Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, November 22, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Samuel Asante, pending USSF approval.

“Samuel is a fantastic addition to the squad,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “He is composed and technically clean on the ball while possessing world class speed and quickness. We are delighted he has decided to join us for the 2014 season.”

A native of Sunyani, Ghana, Asante spent the 2013 season with the Charlotte Eagles.  Making 21 appearances, he posted one assist during the regular season before recording his first professional goal during the USL PRO Quarterfinals, en route to the USL PRO Championship Game.

The 5-foot-5 midfielder made 60 appearances at Lindsey Wilson College, notching eight goals and 10 assists.  Named to the Mid-South All-Conference and Mid-South Conference All-Academic teams, Asante led Lindsey Wilson to two NAIA National Championships.  Prior to signing with the Eagles, Asante had stints with USL Premier Development League teams Des Moines Menace and Rochester Thunder.

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USL News Release

Friday, November 22, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues will honor the teams and executives that set a standard for excellence during the 2013 USL PRO, PDL and W-League seasons at the 2013 USL Hall of Fame Banquet Friday, December 13, at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. The event, part of the 2013 USL Annual General Meeting, will also feature the inductions of three new members of the USL Hall of Fame.  

The 2013 USL AGM runs Thursday, December 12 through Sunday, December 15. 

2013 USL Organizational Awards Finalists

Marketing Award

USL PRO
Charlotte Eagles
Orlando City
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Richmond Kickers

W-League
K-W United FC
LA Strikers
Seattle Sounders Women
Virginia Beach Piranhas

PDL
Reading United AC
FC Tucson
Victoria Highlanders FC

Communications Award

USL PRO
Charleston Battery
Dayton Dutch Lions
Orlando City
Richmond Kickers

W-League
Ottawa Fury
Pali Blues
Seattle Sounders Women
Washington Spirit Reserves

PDL
Austin Aztex
Reading United AC
FC Tucson

Broadcast Award

USL PRO
Los Angeles Blues
Orlando City
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Rochester Rhinos

W-League
Charlotte Lady Eagles
Dayton Dutch Lions
LA Strikers
Seattle Sounders Women

PDL
F.A. Euro – New York Magic
North Sound SeaWolves FC
Ocala Stampede

Rookie Franchise of the Year

W-League
Bay Area Breeze

PDL
F.A. Euro – New York Magic
Real Boston Rams
SW Florida Adrenaline

Progress Award

USL PRO
Harrisburg City Islanders
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Richmond Kickers
Wilmington Hammerheads

W-League
Carolina Elite Cobras
Dayton Dutch Lions
K-W United FC

PDL
Panama City Beach Pirates
Victoria Highlanders FC
Virginia Beach Piranhas

Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award

USL PRO
Koen Driessen, Dayton Dutch Lions
Hunter Leemon, Richmond Kickers
John Rotz, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Alex Wolf, Orlando City
Whitney Woods, Charleston Battery

W-League
Kim Ashton, Toronto Lady Lynx
Remy DuCote, Washington Spirit Reserves
Satoshi Tatsumi, Dayton Dutch Lions

PDL
Ric Granryd, Austin Aztex
Teresa Howe, SW Florida Adrenaline
Melanie Ireton, Ottawa Fury

Executive of the Year

USL PRO
Andrew Bell, Charleston Battery
Jason Kutney, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Phil Rawlins, Orlando City
Shelley Sowers, Richmond Kickers

W-League
Jeremy Auyer, Charlotte Lady Eagles
Jon Billings, Seattle Sounders Women
Sid van Druenen, Dayton Dutch Lions

PDL
Mark deFrias, Victoria Highlanders FC
Neil Holloway, Ocean City Nor’easters
David Markley, Austin Aztex

Organization of the Year

USL PRO
Charleston Battery
Orlando City
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Richmond Kickers

W-League
Dayton Dutch Lions
Pali Blues
Seattle Sounders Women

PDL
Austin Aztex
Thunder Bay Chill
Victoria Highlanders FC

Carolina Elite Cobras News Release - www.carolinaelitecobras.com

Friday, November 22, 2013

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Carolina Elite Cobras women's soccer standout Stephanie DeVita has been invited to the United States U-20 National Team's training camp which runs Sunday through December 1 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

DeVita, a sophomore at Furman University, tallied 15 goals, including seven match-winners, and added nine assists in 23 matches this  season. The Simpsonville, S.C., native and Hillcrest High School product captured first team All-Southern Conference honors and SoCon Tournament MVP accolades this season while leading the Paladins to a 17-4-2 record and the league's regular season and tournament titles.

"Steph works very hard and is the ultimate team player," Cobras Head Coach Sandy Burris said. "She has earned the chance to prove that she belongs on the highest levels and I know she will make us all proud."

"I have always dreamed of this and now it is actually happening," DeVita said, adding that playing in the W-League this past season was extremely helpful for her in preparing for the NCAA season.

DeVita joined the Cobras for the 2013 season and was immediately an important part of a team that made it to the W-League final four in only its second season. In two seasons at Furman,  she has netted 34 goals and registered 13 assists. The 2012 SoCon Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year ranks in the school's career top 10 in goals, total points and match-winning goals.  She has helped Furman to a combined 33-7-5 mark in two seasons.

W-League Feature

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – Pali Blues forward Mackenzy Doniak helped the top-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (23-1-0) advance to the NCAA women’s quarterfinals Sunday when she scored 30 seconds into the second half to spark a 2-0 victory against Wake Forest. Freshman Alexis Shaffer sent a ball off the Wake Forest post and it fell to Doniak, who tapped in her team-leading 19th goal of the season.

Washington Spirit Reserves defender Molly Menchel played the full 90 minutes for Virginia as it held Wake Forest without a shot on goal. The win sets up a meeting Friday at Virginia against the Michigan Wolverines (18-3-1), who defeated Notre Dame 1-0 on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals for the second time in the 20-year history of the program. The Wolverines were led by Ottawa Fury defenders Shelina Zadorsky and Holly Hein, who helped shut down the potent Notre Dame attack, while Laval Comets star Nkem Ezurike paced Michigan’s attack with five shots on goal.

Elsewhere, the Florida State Seminoles (21-1-3) continued their march through the NCAA field with an impressive 4-0 victory against Colorado, with Pali Blues defender Kassey Kallman contributing her first assist of the season. Former Colorado Rush goalkeeper Kelsey Wys was only called on for a single save as the Seminoles head back to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA championship for the ninth consecutive year, extending the nation's longest active streak. The North Jersey Valkyries’ Nickolette Driesse and VSI Tampa Bay FC’s Kacy Scarpa also saw significant minutes for the Seminoles in the win.

FSU will be home once again on Friday to welcome the Boston College Eagles (13-9-1), who defeated Illinois 4-1 on Sunday. Colby Woeltz, a W-20 standout with FC Stars of Massachusetts in 2013, helped shut down a potent Illinois attack as the Eagles moved on.

Colorado Rush goalkeeper Dayle Colpitts recorded eight saves in the run of play and then stopped three of four shots in a penalty shootout on Sunday afternoon to lift Virginia Tech (18-4-2) past Santa Clara 3-1 on penalty kicks and into the quarterfinals. Freshman Murielle Tiernan opened the scoring for the Hokies in the 55th minute, but Seattle Sounders Women forward Sofia Huerta equalized for Santa Clara nine minutes later.

In the penalty shootout, Washington Spirit Reserves midfielder Katie Yensen and freshman Candace Cephers scored for the Hokies in the first three attempts, while Colpitts turned away two of Santa Clara's first three shots. After Colpitts pushed aside the Broncos' fourth attempt, Tiernan again stepped up, slamming the ball into the top of the net to give the Hokies the win.

Virginia Tech will host one of the tournament’s surprise survivors, the Duke Blue Devils, Friday in Blacksburg. Duke (9-8-6), which upset the Florida Gators in the second round, outlasted Arkansas 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout on Sunday to advance. Duke and the Razorbacks finished the game deadlocked at 2-2 as four-year Long Island Rough Riders star Kim DeCesare registered both goals in regulation for the Blue Devils. Washington Spirit Reserves midfielder Kara Wilson was one of the Blue Devils who converted in the shootout.

The final quarterfinal matchup will see the UCLA Bruins (20-1-2) travel to face the UNC Tar Heels Saturday in Chapel Hill. UCLA leaned heavily on its stable of Pali Blues – Sam Mewis, Abby Dahlkemper, Sarah Killion, Caprice Dydasco and Jenna Richmond – to shut down Pali teammate Chi Ubogagu as well as the LA Strikers’ Lo’eau Labonta and Ottawa’s Taylor Uhl in a 2-0 win against Stanford. The Cardinal had eliminated the Bruins in three of the past four seasons, but Mewis set up both goals to send UCLA through.

Thanks to the contributions of Pali Blues defender Satara Murray, North Carolina (20-4-0) was able to shut out Texas A&M 2-0 Sunday despite losing team leaders and former Long Island Rough Rider Crystal Dunn early in the match to an injury. With longtime Atlanta Silverbacks star Alexa Newfield also sidelined, LA Strikers midfielder Brooke Elby was among the players  who stepped up to see the Tar Heels through to the next round.

USL Feature

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Former Orlando City loanee Dom Dwyer scored the winning goal as Sporting Kansas City earned the opportunity to host the MLS Cup final, their first trip to the championship game since 2004, as SKC took a 2-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Championship on Saturday night at Sporting Park.

Dwyer’s fellow loanee, C.J. Sapong, also found the back of the net as Sporting rallied from an early deficit to claim victory. The win on the night was enough for SKC to advance after the two teams had played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Houston.

“It’s been a crazy season,” Dwyer said during the postmatch news conference. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m just pleased, and I’m excited, but we’ve got two weeks' time so I’m trying to calm down right now.”

The Dynamo, who were looking for a third consecutive appearance at MLS Cup, took a surprise lead in the third minute as Boniek Garcia found the back of the net, but the goal didn’t appear to faze Sporting, and the hosts pressed forward in search of an equalizer. The tying goal didn’t take long to arrive as Sapong, also a former standout in the PDL for Reading United, buried a finish in the 14th minute to leave the game tied at the halftime break.

Dwyer, who was an All-USL PRO First Team selection this summer after scoring 15 regular-season goals for Orlando, took advantage of a clever lifted pass from Benny Feilhaber that slipped the English striker in behind the Dynamo defense just past the hour mark to give Sporting the lead. The former All-American coolly cut back onto his left foot to elude his defender, and slid a low shot past Tally Hall into the left corner of the net.

After leading Orlando to the 2013 USL PRO Championship in September with a four-goal performance in the Lions' 7-4 win against the Charlotte Eagles, Dwyer will now get a chance to contribute to a second championship this season as Sporting hosts MLS Cup on December 7. SKC will await the winner between Real Salt Lake and the Portland Timbers, who conclude the Western Conference Championship on Sunday night (9 p.m. ET, ESPN). RSL leads 4-2 following the first leg, with the Timbers looking to come back in front of their home fans at Jeld-Wen Field.

USL Feature

Monday, November 25, 2013

Real Salt Lake returned to MLS Cup for the first time since 2009 on Sunday night as Robbie Findley scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field. The win gave RSL a 5-2 aggregate victory in the Western Conference Championship, with the former Boulder Rapids Reserves forward scoring in both legs to lead his side into the December 7 final.

Findley, who had 15 goals in 17 games in two seasons in the PDL, capitalized on a rebound given up by Donovan Ricketts off a shot by Luis Gil in the 29^th minute to score the only goal of the game. Despite the three-goal advantage with an hour to play, however, RSL’s players knew they couldn’t let their foot off the gas.

“It wasn't even over after that,” Findley told MLSsoccer.com’s Scott Pierce. “They still came at us and we had to weather the storm.”

That storm was weathered thanks in part to the efforts of former Chicago Fire U-23 center back Chris Schuler and Findley’s former Boulder teammate Nat Borchers, who stymied Portland’s attack the remainder of the way. Portland was held to only two shots on goal, with six of its 18 efforts being blocked, as RSL held firm to move on.

RSL, which claimed its first championship four years ago in a penalty shootout against the LA Galaxy, will take on Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park on December 7 (ESPN, 4 p.m. ET) for a chance at its second crown.

PDL News Release

Monday, November 25, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The Colorado Rapids’ Dillon Powers has been named Major League Soccer’s Rookie of the Year, becoming the third consecutive former PDL player to claim the prestigious award. Powers, who played for the Austin Aztex in 2012, claimed the award ahead of another pair of former PDL standouts. Powers’ Rapids teammate, Deshorn Brown of Reading United, and the Sounders FC U23’s DeAndre Yedlin, were also named as finalists. Both were 2012 All-League selections.

Powers’ time in Austin was limited by injury, with the standout Notre Dame midfielder held to a pair of games last season. It didn’t take long for the potential he showed to come through in MLS for the Rapids, however, as he displayed his physical talents and reliability while starting 29 matches and logging 2,457 minutes for the Rapids. The 22-year-old contributed five goals and six assists, second on the Rapids in both categories.

Brown had standout seasons for both Reading United in 2012 and the Des Moines Menace in 2011, with the Jamaican forward named to the PDL All-League team last year after finishing tied for the league-lead with 13 goals in 13 matches for Reading. Brown’s prolific run continued this summer as he scored 10 goals for the Rapids to help them reach the playoffs. He was also called up to the Jamaican national team for the first time.

Yedlin was also named to the PDL All-League team in 2012 after a standout season with the Sounders FC U23. A homegrown signing for the Sounders prior to the 2013 season, Yedlin’s purposeful play down the right side saw him make 30 starts in his rookie season as he recorded a goal and two assists. The U.S. U20 international also represented his country at the FIFA U20 World Cup during the summer.

Powers follows in the footsteps of 2011 honoree C.J. Sapong (Reading United) and 2012 honoree Austin Berry (Chicago Fire U-23). The PDL, which has seen more than 150 players selected in the MLS SuperDraft in the past five years, continues to provide a proving ground for top professional prospects to compete as they look to make the jump to the next level.

PDL News Release

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL is pleased to welcome USL PRO’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds as new franchise owners, starting with the 2014 season. The new team, which has yet to be officially named, will serve as a platform for the club’s academy players and elite-level professional prospects in Western Pennsylvania to take their games to the next level.

“The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have been a successful USL PRO franchise for more than a decade and their new PDL team will prove to be an important part of their organization,” PDL Senior Director Ryan Brooks said. “Aspiring professionals from the greater Pittsburgh area will have the ideal environment to develop alongside players already playing at the next level.”

The Riverhounds opened a new soccer-specific facility in 2013, Highmark Stadium, and are the home to reigning USL PRO Most Valuable Player Jose Angulo. Also on Tuesday, the club announced a partnership with the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, continuing the club’s outstanding growth in the past 12 months.

“The Riverhounds’ PDL franchise will provide the absolute best opportunity for our area’s most elite players who want to play at the professional level,” said Riverhounds CEO Jason Kutney. “We can offer these players top training sessions to stay fit in the summer, opportunities to perform in front of both USL and MLS scouts, and an unmatched set of resources to do so, all while in premier facilities.”

The PDL has been the destination league for young college players to continue their development toward the professional ranks, with clubs from across North America not only competing for a championship each summer, but also providing the opportunity for top-level competition for the best players in the college ranks.

The PDL platform also allows for identification opportunities within high-school aged players.  With PDL roster spots available for limited players under the age of 18, the Riverhounds will be able to further prepare young stars for the collegiate and professional levels.

More than 150 PDL alumni have been selected in the last five MLS SuperDrafts, with the last two No. 1 selections, Andrew Farrell of the River City Rovers (2013) and Andrew Wenger of the Carolina Dynamo and Reading United (2012) having spent time in the league.

The league has also been the home to the last three MLS Rookie of the Year selections, with former Austin Aztex midfielder Dillon Powers earning the 2013 award on Monday to follow 2011 winner C.J. Sapong of Reading United and 2012 winner Austin Berry of the Chicago Fire U-23.

W-League News Release

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced an important step in its western expansion today with the addition of the Sedona FC Strikers, who will begin play in 2014. Owned and operated by AGM Soccer Management, LLC and its principals Oscar Guardado and Manny Arias, Sedona FC will compete in the W-League’s Western Conference alongside traditional league powers such as the LA Blues and Seattle Sounders Women.

In addition to the W-League team, Sedona FC also plans to provide development programs for the area while establishing itself as a role model for the local youth and business community. Plans include recreational and competitive opportunities, camps and clinics run by the staff and players, youth tournaments, and men’s and women’s international friendly matches.

“Sedona FC is an important addition to the W-League and will help the already formidable Western Conference grow even stronger,” W-League Senior Director Amanda Duffy said. “Oscar Guardado and Manny Arias have devoted themselves to growth of soccer in Arizona at all levels, and we are confident they will operate a first-class franchise while helping to raise the profile of women’s soccer and the W-League throughout Arizona.”

Guardado, who has more than 20 years of competitive and semi-professional playing and coaching experience, will serve as the Strikers’ director of business operations and general manager. He began playing professionally in his native El Salvador in 1988, continuing his semi-pro career in the U.S. until 2006. He has become immersed in Arizona club soccer scene, creating Estudantez AZ to help young players reach the next level.

The Strikers have tabbed Arias, who also has an extensive professional playing background in his native El Salvador, as head coach. Arias has served as a professional, college, high school and club coach in Arizona since 2000, and holds USSF and international “A” licenses. He has also been a driving force behind the creation and development of many of Arizona’s  top youth clubs, including  Chivas USA, Atlas FC Academy, Barcelona FC and Estudantez AZ.

“We are looking forward to this great opportunity to put local talent and soccer in Arizona on the map, and bring opportunities to play and be seen at a higher level,” Guardado said. “It is truly an honor to be part of the W-League, as we feel it will give Sedona FC Strikers the experience and exposure we need. Our ultimate goal is to provide different opportunities for female soccer players to showcase their talent and skills on a local, national and international stage while giving back to the community of Sedona and promoting female soccer at a more professional level.”   

The Strikers will play a 12-game schedule between the months of May-July, with the announcement of the team’s home venue expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Tryouts for the new club are planned for March, 2014. All information will also be available online at the club’s new website, slated for launch in December.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL PRO have formed an affiliate partnership with the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, it was announced today by Riverhounds CEO Jason Kutney.

The deal will enable Houston to loan a minimum of four MLS-contracted players to Pittsburgh for the 2014 USL PRO season.

Kutney says the affiliation is more proof that the USL PRO team is working to reach the top level of soccer in the United States.

“In partnering with a top MLS side like Houston Dynamo, the Riverhounds are now on a path to the top, both on and off the field,” says Kutney.

“In doing our homework, we found Pittsburgh to be a very professional organization and a club that will provide the right environment for our young players to develop,” says Dynamo President Chris Canetti.  “In particular, we like their ownership structure, new downtown stadium, training center and technical philosophy.”

The partnership between USL PRO and MLS, now entering the second year of a multi-year affiliation, has had immediate impact for teams in both leagues. 

“The partnership between the Dynamo and Riverhounds is a great step forward as we move into the second year of USL PRO’s partnership with Major League Soccer,” USL President Tim Holt said. “The Dynamo’s Brian Ownby was a standout for Richmond last season, and this partnership will offer more opportunity for Houston’s young players to gain valuable experience with a club that is swiftly rising in USL PRO. In the past year, the Riverhounds have become a model franchise, and we believe this will accelerate their growth in their local market, and offer their fans an outstanding product on the field.”

"It’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan in Pittsburgh,” says Riverhounds Head Coach Justin Evans. “Houston has been a top team in Major League Soccer since they joined in 2006 and I think affiliating with them definitely shows the positive ambition of our club."

Evans also looks forward to working with Dynamo Head Coach Dominic Kinnear.

"Dom and I have known each other for many years. I’m excited to be able to work hand in hand with such a great person, coach and soccer visionary."

"Justin has a good reputation and had a good playing career in MLS,” says Kinnear.

“Our players will be fortunate to be play under an established coach."

Added Kutney, “We are committed to top-level soccer development, resources, and experience in Pittsburgh, regardless of league or level.”

PDL Feature

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – TopDrawerSoccer.com unveiled its first MLS SuperDraft Big Board on Wednesday morning, with the top five senior prospects for the 2014 edition of the draft all bringing PDL experience as they get set to move to the top flight of North American soccer. Former PDL Award-winners also registered strongly, with players such as the Baltimore Bohemians’ Pete Caringi and the Michigan Bucks’ Kevin Cope also included in the Top 20.

Leading the senior class is former New Orleans Jesters standout Patrick Mullins, who had 12 goals and three assists in 21 games across two seasons after previously having played for the Baton Rouge Capitals. Mullins, also a standout at the University of Maryland, is the reigning MAC Hermann Trophy Award winner, and has helped the Terrapins reach the third round of this year’s NCAA Division I Tournament.

Sitting at No. 2 on the board is Reading United captain Steven Neumann, who has spent the past three seasons with the Mid Atlantic Division club. In addition to starring for Georgetown, Neumann scored seven goals, and added seven assists, in 27 regular-season appearances for United, with the club reaching the playoffs in all three seasons out of the tough Mid Atlantic Division.

Former Orange County Blue Star defender Steven Birnbaum, Chicago Fire U-23 forward Harrison Shipp and the Real Colorado Foxes’ Kyle Venter complete the top five on the board, with Shipp potentially available to the Fire as a Homegrown Prospect, which could see him follow in the footsteps of the Sounders FC U-23’s DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC), the Ventura County Fusion’s Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) and Michigan Bucks’ Stephen Caldwell (New England Revolution) in being signed before the SuperDraft takes place.

A pair of Neumann’s Reading teammates are also part of the Top 10, with Coastal Carolina’s Pedro Ribeiro coming in at No. 6, and the University of South Florida’s Ben Sweat at No. 8. The Ventura County Fusion’s JJ Kovar checks in at No. 9 after another strong season for Stanford this fall.

Two standout defenders sit just outside the top 10, with the Carolina Dynamo’s Christian Ibeagha at No. 11 and Cope at No. 13. Ibeagha has been a stalwart for the Dynamo, being a finalist for PDL Defender of the Year in 2012, while Cope was named the 2012 PDL Defender of the Year, and scored five goals in 25 appearances during the past two seasons for the Michigan Bucks.

Caringi, who won the PDL Golden Boot in 2013 with 16 goals for the Bohemians, comes in at No. 16 after he continued to show his scoring prowess for UMBC this fall. The standout forward was named the America East’s Striker of the Year for a second consecutive season as he scored 10 goals and 22 points for the Retrievers this fall.

Overall, 63 players of the 100 have previously played in the PDL, with some notable names coming in further down the list. The Austin Aztex’s Kris Tyrpak, who was named 2013 PDL Most Valuable Player, comes in at No. 63, while Reading United’s Jason Plumhoff, who joined Tyrpak and Caringi as a 2013 All-League selection, is No. 42.

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

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

CHICAGO – For their excellence at the highest levels of the sport, U.S. Soccer announced U.S. Men’s National Team forward Jozy Altidore as the 2013 Male Athlete of the Year, Abby Wambach as the 2013 Female Athlete of the Year, Wil Trapp as the 2013 Young Male Athlete of the Year, Lindsey Horan as the 2013 Young Female Athlete of the Year and Rene Renteria as the 2013 Disabled Athlete of the Year.

The U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award is the highest honor awarded to soccer players in the United States. Online votes registered on ussoccer.com counted for 50 percent of the total votes, while the other 50 percent was represented by votes compiled from members of the national media and U.S. Soccer representatives, including National Team coaches and members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors.

The Male Athlete of the Year honor is the first for former Super Y-League standout Altidore. He becomes the 22nd different player to earn the award since its inception in 1984. Altidore also becomes just the second player to win both the Young Male Athlete of the Year (won in 2006) and Male Athlete of the Year honors, joining Landon Donovan who won Young Male Athlete of the Year in 2001 and earned the Male Athlete of the Year award on four occasions (2003, 2004, 2009 and 2010).

Altidore set a U.S. MNT record by scoring a goal in five consecutive matches from June 2-Aug. 14. His eight goals in 2013 were a career best and tied for a team high. Three of Altidore’s goals were game-winners during the Hexagonal. He finishes off the year with 21 goals and 66 caps in his MNT career, and is now tied for sixth on the all-time goalscoring list with Bruce Murray.

Altidore, who moved to Premier League side Sunderland in the summer, scored 31 goals in all competitions last season for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. He signed off from Holland with a game-winning goal in the Dutch Cup final.

Wambach, a former W-League standout for the Rochester Ravens, collects her unprecedented sixth Female Athlete of the Year award, and third in the past four years, passing Mia Hamm who was honored for five consecutive years from 1994-1998. Wambach has now won the award in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2013. Wambach, the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, led the USA in scoring this year with 11 goals and tied for the team lead in assists with six. In addition, Wambach finished second in the NWSL in both goals and assists (11 and 8, respectively) and helped lead her hometown Western New York Flash into the inaugural championship game.

The highlight of Wambach’s year came on June 20 against Korea Republic in front of almost 19,000 people at Red Bull Arena. She scored four times in the opening half to push her goal total to 160 (breaking Hamm’s record of 158). Wambach is once again on the short list for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

U-20 MNT midfielder Trapp becomes the 16th player to earn the Young Male Athlete of the Year award. Trapp was named the U-20 MNT captain by head coach Tab Ramos for the USA’s 1-1 draw against eventual 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner France on June 24. Trapp started all five matches during the U-20 MNT’s runner-up performance at the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and earned tournament Best XI honors. Trapp’s international success translated to his first professional season in Major League Soccer as he started 15 times for his home state Columbus Crew.

The 5-foot-9 Horan becomes the first professional player to win the U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year award. Horan is the first American female to forego college soccer and sign a professional contact in Europe where she has found success with Paris Saint-Germain in the French Feminine Division 1. A selection to the 2011 W-League team, the 19-year-old is the youngest female American professional player in the world and has scored 22 times in 27 games for the club. She made her full U.S. WNT debut this year at the Algarve Cup in March when she was 18 and is age-eligible for the 2014 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. For the U-20s this year, she has played in four total matches, including two internationals, and scored two goals.

Renteria was named Disabled Athlete of the Year in the second year for the award. Renteria was the leading goal scorer on the U.S. Paralympic Soccer National Team in 2013, netting nine goals in 10 games. He was the team’s top scorer at the Intercontinental Cup and helped the team qualify for the 2015 World Championships.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 
1984: Rick Davis 
1985: Perry Van der Beck 
1986: Paul Caligiuri 
1987: Brent Goulet 
1988: Peter Vermes 
1989: Mike Windischmann 
1990: Tab Ramos 
1991: Hugo Perez 
1992: Marcelo Balboa 
1993: Thomas Dooley 
1994: Marcelo Balboa 
1995: Alexi Lalas 
1996: Eric Wynalda 
1997: Kasey Keller 
1998: Cobi Jones 
1999: Kasey Keller 
2000: Chris Armas 
2001: Earnie Stewart 
2002: Brad Friedel 
2003: Landon Donovan 
2004: Landon Donovan 
2005: Kasey Keller 
2006: Oguchi Onyewu 
2007: Clint Dempsey 
2008: Tim Howard 
2009: Landon Donovan 
2010: Landon Donovan 
2011: Clint Dempsey 
2012: Clint Dempsey 
2013: Jozy Altidore

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 
1985: Sharon Remer 
1986: April Heinrichs 
1987: Carin Jennings 
1988: Joy Biefeld 
1989: April Heinrichs 
1990: Michelle Akers 
1991: Michelle Akers 
1992: Carin Gabarra 
1993: Kristine Lilly 
1994: Mia Hamm 
1995: Mia Hamm 
1996: Mia Hamm 
1997: Mia Hamm 
1998: Mia Hamm 
1999: Michelle Akers 
2000: Tiffeny Milbrett 
2001: Tiffeny Milbrett 
2002: Shannon MacMillan 
2003: Abby Wambach 
2004: Abby Wambach 
2005: Kristine Lilly 
2006: Kristine Lilly 
2007: Abby Wambach 
2008: Carli Lloyd 
2009: Hope Solo 
2010: Abby Wambach 
2011: Abby Wambach 
2012: Alex Morgan 
2013: Abby Wambach

YOUNG MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 
1998: Josh Wolff 
1999: Ben Olsen 
2000: Landon Donovan 
2001: DaMarcus Beasley 
2002: Bobby Convey 
2003: Freddy Adu 
2004: Eddie Johnson 
2005: Benny Feilhaber 
2006: Jozy Altidore 
2007: Michael Bradley 
2008: Sacha Kljestan 
2009: Luis Gil 
2010: Gale Agbossoumonde 
2011: Brek Shea 
2012: Rubio Rubin 
2013: Wil Trapp

YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 
1998: Cindy Parlow 
1999: Lorrie Fair 
2000: Aly Wagner 
2001: Aleisha Cramer 
2002: Lindsay Tarpley 
2003: Cat Reddick 
2004: Heather O’Reilly 
2005: Lori Chalupny 
2006: Danesha Adams 
2007: Lauren Cheney 
2008: Kristie Mewis 
2009: Tobin Heath 
2010: Bianca Henninger 
2011: Sydney Leroux 
2012: Julie Johnston 
2013: Lindsey Horan

DISABLED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 
2012: Felicia Schroeder 
2013: Rene Renteria

Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders are pleased to announce that young entrepreneur and businessman, Tiago Lopes has been named the new Club President for the Harrisburg City Islanders Professional Soccer and Youth Academy.

Club owner, Eric Pettis made the announcement today in a press conference held at Capital BlueCross.  Lopes joined the club on November 4, 2013.

 “Tiago epitomizes the perfect mix of soccer management experience and the strategic and creative new thinking that will be critical to moving Harrisburg City Islanders into the next 10 years," said Pettis. "He brings his own unique approach and vision to the Islanders. He's innovative, strategic and an experienced businessman in soccer management. He will make a terrific Club President and we look forward to a Harrisburg City Islanders Club under his leadership.”

Lopes, born in Portugal, studied Football Business Industry and Sports Management at the University of Liverpool and Technical University of Lisbon. In 2006, Lopes completed a new project with Manchester United and executed a program with the United Soccer League (USL) as Associate Director of International Relations.

Lopes’ project was also recognized by the President of Portugal for his significant social contribution in the development of grassroots soccer. His love for the game has led him to establish programs and partnerships all over the world.

He founded Makesphere International, a consulting firm dedicated to aiding top club executives, players, coaches and sponsors in several countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. 

“With the ownership vision, with the Philadelphia Union partnership, with the support of the community, our fans and partners, and with the will to work daily and improve, I believe it is only a matter of time before we start to see some great achievements,” said Lopes.  “My job, going forward, is to make this project so exciting, so useful, so fun, that every fan, every supporter and every youngster will be eager to belong to this family.”

“We are pleased by the addition of Tiago Lopes to the Harrisburg City Islanders’ executive management team,” said USL President Tim Holt. “His wealth of experience in the business of the sport domestically and internationally will add value to a professional soccer club that has become a fixture in the Central Pennsylvania sports landscape. We look forward to once again having the opportunity to work with Tiago in his new role and to support his objective of even further elevating what is already one of USL PRO’s most respected organizations on and off the field.”

The Islanders enter their 11th season this April 2014.  In addition to creating a strategic plan to raise the passion, business, and brand awareness of the Islanders, Lopes will be a facilitator in developing the growth with Philadelphia Union, the Islanders exclusive affiliate Major League Soccer (MLS) partner. The growth of this partnership grew greatly this year with the addition of four Union players on loan with the Isles all season, plus additional support on and off the field.

“Tiago Lopes is an excellent addition to the Harrisburg City Islanders organization and we are excited to be working with him” said Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “He has worked at every level of professional soccer, including some time at the USL League office early in his career, and brings a breadth of expertise that helps the City Islanders to the next level.”

As the next decade of the Harrisburg City Islanders begins, Lopes will be involved in the discussion to upgrade the Skyline Sports Complex Project.  The Islanders, who are partnering with Harristown and Delta Development group, expect the results of the Economic and Community Impact Assessment on the upgrade of the stadium to be announced by the end of the year.

Lopes will reside in Harrisburg. For more information on the Harrisburg City Islanders visit the website at www.cityislanders.com or phone 717-441-4625.

USL News Release

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues and the Army National Guard (ARNG) will continue their relationship, which began in 2012, that designates the Army National Guard as the “Official Military Branch of USL” and the primary sponsor of the 2013 Super Y-League North American Finals, set for Thursday through Monday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The Army National Guard will also serve as the primary sponsor of the 2013 Major Beach Soccer National Championship, to be held December 14-15 in Clearwater, Florida.

In the first year of the relationship, the Army National Guard and USL worked together to develop and promote grassroots soccer initiatives throughout the U.S., co-sponsoring free youth clinics presented by USL clubs in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. U.S. Women’s National Team stars Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger were among the guest instructors.

“The Army National Guard has proven to be an excellent partner for USL and we look forward to continuing our relationship into 2014 and beyond,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “The Army National Guard shares USL’s vision of helping to grow soccer throughout the country through grassroots programs, and we plan to help them reach even more youth in the coming years.”

The Army National Guard will once again enjoy a high-profile presence at the upcoming Super Y-League North American Finals, hosting a juggling competition on-site for the second consecutive year and handing out a variety of National Guard T-shirts to participants.

In more than 3,200 communities, there is a National Guardsmen in nearly every zip code.  The incredible versatility of National Guard members enables its troops to respond to domestic emergencies, combat missions worldwide, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction efforts and more – all with equal speed, strength and efficiency.  Serving in the National Guard is a great way to reinforce the values of teamwork, build individual resilience and life skills, and earn the satisfaction of serving your community and nation selflessly.

"The National Guard is honored to work with USL to host local high school soccer players in upcoming clinics,” SFC David Therrell said. “Our goal is to provide these young athletes with exceptional training and an opportunity to learn about the many benefits of the National Guard.”

D.C. United News Release -- www.dcunited.com

Monday, December 2, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. – D.C. United today announced the roster for its post-season tour in Southeast Asia.  Six members of United’s USL PRO affiliate, the Richmond Kickers, will join the 15-man roster in Indonesia from December 3 through December 9.  While there, the squad will participate in two friendlies - one against Persib Bandung (Indonesia Super League) on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. local time and one against Arema FC (Indonesia Super League) on December 8 at 7 p.m. local time.  Both friendly matches will be televised on SCTV, the largest free-to-air TV station in Indonesia.

The Black-and-Red and the Richmond Kickers announced their affiliation on January 24, and during the 2013 season six members of United saw action with the Kickers throughout the USL PRO season including Andrew Dykstra who was named USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year. Homegrown players Michael Seaton and Conor Shanosky were key contributors for the Kickers, who claimed the 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship while Collin Martin, Taylor Kemp and Casey Townsend saw action as well.

The complete roster for D.C. United’s tour in Southeast Asia is below:

W-League Feature

Monday, December 2, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – A trio of W-League alumni stepped up under pressure this past weekend, scoring game-winners to send their teams to the 2013 NCAA Women’s College Cup, set for Friday and Sunday in Cary, North Carolina.

Washington Spirit Reserves defender Molly Menchel scored in the 68th minute to help Virginia book its first trip to the College Cup in 22 years after a 2-1 quarterfinal victory against Michigan on Friday night. Junior midfielder Danielle Colaprico delivered a ball that Menchel knocked off the post, and from the ground she was able to tap the ball over the line on the rebound for her sixth goal of the season.

Makenzy Doniak of the Pali Blues also figured in the scoring for the Cavaliers, assisting on Morgan Brian’s goal to give Virginia an early lead. Laval Comets star Nkem Ezurike set up Megan Toohey for Michigan’s equalizer four minutes later, but the Cavaliers booked their second appearance in the College Cup after becoming the first team to score multiple goals on the Wolverines this season.

Virginia will face UCLA in the national semifinals Friday after the Bruins defeated North Carolina 1-0 in double overtime Saturday to advance to the NCAA College Cup for the ninth time in program history. Sarah Killion of the Pali Blues set up Taylor Smith for the game-winner only 90 seconds into the second overtime, setting Smith free on a through ball through the center of the field. Smith’s initial shot was saved by UNC keeper Anna Sieloff, and she beat a pair of defenders to the rebound to seal UCLA's first victory against the 21-time and reigning NCAA champion Tar Heels, who had eliminated the Bruins from the NCAA tournament in four previous years.

Another Washington Spirit Reserves star propelled Virginia Tech to its first College Cup as junior Katie Yensen scored what proved to be the game winner for the Hokies in the 45th minute of a 3-0 victory against Duke Friday night. Former Fredericksburg Impact player Morgan Conklin whipped in a ball from the right side of the box to the head of Yensen, who placed it past Duke’s keeper for the 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Senior goalkeeper Dayle Colpitts, a Colorado Rush and Ottawa Fury alum, made five saves in the match to preserve the shutout for Tech.

The Hokies will travel to Cary to face Florida State for the third time this season after senior defender Kassey Kallman, who helped the Pali Blues to the 2013 W-League crown, scored the first goal in a 4-0 win against Boston College. Kallman broke a scoreless tie in the 36th minute on a header inside the left post from six yards for her second goal of the season.

The scoring play began when Megan Campbell sent a cross inside the box to the head of Marta Bakowska-Mathews, who flicked the ball toward the goal. Kallman finished the play with a header for her second goal of the postseason. Kallman also led an FSU backline that held the Eagles to four shots, two on goal. Former Colorado Rush keeper Kelsey Wys made both saves as she collected her 15th shutout of the season.

The Seminoles broke open the one-goal lead by scoring three times in the second half – with two of the goals set up by North Jersey Valkyries star Nickolette Driesse - to advance to their third consecutive College Cup and seventh all-time.

PDL Feature

Monday, December 2, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – Sounders FC U-23 defender Ian Lange scored the only goal as the University of Washington’s dream season continued with a 1-0 victory against Stanford on Sunday night to send the Huskies into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Men’s Division I Tournament at Husky Soccer Stadium. Lange was one of a number of current and former PDL players to have a major impact as the postseason closed toward its final two weekends.

In blustery conditions, a late set piece proved the difference between the Pac-12 rivals. A long flip-throw by Michael Harris sent the ball into the center of the penalty area, where Lange was on hand to head home to give the Huskies victory. The goal was Lange’s fourth of the season, and sent No. 2-seed Washington to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.

The Huskies will face No. 7-seed New Mexico in the quarterfinals after a goal by former Jersey Express defender Oneil Fisher helped the Lobos earn a 2-0 victory against Penn State. New Mexico put in a complete performance, with former Real Colorado Foxes defender Kyle Venter playing a key role as the Nittany Lions were held to five shots, none of which were on target.

The Michigan Bucks’ Adam Montague provided the only goal as Michigan State pulled an upset of No. 6-seed Georgetown to advance. Montague, who had two goals and two assists this summer for the Bucks, scored the only goal just before the half-hour mark as the Spartans advanced to face No. 3-seed Notre Dame in the next round.

The Fighting Irish advanced with a 4-2 victory against Wake Forest as Chicago Fire U-23 forward Harrison Shipp continued his strong season. The Baltimore Bohemian’s Michael Gamble had given the Demon Deacons the lead, but Notre Dame fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Gamble set up former Reading United midfielder Tolani Ibikunle to tie the game just past the hour mark. Goals by Evan Panken and Shipp’s 12th of the season, however, gave the Fighting Irish the goals they needed to advance.

Former New Orleans Jesters standout Patrick Mullins had the only goal of the game in his final appearance at Maryland’s Ludwig Field as the No. 5-seed Terrapins took a 1-0 win against UC Irvine. Mullins’ first-half goal was his 16th of the season, and set up a trip to face No. 4-seed Cal, which advanced to the Elite Eight with a 1-0 win against Coastal Carolina as former Orange County Blue Star forward Alec Sundly had the only goal of the game.

In the final quarter of the bracket, Virginia got second-half goals from Reading United’s Darius Madison and former Fredericksburg Hotspur player Todd Wharton as it advanced with a 3-1 win against Marquette. The Cavaliers will host Connecticut in the quarterfinals after the Huskies upset No. 1-seed UCLA on penalty kicks after coming back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw on a pair of goals by Cyle Larin.

W-League Feature

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. – If there were any doubts about Lindsey Horan’s decision to forgo college soccer and turn professional out of high school with Paris St. Germain, the past 12 months have certainly made them moot.

In fact, while there have been some ups and downs as the 19-year-old has adjusted to life as a professional, the overriding trajectory for the young striker has been up. With 22 goals in 27 appearances for her club, and her selection as U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Athlete of the Year last week, things certainly appear to be on the path some envisioned for her as a member of the Colorado Rush.

“It hasn’t been easy, obviously,” Horan said recently while attending the U.S. Women’s National Team camp in Orlando. “I think this year it’s gotten a lot better and I’ve gotten a lot more used to it. I’m just hoping it continues on.”

The Stade de France is certainly a long way from Golden, Colo., Horan’s hometown, but it was her development as a member of the Rush that helped put her on the path she has forged. After coming through the club’s youth ranks, she began training and playing with the Rush’s W-League side at the age of 15, and two years later earned selection to the W-League All-League Team as she scored eight goals in 10 games.

The opportunity provided by the Rush, led by Technical Director Erik Bushey, remains something Horan is very grateful for.

“I think the Colorado Rush is probably one of the best clubs in the world. They’re such a professional club, and they taught me so much about the game,” Horan said. “The Rush is all about giving players the opportunity to train with whoever they want, and I think that really helped me because I could train with the W-League, boys, older kids, anything like that.”

While with the Rush, Horan also got the chance to play against some of her new U.S. teammates as they competed last summer for the Seattle Sounders Women. While the Sounders took a 2-1 victory in their meeting on May 31, Horan found the back of the net, and her play continued to impress throughout the camp prior to November’s contest against Brazil.

“I think Lindsey has done amazing here,” said current Seattle Reign forward Sydney Leroux. “It’s cool because we did play against each other in the W-League, she played against me and Hope and Alex and Steph and Megan in Seattle, so it’s pretty cool to see how well she’s done, and she’s doing well in France and we’re all very proud of her.”

For Horan, getting the chance to train and play alongside not only Leroux but also Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan for the national team is important as she tries to establish herself as a full-time member of the squad.

“I’m playing with three of the best forwards in the world right now,” Horan said, “and I can learn so much from them, watching them, training with them, take it back to my club and keep working on my game there. Hopefully in the future it will help me out.”

Horan is also getting to play alongside one of international soccer’s top players at the club level with PSG, with French international Marie-Laure Delie having returned to the side after spending the past five seasons with Montpellier. PSG’s lineup also includes former Pali Blues midfielder Tobin Heath, and with the side currently sitting third in France’s Feminine Division 1, Horan is enjoying her experience playing in Europe.

“I just like the culture, the football culture,” she said. “Everything is surrounded by football, and that’s building [in the U.S.], but it’s a little bit different over in Paris.”

That environment, and hopefully some more calls from Tom Sermanni into the national team squad, should set up 2014 to be a big year for Horan. With the U.S. set to defend its title at the 2014 FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada, and the opportunity to compete for a place in the squad for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Horan is focused on continuing her progression as a player.

“Individually, I just want to keep getting better and better, and for PSG just keep working hard to make my spot there, start every game,” she said. “I just want to keep getting better and better, hopefully make this team at some point at some point and keep getting called back in and keep being able to work with [Wambach, Morgan and Leroux], I think that would be really good for me.”

Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads have officially announced the return of defender Tom Parratt for the 2014 USL PRO regular season. Parratt has re-signed with the club, and will return to the Hammerheads for his fourth consecutive season.

“I am delighted to be back for next year,” said Parratt. “Wilmington is my home now and I could not be happier. I am looking forward to seeing who we bring in and getting our preseason underway.”

Last season, Parratt appeared in 19 regular season matches with the Hammerheads while playing a combination of both defender and midfielder. Tallying a team-high of six assists, Parratt was ranked sixth overall in USL PRO for assists in 2013.

Parratt spends his time during the offseason coaching youth soccer programs with Cape Fear Soccer Club in Wilmington.

“Tom is very involved within the community,” said David Irving, Wilmington Hammerheads Head Coach. “He is well-liked and receives a great response from the fans after being with the team for three seasons. He is a great add to the squad with his versatility on the field.”

Born in Inverness, Scotland and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Tom Parratt made his debut with the Hammerheads in 2011. Prior to relocating to Wilmington and joining the Hammerheads, Parratt returned to Scotland in August 2009 to join Airdrie United for a season. In August 2008, Parratt was with Queen of the South Football Club after finishing his two-year stint with Hamilton Academical in 2006 and establishing himself as the club’s first-choice right back.

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

Super Y-League News Release

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – The Super Y-League is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with GotSoccer, allowing the 2013 Super Y-League North American Finals presented by Nike to be the first GotSoccer-ranked event in the league’s history.

Teams at the SYL North American Finals, set for Thursday through Monday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, will not only compete for national championships, they will fight for increasingly valuable GotSoccer ranking points. Points will be awarded following the completion of the tournament.

“Of all the feedback we’ve received regarding the Super Y-League North American Finals in the past, one of the strongest concerns was the lack of national ranking points available to participating teams,” USL Youth Leagues & ODP Senior Director Natalie Akula said. “We’ve listened to the clubs, coaches, players and parents, and by joining with GotSoccer we have added to the prominence and competitiveness of the Super Y-League North American Finals.”

The Super Y-League is also working with GotSoccer to develop a rankings points system for its regular season competition, beginning with the 2014 season. Other aspects of the new relationship will see the Super Y-League utilizing GotSoccer’s tournament and league management tools, helping to extend the league’s national reach.

Created in 1999 with 12 teams, the Super Y-League now includes nearly 80 clubs from throughout the United States and Canada. A total of 115 boys and girls teams have qualified for the 2013 Super Y-League North American Finals in U12 through U17 age divisions, and will compete for as many as 9,000 GotSoccer ranking points per flight. Teams will compete in three days of group play December 5-7, with semifinals and finals set for December 8-9.

GotSoccer was founded in 1996 and has grown into the leading provider of youth soccer software in the nation.

IMG Academy, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, is the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and education complex. For more than 30 years, IMG Academy has helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes reach their full potential in and out of sport, by providing world-class coaching, tailored programs and professional facilities within an energetic environment across a 450-acre campus.