Next Generation Series News Release

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Thursday, May 30, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery (6-2-1) return to USL PRO action on Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. match at Blackbaud Stadium against the Harrisburg City Islanders (5-2-1). The Battery are coming off of a 1-0 Tuesday night win against Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Club captain Colin Falvey was the hero in Tuesday’s game, scoring a late header past San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham to send the Battery into the fourth round.

Friday’s match between Charleston and Harrisburg will be the second meeting in the 2013 regular season. The Battery came away with a 2-1 victory in the first match behind goals from Mike Azira and Nicki Paterson.

The Islanders have been managed by current head coach, Bill Becher, since 2004 and have experienced success in both the USL Second Division and the USL PRO. They were USL Second Division champions in 2007 and playoff contenders in USL PRO during both the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

In 2012 the Charleston Battery eliminated Harrisburg City Islanders in a USL PRO quarterfinal match.

Live Broadcast Information 
Friday’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.

Ticket Information
All Charleston Battery home games are played at Blackbaud Stadium, Daniel Island; gates open at 6 p.m. with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at just $10; for directions, more information or to purchase tickets please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

U.S. Open Cup
After defeating MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes the Battery moves on to a fourth round game against Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. The match will take place at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah on Wednesday, June 12 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The win means that the Charleston Battery have now defeated MLS opposition on nine occasions in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup; DC United (1999), MetroStars (2001, 2004), Houston Dynamo (2007, 2008), FC Dallas (2008), Chivas USA (2009), Chicago Fire (2010) and San Jose Earthquakes (2013). 

PDL News Release

Thursday, May 30, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced today its Team of the Week for the fourth week of the season, with Baltimore Bohemians forward Pete Caringi being honored as the Player of the Week. Caringi, a standout for UMBC in college, had all four goals as the Bohemians took a 4-0 win against the NJ LUSO Rangers last Sunday.

After a scoreless first half, Caringi put the Bohemians on top in the 51st minute as he put home a pass from Gealton Caltabiano. The second came 13 minutes later as Caringi’s UMBC teammate Milo Kapor sent in a cross from the left that was put away well, and he completed his hat trick in the 70th minute after a good passing move opened up an opportunity. Caringi then capped his standout performance with seven minutes to go, giving the Bohs their first win of the season.

Oklahoma City’s Adam Black also had a standout attacking performance as he claimed a place on the Team of the Week after his hat trick led OKCFC to a 3-0 win against the El Paso Patriots. Completing the attacking trio was the Ventura County Fusion’s Emmanuel Boateng, who scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in a crucial Southwest Division victory against FC Tucson.

River City’s Taylor Hafling claimed the goalkeeping position after his standout seven-save performance allowed the Rovers to rally for a 2-1 victory against the Michigan Bucks on Saturday. Thunder Bay’s Axel Sjoberg and the St. Louis Lions’ Johan Sundberg were named to the defensive unit, with both players scoring key goals in victories against WSA Winnipeg and the Des Moines Menace, respectively. Austin’s Max Gunderson completed the trio, playing a standout role as the Aztex took a 1-0 win against Laredo.

Portland’s Eric Miller earned his second consecutive berth after scoring the game-winning goal and putting in a standout performance for the Timbers U-23s in their victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23, and he was joined by Ottawa’s Carl Haworth, who had a goal and two assists as the Fury defeated the Real Boston Rams. Ocala’s Robbie Tice, who scored an 89th-minute game-winner against IMG Academy Bradenton, and Shane Malcom of Kitsap, who had a pair of goals as the Pumas rallied to take a 3-3 draw against the Sounders FC U-23, completed the Team of the Week squad.

PDL Team of the Week 

Honorable Mention – Austin: Seth Casiple, Zach Garcia; Baltimore: Hugh Roberts, Michael Gamble; Boston: Andrew Sousa; Central Jersey: Derek Luke, Claude Tahi; Chi. Inferno: Dustin Ashley; El Paso: Francisco De Anda, Enrique Cervantes; Fresno: John Caceres; Houston: Thomas Verhaar; Houston: Dennis Rosink; Kitsap: Sebastiaan Jansen; K-W United: Jack Warburton, Uchenna Uzo; Laredo: Greg Mulumbu, Lubo Kocic; LA Misionarios: Jesus Vasquez; London: Aaron Boyd; Mississippi: Fakhry Khulfan, Victor France; Ocala: Kenny Hogg; OC Blues: Javier Castro; Oklahoma City: Stephen Owusu; Orlando City U23: Tyler Blackwood, Kyle Fisher; Portland: David Meves, Nick Palodichuk; Tampa Bay: Jack McVey, Josey Portillo; Thunder Bay: Jose Altamirano, Nolan Intermoia; Toronto: James Gilvany; SC United: Joe Lontrato; Sounders FC U23: Aodhan Quinn; Southern West Virginia: Debyi Mejia; Vancouver: Gangandeep Dosanjh; Westchester: Dwayne Reid; Western Mass: Javoni Simms, Drou Goff.

Super Y-League News Release

Thursday, May 30, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The Super Y-League announced today that its 2013 North American Finals, presented by Nike, will be held December 5-9 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. This will mark the second consecutive year the North American Finals have been held at IMG Academy’s world-class facilities.

“The overwhelming consensus among coaches, players and parents was that last year’s North American Finals was by far the best Super Y-League event we’ve hosted, and a large part of the credit goes to IMG Academy,” USL Executive Director of Youth Leagues Jason Arnold said. “Teams traveled from throughout North America to compete for national championships, and the professional atmosphere at IMG Academy added to the excitement and level of competition.”

Created in 1999 with 12 teams, the Super Y-League now includes nearly 80 clubs from throughout the United States and Canada with an average of 500 teams competing in the league every summer. Many of the clubs participating in the league are now affiliated with the top professional and amateur men’s and women’s sides of USL and Major League Soccer, providing a true pyramid of development that mirrors those in traditional soccer nations throughout the world.

Between 8-16 boys teams and 6-8 girls teams will qualify for the 2013 Super Y-League North American Finals in U12 through U17 age divisions. Teams will compete in three days of group play December 5-7, with semifinals and finals set for December 8-9. The 2013 Super Y-League regular season kicks off Saturday.

IMG Academy, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, is the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and education complex. IMG Academy hosted a myriad of soccer team training camps in 2012, including clubs such as the Seattle Sounders, D.C. United, Columbus Crew, Sweden’s Malmö FF, and the U.S. Women’s National Team preparing for the London Olympic Games.

For more than 30 years, IMG Academy has helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes reach their full potential in and out of sport, by providing world-class coaching, tailored programs and professional facilities within an energetic environment across a 450-acre campus.

United Soccer Leagues News Release - uslsoccer.com

Thursday, May 30, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. - The inaugural W-20 season begins Saturday with a trio of North Atlantic Division matches. W-20, the premier North American under-20 women’s league, features 23 teams aligned in four regional divisions - North Atlantic, Midwest, New England and South Atlantic - playing 8-10 regular season matches from May through July, with a national championship set at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Each division will send three representatives to the 2013 W-20 Championship. You can expect sparks to fly as each regionally based division not only intensifies pre-existing local rivalries, but calls on predominantly college-based players to defend their turf.

Here is what you can expect from the North Atlantic Division in the 2013 W-20 season.

Fredericksburg Impact
Pete Cinalli will direct this year’s edition of the Fredericksburg Impact. A mid-table finish in the Super-20 League last year means the Impact will be even hungrier this year.

Cinalli’s squad will benefit from the return of Tessa Klump. Last year the defensive-minded midfielder racked up three assists while playing out of the back. Klump recently finished her sophomore season with the Washington University in St. Louis Bears, during which she scored her first collegiate goal and anchored the midfield on a Bears team that posted a 19-2-1 record.

Morgan Van Reenen joins the Impact after her freshman season at Bridgewater College. With the Eagles, Van Reenen tallied two assists in eight games played. Melissa Messier links up with FASA after her sophomore year at Campbell College. Messier proved to be an attacking threat as she registered three goals and an assist while splitting time at forward.

Tyesha Kizer, a freshman from Youngstown State University, will play alongside Messier up top. Kizer is coming off a three-goal haul her freshman year with the Penguins. Twins Hallie and Hanna Gardner have bright futures ahead of them as they weigh their many options for college-level soccer. Regardless of their decision, the versatile twins will play a large role in this year’s Impact side.

Harrisburg City Islanders
The Harrisburg City Islanders will feature two teams in the North Atlantic Division in 2013, the Harrisburg City Islanders and Harrisburg City Islanders/LDC.

The Harrisburg City Islanders offer a roster with both veterans and newbies and will be directed by Head Coach John Abe. Among the veterans will be midfielder/defender Lindsey Haldeman and midfielder Ally Kasun.

Haldeman is coming off another eye-catching year at Penn State-Harrisburg, where she recorded three goals and five assists in 20 starts in 2012 to go with her five goals and six assists in 15 starts from her freshman year.

Kasun also enjoyed a hot start to her collegiate career at Florida Gulf Coast University. She tallied seven goals, seven assists, and a total of 21 points for the Eagles in her 21 starts as a freshman. Along the way she earned a unanimous selection to the Atlantic Sun All-Conference First Team, as well as being named to the All-Freshman First Team and the NSCAA Southeast Second Team.

Harrisburg City Islanders/LDC
Coach Mike McHugh’s City Islanders/LDC squad will feature a strong mix of college talent with 21 players either committed or already playing at the college level.

Among the colleges/universities represented on the roster are LaSalle, Niagara, Wilkes, West Chester, NJIT, Kutztown, Delaware, Walsh, Alvernia, St. Josephs, Hofstra, Coastal Carolina, Messiah, and Wisconsin.

Eighteen of the players on the City Islanders/LDC roster have played together before at the LDC academy, where McHugh was also head coach, and won the EYSA state championship and reached the regional finals.

Brinley Watts will hope to use the experience she gained in 19 starts for Mount Saint Mary’s University to propel City Islanders/LDC to the top of the table. As a freshman, Watts took a firm role in the backline and recorded two assists for the Mountaineers.

Adding to the chemistry will be the Mallets twins, who will look to aid LDC in its fight for a spot in Bradenton. Hannah Mallets recently committed to Alvernia University and Emma committed to Walsh University.

Keystone Athletic SC
George Denger will assume the role of head coach when Keystone enters the fray from northeastern Pennsylvania for the inaugural W-20 season. Athletic will feature one of the youngest squads in the division as well as the youngest player in the division with Zoe Tauriello having just turned 16.

Daniella Burkhart, a goal-scoring midfielder who is also capable of dropping into the backline, will look to lead the young ones by example.

Dianna Connor will add some offensive firepower to the Keystone squad. A junior from Pleasant Valley High School in Pennsylvania, Connor recorded 30 goals in her breakout junior year.

Northern Virginia Majestics
The Majestics join W-20 after being a fixture in its predecessor, the Super-20 League. Under the leadership of Coach Marie Schweitzer, the Majestics, based out of Manassas, Va., are hoping to top the table in this year’s North Atlantic Division. To date the NOVA roster contains eight current college players.

Annah Lindberg will be one to watch for the Majestics. Lindberg, set for her senior year in high school, has received offers from Wake Forest, UNC-Wilmington, North Carolina State and the University of Virginia.

Towson University’s Nicole Nicholas will anchor the defense for NOVA. During her sophomore year, Nicholas played in all 18 games for the Tigers, starting 15.

University of South Carolina-Aiken will provide two players for the squad - midfielder Heaven Tylee and forward Megan Smits - who will look to link up going forward into the final third. Last year in her freshman year with the Pacers Tylee led the team with three assists and tucked away one goal. Smits also had a productive year and led the team in goals (4), tallied an assist, and finished the season with nine points.

Sarah Dvorak will see time in goal for the Majestics after gaining experience with Roanoke College, allowing only one goal in seven appearances as a freshman in 2012 to finish the season with a 0.32 goals-against average.

Reading United AC
A top team in the Super-20 League in 2012, Reading United and coach Drew Kaufmann are expected to challenge for a spot in the finals once again.

Leading the charge will be returning forward Emily Gingrich. In 2012 Gingrich was named to the NSCAA All-American team, one of only 81 players nationally, and led Reading with 12 goals and three assists. In 2013 Gingrich will begin her collegiate career at Saint Joseph’s University.

United will showcase more than goals in 2013. An experienced backline led by Samantha Sanders and Regina Stump will help the squad keep things tight in front of goal. Sanders recently finished her sophomore year at the University of Mississippi, making 22 starts and seeing 1,921 minutes of action. Ole Miss finished the year with a 13-9-0 record and a +18 goal differential.

Stump brings similar experience after making 22 appearances and recording two assists in her sophomore year at Messiah College. In 2012 Messiah posted a 24-1-1 record and allowed only six goals.

Jenna Dubs will anchor the midfield and play a pivotal role as the liaison between the boxes. Dubs is coming off a solid year with the Marshall University Thundering Herd, where she started all 19 games as a freshman, recording a pair of assists.

Washington Spirit Academy
The newly minted Washington Spirit Academy, formerly D.C. United Women, should be a team to contend with in the 2013 W-20 season and are affiliated with the Washington Spirit Reserves of the W-League and the Washington Spirit of the NWSL, creating a true women’s soccer club pyramid.

A well-balanced squad features seven returning players from 2012’s championship finalists, as well as a few standout newcomers.

Forward/midfielder Stephanie Hamilton returns after tallying four goals and an assist last year. The James Madison sophomore has appeared in 20 collegiate games in two seasons, and should be one of the more dangerous attackers in the league.

Newcomer Olivia Collela, who just finished her freshman year at Longwood University, will look to make the most of the 20 games she put under her belt with the Lancers. Collela, a forward, managed three goals and an assist.

The Spirit will look to a pair of experienced goalkeepers including Erin Cummings, a rising sophomore with the Colgate Raiders, and Alexandra Weaver, who is heading to the University of South Florida in the fall, to provide ample cover in goal.

Not to be forgotten, utility player Annie Wickett can also play in goal though she filled the role of playmaker last year for the D.C. United Women, recording a goal and three assists as they reached the title game. During her first year at Eastern Kentucky University Wickett played in goal and found herself a spot on the All Ohio Valley Conference Second Team as well as a spot on the Ohio Valley Conference All Newcomer Team.

USL Feature

Monday, October 11, 2010

By NICHOLAS MURRAY

TAMPA, Fla. – Before the Rochester Rhinos and Carolina RailHawks, for Chris Economides, there was the Kansas City Attack.

“I actually got my start in professional soccer in the indoor game,” Economides said, speaking at the USL offices. “I was one of the owners of the old Kansas City Attack in the NPSL in the early nineties. One of my early claims to fame was winning an indoor championship in my second season in Kansas City with the Attack beating some of my soon-to-be Rhino players that were members of the Cleveland Crunch.”

Now the Senior Director of USL PRO is getting back to his indoor roots as the leader of the USL’s I-League, scheduled to begin play in November, 2011. With just over a year until the league’s launch, Economides is confident of finding success both on and off the field for the franchises that make up the league’s inaugural season.

“I think just as you’ve seen with USL PRO, we’re trying to have a business model that makes sense,” Economides said. “The days of operating with multi-million dollar operating budgets, it just doesn’t make any sense from a financial perspective, from an operational perspective, so I think just as we’ve done with USL PRO, we’re trying to create a business model with the I-League that makes sense, which preaches financial prudence, which preaches income versus expenses.

“It’s a pretty simple, common sense aspect where your expenses shouldn’t outweigh your income. We’re preaching financial prudence when it comes to the I-League, it will be a very structured budget, not with a lot of high costs.”

The Rochester Lancers are, as yet, the only confirmed member of the I-League, but Economides expects to have at least eight, and even as many as 12, teams playing in regional competition. The main focus of the league in terms of franchises is currently the Northeast, Mid Atlantic and Midwest regions, but Economides believes that in the long-term, the league could grow across the country.

“The sky is the limit. If the business model makes sense, if the franchises are profitable, as we grow this it will grow regionally,” Economides said. “As this thing grows, as we build the entire indoor pyramid structure of the USL, we hope to be in over 100 markets in the PDL, W-League and USL PRO perspective.”

While building a pyramid similar to the one USL currently uses for the outdoor game, incorporating indoor youth leagues and potentially divisions that mirror the PDL and W-League, is part of the long-term strategy, Economides is also aiming to have I-League and USL PRO franchises develop partnerships that would offer the ability to build the brand with year-round exposure from the indoor and outdoor game.

“As we looked at the overall model of the I-League, I think that’s one of the common synergies that needs to take place,” Economides said. “As we talk to potential I-League markets, we’re hoping that an I-League market will either have a relationship with a USL PRO team or even take it one step further, if a USL PRO market wants to take on and have what I call year-round exposure and year-round opportunity, that’s an ideal scenario to have both the indoor and outdoor operators own the franchises themselves.”

It would also have a benefit for the players, who would have the ability to move between the two franchises and play year-round.

“I think it allows players to make soccer more of a year-round opportunity,” Economides said, “a year-round job to let them focus on their playing career, to let them focus on honing their skills, indoor and outdoor. As we look to build the sport in this country, I think it could be a key aspect that will provide players with year-round employment opportunities.”

What Economides hopes most of all, though, is that the I-League can bring back the type of entertainment and excitement the sport saw in its heyday.

“We’re in the entertainment business,” Economides said. “We’re competing with high school sports, we’re competing with movies, we’re competing with a whole host of things, so I think it has to be something that’s family-oriented, that’s family-affordable fun. I envision our ticket prices being very affordable for a family of four to go to a match and then make it an experience for the kids, for mom and dad to have a good time.”

All this week, look for video conversations with USL Senior Director of USL PRO Chris Economides on the I-League on USLSoccer.com.
 

Friday, May 31, 2013

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Sounders U-23 defeated the Washington Crossfire 1-0 in dramatic fashion on Friday night for their first PDL win of the season. Blake Wise put the Sounders ahead for good with a stoppage time bicycle kick goal to break what seemed to be a match headed for a scoreless draw.

The Sounders U-23 started the match on the attack with chances coming early. In the fourth minute, Miles Byass slipped through the back line, into the box, and on to a perfectly weighted through ball. Byass looked up to take a shot on goal but the oncoming Crossfire keeper, Spencer Richey, met him at the penalty spot and took the shot right of the Sounders U-23 striker’s foot.

The Sounders U-23 continued the pressure on goal earning three corner kicks within the first 10 minutes of play. However, despite the chances, they could not find that last finishing touch to put a goal on the scoreboard.

At the back the Sounders U-23 defense played as a well-organized unit, limiting the Crossfire to only two shots on goal in the first half. Washington’s best chance came on a corner kick in the 39th minute. Sounders U-23 keeper Ben Dragavon came out to punch the ball, but it fell at the feet of Crossfire attackers. The ball rattled around in the box for a few nervous touches, but was ultimately cleared from danger.

The half came to an end with the Sounders U-23 on the attack again. A combination of long throws, free kicks, and corner kicks tested the Crossfire keeper, Richey, but the two sides went into their locker rooms locked at 0-0.

The second half proved to be much like the first, with the Sounders U-23 side knocking on the door, but not able to push through for a goal.

In the 56th minute Aodhan Quinn picked up the ball in an attacking position. The surrounding Crossfire defenders all decided to leave him to mark other players making their runs. Quinn lined up the shot with his left foot and let one fly, but it dipped just a moment too late, after it had cleared the bar for a goal kick.

The best look of the second half for the Crossfire came in the 81st minute. Forward Hamza Haddadi found himself alone behind the Sounders U-23 defense, onside, with only Dragavon to beat. The Sounders U-23 veteran was up to the task as he got just enough of the ball to deflect it away for a defensive clearance.

Then, in the closing moments of the match the Sounders U-23 pushed men forward looking for a chance at three points. They sent a long free kick into the box, but Richey was there again to punch it away. Still on the attack, Josh Phillips gathered the rebound and popped it back into the box where Wise was positioned with his back to the goal. The ball took one bounce up into Wise’s chest, and without hesitation, Wise leapt into the air and fired a bicycle on goal. Finally the Sounders U-23 had scored as the ball whipped through Richey’s gloves and into the net.

With virtually no time left in the match the Sounders U-23 went on to claim the 1-0 victory and their first league win of the season.

Next up for the Sounders U-23 are the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23. They’ll meet for a Sunday afternoon match at Sunset Stadium at 2 p.m. For live updates from Sunday’s match follow us on Twitter: @SoundersU23 and ‘Like’ us on Facebook. For a recap of all Sounders-U23 matches as well as ticket information, visit SoundersU23.com.

Victoria Highlanders FC News Release -- www.victoriahighlandersfc.com

Thursday, May 30, 2013

VICTORIA, B.C. -- The Victoria Highlanders FC are set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 squad for the second time this season, Friday at 7pm. If victorious, the Highlanders will take home the Juan de Fuca Plate, a supporter-created trophy for the best Premier Development League team in British Columbia. They host the Whitecaps after facing them in Vancouver two weeks ago for their only road game of the season thus far.

The Highlanders took the last meeting in a 3-2 decision with Jordie Hughes notching two goals and Riley O’Neill adding another. There was a scoring surge early in the second half with three goals being scored in four minutes. Hughes scored an unassisted goal in the 50th minute followed soon thereafter by a goal for Vancouver’s Niall Cousens who was assisted by former Highlander Sasa Plavsic in the 52nd minute. The surge was capped off when O’Neill finished a corner kick sent by Tyler Hughes in the 53rd minute.

Hughes scored again in the 81st minute to give the Highlanders a 3-1 lead after receiving a breakaway pass by Craig Gorman. Cousens notched his second of the game six minutes later off a pass from University of Victoria Vike Cam Hundal.

The Whitecaps are looking to become a winning team as they are currently sitting at a record of 2-2-0. They have momentum as they come off of a 5-1 rout of the North Sound SeaWolves and have outscored their opponents by a margin of 9-7. On the other hand, the Highlanders are looking to rebound from a tie with the SeaWolves, in which they were scored on in the 87th minute, surrendering two points. They remain undefeated on the season with a record of 3-0-1 but seemed to lack the form the maintained through the first three games. They have a goal differential of plus-seven, having scored 12 and allowed five.

Forwards Cousens and Spencer DeBoice lead the Whitecaps U-23 team with three goals and six points apiece. Defender Derrick Bassi has played every minute of every game so far and will presumably be taking to the field again to try and slow the Highlanders’ offense down. Sean Melvin was in net for the Whitecaps against the SeaWolves with Victoria native Simon Thomas called up to the national roster for Canada’s Tuesday match against Costa Rica.

With the PDL season well underway; the Highlanders and Whitecaps are settling into form. The Highlanders have a four-point lead over the Whitecaps in the standings and look to maintain their unbeaten streak. With the Juan De Fuca Plate on the line and valuable points in the standings at stake, this is an important match for both clubs.

The Highlanders and Whitecaps face off at Royal Athletic Park on Friday night at 7 p.m. For more information please visit www.victoriahighlandersfc.com.

Pali Blues News Release - http://www.bluessoccerclub.com/index.html

Friday, May 31, 2013

LOS ANGELES – The Pali Blues (0-1) will return to action for the first time since their season-opening loss when they take on the newest Western Conference team, the Bay Area Breeze (1-0), at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco tonight.

The Blues began the season with a difficult 2-0 loss to the LA Strikers. Just before the match, the Blues lost forward Mele French to a pulled calf, throwing off the game plan. The Blues struggled throughout the match to find a rhythm.

While the Blues lost their first game of the season, the Breeze began their inaugural W-League campaign with a satisfying 1-0 win over the Santa Clarita Blue Heat last Saturday off a goal provided by Marissa Mykines.

With 13 days without a game, the Blues hoped to recover and heal some injuries, but that has not been the case.

“It has been an incredibly unlucky and challenging start for us,” Head Coach Charlie Naimo said on the matter. “Hopefully we can piece ourselves together and get back on track against two great opponents this weekend.”

Friday’s encounter is set to start at 7 p.m. PT at Kezar Stadium. The Blues will then return to Southern California to face the Blue Heat at The Masters College on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT.

Pali’s next home game will be on Thursday at Occidental College when they host the Colorado Rapids. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. PT.

United Soccer Leagues News Release- uslsoccer.com

Friday, May 31, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. - The inaugural season for W-20, the premier North American under-20 women’s league, kicks off this weekend. W-20 features 23 teams aligned in four regional divisions - North Atlantic, Midwest, New England and South Atlantic - playing 8-10 regular season matches from May through July, with a national championship set at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Three teams from each division will earn trips to the 2013 W-20 Championship, which makes every game important. Here is what you can expect from the Midwest Division in the 2013 W-20 season.

MIDWEST DIVISION

Dayton Dutch Lions
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, the Dutch Lions join W-20 from the Super-20 League and Technical Director Sid van Druenen is hoping to channel his experience into this year’s team as it tries to cement a place in the finals in Bradenton.

Leading the team will be veteran Brittany Charles, who joins the Lions from St. Bonaventure University. In 2012 she played in all 20 games for the Bonnies and led the team in points (12). Following Charles’ example will be returnee Alexis Titus, who featured heavily for her school, Urbana University. Titus started 17 games in 2012 and played in all 19. Playing primarily out of the defensive end of the midfield, Titus was able to notch an assist during her freshman year.

The offensive threat is expected to come from forward Kasey Crow, who just wrapped up her freshman year at the University of Rio Grande. Crow put on an explosive display and tallied 10 goals, three assists, and a total of 23 points. Not to be left behind, Ashley Miltko, who joins the Dutch Lions after her freshman year with the Wright State University Raiders, has knocked in four goals so far in her college career and hopes to carry that form over to the W-20 season.

Kayla Klim will provide cover in goal for Dayton. Klim, a rising sophomore out of the University of Fraser Valley, put in a solid season for the Cascades with a 0.75 goals-against average.

Force Football Club Academy
Force Football Club Academy of West Bloomfield, Michigan will seek a return to the top in an effort to repeat its division title of a year ago.

Though it will lose some of its veteran leadership, Nicole Greenhalgh returns from the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Last year Greenhalgh managed to knock in four goals in the Force’s march to the top of the standings.

Also an expected offensive threat, newcomer Diana “Didi” Dedvukaj will line up for the first time with FFCA. Dedvukaj, a rising junior, started all 18 games in 2012 for the Western Michigan University Broncos and was second on the team in points with eight.

Not to be forgotten, Kyla Kellerman will sign on for the 2013 season after dominating her competition in the Summit League with Oakland University. Kellerman started 20 times for the Grizzlies and put away a team- and conference-best nine goals and 22 points. She proved herself to be a team player with four assists and earned Summit League Offensive Player of the Year and First Team Summit League honors.

Not limited to the final third, the FFCA will boast a bevy of experienced options on its back line.

An Eastern Michigan University trio, consisting of defenders Emily Dzik, and Marisa Kozikowski with goalkeeper Jenna O’Dell, will make it difficult for opposition forwards to put the ball in the back of the net. Dzik and Kozikowsi featured in all 19 games and managed to find a goal, three assists, and five points between them. O’Dell started 16 games and posted five shutouts.

Kalamazoo Kingdom
Cross-town rivals for Force, the Kalamazoo Kingdom, based in Kalamazoo, Mich., will also feature a roster with previous experience playing together.

The Vinton sisters, Samantha (19) and Sydney (17), will look to make the most of their reunion and contribute to Kalamazoo’s efforts to spoil Force Football Club Academy in its title defense.

The Vinton sisters will be accompanied by at least eight Grand Valley State University players. Goalkeeper Jesse Bultsma, forwards Michelle Foote, Olivia Emery, and Casey McMillan, midfielders Marti Coby and Katie Klunder, and defenders Erika Bradfield and Clare Carlson will all reunite for the upcoming season.

McMillan is coming off a great sophomore year with nine goals, five assists, and a total of 23 points.

Paige Wester will attempt to rally the Kingdom behind her experience as. A soon-to-be junior at Michigan State University, Wester started in 18 games for the Spartans last year and recorded three goals, an assist, and seven points. Her university teammate, Alexandra Heffron, will also join her at Kalamazoo. Heffron played provider for the Spartans with three assists in a successful year.

Toronto Lady Lynx Juniors
Coach Ian MacIver’s Toronto Lady Lynx Juniors also join W-20 from the Super-20 League. Toronto features two up-and-coming stars in Taylor MacIver and Hope Sabadash.

MacIver joins the Lynx from Ursuline College, where she started 12 games and recorded 10 goals with a team-leading average of 1.75 points per game.

Sabadash will be between the posts for Toronto after committing to Southeastern Louisiana University and participating in the training program at the National Training Center in Ontario for the Canadian U-20 National Team.

Waza FC
Head Coach Kris Geier leads the newcomers for the Midwest division, Waza FC, based in Detroit. Waza is building for the future as 13 of its players were born in 1995. This plethora of young talent will try to invigorate the squad as it stacks up against a host of more experienced sides.

Waza boast cohesion. Rebecca Fuerth, Charlotte Sivitter, Sam Geier, Jaclyn Marceau, and Lauren Benson all played together on championship winning side Tecumseh Warriors.

Sweeper Tianna Dupuis will also bring her success with her high school, St. Anne, on to the pitch when Waza kick off W-20 action.
 

Friday, May 31, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U-23s received goals from forward Clark Phillips and midfielder Victor Souto and turned in strong defensive performance to defeat North Sound SeaWolves FC 2-0 before 5,897 fans on a Providence Health & Fitness Day at JELD-WEN Field on Friday afternoon.

The 5,897 on hand marked the largest crowd in the Premier Development League (PDL) this season, eclipsing the Fresno Fuego’s crowd of 4,617 on May 9.

Phillips opened the scoring five minutes before halftime and Souto tallied in the 89th minute. Anchored by goalkeeper David Meves, Portland’s defense held SeaWolves FC to eight shots and recorded its third shutout in four games to seal the team’s fourth straight win to open the season.

The Timbers U-23s (4-0-0, 12pts) move into first place in the PDL’s Northwest Division with the win.

Midfielders Zach Hamer and Daniel Van Vleet combined for four shots and goalkeeper Keegan Rogers registered seven saves in the loss for SeaWolves FC (0-3-1, 1pt).

Phillips struck for this team-leading third goal of the season in the 40th minute. Forward Reinaldo Brenes was played in down the left side of the penalty area and had his initial shot blocked by Rogers charging off his line. The ball popped up in the air and came down on the back side of the goal. Phillips raced in and tapped the ball into the back of an empty net.

Making his team debut, Souto provided the insurance goal late in the match. A free kick by Brenes from the right side was chested down inside the box by forward Mark Sherrod and Souto was in position to drive the ball from 15 yards out inside the right post for his first goal of the season.

Portland generated 11 of its 18 shots in the first half, forcing Rogers to make four saves. Midfielder Nick Palodichuk had an early chance from inside the left corner of the box pushed off target by a diving save from Rogers in the sixth minute. Sherrod had a shot from 22 yards out on the right side just miss the top far corner of the goal in the 35th minute.

North Sound turned away two scoring chances by the Timbers U-23s in the 66th minute. Rogers got his fingertips to a shot by Timbers U-23s midfielder Gabriel Conelian from the top of the box and the ball struck the crossbar. The ball fell to Portland’s Zack Foxhoven on the right post, but his follow-up effort was cleared off the goal line by SeaWolves FC defender Matt Eronemo.

Meves was called into action in the opening minute by North Sound when forward Zachary Hammond attempted a clean shot from the top of the six-yard box and Meves came up with the first of his two saves in the match.

The Timbers U-23s return to action Saturday as they visit division-rival the Kitsap Pumas at Gordon Park Field in Bremerton, Wash., at 7 p.m. (Pacific). Saturday’s match opens a stretch of four consecutive road matches for the Timbers U-23s through June 15.

Friday, May 31, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders took a 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Friday night at Blackbaud stadium in front of 2,913 fans. The Battery started well with a goal by Ben Fisk but conceded twice as Harrisburg came from behind to hand Charleston its first home loss of the season. The Battery drop to 6-3-1 and the loss moves them into tie for third place with the City Islanders (6-2-1) in the USL PRO standings.

“It’s a loss, it’s three points that they got and we didn’t and it’s tough right now but we’ll move forward and look onto next week,” said head coach Mike Anhaeuser.

Fisk tallied his second goal of the 2013 regular season with a nice touch in the 36th minute as the Battery took a first-half lead. Mike Azira had the assist as he slotted the ball back to Fisk from the right side of the penalty area, and the Canadian calmly placed it with a first-time finish into the open net.

Harrisburg was quick to respond, taking advantage of a misread by Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper. City Islanders forward Sainey Touray pounced on the loose ball and took it himself into the empty goal to tie things up at 1-1 in the 38th minute.

The City Islanders struck again in the 53rd minute when Cody Ellison was called for a foul inside the penalty area, conceding a penalty kick. Islanders defender Stephen Basso stepped up to take the penalty and buried it past Cooper into the top-left corner of the goal.

The Battery created some good scoring chances late in the game with opportunities coming from successive corners, but in the end Harrisburg was strong enough to withstand the late pressure and hang on for the win. The City Islanders' win evened the season series, with the Battery having taken a 2-1 win at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg earlier this season.

The Battery will be back home on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Eagles; gates open at 6 p.m. with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. (1450 AM WQNT).

Friday, May 31, 2013

OTTAWA, Ontario -- The Ottawa Fury moved into top spot in the PDL Northeast Division thanks to a 3-0 victory against CFC Azul on Friday night at Algonquin College. Yannis Becker scored 25 minutes inside each half and Carl Haworth netted his third of the season with a spectacular free kick to improve the Fury to 2-0-0 on the young season. Nils Carlson recorded the shutout which saw the keeper make a key save early in the second half when Ottawa was leading 1-0. Algonquin College again proves a fortress for the Fury who are a daunting 31-2-9 lifetime at the Sports Complex.

It was a close affair to start between the Azul and Fury who split their home-and-home series last season with the home team coming out on top. Ottawa would produce the first few chances of the game as Haworth and Becker found opportunities in the early going. The pair would combine for the opening goal as Haworth’s shot was turned aside by Drew Esposito in the Azul goal, but Becker controlled the rebound and roofed it top corner for his second in as many games.

After the goal the two sides exchanged movement in the midfield, but neither was able to produce a scoring chance. With halftime looming the Fury found some extra energy with several good chances off some great ball movement. Shaun Foster had the best chance in stoppage time, but saw his header hit the outside of the goal. Ottawa carried its 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Fury started the better of the two sides in the second half with Becker, Haworth and Loic Miliani all threatening the Azul defenders. CFC responded with some chances off their own catching the Fury back line shorthanded forcing Carlson to make a remarkable save and have some luck on his side as the rebound was kept out by the goalpost.

That would be the last chance on goal for a while as Ottawa returned to their possession play and in the 70th minute Jacob Barron made a slick play to find Becker, who blasted home his second of the night and third of the season to give the home side a two-goal advantage.

Five minutes later the Fury struck again, this time it was Haworth’s turn. The veteran marksman curled the free kick around the wall into the top corner and there was little Esposito could do to stop it as the Fury scored three goals for the second straight game. In the play immediately following the goal Justin Brewer was dismayed when a penalty was not award and following an intense conversation he was shown a straight red forcing the Azul to finish with 10-men.

Ottawa would have further chances as the half wore on with substitute Will Beauge coming close on three separate occasions as the Fury’s all-time leading scorer continues to eye his 100th career point in the PDL. Ottawa would carry the 3-0 lead to the final whistle to overtake the Real Boston Rams and Westerrn Mass Pioneers to take sole possession of first place in the PDL Northeast Division.

The Fury will tackle the Western Mass Pioneers on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Algonquin College. Prior to kickoff the Fury will honor their all-time leading scorer Beauge in a special pre-game ceremony.

Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com

Friday, May 31, 2013

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Sounders Women battled back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rush in the second game of the 2013 W-League campaign.

The Rush recorded two first-half goals to take an early lead, despite the Sounders controlling the ball in their attacking third for much of the half. Seattle fought back in a physical second half, and in the 76th minute Texas Tech University and United States U-20 National Team player Jaelene Hinkle found the equalizer from her left foot.

"I thought if I just got it anywhere on goal hopefully it will bounce back, at least, or go in, and it went in," Hinkle said.

Although the Sounders seemed to be in control in the first half, a three-minute lapse left them in a big hole midway through the opening 45. Following a come-from-behind victory against the Los Angeles Strikers on Monday in the rain, the Sounders Women once again found themselves down early on a bright, sunny afternoon.

In the 25th minute, the Rush sent a corner kick into goal, where it was met by Sounders keeper Megan Kufeld. The ball slipped through Kufeld's hands, and it was not fully cleared by the Sounders. The ball came out to Rush midfielder Jaci Drobney, who drove home the first goal of the match.

Two minutes later in the 27th minute, Tommi Goodman took a ball into the left half of the penalty area and squared up one-one-one with Shannon Woeller fronting her. Danica Evans split the penalty box on a run and Goodman poked the ball across to her. Evans put in the goal for an early 2-0 lead for the Rush.

The Sounders Women responded well to their early deficit when Melissa Busque sent a corner kick to the head of Brigit Reder who headed the try home from the near post in the 32nd minute.

The Sounders had several chances to equalize the match before the end of the first half. Isabel Farrell took a shot from about 20 yards that looked as if it was sailing on frame into the top left corner of the goal. The Colorado goalkeeper reached her shot with an acrobatic, diving save to help the Rush take a 2-1 lead into halftime. Making her first appearance for the Sounders Women, Jenna Richardson also tested Rush goalkeeper Bethany Kanten in the late minutes of the first half.

In the second half, the Sounders Women continued to create chances and keep the ball in their attacking half. In the 76th minute, Hinkle curled in the game-tying goal past Kanten, who was battling the sun throughout the half. Hinkle took the ball up the left side, looking to serve it in to a teammate. After not being able to connect with anyone in front of goal, Hinkle sent a swerving ball from her left foot over the head of Kanten and into the back of the net.

"In the first half it was a really hard struggle when you would punt it or the defenders would go for a long ball, it would hit right into the sun," Hinkle said.

After their second consecutive comeback, Hinkle sees a lot of positives associated with the Sounders' ability to eliminate an early deficit.

"We would love to start the game up ahead, but this just shows our resiliency," Hinkle said. "Every time we come out we have to get a point, if not a win, so this just shows a lot about who we are, and that we are not just settling for a loss."

Each team finished the match with half-chances but no clear cut opportunity on goal developed.

The Sounders Women travel to Southern California for a rematch of their W-League opener against the Los Angeles Strikers on Wednesday.

Friday, May 31, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers kept their unbeaten streak alive on Friday night, edging the Phoenix FC Wolves 1-0 at City Stadium. Midfielder Nate Robinson tallied the lone goal in the 30th minute while goalkeeper Ryan Jones posted a shutout in his home debut to boost the Kickers into second place in the USL PRO standings.

A high-tempo, end-to-end affair kicked off directly out of the gates as the Kickers immediately pressed forward before conceding a pair of dangerous corners inside the first 10 minutes.

Jones was forced into action in the 25th minute when Phoenix midfielder Netinho played the ball to a speedy Donny Toia barreling towards the box. Splitting the defenders, he was through to goal but pulled his shot just wide of the left post as the 6-foot-6 goalkeeper stretched to his right.

Despite the Wolves’ early offensive pressure, it was the home side who opend the scoring when defender Juan Arbelaez carried the ball deep into Phoenix territory before sending it back to Nate Robinson 20 yards out. The Kickers midfielder stumbled to the ball but steadied himself before firing a left-footed rocket from outside the box, over goalkeeper Andrew Weber’s outstretched hands and into the upper 90.

Hoping to pick up where they left off immediately after the restart, Kickers midfielder Joseph Ngwenya stole the ball in the Wolves half and played Casey Townsend in behind the defense. The speedy forward beat his defender and one-timed a curling shot to the near post, glancing just wide of the target.

Phoenix retaliated soon after, earning a free kick dangerously close to the penalty area. Midfielder Scott Morrison lined up the well-positioned ball and chipped it above the defensive wall, only to see it dip just over the crossbar.

The Kickers pushed for a second goal in the 68th minute when defender Taylor Kemp directed a cross into the box to Brian Ownby, but the Kickers midfielder could not get to it in time as the Wolves defense scrambled for the clearance. Kemp recovered the ball and, this time, served it to the far post, finding Michael Seaton in the air but his nod was muted by the sharp angle.

Later, the Wolves searched for the equalizer when forward Aaron King carried the ball down the left wing and sliced it through the box to an awaiting Diego Faria. The midfielder deftly stepped around his mark and struck from close range but his attempt found side netting.

Phoenix continued to press in the 84th minute when they earned a throw-in deep on the left flank. The ball pinged around the box before falling to Faria but his one-time volley was deflected just wide of the target as it skimmed across the goalmouth.

Attempting to shore up their three points, the Kickers nearly doubled the score minutes before the final whistle when defender William Yomby delivered a long ball, connecting with Seaton in midfield. Seaton’s flick-on header found Stanley Nyazamba on the left wing who settled the ball and fed it through to Kemp streaking into the box. The defender whipped a cross into the crowded penalty area, finding his target in Ownby, but his subsequent header soared skyward.

The Kickers return to City Stadium next Saturday, June 8 to host Food Truck Fest and the Wilmington Hammerheads. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $5 before 6:30 p.m. and can be ordered in advance at RichmondKickers.com using promo code FOODTRUCK.

Friday, May 31, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U-23s received goals from forward Clark Phillips and midfielder Victor Souto and turned in strong defensive performance to defeat North Sound SeaWolves FC 2-0 before 5,897 fans on a Providence Health & Fitness Day at JELD-WEN Field on Friday afternoon.

The 5,897 on hand marked the largest crowd in the Premier Development League (PDL) this season, eclipsing the Fresno Fuego’s crowd of 4,617 on May 9.

Phillips opened the scoring five minutes before halftime and Souto tallied in the 89th minute. Anchored by goalkeeper David Meves, Portland’s defense held SeaWolves FC to eight shots and recorded its third shutout in four games to seal the team’s fourth straight win to open the season.

The Timbers U-23s (4-0-0, 12pts) move into first place in the PDL’s Northwest Division with the win.

Midfielders Zach Hamer and Daniel Van Vleet combined for four shots and goalkeeper Keegan Rogers registered seven saves in the loss for SeaWolves FC (0-3-1, 1pt).

Phillips struck for this team-leading third goal of the season in the 40th minute. Forward Reinaldo Brenes was played in down the left side of the penalty area and had his initial shot blocked by Rogers charging off his line. The ball popped up in the air and came down on the back side of the goal. Phillips raced in and tapped the ball into the back of an empty net.

Making his team debut, Souto provided the insurance goal late in the match. A free kick by Brenes from the right side was chested down inside the box by forward Mark Sherrod and Souto was in position to drive the ball from 15 yards out inside the right post for his first goal of the season.

Portland generated 11 of its 18 shots in the first half, forcing Rogers to make four saves. Midfielder Nick Palodichuk had an early chance from inside the left corner of the box pushed off target by a diving save from Rogers in the sixth minute. Sherrod had a shot from 22 yards out on the right side just miss the top far corner of the goal in the 35th minute.

North Sound turned away two scoring chances by the Timbers U-23s in the 66th minute. Rogers got his fingertips to a shot by Timbers U-23s midfielder Gabriel Conelian from the top of the box and the ball struck the crossbar. The ball fell to Portland’s Zack Foxhoven on the right post, but his follow-up effort was cleared off the goal line by SeaWolves FC defender Matt Eronemo.

Meves was called into action in the opening minute by North Sound when forward Zachary Hammond attempted a clean shot from the top of the six-yard box and Meves came up with the first of his two saves in the match.

The Timbers U-23s return to action Saturday as they visit division-rival the Kitsap Pumas at Gordon Park Field in Bremerton, Wash., at 7 p.m. (Pacific). Saturday’s match opens a stretch of four consecutive road matches for the Timbers U-23s through June 15.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

PLANT CITY, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC and the Portland Timbers Reserves played to a 4-4 draw after both teams weathered the first day of hurricane season in typical Florida style, waiting patiently through the lightning delays for kickoff. Tampa Bay held a 4-1 halftime lead, but the Timbers Reserves rallied in the second half to earn a point, Sal Zizzo scoring the game-tying goal from the penalty spot with just over 20 minutes to play.

After a delayed warm-up, VSI kicked off nearly an hour later than originally intended, but the hosts were able to take the lead quickly as Andriy Budnyy gave Tampa Bay the lead in the opening minute. The Timbers Reserves retaliated quickly, bouncing back in the first five minutes with a goal from midfielder Michael Nanchoff.

Budnyy restored Tampa Bay's lead in the 15th minute as he fired another goal home off an assist from midfielder J.T. Noone. Thre minutes later, Shawn Chin clipped another one in, making it 3-1 inside the first 20 minutes. Tampa Bay capped an impressive half with a fourth goal by Douglas Dos Santos, who finished off his own rebound after Timbers Reserves goalkeeper Jake Gleeson had saved his initial effort.

As the second half began, so did the Timbers Reserves’ comeback. Sebastien Rincon initiated the rally in the 47th minute as he drove home a fine finish from 25 yards into the top-right corner of the net. Jose Valencia pulled Portland within a goal in the 56th minute, and 12 minutes later the Timbers Reserves were awarded a penalty kick. Zizzo sent his shot into the left corner of the net, but the referee called for a re-take after one of the Timbers Reserves had encroached on the penalty area too soon. Zizzo remained calm on the retake, however, pulling his side level.

Both teams had chances to take the lead in the final 20 minutes, Alex Horwath making a reflex save to deny a point-blank header shortly after the penalty. Budnyy had an opportunity to complete his hat trick with just over 10 minutes to go, but his shot was turned behind for a corner by Gleeson as the two teams shared the points.

VSI Tampa Bay FC remains at home for its next outing as it faces Antigua Barracuda FC on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Plant City Stadium.

Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Friday, May 31, 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles will play host to a doubleheader this Saturday night as they host the Harrisburg City Islanders in a return to USL PRO action. The Eagles' men will take the field at 8 p.m. ET, following a W-League contest between the Lady Eagles and the Atlanta Silverbacks at 5:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader is also the return of Princess and Mustache night at the Queens Sports Complex.

The Eagles will look to rebound from a tough 2-0 defeat at the hands of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in U.S. Open Cup play when the Harrisburg City Islanders come to town. The Eagles are looking to keep their league home record of 3-0-2 intact, having only conceded one goal so far in USL PRO play.

Charlotte's last league game came on the back-end of a two-game West Coast road trip at Phoenix and Los Angeles. Only managing one point from both contests, a 2-2 draw with Phoenix and a 4-3 loss against the LA Blues, was not the best result for the Eagles but they will look to get back to their winning ways against the fifth-place City Islanders.

Rookie forward Christian Ramirez currently sits alone atop the Eagles goal scoring table. The California native has three goals on 18 shots so far in the young season. First-year Eagle Shaun Francis was the most dangerous player for Charlotte in the Open Cup game against the Fire. The Jamaican defender, whose two goals and two assists, have him tied with Ramirez on six points at the top of the scoring table. Christian Meza and Nate Thornton are tied with five points apiece, while Eagles veteran Jorge Herrera is tied with first year man Stefan "Tommy" Smith with four points apiece.

Harrisburg comes into Saturday's game with a 5-2-1 record, having most recently come up short 2-0 against Richmond on Friday, May 24th. The City Islanders got off to a fast start compiling a record of 4-1-0 in the first five games. The City Islanders fell to PDL side Reading United in the second round of the US Open Cup by a score of 1-0.

Sainey Touray, a Gambian forward, leads the City Islanders in scoring with five goals in seven games. Touray is ranked tied for third in the league in both goals and points. Touray is in his third season with the City Islanders, after playing previously for the Carolina RailHawks.

Harrisburg, in partnership with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union, has had players join the club on loan this season. Among those that have played this season are defenders Greg Jordan and Don Anding, midfielders Leo Fernandes, Christian Hernandez and Jimmy McLaughlin and forward Aaron Wheeler.

Some more City Islanders to keep an eye on this Saturday are forward Lucky Mkosana, who is second on the team in scoring with three goals and one assist. Mkosana played collegiately at Dartmouth College, where would collect various honors including Ivy League player of the year (2011), four-time All-Ivy League First Team and would also become the leading goal scorer in school history with 34 career goals for the Big Green. Goalkeeper Nicholas Noble has started in all eight Harrisburg contests this season. Originally drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Fire in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, the 6-foot-4 former West Virginia Mountaineer is in his second season with the City Islanders after playing previously for Swedish club Ljungskile SK. Noble has a 1.125 goals-against average this year, only surrendering nine goals on 65 shots faced.

Be sure to CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets for this Saturday's action as the Silverbacks and City Islanders come to town.

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

Thursday, May 30, 2013

THUNDER BAY, Ontario – The Thunder Bay Chill will host the Des Moines Menace for the first time this season after a two-game sweep on the road last weekend of WSA Winnipeg. The game, originally scheduled for tbaytel Field at Chapples Park, will instead be held at Fort William Stadium due to field conditions caused by recent weather. Kickoff remains set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The home opener for the Chill will be the first time the two teams have met since the Menace were ousted from the postseason last July when the two teams met in Des Moines. Des Moines took four out of a possible six points that weekend fighting for a playoff spot where the Chill had already captured their fifth Heartland Division title the weekend before.

The Chill (2-0-0) were handed one of their only two losses incurred in the 2012 season that saw the team make the playoffs for the sixth season in a row, however, Des Moines came up one point short and bowed out to Real Colorado Foxes.

The Menace are 2-1-1 in the four league games this season, and they have also played in three U.S. Open Cup games, bowing out to Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City 2-0 this past Tuesday in front of 15,621 fans at Sporting Park. The Menace also faced WSA Winnipeg earlier ahead of their trip to Thunder Bay, taking a 4-1 win behind three goals in the opening 11 minutes.

“This game will definitely be a challenge” said Chill head coach Tony Colistro. “Injuries to key players are causing us to change the formation we would like against Des Moines.”

After their victory against WSA Winnipeg earlier this evening, Des Moines leads the Heartland Division with seven points with the Chill holding two games in hand.

Six-foot-seven Swedish defender Axel Sjoberg was named to the PDL Team of the Week for his strong defending as well as scoring a goal last weekend against WSA Winnipeg.

The Chill play Des Moines only once in Thunder Bay due to the shortened 14 game schedule, and will face them twice in Des Moines on June 14th and 15th. The Chill will host the St. Louis Lions next weekend on June 7th and 8th. Call the box office at 623-5911 for game day tickets.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com

Friday, May 31, 2013

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds begin the month of June at home this Saturday night when they host region-rival, the Rochester Rhinos. The Riverhounds enter the game with a five-game unbeaten streak in USL PRO during the month of May and are focused to maintain this form against the Rhinos. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Highmark Stadium.

Last Friday night, the Riverhounds hosted the Antigua Barracuda FC for the first time this season, and took a 2-0 victory. Playing set-up man once again and increasing his league-leading total to six, midfielder Matt Dallman delivered a crafty service for striker Mike Seth in the 18th minute for the game’s first goal. Dallman continued his offensive production for the Hounds and recorded his first goal of the season in the 39th minute on a through-ball from Jhonny Arteaga. Dallman’s second straight multi-point game earned him a spot on the USL PRO Team of the Week for the second consecutive week and the fourth time this season.

Head Coach Justin Evans is confident heading into Saturday night’s match against the Rhinos.

“Our team is on the right track, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Evans. “The win last Friday was something we needed for our confidence and the hard work the team put in this week has prepared us to continue on our winning ways this Saturday.”

Saturday’s match will be the first time the Riverhounds and Rhinos will meet this season. Both the Riverhounds and Rhinos have had similar starts to their season, filled with multiple games on the road and emotional outcomes, this meeting will definitely be a statement game for the two clubs. The side that battles together and wins the individual match-ups should prevail victorious.

The Rhinos (1-6-2) come into the game with Interim Head Coach Pat Ercoli, after Jesse Myers was relieved of his responsibilities with the organization on Sunday, May 19. This will be Ercoli’s third match at the helm for the Rhinos in USL PRO play. The Rhinos will be playing their third game in five days, following a difficult 5-1 loss to the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday and a match-up on Friday night against the Los Angeles Blues at Sahlen’s Stadium. Carrying tired legs and a depleted roster due to injuries, the Rhinos will look to slow the game down and maintain possession throughout the match.

Prior to the match on Saturday, the Riverhounds will participate in the first-ever D-1 Game Day Experience Camp at Highmark Stadium from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This two-hour event will provide young athletes, ages 10 to 13, with professional soccer training that will include soccer-specific techniques and exercises focused on developing the skill-sets needed for a young aspiring soccer player. The Game Day Experience will also include fundamental speed and strength training relative to the game of soccer. This event will be led by current Pittsburgh Riverhounds coaches and players, in association with D-1 Pittsburgh’s coaching staff.

Don’t miss out on the Riverhounds upcoming matches! On June 7, the Riverhounds meet the Toronto FC Reserves of the MLS, and are hosting a “White Out” night for the match. White T-shirts, sponsored by Highmark, will be given to all in attendence. On June 15, the Riverhounds will host the defending USL PRO champions, the Charleston Battery during Father’s Day weekend. The Riverhounds will have post-game fireworks by Pyrotecnico that will light up the city skyline for the second time this season at Highmark Stadium.

To purchase Riverhounds tickets, visit Riverhounds.com/tickets or call the Highmark Stadium Box Office at (412) 224-4900.