Carolina Elite Cobras News Release - www.carolinaelitecobras.com

Friday, June 13, 2014

GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Carolina Elite Cobras (3-0-1) and the Gulf Coast Texans (2-1-0) will face off against one another twice this weekend.The two teams have already played once this season, with the Cobras earning a 2-1 comeback victory against the Texans 2-1 in Pensacola, Florida.

"The Texans are a very dangerous team," Cobras Head Coach Sandy Burris said. "We had a hard-fought, fast-paced game when we played them in Florida a few weeks ago and I expect the same this weekend."

The Cobras will face the Texans in their first game of the weekend, tonight, at  7 p.m. at MESA Soccer Complex in Greenville, SC.

The Cobras will play the Texans for the second game of the weekend on Sunday at 1 p.m., also at MESA Soccer Complex.

The game can also be viewed on the Cobras YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

USL PRO Video

Friday, June 13, 2014

David Wagner and Jake Edwards look ahead to three key matches this weekend, as Arizona United SC hosts the Rochester Rhinos, the Harrisburg City Islanders host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Richmond Kickers host the Wilmington Hammerheads in a battle between two teams with only one loss so far this season.

Kitsap Pumas News Release - www.kitsapsoccerclub.com

Friday, June 13, 2014

BREMERTON, Wash. - The Kitsap Pumas and Sounders FC U23 are about as equal as two sides can be when facing off against each other. They showed that again Friday night with a 1-1 draw at Gordon Field. It's the third consecutive match dating back to last season that the two have played and come away with a point apiece.

Kitsap (4-0-4, 16 points) kept its unbeaten streak intact and increased its lead over the Victoria Highlanders to five points in the PDL Northwest Division. The result does put them at the top of the Ruffneck Cup table on goal difference, as they, the Sounders U23 and the Puget Sound Gunners FC are all tied with four points each.

"Its a fair result when you're down a goal," head coach Andrew Chapman said. "But it was unfortunate that we didn't get the win on our home pitch. It would have put us in a very, very good spot in the division. But we still have plenty of games to play and we're still in a good spot so it's alright."

The Sounders U23 scored in the ninth minute after some precise passing in the penalty box led to Christopher Wehan scoring off an assist by Jamael Cox. Wehan sent his shot past Pumas goalkeeper Matt Grosey into the left corner of the goal.

It was the first goal given up at home by the Pumas in 358 minutes of play at home and 307 minutes of overall play.

"I think we were trying to feel them out," Chapman said. "They were high pressing us and our guys weren't responding to that, and it took them getting slapped in the face to then realize 'Hey, we've got to move the ball a little differently than we wanted to.'"

Kitsap had a few opportunities to level the score but got its best opportunity just before the end of the half and they capitalized, as Andrew Devlin perfectly timed his run to score his first goal of the season off a deep throw in by Cody Shelton.

"I was just running under it and luckily it fell perfect for me," he said. "It didn't even fall to the ground - I just caught it with the inside of my foot, kept a strong angle and put it in the back of the net."

The Pumas made some changes at the half to give them more and better looks at goal and had several opportunities to get the go-ahead goal. Chuy Sanchez nearly curled one in to the top right corner in the 70th minute, but Kitsap's best chance came in the 77th minute when Michael Chamberlain headed in a ball off a corner kick by Sanchez that looked like it would go in but Stephen Mohn - who was the first player the Pumas ever signed - cleared the ball off the line.

"We pushed as a unit further on up the pitch," Devlin said of the changes the team made. "We pressed them at their back four and it made us go up and them drop. Where our back four had it (the ball) in the first half was around our 18 but where we had it in the second half was around the halfway line. So we started pressing up higher and it gave me and Cody the opportunity to get forward a lot more."

The Sounders U23 had its moments too as Cox used his speed to chase a loose ball that was inches from going over the end line and fire a shot at Grosey by the near post that he had to parry away. Cox had another great opportunity a few minutes later when he fired a shot just inside the penalty box that got past a few defenders and nearly found its way in but Grosey was there to snag it.

Kitsap travels to Eugene, Oregon Saturday to play Lane United Sunday at 1 p.m. PT. They host the Washington Crossfire Saturday at 7 p.m. PT.

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, June 13, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Orange County Blues grabbed an important three points in the USL PRO standings with a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Eagles at Queens Sports Complex Friday night. After a two-hour rain delay due to weather, Orange County's Jiovanni Santana put home the game-winner in the 80th minute of a tight match.

The delay seemed to have its effects on both teams as the game started off slow with a limited number of opportunities and an equal amount of time spent in each end. Charlotte looked to open the scoring in the waning moments of the first half but their penalty shout was turned down after Fred Sekyere went down in the box.

The Blues found the winner in the 80th minute as second-half sub Enrique Cardenas took an outlet from Patrick McLain.  He cut the ball back and laid it off to Santana, whose shot took a deflection and slipped past Eagles keeper Alec Kann.

The Blues almost doubled their lead as they were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute.  Allan Russell stepped up but his shot was well saved by Kann.

Charlotte pressed hard for an equalizer but Jorge Herrera’s free kick was saved off the line by McLain.  Drew Yates had a chance in the 65th minute but it was right at McLain and the keeper did well to keep it out of the net.

Charlotte will return home next Saturday, June 21 as the Charleston Battery come to Queens Sports Complex with kickoff at 7 pm. Orange County returns home next Saturday to face the Chivas USA Reserves.

Charlotte Lady Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com

Friday June 13, 2014

CHARLOTTE N.C. – The Charlotte Lady Eagles used four first-half goals to defeat the Dayton Dutch Lions 5-2 Friday night. The win moved the Lady Eagles into a second-place tie in the Southeastern Conference with the Carolina Elite Cobras.

The game started off evenly matched before some good pressure from Summer Lanter in the 10th minute.  The forward broke free of the Dayton defender and sent a left footer toward Dayton goalkeeper Ayanna Parker, but the shot was cleared away by the Dayton defense to keep the game scoreless. Jade Montgomery had another opportunity when she rocketed a shot on goal but it was swallowed up by Parker.

The Eagles opened up the scoring in the 15th minute when Amanda Naeher’s header off a Leah Fortune service thundered into the back of the net.

Fortune struck again in the 22nd minute when she took a through ball from Alex Brandt and rocketed the shot into the back of the net.  The Lady Eagles continued their streak as Lanter sent a cross from the right corner, which caught Parker by surprise, and it found the far left corner.

Lanter got on the board again when she took a through ball from Brandt and tallied another goal in the night.  Sending the Lady Eagles into halftime with a 4-0 lead.

The second half came with some changes for the Lady Eagles lineup with Val Tysinger coming into the net for Robyn Jones. The second half started off slow but Dayton had a few good opportunities, which Tysinger was able to stop to keep the Eagles ahead.

The Dutch Lions struck back in the 61st minute when Shan Jones took a through ball and had a few dribbles and snuck it past Tysinger.  Dayton added a late penalty by Alex Warren to cut the lead to 4-2.

Jade Montgomery added a late insurance goal as she took an outlet and chipped the ball over the Dutch Lions goalkeeper to put the Lady Eagles up 5-2.

The Lady Eagles will return to action on Friday, June 20 as they travel to Pensacola, Florida to take on the Gulf Coast Texans. They will turn around and head to Atlanta on Saturday, June 21 and will battle the Silverbacks.

Charleston Battery News Release - www.charlestonbattery.com

Thursday, June 12, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery host the LA Galaxy II Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Blackbaud Stadium in the first meeting between the Battery and the USL PRO expansion side. The Battery (3-5-4) enter the game in eighth position in the USL PRO standings, while the Galaxy II (8-3-3) are in second place. 

All the action can be see live on Youtube here.

Playing their inaugural season, the Galaxy II are the official USL PRO affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy, and the first standalone USL PRO team to be owned and operated by a MLS club. 

Major League Soccer and USL PRO entered into a partnership to allow MLS teams to have direct affiliations with USL PRO sides to aid in player development, and this is the final year of the MLS Reserve league.  MLS teams will either affiliate with a USL PRO side or enter a standalone team into USL PRO by the start of the 2015 season.

The Galaxy II’s last match was a 2-1 loss against the Rochester Rhinos on Wednesday night in LA; Rafael Garcia tallied the lone goal for Galaxy II. The defeat was the first at home since April 15 for LA.

The Battery had a bye week last weekend and have not played a USL PRO match since a 2-0 loss in Orlando on May 31. Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s squad was bolstered this week with the arrival of defender Emmanuel Adjetey, who spent the 2013 season in Charleston.

Lareado Heat News Release - www.laredoheatsc.com

Saturday, June 14, 2014

LAREDO, Texas – The curtain will raise Saturday in Austin as the pressure in the Mid-South Division will be at a paramount peak with a rematch of the 2013 Southern Conference Final between the region’s fiercest rivals. The four-time PDL finalist Laredo Heat will seek revenge against the team that eliminated them last season: the defending division, conference and national champion Austin Aztex.

The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and be live streamed by the home-team Aztex at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PnwmF6AJZg.

After a heartbreaking 1-0 fourth round elimination from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, the Heat (2-1-2, 8 points) will now shift their focus entirely to the Mid-South Division. They lead the Mississippi Brilla on goal differential and trail the Aztex (5-0-1, 16 points).

The unbeaten Aztex were last defeated by the Heat on July 3, 2013 by a 1-0 scoreline in Laredo. Since the Aztex joined the PDL in 2012, they barely edge the Heat in head-to-head matchups (4-3) in the regular season.

Both sides offer more similarities than differences, through their primarily possession-based and oft-attacking offenses. The opposing backlines lay the foundation for those precision passes by coolly evicting the ball from oncoming strikeforces. All in all, Laredo and Austin rank Nos. 2 and 3 in the PDL, respectively, in goals allowed.

Laredo’s 20-year-old goalkeeper Jorge Ortega mans the net in front of the league’s best goal-preventing team, seeing just a pair of goals bulge the net. Both goals came against the Houston Dutch Lions, while Ortega ranks 12th in the PDL with two shutouts – he’d have three if he weren’t substituted out of the Heat’s 4-0 thumping of Houston on June 3.

Austin offers a near-duplicate keeper in Devin Perales, a student-athlete at Coastal Carolina University. He’s featured in all five victories for the Aztex, allowing just three goals.

Team play and scarce goals appear to be in order as the chase for the Mid-South crown and the division’s two playoff spots will steepen depending on Saturday’s result. If Laredo claims all three points, it will leapfrog Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (3-3-1, 10 points) for second place; if Austin wins, it will accelerate to nine points clear with seven matches to play. A draw won’t change the standings, other than adding a point apiece to each team’s total.

USL PRO Game Preview

Friday, June 13, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sacramento Republic FC (6-3-2) will travel to Pribil Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday to take on Oklahoma City Energy FC (3-7-2) in USL PRO play.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

The game will be the first matchup between the two 2014 expansion sides.  Republic FC is unbeaten in its past five USL PRO matches, while Energy FC enters the match having tied in back-to-back matches on June 6 and 7.

Energy FC will be led by forward Kyle Greig, who leads the club with four goals and an assist.  Midfielder Steven Perry is a close second to Greig scoring three goals on the season.  Both Perry and Greig, along with defender Gareth Evans, were teammates of Republic FC defender Mickey Daly last season with Wilmington Hammerheads FC.

Republic FC comes into the match following a loss to the San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.  Despite the loss Republic FC is 6-1-1 in its past eight matches.  Republic FC is lead by midfielder Rodrigo Lopez who has either scored or assisted in five of his last seven matches.

Forward Justin Braun has also been in good form of late scoring two goals in his last two appearances, including Republic FC’s lone goal against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 11.

Republic FC will be without leading scorer Thomas Stewart and midfielder Carlos Martinez due to hamstring injuries, however, it is bolstering its attack with the addition of forward Adam Jahn, who is back on loan from San Jose.  Jahn has started in two matches with Republic FC this season, scoring two goals including the first home goal in franchise history.

Atlanta Silverbacks News Release - www.atlantasilverbacksfc.com

Saturday, June 14, 2014

ATLANTA, Georgia – For the third time in as many W-League games, the Atlanta Silverbacks will match up against the Dayton Dutch Lions, this time to decide the season series winner. Atlanta (1-4-0) will host the Lady Lions (2-5-0) Sunday afternoon at Silverbacks Park in another Southeastern Conference matchup on Father’s Day.

The last time these two teams met, the Silverbacks jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first 27 minutes behind Ashley Nagy’s hat trick. She had a header in the fourth minute, a goal from the corner in the 26th and another straight on in the 27th as the Silverbacks swarmed the Lady Lions early and often.

Since the loss, Dayton has traveled to Gulf Coast, where it lost 5-0, and to Charlotte, where the Lady Eagles won 5-2.

Tickets are still available online at atlantasilverbacksfc.com and will also be available at the gate. Tickets are $10 each.

Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Silverbacks Park. If you are unable to come out in support, show your support on Twitter by using the official hashtag for this weekend’s match #ATLvsDAYRound3. Updates will be posted both on Twitter (@LadySilverbacks) and Facebook (Facebook.com/ATLSilverbacksWomen) throughout the match.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, June 12, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers (7-1-5, 26 points) return to City Stadium Saturday to host the Wilmington Hammerheads (5-1-3, 18 points)

The Kickers and the Hammerheads meet at City Stadium for the first time in just more than a year, having last battled to a 1-1 draw in Richmond on June 8, 2013.  Earlier that season the Kickers edged the Hammerheads 2-0 at Legion Stadium to avenge a dramatic 3-2 loss in the 2012 USL PRO Quarterfinals, bringing the club’s all-time series record advantage to 11-6-6 against its long-time rivals.

The Kickers enter Saturday’s match following a 1-0 win against the Harrisburg City Islanders last weekend.  Kickers all-time leading scorer Matthew Delicâte notched his seventh goal of the season while goalkeeper Joe Willis posted his league-leading fifth shutout to extend the Kickers' unbeaten streak to 12 games overall.

Meanwhile, the Hammerheads are undefeated in six USL PRO games and head to City Stadium on the heels of a 2-2 draw against the expansion OKC Energy FC last week.  The back-and-forth affair kicked off with a Samuel Ochoa goal just before halftime, but the Hammerheads conceded the lead just after the break.  A second-half goal by defender Tom Parratt gave Wilmington another short-lived advantage before OKC rallied for a late equalizer.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, June 14, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Adda Djeziri scored his second goal of the season and Michael Thomas added his second of the year as OKC Energy FC defeated Sacramento Republic FC 2-0 Saturday night at Pribil Stadium.

Djeziri’s goal ended 35 minutes of scoreless play, as the Energy FC midfielder took a pass from Christian Duke on an OKC 3-on-2 break and put it past diving Sacramento keeper Dominil Jakubek for a 1-0 OKC lead.

OKC capped the scoring at 2-0 late in the match, when Steven Perry found Thomas with a cross from the right side of the pitch, and Thomas chipped the ball into an open left side of the Republic FC net.

Sacramento’s best opportunity came in the 29th minute of the game when, off a free kick from the right side by Rodrigo Lopez, the ball ricocheted off a number of players in the OKC six-yard box, but OKC keeper Jon Kempin was able to make a diving save to keep the match scoreless.

Despite being outshot 10-8, Energy FC managed five shots on goal, while Sacramento had just one.

The match saw several bookings, with Sacramento’s Ivan Mirkovic receiving a red card in the 31st minute and George Fochive, Rodrigo Lopez, Mickey Daly and Steven Evans being issued yellow cards. Mikey Lopez and Mark Howard received yellow cards for OKC.

Energy FC is back in action Sunday, June 22 when it takes on the Rochester Rhinos in a 7 pm CT start at Pribil Stadium.

Laredo Heat News Release - www.laredoheatsc.com

Saturday, June 14, 2014

AUSTIN, Texas – South Texas’ powers collided on Saturday night at House Park in Austin as the Austin Aztex defeated the Laredo Heat, 4-1, to take a commanding lead in the PDL's Mid-South Division. The Heat struck first but a new-look midfield and backline allowed four unanswered strikes.

With the loss, Laredo falls to 2-2-2 (8 points) behind the Midland-Odessa Sockers (4-3-1, 13 points) and Aztex ( 6-0-1, 19 points). Only the top two teams in the division qualify for the Southern Conference playoffs, and the Heat have never missed qualification for a postseason their were eligible for since 2004.

Against Austin, the Heat played two that haven’t started a match yet – one in his first action of the season. Sebastian Ramirez started his first game of the year at center back, filling for a knocked up Kaique Fernandes (hamstring) and Matthieu Braem ( 77th minute substitute). Placide Buduri started his first match in the midfield. A new captain – Yair Hernandez – patrolled the midfield as well, with the absence of Juan de Dios Ibarra and Greg Mulamba (ankle).

Despite the absences, Laredo buried the match’s first goal in the 19th minute when Laredo-native Felix Garcia drew a foul eight yards outside the 18-yard box. On the free kick, Brazilian midfielder Joao Monteiro flicked a through ball to the far post and onto Esteban Bayona’s boot. The slightest strike scored Bayona’s third PDL goal of the season.

Beyond that, the Heat created several chances wide of the mark. The first half saw the Heat assault Austin’s goal with eight shots while the Aztex mustered just three. The roles reversed in the second half as Austin launched nine to Laredo’s two.

The first half ended with Laredo in a 2-1 hole after Austin’s Sito Seoane slotted a strike from inside the 6-yard box. Chuy Cortes dealt the assisting cross. The go-ahead goal came off a corner kick from Seoane. Kalen Ryden nodded home the delivery.

The second half opened with more disappointment in the 47th minute as Ramirez played a backpass to goalkeeper Jorge Ortega, who took a heavy touch that Austin’s Eddie Campbell intercepted and sliced into the net unassisted. As Laredo began pushing back offensively, their backline was left vulnerable. It allowed a 90th minute corner kick that Jeff Harwell volleyed into the net off an Adam Black delivery.

The Heat will next travel to Albuquerque, N.M., to face the Sol in a cross-divisional match on June 19.

The match will be live streamed at www.YouTube.com/LaredoHeatSC   

K-W United FC News Release - www.kwunitedfc.com

Sunday, June 15, 2014

TORONTO, Ont. - Nicole Lyon and Suzanne Boroumand tallied a goal apiece Saturday night as K-W United FC defeated the Toronto Lady Lynx 2-0. 

"As we knew, the Lynx were a tough side to play and I have to respect their abilities. There were some key players we had to shut down and the ladies executed the game play tonight almost to perfection," K-W United Head Coach Stuart Neely said. 

Toronto and K-W started quick and there were challenges on both sides of the ball. There was good pressure and chances at both ends, but it was United that got the first strike when a great build up led to Lyon putting in her third of the season at the 32-minute mark. 

The game remained 1-0 for K-W until the 72nd minute when again United played a skillful possession and Boroumand finished off the play. 

Toronto hit the crossbar once and swings in momentum were frequent, but United held its ground and walked away with the three points. 

Neely said the players are starting to gel together more and more, but they still have a few kinks to mend. 

"Obviously we took three points on the road, but we must improve our match management and our ability to play simpler," he said. "We often make choices that affect the team and we need to be smarter and understand individual roles in a team environment."

United's Stephanie Bukovec claimed the shutout. Neely said the team deserved the player of the game honor, with multiple great performances, but gave it to Lyon for her efforts up front. 

K-W now sits third in the Central Conference, behind the leaders the Ottawa Fury and the Laval Comets. United's next game is on Wednesday when it hosts the London Gryphons at University Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

"As a team, we are gelling more each day and realizing that we can dare to dream. If we stay the course and build our belief we can improve our abilities. Tonight, I cant say enough about the players. They had no regrets tonight; they started and finished the job. Now, we move on to the next challenge," Neely said. 

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, June 14, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – The hometown fans experienced an absolute thriller Saturday night, as the Richmond Kickers drew Wilmington Hammerheads FC 2-2.

Matthew Delicâte scored his eighth and ninth goals on the season in the first half, but late goals from Wilmington substitute Jordan Hamilton and Mickael Oliveira drew the away side level.

Wilmington came out guns ablaze with a couple of chances in the opening 10 minutes. The first came in the thirrd minute when Wilmington defender Christian Davidson sent a cross into the box. His cross was met by the head of Richmond defender William Yomby, but only as far as Wilmington midfielder Paul Nicholson whose shot sailed over the bar.

The second chance came in the 10th minute when Wilmington midfielder Tom Parratt’s free kick was punched away by Richmond keeper Joe Willis. Willis’ punch traveled to Wilmington striker Mickael Oliveira, whose shot against the grain of the defense was headed away by Yomby inside the six-yard box.

In the 13th minute, Richmond was on the board when Matthew Delicâte found the back of the net. Richmond midfielder Shay Spitz’s free kick, found Delicâte soaring above the Wilmington defense, and his header found the left side netting.
 
Richmond nearly doubled their lead a minute later when Richmond defender Henry Kalungi’s long ball found forward Jason Yeisley. Yeisley sent the ball across the goal to Spitz, who then laid the ball off for George Davis IV. Davis IV’s low shot was sent away from Wilmington defender in the six-yard box.

Richmond would get their second goal in first-half stoppage time, when Spitz’s cross found the head of Yeisley. Yeisley headed the ball to Delicâte, who nodded the ball back across the frame into the left side netting.

After a slow start to the second half, the Hammerheads gained momentum after an injury to Yomby in the 70th minute.

Willis came up big with saves in the 74th, 76th, and 78th minutes before Wilmington was able to get on the board in the 80th minute. The goal came on one of 11 corners in the second half when Oliveira found substitute Jordan Hamilton to bring the score to 2-1.

Wilmington would get their equalizer in the 84th minute. Wilmington defender Christian Davidson switched the play to substitute Sunny Jane on the right side of the box. Jane cut the ball back to the top of the eighteen, and after a step-over by Sammy Ochoa, Oliveira rocketed a shot off the left post and in.

Richmond had two chances down the stretch to get their third, the first coming in the 87th minute. Richmond substitute Nate Robinson, made a long run down the left wing and cut across the face of the defense. Robinson found some space inside the box, but his shot went over the bar.

In the 89th minute two Richmond substitutes connected when Christiano Francois, sent a long ball into the box that found Tishan Handley. Handley turned into space in front of goal, but his shot went right at keeper Quillan Roberts.

Wilmington would also have three chances in stoppage time to take the lead. In the 90th minute Oliveira’s out swinging corner bounced around in the box before making its way to Hamilton at the penalty spot. Hamilton’s blast drew Willis’ best save of the night, fully extending himself to his right to glove the ball away.

In stoppage time, Davidson flicked on substitute Drew Ruggles long throw-in at the near post. Oliveira found himself on the end of the flick and his bicycle effort forced another diving save from Willis.

The subsequent corner saw the final chance of the match when Jane’s ball found the head of Parratt in the middle of the box. Parratt headed the ball directly at Willis, and the game ended.

The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium on Wednesday, June 18 to host the New England Revolution in the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round.  Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, June 14, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Colin Falvey, Dane Kelly and Haviel Cordoves each scored to lift the Charleston Battery to a 3-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II in front of 3,373 on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium.

“We got on our front foot and didn’t allow them to take their one chance,” said Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser after the match. “We kept creating chances and we kept the pressure on them. We didn’t let them sit back and play at all tonight. We got three points tonight and we need to go up to Charlotte and get the job done next week.”

After 25 minutes in which neither team could get a serious chance on goal, Charleston took the lead on a header from defender Falvey. After being awarded a free kick, midfielder Andre Lewis stepped up to take the kick from the left side. Lewis sent a cross into the box and Falvey met the ball with his head, sending the ball across the goal mouth into the left side of the net to give the Battery a 1-0 advantage.

Andre Lewis had the best opportunity for Charleston to extend the lead in the first half just seconds after the game restarted following the goal by Falvey. After the Galaxy II made an errant pass that rolled out of bounds, Lewis received the throw-in and made a cutting run through the Galaxy II defense before sending his shot just inches over the crossbar.

The Battery needed just five minutes to extend their lead to 2-0 in the second half. In the 50th minute, midfielder Jared van Schaik controlled a ball in the Battery’s defensive half and played a perfect pass through the defense into their attacking half, which forward Kelly caught up to just outside of the box. After one touch, Kelly shot the ball past the keeper from 12 yards out to increase the Charleston lead.

Cordoves finished the Galaxy II off in the 85th minute with a spectacular goal from inside the six-yard box. After controlling the ball near the goal line on the right side, Cordoves made one move to beat his defender and cut back to fire a shot from a tough angle past the Los Angeles keeper into the top right corner of the net to increase the Battery lead to 3-0.

The Battery defense was able to prevent Los Angeles, which entered the game as the highest scoring team in USLPRO, from having a single shot on goal to earn a clean sheet.

Sounders FC U23 News Release - www.soundersu23.com

Sunday, June 15, 2014

TUMWATER, Wash. – The Sounders U23s’ four-match unbeaten streak was snapped on Sunday afternoon as they fell to the Portland Timbers U-23 3-0. After battling each other to a scoreless first half, three set-piece-scores from the Portland side in the second half earned them the three points.

The Sounders U23 goal was under frequent attack from the Timbers U-23 offense, which troubled the Sounders defenders with size and speed. Though the Sounders attack had some good looks at a score of their own, they could not find a finishing touch in the box.

The Timbers U-23 were the closest to strike first in the 21st minute as forward Miguel Aguilar collected a pass in the right side of the Sounders U23 box. Aguilar cut the ball back onto his left foot and sent a shot through traffic toward goal. Sounders keeper, Jeff Caldwell, was well positioned to block the shot, but he could not collect it. The ball was free inside the six, but Sounders U23 defender, Chase Hansen, was there to clear the danger away and keep the match scoreless.

The Timbers U-23 were threatening again in the 36th minute. This time, forward Kharlton Belmar had run through an attempted clearance by Hansen, and was on his way toward goal. Belmar lined up his shot with one last touch into the box, but then sent the ball sailing over the goal.

As the half came to a close the Sounders U23 were again under attack from the Timbers U-23 offense. The Timbers had been given a free kick just outside the Sounders U-23 box on the left side of the field. The kick was driven in with pace, but Caldwell was able to rise above everyone to punch the ball away from the oncoming attack and the half ended without a score.

The Sounders U23 found their attacking stride in the opening five minutes of the second half. In the 50th minute Chris Wehan ran onto a Jamael Cox through pass into the box on the right side of the goal. Wehan touched the ball toward goal and then sent a sharp low pass across the six. The ball took a deflection and fell for Sounders forward Niko Hansen, but the Timbers defense cut him down before he could send a shot toward goal.

The Portland Timbers U-23 put in their first of three scores a few minutes later in the 58th minute. The Timbers sent a corner kick swinging into the box and Caldwell was off his line again to try to punch it out. However, this time Caldwell got caught up in the mass of bodies and the ball fell for Belmar. After a scuffle in front of the goal as the Sounders defenders tried to clear the danger, Belmar was able to muscle the ball across the line to give the Timbers the 1-0 lead.

The Soundes U-23 appeared to have an equalizer in the 70th minute when the ball fell for Wehan in the box. After Sounders U23 forward Jordan Morris’ shot went deflected, Wehan picked up the loose ball and fired his shot at the face of the goal. The shot had beaten Timbers U-23 keeper, Justin Luthy, but it struck the crossbar squarely and was cleared from danger.

The Timbers U-23 immediately took the clearance and countered up field, ultimately earning a corner. The corner was swung in toward the Sounders goal, and Timbers defender Will Seymore out-leapt the Sounders defense and sent the ball to the back of the net for the 2-0 Timbers lead.

The Timbers U-23 put the game on ice in the 85th minute with their third goal of the half. The Timbers had earned a free kick near the corner flag again on the right side of the field. Timbers defender, David Rose, swung in a left footed kick that found Seymore again. Seymore headed the ball with power first time toward goal, and as it approached the line, Belmar used his body to shield the Sounders defenders and deflect the ball into the net to compete the 3-0 shut out.

The Sounders U23 will look to rebound from the disappointing loss on Friday, June 22 when they’ll take on Lane United FC at Sunset Stadium at 7 p.m. PT. The Sounders U23 will be looking to avenge their 1-0 season opening loss to Lane United in Eugene, Oregon. For information and tickets to Friday’s match up, visit SoundersU23.com.

Atlanta Silverbacks FC News Release - www.atlantasilverbacksfc.com

Sunday, June 15, 2014

ATLANTA, Georgia - The Atlanta Silverbacks struggled to get going in the first half and fell to the Dayton Dutch Lions 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Silverbacks Park. Atlanta fell to 1-5-0 in the W-League while Dayton broke its three-game losing streak to improve to 3-5-0.

Neither team could get much going early in the first half. Atlanta struggled to keep Dayton out of the Lady Lion attacking half as Dayton racked up corner after corner. The defense stood strong during the early onslaught.

Dayton finally broke through in the 22nd minute as Micaela Powers fired a shot from 25 yards out that hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounced across the goal line to put the Lady Lions up 1-0.

Atlanta put the pressure on in the second half and kept the Lady Lions on their heels late. Dayton would take advantage during stoppage time, however, as Shan Jones got the ball behind the pushed-up Atlanta defense and chipped the ball over the Silverbacks’ goalkeeper, Ashley Baker, to give Dayton an insurance goal late.

The Silverbacks host one more W-League regular season match before hitting the road for the final three games of the season on Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Silverbacks Park. The Charlotte Lady Eagles will come to Atlanta on June 21 for a Southeastern Conference matchup.

The Silverbacks will have multiple presentations, both pregame and during halftime, so show up early to support the Silverbacks and buy your tickets from atlantasilverbacksfc.com today.

Washington Spirit Reserves News Release - www.washingtonspirit.com

Sunday, June 15, 2014

WAYNE, N.J. – Still reeling from a scoreless draw the night before against Long Island, the Washington Spirit Reserves rebounded to earn a tight 2-0 win against the North Jersey Valkyries Sunday afternoon in Wayne, New Jersey. After suffering through a 150-minute scoring drought through most of the weekend, the Spirit Reserves finally sorted out their offensive difficulties to score two second-half goals and secure an additional three points in the standings.

As it had the previous day, the Washington defense held possession for the majority of the match by maintaining control in the back and disrupting any North Jersey attacking threat.  As the day wore on and the possibility of another scoreless result loomed, the Spirit Reserves felt the strong urgency to push forward offensively to break the deadlock.

The Washington surge finally paid dividends when a scramble in the Valkyries' box led to a hand ball call in front of the North Jersey goal.  Columbian native Lina Granados powered her penalty kick into the right side of the net for the 1-0 advantage in the 60th minute.

The Spirit Reserves knocked home an insurance tally in the waning moments of the match, their only goal scored during the run-of-play during the weekend.  Midfielder Katie Yensen gained a step on the North Jersey defense and fired a low cross from the right corner.  Running at full tilt towards the near post, defender Melissa Downey one-timed her shot past both her defender and the Valkyries keeper to double the Washington advantage in the 84th minute.

The victory keeps Washington atop the Northeastern Conference with a marginal lead courtesy of a 5-0-1 record.  The New Jersey Wildcats remain in second place, two games back from the Spirit Reserves in the standings.

The Spirit Reserves return home Wednesday to face local rival Braddock Road Stars Elite. The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Howison Soccer Complex in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The action continues on June 21 with a rematch against the New York Magic. Match time is set for 3 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex and is the first in a special doubleheader. The NWSL Washington Spirit face the Portland Thorns in the second match of the evening.

USL PRO Feature

Monday, June 16, 2014

David Wagner and Jake Edwards take a look back at the past weekend's action, which included an important 2-2 draw betweeen the Wilmington Hammerheads and Richmond Kickers, a big win by the Charleston Battery against the LA Galaxy II, and a win at home by OKC Energy FC against Sacramento Republic FC.

Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers return to Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action when they host the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Fourth Round. Should the Kickers advance to the Fifth Round, they will travel to D.C. United on June 24, or host USL PRO rivals the Rochester Rhinos on June 25.

The Kickers advanced to the Fourth Round after ousting the NY Greek American Atlas SC (USASA) in a dramatic 2-1 affair at City Stadium in the Third Round on May 28.  The amateur side claimed an early lead before a fierce electrical storm forced a three-hour delay.  After the break, Kickers midfielders George Davis IV and Tishan Hanley tallied second-half goals to boost the home side through to the next round.

Previously, the Kickers entered the tournament with a Second Round 6-1 win local side RVA FC.  Samuel Asante, Shay Spitz and Jason Yeisley opened scoring in the first half, with Hanley adding a pair of goals following the break. RVA FC pulled a goal back just past the hour mark before Davis rounded out the scoreline two minutes from time.

The 2014 season marks the 16th time the Kickers have played in the U.S. Open Cup in the past 21 seasons, with an overall record of 25-14 during tournament play.  The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the Professional Era in 1995, and have since made it to the quarterfinal round five times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011) and the semifinal round twice (1995, 2011).  With a reputation of defeating MLS teams, the Kickers made history in 2011 when they became the first lower division team to defeat back-to-back MLS teams on the road.

New England enters this year’s tournament in the Fourth Round, alongside 16 other U.S.-based MLS teams.  The Revolution earned their first cup tournament title when they were crowned 2007 U.S. Open Cup Champions following a 3-2 win against FC Dallas. Carrying a 13-11-4 U.S. Open Cup all-time record into Wednesday’s match, the Revolution met the Kickers once before when they claimed a 3-0 win in the Third Round of the 2008 tournament.

The Revs currently reside in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a 7-5-2 record and 23 points.  Wednesday’s match marks the club’s first in 10 days as it most recently dropped a 2-0 decision against the New York Red Bulls on June 8.