USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO honored the top performers from the 2013 regular season today, naming the All-League First and Second Teams as chosen through a vote of team management.

Orlando City and the Charlotte Eagles, who will meet Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl for the 2013 USL PRO Championship, are both represented on the All-League teams. Orlando City placed three players on the first team, led by forward Dom Dwyer, who shared in the league’s Golden Boot with fellow first-teamer Jose Angulo of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Defender Rob Valentino and midfielder Jamie Watson also represent Orlando City on the first team, while Charlotte midfield star Jorge Herrera earned second-team honors.

The regular-season champion Richmond Kickers lead all teams with four players selected to the All-League teams, with Orlando City, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Harrisburg City Islanders next in line with three selections each. The Charleston Battery and Los Angeles Blues each had two players honored, while the Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions, Rochester Rhinos, Wilmington Hammerheads and VSI Tampa Bay FC had one each.

The finalists for Coach of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player will be announced on Wednesday, September 4, with the awards being presented at the USL PRO Championship Media Luncheon on Friday, September 6 in Orlando.

The 2013 USL PRO Championship Game will see the No. 2 seed Orlando City host the No. 5 seed Charlotte Eagles at the Citrus Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Eagles defeated the regular-season champion Richmond Kickers 2-1 to advance, while Orlando City held off the Charleston Battery, 3-2.

For live updates from the USL PRO Championship Game, follow the league on Twitter (@USLPRO) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USLPRO).

2013 USL PRO All-League First Team

GK – Andrew Dykstra, Richmond Kickers
D – Colin Falvey, Charleston Battery
D – Henry Kalungi, Richmond Kickers
D - Rob Valentino, Orlando City
D – William Yomby, Richmond Kickers
MF – Matt Dallman, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
MF – Joseph Ngwenya, Richmond Kickers
MF – Jamie Watson, Orlando City
F – Jose Angulo, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
F – Dom Dwyer, Orlando City
F – Sainey Touray, Harrisburg City Islanders

2013 USL PRO All-League Second Team

GK – Nick Noble, Harrisburg City Islanders
D – Danny Earls, Rochester Rhinos
D – Josh Rife, VSI Tampa Bay FC
D – Andrew Marshall, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
D – Daniel Steres, Wilmington Hammerheads
MF – Michael Azira, Charleston Battery
MF – George Davis IV, Los Angeles Blues
MF – Jorge Herrera, Charlotte Eagles
F – Gibson Bardsley, Dayton Dutch Lions
F – Matt Fondy, Los Angeles Blues
F – Lucky Mkosana, Harrisburg City Islanders


USL PRO Championship Game
No. 5 Charlotte Eagles at No. 2 Orlando City, 7:30 p.m. ET, USLNation.com

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

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. -- After reaching the Western Conference Championships in a notable 2013 Premier Development League (PDL) campaign, Portland Timbers U-23s players hope to bring similar success to their respective collegiate squads as the 2013 NCAA men’s soccer season begins.

Forwards Reinaldo Brenes and Mark Sherrod, entering their senior seasons at University of Akron and University of Memphis, respectively, highlight the list of preseason honors as both were named to the 2013 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. For Sherrod, it is his third straight inclusion on the watch list.

The MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual award in intercollegiate soccer, and is presented annually in January during a banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Missouri.

Both Sherrod and Brenes are also featured as candidates for the Senior CLASS Award. This award is presented annually to the athlete who excels both on the field and off, through four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.

The two also lead a group of four Timbers U-23s players on the College Soccer News Preseason All-America Teams, with Brenes earning a spot on the first team. Sherrod, along with defenders Bryan Gallego (Akron) and Eric Miller (Creighton), were named to the second team.

TopDrawerSoccer.com released its Preseason Best XI and annual preseason player rankings, with multiple Timbers U-23s players included. Gallego was the highest-ranked Timbers U-23s player at No. 7 on the Men’s National Top 100 Preseason Player Rankings, with Brenes (No. 15), Sherrod (No. 16), Miller (No. 18) and midfielder Zach Barnes (No. 77) also making the list.

Both Gallego and Brenes were selected to TopDrawerSoccer.com Preseason Best XI teams.

In preseason conference polls released leading up to the NCAA Division I season openers, the Timbers U-23s are well represented on several preseason all-conference teams.

Head coaches of West Coast Conference picked the Santa Clara Broncos, featuring Timbers U-23s defender Mark Daus, to win the conference title in 2013; Daus landed a spot on the Preseason All-WCC Team. Loyola Marymount, captained by Timbers U-23s players John McFarlin and Craig Nitti, are projected to finish third.

Representatives of the Big West picked midfielder Reed McKenna’s UC Santa Barbara to win the conference’s North Division.

Creighton, with Timbers U-23s players Barnes, Miller and midfielder Jose Ribas, enters its first season in the BIG EAST and was picked to finish second. Miller was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team.

The American Athletic Conference also released its preseason poll, with two Timbers U-23 players landing on the conference’s preseason first team – Sherrod and forward Zack Foxhoven (Louisville). Louisville, which also features Timbers U-23s players Will Vitalis and Mitch Lurie, was predicted to finish second in the conference behind a tough Connecticut squad.

Picked to finish first in the Mid-American Conference, Akron features four Timbers U-23s players on its 2013 roster – Brenes, Gallego, defender Saad Abdul-Salaam and midfielder Victor Souto. MLSsoccer.com picked the Zips as one of its Top 10 contenders for the College Cup and coined Brenes as the team’s key player this season.

A number of college teams, with Timbers U-23s players on their rosters, dot the NSCAA preseason national rankings: No. 4 – North Carolina (midfielder Alex Walters); No. 6 – Creighton (Barnes, Miller, Ribas); No. 8 – Akron (Abdul-Salaam, Brenes, Gallego, Souto); and No. 10 – Louisville (Foxhoven, Lurie, Vitalis). Both UC Santa Barbara (McKenna) and Kentucky (midfielder Gabriel Conelian) also received votes. 

PDL Feature

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

After having his senior season cut short 15 minutes in by injury, and petitioning to be granted a medical redshirt, Cal’s Steve Birnbaum made a triumphant return to action this weekend as he led the Golden Bears past No. 2 Georgetown and No. 3 Maryland. After scoring a goal in either contest, the former Orange County Blue Star center back earned TopDrawerSoccer.com’s National Player of the Week award, leading the current and former PDL players honored after the opening week of the college season.

Birnbaum was one of eight current or former PDL players named to TDS’s Team of the Week, and he also claimed the Pac-12’s Player of the Week award as the Bears climbed to No. 10 in the NSCAA rankings.

The PDL’s 2013 Golden Boot winner, Pete Caringi of the Baltimore Bohemians, joined Birnbaum in claiming TDS and conference honors as he continued the form he showed throughout the summer in the Mid Atlantic Division. Caringi, who was named the America East Player of the Week, had four goals in two games as UMBC opened the season with a pair of victories at the Springhill Suites Arundel Mills BWI Kick-Off Classic to earn the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Ocean City Nor’easters goalkeeper Brian Billings, who went 6-1-1 while helping his side win the Eastern Conference Championship this past summer, was also named to the team after helping Bradley get off to a strong start with two shutouts. Billings was particularly strong in the Braves’ opening game of the season as he recorded seven saves in a 1-0 win against New Hampshire, which also earned him Missouri Valley Conference Defender of the Year honors.

FC Tucson’s Richard Velazco also earned selection, and was named the first Player of the Week in the American Athletic Conference’s history, after scoring in his debut for Louisville, and adding an assist, in the Cardinals’ 2-1 road win against Virginia. Also earning selection was Portland Timbers U-23s defender Bryan Gallego, who earned Most Valuable Player honors as Akron recorded a pair of shutout wins at the College of Charleston Tournament. Gallego’s efforts also earned him the Mid-American Conference’s Player of the Week honor.

Former Chicago Fire PDL player Goffin Boyoko, who claimed Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors after a pair of standout performances for UC Santa Barbara, Mississippi Brilla midfielder Patrick Huang and Fresno Fuego defender Nathan Smith also earned selection, with Smith recording the assist on the only goal in UCLA’s upset of defending champion Indiana on Sunday afternoon.

Elsewhere, Creighton's Eric Miller, a standout for the Portland Timbers U-23s, and Alex Bolowich, who starred this past summer for the Ocala Stampede, were both honored by the Big East after the Bluejays took a pair of shutout victories. Miller was named Defensive Player of the Week as he scored in a 3-0 win against Cal-Poly, while Bolowich was named Goalkeeper of the Week after recording seven saves in a 2-0 win against No. 14 Tulsa.

Former Worcester Hydra defender Chris Ager claimed the ACC Player of the Week award after he scored two goals in Boston College’s season-opening victory against Boston University. Ager scored the game-winner in overtime as the Eagles took a 2-1 victory against their fierce rivals.

Former Real Maryland forward Wes Sever took the Atlantic 10’s Player of the Week honor after leading George Mason to victory in the DC Cup after he scored the game-winning goal in both of the Patriots’ victories. Former West Texas Sockers defender Christopher Bush was also named the Atlantic Sun’s Defensive Player of the Week after earning Defensive MVP honors for North Florida at the Mike Gibbs Memorial Tournament.

UC Riverside’s Hayden Leslie joined Boyoko in claiming Big West honors, with the former OC Blues Strikers defender being named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week after the Highlanders earned a pair of shutout victories against Iona and Marist.

IMG Bradenton Academy’s Nick Kolarac was named co-Player of the Week in the Northeast Conference after he scored three goals in two games for St. Francis University. Fellow Bradenton standout Martin Ontiveros claimed the Southern Conference’s Player of the Week award for Furman after scoring twice to lead the Palladins to a 4-3 overtime victory against No. 22 Xavier at the Nike/Aaron Olitsky Memorial Classic. 

W-League & W-20 Feature

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – Pali Blues forward Lynn Williams had a memorable week for Pepperdine University, capturing West Coast Conference Player of the Week and NSCAA Division I National Player of the Week honors after she led the Waves to a 2-0-1 start, including a pair of results against top-25 opponents. A MAC Hermann Award Watch List pick, Williams scored back-to-back game-winners against Wright State and at No. 19 Texas A&M.

Williams tallied a world-class goal against the Raiders, firing a rocket to the far post from 25 yards. At Texas A&M, the junior scored two goals in less than two minutes and sealed Pepperdine's upset win with an assist on the insurance goal by Kristen Rodriguez. It was the third multi-goal match of her career, and Williams now has seven career game-winning strikes. She registered seven points and fired 18 shots, nine on target, during the week.

Williams led the list of W-League alums included on the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week, which also included Williams’ Pali teammate Samantha Mewis of UCLA, and Washington Spirit Reserves veteran and University of Virginia defender Molly Menchel.

Laval Comets standout Valerie Sanderson, a freshman at Memphis, earned American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after she recorded the first hat trick for the new conference in Memphis' 3-1 victory against Middle Tennessee on Sept. 1. Long Island Rough Riders defensive stalwart Gabrielle Charno was chosen as Defensive Player of the week after she started both games in Connecticut’s 2-0 weekend, anchoring a defense that shut out Boston College 1-0 and Central Connecticut State 3-0. Charno also was credited with the assist in the 1-0 win against BC.

Saint Joseph’s Emily Gingrich, a member of W-20’s Reading United AC this past summer, was named Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week after the Saint Joseph’s freshman scored on a penalty kick for her first collegiate goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 vs. Quinnipiac. Less than a minute later, the Shillington, Pa., native tied the game 2-2 with a shot inside the left post, swinging the momentum towards the Hawks in a 3-2 win. In the first four games of the season, the freshman has put up 19 shots to lead Saint Joseph’s to a 2-0-2 record.

Colorado Rapids Women veteran keeper Hannah Clark was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after the Iowa sophomore posted shutouts against both UC Davis and Pacific in leading Iowa to the tournament title at the Pacific Soccer Classic. Clark, who was named to the Pacific Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team, made four saves against UC Davis and two vs. Pacific to earn her second career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor.

Ottawa Fury forward Lauren Hughes was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week after the Rice sophomore posted the second two-goal game of her career and added an assist to lead the Owls to a 3-2 road victory against SEC opponent Vanderbilt. In the Owls' 1-0-1 weekend, the standout from Ontario recorded a team-high eight and added an assist on Holly Hargreaves' goal.

2013 Santa Clarita Blue Heat midfielder Toni Lashley kicked off her senior season with Charleston Southern in style, being named Big South Attacking Player of the Week. Lashley, a senior from Union County, N.C., notched four goals in three games to lead the Buccaneers to a 3-0 record last week. She got the week started with the lone goal in CSU’s 1-0 win against Francis Marion, and she tallied a pair of goals in a 5-3 victory against Canisius. She finished the week with a goal as Charleston Southern downed Jacksonville State, 4-2. 

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Charleston Battery midfielder Mike Azira has been called into the Ugandan national team for this Saturday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Senegal. Uganda needs to win the match in order to move onto the final round of play-offs in the African qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The September 7 match is being played in neutral Morocco because Senegal is serving a one-year ban on hosting home matches.

“Mike has worked very hard and him getting called into the Uganda National Team is a very well deserved accomplishment,” Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser said.

Azira is in his second season with the Battery and scored six goals with two assists in 31 games played this year, earning selection to the USL PRO All-League Second Team. Azira was a member of the Battery’s 2012 USL PRO Championship-winning team and scored the lone goal in the 1-0 championship game win versus the Wilmington Hammerheads.

Alderson and Fisk called into Canadian U-21 men’s national team
The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) has called midfielders Bryce Alderson and Ben Fisk into the Canadian U-21 men’s national team for the upcoming Francophone Games.

The tournament will take place from September 3 to September 15 in Nice, France. The Canadian U-21’s will take part in four group-stage matches against Cameroon (September 3), France (September 6), Rwanda (September 8) and Congo (September 10). The top two teams from Canada’s group will qualify for the tournament semifinals.

Alderson joined the Battery on-loan from Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps F.C. for the 2013 USL PRO season; Fisk was also loaned to the Battery from the ‘Caps PDL squad. 

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City (USL PRO) and Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer) announced Wednesday that forward Dom Dwyer has been sent on loan to the Lions, and will be available for Saturday’s USL PRO Championship Game against the Charlotte Eagles. Dwyer scored 15 goals in 13 games played with Orlando in his original stint with the Lions in 2013, good for the league’s Co-Golden Boot Winner alongside Pittsburgh’s Jose Angulo.

“Obviously we are delighted to have him back,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s a great guy and did a fantastic job for us on the football field. It’s a great gesture from Sporting KC to release him for the final, and we hope he can produce the same goal-scoring efforts like he usually does on Saturday.”

Dwyer, 22, was one of four Sporting KC players loaned to Orlando City in March along with Christian Duke, Jon Kempin and Yann Songo’o. A Generation adidas signing, Dwyer was selected by Sporting KC in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of South Florida (USF). He made two MLS appearances (including playoffs) during his rookie season in addition to minutes in nine MLS Reserve League games and two international friendlies.

On Tuesday, Dwyer was named to the USL PRO All-League First Team alongside fellow Lions Rob Valentino and Jamie Watson.

Orlando is in the Championship match for the first time since 2011. The Lions topped the Harrisburg City Islanders on penalty kicks two years ago, taking home the USL PRO Championship in the club’s inaugural season. The match will be livestreamed via USLNation.com.

Tickets for Saturday’s Championship start at just $15 and can be found by calling (855) ORL-CITY. For more information on the club and Saturday’s match, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

USL PRO News Release

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO has announced the finalists for its 2013 awards, honoring the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year from the 2013 season.

The Charlotte Eagles and Orlando City, who will meet in Saturday night’s USL PRO Championship Game (7:30 p.m. ET, USLNation.com), are each featured on the list of finalists. The Eagles are represent by Coach of the Year candidate Mark Steffens and Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist Eric Reed, while Orlando City’s Jamie Watson is an MVP finalist and Rob Valentino is a Defender of the Year finalist. Regular season champion Richmond led all teams with five finalists.

The award winners will be announced at 2 p.m. ET Friday at the 2013 USL PRO Championship Press Conference at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Participants will include USL President Tim Holt, Orlando City President Phil Rawlins and Charlotte Eagles President Patrick Stewart, as well as both teams.

Votes for the USL PRO honors are submitted by USL PRO team management, and finalists are determined based on total All-League votes.

2013 USL PRO Award Finalists

Most Valuable Player
Jose Angulo, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Joseph Ngwenya, Richmond Kickers
Jamie Watson, Orlando City

Rookie of the Year
Nate Robinson, Richmond Kickers
Daniel Steres, Wilmington Hammerheads
Donald Toia, Phoenix FC Wolves

Defender of the Year
Colin Falvey, Charleston Battery
Rob Valentino, Orlando City
William Yomby, Richmond Kickers

Goalkeeper of the Year
Andrew Dykstra, Richmond Kickers
Nick Noble, Harrisburg City Islanders
Eric Reed, Charlotte Eagles

Coach of the Year
Patrick Bal, Dayton Dutch Lions
Mark Steffens, Charlotte Eagles
Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers

The 2013 USL PRO Championship Game will see the No. 2-seed Orlando City host the No. 5-seed Charlotte Eagles at the Citrus Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Eagles defeated the regular-season champion Richmond Kickers 2-1 to advance, while Orlando City held off the Charleston Battery, 3-2.

For live updates from the USL PRO Championship Game, follow the league on Twitter (@USLPRO) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USLPRO).

USL PRO Championship Game
No. 5 Charlotte Eagles at No. 2 Orlando City, 7:30 p.m. ET, USLNation.com

W-League Feature

Thursday, September 5, 2013

The NCAA Women’s Division I season continues this weekend with a number of intriguing non-conference contests highlighting the schedule, with a big clash between No. 4 Stanford and No. 16 Maryland leading the way on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on the Pac-12 Network. Among those set to play a key role are a number of W-League standouts, who will feature throughout this weekend’s television schedule.

The Cardinal have started the season 2-0-1, and have been boosted in part by the Pali Blues’ Chioma Ubogagu. After helping her side claim the 2013 W-League Championship, Ubogagu has recorded a pair of assists in Stanford’s opening three games, while the Ottawa Fury’s Taylor Uhl and Washington Spirit Reserves’ Alex Doll are among the four players to find the back of the net so far.

Stanford opens the weekend with a clash against Loyola Marymount (Pac-12 Network, 9 p.m. ET), but it is their matchup with the Terrapins that will draw most attention as Doll will go up against her Spirit Reserves teammate Ashley Spivey, who already has three goals and two assists in four games for the Terps. Shannon Collins has also transitioned well from the Spirit Reserves to the Terrapins, with the defender having recorded five assists to lead the team.

Another player who was at the W-League Championship, the Carolina Elite Cobras’ Tabitha Padgett, will lead Clemson against its in-state rival South Carolina on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN3. Padgett, who appeared in every game for the Cobras, has appeared in all three games for the Tigers this fall as they have opened the season with a 1-0-2 record. Also featuring for the Tigers is goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who has picked up where she left off with the Toronto Lady Lynx this summer with two shutouts in three games.

The Gamecocks are also undefeated, thanks in part to the Atlanta Silverbacks’ Danielle Au. The senior forward scored one of South Carolina’s goals in a 3-0 victory against Northeastern on Sunday as the Gamecocks moved to 4-0-1 this season, and picked up an SEC Offensive Player of the Week award after scoring game-winners against then No. 7 Duke and UNC-Wilmington earlier in the season. Also featuring for South Carolina is Sheridan’s predecessor with the Toronto Lady Lynx, Sabrina D’Angelo, who earned TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week honors for the opening week of the season.

Other big matchups this weekend include No. 10 Florida’s game against Oklahoma State on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, which can be seen on Sun Sports. The Gators have been led this season by Atlanta Silverbacks All-League selection Savannah Jordan, who has scored five goals in three games in her freshman season.

Elsewhere, Jordan and Au’s teammate with the Silverbacks, Ryann Davie, will try to help Oregon get past Hawaii on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET on the Pac-12 Network, while Oregon State and the Seattle Sounders’ Jenna Richardson will face the Rainbow Wahine on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, also on the Pac-12 Network. 

PDL Feature

Thursday, September 5, 2013

The second weekend of the NCAA Division I Men’s season brings one of the highest-profile non-conference games of the season this Sunday afternoon as No. 1 North Carolina visits No. 4 Notre Dame, with PDL alumni set to play a key role on national television. The noon kickoff on ESPNU is just one of a number of key games that will be available online or on television this weekend featuring PDL alumni.

The Tar Heels opened the season with a pair of solid victories as they hosted the Carolina Nike Classic, with Chicago Fire PDL alum Tyler Engel recording two goals and an assist in victories against Monmouth and No. 12 Coastal Carolina. He was backed by former Reading United player Jordan McCrary, who had a goal and an assist, while former Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Brendan Moore recorded a pair of shutouts.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, earned a draw with No. 6 UCLA and a 2-1 victory against SMU to open the season at the IU Credit Union Classic in Bloomington, Ind. last weekend, with former Indiana Invaders forward Leon Brown scoring both goals in the Fighting Irish’s victory against the Mustangs.

The weekend’s action opens on Friday night with a big ACC clash between No. 13 Maryland and Duke, with PDL players set to play a key role in what has become a strong rivalry. The contest can be seen on NSCAATV.com at 7:30 p.m. ET as both teams open their conference schedules.

Maryland is looking for its first win of the season after falling 3-2 in overtime against California on the west coast in its last outing Sunday. The Terrapins are off to a fast start offensively, with former New Orleans Jesters standout Patrick Mullins recording a goal and an assist in their opening two games and former Real Maryland Monarchs forward Jake Pace scoring twice, but Maryland is aiming to improve defensively after conceding six goals in its opening two games.

Duke, meanwhile, got off to a solid start with a win and a draw in its opening two games of the season. 2012 PDL Defender of the Year Sebastian Ibeagha and goalkeeper Alex Long, both of the Carolina Dynamo, have led a solid defensive unit that conceded just once in two games. Sean Davis, who also played this summer with the Dynamo, opened his scoring account in a 2-0 win against Northeastern Sunday.

Elsewhere in the ACC on Friday night, Virginia visits Clemson in a game that can be seen on ESPN3 at 8 p.m. ET. The Cavaliers are looking to Chicago Inferno goalkeeper Jeff Gal to build on his shutout against St. John’s Sunday, while freshman Darius Madison is hoping to open his college account after a solid summer with Reading United that saw the Philadelphia Union Academy product score two goals and add an assist in 13 appearances.

For the Tigers, Jersey Express midfielder Thomas McNamara has started strongly, with two goals and an assist in the opening two games of the season, and he is joined by SC United Bantams midfielder Alex Stockinger and Orlando City U23 midfielder Paul Clowes as Clemson looks to build on its opening two wins.

The weekend wraps up Sunday in New York, with No. 23 St. John’s playing host to Penn State at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN3. The Red Storm went 1-1-0 in their opening weekend of action, falling to Virginia in their last outing, but are hoping for big performances by former Jersey Express goalkeeper Rafael Diaz and former Long Island Rough Riders duo Sean Sepe and Jimmy Mulligan, both of whom scored in their side’s season-opening victory against NJIT.

Penn State took a pair of victories to start to the season as the Baltimore Bohemians’ Eli Dennis led the way. Dennis had a goal and an assist in the Nittany Lions’ wins, while IMG Academy Bradenton goalkeeper Andrew Wolverton had a pair of shutouts. Both players are hoping to continue that form as they visit Rutgers before their clash with the Red Storm. 

USL PRO News Release

Thursday, September 5, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The 2013 USL PRO Championship will be decided this Saturday night as No. 2-seed Orlando City hosts the No. 5-seed Charlotte Eagles at the Florida Citrus Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game can be watched live on USLNation.com, the league’s free online streaming platform, with a crowd of more than 10,000 expected to be on hand to see a champion crowned.

The Lions and Eagles have taken different routes to the championship game, with Orlando hosting for the third time this postseason. The Lions, who claimed the championship in 2011 against the Harrisburg City Islanders, took a 5-0 victory against Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals before holding off the defending champion Charleston Battery, 3-2, in last weekend’s semifinals.

Charlotte has found its success on the road. The Eagles advanced from the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders, and then recorded one of the surprises of the season as they defeated the regular-season champion Richmond Kickers 2-1 at City Stadium in the semifinals.

Orlando’s squad has been boosted by the return of co-Golden Boot winner Dom Dwyer for Saturday’s game. Dwyer began the season with the Lions on loan from their MLS partner Sporting Kansas City, and scored 15 goals in 13 games. After his strong start, Dwyer returned to Kansas City and has since recorded his first goals in MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League. He will join an attack that has seen Dennis Chin record two goals and two assists in the postseason so far to lead the Lions to the final.

Charlotte is aiming for another piece of history as it visits Orlando to try and claim the club’s third USL championship. After earning the club’s first postseason victory against Richmond last week, the Eagles will try to win for the first time against the Lions. Orlando has gone 4-0-2 all-time against Charlotte, with the two teams playing to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting this season on April 23, and the Lions edging out a 1-0 win in the final game of the regular season for both teams on August 17.

For live updates from the USL PRO Championship Game, follow the league on Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook (www.facebook.com/USLPRO), or watch the game live on UNATION (www.uslnation.com). 

USL PRO News Release

Friday, September 6, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO honored its top performers of the season today, announcing the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year from the 2013 season. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida, site of Saturday’s USL PRO Championship Game featuring the Charlotte Eagles and Orlando City at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Voting for the awards was conducted by USL PRO team management.

Most Valuable Player – Jose Angulo, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Angulo had a standout season for the Riverhounds as he led the league with 34 points and finished tied for the league lead with 15 goals. The first player to score at Pittsburgh’s new Highmark Stadium, Angulo had a role in more than half the Riverhounds’ 36 regular-season goals as he led the side to the USL PRO Playoffs.

Rookie of the Year - Nate Robinson, Richmond Kickers
A trialist at the Kickers’ preseason combine, Robinson quickly became a key figure in the regular-season champions’ success as he finished his rookie season with four goals and a team-high nine assists. Robinson’s delivery from the flanks and on set pieces provided outstanding service to Richmond’s front-runners as the Kickers scored 50 goals in a regular season for the first time since 2006.

Defender of the Year - Colin Falvey, Charleston Battery
The Battery’s captain was instrumental in Charleston’s strong performances in USL PRO, with the club conceding just 29 goals in 26 games. Named the team’s Most Valuable Player, Falvey appeared in every game of the season, missing just 34 minutes of action, while also scoring two goals and adding an assist. He also scored the game-winning goal in the Battery’s victory against defending MLS Supporter’s Shield holder the San Jose Earthquakes in the U.S. Open Cup.

Goalkeeper of the Year - Andrew Dykstra, Richmond Kickers
Dykstra was at the heart of a Kickers defense that conceded the fewest goals in USL PRO throughout the season. The league-leader in goals-against average and shutouts, Dykstra made 75 saves in 21 appearances on loan from D.C. United, with a number of them allowing the Kickers’ historic 22-game undefeated streak to continue as Richmond won the USL PRO Regular Season Championship.

Coach of the Year - Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers
In the first season of the club’s partnership with D.C. United, Cowlishaw did a masterful job of combining a veteran core with a new crop of youngsters that shone throughout the season. The Kickers set a new USL PRO record by going 22 games without defeat, with contributions coming from all over the field. Richmond scored more than twice the number of goals it conceded, and clinched the club’s sixth regular-season championship with a game to spare.

The 2013 USL PRO Championship Game will see the No. 2-seed Orlando City host the No. 5-seed Charlotte Eagles at the Florida Citrus Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Eagles defeated the regular-season champion Richmond Kickers 2-1 to advance, while Orlando City held off the Charleston Battery, 3-2.

For live updates from the USL PRO Championship Game, follow the league on Twitter (@USLPRO) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USLPRO).

FC Tucson News Release -- www.fctucson.com

Monday, September 9, 2013

TUCSON, Ariz. — UC Riverside’s Ivan Garcia wasn’t satisfied with scoring his first goal of the season on Sunday. He added a second goal with just 30 seconds remaining to help the Highlanders defeat Bradley 3-2.

The two-goal performance was just half of Garcia’s five-point weekend (he got an assist on Friday night) for Riverside. But Garcia wasn’t the only player who notched points for his college team. Conner Bevans, David Clemens, Gabe Silveira and Ricardo Velazco also found themselves on the score sheet over the last week.

There was also a pair of upsets this weekend. Gonzaga, behind Bevans and Greg Carter, upset No. 15 UC Santa Barbara, 2-0, on Friday. Clemens’ Virginia Tech upset No. 17 Syracuse 2-1 in overtime on Friday night, as well.

For a full run down on all the weekend’s action, check out the capsules below.

California-Riverside
Ivan Garcia scored with just 30 seconds remaining to give Riverside a 3-2 win over Bradley on Sunday. The goal was his second of the match. His first goal came about seven minutes into the game with the Highlanders trailing 1-0.

Garcia became the first player at Riverside since October 2012 to score two goals in a match. It was a great way to end what had already been a good weekend for Garcia. He notched an assist on Friday night in a 2-0 win over Bradley.

For the weekend, Garcia earned five total points. Garcia’s teammate, Aaron Long, did not see any action. Riverside is now 4-0 to begin the year, matching their best four-match stretch to open a season, set last year.

Gonzaga
The Bulldogs swept their weekend matches, but Friday’s match was the bigger of the two wins. Conner Bevans and Greg Carter, who both started, helped Gonzaga defeat No. 15 UC Santa Barbara 2-0, on the road. Bevans had the assist on the Bulldogs’ first goal while Carter helped anchor a back line that allowed just two shots on goal (both in the second half). The win is the first true road win for Gonzaga since 2011 and the school’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2007.

The big win didn’t distract the Bulldogs from their second match of the weekend. It took a period of extra time, but Gonzaga downed Cal Poly 1-0 in overtime. Bevans and Carter started the match but did not get on the score sheet.

The Bulldogs are now 2-1-0 this season. In those three matches, Carter has led a defense that has allowed just one goal.

Liberty
The Flames opened their home season with an impressive 4-0 win over IUPUI. Tim Harbison got the start and notched a shot but he didn’t get on the score sheet.

Louisville
The seventh-ranked Cardinals split their first two home matches this season. Last Wednesday, Louisville shut out Cleveland State 2-0. Ricardo Velazco got the start and notched an assist while taking one shot during the game.

On Saturday, however, the Cardinals found themselves shut out against visiting Butler. The Bulldogs won 1-0 thanks to a goal late in the first half. Velazco started and had his lone shot on goal saved.

Louisville is now 2-1-0. Velazco has started all three matches and has one goal and two assists for a team-leading four points.

Loyola Marymount
Ryan Felix got the start and played a full 90 minutes in the Lions’ 2-0 win over Cal State Fullerton. Felix had three shots and one shot on goal but did not get on the score sheet.

Sacramento State
Gabe Silveira started his first match of the season on Sunday and scored his first goal of the season in Sacramento State’s 1-1 draw with Seattle on Sunday. Silveira’s goal was the equalizer after the Hornets fell 1-0 near the end of the first half. The draw followed a tough 3-0 loss to Cal State Bakersfield on Friday. Isaac Ikyurav led all players with five shots (three on frame). Ikyurav and Silveira were named to the Copa de Causeway All-Tournament Team.

San Diego
On Sunday, the Toreros looked destined for a third-straight loss to open the season when they fell two goals behind Cal State Fullerton. But San Diego stormed back and notched the third and game-winning goal in overtime for a 3-2 win over the Titans. Starting goalkeeper Michael D’Arrigo’s pass out of the back eventually led to the third and final goal, according to San Diego’s head coach. D’Arrigo notched three saves in his first win of the season.

The win was a great way to follow up a tough 2-1 loss on Friday night to Cal State Northridge. D’Arrigo made two saves in his first start of the year but it wasn’t enough for a win. Connor Brandt and Eli Galbraith-Knapp started both matches for the Toreros but didn’t notch any points.

San Francisco
On Friday, the Dons nearly fought to a scoreless draw against No. 10 Cal, but the Golden Bears slipped a go-ahead goal past San Francisco with 19 seconds remaining to win 1-0. Despite the hard-luck loss, the Dons got back in the win column after dropping San Jose State 2-1. Kevin Gould started both matches as a defender but didn’t get on the score sheet. San Francisco is now 3-1-0 while Gould and his fellow defenders have allowed just two goals in four matches.

Santa Clara
Santa Clara is still searching for its first win of the season after a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Stanford on Saturday night. Max Ornstil had a chance on net midway through the first half, but his one-time shot sailed just over the crossbar. Along with Ornstil, Carlos Montes and Matt Escobar started the match, but neither notched a point. James Huffer came off the bench for the Broncos and played 30 minutes but did not get off a shot.

South Florida
South Florida traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to take on the University of Michigan. The Bulls left the Great Lakes State with a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye did not get the start.

Virginia Tech
The Hokies had just one match this weekend and made the most of it. On Friday night, Virginia Tech upset No. 17 Syracuse 2-1 in overtime. David Clemens started the match and earned an assist on the Hokies’ first goal of the match. Clemens’ assist is his first point of the season. The win is Virginia Tech’s second of the year.

USL PRO News Release

Saturday, September 7, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC captured its second USL PRO Championship as Dom Dwyer claimed Most Valuable Player honors after a four-goal performance earned his side a 7-4 victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night. The victory came in front of a USL-record crowd of 20,886 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, with the Sporting Kansas City loanee sending the Lions’ fans into wild celebrations at the end of a wild contest.

The Lions came out strongly in front of their raucous support, and forced a pair of corners in the opening three minutes, the second of which saw Renan Boufleur send a shot over the crossbar. Charlotte was able to withstand the early pressure, however, and grabbed the lead in the 20th minute as a corner from the left by Jorge Herrera went to the back post, where Fejiro Okiomah was on hand to head home and momentarily silence the Citrus Bowl.

Orlando maintained its high tempo, and found an equalizer in the 33rd minute through Dwyer as he took possession off strike partner Dennis Chin 16 yards from goal as Chin held off a defender, and drove a low left-footed shot into the right corner of the net.

Dwyer struck again three minutes before halftime as he was able to rise highest to meet a cross by Erik Ustruck from the right for a header that went just past the outstretched hand of Eric Reed into the left corner. Orlando’s lead was short-lived, however, as a minute later Charlotte hit back when Ben Newnam found space on the left and centered crisply to Christian Ramirez, who fired home for his third goal of the USL PRO Playoffs to send the teams to the break all square.

The start of the second half proved more subdued than the first, but the game exploded into life in the 57th minute as Ramirez beat the Lions’ offside trap and fired home his second goal of the night to put the Eagles back up 3-2. Just four minutes later the Lions were back on level terms, though, as Adama Mbengue was brought down in the penalty area and Dwyer shot home into the left corner to record his hat trick.

Dwyer bagged his fourth with just more than 20 minutes remaining as a corner kick from the left by Anthony Pulis was headed home to restore the Lions’ lead. Less than a minute later, Dennis Chin made it 5-3 as he struck a fine curling shot from 20 yards out into the right corner.

Charlotte pushed to try and get back on even terms in the final 15 minutes, but was caught on the counter-attack with five minutes to go as Dwyer added an assist to his goals with a pass that slipped Mbengue into the left side of the penalty area for a low finish into the right corner. The Eagles found a consolation goal in the 88th minute as Christian Meza flicked in a header from a cross by Stefan Smith, but Chin capped the game with his second in the final minute as he drove home a left-footed shot as Charlotte defenders backed off and gave him space. 

Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Rhinos President and Chief Operating Officer Pat Ercoli announced on Tuesday that Bob Lilley – whose 13-year professional coaching career includes 13 trips to the playoffs and one USL Championship – will be the sixth head coach in Rochester’s 18 years of storied tradition.

“We are excited to have Bob back, he is a proven commodity, someone that has had a very successful history in the game and is well respected in the soccer circles," Ercoli said. "Bob understands the team’s tradition and knows what is needed to help build a successful team.”

Lilley’s coaching career was forged over 13 years as a head coach with the Hershey Wildcats, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Detroit Ignition, and Rochester Rhinos. Lilley amassed a career regular season record of 179-97-56, and he has surpassed 200 career victories when playoff wins, U.S. Open Cup wins, and indoor soccer coaching wins are included in the total. He guided his team to the playoffs every season, and won the USL Championship with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2006.

“I am excited to be returning to Rochester and have the opportunity to work with Pat, Rob and the entire organization again,” Lilley said. “I certainly missed the USL environment during my time away and am looking forward to the challenge of helping Rochester achieve continued success in the league. The fans and City of Rochester deserve a team they can continue to be proud of.”

Lilley’s professional coaching career began with the Hershey Wildcats from 1997 to 2001. Lilley compiled an 86-46-6 record during the regular season, and led Hershey to three division titles. His Wildcats scored 255 goals in 138 regular season matches (1.85 goals per game), and Hershey scored 50 or more goals in the regular season three times. Hershey qualified for the playoffs every season during Lilley’s tenure as head coach. In 1997 he was honored with the Coach of the Year award for the first time in his career. In 2001 Lilley and the Hershey Wildcats advanced to the A-League Final against the Rochester Rhinos where they lost 2-0 in front of 13,692 fans at Frontier Field.

Lilley moved to the Montreal Impact from 2002 to 2003. He won 16 games each season he was in Montreal. In 2003 he won his first regular season title, and he led a team to a division title for the fourth time in his career. After the season Lilley was named Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. Lilley had a 32-15-9 record in 56 matches in charge of the Impact.

After taking the 2004 season off, Lilley returned to coaching with the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2005 to 2007. In 2006 Lilley led the Whitecaps to a 4-0-1 record in the playoffs, and Vancouver scored 11 goals and only conceded one in five postseason matches. Vancouver won the 2006 USL First Division Championship with a 3-0 victory against the Rochester Rhinos at Sahlen’s Stadium in front of 9,547 fans. Lilley put together a 33-20-31 record in 84 regular-season matches with the Whitecaps. 

After spending the 2007-2008 season coaching indoor soccer with the Detroit Ignition, Lilley returned to the sidelines in the outdoor game with the Rochester Rhinos. He led the Ignition to a regular season title, the second of his career, and he was honored as the Coach of the Year for the third time in his career after the indoor season. On November 16, 2009 the Rochester Rhinos announced the hiring of Lilley as the fourth head coach in club history.

In 2010 he completely overhauled the Rhinos roster, and then led his new team to the USSF D2 Pro League Regular Season Title. Lilley went 16-8-6 with Rochester in 2010, and won the Coach of the Year award for the fourth time in his career. The 2010 Rochester Rhinos lost 3-2 on aggregate to the Puerto Rico Islanders in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

In 2011, Lilley led the Rhinos to the USL PRO National Division Title with a 12-8-4 record-the sixth division title of his career. After defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-0 in the USL PRO National Division Semifinals, Lilley and the Rhinos were eliminated from the 2011 playoffs 2-1 by the Harrisburg City Islanders after a memorable National Division Final at Sahlen’s Stadium. Lilley’s two-year record with the Rhinos was 28-16-10.

Over the course of his 13-year career Lilley has coached 26 award winning players. He has had players named to the All-League team 18 times, with 14 first-team selections and four second-team selections. Lilley has coached the Most Valuable Player twice, the league’s leading scorer twice, the Goalkeeper of the Year twice, the Defender of the Year once, and the  Rookie of the Year once.

“We are looking forward to getting back to our winning ways and Bob is the right coach for the job. He is a proven leader  and know what it takes to win,” Adirondack Sports Club, LLC Owner and Chief Executive Officer Rob Clark said.

One of the storied clubs in American professional soccer, Rochester concluded the 2013 season with a 261-150-85 all-time
record. The Rhinos have won five division titles, two conference titles, and three regular season titles. Rochester has qualified for the playoffs in 17 of the club’s 18 seasons in existence. The Rhinos advanced to the league finals in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2006 as well as the U.S. Open Cup Final in 1996 and 1999. Rochester won A-League Titles in 1998, 2000, and 2001.

In 1999 the Rochester Rhinos became the only team outside of Major League Soccer to win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup during the professional era. Rochester has had 37 players named All-League, 17 league award winners, and eight USL Hall of Fame selections.

PDL Feature

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – After winning the PDL’s Golden Boot with 16 goals in 12 games for the Baltimore Bohemians this summer, Pete Caringi has picked up where he left off to help lead UMBC to a 4-0-0 record to start the NCAA Division I season. With two goals in each of the Retrievers’ first four games, Caringi leads the nation, and on Monday was named the CollegeSoccerNews.com Player of the Week to lead a number of PDL alumni honored nationally after an exciting weekend of action across the country.

Caringi, who was also named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week and earned America East Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week, scored the opening two goals in the Retrievers’ 3-1 victory against Central Connecticut State Thursday night, and followed up his performance with another brace against St. Francis (N.Y.) on Sunday evening.

The Jersey Express’ Thomas McNamara was another player earning national recognition, with the Clemson midfielder taking TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Player of the Week honor after scoring in each of the Tigers’ victories against South Carolina, Virginia and Gardner-Webb. McNamara had four goals and three assists for the Express this summer, and now has four goals in as many games for the 4-0-0 Tigers. McNamara also shared the ACC Player of the Week award with Virginia Tech’s Kai Marshall.

Joining McNamara and Caringi on the TDS Team of the Week was 2013 All-League selection Axel Sjoberg of the Thunder Bay Chill, with the standout defender continuing to star for Marquette early in the season. The center back took Most Valuable Player honors of the Panther Invitational, while also notching his first goal of the season in a 4-1 win against Drake.

Others that earned selection included the North Sound SeaWolves’ Taylor Peay, who also earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors after he recorded four goals, including a hat trick against Santa Clara, in two games for the University of Washington. Sounders FC U23 defender Josh Phillips was also named to the Team of the Week after he helped Gonzaga win a pair of road games against UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly.

K-W United’s Tomislav Zadro picked up Team of the Week honors, and earned co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors, after the Wisconsin midfielder recorded two goals and two assists in the Badgers’ victories against Western Michigan and DePaul.

Zadro, who made 10 appearances for United this summer, was the difference-maker in the win against the Blue Demons, where he tied the game with one second remaining on the clock and then provided the assist on Chicago Fire PDL forward Jacob Brindle’s game-winner three minutes into overtime. Zadro shared the Big Ten honors with Chicago Fire PDL forward Joey Calistri, who scored both goals in Northwestern’s 2-0 win against Xavier on Saturday night.

Reading United’s Larry Ndjock continued his strong start to the season, while picking up TDS Team of the Week honors, as he led Loyola to a pair of victories with four goals in two games. After recording a hat trick in a 5-3 win against La Salle in midweek, Ndjock scored the only goal of the game against St. Francis (Pa.) to keep the Greyhounds undefeated, and allowed him to also earn the Patriot League’s Offensive Player of the Week award.

Other PDL alumni to earn conference honors included former Jersey Express goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, who was named the Big East Goalkeeper of the Week for St. John’s after recording three saves in the Red Storm’s 2-1 upset of No. 5 Akron. Diaz also shut out Penn State as St. John’s picked up its third win of the season with a 1-0 victory.

Northwestern’s Tyler Miller, who played this past summer for the Chicago Fire PDL, picked up Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors as he shut out Xavier in the Wildcats’ 2-0 victory, while former Mississippi Brilla forward Devon Fisher claimed the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week award after leading VCU to a stunning 3-2 victory against No. 13 Maryland that saw the Rams score three goals in the final 13 minutes.

The LA Misioneros’ Brian Behrad took home Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors as he scored the game-winning goal in both of Cal State Northridge’s victories, moving the Matadors to 4-0-0 for the first time in program history, while the Seacoast United Phantoms’ Terence Carter claimed Colonial Athletic Association honors after he scored twice in Northeastern’s 5-2 victory against Fairfield.

Michigan Bucks goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher claimed the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Week award as he helped the University of Detroit earn a pair of draws at the Mayor’s Cup at Hartwick College. Steinwascher recorded 16 saves in two games against Cornell and Robert Morris, conceding one goal in a 1-1 draw against the Big Red. 

W-League Feature

USL Feature

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The United States booked its place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Brazil on Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory against Mexico at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, earning a seventh consecutive berth at the biggest sporting event in the world with a decisive win against its biggest rivals. At the forefront were a number of USL alumni, who helped lead the U.S. throughout the final qualification stage known as ‘The Hex’.

In all, 10 former USL players, from the pro ranks through the PDL to the Super Y-League, played a role in helping the United States qualify, with the goalkeeping duo of Tim Howard and Brad Guzan leading the way. Howard, who recorded his 32nd shutout for the United States on Tuesday night, began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials, while Guzan, whose back-to-back shutouts early in the qualifying campaign included a historic 0-0 draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca in March, was named the 2004 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year as he prepared to enter the professional ranks with the Chicago Fire PDL.

Jozy Altidore, meanwhile, was a major catalyst for the U.S. attack as he scored three goals in qualification games. The Sunderland striker, who began his youth career in the Super Y-League with Schulz Academy before being called into the U.S. U17 Residency Program at IMG Academy, had three goals in World Cup Qualifiers, part of a standout year that has seen him score seven goals for the national team.

Other PDL alumni also made key contributions, with former All-Eastern Conference selection Geoff Cameron playing important minutes throughout the final qualifying round, most notably in a 2-0 victory against Panama in Seattle this past May. Brad Evans, who played for the Orange County Blue Star, had the dramatic late game-winner that earned the U.S. its first victory in Jamaica in World Cup qualifying, while former Boulder Rapids Reserves defender Clarence Goodson put in a veteran performance at the center of the U.S. backline on Tuesday night in Columbus.

Other important contributions came from former Central Florida Kraze midfielder Graham Zusi, who established himself as a key member of the squad, while defender Michael Parkhurst, who played for the IMG Bradenton Academics in the PDL, was solid defensively when called upon on Tuesday night. Sascha Kljestan, who played alongside current U.S. National Team Coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the Orange County Blue Star in 2003, and Herculez Gomez, who spent time in the A-League with the Seattle Sounders, also played their parts in the team’s success, and will now continue their work to be part of the final 23-man squad that will represent our country at next year’s World Cup.

W-League Feature

Thursday, September 12, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – One of the more remarkable performances of the 2013 W-League season was that of Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who racked up five consecutive shutouts as her side reached the postseason in the Central Conference this past summer.

Sheridan finished the season with a 0.428 goals-against average for Toronto, and her outstanding play has continued into the fall at Clemson, where she has already recorded three shutouts in five starts as the Tigers opened the season with a 2-1-2 record in non-conference play. On Thursday night, Sheridan will be one of the key players as Clemson hosts No. 21 Maryland on ESPN3 at 7 p.m. ET, one of a number of nationally televised games this weekend that will feature current and former W-League standouts.

Sheridan has been aided in the Tigers’ defense by the Carolina Elite Cobras’ Tabitha Padgett, but the senior has been showing off her versatility this fall as she has at times become part of the Clemson attack, and notched her first goal of the season against South Carolina last Friday.

The Terrapins, meanwhile, will look for their first away win of the season with the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Ashley Spivey and Shannon Collins both playing well early in the season. Spivey sits second on the team with eight points, while Collins has five assists, and they are joined by former Washington Freedom Futures midfielder Megan Gibbons, who has started all six contests.

Clemson is also in action on ESPN3 on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET as the Tigers host Boston College, as is No. 1 North Carolina, which faces No. 8 Notre Dame with former Long Island Rough Rider forward Crystal Dunn off to another strong start to the season. Dunn has six goals in the Tar Heels’ opening five games, while the Atlanta Silverbacks’ Alexa Newfield is tied for the team lead with three assists, as the Tar Heels continue to be a unanimous top selection in the NSCAA Coaches Poll.

Elsewhere in the ACC on Thursday night, No. 15 Duke will host Miami at 7 p.m. ET in a game that can be seen on NSCAATV.com, with the Long Island Rough Riders’ Kim DeCesare and former Cary Lady Clarets forward Mollie Pathman set to lead the Blue Devils. Pathman and DeCesare have combined for three goals so far this season, and will aim to jumpstart an attack that has scored only five goals in six games.

On Friday the action switches to the west coast as No. 5 UCLA hosts San Diego State at 7:30 p.m. ET on the Pac-12 Network, with Pali Blues standouts Sarah Killion, Abby Dahlkemper and Sam Mewis set to lead the Bruins in pursuit of their sixth win of the season. Killion leads UCLA with four assists this fall, while Dahlkemper has played a team-high 519 minutes to anchor a defense that has conceded only three goals in six games.

Earlier in the evening, No. 23 Southern Cal will also be in action on the Pac-12 Network as Pali’s Elizabeth Eddy looks to continue her strong start to the season against Pepperdine at 5:30 p.m. ET. Eddy leads the Trojans with four goals in five games, while the LA Strikers’ Tanya Samarzich has added another three after scoring four goals in eight appearances in the W-League this past summer.

Eddy will go up against a familiar face on the Pepperdine roster in Blues’ teammate Lynn Williams, who leads the Waves with five goals and one assist. Another former Blue, defender Michelle Pao, will also need to play an important role if Pepperdine is to keep the Trojans’ attack in check. 

PDL Feature

Friday, September 13, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – One of the annual marquee matchups in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer highlights the slate of games set to be televised nationally this weekend as No. 2 North Carolina hosts No. 18 Maryland on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN3. Both sides will be led by current and former PDL standouts as they meet for the last time in the regular season as members of the ACC.

North Carolina has made a solid start to the season, earning a 1-1 draw in its last outing on the road against No. 4 Notre Dame Sunday. The Tar Heels were again led by former Chicago Fire PDL forward Tyler Engel, who bagged his third goal of the season, but they were pegged back late by the Fighting Irish and forced to settle for a draw.

Key on Friday night for UNC will be former Carolina Dynamo defender Boyd Okwuonu and Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Brendan Moore, who will marshal a defense charged with slowing former New Orleans Jester and current MAC Hermann Trophy holder Patrick Mullins. The senior leads the Terrapins with two goals and three assists, but Maryland’s defense remains an issue, again conceding three goals in a 3-2 loss to VCU in its last outing. Austin Aztex defender Mikey Ambrose will need to be sharp to help the Terrapins improve at the back.

Also on Friday night, No. 12 St. John’s hosts South Carolina at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN3 looking to build on a pair of strong victories against Akron and Penn State last week. Former Long Island Rough Riders midfielder Jimmy Mulligan has made a good start to the season for the Red Storm, with his second goal of the season proving the game-winner against the Zips, while former Jersey Express goalkeeper Rafael Diaz is considered a strong prospect for MLS.

South Carolina, meanwhile, is led by SC United Bantams goalkeeper Robert Beebe, who has posted a 1.32 goals-against average so far this season. Also in the Gamecocks squad is IMG Bradenton Academy’s Asa Kryst and the Bantams’ Hunter Wyer, both of whom have found the back of the net this season, and midfielder Devin L’Amoreaux, who led SC United with three assists this summer.

Saturday night sees more ACC action on ESPN3 as Jersey Express midfielder Thomas McNamara leads Clemson against the Carolina Dynamo’s Alex Martinez and North Carolina State at 7 p.m. ET. McNamara was named the TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Week this past week, and has scored in each of the Tigers’ first four games.

McNamara is backed by SC United midfielder Alex Stockinger and Orlando City U23s Paul Clowes, both of whom have appeared as Clemson has opened 4-0-0. Martinez, meanwhile, has a goal and an assist in the Wolfpack’s opening three games of the season, as does his Dynamo teammate Clement Simonin.

On the west coast, UCLA is featured twice on the Pac-12 Network this weekend. The Bruins host No. 17 UC Santa Barbara on Friday night at 10 p.m. ET aiming to jumpstart an attack that has only scored once in its opening three games, on a goal by the Ventura County Fusion’s Victor Chavez. The Gauchos, on the other hand, have had a Fusion player of their own help lead the way to a 2-1-0 record, with Achille Campion recording a goal and an assist. Former Chicago Fire PDL forward Goffin Boyoko is also a player to watch, with three goals in three games so far.

On Sunday, the Bruins welcome San Diego and a pair of players from FC Tucson at 7 p.m. ET, with Connor Brandt and Eli Galbraith-Knapp set to play important roles for the Toreros. Brandt had two goals and three assists for Tucson this summer, and picked up his first assist of the fall in San Diego’s second game of the season against Cal State Northridge. Galbraith-Knapp, meanwhile, has started all three games, while Tucson goalkeeper Michael D’Arrigo has a 1.65 goals-against average this fall. 

USL News Release

Friday, September 13, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – USL has strengthened the management team overseeing its youth properties with the additions of Drew Hoffman as league development coordinator and Morgan Burkley as manager, youth league operations. Hoffman and Burkley join Youth Leagues Executive Director Jason Arnold and Super Y-League & ODP Senior Director Natalie Akula in support of the Super Y-League, Super-20 League, W-20 and NextGen Series.

“The additions of Drew and Morgan come at an important time in the continued growth of USL’s youth leagues,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Drew’s extensive relationships throughout American soccer, built up through the years in the college and youth game, will be key as USL’s leagues continue to redefine the youth soccer landscape. Morgan has already demonstrated a strong administrative ability and will be a major asset in continuing to serve our member clubs at the highest level.”

Hoffman joins USL after most recently serving as development officer and head men’s soccer coach at Washington College in Maryland. He will be responsible for growing the membership of the USL youth leagues by developing relationships with key youth soccer leaders throughout North America. Hoffman will also represent USL at regional and national soccer events to generate prospects for new business.

A longtime college and youth coach, Hoffman previously served as women’s head coach at West Chester (Pa.) University and assistant coach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. His youth resume includes time as a Region I, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware ODP coach, as well as a staff coach with NSCAA and the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association. Hoffman received his master’s of science from Long Island University - C.W. Post, and a B.A. from West Chester University, where he played men’s soccer.

Burkley, who joined USL in January as a Super Y-League operations intern, will work with Super Y-League, Super-20 League and NextGen Series club administrators on all operational issues, overseeing competitive and disciplinary matters and coordinating the ODP scouting and evaluation network. She will also manage league events such as the Super Y-League and Super-20 League championships and the Boys and Girls ODP National Camps at IMG Academy.

Burkley received her B.S. in sports administration from the University of Louisville in 2013 and spent two years as a marketing/operations assistant with the River City Rovers of the PDL. She played collegiate soccer at Morehead State University (Ky.).