Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com

Friday, June 21, 2013

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Sounders Women earned a 2-0 victory against the Bay Area Breeze in the teams' first meeting on a fourth-minute goal from Beth Russell and a stoppage-time sealer from Canadian National Team callup Melissa Busque. The Sounders battled for another win in W-League play to stay atop the Western Conference standings on a bright, warm Friday evening at Starfire Sports in Tukwila.

The Breeze looked like the more dominant team throughout, controlling possession for much of the first half and threatening for long stretches during the second half. The Sounders' defense did very well to hold off the second-half onslaught brought on by Bay Area.

The first and game-winning goal came in the fourth minute of the match when Janine Beckie found Russell on a corner kick from the right side of the pitch. Beckie's left-footed swinger met the knee of Russell at the back post, and Russell found a way around a defender to narrowly direct it inside the left post to give the Sounders the edge early.

Despite the blanket attack laid on by the Breeze, the away side could not find an equalizing goal in a game that seemed to be constantly on the verge of being leveled.

Dealing with the sun and playing a goal down throughout the opening period, the Breeze found themselves in control of possession, but without any real attacking pressure to apply to the Sounders defense, who were backed by the early goal from Russell.

Bay Area's first real scoring opportunity came in the 18th minute on a ball played through the air to the back post by Victoria Frederick to Brandi Vega. Vega was all alone at the back post to direct the cross on goal, but could not get a touch to take advantage of the opportunity as she stared back into the sun.

In the 30th minute the Sounders Women had a chance to take 2-0 lead when Beckie played a long cross from the left-half of the pitch down to the back post for Rachel Mercik, running on goal all alone. Beckie's cross fell right to the foot of Mercik, who volleyed it back on goal. Bay Area goalkeeper Yianna Dimmitt was there as the volley angled to the corner of the goal but glanced off of the frame for a goal kick.

Play began to open up late in the first half for both sides as they seemed to get accustomed to the sun. Jenna Richardson for the Sounders continued to play quality balls into the attacking players in dangerous areas, but the Sounders could not quite capitalize before the break.

The Breeze continued to make plays and get up the pitch, but could not find any real scoring opportunities before the break, aside from Vega's close call in the 18th minute.

As the second half got under way, the Breeze looked to equalize early in the half. The Sounders defense was under constant pressure for the first 15 minutes of the second period, and Erin McNulty was called upon to make multiple saves in that stretch. In the 54th minute, Kristina Hall found room to get off a shot from the left side of the penalty area at about 16 yards. The long shot travelled on target, and required a McNulty save near the top-right corner to keep it out.

On the following corner kick, Brittany Galindo connected with the ball on the far post and headed it on target from the face of the goal, but once again McNulty was there to put her hands on the ball, and block it away. Again in the 56th minute, Breeze forward Vega managed to get a shot on goal, but Russell was there to glance the driving shot away with her head.

It wasn't until the 70th minute when the Sounders found an opportunity to maintain possession and get up the pitch in their attacking form, but the Breeze applied the same pressure they had been all half, and got the ball back into their attacking third.

"Communication, communication, communication," veteran defender Russell said. "I thought that even though we were sometimes caught on our backsides a lot, we still had good defensive position."

In the 78th minute, with the Breeze still posing a constant threat, McNulty made an incredible save as she came out to meet Najma Homidi well out of the goal and gobble up another dangerous scoring opportunity. The Sounders continued to show their defensive resiliency through the final minutes of the match as the Breeze refused to let up in their pressure.

"I think that this really does show our resiliency as a team, and that we can come back and in the 90th minute and get a second goal," Tafara Pulse said. "It is hard when you feel like you're always on defense, but at the same time you can always win it back. I think for next game we need to work on keeping it and possessing it better."

In the 91st minute, Busque, fresh off her first Canadian National Team appearance in Germany on Wednesday, found a well-timed ball into the middle from Nicole Ambrose and put away the solidifying goal for the Sounders Women.

"This morning I woke up and I just wanted to play," said Busque who made the 14-hour plane ride home from Germany on Thursday. "My leg weren't tired and I just wanted to play, so I'm glad I got 45 minutes."

With a Sounders counter attack underway, Ambrose connected with Busque in the middle of the penalty box, and Busque tucked it into the bottom corner of goal for the 2-0 lead before the final whistle blew.

The Sounders Women return to Starfire on Sunday at 3 p.m. against the Pali Blues. The top two teams in the Western Conference will meet to determine who will stand on top of the conference and possibly earn hosting rights for the Western Conference playoff match at the conclusion of the regular season. Tickets are available for the game on SoundersWomen.com.

Friday, June 15, 2013

MILWAUKIE, Ore. — Midfielder Zach Barnes converted a first-half penalty kick and goalkeeper David Meves recorded five saves to earn the shutout as the Portland Timbers U-23s defeated the Kitsap Pumas 1-0 in a hard-fought match at Alder Creek Middle School on Friday night.

Playing in their first home match in three weeks, the Timbers U-23s improved to 6-1-2 (20 pts) and maintained their lead in the Premier Development League’s Northwest Division. The Timbers U-23s lead Victoria Highlanders FC by one point in the division standings, after Highlanders FC (6-1-1, 19pts) beat North Sound Seawolves FC 2-0 earlier Friday.

The shutout victory also extended the Timbers U-23s home winning streak to four games and the team’s home shutout streak to 360 minutes, as the team has now shut out each of its first four league opponents at home in 2013. Portland goalkeeper David Meves earned his PDL-leading sixth clean sheet of the season.

Kitsap (1-3-5, 8pts) had a six-match unbeaten run come to an end in the loss.

The Timbers U-23s scored the lone goal of the match in the first half. Midfielder Zach Barnes converted a penalty kick in the 27th minute, shortly after the game had paused more than 10 minutes early in the match following an injury to Timbers U-23s forward Mark Sherrod.

The Timbers U-23s earned the penalty kick in the 26th minute, after Pumas goalkeeper Aaron Fenalson took down Timbers U-23s midfielder Reinaldo Brenes in the box. Played into the box by midfielder John McFarlin, Brenes had sidestepped Fenlason on his way to the goal when Fenalson took him down.

The Timbers U-23s had a good chance to go up 2-0 in the 55th minute, when a solid cross from midfielder Jose Ribas along the left side set up two chances from point-blank range. Forward Clark Phillips and Midfielder Nick Palodichuk each had solid chances within seconds of each other, but Pumas defender Cody Shelton saved both shots off the goal line to keep the Pumas within one at 1-0.

The Pumas forced Meves into four saves in the second half. Second-half sub Shane Malcome had two shot attempts early in the second half stopped by Meves, including one on a firmly hit ball in the 58th minute. Kitsap midfielder Kasra Kiarash drove a header on frame from 10 yards out off a cross from the right side in the 67th minute, but Meves was in position to catch the ball.

The physical nature of the match took hold in the second half, leading to ejections for both teams late. Timbers U-23s midfielder Victor Souto and Pumas defender Josh Kelly each received red cards in the 78th and 81st minutes, respectively, leaving each team with 10 players the rest of the way. The two rivals combined for 37 fouls and eight cautions.

The Pumas had two scoring chances waived off in the second half due to an offside call on Sebastiaan Jansen in the 48th minute and an offensive foul on second-half sub Alex Chavez in the 87th minute. 

Friday, June 21, 2013

THUNDER BAY, Ontario – The Thunder Bay Chill continued their dominance over the Springfield Demize with a 1-0 victory on Friday night at tbyatel Field at Chapples Park. The victory keeps the Chill perfect for the season at 8-0-0 and lead the PDL with 24 points. The win also continued the Chill’s win streak against the Demize, who have never beaten or tied the Chill since coming into the league in 2007. The Chill is now 16-0-0 against the Demize.

The Chill also upped their streak of clean sheets to six with Stephen Paterson picking up his fifth win of the season and his fourth shutout.

The Chill dominated the first half and had some excellent scoring chances but were unable to finish. One of the best opportunities came in the 19th minute when Sunny Omoregie tried to pick the top-right corner of the goal and Demize goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg had to make a leaping save to punch the ball over the net. In the 24th minute, Chill defender Zetroy Robertson had a great run down the middle that found him in on goal but his shot was also stopped by Spangenberg. In the 35th minute, Omoregie hit the post after receiving a pass from midfielder Thomas Chameraud.

Thunder Bay outshot Springfield 10-0 in the first half. Springfield did have more play in the second half but were still outshot by a 7-5 margin. Finally in the 51st minute the Chill took the lead as Abraham Villon put the ball through to Omoregie, who only had Spangenberg to beat, and he made no mistake going around the goalkeeper and putting the ball into an empty net to pick up his fifth goal of the season.

“I felt our offense was affected by the conditions of the field” said Chill head coach Tony Colistro. “The wet and soggy field definitely slowed our ball movement down and affected our ability to finish when we did get the chances.”

Chill defenders continued their dominance of the back field, keeping shots at Paterson to only two. “It was challenging playing on a soft and wet field but we managed to keep that ball out of our end for most of the game” said Chill captain Nolan Intermoia. “It was a huge 3 points for us as we want to keep our winning streak going.”

The two teams play each other again on Saturday night. Game time is 7:30 pm EDT but the location has been moved to the Fort William Stadium due to poor field conditions at tbaytel Field at Chapples Park.

Friday, June 21, 2013

BECKLEY, W.Va. -- The Southern West Virginia King's Warriors ended almost a month of frustration by coming from behind to defeat the SC United Bantams 3-2 on Friday night at Carter Field at the Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex. Harry Sherwood, Curt Hays and Billy Forbes scored for the King's Warriors (2-4-0), with Forbes' goal in the 64th minute proving to be the game winner. Ryan Freiburger and Bobby Belair scored for the Bantams.

Southern West Virginia goalie Erik Mozzo earned his second victory of the season with five saves, while SC United goalkeeper Robert Beebe took the loss making eight saves while keeping the Bantams within striking distance late in the contest with stellar play. With the King's Warriors leading by a goal late in the game, the Bantams were forced to push forward to try and equalize. Southern West Virginia had two breakaways and several odd-man rushes in an attempt to put the game away, but were denied by Beebe.

The Bantams (4-4-0) scored first in the 22nd minute as Ryan Freiburger scored into the roof of the net from 20 yards out to give SC United a 1-0 advantage. The King's Warriors struck back with three consecutive goals, the first in the 29th minute as Sherwood nailed in a free kick past Beebe to tie the match at 1-1.

South Western Virginia grabbed its first lead in the 34th minute as Curt Hays tapped in a shot by Beebe in his first game this season for the King's Warriors. Forbes knocked in his third goal of the season in the 64th minute to give the King's Warriors a 3-1 lead. Bobby Belair brought the Bantams to within one goal at 3-2 just a minute after the Forbes goal, but Southern West Virginia held off SC United the rest of the way.

The King's Warriors will meet the Virginia Beach Paranhas in their next home outing on Saturday, June 29 at 7 p.m. at Carter Field at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex. Tickets for all King's Warriors home games at Carter Field at the YMCA's Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex in Beckley are available by calling the team's office at (304) 466-9080, or by e-mail at wvkingswarriors@yahoo.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

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

Friday, June 21, 2013

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Looking to get back to winning ways, the Des Moines Menace welcome the Kansas City Brass for a 7:30 p.m. tilt on Saturday night at Valley Stadium.

The Menace (3-5-1) are overdue for offense, being winless and scoreless at home since its 1-0 victory over WSA Winnipeg on May 18. 

A bout with Kansas City (3-2-1) could be what the Menace players need to pull out of their rut. The Menace’s last goals came against the Brass on June 5, in a 5-1 win in Atchison, Kan.

With 10 points apiece, Des Moines and Kansas City are tied for third place in the Premier Development League’s Heartland Division. The Brass have played three fewer matches than the Menace, and gained momentum last night in a 3-2 home win over the Real Colorado Foxes.

ABOUT THE MENACE
- Seek their first home goal and victory since defeating WSA Winnipeg, 1-0, on May 18.
- Are 3-0-1 when scoring a goal in PDL play; Has been shut out in all five PDL losses.
- Advanced to the third round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, falling to Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer), 2-0, on May 28.
- Finished 8-5-3 in 2012, missing the Heartland Division’s second and final playoff spot by a single point to Real Colorado (8-4-4).
- Began 2013 under the direction of a new general manager (Matt Homonoff) and head coach (Mike Jeffries).
- The updated roster: www.MenaceSoccer.com/men/roster

ABOUT THE BRASS
- Look to keep momentum from a 3-2 victory over Real Colorado on Thursday.
- Matthew McDevitt leads with four goals; Jordan Rideout is second with two goals.
- Kyle Cumings, a Menace Academy grad from Norwalk who played for the Menace PDL side from 2008-10, has played in two matches for the Brass.
- Are 2-0-0 in road matches this season.
- Are led by third-year head coach Lincoln Roblee, who owns a 13-19-6 all-time mark.

PREVIOUS MEETING
- The Menace scorched the Brass, 5-1, on June 5 in Atchison, Kan.
- Jimmy Tulloch led the scoring parade with a pair of goals, while Nico Wright, Fatai Alabi, and Zac Portillos each added a goal.
- Matthew McDevitt got the Brass’s lone goal on a penalty kick in the 53rd minute.

ALL-TIME SERIES
- The Menace also hold the all-time series lead, 26-12-1.
- Starting July 7, 2007, the Menace have gone 15-1-1 against the Brass.
- Des Moines has won its last 11 home matches with Kansas City, racking up a scoring margin of 40-7. The Brass’s last win in Des Moines came on July 3, 2004.

SATURDAY’S PROMOTIONS
- The Menace host participants from the US Youth Soccer Region II Championships – an event hosted by the Iowa Soccer Association. More than 200 top-flight U13-U19 boys and girls teams from 14 state associations are competing in the Midwest Regionals, from Saturday through Wednesday.
- The Menace women open a doubleheader, with a 4:30 p.m. match against the Quad City Eagles.
- Saturday’s presenting sponsor is Sterling Hotel and Suites.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery came away with a 0-0 draw on Saturday night against VSI Tampa Bay FC at Blackbaud Stadium. 5,111 fans were on hand for this match as both teams battled for 90 minutes but saw no goals. With the draw, the Battery move to (7-3-5) and fourth place in the USL PRO standings while VSI Tampa Bay (7-6-2) will stay three points behind the Battery and in fifth place.

“Tonight was just one of those games, both teams created some good chances but no one could seem to find the back of the net," said Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser after the game. "In the end you just have to take the point and realize that it’s definitely better than a loss.”

Both teams shared opportunities in the first half; Battery midfielder Quinton Griffith missed a couple of close chances and forward Heviel Cordoves continued to produce quality play up top, but neither was able to put an opportunity away. Tampa Bay also went close with five minutes to go before the break, Darren Toby being played in behind the defense, only for be denied by an outstanding save by Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper.

Charleston controlled much more in the second half and had some quality looks from set pieces. Late in the second half, Nicki Paterson curled a free kick beautifully around the Tampa Bay defensive wall, but VSI goalkeeper Alex Horwath dove to come up with a great save that kept the game scoreless.

The draw is the Battery’s third draw in as many games. Even though there was plenty of action, a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping by both sides kept honors even, allowing VSI to return to Florida with a point.

Up next, the Charleston Battery will host Orlando City at Blackbaud Stadium on Friday, July 5. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed live at uslnation.com and on the air on 1450 AM WQNT. 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The River City Rovers fell victim to another slow start on Saturday against the Michigan Bucks, falling two goal behind in under 17 minutes and going down a man after 25, as they fell 4-1 at the hands of the PDL Great Lakes Division leaders. Despite the final margin, the early deficit and the man disadvantage, the Rovers (4-5-1) played well, possessing for long spells and challenging the Bucks' goal on numerous occasions.

In what continued to be the Rovers’ Achilles’ heel this season, the team once again conceded a pair of early goals, causing them to face an uphill battle the whole way. The Bucks (7-1-0) got on the board early after Dion Peters and Gerald Ben played a quick one-two 25 yards from goal. Ben, the reigning PDL Player of the Week, clipped the ball over the Rovers line that had held and asked for offside. The linesman’s flag stayed down, and Peters took the ball in alone with no pressure, slamming it past Rovers keeper Taylor Hafling for the 1-0 lead.

The Bucks doubled their lead nine minutes later after they caught the Rovers napping on a free kick. The foul was spotted on the left corner of the box 22 yards from goal and the Bucks took it short as the wall was being set up. Midfielder Matt Walker took the ball toward the goal line, had plenty of time to look up, and found a wide-open Ben who tapped it into the goal.

The Rovers would add insult to injury in the 25th minute when Sebastien Henke took out Peters with a standing two-footed tackle. The center official didn’t hesitate and immediately pulled out a red, putting the Rovers down a man in addition to their two-goal deficit.

Up against a monumental task, the Rovers went to work and pushed forward, applying pressure to the Bucks throughout the rest of the game. Sadly, they couldn’t manage to capitalize on two golden chances in the first half that could’ve brought them back into the game. The first came before the red card in the 23rd minute, when Lepe Seetane played in a high looping cross from the left wing. The ball sailed to the far post over the head of three Bucks defenders. Rovers defender Hezekiah Weiss ran in and powered a header low to the near post, but Bucks keeper Adam Grinwis dove low, pulling off a quality save. Another Rovers chance saw Kyle Sparks slot a ball to Dylan Terry in the corner of the penalty area. Terry took a rip, but it smacked off the near post and went wide.

The Rovers maintained their attacking momentum in the second half, controlling a healthy majority of the possession while the Bucks sat back, absorbed pressure and counter-attacked. The Rovers twice came close again, with Humberto Bertran clanking another upright off a feed from Sparks, and Peter May putting a header wide from inside the six-yard-box after service on a free kick from Terry.

River City’s inability to finish would cost them again as the Bucks would score two more late on. In the 73rd minute, a Bucks' corner fell to the feet of Walker after Hafling came out to punch. With Hafling out of position, Walker crossed to Drew Ruggles, who headed it into the open net. In the 88th minute, Ruggles went from scorer to helper when he played a 60-yard ball into the box. Nate Steinwascher ran onto it, took a touch, and pushed it up and over Hafling.

The Rovers’ managed a consolation goal in the 89th minute when Luis Ramirez pounced on a corner after it bounced around in the penalty area. The goal was deserved and probably a long time coming, but unfortunately for the Rovers it was too little and too late.

The Rovers maintained third place in the division despite the loss and are still six points ahead of Toronto, KW-United, and the Chicago Inferno. They return home next week to play the Toronto Lynx, whom they defeated 2-0 on June 9. The Rovers will hope to get back to their winning ways and add to their third-place cushion. Their current lead is fragile as the three fourth-placed teams have all played less games than the Rovers. Kick off is set for 7 p.m. at Shelby County Athletic Complex. Fans can follow the action live on Twitter @ROVERSSOCCER.

Charlotte Lady Eagles News Release 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

CHARLOTTE, NC. - The Lady Eagles suffered their second consecutive loss on Saturday night, dropping a 2-1 decision to VSI Tampa Bay FC. Macky Wingo's loan goal was not enough to overcome as Tori Abnathi's brace that gave the visitors their first victory since May 19.

The Lady Eagles struck first in just the 7th minute as Leah Fortune found Wingo at the center of the penalty area. Wingo was able to control the ball with pressure and place the ball in the corner giving the Lady Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Lady Eagles goalkeeper Robyn Jones was tested for the first time in the 21st minute after Sharla Pasariello put the ball on frame.  Jones made a good diving save to protect the lead. 

In the 32nd minute, Tampa Bay had a great scoring opportunity after a handball just outside the box but the ensuing kick was well over the crossbar.

Momentum shifted to the visitors as the half came to a close and just before break Tampa Bay found the equalizer. Abnathi beat Jones with to even the scoreline just before the whistle.

Both teams struggled to find rhythm at the start of the second half. Tampa Bay capitalized on a quick counter attack in the 66th minute. Abnathi found herself on a one-on-one breakaway beating Jones and scoring her second goal of the match, giving Tampa Bay the lead 2-1.

As Tampa Bay applied pressure, the Lady Eagles' Whitney Brannan saved a third goal, on the line, with a kick goal line save in the 83rd minute.

The Lady Eagles return home on July 5 to host the Dayton Dutch Lions. Go to www.charlotteeagles.com or call 704-841-8644x19 to purchase your tickets today.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers remained undefeated this season after battling Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at City Stadium. Conceding an early goal by Kekuta Manneh, the Kickers rallied from the deficit when Joseph Ngwenya buried the equalizer in the second half. Outshooting the MLS Reserves team 10-3 in front of a rain-soaked crowd of 2,135, the home side was denied twice by the woodwork after the 90th minute to take a point in the USL PRO-MLS interleague match-up.

Pressing early, Vancouver claimed the lead when midfielder Corey Hertzog controlled the ball through traffic 30 yards out before a missed clearance teed it up for Manneh, who barreled through the defensive congestion. Deftly eluding defenders, the speedy forward struck from the top of the penalty area and buried his finish into the bottom-left corner in the 23rd minute.

Looking to pull a goal back before the end of the first half, the Kickers nearly equalized in the 32nd minute when defender Shane Johnson delivered a long throw-in from the left wing over the defense, connecting with Michael Seaton. The Kickers 17-year-old forward carried the ball into the penalty area and played it back to a heavily marked Joseph Ngwenya 18 yards out. The resulting shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Nate Robinson whose shot from 16 yards whistled just wide of the target.

Five minutes later, Robinson delivered a ball from the right flank to the far post, finding Seaton who played it back to Brian Ownby 12 yards out, but the Kickers midfielder pulled his shot just wide. Robinson was dangerous again just before the break when he swiftly evaded defenders through the box and sliced the ball across the goalmouth. Hoping to connect with Seaton stationed at the far post, his well-timed cross bounced just out of reach.

Picking up where they left off, the Kickers’ persistence paid off 10 minutes after the restart when Ownby received the ball deep on the left wing and centered it for an onrushing Ngwenya, who made no mistake with his finish from six yards out. 

As the weather worsened just before the hour mark, the Kickers nearly claimed the advantage when Ownby raced down the left flank and kept the ball from going over the end line. Whitecaps goalkeeper Simon Thomas batted his cross away, only to find Mike Callahan 12 yards out, and the midfielder laid it off to an onrushing Henry Kalungi. The Ugandan international rushed onto it and struck from the top of the box but his curling shot went inches over the crossbar.

The Whitecaps retaliated in the 72nd minute when Manneh played a corner from the right side back to Derek Bassi. The second-half substitute delivered the ball into the swarming box where it was cleared out to an awaiting Aminu Abdallah at the top of the penalty area, who forced Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra to leap to his left as his rocket-shot grazed just past the right post.

Later, Ngwenya saw a second goal called back due to an offside call before Ownby was thwarted by the post after a crafty pass from Seaton picked out his break on the left wing. 

The Kickers did not let up on the throttle for the remainder of the second half, and nearly stole all three points, only to be twice denied the game-winner after the 90th minute. First, second-half substitute Matthew Delicate received the ball in the penalty area and played it back to Philippe Davies who struck from the top of the box. His shot was deflected wide for a corner, with the resulting inswinger finding William Yomby at the far post, but his header from point-blank range ricocheted off the upright before being cleared from harm’s way.

Then, with seconds remaining in regulation, the ball pinged around the box, eventually falling to Ownby who turned his mark at the top of the box and unleashed a determined shot that rattled the crossbar. That would be the final opportunity, though, as both teams took a point from the contest.

Following tonight’s match, the Richmond Kickers embark on an eight-game road trip, beginning with a back-to-back trip to Orlando City and VSI Tampa Bay FC on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, respectively. Follow the Kickers on the road at USLNation.com.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Saturday, June 22, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City fell to Brazil's Fluminense FC 4-3 on Saturday night in front of 11,127 fans at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, an international friendly club record for attendance. The mark was previously set back in July of 2011 against the English Premier League’s Newcastle United with 10,889.

“It was great for some of our younger players to play against them (Fluminense),” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “On the whole, I’m pleased with the evening.”

Saturday’s opponent, Fluminense FC, competes in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, the top level of Brazilian soccer. This year they are also one of the sides representing Brazil in the prestigious Copa Libertadores, making a great mid-season opponent for the Lions.

Orlando got on the scoreboard first, with USL PRO-leading scorer Dom Dwyer slotting his own give-and-go past Fluminense FC Ricardo Berna to give Orlando the 1-0 lead in the 19th minute. Dwyer played a ball past a Fluminense defender, sprinted past the backline and found space to convert a low roller to give Orlando a one-goal advantage.

Fluminense equalized in the final minutes of the first half, with a well-placed cross by Carlinhos finding Gum inside the 18-yard box, who whipped in a header to tie the match at 1-1 in the 40th minute. The Brazilian champs added a second goal at the beginning of the second half, with Ryner slotting in a score after Rafael found him in stride in the 47th minute. The striker put Orlando City goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo out of position, finding the back of the net for the 2-1 lead.

Two more goals were added by the Brazilian champs in the second half, including individual strikes from outside the penalty area by Rafael and Samuel to put Fluminense up 4-1.

Orlando didn’t go into the night quietly, with two quick goals by the Lions arriving in the 78th and 80th minutes to cut Fluminense's lead down to one. Midfielder Adama Mbengue was involved with both goals as he slotted home a finish after Jonathan Mendoza found the Senegal native in space, and then provided the whipped cross just two minutes later that eventually found the head of Jean Alexandre for the Lions' third. Despite the late comeback from Orlando, Fluminense held strong and came out on top with the 4-3 win.

The Lions now turn their attention toward Wednesday night’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal in Bridgeview, Ill., against Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Chicago Fire. Kickoff for the game is set for 8:30 p.m. EST. The Lions advanced past MLS affiliate Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in the last round of Open Cup play, with an early score by Long Tan giving Orlando the lead and win. The win marked the club’s first-ever win against Sporting KC and advancement to the quarterfinal round of the Open Cup. If the Lions advance past Chicago, Orlando will host the semifinals on Wednesday, August 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com

Sunday, June 23, 2013

HOLMDEL, N.J. - The New Jersey Wildcats used three first-half goals to defeat the New York Magic on Saturday, earning a 3-1 home result at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel. Wildcats forward Jess Fuccello netted a pair of goals in the victory, increasing her league-leading totals to eight goals and 17 points.

Fuccello got the scoring started in the 18th minute of this affair, stealing a ball from a New York defender on the left flank before getting a step on the back line. She then raced forward into space and worked her way into a 1v1 situation with Magic netminder Caitlin Hoffer. As soon as Fuccello saw Hoffer come off her post, she immediately slotted a ball under her with her right foot, giving New Jersey an early 1-0 advantage.

In the 25th minute, the Wildcats struck again. On the scoring play, defender Rachel Breton drove upfield with possession before placing a though ball to forward Erin Simon on the right side of the box. Simon then turned towards the frame and powered a shot that a diving Hoffer was able to save. The ball deflected out to striker Rachel Ivanicki on the right side of the penalty area, where she quickly settled and sent a hard roller to the front of the goal. There awaiting distribution was Fuccello, who finished the feed as she was being tackled to stretch the lead to two goals.

Ivanicki was again in a giving mood just four minutes later, collecting possession on the right flank before finding enough space in front of her to send a cross into the penalty area. Simon was there on the receiving end, and she quickly put a nice touch on the ball once it arrived to redirect it into the back netting. 29 minutes into the match, the hometown Wildcats saw itself with a 3-0 advantage.

In the second half of play, New York was able to create numerous opportunities, but the lone goal for the road side came in the 59th minute when the Magic got on the board following an offensive burst that saw the ball travel down the entire right flank. Once getting just outside the 18-yard box, midfielder Evelyn Nicinski collected possession and fed it forward to Brittany Pfaff. After quickly settling the feed, Pfaff turned towards the goal and was able to put the ball away.

The two clubs meet again on Wednesday evening when the Wildcats travel north to take on the Magic at 7:15 p.m. The next home match for New Jersey is on Saturday, July 6, when it hosts the Washington Spirit Reserves at 2 p.m. at Saint 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.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

FRESNO, Calif. – In a pivotal matchup, the Fresno Fuego beat FC Tucson 3-1 on Saturday night at Chukchansi Park to remain undefeated (8-0-1) this season. Tyler Reinhart and Paul Islas each tallied a goal as the Fuego remain in first place in the Premier Development League’s Southwest Division with 25 points.

The same duo that has fueled the Fuego’s offensive attack for much of the season struck quickly right after one another midway through the first half. Reinhart powered his shot from 25 yards out to the upper-left corner of the net to score the match’s first goal in the 29th minute. Three minutes later, Islas finessed a ball from a tough angle in the left corner to make it 2-0 Fuego. The goal for Islas was his team-leading seventh this season. Reinhart’s goal was his fifth in 2013 PDL play.

FC Tucson pulled a goal back three minutes before halftime as Isaac Ikyurav' cross was headed home by Gabe Silveira, cutting the deficit to one at the halftime break. FC Tucson controlled the pace for most of the second half, outshooting Fresno 6-1, but were unable to take advantage of their multiple opportunities.  Ricardo Velazco hit the frame of the goal twice, in the 51st and 66th minute, but the Fuego were able to hold onto their slim lead as the game entered the final 10 minutes.

Tucson's comeback hopes took a hit with five minutes to go as Travis Campbell was sent off, reducing his side to 10 men. Then in the 88th minute, Gregory Antognoli tallied his first goal of the season on a rebound attempt to give the Fuego a 3-1 advantage, putting the game away. Islas tallied the assist on Antognoli’s goal, giving Islas his fourth assist of the year.

Fresno’s next match is set for Saturday, June 29th at the Southern California Seahorses.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

FULLERTON, Calif. – The Dayton Dutch Lions got a late goal to take a 1-0 victory against the Los Angeles Blues on Sunday evening at Titan Stadium. Tjeerd Westdijk scored the only goal of the game in the final minute as the Dutch Lions moved up to sixth place in the USL PRO standings.

A poor clearance by the Blues led to the Dutch Lions' goal as Gibson Bardsley found space on the right side as Los Angeles' defense was caught out of position. Bardsley's low cross found Westdijk, who hit a first-time finish home for his third goal of the season. Los Angeles tried to find an equalizer in stoppage time, but the Blues were able to hold on to add a victory to their draw in Phoenix on Friday night in their west-coast trip.

The Blues held more possession in both halves, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Los Angeles went close to opening the scoring early in the second half as George Davis IV shot over the crossbar from inside the penalty area. Dayton goalkeeper Matthew Williams made a good save from Chris Cortez in the 64th minute, tipping his header over the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.

Dayton's Eli Garner went close to opening the scoring with just under 20 minutes, only for Eli Garner to pull his shot wide from the right side of the penalty area. The Blues also came close with nine minutes to go, only for Karim Barcelo's shot from 16 yards to be partially blocked, allowing Williams to gather.

The game appeared to be set to finish scoreless, as the first meeting between the two teams had in Dayton on June 2, but Westdijk's late goal grabbed all three points for the Dutch Lions.

The Blues’ next home game is on July 4 at 7:30 at Titan Stadium against Antigua Barracuda FC. Dayton returns home to host the Rochester Rhinos, also on July 4, at 1 p.m. ET at Beavercreek Stadium. 

Seattle Sounders Women News Release

Sunday, June 23, 2013

TUKWILA, Wa. - The Pali Blues topped the Sounders Women 3-0 on three first-half goals to tighten the top of the W-League Western Conference race. Following the loss, the Sounders are still in first place by one point but have a game in hand. 

The loss breaks the Sounders’ eight-game unbeaten streak, and marks their first loss of the 2013 W-League season. 

The second-place Pali Blues used timely, potent attacking play in the first half to jump out to a 3-0 lead just 37 minutes into the match.  

"We felt like we got them on their heels, but they came right back at us and scored three really amazing goals," said Sounders Women forward Janine Beckie. "At halftime Coach Busby told us to go back out with character and compete, and that's what we did in the second half."

The first goal came in the 15th minute when the Blues found themselves well inside their attacking third. Samantha Mewes chipped a short pass to the top of the penalty area, for Mele French. French volleyed a right-footed shot low to the right corner of goal past a hesitant Erin McNulty. The Sounders keeper came off her line, but the ball hit the right post, shot across the goal on the ground to the left post, and ricocheted into the net.

After the first goal, the Sounders Women controlled a healthy dose of possession, but could not get any kind of rhythm in their attack. The Pali Blues used a multitude of turnovers to create some dangerous counter-attacking play for themselves. 

The Blues struck again in the 26th minute when Sarah Killion made a short pass out to French deep in the left corner of the penalty box. French created a yard of space and perfectly bent the ball high inside the far post to net her second goal of the match. 

The Sounders looked to get themselves back on track after Pali's second goal, and in the 28th minute had an opportunity to close the two-goal gap. 

Janine Beckie made a pacing run up the left side of the pitch and sent in a low pass in front of a Pali defender to Jenna Richardson. Richardson couldn’t connect with anyone in the penalty area.  She made a move to get some space for a shot, but her attempt didn’t stretch the Blues goalkeeper Anna Picarelli. 

In the 37th minute The Blues found their third goal of the first half. The Sounders poked the ball off of Jamia Fields’ feet, but right to the center of penalty box. Pali forward, Rachel Nuzzolese, was there to collect it with her back to the goal. She held off a Sounders defender and made a turn with her left foot, and sent a shot high to the far post on the left. McNulty The Pali Blues took the 3-0 lead into half time.

The Sounders made three halftime substitutions and came out in the second period with the focus and rhythm they were missing in the first 45 minutes. 

"The first half was not our best, but we came out here in the second half and really fought, and that was the Sounders that we're used to," said Sounders forward Rachel Mercik. "It's our character, it's who we are as a team, and it's a good learning experience. I'm proud that this is just our first loss of the season."

In the 52nd minute Melissa Busque sent a cross down to Jenna Richardson on the near post at the doorstep of the Sounders' first goal. Richardson could not get her touch past the goalkeeper Picarelli, who knocked it down in front of the goal. A scramble for the deflection was won by a Pali defender, Caprice Dydasco, who cleared it off the line.

Again in the 60th minute the Sounders had a great opportunity to get on the board with a goal. Janine Beckie took a run up the right side and found room to get off a shot with a tough angle. Beckie's effort got past Picarelli, put glanced off of the frame on the far side, and the danger was cleared.

The Sounders continued to create chances and dominate possession in the second half, but the Pali Blues handled the full half of pressure well, and would not allow for a final Sounders' touch. 

The Sounders Women still remain the top of the Western Conference standings with a one-point lead over Pali. The Sounders have just three games remaining in the regular season, while Pali has four. Next up for Seattle is a home match on June 30th against the Colorado Rapids. Kickoff is 7pm for the Sunday night matchup.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

PITTSBURGH — On a blistering hot afternoon in Station Square, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds convert two goals in each half to defeat Antigua Barracuda FC 4-1 at Highmark Stadium. Darren Amoo led the Riverhounds with two goals, while Rob Vincent tallied his first goal of the season and Jose Angulo netted his tenth of the year in front of 3,121 supporters. With the decisive victory, the Riverhounds extend their undefeated streak to 10 games in USL PRO play.

The Riverhounds opened the scoring in the sixth minute on a combination between Rich Costanzo and Amoo. Slashing through the offensive third with pace, Amoo attempted a one-two with Costanzo that deflected off Karanja Mack and bounced back to him at the edge of the penalty area. Turning the ball on goal with his chest, Amoo volleyed a left-footed shot past Molvin James from 12 yards out.

The Barracudas struck on a counter-attack seven minutes later off the foot of Tamorley Thomas. Eugine Kirwan received the ball on the right flank just past midfield and picked his head up to see Thomas running past his marker. Kirwan’s pass encouraged Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap off of his line to meet Thomas just inside of the 18-yard-area. Thomas lifted the bouncing ball over the diving Gilstrap and into the back of the empty net.

The Riverhounds wasted little time to get back on top when rookie Rob Vincent netted his first professional goal three minutes later. League-leading set up man Matt Dallman beat two Barracudas on the right flank to draw Vincent’s marker to the ball. Dallman slid a pass to Vincent at the top of the penalty area, and Vincent bent the ball into the top right corner of the goal.

The Riverhounds added to thei lead seven minutes into the second half when they received a dangerous set piece 25 yards from goal. Angulo bent a left-footed shot over the wall that required James to dive to his left. Attempting to push the ball out for a corner, James’ parry ricocheted off the post and back across the goalmouth. Following up the shot, Amoo passed the ball into the back of the net from three yards out for his second of the game and third of the weekend.

In the 64th minute, Angulo added to the Riverhounds' lead. Driving from left-to-right, Ryan Kinne found Angulo free 25 yards from goal. Taking a touch to control, Angulo rifled a dipping left-footed shot that struck the bottom of the crossbar and bounced just over the goal line. With the goal, Angulo completed the month of June by scoring in all five Riverhounds games.

The Riverhounds return to action on July 4th for a game against the Charlotte Eagles. The Independence Day match is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Highmark Stadium. The Barracudas meet the L.A. Blues on July 4th at Cal State Fullerton Stadium. Their match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Ventura County Fusion News Release -- www.vcfusion.com

Monday, June 24, 2013

VENTURA, Calif. – Two-time Liga MX Champion, Puebla FC, will be coming to Ventura County to face the Ventura County Fusion on Tuesday, July 9th at Ventura College Sportsplex. The game is presented by Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Green Thumb Nursery, and Barrel House 101. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.

The Fusion’s contest with Puebla is the latest in what has become an annual tradition for the Ventura-based Premier Development League side, and underscores the organization’s commitment to facing high-level competition offered by the world’s most outstanding
professional soccer leagues. In previous seasons, the Fusion have hosted the English Premier League’s Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion and Liga MX’s Cruz Azul. 

"The Ventura County Fusion are committed to hosting additional high level soccer matches," said Fusion General Manager Ranbir Shergill. "Along with corporate partners Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Green Thumb Nursery, and Barrel House 101 the Fusion are excited to host Puebla FC of Liga MX on Tuesday, July 9th at Ventura College Sportsplex.

“Puebla is a 2-time Mexican Champion and former CONCACAF Champions League Champion. They have a history of success and a roster filled with talent. It will be another strong test for the Fusion and we look forward to competing against them on July 9th."

Puebla’s current roster includes United States internationals DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco, and a number of other international players such as Ecuador’s Segundo Castillo and Felix Borja.

“The Fusion have an excellent track record when challenging prestigious competitors from around the world, including many well-known professional clubs from throughout North America and Europe,” said Fusion head coach Rudy Ybarra. “This match against Puebla should be no different. Although they have several international players, I fully expect our organization to rise to the occasion again and serve as a formidable opponent to Puebla F.C. Most importantly, our fans will be treated to one of the most exciting and entertaining matches of the year.”

Tickets for the Fusion-Puebla match are now on sale and immediately available by contacting Fusion headquarters at (805) 830-8026, or by ordering online at www.vcfusion.com. 

Tickets are also available at Green Thumb Nursery and Xtreme Soccer in Oxnard. Ticket prices
are $15 for adults, and $10 for children under the age of 17, if purchased in through VCFusion.com. At the gate, ticket prices are $20 each for adults, and $12 each for youths. All Fusion season ticket holders will be admitted free of charge.

For media inquiries about the Ventura County Fusion, please contact Greg Altounian at 805-830-8026 or email at greg@vcfusion.com 

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

Monday, June 24, 2013

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. -- The Long Island Rough Riders will host the Central Jersey Spartans on Tuesday night at Cy Donnelly Stadium starting at 7:30 p.m. The Spartans are eager for redemption after falling to the Rough Riders 4-2 last week, while the Rough Riders are looking to get back into the race for the playoffs in the Mid Atlantic Division.

The Rough Riders are coming off of a 3-1 loss against the Ocean City Nor’easters last Wednesday night. After an own goal by Nor’easters defender Jordan Murrell, the Rough Riders held the lead going into the second half and were full of confidence. The Nor’easters had other plans, and came out strongly at the beginning of the second half to dominate the match. They scored three goals within a 12-minute span to claim the win and maintain their pursuit of the playoffs. The Rough Riders are currently in fifth place with 11 points in the Mid Atlantic Division.

The Spartans are struggling to move up the ladder in the division. They have won only one of their six games thus far, taking victory against the Westchester Flames on the road. The Spartans are having difficulties maintaining a solid defense throughout a 90 minute game, having giving up nine second-half goals. They are led by forward Claude Tahi, who has scored three goals in five appearances this season. Midfielders Mitchell Grotti and Mark McGoldrick have also recorded goals for the Spartans. The Spartans are currently in eighth place with three points in the Mid Atlantic Division.

In their last match against the Rough Riders, the Spartans took the early lead in the 19th minute when Grotti opened the scoring. However, the Rough Riders did not give up and continued to pressure the backline. Their efforts paid off when Ben Arikian tied the game in the 35th minute. In the second half Stephan Barea recorded a goal and Kevin Knowles added two to lock up a 4-1 victory.

The Rough Riders are eager to return to the field and close the gap to the top teams in the division. They need three points to stay in the run for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Mid Atlantic division. Tickets are available online at www.liroughriders.com/tickets or at the Rough Riders ticket box on game day (opens 60 minutes before kickoff).

Virginia Beach Piranhas Feature - www.vbpiranhas.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The W-League's Virginia Beach Piranhas are celebrating their 19th anniversary this season. Head coach and former player Wendy Waddell has been a part of the Piranhas organization since 2004. We recently sat down with Coach Waddell and asked 10 questions as we explore “Life on the Pitch.”

What is your home town and what brought you to Hampton Roads?

My hometown is Conesus, New York and I came to Virginia Beach to play for the Piranhas.

What first got you into playing and coaching soccer?

My track coach got me into playing soccer in the eighth grade and I started coaching kids in high school during summer camps.

What part of coaching the Piranhas do you best enjoy and what frustrates you the most?

The most enjoyable part about coaching the Piranhas is meeting new players every year and looking forward to seeing them again the following year - also just having a great time, especially on road trips where we really get to bond as a team. Most frustrating is getting all the players here and ready to play before our first game, which is usually only a couple of days.

What is your idea of the perfect day off?

Being at home with my family and running all around with my son.

Do you have any hobbies other than soccer?

Wow - other than soccer - hmmm. Shopping with a Starbucks in my hand!

If you could have any job in the world other than teaching, what would it be?

My other job would be working with animals or being a physical therapist for those with severe trauma.

What is your funniest road trip story?

Funniest road trip story – oh gosh – I don’t even know if I can say some of them. There have been so many in the last 10 years.

Sprinting through the airport so we didn’t miss our flight that we ended up leaving the balls. Vicky saying 'Umm Wendy I – I – I, ummm, lost my ticket!' Playing 'Taboo' for six hours straight. Charades - 'sled dog' [that’s an inside joke].

And this one. We had played Washington and were headed home on I-95. I was driving one 15-passenger van and there was another one behind me. All of a sudden I heard what sounded like a gunshot and slowly saw the van behind me pulling over on the side of 95 at 10 p.m.

Flat tire.

No problem, we are soccer players. We can change a tire. Well, by now traffic had stopped and we had 20 'hot' soccer players standing on the side of the road. We got so many honks and a lot of people kept trying to talk to us. We realized there was no spare under their van, so we decided to go to my van and use my spare.

Now, a cop pulls up and orders most of us to go into the vans cause we were obviously quite a distraction, especially for the men. So we pulled the spare off my van and not only was it completely bald, but it also had a nail sticking out of it.

So, by now it’s around midnight and there we were, waiting for a tow truck. Finally, at 2 a.m., a tow truck arrives and we all pile in one 15-passenger van and a car [thanks to a parent that came to our aid].

By then all the laughs turned to frustration, but as we look back all the players that went through this just laugh! I could definitely tell you every time we get a rental van there are a bunch of girls looking under the van to make sure we have a spare!

What is your favorite food / beverage?

Favorite beverage, Starbucks. Nonfat-½ café-Carmel macchiato-grande in a venti cup with extra whip and upside down!

What music do you listen to before a game.

I have a wide variety of music I listen to before a game, from country to hip-hop!

What is your favorite movie?

Favorite movie is 'As Good as it Gets.' It’s an old movie, but I still love watching it!
 

USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 14 of the season on Tuesday, with Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Jose Angulo earning Player of the Week honors after scoring three goals in two games as his side won a pair of games during the weekend. Angulo has now scored 10 goals this season, and sits second among the USL PRO goal-scoring leaders.

Angulo was at the center of the Riverhounds’ dramatic comeback victory against his former side, the Harrisburg City Islanders, on Friday night. Facing a two-goal halftime deficit on the road, Angulo began the Riverhounds’ rally with a penalty kick early in the second half. He then gave his side the lead for the first time in the game, hitting home a first-time finish after Ryan Kinne’s initial effort had been blocked.

Two days later, Angulo continued his strong run of form as the Riverhounds defeated Antigua to move into the playoff places for the first time this season. Angulo was credited with an assist on Darren Amoo’s second goal of the game, with his excellent free kick coming back off the post to allow for an easy tap-in on the rebound, and then added the final goal of the game. Angulo has now scored in five consecutive games, recording a goal in each of the Riverhounds’ games in the month of June.

Angulo was joined on the Team of the Week by Amoo, who also had three goals in two games for the Riverhounds during the weekend. Amoo’s goal against Harrisburg on Friday was his first of the season, and he followed up with a brace against Antigua, including a beautifully struck half-volley that opened the scoring against the Barracudas. Antigua’s Orlando Mitchum was also honored after his outstanding finish against Rochester on Friday night.

Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams was selected after recording a pair of shutouts in the Dutch Lions’ trip west. He was joined by teammate Tjeerd Westdijk, who led the midfield selections after his late game-winner against Los Angeles allowed the Dutch Lions to jump past the Blues into sixth place in the USL PRO standings. Charlotte’s Sergio Villasenor and Rochester’s Tyler Rosenlund were also selected after recording game-winning goals in their sides’ victories against Tampa Bay and Antigua, respectively, while Richmond’s Brian Ownby earned a second consecutive selection after recording an assist as part of a standout performance in the Kickers’ 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps Reserves.

Charleston Battery captain Colin Falvey and Tampa Bay’s Josh Rife were both named as part of the defensive trio, with both playing key roles in a 0-0 draw on Saturday night. Phoenix’s Cyprian Hedrick also earned selection as the Wolves recorded a second consecutive shutout to earn a point against Dayton.

The USL PRO season continues this Friday night as the Charlotte Eagles visit the Dayton Dutch Lions and Phoenix FC visits the Harrisburg City Islanders, with both games set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET. Saturday night brings a big game at the top of the standings, with league leaders Orlando City hosting the third-place Richmond Kickers at the Florida Citrus Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET. Also on Saturday, the Charlotte Eagles visit the Chicago Fire Reserves at Toyota Park at 8:30 p.m. ET, and Phoenix completes its weekend trip with a game against the Rochester Rhinos at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Sunday sees another interleague contest as the Wilmington Hammerheads visit the New York Red Bulls Reserves at 4:30 p.m. ET. The weekend concludes with VSI Tampa Bay FC hosting the Richmond Kickers at 7:35 p.m. ET at Plant City Stadium. Every game of the USL PRO season can be seen on USLNation.com, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Honorable Mention: Antigua – Tamorley Thomas, Eugine Kirwan; Charleston – Quinton Griffith, Jose Cuevas; Charlotte – Fejiro Okiomah, Jorge Herrera; Dayton – Gibson Bardsley, Brock Granger; Harrisburg – Tom Mellor, Jimmy McLaughlin; Los Angeles – George Davis; Phoenix – Renan Boufleur; Pittsburgh – Matt Dallman, Rob Vincent; Richmond – Joseph Ngwenya, Alex Lee; Rochester – Blake Brettschneider, Danny Earls; Tampa Bay – Alex Horwath; Wilmington – Gareth Evans.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC continues its run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup this Wednesday night at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill., against Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire in the tournament’s quarterfinals. Kickoff for the game is set for 8:30 p.m. ET and will be livestreamed on Chicago’s YouTube channel.

The Fire have been on a hotstreak as of late in MLS regular season action, remaining undefeated in their last five matches (seven including the U.S. Open Cup). Chicago advanced past the Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2-0 and Columbus Crew (MLS) 2-1 to get to Wednesday’s quarterfinal.

Chicago, which has never faced Orlando City in Open Cup play, are 20-0-1 all-time in Open Cup matches in the state of Illinois. Since 1998, the Fire have won the Open Cup Championship four times, making Chicago one of six teams to capture the title at least four times in the tournament’s 100-year history.

The Lions advanced past MLS affiliate Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in the last round of the Open Cup, with an early goal by forward Long Tan giving Orlando the lead and, eventually, the win. The win marked the club’s first-ever win against Sporting KC and advancement to the quarterfinals. If the Lions advance past Chicago, Orlando will host a semifinal contest on Wednesday, August 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Orlando previously topped MLS’ Colorado Rapids 3-1 at the Citrus Bowl in the third round, and the PDL’s Ocala Stampede in the second round of the knockout tournament. The four Sporting loanees who did not play against Sporting -- Dom Dwyer, Christian Duke, Yann Songo’o and Jon Kempin -- will be eligible for the June 26 match against Chicago.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is open to United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated teams. This year marks the centennial edition of the tournament. This year’s field consisted of 68 teams, the largest field in US Open Cup history.