Wednesday, July 24, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery defeated the Phoenix FC Wolves 5-1 on Wednesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 2,786. Forward Dane Kelly led the way with two goals as the Battery moved into a tie for fourth position in the USL PRO standings.

The Battery enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, but did not break through with the first goal until the 31st minute. Quinton Griffith played in a corner from the far side and Amadou Sanyang snapped a header at goal from inside six yards. Phoenix goalkeeper Neil Kitson made the initial save, but defender Colin Falvey was first to react and volleyed home the follow-up.

The Battery doubled their lead on the 59-minute mark as Jose Cuevas picked out Dane Kelly with a near-post cross. Kelly beat his defender to the ball and angled a header past Kitson into the goal.

Five minutes later the Battery moved further ahead after a frantic sequence in front of goal. Bryce Alderson shot from the left side but saw his effort come back off the bar. Cuevas tried to drive in the rebound but instead found Kelly who spun and slammed home a left-footed shot.

Phoenix defender Scott Morrison pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 71st minute with an exquisite curling free kick, but his celebrations were short lived as the Battery hit back quickly with a fourth goal. Substitute forward Heviel Cordoves drove the ball across the face of goal and Morrison’s attempted clearance skewed the ball into his own net.

Midfielder Amadou Sanyang added a fifth for the Battery just before full time with close range finish as the Battery scored five goals in a game for the first time this season.

The Charleston Battery concludes a three-match home-stand this Saturday night with a 7:30 PM game versus the LA Blues at Blackbaud Stadium (1450 AM).

W-League Feature

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – A year ago, the Pali Blues were seconds away from the club’s third W-League Championship, only for the Ottawa Fury to grab a late equalizer, and then take victory in a penalty shootout, to deny them.

This weekend, the Blues and head coach Charlie Naimo will aim to put the memory of that defeat behind them as they return to the W-League Championship, being held this year for the first time at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., as the Western Conference Champion.

After a strong regular season, and a convincing victory against the LA Strikers this past weekend, the next hurdle in the Blues’ path is the Washington Spirit Reserves, who arrive in Florida with a similarly motivated side after their elimination a season ago in the semifinals.

The Blues’ victory against the Strikers Sunday broke the hex LA appeared to have on Pali this season, with recent addition Katie Stengel providing the deciding goal in a 2-0 victory. The Blues have been powered offensively by a current and former standout in the Los Angeles college soccer scene, however, with former Southern Cal standout Ashley Nick recording seven goals and current UCLA standout Sarah Killion adding eight assists as the Blues emerged on top of a tough Western Conference.

Add in the defensive efforts of goalkeeper Anna Maria Picarelli, who finished the regular-season with a 0.608 goals-against average before shutting out the Strikers, and players such as Lynn Williams, Mele French and Sasha Andrews making up the spine of the team, and you would have good reason to believe the title is the Blues’ for the taking.

The Spirit Reserves, however, could be as strong as their opponent on Friday. The Blues defense will likely be tested by Hofstra standout Amber Stobbs, who led the team with 17 points on four goals and nine assists, and Ashley Herndon, who had a team-high six goals.

Washington’s defense proved as stingy as Pali’s, with only nine goals against behind a standout season from goalkeeper Dijana Haracic, who compiled a 0.608 goals-against average. Add in the abilities of Stanford’s Alex Doll, Maryland’s Danielle Hubka and the experience of Tiffany Brown, and the Spirit Reserves should pose strong questions of the Blues’ championship caliber.

If the first semifinal on Friday is a showcase for two sides looking for redemption, the second is the chance for two teams to grab the spotlight for the first time. Both the Laval Comets and Carolina Elite Cobras make their first appearance at the W-League Championship with a title on their minds.

The Comets ended the remarkable run of the Ottawa Fury, who had claimed the regular-season division title for the previous nine seasons before Laval’s triumph this summer, and then defeated the Fury in a penalty shootout to reach the championships for the first time. The best defensive side in the W-League this season, conceding only seven goals in 12 regular-season games, the Comets are led by goalkeeper Genevieve Richard and defender Kathryn Acton, both named to the W-League’s All-League Team on Wednesday morning.

Laval has more than just a strong defense, though, with a core of top young Canadians leading the club’s ascent in the Central Conference. At the forefront are Catherine Charron-Delage and Amy Pietrangelo, who each scored four goals this season, with others such as Sarah Robbins, Nkemjika Ezurike and Kylie Davis providing support.

Carolina, meanwhile, took a big step forward in its second season in the league, with a group led by former U.S. National Team player India Trotter helping the side advance from the Southeastern Conference. After a stoppage-time game-winner from Taylor Parker against the Charlotte Eagles in their final game of the season booked the Cobras’ first playoff place, they pushed on against Dayton a week ago with goals from Tiffini Turpin and Trotter earning a 2-1 win against the Dutch Lions.

Turpin will be the key player for the Cobras in Friday’s contest, with the former Atlanta Silverback bringing championship experience from the 2011 season, and now in the pursuit of another.

So who will take the crown? Who will be the difference-maker for Pali, Washington, Laval or Carolina as they seek to finish this season’s chapter for their club in the grandest style?

As the Blues know all too well, what can seem as though it is there can disappear in a moment to be replaced by disappointment, but that is why they, and their fellow contenders, keep moving and striving for the perfect end to the season. 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Lucky Mkosana had a hat trick as the Harrisburg City Islanders took a 5-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions at Skyline Sports Complex on Wednesday night. The win kept the City Islanders in third place in the USL PRO standings, moving within five points of second-placed Orlando City. 

Mkosana had scored in each of the City Islanders' previous two games, and continued his scoring streak as he opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Jason Pelletier set up the opportunity, making a good pass that gave Mkosana the chance to finish into the left corner of the net. Only a few minutes later Mkosana found the back of the net again, but the referee called the goal offside. 

The Dutch Lions were able to hit back in the 20th minute as a long free kick by Shintaro Harada found Tjeerd Westdijk in the penalty area, and the forward was able to finish for his sixth goal this season. Dayton had chances to take the lead following Westdijk's goal, but Coady Andrews had a strong game defensively for Harrisburg, snuffing out a pair of good opportunities.

Mkosana came close to restoring the City Islanders lead when he hit the crossbar, but Harrisburg would go back on top in first-half stoppage time as a good move set up a chance for Stephen Basso at the top of the penalty area, and the left back would fire home off the right post for a 2-1 halftime lead. The City Islanders then doubled their advantage in the opening minute of the second half as Mkosana put away a simple chance created by Matt Bahner.

Mkosana completed his hat trick on the hour-mark as he flicked home a header from a cross by Morgan Langley, and was soon substituted out. The City Islanders capped their victory in the final five minutes as Jimmy McLaughlin put away a chance set up by Aaron Wheeler inside the penalty area, giving McLaughlin his fifth goal of the season.

The City Islanders next hit the road to take on Phoenix FC on Wednesday, July 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET. The club's next home game is on Wednesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. when they take on the Charlotte Eagles. For information about the Harrisburg City Islanders visitwww.cityislanders.com or call (717) 441-GOAL.

F.A. Euro - New York Magic News Release -- www.faeuro.com

Thursday, July 25, 2013

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- F.A. Euro will bring its PDL team to Italy in August for a one-week postseason tour. The tour falls at the end of the PDL season, but it will double as pre-preseason tour for the F.A. Euro players heading back to college for their NCAA seasons. Players will train twice a day and take part in scrimmages alongside professional first team clubs like Gubbio, Lecce, Ostuni, Bari, and Foggia. The opening match of the tour, which begins August 3rd, sees the team travel to Gubbio on August 4th to face Gubbio’s first team. Following their match against Gubbio, the PDL squad travels south to Ostuni, Puglia to play their other exhibition matches.

The newly announced PDL franchise got off to a positive start in just their first year in the USL, finishing the season solidly in the middle of the table, and they plan to use this postseason tour to begin strengthening the side for next year's season.

The Italy tour is a great chance for the PDL guys to come together as a team and grow as players, but it also stands to be a fantastic opportunity for players to be scouted by professional Italian clubs.

In April, F.A. Euro sent two of its youth players, U-14 Nick Garzon and U-13 Steven Fernandez, to AC Milan and now the club plans to do something similar for its first team.

In a recent comment, Head Coach Joe Balsamo revealed his plans about the future of the squad and how the prospect of playing professionally plays a fundamental role in the club’s philosophy.

"At F.A. Euro one extremely important piece of our vision is to be able to offer our players the opportunity to live out their dreams of playing at the highest level, whether it be domestically or internationally. Our model is to prepare our players for opportunities like these, and give them all the tools they need to seize them. It will be a great experience for them as well as a great way to begin preparation for next season, as our goals and ambitions for next year are even higher then they were at the outset of this season."

A highly decorated coaching staff will accompany the team to offer invaluable guidance and advice. Members of the staff include, Europa Cup winner Angelo Orlando, former Italy U-20 coach and Serie A scout Paolo Berrettini, AC Milan youth coach Ruben Buriani, AS Bari youth coach Pietro Maiellaro, and FC Juventus Primavera coach Luciano Bruni.

The club’s Director of Coaching Angelo Orlando had this to say about the upcoming trip. “We have players from all around the world coming to the event. It’s a satisfying feeling when you have players from India and Ireland contacting you who are interested in the program as it is a testament to the fact that we are heading in the right direction. The event is a great way for the players to grow and experience the true professionalism of soccer, and we, as a coaching staff, will be on hand to give them feedback that will help them further their careers and abilities.”

Below is a game schedule of the matches:

August 5 – F.A. Euro vs. A.S. Gubbio
August 7 – F.A. Euro vs. U.S. Lecce
August 9 – F.A. Euro vs. A.S. Bari
August 11 – F.A. Euro vs. A.C.D. Foggia

F.A. Euro’s Ostuni Tour will run from August 3rd to August 11th. Any players interested in joining the PDL for the tour (17 years and older) can contact Marco Balsamo at marco.balsamo@faeuro.com.

Major Beach Soccer News Release

Thursday, July 25, 2013

FT. MYERS, Fla. - Major Beach Soccer’s Ft. Myers Beach qualifier will be held this Saturday and Sunday continuing a yearly tradition that began in 1991. The Ft. Myers Beach qualifier is the last of three tournaments in Florida that enables teams to qualify for the MBS National Championship in Clearwater held in December.

This year’s edition of MBS Ft. Myers will include more than 30 teams and feature age divisions from U14 Men, U18 Men's and Women's, Men and Women’s Open, and Co-Ed Open. Ft. Myers is the last chance for teams to book their trip to the championship where the gorgeous sand and warm gulf waters promise a great display of beach soccer.

Games are played in three 10-minute periods with a 5v5 format. Rosters are no more than 10 players and the game is officiated under the FIFA Beach Soccer guidelines. Players are required to be either barefoot or in socks; no shoes are allowed. Games are typically high scoring and feature a number of exciting rule changes from the grass version of the world’s favorite game to promote nonstop action.

As summer enters its hottest days it is important that players and spectators take the necessary actions to protect their health.

“Ft. Myers is a lovely area with a beautiful beach, but it is also very hot,” MBS Director Peter Mellor said. “There will be water provided at the fields, but players and spectators should also make sure they’re doing enough off the field to stay hydrated and healthy.”

Ft. Myers Beach qualifying matches will take place across three fields from sun up to sun down. All the fields will be set up behind the Holiday Inn.

Ft. Myers is home to more than just a beach. The surrounding area hosts many other options for families, ranging from national parks and museums to a thriving nightlife.

MBS Ft. Myers is presented in conjunction with Nike, Saint Leo University, and Farpost Soccer Company.
 

PDL News Release

Thursday, July 25, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced its Team of the Week for the final week of the regular season today, with Baltimore Bohemians forward Pete Caringi being honored as the Player of the Week. Caringi, who is about to begin his senior season at UMBC, earned his second Player of the Week award this season after recording four goals in two games to lead the Bohemians into the playoffs for the first time.

With Baltimore needing a pair of victories in their final two games for a chance to make the playoffs, Caringi scored twice in their Wednesday night game against the NJ LUSO Rangers as the Bohs took a 5-1 victory. Caringi shone brightest on the final day of the regular season , however, as he led his team back from a two-goal deficit against the Mid Atlantic Division champion Ocean City Nor’easters. Caringi scored in the 78th and 88th minute to tie the game before goalkeeper Zach Kane scored the game-winner for the Bohs in stoppage time, giving the club second place in the division and its first playoff place.

Caringi is joined in the Team of the Week attack by Chris Prince of the Chicago Fire PDL, who had a pair of goals in his side’s 4-2 victory against Michigan that helped propel the Fire into a playoff position. The Southern California Seahorses’ Antti Arvola completes the trio after a four-goal game in his side’s victory against the OC Blues Strikers.

The Thunder Bay Chill’s Sergio Campano led the midfield quartet after recording a hat trick in the Chill’s season-ending victory against WSA Winnipeg. The win allowed the Chill to claim the PDL regular-season championship for the first time. Joining him was fellow hat trick scorer Lebogang Pila of the Jersey Express, Laredo’s Greg Mulamba, whose goal clinched the Heat a place in the playoffs, and Virginia Beach’s Devin Pierce, who had a strong performance as the Piranhas defeated the Carolina Dynamo to claim their playoff place.

Ottawa’s Nikolas Jelicic leads the defensive group after he had a goal and helped the Fury record their ninth consecutive shutout in a win against the GPS Portland Phoenix. He is joined by Ocala’s Sam Duininck, who had a strong performance in the Stampede’s regular season-ending victory against VSI Tampa Bay, and Ventura County’s Dylan Riley, who helped the Fusion clinch a playoff place with a 0-0 draw against the LA Misioneros. Rounding out the side is goalkeeper Michael Petersen of BYU, who had a seven save shutout to help the Cougars close out the season with a 1-0 win against FC Tucson.

PDL Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Austin: Tony Rocha, John Kaschack; Baltimore: Geaton Caltabiano, Zach Kane; Boston: Jack Hilger, Ali Sozeri; Bradenton: Zak Boggs, Andy Hackbarth; Carolina: Hakan Ilhan, Sebastian Ibeagha; Chicago Fire: Luis Medina, Brian Ciesulka Des Moines: Abel Sebele; El Paso: Jose Moreno; F.A. Euro: Christian Marcel, Adam Marcu; Houston: Jose Alvarez; Jersey: Chris Karcz, Ido Ligety; LA Misioneros: Alberto Garcia; Laredo: Felipe Souza; London: Jovan Ivanovich, Aaron Boyd; No. Virginia: Franck Tayou; Ocala: Jack Bailey, Kenny Hogg; Oklahoma City: Danny Frid; Orlando: Itode Fubara, Tyler Blackwood; Ottawa: Carl Haworth, Chad Bush; Panama City: Charri Nasser, Russell Dren Portland: Reinaldo Brenes, Eric Miller; SC United: Braden Troyer, Thomas Valikonis; Sounders U-23: Chris Brundage, Esteban Reyes; St. Louis: Kyle Weinrich; SW Florida: Sean McKinney, Marinell Quade; Thunder Bay: Sunny Omoregie, Axel Sjoberg; Virginia Beach: Pat Thompson, Tyler Cyrus; Westchester: Kyle Poetsch, Zach Gosse; West Texas: David Gonzalez, Andres Maldonado; Winnipeg: Ali Musse.

W-League News Release

Thursday, July 25, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced the finalists for its 2013 regular season honors today. The awards for Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year will be presented at Saturday’s Awards Banquet at the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

A total of 11 W-League teams are represented among the finalists, with the Virginia Beach Piranhas leading the way with three nominations. Shan Jones of the Piranhas and Emily Gielnik of the Ottawa Fury are both finalists for MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Six of the nominees will participate in the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike Friday and Sunday in Bradenton.

Votes for W-League honors are submitted by W-League team management and finalists are determined by All-Conference voting.

2013 W-League Award Finalists

MVP Finalists
Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury
Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Ashley Nick, Pali Blues

Coach of the Year Finalists
Tracey Kevins, LA Strikers
Sid van Druenen, Dayton Dutch Lions
Cindy Walsh, Laval Comets

Defender of the Year Finalists
Kathryn Acton, Laval Comets
Danielle Johnson, Bay Area Breeze
Blakely Mattern, Carolina Elite Cobras
Brooke Spence, Colorado Rapids Women

Rookie of the Year Finalists
Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury
Kristen Hamilton, Colorado Rapids Women
Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Savannah Jordan, Atlanta Silverbacks

Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Elizabeth Hull, Carolina Elite Cobras
Erin McNulty, Seattle Sounders Women
Genevieve Richard, Laval Comets
Lauren Vetock, Virginia Beach Piranhas

Thursday, July 25, 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles and Los Angeles Blues played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in midweek USL PRO action. Los Angeles took a 3-2 lead into the break and were on their way to passing the Eagles in the USL PRO standings before Drew Yates scored a second half stoppage-time goal to earn the draw. Charlotte now sits with a 8-2-10 record and remains in fourth place with six game to play in the regular season.

Los Angeles had the first chance of the night as Shay Spitz’s shot found the crossbar off a long throw-in. Chris Cortez, who was the Blues' most dangerous player of the night, created a pair of chances in the first 15 minutes, the first coming on a header that flew right at Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed. Moments later, Cortez’s goalmouth cross found Mershad Momeni, whose shot went just wide of the post.

Charlotte countered with a good piece of combination play, but Yates’ shot went wide of the post. Stephen Okai had a chance to open the scoring in the 18th minute but his shot was punched away by Blues goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.

The Blues opened the scoring in the 21st minute as Shay Spitz hit a left-footed volley into the top corner off a cross by Rodrigo Lopez.

Charlotte answered the opening goal 12 minutes later as Jorge Herrera capitalized on some miscommunication between the Blues defense and finished his opportunity into an empty net.

Los Angeles didn’t wait long to take the lead as Cortez caught the Eagles on a quick restart and fired a shot past Eric Reed to give the Blues a 2-1 lead. The Blues kept the pressure on the Eagles' defense, and added a third goal seven minutes later via a Charlotte own goal to take a two-goal lead.

That lead appeared it would stand until the halftime break until Charlotte rallied following a good move by Stephen Okai and Jorge Herrera inside the penalty area that opened up a chance for Okai. The former Reading United standout finished well, cutting the Blues' lead in half as the sides headed to the break. 

The two teams traded possession for much of the beginning of the second half with Los Angeles coming close in the 60th minute as Cortez’s cross was deflected wide by Eric Reed.

Charlotte pushed late for an equalizer as second-half sub Christian Meza’s shot was fired inches wide of the left post off an 86th minute free kick. The late pressure paid off in stopage time, however, as Yates scored on a header to give the Eagles their 10th draw on the season. Jorge Herrera continued his fine run of form with a goal and two assists on the night, while Yates' goal was his second in stoppage time this season following a late finish that earned a point against the Charleston Battery on June 5.

The Eagles will return home on Saturday to play Phoenix FC at 7 p.m. Tickets and more details can be found at www.CharlotteEagles.com.

W-20 Feature

Thursday, July 25, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – Midfielder Lauren Moore led the way with two goals and an assist as the Kalamazoo Kingdom opened the W-20 Championship presented by Nike with an emphatic 5-1 win against the Ottawa Fury at IMG Academy.

Moore, entering her junior year at the University of Tampa, scored in the 31st and 55th minutes as the Kingdom stretched a 2-1 halftime lead with three unanswered goals in the second half. The Fury had pulled within 2-1 in the 34th minute when Sam Grove scored off a set piece, but Kalamazoo’s experienced lineup proved too strong for an Ottawa roster comprised primarily of 17-year-olds.

“For our first game to score five goals, play some good soccer and be pretty comfortable, for the most part, that’s obviously what you want from a first game,” Kalamazoo Head Coach Lewis Robinson said.

“[Ottawa] was a lot better defensively than I think we gave them credit for, and despite the fact we scored five goals they were very tough to break down and I thought they did well on set plays.”

After Moore nearly opened the scoring on a free header that went wide in the eighth minute, she played provider to Olivia Emery, who found herself alone in the left side of the box and beat the keeper with a shot to the far corner to make it 1-0 in the 12th.

Moore scored her first at the half-hour mark on a header off a corner kick, and after Ottawa pulled one back, Mia Leibold restored the two-goal advantage two minutes into the second half. Moore added her second on a 25-yard blast over the keeper in the 55th minute, and Madi Morgan finished the scoring a minute later when she stripped a defender and broke in alone.

Kalamazoo will face the Carolina Elite Cobras in Group A action Friday, while Ottawa meets Lake Norman SC in a crossover game.

Robinson said he was pleased with his team’s performance, but things need to tighten up as the tournament progresses.

“Despite scoring five goals, we could create a few more chances,” he said. “I think we should’ve been a little more cutthroat in the final third, and be a little more accurate. We were a little bit sloppy at times with our final ball and missed a couple of chances.

“We hope that by Game 2 and Game 3 that we’re finishing all of those chances.”

Force Football Club Academy 4, Carolina Elite Cobras 0 

Kyla Kellerman had a pair of goals, and Irene Young a pair of assists, as Force Football Club Academy took a convincing victory against the Carolina Elite Cobras in their crossover contest at IMG Academy on Wednesday morning.

Force came close to opening the scoring in just the second minute as a header by Joan Sieja went just over the crossbar off a corner kick from the left. The Cobras had a pair of chances to take the lead in the opening 10 minutes as Kailey Mattison sent a free kick from 25 yards over the crossbar and Kasey Wyer also went close with a chipped effort from the right side of the penalty area that just cleared the top-left corner of the net.

The Force that took control in the 14th minute, however, as Sieja put home a clinical finish from 16 yards after beating her defender, a high driven shot giving Maggie Grisell little chance to save. Young went close to adding to the lead three times before the break, the first coming as she drove a left-footed shot just wide of the right post in the 24th minute. Young was then denied well by Grisell 10 minutes later, and saw a flicked finish cleared off the line by Emily Malone in the 39th minute, but she was able to help her side double its lead four minutes before the break as her low cross was put home by a sliding Kellerman at the right post for a 2-0 lead.

Kellerman added her second of the contest 12 minutes into the second half as she took a pass from Marisa Kozikowski and finished low into the left corner of the net.

At that point Carolina was able to reassert itself a little, but the Cobras were unable to find a goal, and a way back into the game, and Force closed out the contest with a late finish from 16-year-old Kelly Sweeney, who capped a strong performance by tucking home a cross from the right by Young at the far post.

Fredericksburg Impact 2, Lake Norman SC 0

The Fredericksburg Impact W-20s kicked off group play with a comprehensive 2-0 victory against Lake Norman Soccer Club on Thursday in Group B action at the 2013 W-20 Championship Presented by Nike. FASA scored a goal in each half to complete the clean-sheet victory.

The result may have come as a bit of a surprise to the spectators looking on at IMG Academy. Fredericksburg finished fourth in the North Atlantic Division during the regular season, while Lake Norman won the South Atlantic Division outright. 

The first half was evenly played until the 24th minute when the Impact broke down the right-hand side with a quick attack. The ball was picked up and sprayed out wide by Emily Hunter, and Katie Hohmann collected the pass in stride, fought off her defender, and unleashed an unstoppable shot across the keeper and into the bottom left corner of the net. The score held at 1-0 into halftime.

The second scoring play for FASA was also engineered by Hohmann. The enterprising winger looped a long shot on goal that pinged against the crossbar. Molly Siner took no chances on the resulting rebound, heading the loose ball decisively into the net.

Despite valiant efforts by talented midfielders Amanda Karlsson and Megan Curan, Lake Norman could not manufacture any goals to trouble Fredericksburg toward the end of the game. The Impact defended and attacked well as a unit, and were rewarded with the victory.

“We needed to play together in order to win, and that’s what just happened out there,“ Impact Head Coach Pete Cinalli said. “The girls have things that they want to achieve individually, but winning games comes down to the group. I’m proud of the collective effort.” 

W-20 Feature

Friday, July 26, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – Force Football Club Academy moved to the top of Group B at the 2013 W-20 Championship presented by Nike after a 4-0 defeat of the Fredericksburg Impact at IMG Academy. Force (2-0-0) will face Lake Norman SC in the final group game on Saturday, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.

Force FC played a strong possession game Friday, with Fredericksburg trying to strike quickly on the counterattack. It almost paid off early as Molly Siner hit a volley from the top of the box in the third minute that traveled just wide of the post.

Force had the two best chances of the early first half, with Kyla Kellermann knocking a shot off the crossbar in the 14th minute and Irene Young breaking in alone on goal in the 20th minute, only to have her shot stopped by charging Impact keeper Jesse McGinley.

Force’s Lexie Niedoba thought she had finally broken the stalemate in the 40th minute when she beat McGinley with a 30-yard drive, but the crossbar saved the day again for the Impact and the game was scoreless at the half.

Force finally found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half when Nicole Greenhalgh buried a shot from the top of the box off a feed from Irene Young to make it 1-0. Force began to take more possession following the goal and wear down the Impact defense, and it paid off in the 69th minute when Kelly Sweeney set up Kellermann, who turned past a defender and buried a shot inside the far post.

Kellermann set up Delia Soucie to make it 3-0 in the 74th minute, and Jennifer Borawski finished the scoring in the 80th minute off a pass from Joan Sieja.

“We just had to stay patient and keep our heads held high because we were getting in but that final pass was letting us down,” Force Head Coach Kevin Garner said. “We talked about being patient at halftime and eventually the goals will come, and they did.

“Eight goals in two games is pretty impressive, so we’re excited, we just have to keep the legs fresh and hopefully keep going.”

Lake Norman SC 2, Ottawa Fury 1

Lake Norman SC kept its hopes of advancing to Sunday’s W-20 Championship final alive as it rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the Ottawa Fury in a crossover group game. Camryn Couch and Amber Watkins both scored after the break, leaving Lake Norman needing victory against Force Football Club in its final game to move on.

Lake Norman had the first good chance of the game in the eighth minute as Christine Rolfes found space down the right flank, and her cross was headed on target by Amanda Karlsson, only for the goalkeeper to save. Ottawa came close to taking the lead in the 13th minute as Kayla Adamek ran onto a good through ball, only to chip her finish past the advancing goalkeeper just high and wide of the top-right corner.

Adamek gave the Fury the lead three minutes later on a similar opportunity, however, as a well-weighted through-ball by Alessia Panuccio found Adamek breaking toward goal, and the forward made no mistake the second time around, sending her finish into the top-right corner of the net. The game then became a midfield battle for much of the remainder of the half as Lake Norman tried to play passes in behind the Fury’s high defensive line, but often they were too straight and easily claimed by the Fury goalkeeper.

Lake Norman pressed higher up the field to start the second half, and was able to take control of the game as a result as Ottawa struggled to clear its lines. Couch had the first good chance in the 51st minute, only to shoot wide of the left post after breaking into the right side of the penalty area. Karlsson also went close in the 59th minute after a good run down the right side took her past her defender, only for her left footed shot to be easily saved. Karlsson set up Couch for the equalizer three minutes later, though, as Couch held off her defender well and shot low into the left corner.

Ottawa had chances on the counterattack, but for the most part Lake Norman carried much of the play, and almost took the lead in the 73rd minute as Rolfes turned her marker well, only to shoot wide of the net. Six minutes later Lake Norman grabbed what would prove to be the game-winner, however, as Watkins rose in a crowd to head home an angled free kick by Karlsson from the right.


Kalamazoo Kingdom 2, Carolina Elite Cobras 0

Kalamazoo Kingdom 2, Carolina Elite Cobras 0

The Kalamazoo Kingdom kept to their winning ways on Friday, scoring on either side of the halftime whistle and shutting out the Carolina Elite Cobras in their second match of group play. With the win, the Kingdom captured Group A and reserved their place at the tournament finals on Sunday.

After the interval, Kalamazoo continued to press. It made the breakthrough in the 60^th minute when after a series of half chances Jordyn Ryfiak manufactured some space for herself at the top of the box. Her shot on goal was nearly saved, but it trickled into the back of the net to make it 2-0 in Kalamazoo’s favor.

The last real chance of the game fell for Carolina. In the 73^rd minute Haley Dunham rifled a shot toward goal from distance. The ball pegged the post and the resulting rebound was turned away. The final whistle blew with the 2-0 final score line.

“The second game can often be the hardest in a tournament like this, “ Kingdom Head Coach Lewis Robinson said. “We did enough to get the win. This makes for two wins in two games so we are very happy with it.”

Friday, July 26, 2013

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The Wilmington Hammerheads are running out of chances to gain the momentum they need for an opportunity to claim a spot in the playoffs as they took a 2-1 loss against VSI Tampa Bay FC on Friday night at Legion Stadium. Wilmington’s Shawn Nicklaw tallied his first Hammerheads goal of the season, but it was not enough to lead his team to victory as Tampa Bay’s Josh Rife and Chad Burt added two goals within five minutes of each other to give Tampa Bay an important victory.

The first goal of the night came off a sideline run by Wilmington midfielder Shawn Nicklaw in the 23rd minute of play. Nicklaw closed in on Tampa Bay goalkeeper Alex Horwath, sending a low ball into the corner of the net and claiming his first goal of the regular season with the Hammerheads. The Hammerheads gained an opportunity for a second goal soon after as Will Heaney chipped the ball to forward Mickael Oliveira, however Horwath deflected the ball away to safety as he challenged Oliveira shot.

Wilmington wasn’t able to hold onto its 1-0 lead for long as Tampa Bay defender Josh Rife equalized from a Darren Toby assist in the 33rd minute. Tampa Bay then grabbed a 2-1 lead five minutes later as midfielder Chad Burt took a long shot from 35 yards out that flew past Hammerheads goalkeeper Troy Hernandez.

The Hammerheads battled throughout the second half as they tried to get back on even terms, but chances were few and far between. Wilmington’s hopes took a hit as Heaney was sent off in stoppage time, and Tampa Bay was able to take an important victory as it solidified its playoff position. The Hammerheads will need to generate a winning streak for the remainder of the regular season to be considered for a slot in playoffs. Tampa Bay still holds the eighth position in the league standings, allowing them the opportunity to temporarily secure the final slot for a berth in the playoffs.

The Wilmington Hammerheads will host the Charleston Battery at Legion Stadium on Friday, August 2, for ’Pink Night’ in support of the Pink Ribbon Project. In their efforts to create breast cancer awareness, the Hammerheads will be donning pink jerseys during the match and are open to bidding in the ’PINK’ Auction online via the Wilmington Hammerheads website.

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

W-League Feature

Friday, July 26, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – Chioma Ubogagu’s solo effort in the 109th minute was the difference as the Pali Blues outlasted a resilient Washington Spirit Reserves side in the first semifinal of the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy.

Ubogagu, set to be a junior at Stanford this fall, beat a defender to the outside after a feed from Ashley Nick and raced into the penalty area before tucking the ball into the far side of the goal for the winner. Pali, which lost a heartbreaker in the 2012 final vs. Ottawa, has advanced to Sunday’s final against the winner of Laval vs. Carolina Elite, set for 2:30 p.m. on USLnation.com.

Pali twice took the lead in regulation – the first time via a Nick goal in the 26th minute off an assist from Daphne Corboz and later on a Katie Stengel goal in the 65th – but Washington found a way back late in each half.

U.S. U17 Women’s National Team star Andi Sullivan evened the score in the 43rd minute after Nick’s opener, beating three Pali players up the center of the field from her center back slot and blasting a knuckleball from 22 yards that fooled Pali keeper Anna Maria Piccarelli.

Pali seemed in control once again following Stengel’s tally, and after Ubogagu and Mele French missed golden chances to seal the game, the Spirit Reserves forced extra time when Hayley Siegel served up a cross that Monica Mendez was able to knock in just before the end of regulation.

Pali dug down in the 90+-degree Florida heat during extra time and produced several chances, with Nick and Stengel shooting wide and Stengel hitting the crossbar before Ubogagu’s heroics.

“I’m obviously proud of the effort, the resilience, but it digs down deep into your soul when you have the game won and you give up a late one,” Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo said. “It was beginning to feel like the Ottawa game last year which scared me, but to their credit they took the punches and they’re proving that they’re peaking at the right time to want to be champions.”

W-20 Feature

Saturday, July 27, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – Jennifer Borawski tallied a goal and an assist to lead Force FC Academy to a 3-0 win against Lake Norman SC and a spot in Sunday’s final at the 2013 W-20 Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy. Detroit-area Force FC (3-0-0) only needed a tie Saturday to capture Group B and book a spot in Sunday’s all-Michigan final against the Kalamazoo Kingdom (3-0-0), who captured Group A.

Force FC started the game out of sync and struggling to connect, and Lake Norman tried to take advantage through striker Erin Settle, who was able to cause the Force defense headaches but couldn’t break through.

After a missed opportunity by Kyla Kellermann early, Borawski helped settle her team when she flicked the ball over her head from a tough angle to a wide open Irene Young, who headed into the net for a 1-0 lead 24 minutes in.

Needing a win to move on, Lake Norman tried to fight back in the second half and had two good chances, both from the foot of center back Maxlyn Foster. Foster hit a long free kick into the box in the 61st minute that caused trouble for Force keeper Jenna O’Dell, but her defense was able to clear.

In the 74th minute Foster hit a wind-aided corner kick that nearly found a way in, but O’Dell was able to tip it over the bar to preserve her third consecutive shutout.

Borawski sealed the victory when she was able to out-race the Lake Norman keeper to a loose ball near the end line, spin and fire home from a tough angle to make it 2-0. Kellermann finished the scoring in the 90th minute off a feed from Delia Soucie as Force FC finished group play with 11 goals scored and none allowed.

Force FC and Kalamazoo will meet at 9 a.m. Sunday on the IMG Academy stadium field, with the game streamed live on USLnation.com.

Kalamazoo Kingdom 2, Fredeericksburg Impact 0

A pair of first-half goals by Olivia Emery and Alyssa Bryant allowed the Kalamazoo Kingdom to complete a perfect group phase as they continued their positive play on the way to Sunday’s final with victory against the Fredericksburg Impact.

The game was reasonably even in the opening 15 minutes, but as time wore on Kalamazoo was able to gain the upper hand as the Kingdom held more possession and starting pushing higher up the field. Michaela Kovacs had the first good opportunity in the 16th minute as her shot from the top of the penalty area was comfortably saved, but the Kingdom eventually took the lead in the 25th minute as a good pass released Emery down the left side. She cut inside her defender and into the penalty area before driving a low right-footed shot into the left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Fredericksburg had a chance to equalize in the 36th minute as a good counter-attack found Melissa Messler, but her shot toward the left corner was well saved. Six minutes later Kalamazoo doubled its advantage on an outstanding strike by Bryant, who controlled and then fired a dipping shot from 30 yards that flew just underneath the crossbar and in.

The Imact had a better run of the play in the second half, but still had difficulty breaking down a Kingdom defense that conceded just once in its three group games. Darby Kelly had a good shot from a free kick at the top of the penalty area saved, and Georgia Brown had a great chance when she intercepted a pass in midfield, and was then found on a through-ball as she continued her run toward the penalty area, only to chip her finish wide of the right post.

Kalamazoo’s CiCi Gonzalez had a pair of late chances to add to the Kingdom’s lead, the first getting called back for obstruction as she headed home a corner kick before she clipped a finish off the top of the crossbar after a good move down the right. In the end, however, the Kingdom ran out comfortable winners as they prepared to meet their division rival Force Football Club in Sunday’s final.


Carolina Elite Cobras 4, Ottawa Fury 0

The Carolina Elite Cobras recorded a clean sheet in their final match of group play, defeating the Ottawa Fury 4-0 on Saturday. The Cobras scored three goals in the first half en route to their first victory of the tournament. Laurent Watts netted twice for Carolina, as Kasey Wyer and Natalie Lackey also etched their names onto the score sheet.

Carolina opened up the scoring in the eighth minute. After being flagged narrowly offside in the previous attack, Lauren Watts was again sent in on goal as a result of a defense-splitting through ball by Madeleine Brock. Watts took a deft touch around the Fury keeper and finished calmly for a 1-0 lead.

Carolina found the back of the net again three minutes later as Ottawa was not able to fully clear its area, leading to sustained Carolina pressure. Kasey Wyer eventually collected the ball at the top of the box, and her shot to the top right corner of the goal was unstoppable.

Watts rose up impressively to smash a header past the Fury goalkeeper in the last bit of action before halftime. Kaleigh Kurtz served up a teasing cross for Watts in the 41st minute, and the Cobras striker made no mistake as Carolina headed into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.

The first few chances of the second half fell to Ottawa. Sam Grove hit the crossbar with a floated effort on an open goal in the 51st minute. Maylyn Parsons, who had been subbed into the game as a goalkeeper at halftime for Carolina, then robbed Ottawa’s Delphine Laroche of a clear scoring chance in the 63rd minute with a point-blank save.

The Cobras added their fourth and final goal in the 75th minute as Maggie Grisell’s effort on goal was blocked by the Ottawa keeper but not cleared out of danger. Natalie Lackey was quick to react and rewarded with the goal.

“It was nice to go out there and get the win,” Cobras’ coach Liam Brown said. “We played well as team, the girls kept a good attitude, and we are able to leave here with something very positive.”

Friday, July 26, 2013

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Aztex (12-1-2) continued their strong form at House Park and defeated the Panama City Beach Pirates 4-0 Friday evening in front of 2,481 fans.

The Aztex advance to face their division rival Laredo Heat to decide the Southern Conference Champion on Saturday night. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at House Park. Laredo advanced to the title game earlier in the afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Southeast Division Champion Ocala Stampede.

The Aztex were quick to jump to a lead in the ninth minute after Aztex forward Sito Seoane collected a rebound from midfielder Tony Rocha’s shot and slid the ball past Pirates goalkeeper Sean Lewis.

Aztex forward Khiry Shelton added the second goal of the first half in the 37th minute. Aztex forward Kris Tyrpak received the ball along the right side in midfield and sent in a curling cross toward the middle toward Seoane. Seoane, in an offside position, let the ball glide past him, which allowed Shelton to race past his defender to get to the ball. Shelton was alone for a one-on-one with Lewis and he juked by Lewis and emphatically hit the ball into the empty net from point blank range.

“I have to thank Paul a lot,” Shelton said on his performance with the team. “He has had patience with me. It’s different because he is having us play a certain way. I want to thank him for giving me that opportunity. “

Eager to get back into the game after halftime, the Pirates made two halftime subs. However, the Aztex's defense was able to calmly retain possession of the ball and absorb the attack from the Pirates.

The Aztex put the game out of reach with their third goal in the 51st minute. This time, Shelton came up with the assist when he sent a pass toward Aztex forward Andres Cuero, who launched a powerful shot about 15 yards from goal after a strong sequence of consecutive passes.

Austin collected their fourth goal after Aztex forward Tucker Hume was pulled down for a foul in the penalty area. Aztex defender Leone Cruz calmly hit the penalty kick into the net for the goal in the 89th minute.

Austin is currently 8-0 in PDL play at House Park this season. The Aztex defeated the Laredo Heat 1-0 in their only matchup at House Park this season on May 25, but the Heat defeated Austin 1-0 later in the season in Laredo for the Aztex only loss of the season on July 3.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” Aztex forward Sito Seoane said. “They have a really good team, but both teams will be playing on back to back days. We are playing at home and we need to keep working as hard as we are."

LAREDO 2, OCALA 0: The Laredo Heat returned to the Southern Conference Championship Game as second-half goals by Juan Ibarra and Joao Monteiro gave them victory against the Ocala Stampede.

The Heat carried the play for much of the first half, out-shooting the Stampede 13-2, but only forced one save out of Ocala goalkeeper Lex Craggs as the two teams went to the break scoreless. It wasn't until the 72nd minute that they were able to take the lead as a driving run and cross into the penalty area by Daniel Garza deflected off Ocala defender Liam Gourley's arm. Ibarra stepped up and fired home the resulting penalty kick to put his side on top.

Ocala struggled to find a foothold in the game, and Laredo put the game away in the final minute as Monteiro added a second as Ibarra notched an assist to go with his earlier goal.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery defeated the Los Angeles Blues 3-0 on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 4,613. Nicki Paterson, Dane Kelly and Heviel Cordoves all scored as Charleston won its third straight match and moved into sole possession of fourth position in the USL PRO standings.

Goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper faced eight shots but was not forced to make a save as he recorded his sixth shutout of the season.

The Battery opened the scoring in the 24th minute after defender Emmanuel Adjetey slipped a diagonal pass into the path of Nicki Paterson. The midfielder collected the ball at the edge of the box with a good first touch and then pushed the ball home past Los Angeles goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.

The Battery doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half with a good piece of counter-attacking play. Jose Cuevas started the move as he picked out the run of Quinton Griffith on the left side. Griffith used his pace to get past the right back and then drilled the across the middle to forward Dane Kelly who finished clinically.

Los Angeles tried to reply and came close in the 76th minute, but defender James Turner saw his hard left-footed attempt just miss high of the Charleston goal.

The Battery put the game beyond doubt in the 89th minute after substitute winger Ben Fisk beat his defender to the goal line and crossed to Heviel Cordoves who tapped in at the back post.

The Battery take on the Wilmington Hammerheads next Friday night in Wilmington, N.C., before returning home on Saturday to face the Richmond Kickers (7:30 PM / Sports Radio 1450 AM).

Saturday, July 27, 2013

TORONTO -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds maintained their pursuit of a place in the USL PRO Playoffs as Jose Angulo's goal lifted his side to a 1-0 victory against the Toronto FC Reserves on Saturday evening at BMO Field. Pittsburgh pulled within two points of VSI Tampa Bay FC for the eighth and final place in the playoffs, while Toronto finished with 10 players on the pitch after a 74th minute sending off to Manuel Aparicio.

The Reds got off to a lively start with new Spanish import Alvaro Rey finding Emery Welshman inside the area at the 15th minute. The Canadian took on two defenders before firing wide.

Later in the half Darel Russell missed the target with a shot from 25 yards and Aparicio tried to chip Pittsburgh keeper Hunter Gilstrap from a through ball by Mark Bloom. Toronto controlled the tempo for much of the first half, but unconverted chances came back to haunt them at the 41st minute when the visitors made the most of a rare opportunity.

A combination play between Hounds’ Mike Seth and Angulo set up the latter for a shot on goal. The former New York Red Bulls player hit it from just inside the penalty area to give Pittsburgh the 1-0 lead despite Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei getting a touch on the ball. Angulo’s shot was too hot to handle.

Coming out of the intermission Toronto looked to level and nearly found the equalizer through Welshman. A corner from Aparicio found the foot of Russell, his attempt deflected toward the head of Welshman. The Mississauga native’s header sailed just over the bar before the hour mark.

Toronto played with urgency but was continually thwarted by an organized Pittsburgh side happy to sit on their lead for much of the second half until Aparicio’s ejection. At that point the Riverhounds found the space to apply pressure in search of a second goal.

Ten minutes from regulation Angulo nearly got his second of the contest but for the woodwork. The Hounds tested Frei relentlessly in the closing stages, but the Toronto keeper came up with a pair of massive saves, including one against Stefan Lundberg up close at the 87th minute. The Riverhounds would not end up needing a second goal, however, as they took what could prove to be a crucial victory.

W-League News Release

Saturday, July 27, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – The W-League announced its 2013 regular season honors tonight, naming the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year at its Awards Banquet at the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike in Bradenton, Florida. Voting was conducted by W-League coaches and general managers.

The keynote speaker at the event was National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Executive Director Cheryl Bailey, who attended the W-League and W-20 championships ahead of the exciting conclusion to the NWSL’s first season. The former general manager of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Bailey spoke about her path through women’s athletics, and the progress the sport has made in the United States in the past 30 years.

The 2013 W-League Championship concludes Sunday with the Pali Blues facing the Laval Comets at 2:30 p.m. at IMG Academy. The final, as well as the consolation match between the Carolina Elite Cobras and Washington Spirit Reserves, will be streamed live on www.USLNation.com.

Most Valuable Player & Rookie of the Year – Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Jones had a memorable rookie season with the Piranhas, leading the league in goals (11) and Points (24) as Virginia Beach compiled the best regular-season record in the league at 10-1-1. A 2011 Middle Tennessee State graduate, Jones has represented her native Wales on the international stage and earned Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and first team All-Sun Belt honors during her tenure with the Blue Raiders.

Defender of the Year – Blakely Mattern, Carolina Elite Cobras
A 2009 graduate of the University of South Carolina where she was a two-time All-American, Mattern led the Cobras to their first Southeastern Conference title with two goals and an assist while serving as the team’s leader on defense. Mattern was a member of the Atlanta Beat of WPS in 2009-10, and joined Dutch side FC Twente in 2011.

Coach of the Year – Cindy Walsh, Laval Comets
Walsh is honored for the second consecutive season, but in a much different role. A year after being named the league’s top defender, Walsh stepped behind the bench and guided the Comets (8-1-3) to the top of the Central Conference and their first appearance at the W-League Championship. Of course, with Walsh at the helm the Comets allowed the fewest goals in the league, surrendering seven in 12 regular-season games.

Goalkeeper of the Year – Genevieve Richard, Laval Comets
Richard led the league with six shutouts in 11 games and was second in goals-against average at 0.545 and wins with seven. Preparing for her junior season at the University of Wisconsin, Richard was Canada’s starter at the FIFA U17 World Cup in New Zealand in 2008. Richard’s presence at the back has been one of the main reasons for Laval’s 2013 success.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Aztex (12-1-2) defense remained stingy and two goals were enough to dispatch the Laredo Heat to win the PDL’s Southern Conference Championship on Saturday evening in front of a franchise record 2,673 fans at House Park.

“It’s amazing,” Aztex forward Khiry Shelton said. “Everybody’s been working hard not just to get here but to keep going.”

Laredo had a quick start to their match as they pressed Austin’s defenders into early turnovers as they attempted to build their attack from the back. However, the Aztex defenders were able to get on track and stifled Laredo’s attack.

The Aztex jumped to a lead in the 25th minute when defender Leone Cruz sent a perfect long ball from the back line to break Shelton free for a one-on-one with Heat goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias. Frias was able to steer Shelton away from goal, leaving the Heat goal exposed. Shelton turned and sent a pass back to Sito Seoane, who smashed the ball in for the first goal.

“We were trying different things and I noticed that Khiry had a little bit of space,” Cruz said. “I told myself from the time before that if I could get it to him it would get us maybe an opportunity to score. Khiry was on the same page.”

Shelton remained the difference maker throughout the game as size and speed created mismatches as Laredo tried to come up with a solution to the tall forward.

Shelton clinched the game for the Aztex in the 86th minute when Austin connected a series of passes to find Tucker Hume open in front of goal. Hume made the unselfish play to pass the ball to Shelton, who hammered the ball home.

The Aztex move on to the PDL Championships, where they will face the winners of the remaining conference champions in a single-elimination final four tournament. The location will be held at one of the four cities. Austin has submitted their bid to host the tournament.

“Preparation,” Cruz said on what was next for the Aztex. “We don’t know what’s going to happen or where we are going to be playing. We know that there is going to be another game so we are going to treat it like any other game and be focused."

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

Friday, July 26, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers U-23s face the Fresno Fuego in the PDL’s Western Conference semifinals on Saturday at Ventura College in Ventura, Calif.; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific).

The other conference semifinal matchup Saturday features Victoria Highlanders FC against the host Ventura County Fusion at Ventura College at 5 p.m. (Pacific). The two semifinal winners will take the field Sunday for the Western Conference title at Ventura College at 5 p.m. (Pacific).

The Timbers U-23s advanced to the Western Conference championships for a second straight season, after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 in a divisional playoff match Tuesday that was decided in a penalty-kick shootout. Forward Clark Phillips put the Timbers U-23s up 1-0 with a goal in the 68th minute, but Whitecaps FC U-23 leveled the match with a goal from midfielder Bobby Jhutty in the 83rd minute.

The game advanced to the shootout after the teams remained tied, 1-1, through regulation and 30 minutes of overtime. Goalkeeper David Meves scored the decisive fifth goal for the Timbers U-23s in the shootout, after Whitecaps FC U-23 missed on its fifth attempt.

Under head coach Jim Rilatt, the Timbers U-23s have reached the Western Conference championships for a third time in the last four seasons. Portland has qualified for the postseason in four of their first five seasons in the PDL and became the league’s first undefeated champion in 2010, with a perfect 20-0-0 record through the regular season and playoffs.

The Timbers U-23s, second-place finishers in the Northwest Division, face the Southwest Division-champion Fuego for the first time. The semifinal matchup features the two best defensive teams in the Western Conference in 2013. Portland finished the regular season having allowed the fewest goals in their division (12) and second-fewest in the conference only to Fresno (8).

Meves finished the regular season tied for third in the PDL with six shutouts and fifth in the league with a 0.85 goals-against average.

The Fuego assembled an 11-1-2 (35pts) record during the regular season, one of the best records in the entire PDL. Fresno had a 13-match unbeaten streak come to an end in their regular-season finale July 21 as the team fell 1-0 to LA Misioneros FC on the road in its only loss of the season.

The Fuego also led the Western Conference in goal-scoring, tallying 32 goals in 14 matches during the regular season. Forward Tyler Reinhart paced the team with six goals and six assists, finishing the regular season tied for fifth among the league’s assist leaders.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

OCEAN CITY, N.J. -- The Ocean City Nor’easters booked their ticket to the 2013 USL PDL Eastern Conference Final by beating a tough Carolina Dynamo team 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a tense and action packed 0-0 on Saturday evening at the Tennessee Avenue Soccer Complex. The Nor’easters will face the Ottawa Fury at Carey Stadium on Sunday at 7 p.m. after Ottawa took a 3-2 victory against Reading United in the first semifinal.

The Nor’easters started strongly against the Dynamo, with both teams playing at a frantic pace. Clear cut chances were few and far between with Dwayne Reid being pulled back just offside and Dynamo flashing a shot past Michael O’Keeffe in the Nor’easters net. The Nor’easters found a lot of joy down the left side, with the club's longest serving player, Kevin Curran, bombing on from left back and delivering some quality crosses, but the teams went to the halftime break scoreless.

The second half begun in much the same way as the first, with half-chances being made for both teams as the tenseness increased with both teams understanding how close they were to advancing. The game completely changed as a contest after Nor’easters defender Richardo Israel was sent off. To the Nor’easters supporters it looked like the referee waved off a foul but over a minute later once the ball had gone out of play he conferred with his assistant and went back to send Israel off and gave Dynamo a free kick. However, even after going down to 10 men it was the Nor’easters who looked the more dangerous through Reid and the tricky Emmauel Kollie. With both teams tiring and a last few chances going without a payoff, the game ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and headed into extra time.

Extra time had a slower, more tired feel to it, but the work-rate from both teams was second to none. Both sides gave their all, but the clock kept ticking toward the penalty shootout. Before the penalties would be taken there was another added piece of drama as Carolina's Alex Martinez, who had been substituted earlier in the game, was sent from the bench after appealing for a penalty too vociferously.

The sun was setting as the shootout began, and this gave an amazing background for the most dramatic of scenarios. The Nor’easters went first and top goal scorer Dwayne Reid stepped up to score and put the pressure onto the Dynamo, Carolina’s Mahdi Ali and Hakan Ilhan scored, as did Nor’easters skipper Curran and Ken Tribbett before the Dynamo’s Holden Fender had his well-struck penalty saved low to O’Keeffe’s left. Zoncher Dennis scored for Ocean City to make it 4-2. The Dynamo’s James Smith scored to keep them in the contest but then Kollie stepped up for Ocean City to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and send the Nor’easters into the USL PDL Eastern Conference Final.

In the opening semifinal, Ottawa had to rally twice to take victory as leading scorer Carl Haworth scored twice to lead his side to victory. Reading took the lead through Kadeem Dacrees in the 16th minute before Ottawa’s Eddie Jones tied the game in the 27th minute to send the sides to the break level.

Mario Pinto restored Reading's lead in the 71st minute as he put home a chance created by Steven Neuman, but it only took the Fury four minutes to equalize through Haworth. The standout midfielder, who helped FC London claim the PDL Championship a season ago, then struck again with four minutes to go after the Fury were awarded a penalty kick. Haworth stepped up and scored his fifth goal in two playoff games to send his side through to the final.

Find out all about the Ocean City Nor’easters or follow the final live on twitter or Facebook.