini, Jason Plumhoff; Real Boston: Cole DeNormandie; SC United: Jack Metcalf, David Kenga; Sounders FC U23: Chris Brundage, Aodhan Quinn; So. California: Zach Bautista; Southern West Virginia: Mikey Robinson; Springfield: Eric Martin; Tampa Bay: Alex Morrell, Stivan Salinas; Ventura County: Matt Wiet, Dylan Riley; Victoria: Tyler Hughes; Washington: Spencer Richey.

Thursday, May 23, 2013


The Colorado Rush are in their fourth season in the W-League and continue to produce some of the top female soccer talent in the country. One of the most recognizable club brands in North America, the Rush count rising U.S. Women’s National Team star Lindsey Horan among their alumni.

Rush Technical Director Erik Bushey recently took the time to answer our questions about owning and operating a W-League franchise.   

What inspired you to acquire a USL franchise?

It is important for us to have a ‘first team,’ a ‘top of the pyramid,’ if you will, for our youth club. Youth development is fundamental to who we are. A place for elite players to come back and play for our club is also a critical component for us.

What is your favorite aspect of owning a USL franchise/team?

It brings a professional element to our club and a different kind of exposure for our top youth athletes.

What differentiates your franchise from others?

Our team is comprised of youth players, college and former professional players. On several occasions our starting lineup has had an average age of 18 years. Eighty to ninety percent of our players are currently or are former Rush products.

What words of advice would you provide to potential franchise owners?

For me personally, there is nothing more important than the soccer product that is placed on the field. Our young players need a quality game with good people to look up to. However, from an overall standpoint, it is not the quality of soccer that will encourage fans to return and potential fans to come, it is the environment that franchises create. Figure out a way to put on a show. Soccer is not enough to entertain. Create the environment.

Where do you see your franchise in 3-5 years?

I’d like to say that I see us as a consistent division champion competing for a national championship. I expect us to have a consistent model of using the W-League to help us develop the best youth players in the country, to provide a quality environment for those players filling the void between their college seasons, and successfully utilizing senior players from around the world and former pros from here in the states.

What is the most challenging aspect of your franchise/team?

No surprise here, but finances are critical. Trying to find a balance between recruiting elite players and all the logistics that accompany that, treating our players like true professionals (equipment, gear, travel, etc.) and ending with a bottom line that is favorable to club and owners.

What is your franchise’s greatest accomplishment to date?

With our unique setup we have finished as high as third in the table and are in contention for playoffs each year, it seems. We are open to top players coming into our club from all around the world but take great pride in the impact we have made by utilizing our Colorado Rush players and Colorado Rush alumni.

What traits do you find valuable when adding members to your staff?

Those traits that match our club’s 11 Core Values: Accountability, Advice, Empathy, Enjoyment, Humility, Leadership, Passion, Respect, Safety, Tenacity and Unity. This is what we preach to our players on a daily basis. I hope our staff can prove to be an example. We hope to help develop good players to be good people [and vice versa!].

How does your previous employment/business experience translate into running a successful sports franchise?

Admittedly, we are young. Our infrastructure has long been in place prior to the formation of our W-League team. We have a deep staff [both technical and administrative] that, though fundamentally has been charged with the responsibility of running a youth organization, has been able to transition somewhat seamlessly into a senior pro/am operating group.

Who has been the greatest influence in your career? Please explain.

Our President, Tim Schulz, has no doubt been a tremendous influence on our operations on and off the field. We are a part of the largest youth soccer club in the world; that is a result of his drive and tenacity. We hope our program embodies this every day.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – Second-half goals from defender Eric Miller and forward Reinaldo Brenes helped the Portland Timbers U-23s defeat division-rival Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 2-0 before 3,370 fans on Thursday afternoon at JELD-WEN Field.

The 3,370 on hand for a Providence Health & Fitness Day at JELD-WEN Field was the second-largest attendance in the Premier Development League this season. Portland has drawn the two largest crowds in the league in 2013, with the team’s Health & Fitness Day match on May 16 against Sounders FC U23 drawing 3,681 fans.

With a third straight win to open the regular season, the Timbers U-23s (3-0-0, 9pts) move into a tie for first place in the PDL’s Northwest Division with Victoria Highlanders FC. Whitecaps FC U-23 (1-2-0, 3pts) remain in third place in the division.

After trading scoring chances in the second half, the Timbers U-23s broke through in the 63rd minute. A free kick from midfielder Jose Ribas was deflected away by a Whitecaps FC U-23 defender, and the loose ball fell to the foot of Miller just outside the penalty area. Miller drilled the half-volley past Whitecaps FC U-23 goalkeeper Simon Thomas for his second goal of the season.

The Timbers U-23s added a second goal 15 minutes from time, when a long cross by Miller found Brenes near the right post. Brenes, who had come on as a substitute in the 74th minute, calmly slipped the ball past Thomas to give the Timbers U-23s the insurance goal.

Timbers U-23s goalkeeper David Meves recorded three first-half saves to earn his second shutout of the season. Meves was tested from distance twice by Whitecaps FC U-23 midfielders Harpreet Lakhan and Gagandeep Dosanjh. Portland’s defense held Vancouver to just two shots in the second half.

A late goal mouth scramble in first-half stoppage time saw the Timbers U-23s with a chance to take a lead into halftime. After a Whitecaps FC U-23 turnover, Timbers U-23s forward Clark Phillips sent a cross into the box which resulted in a blocked shot attempted by Ribas. The deflection fell to forward Jaime Velasco and his follow-up effort from just outside the six-yard box was sent over the goal.

The Timbers U-23s play host to North Sound SeaWolves FC on Friday, May 31, at JELD-WEN Field as part of their third and final Providence Health & Fitness Day of the season; kickoff is 11 a.m. (Pacific). Tickets are available for purchase at the JELD-WEN Field box office and online at www.portlandtimbers.com. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

PHOENIX -- Phoenix FC snapped a three-match losing streak in earning a 2-2 draw with the Charlotte Eagles on Thursday night at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. Midfielder Scott Morrison, celebrating his 29th birthday, scored on a brilliant free kick in the 17th minute, then assisted teammate Donny Toia for Toia's curling 25-yard shot into the far corner of the goal in the 38th minute.

The Eagles took the early lead despite the highly-anticipated return of Phoenix FC forward Darren Mackie, who was making his first start of the season after appearing in only one other match as a reserve. Mackie, who played all 90 minutes, made an impact right away with a run and shot on goal in the first minute of the match.

Christian Ramirez got between two defenders and scored in the fifth minute. But Phoenix FC was undaunted, as leading goal scorer Diego Faria had his open shot go just wide in the 10th minute. The Wolves seemed to lure the Eagles into a lull with a delay just before Morrison let fly with his free kick. It went in to tie the score.

Mackie was a presence to be accounted for, especially in the first half. But in the 35th minute, Drew Yates crossed to Sergio Villasenor, and the Mexican national was in front of the goal to knock the ball past goalkeeper Andrew Weber of the Wolves.

Phoenix FC's Toia had the ball on the wing far from the goal in the 38th minute when he let fly with a ball into the goal area. It was hit so well that Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed lost it and the ball bounced into the goal.

The second half saw the two teams battle for possession, but it was Phoenix FC that had the upper hand more often. Faria had a shot from point blank range blocked in the 55th minute, and the crowd of 1,903 gasped as substitute Peabo Doue made a fine move to clear some space but saw his shot fly over the cross bar.

Phoenix FC outshot the Eagles (3-0-4) 9-7 and Weber made four saves to Reed's three. The match also marked the debut of defender Isaiah Schafer, who came on as a sub for the Wolves in the 72nd minute.

Phoenix FC is on the road for its next four matches, starting with back-to-back gamesMay 31 and June 1 at Richmond and Wilmington. The club's next home match is June 15 against the Real Salt Lake reserves.  

PDL News Release

Friday, May 24, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL has released and amended 2013 regular season schedule for the Mid Atlantic Division today after the Bermuda Hogges announced they are unable to fulfill their commitment to participate in the 2013 PDL season.

The Hogges recently experienced unexpected funding cuts from sponsors and other sources. As a result, USL has removed Bermuda from the schedule and reallocated the missing games amongst the remaining teams with a priority on preserving existing home dates and minimizing travel.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PDL SCHEDULE
 

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Thursday, May 23, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers look to continue their undefeated season on Friday night when they host the Harrisburg City Islanders at City Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. and the gates open at 6 p.m. with live music from All In, draft beer trucks, food trucks and family zone. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

“We have dropped valuable points at home over our last three games, twice conceding leads,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “If we are to continue chasing the top teams in the league, then winning on Friday night is vital.”

Harrisburg comes to Richmond this week for their only match up of the season at City Stadium. The two clubs met three times during the 2012 campaign with the Kickers narrowly edging the series 1-0-2. After a pair of home and away draws, Richmond took the rubber match 2-1 last August.

The Kickers enter Friday’s game three days after the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match against USASA side Icon FC. After conceding an early lead, the Kickers dispatched Icon 4-1 on a Stanley Nyazamba double and a Joseph Ngwenya penalty. The Kickers moved on to the Third Round to face MLS side D.C. United at home next Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the City Islanders are coming off a Second Round game of their own against USL PDL side Reading United. Harrisburg were not so lucky, however, as Reading's Mario Pinto put in a volley to give the PDL side a 1-0 lead, marking the first time that Harrisburg has been eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup without winning a game.

Players to Watch
Kickers: After scoring the lone goal for the Kickers in a 1-1 draw against the LA Blues last Friday, midfielder Joseph Ngwenya further cemented himself as the club's leading scorer this season with six goals. The former Houston Dynamo and D.C. United man has averaged a tally every 63 minutes that he's been on the field, with a 1.2 goals per game average in league play.

As one of three players to appear in every game this year, defender William Yomby anchors the Kickers defensive unit that has allowed just seven goals in the span of seven games.

Defender Sascha Goerres is also another Kickers player to have made an appearance in every league game this season, posting 440 minutes over seven matches. The veteran defender has been a cornerstone of the Kickers organization since signing in 2005 and pulls double duty as both a player and an assistant coach.

City Islanders: Former West Virginia goalkeeper Nick Noble has been a stalwart for the City Islanders this season. The former Chicago Fire draft pick finished the 2012 season with a 1.273 GAA, and has only allowed six goals during the 2013 campaign. He came to the City Islanders last year from the LA Galaxy and finished the season as a nominee for USL Goalkeeper of the Year.

After notching two goals and assisting a third in their game against Antigua Barracuda FC, Sainey Touray continued a remarkable season. The former New York Red Bulls forward and Gambian U-20 International has been in a scoring mood for the season.

Defender Colin Zizzi is entering his sophomore season for the City Islanders, after coming on as a rookie from American University. The Carlisle, Pa. native registered 12 starts last year, and looks to play a more integral role in Harrisburg's fortunes this year, already notching a goal in five matches played.

Kickers to host UEFA Champion's League Viewing Party
The Richmond Kickers will be hosting viewing parties on Saturday, May 25 at two Buffalo Wild Wings locations for the UEFA Champions League Final. Kickers Pro players, coaches, and staff will be there to watch the game at Buffalo Wild Wings in Midlothian on 12056 Southshore Pointe Drive and at Buffalo Wild Wings in Glen Allen on 1090 Virginia Center Parkway. Kick off is planned for 2:45pm. Fans are encouraged to wear Kickers jerseys to take advantage of special discounts and prizes. 

PDL Feature

Friday, May 24, 2013

Coming off a sophomore year in which he scored four goals and added four assists, Butler’s Zach Steinberger returned to the Michigan Bucks in the PDL this summer aiming to continue to improve his game and build up for a big junior year.

As it turned out, his first game of the season for the Bucks couldn’t have gone any better. Scoring a hat trick, and adding two assists, in Michigan’s 5-0 win against the Chicago Inferno, Steinberger helped the Bucks get off to a flying start in their defense of the PDL regular-season championship, and earned PDL Player of the Week honors.

We got the chance to talk with Steinberger about playing for the Bucks, the U.S. Open Cup and the goals for this PDL season.

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USL: When you’re going into a game, do you ever envision a game going that well for you personally?

Steinberger: No, I mean for me personally I always try to go out and play my best, do the best for my team, but I never really expected to come out the first game of the season and do that well. I’m just happy that I did, so we can get our team off to a good start.

USL: This is the second season you’ve been with the Bucks. What was it that made you decide to get involved with the club originally?

Steinberger: I know my coach at Butler University, Paul Snape, he played there when he when he was playing in the PDL, so he had the connections and he told me that it was a good franchise and club, so I came up here last summer and fell in love with the organization and the coaches and the players. That’s why I decided to come back this summer.

USL: What is it about the environment there, and the level of coaching and quality of play, that brought you back?

Steinberger: The coaches are probably the best coaches I’ve ever played for. They really understand the game, they understand how to manage their players. The owner, Dan Duggan, he treats his players really well, he does everything he can for us, so that’s what I respect, the organization and the way they handle their players.

USL: You’ve seen some of your teammates from last season, most notably Scott Caldwell, get to move on to MLS. Is that a big selling point for the Bucks, that they have a history of producing players who go onto the professional ranks?

Steinberger: Of course, you look at the history. I don’t think the Bucks have gone one year without producing an MLS prospect and draftee, so I think it’s a huge selling point as a player, coming from an organization that has had such success in producing players that play in MLS.

USL: I don’t know if you were paying attention to the Open Cup [on Tuesday], but one of your Butler teammates, Brandon Fricke, scored the game-winning goal for Des Moines to get them into the third round. Obviously you had a great run last year, getting to the fourth round. What’s that like to experience, and what would you tell Brandon ahead of next week’s game with Sporting Kansas City?

Steinberger: It’s awesome. Butler is like a family, we live together all-year round, we’re a really tight-knit group, so when I heard he had scored the goal for the third round, I was really impressed, I was really happy. I’m going to talk to him in a little bit, and I’m going to tell him to do it for Butler, do it for all the kids who have never been able to play against an MLS team, show them the quality that not only Butler players have but also any player in college has. Any player in college wants to show the quality they have against an MLS team.

USL: The Bucks had a great regular season last year, but you got eliminated by the eventual champion FC London in the PDL Playoffs. Is there a certain amount of thinking where you’re trying to set that straight, as it were, and not only make the playoffs, but make a run to the final four or even the national championship this year?

Steinberger: Last season we had an unbelievable run in the regular season, I think we only lost one game, and that’s something we’d like to replicate because it was such a successful season. But then, you know, we beat FC London twice in the regular season, and then we lost when it mattered, so this year because we got knocked out of the Open Cup early, we really want to set our focus on winning a PDL Championship, and that’s where we have set our goals.

USL: You mentioned earlier that you couldn’t remember the Bucks not having guys getting into MLS, getting drafted. Are you hoping that a couple of years from now that’s going to be you?

Steinberger: Yeah, that’s always been my dream as a kid growing up, going and playing in MLS, maybe getting a chance to play in Europe if I can. That’s the dream, and I would love to capture that dream. 

Colorado Rush News Release - http://coloradorush.com/

Friday, May 24th, 2013

LITTLETON, Colo. - Since joining the W-League in 2010, the Colorado Rush have always relied on using players from the youth branch of the club. A longtime powerhouse in youth soccer, results in the W-League have improved with each year of play for the Rush women.

In 2013, that success is expected to continue, even with the losses of Lindsey Horan (Paris Saint-Germain), and Brittany Bock and Kendall Johnson (Sky Blue FC) to professional teams. The 2013 roster features 11 current youth players including 2012 U17 National team members Gabbi Miranda, Morgan Stanton, and Lizzy Raben.

Madi Hall, Danica Evans, Havana McElvaine and Rebecca Rasmussen, along with 2012 U16 ECNL National Champions Betsy Brandon and Jordan DiBiasi, also have time with various youth national teams. An additional 10 players also spent their youth careers with the Rush and hope to lead the Rush Women to their first conference championship this summer.

“The Rush have always prided themselves on player development. The W-League is just another avenue for our players to play at a high level,” General Manger Dominique Hoecherl said. “The fact we have 16-, 17-, 18-year-old girls stepping in and competing with great success against grown women is fun for coaches, parents, and soccer fans alike to see and is a testament of the work being done by our coaches and players.”

Can the youth overcome some very tough Western Conference opponents in 2013?

The Rush will open the 2013 campaign Saturday when they take on the Colorado Rapids before setting off to the Pacific Northwest for games with Seattle and Bay Area. The 2013 home opener is set for Tuesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada.

Pictured above: Back row left to right: Brandon, DiBiasi, McElvaine, Raben, Hall, Miranda. Front Row: Rasmussen, Kayla Hill (Reserves), Sabrina Macias (Reserves), Evans, Stanton.

Northern Virginia Royals News Release -- www.novafc.org

Friday, May 24, 2013

FAIRFAX, Va. – Following the departure of Richie Burke, the Northern Virginia Royals launched an expedited search to name a replacement head coach for the Premier Development League squad. After examining a large list of qualified applicants, Royals management decided to pursue a selection that was intimately familiar with the 16-year-old franchise.

Northern Virginia named veteran midfielder Grady Renfrow to lead the 2013 team, assuming both player and head coach duties for the season. A member of the Royals organization since 2004, Renfrow takes over as the fifth head coach in Northern Virginia team history.

“It is my goal to have the Royals playing confident and uncompromising soccer and no matter the opposition, we will always find the winning answer,” said Renfrow. “We already have a very good group of players so I can’t wait to prove our worth this season.”

A Washington D.C. native, Renfrow grew up playing soccer with Stoddert Soccer Club before suiting up at Gonzaga College High School. Following his youth career, Renfrow signed with Penn State University.

It was during his Big Ten college stint that Renfrow spent his summers playing in the United Soccer League’s PDL with the local Northern Virginia Royals.

Immediately after graduating, Renfrow spent his rookie professional season in 2008 playing with D.C. United and their reserve team but then soon made the decision to try and play overseas. His soccer quest took him to the Egyptian Premier League where he spent quality time with Zamalek and ENPPI before eventually landing a spot with the second division side El Gouna FC.

Renfrow’s next step found him with FC Leones of the Puerto Rican Soccer League where he and his teammates lifted the trophy as the 2011 PRSL Champions. The well-traveled midfielder eventually made the move from outdoor to professional indoor soccer and spent the 2011-12 Major Indoor Soccer League season with the Rochester Lancers. 2011 also market a career high point when Renfrow was selected to the U.S. Futsal National Team, where he competed in the 2011 Futsal Grand Prix in Manaus, Brazil.

“I have long envisioned myself in this position with the Royals, yet in some respects, I don’t even consider it the head coaching role,” said Renfrow. “To me, it’s more like a leadership position where all I have to do is communicate one goal for the team, and right now, the goal is to be there competing for a PDL championship.

“I feel connected with the team and plan to input my experience when I can, but otherwise I want to help the team realize that they are already capable of winning the league.”

The Royals make the trip south this weekend to face the Virginia Beach Piranhas on Saturday night. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Friday, May 24, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery (6-2-0) returns to Blackbaud Stadium this Saturday night for a match against the Rochester Rhinos (1-6-1). Gates open at 6 p.m. with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the game there will be a spectacular post-game fireworks display!

Saturday night is Family Night, presented by Charleston Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Families can purchase Battery Family Packs for only $30; which includes four East Bleacher tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas ($68 value!). Additional Family passes can be purchased for $7.50 each.

To purchase Family Packs please call (843) (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

The match against Rochester will mark the beginning of a four-game home stretch for Charleston. The Battery defeated the Houston Dynamo Reserves 1-0 last Sunday in their last USL PRO match and currently sit in second place in the USL PRO standings.

The last game between the clubs was in the Semifinals of the 2012 USL PRO Playoffs with the Battery advancing via a penalty shoot-out on their way to the championship last season. USL Hall of Famer and Rhinos President Pat Ercoli recently took over head coaching duties for the Rhinos. Ercoli led the team from 1996 to 2004 with much success, including a U.S. Open Cup title in 1999..

Live Broadcast Information 

Saturday’s match will be broadcast live on SportsRadio 1450 AM WQNT presented by the Angie Gainey Bailey Real Estate Team, the match will also be streamed live on
www.uslnation.com.

Tickets for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes on sale now
Tickets for the Charleston Battery's third round U.S. Open Cup clash with Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes are on sale now starting at just $10. The Battery advanced to the third round with a 1-0 road win over the Portland Timbers U23's; former Stratford High School standout Austin Savage scored the lone goal to lead the Battery into the third round.

Tickets are available starting at just $10 with discounts available for groups of ten or more. Season Ticket holders can purchase discounted tickets for the game; Three Lions Club members receive complimentary tickets to all U.S. Open Cup matches.

To purchase tickets please call Battery box office at (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or tickets will be for sale online at www.charlestonbattery.com starting at 9 a.m. on Friday morning.

Thunder Bay Chill News Release -- www.thunderbaychill.com

Friday, May 24, 2013

THUNDER BAT, Ontario – The Thunder Bay Chill are on the road this weekend to start the 2013 PDL season in Winnipeg to play two games against WSA Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba Soccer Complex. The Chill are looking to start the season with a couple of victories as they venture towards making the post season for the seventh season in a row.

WSA Winnipeg started its season on the road last weekend when the side traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to face the Menace and lost 1-0. The Chill are 7-1 against WSA Winnipeg who is now entering their third year in the PDL.

Not traveling with the team due to injuries are 2012 PDL MVP Sullivan Silva, new comer Zephaniah Thomas and Adam Augruso. The Chill look to take six points this weekend prior to the home opener on June 1, 2013 against the Des Moines Menace. The Chill are looking to newcomer Sunny Omoregie and Gavin Hoy to fill Silva’s shoes and carry the load up front. Omoregie most recent play has been with a first division team in Malta while Gavin Hoy of Thunder Bay plays his collegiate soccer at Oakland University.

The Chill’s back end is again being steadied by veteran goalkeeper Stephan Paterson, who is returning for his 10th year with the club. In addition, three out of four defenders from last year also return to solidify one of the stingiest defenses in the PDL in 2012 who allowed only 10 goals in 16 regular season games.

Coach Tony Colistro is very happy with new players that are being added to the midfield, although he cautioned that the team still needs to come together as they have not played much as a unit. “We have a number of options to work with and can play different formations with the players we have available” he said, “but this weekend will be difficult as we have only been together as a whole team for about a week.”

Game times this weekend are 8:30 pm ET on Saturday and 6 pm ET on Sunday.

The Chill are coming off a great season in 2012 with a 13-2-1 record, losing to eventual Champions Forest City London in the Central Conference semifinal. The goal this year will be to make it back to the Championship Final where the Chill has been twice before. However, it all starts with these two games in Winnipeg this weekend.

Other Notes – The Chill will open at home next week Saturday June 1, 2013 at the newly named tbaytelfield at Chapples Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Few tickets still remain for the league opener against one of the Chill’s biggest rivalry in the Menace. Call the box office at 623-5911 for game day tickets.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Friday, May 24, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City (7-1-2, 23 points) hosts the Wilmington Hammerheads (2-5-0, 6 points) this Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The league-leading Lions look to continue their strong run of form, with the club unbeaten in its last eight USL PRO matches.

“We have Wilmington on Saturday and will be focusing on the Hammerheads,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath Tuesday night after his club defeated the Ocala Stampede 2-1 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. “We are turning our attention toward Wilmington and it will be a competitive match.”

The Hammerheads are led by Midfielder Paul Nicholson and Defender Jamel Wallace, who each have two goals through the middle of the 2013 USL PRO season. After Saturday’s match, Wilmington travels down I-4 to square off against VSI Tampa Bay FC on Sunday, whose last regular-season match resulted in a 3-1 win over Antigua Barracuda FC. Wilmington was the only team to top Orlando in the 2012 season, upsetting the Lions at home in league semifinals 4-3.

Orlando topped the PDL’s Ocala Stampede on Tuesday night at Forest High School in Ocala, Fla., in the Open Cup, advancing the club to the third round of the knockout tournament. The Lions play host to Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids on Tuesday, May 28, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The game marks the first time Orlando has hosted an MLS team at home in the Open Cup, 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.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Thunder Bay Chill started the 2013 PDL season with a thrilling 2-1 win against WSA Winnipeg on Saturday night on a 90th-minute penalty kick taken by Paul Dillon after Godwin Addai was taken down in the penalty area at the Winnipeg Soccer Complex.

The Chill dominated most of the play in the first half but went to the locker room tied 0-0. WSA Winnipeg had a couple of good scoring chances too, on balls that were mishandled by the Chill defenders, who were not accustomed to the field turf at the indoor facility at the University of Manitoba Soccer Complex.

Four minutes after the break, Thunder Bay’s Jose Altamirano found himself all alone inside the penalty area. He dribbled to Winnipeg goalkeeper Tyson Farago’s right, then stopped and dribbled back around and placed the ball into an empty net.

The Chill continued to press looking for an insurance goal. However this resulted in a few WSA Winnipeg counters that resulted in good scoring opportunities. In the 87th minute, WSA was rewarded after earning free kick from just outside the Chill’s penalty area. Danto Moses placed a perfectly taken free kick around the wall and had the 350 Winnipeg fans in attendance thinking that they had at least secured a point.

The Chill continued pressing, however. and Nolan Intermoia almost restored the lead in the 89th minute, only for his shot to find the inside of the post and bounce away to safety. A minute later Godwin Addai was taken down in the penalty box and the Chill were awarded a penalty kick that Paul Dillon made no mistake on to give the Chill their first win of the season.

The Chill outshot WSA 10-8 in a rough affair that included 22 fouls (10 by Chill) and two cautions issued to WSA Winnipeg by referee Hernan Vivanco .

The two teams play again tomorrow at the same field at 5 p.m CT.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC (8-1-2, 26 points) defeated the visiting Wilmington Hammerheads (2-5-0, 6 points) 4-1 on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Sporting Kansas City loanee Dom Dywer tied the USL PRO single-season scoring record with a first-half strike, moving him to 13 goals on the year.

“I think we scored good goals this evening and played well in pockets,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “But I thought we were too loose in possession and our desire to keep a clean sheet was poor. It might sound blasé because we won 4-1 but I know we can always play better.”

Orlando took to their possession-oriented style of play at the game’s start, feeding multiple attacks by the Lions’ frontline that nearly resulted in early goals. The first chance for Orlando came from Kevin Molino in the 10th minute, whose shot was parried by Wilmington goalkeeper Troy Hernandez into the path of league-leading scorer Dwyer, who had his low-liner go just wide of the post and out of play.

Orlando kept pressuring Wilmington, and it paid off in the 25th minute. After a handball was called on the Hammerheads' Uriah Bentick just outside the penalty area, Jamie Watson and Dwyer lined up to take the attempt just outside the 18-yard box. The Cuckfield, England, native proceeded to take the attempt, rocketing his shot into the top-right corner for the 1-0 advantage. The goal tied Dwyer for most goals scored in USL PRO regular-season history with 13, originally set by Jhonny Artega in 2011.

The Lions capitalized one more time before the halftime whistle blew, this time with Watson providing the finish. A give-and-go with Bryan Burke in the 39th minute inside the penalty area found a waiting Watson, who scored, giving Orlando a 2-0 lead going into halftime.

Six minutes into the second half, Orlando scored its third of the match behind a strong finish from Burke. Midfielder James O’Connor split the Wilmington defense in the 51st minute, finding Burke on the edge of the box. The former Kitsap Pumas star fired his shot into the roof of the net for the 3-0 lead.

The Hammerheads took a bite into the Orlando lead in the 69th minute, with Paul Nicholson converting a deflection past Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to cut the deficit to two. Orlando responded just before the end of the match, with a header from Rob Valentino giving the Lions a comfortable 4-1 advantage.

The Lions enter the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night against Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids at Fifth Third Bank Field 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. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling 855.ORL.CITY and Ticketmaster.com. For more information on Tuesday’s match, please visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Dayton Dutch Lions News Release - www.dutchlionsfc.com

Saturday, May 25, 2013

DAYTON, Ohio –The Dayton Dutch Lions opened with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Lady Eagles in their W-League season debut. Kelly DeNiro’s 81st-minute goal from a Juliana Libertin assist resulted in the home team’s first league win of the season in Miami Valley Hospital Stadium.

The Dutch Lions started flat and timid, but put their shoes on for the game about halfway into the first half. At that point the Dutch style showed up with the Dayton women playing their characteristic possession game, but Charlotte matched the level of intensity and energy that the Dutch Lions brought to the pitch. In spite of great footwork by both teams there was no clear domination in the first half for either, and the women exited at the half with the score 0-0.

Dayton Head Coach Sid van Druenen had something to say to the women at the half in the locker room.

“This is the first game at this level so in the locker room, even during the warmup, they were so nervous and the atmosphere was so tense even with us telling them to transform that nervousness into a work ethic,” Van Druenen said. “I think we needed that 45 minutes - I told them to shake it off and get us that win. We can play so much better. Second half, they did exactly that. It was a great start to the season.”

Dayton’s defense tangled with Charlotte forward Jordan Hatler most of the evening as she pressed the Dutch Lions, starting early with quick feet and aggressive plays but no results for Charlotte, thanks to stout effort by Dayton’s Soto and Alex Warren. The win featured highlights by Dayton Dutch Lions’ keeper Brooke McCurdy, who made her presence known with good saves and aggressive aerial play in a game marked by her strong ownership of the Dayton goalie box.

The Dutch Lions will play their next home game at the Miami Valley South Stadium on Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. against the Carolina Elite Cobras. For season and individual game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website.