Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC News Release -- www.cincinnatidutchlionsfc.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC (5-1-3) will look for another win against the SC United Bantams (1-7-2) when the two teams meet on Wednesday night at Stone Stadium in Columbia, S.C. after Cincinnati took a hard-fought 2-0 win against the same team this past Sunday night.

Cincinnati is currently in second position in the PDL's South Atlantic Division and sit three points behind the West Virginia Chaos, but the Dutch Lions still have three games in hand as they enter the final month of the season. A win on Wednesday would move the team into a tie for first place as they look to reach the postseason in the club's inaugural season.

The Dutch Lions got goals from Jeff McClure and Austin Pierce in their victory on Sunday at the Xavier University Soccer Stadium. McClure's goal just past the hour-mark was his team-leading sixth of the season, while Jordan Grant and Chris Harmon have both scored four goals over the campaign.

“We played a good game against the SC United Bantams last Sunday," said Dutch Lions captain Rowin van Zaanen. "In the game we created a lot of opportunities and our defense was steady. The team spirit is good and we had some good practices this week so we will travel with a lot of confidence to South Carolina.”

After the game the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC will return to Cincinnati for their final home regular season game against Carolina Dynamo on Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

W-League News Release

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced its Team of the Week for Week 8 of the 2014 season today, naming Washington Spirit Reserves forward Katie Yensen as Player of the Week. The Virginia Tech standout had three goals in three victories as the Spirit Reserves claimed the Northeastern Conference championship and continued their undefeated season.

Yensen came off the bench to record an assist in the Spirit Reserves’ 3-0 win against the Braddock Road Stars Elite last Wednesday night, and then tallied the game-winning goal as the side clinched the Northeastern crown with a 3-0 win against the Long Island Rough Riders on Friday. Yensen capped her week with two goals in a 5-1 victory against the New Jersey Wildcats on Sunday, which gave her a team-leading six for the season.

Yensen was joined on the Team of the Week by teammate Sam Lofton, who had a goal and assist in the Spirit Reserves’ three victories and earned plaudits for her solid defensive play. The Colorado Pride also earned two selections as goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom recorded a seven-save shutout and forward Mallory Weber had both goals in a crucial 2-0 victory against the Bay Area Breeze last Thursday.

The Ottawa Fury led all teams with three selections as they took control of the Central Conference with three consecutive victories. Forward Arin Gilliland earned selection after her hat trick led the Fury to victory against London, while midfielder Lisa-Marie Woods had the game-winning goal in a crucial victory against Laval and Shelina Zadorsky was strong throughout the week as the Fury conceded just once in the three contests.

The LA Blues’ Mele French leads the other selections as she continued her scoring streak in a victory against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat. French is currently in a five-way tie for the league lead with seven goals as the Blues remain perfect this season. Braddock Road’s Marisa Park earned selection after her goal and assist helped the Stars Elite defeat Long Island, while North Jersey’s Jen Andresen and New York’s Lorina White both had standout performances as their teams played to a draw on Saturday night.

A total of 21 games are scheduled for the penultimate week of the W-League season as the battle for the playoffs continues. The Seattle Sounders Women face a pair of key games in their pursuit of a berth in the Western Conference Championship as they host the LA Blues on Thursday night and Bay Area Breeze on Sunday. The Ottawa Fury could clinch the Central Conference with a victory on Saturday afternoon as they host the Laval Comets, while in the Southeastern Conference the Gulf Coast Texans visit the Charlotte Eagles in a key showdown in the race for first place.

Select W-League games can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLWLEAGUE) and Facebook. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via WLEAGUEsoccer.com.

W-League Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Carolina Elite – India Trotter; Charlotte – Robyn Jones; Colo. Pride – Jessica Ayers; Colo. Rush – Danica Evans; Colo. Storm – Kate Scheele; Gulf Coast – Dernelle Mascall; K-W United – Claudia Piazza, Leticia Skeete; LA – Katie Stengel; Ottawa – Kristy Moore; Santa Clarita – Kristina Sikora; Toronto – Melanie Pickert; Washington – Kelsey Pardue, Ashley Herndon.

USL PRO Game Report

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds rallied from a halftime deficit to take a 2-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions FC on Wednesday night at DOC Stadium. The Riverhounds' win earned a split of the home-and-home series between the clubs that saw Dayton take a 1-0 win in Pittsburgh this past Saturday. 

The Dutch Lions struck quickly in the third minute when Eli Garner earned a corner. Ross Friedman took the kick and was able to place the ball into the penalty area where Aaron Schoenfeld was waiting to head the ball in for his ninth goal of the season.

The Riverhounds Joseph Ngwenya came close to an equalizer six minutes before the halftime break as he drove in from the left side toward goal. Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams came out to try and block the shot, only for Ngwenya to dribble around him, but the Zimbabwean couldn't finish from a narrow angle. Four minutes later, Ngwenya went close again, but the ball hit the post and bounced directly to Williams.

Pittsburgh would find its reward two minutes into the second half. After a series of passes, Mike Green would receive a ball on the right from Danny Earls, and Green placed the ball into the left side of Dayton’s goal to level the score. Green would add a second in the 54th minute after a good build-up began by Ngwenya, who found Earls for a clever chipped pass that Green powered home on the volley.

The Riverhounds would take control of the second half with good passing, overlapping runs and quick play. Dayton struggled to keep possession in the final third as the Pittsburgh defense stepped up and denied Garner the opportunity to get in behind them. The Dutch Lions would push strongly late on as they earned a handful of set pieces, but Pittsburgh goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap and his defense were equal to the challenge as the Riverhounds claimed their second victory of the season.

"I think Pittsburgh deserves the win today," said Dayton Dutch Lions FC Coach Sid van Druenen. “They came out stronger than we did. They had more urgency than we did. We got an early goal and we should have played with a little more confidence after that. We played scared and we were holding back. There was no depth in our game.

"It is going to be a very tough season for us if we keep playing like this. We lost all the duels in the air, we had no sense of urgency, we thought way too defensively like we were scared of losing and if you are scared of losing you will never win games.  We will keep working and we will improve on this for our next game Saturday.”

The Dayton Dutch Lions FC (4-11-2) travel to play the Charlotte Eagles (5-8-2) on Saturday night at 8 p,m, and return home to DOC Stadium in West Carrollton to play the Harrisburg City Islanders (3-7-4) on Saturday, July 12th at 7 p.m. ET. For season and individual game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website.

PDL Game Report

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

WATERLOO, Ont. -- A last-second goal during a defensive lapse saw K-W United FC and the Michigan Bucks finished in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening at Wilfred Laurier University Stadium. The draw left both teams trailing the Chicago Fire U-23 by two points for first place in the PDL's Great Lakes Division with four games remaining in the season.

K-W went ahead 1-0 with just under 20 minutes left on a goal by Wesley Cain, but in the final seconds of stoppage time, Michigan's Brad Vanino sent a shot past keeper Darrin MacLeod to tie the game.

"Tonight we were very close in taking all three points, but made two critical errors," United coach Stuart Neely said. "First, we missed a gaping opening goal with less than five minutes to play. Then, with three minutes of added time that took forever, we failed to clear a ball and instead tried to play out. The end result was a cracking shot into the back of the net."

Michigan came out strongly, as they fired 12 shots at MacLeod's net. However, despite the back-and-forth affair, the first half remained deadlocked. 

It seemed as though a late goal might settle the contest when the teams remained tied going into the final 15 minutes. However, United's Cain would break the scoreless affair as he beat Michigan goalkeeper Adam Grinwis to put K-W up 1-0 in the 79th minute.

K-W couldn't hang on, however, as it couldn't clear the defensive zone, which allowed Vanino to score in the final seconds of stoppage time. 

"We can't keep making major mental errors," Neely said. "That's the difference between quality sides and the rest. Tonight we were punished for that."

However, Neely was impressed by K-W's ability to adapt to Michigan's style of play.

"We have to give credit to the Bucks - they are a great team and have power, speed, quality of the ball and great movement. [But] we adjusted to that and had the tactics almost right." 

K-W United FC remains tied with the Bucks for second position in the Great Lakes Division behind the Chicago Fire. United is on the road on Friday afternoon, where they will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds U-23 in their final meeting of the season. In the last two meetings between these teams, K-W prevailed 2-1 and 3-1.

"We now move onto our next challenge and focus on Pittsburgh," Neely said.

W-League Feature

Thursday, July 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. U20 National Team coach Michelle French named 27 players for the United States’ final two-week training camp prior the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada. The camp is set to be held from July 9-23 in Seattle, Wash., as nine players with W-League experience look to earn their berths in the final squad.

A pair of former All-League selections lead the way, as former Colorado Rush forward Lindsey Horan and former Atlanta Silverbacks forward Savannah Jordan both maintained their positions in French’s squad. Horan earned All-League selection in 2011 as a 17-year-old as she led the Rush with eight goals in 10 appearances, while Jordan was named in 2013 after recording eight goals in 10 games for Atlanta.

A contingent of talented players who have competed in the W-League this summer were also named, with the Braddock Road Stars Elite duo of Kaleigh Riehl and Carly Baldwin both earning call-ups.

The Dayton Dutch Lions FC’s Rose Lavelle, who took Player of the Week honors on June 4, was also named, and is joined in the midfield contingent by the North Jersey Valkyries’ Nickolette Driesse and Washington Spirit Reserves’ Andi Sullivan. Driesse in particular has played well for the Valkyries this season, with three goals in six games in the Northeastern Conference.

Sullivan’s Spirit Reserves teammate Brittany Basinger, who was part of the club’s run to the W-League Championships last season, was also named to the squad, while former Pali Blues player Makenzy Doniak joins Horan and Jordan in the forward contingent.

The 2014 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup kicks off on August 5, with the U.S. set to take on Germany in its opening contest in Edmonton. The United States will also face Brazil (August 8) and China (August 12) as they begin the defense of their championship won in Japan two years ago.

USL PRO Goals of the Month

Thursday, July 3, 2014

The best 10 goals from the month of June have been selected, watch the video and vote on your favorite. Polls close Monday, July 7 at 1 p.m. ET.
 

Seattle Sounders Women News Release -- www.sounderswomen.com

Thursday, July 3, 2014

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women (15pts, 5-2-0) will play their last two home matches of the regular season this week as they host the top two teams in the W-League's Western Conference. On Thursday night, the Sounders will face the LA Blues (27pts, 9-0-0), with a visit from the Bay Area Breeze (19pts, 6-3-1) set for Sunday.

Currently, the LA Blues are ranked first and Bay Area Breeze second in the Western Conference — positions that the Sounders must hold to make the playoffs. 

The Blues have played nine matches thus far in the W-League regular season— taking home nine wins, and seven shutouts. The Sounders competed against the LA Blues early in the season on May 25 and fell, 3-0. 

Three standout players for the Blues are midfielder Mele French from the University of Oregon, and forward Katherine Stengel from Wake Forest University, who have each scored seven goals. Forward Kandace Love from California State University, Fullerton has scored six goals. The Blues’ last game was against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat (12pts, 4-6-0), where they took a 5-0 victory.

Bay Area is currently in second place, but has played three games more than the Sounders. The match-up between Bay Area and the Sounders will be the first this season. During the 2013 W-League season, Bay Area defeated the Sounders, 2-0.

The Breeze last played against fellow playoff contender the Colorado Pride (19pts, 6-2-1) and lost 2-1 to fall into a tie for second place with the Pride. The leading scorer for Bay Area is forward Anisa Guajardo from Pepperdine University, who has six goals and one assist.

The Sounders were on a four-game winning streak before their last outing on June 27, where they fell 2-1 against the Colorado Rush. Leading the Sounders in scoring is forward Kennya Cordner from Young Harris College with five goals.

Currently, the Sounders have played two less matches than the conference-leading Blues and third-placed Pride, and three less matches than the second-placed Breeze in the Western Conference. Based on points per game, the Sounders rank second in the West with 2.14 ppg, but they will need to take advantage of their games in hand as they sit four points behind both the Breeze and the Pride as the season comes toward its conclusion.

For the W-League Playoffs, the first- and second-ranked seeds will compete against each other in the Western Conference Championship, following which the winner will advance to the W-League Championships in Bradenton, Florida at IMG Academy.

Following the weekend, the Sounders Women will finish up their 2014 W-League season with three games in Colorado. The Sounders will face the Colorado Rush (11pts, 3-3-2) on July 9, Colorado Pride (19pts, 6-2-1) on July 11, and finish with Colorado Storm (0pts, 0-9-0) on July 13. For match coverage and details, see SoundersWomen.com.

PDL News Release

Thursday, July 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced its Team of the Week for the ninth week of the 2014 season on Thursday, with Des Moines Menace forward Chris Hellmann named Player of the Week. Hellmann had three goals in two games as the Menace took a pair of victories against the Thunder Bay Chill to move into sole possession of first place in the Heartland Division.

Hellmann scored the only goal on Saturday night as the Menace took a 1-0 victory against the defending division champion Chill, and then bagged another pair in a 2-1 win on Sunday to push the Menace forward in their pursuit of a first playoff berth since 2011. All three goals were assisted by Honorable Mention Sean Dong.

Hellmann was joined in the Team of the Week attack by Fresno’s Tyler Reinhart, who had a pair of goals in the Fuego’s 3-0 win against the LA Misioneros, and the Vancouver Whitecaps U-23’s Brett Levis, who scored twice in his side’s 4-0 win against the Sounders FC U-23.

Midland Odessa’s Conrad Goulbourne led the midfield selections as he played a crucial role in the Sockers’ two victories on the road this past week, while the Chicago Fire U-23’s Andrew Conner was also named as the Fire moved top of the Great Lakes Division with a 2-1 win against K-W United. Reco McLaren’s return to the line-up provided a major boost for the CFC Azul as he scored twice in a victory against the Westchester Flames that moved CFC top of the Northeast Division, while Southern West Virginia’s Elijah Ukpong had the game-winning goal as the King’s Warriors defeated the Carolina Dynamo for the first time in their history.

Real Boston goalkeeper Nick Thomson earned selection after he conceded one goal in two victories that saw the Rams pull their way back into the playoff race, and he was joined by a trio of defenders led by Jersey’s Sylvain N’Guasian, who had a goal and a strong all-around performance in the Express’ 4-1 win against Ocean City. IMG Bradenton’s David Butzke was selected after a strong performance in his side’s 2-1 win against the SW Florida Adrenaline, while Reading’s Wes Charpie rounded out the side after a positive display in United’s 2-1 victory against Jersey.

The PDL season continues this weekend with 28 games on the schedule for the holiday weekend. Games to watch include a meeting between the top two teams in the Mid South Division on Saturday night as the Midland-Odessa Sockers visit the Austin Aztex, while the Cincinnati Dutch Lions and Carolina Dynamo will both try to push for the South Atlantic division title as they meet at Xavier University Soccer Stadium.

Sunday’s action brings the final meeting of the regular season between IMG Academy and the SW Florida Adrenaline, as the two teams that sit tied for second in the Southeast Division look to get the inside track on a playoff berth.

Follow all of the action from the 2014 PDL season via twitter (@USLPDL), and also on Facebook and Instagram as the league’s 20th season shines the spotlight on some of the top college and academy prospects from across the country.

PDL Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Baltimore: Andrew Harris, Jeremy DeGraffenreidt; Cincinnati: Jeff McClure, Austin Pierce; Des Moines: Nico Wright, Sean Dong; Houston: Kelvin Iloba, Jorge Contreras; IMG Bradenton: Raul Gonzalez, Bakie Goodman; Jersey: Matt Turner, Ansger Otto; Kitsap: Pat Kelly; K-W United: Jarek Whiteman, Nicolas Perea; Lane United: Conner Bevans; Laredo: Salvador Luna, Yair Hernandez; London: Yannis Becker; Long Island: Keith Detelj; Los Angeles: Kyrian Nwabueze, Saeed Robinson; Midland-Odessa: Walker Hume; Ocala: Karamba Janneh, Ilija Ilic; Ocean City: Jason Plumhoff, Frank Tweneboa; Portland: Hudson Rhoads, Dennis Castillo; Reading: Alex Bono, Ignacio Maganto; SC United: JP Rafferty; Sounders U-23: Austin Dunker, Jordan Schweitzer; Southern California: Matt Raines; Toronto: Leigh Veidman; Ventura County: James Kiffe, Abu Danladi; Victoria: Brandon Watson, Alex Rowley; West Virginia: Nick McDonald, Jake Szabo.

Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com

Thursday, July 3, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC (8-5-2) hosts Orange County Blues FC (8-8-0) on Friday night at Bonney Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

The match will be the third match-up between the two sides this year. In both of the prior match-ups the home side has come away victorious by a score of 2-1. The first meeting was at Anteater Stadium and was the first loss in franchise history for Republic FC. The second match was held at Hughes Stadium and was the first home win in franchise history for Republic FC.

Republic FC enters the match after falling to OKC Energy FC 2-0 last Saturday night. Despite controlling possession for most of the match and outshooting Oklahoma City 10-6, Republic FC was unable to score and dropped its second straight against Energy FC. 

Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez has recorded an assist in four of his last six matches and comes into the match tied for second in USL PRO for assists with five. Lopez also scored twice during that same six-match span.

Defender Alvas Powell, on loan from Portland Timbers, and midfielder Tommy Thompson, on loan from San Jose Earthquakes, have both also been playing well since being added to the roster before the match against Arizona United on June 26.

Orange County comes into the match as arguably the hottest club in the USL PRO having won five of their last six matches. Orange County now sits in fifth place just two points behind Republic FC. 

The Blues are led by midfielder Allan Russell, who had scored six goals and recorded four assists this season, including two goals against Republic FC. 

Friday night's match will be Caped Crusader Night. Capes worn by the players during the pregame activities will be auctioned off at halftime of the match with proceeds going to Capes4Heroes. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero attire to the match.

The match will be broadcast live on KHTK Sports 1140 and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #SRFCvOCB.

PDL Game Report

Thursday, July 3, 2014

BLUEFIELD, W.V. -- The Southern West Virginia King's Warriors maintained their undefeated home record this season as they took a 3-1 victory against the River City Rovers on Thursday night at the East River Soccer Complex. The Rovers had entered the contest on a five-game undefeated run, but the King's Warriors took victory to boost their playoff hopes behind goals from Jake Ramsey as they rallied from a halftime deficit.

"In the first half we created chances and we just didn't finish," said Ramsay. "It was important to keep pushing in the second half and we did that pretty good."

River City (3-4-3 for 12 points) took the lead in the 38th minute as Alejandro Garcia got behind the King's Warriors' defense and slotted one home just inside the far post for a 1-0 Rovers' lead. Ace Gonya assisted on the goal, and the Rovers carried the lead to the halftime break. The goal was just the fourth the King's Warriors have conceded at home this season, but they responded four minutes into the second half as Ramsay scored his first of two goals off a feed from Gideon Asante.

Southern West Virginia took the lead in the 71st minute as Josh Kremer's corner kick was headed in by Jeremy Payne to give the King's Warriors a 2-1 advantage, and then eight minutes later Ramsay scored his second of the night off an assist from Payne to take a two-goal lead and wrap up a crucial three points.

"It wasn't just what I said, it was what our whole coaching staff said," said King's Warrior's coach Scott Reitnour of his side's halftime turnaround. "Assistant coach] Paul Cox gave a great breakdown of our midfield rotation and his contributions were substantial. I talked about the fact that soccer is a game of opposites. You play short to play long, you play left to play right and you go wide to play inside. But at the end of the day coaches coach and players play, so credit to the guys for going out there and doing what they needed to do to put the ball in the back of the net."

Not only did Southern West Virginia (5-4-2 for 17 points) increase its home unbeaten streak to five games and earn a season-high and lifetime-best three-game winning streak, but the King's Warriors are now solidly back in the hunt for the South Atlantic Division title and a playoff berth. The King's Warriors trail the first-place West Virginia Chaos by only four points and also hold a game in hand on their in-state rivals. The Chaos and King's Warriors both close out their regular seasons against each other on Saturday, July 19 in Bluefield. 

Seattle Sounders Women News Release -- www.sounderswomen.com

Thursday, July 3, 2014

TUKWILA, Wash. – The LA Blues (10-0-0, 30pts) clinched the Western Conference's regular season championship, and the right to host the Western Conference Championship Game, as a late goal earned a 2-1 victory against the Seattle Sounders Women (15pts, 5-3-0) on a beautiful night at Starfire Stadium. The Blues opened the scoring before the Sounders equalized before the end of the first half, but LA remained perfect as Shawna Gordon scored in the final 10 minutes to give her side victory.

After a shaky start, the Sounders had their first chance of the night to get on the scoreboard in the 13th minute when Taylor Comeau sent a through-ball straight to Lyndsey Patterson in the 18-yard box. Patterson beat Blues goalkeeper Samantha Prudhomme with her drilled shot, but it came back off the post and away to safety.

The Blues opened the scoring three minutes later as Elizabeth Eddy brought the ball into the penalty area and tapped a ball to Katherine Stengel, who launched a shot into the top-left corner of the net, just out of Sounders goalkeeper Anna Picarelli’s reach.

Until the 13th minute, Seattle seemed a bit flustered and was unable to keep possession of the ball. Following the Sounders' first opportunity to score, the game evened out, and Seattle created chances to find an equalizer. They found the tying goal in in the 33rd minute after being awarded a free kick in the Blues' territory as Sharis Lachappelle bent a delivery to the far post where Jaclyn Softli headed home to leave the game level at the break.

The Blues came close to regaining the lead in the 59th minute, but Picarelli made a fantastic save when LA's Kandace Love drilled a shot from inside the penalty area. Seattle also went close six minutes later when substitute Ifeoma Onomunu went one-on-one with Prudhomme, and sent a chip over the goalkeeper's head only for the effort to come back off the crossbar, with no one on hand to put away the rebound.  

The Blues grabbed victory in the 83rd minute when Mele French poked a pass into a cluster of players inside the penalty area. Gordon managed to get a foot on the ball for a 2-1 lead, and that would prove enough to earn victory as the Blues withstood the Sounders' late efforts to earn a draw.

The loss kept the Sounders in fourth place in the W-League's Western Conference, having played two games fewer than fellow playoff contenders the Colorado Pride (22pts, 7-2-1), and Bay Area Breeze (19pts, 6-3-1). The top two seeds in the conference advance to the Western Conference Championship Game, which makes Seattle's last home match of the season against the Bay Area Breeze at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Starfire Stadium a crucial one in the playoff race. For tickets and details, see SoundersWomen.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, July 4, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II returned to winning ways and ended their five-game winless streak with a 4-2 victory over Arizona United SC on Friday aftrenoon at StubHub Center.

Los Dos jumped on Arizona with four goals in the first half as Charlie Rugg tallied two and Bradford Jamieson IV added one and an own goal from Daniel Antunez rounded out the scoring. Jonathan Okafor converted a penalty for Arizona while Matt Kassel added another in second half stoppage time.

Galaxy II needed just 16 minutes to take the lead as Raul Mendiola found Jamieson IV, who buried his attempt from the edge of the penalty area. Two minutes later, Mendiola’s service resulted in another goal, this time for Rugg, who finished from close range. 

Arizona conceded a third goal in the 41st minute when Arizona defender Antunez knocked a Galaxy cross by Rafael Garcia into the back of his own net. Los Dos added their fourth in the closing minutes of the half when an Arizona turnover in midfield allowed Jack McBean to find Rugg for his second of the afternoon. 

Okafor pulled one back for Arizona with a penalty kick finish in the 76th minute after Cody Laurendi brought him down in the penalty area.  Arizona dominated possession in the second half and added another goal in the dying moments of the game when Kassel tallied for the visitors with a low driven finish. 

The LA Galaxy’s USL PRO affiliate returns to action on July 19 when they travel to the nation’s heartland to take on OKC Energy FC at 5 p.m. PT to start a four-game road swing. Los Dos return home on August 9 when they face Arizona United at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium.

LA Galaxy II Season Ticket Memberships begin at just $6 per game. For more information on LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II memberships, or group and single tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299).

Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com

Friday, July 4, 2014

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio -- The Gulf Coast Texans took a 3-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions FC at DOC Stadium on Friday afternoon to move into second place in the W-League's Southeastern Conference. Dayton was hoping to end their up and down season on a positive note, but Gulf Coast took three important points in their pursuit of a berth in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

The Dutch Lions came out with quick passing and a good pace. The beginning of the half saw the majority of play in the Texans half as the Dutch Lions continued to pass and push forward with possession. Their pressure created four chances in the first 20 minutes for the Dutch Lions, but none were good enough for a goal.

The Texans would get their first good chance in the 25th minute when Happy Amadu found Maria Jose Rosas just right of the Dutch Lions goal, but Dayton goalkeeper Ayanna Parker came out to save and keep the game scoreless. Rojas would get another chance on a breakaway in the 31st minute, but the shot would go directly to Parker, but five minutes later Rojas would not miss as her lifted finish put her side up 1-0.

The Texans would then turn up the heat on the Dutch Lions and created turmoil in front of Dayton’s goal over the next few minutes. That pressure would tell in the 42nd minute when Kaitlyn Culotta got in behind the defense to give her side a two-goal advantage at the break.

Dayton possessed the ball well again to start the second half, and the Dutch Lions almost pulled a goal back in the 48th when Gemma Craine ran down the right and pushed a ball through to Shan Jones. The forward continued her run and beat her defender around the corner, only for Texans goalkeeper Carrie Crook to make the save.

Jones had another opportunity in the 51st minute that saw Gulf Coast’s Nina Rasbatt-Smith and Crook combine to preserve the Texans' two-goal lead. Two minutes later Jones would be rewarded for her persistence as she fired a ball from the right side into the back of the Texans net to put the Lady Lions on the board. 

Almost immediately, though, the Texans would get back on the front foot as the Dutch Lions battled to shut down their attack. Dayton was able to withstand the pressure until Rojas took the ball and dribbled through several orange jerseys in the 71st minute before firing home another looping shot over the head of Parker for her second goal of the afternoon and the Texans' third of the game. 

The game became stretched late on as both teams pressed and looked for additional goals. Dayton’s Parker would make several saves to keep the Dutch Lions in the game, but her efforts were not enough as the Dutch Lions lost their last game of the season.

“Very hard game today as we knew it would be,” said Dayton Dutch Lions Women’s Coach Gavin MacLeod. “Gulf Coast are a very good attacking team. All the credit in the world goes to our girls for the effort and commitment and dedication getting to the defensive side of the ball today. The small errors that we have been making all season have been ruthlessly punished by the other teams in this conference as was the case today. Unfortunately that has led us to the last game of the season and we are not in the playoffs.

"As with any experience, you are always going to get positives and negatives. I think many of our players have shown that as a whole this is the level they should be playing at and many of them have done themselves proud this season.”

The Dayton Dutch Lions FC Women thank you for your support in 2014 and look forward to seeing you in the stands in 2015. For season and individual game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website.

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, July 4, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- Before a sellout Fourth of July crowd at Highmark Stadium, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds won their first home game of the year as they defeated the Rochester Rhinos 2-0. Second-half goals by Andrew Marshall and Alfonso Motagalvan proved the difference as the Riverhounds took their second consecutive victory and moved off the bottom of the league standings.

The Riverhounds used the same formula in beating the Rhinos for the second time in the past month - by scoring both second-half goals from set pieces.  

The goals came from two unlikely players in Marshall and Motagalvan, as the defenders tallied their first goals of the season. Goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap recorded his second shutout of the season to lead the Hounds to their second consecutive win for the first time in USL PRO in 2014.  

"It was very rewarding," said Niko Katic, Riverhounds Interim Head Coach. "Our defense was outstanding. What a game in the back those guys played. Everyone was really outstanding. Everyone."   

After a sluggish first half for both teams, the Riverhounds came out on the front foot at the beginning of the second half.  

"We had more urgency to get forward," said Marshall. "We talked about our midfield playing a little bit higher, especially our center midfielders, because they're great at distributing the ball. We started to get more numbers up there, and that opened it up for us."

In the 51st minute, Matt Dallman tried to send a cross from the right end-line, but Rochester's Pat Slogic's handball knocked the ball down, setting up a free kick from the edge of the box. Danny Earls sent a nicely placed free kick to the near post, and Marshall took care of it from there as he headed home to give the Hounds the 1-0 lead.  

"Last game, Danny took a similar shot from the same place. So I looked at him, and I knew he was going for goal," said Marshall. "So, I took off, beat my man to that spot, and somehow, don't know what I used, my shoulder, my head, something, but I got it across. He put in a great, dangerous ball, and I was fortunate to put it in."  

The Riverhounds continued to pressure Rochester's back line, and forced a corner kick as Rochester's Baba Diallo misplayed a ball in the 66th minute. Dallman delivered a cross that sailed past a scrum near the center of the goal box area, and an unmarked Motagalvan squared to the goal, and managed to knock it in with the side of his body for a two-goal advantage.  

"We had better possession, and those set pieces came from the plays we were making, creating chances," said Katic.

Neither side was able to create many scoring chances in the early stages. In 17th minute, Rhinos midfielder Johnny Mendoza slid a shot past Hunter Gilstrap, but he was called for offside. Rochester also had a few dangerous crosses in the half, but were mostly unable to connect.  

The Riverhounds had trouble generating shots in the first half too, as Jose Angulo's free kick in the 34th minute was the only shot they could muster in the first half against one of the better defensive units in USL PRO.  

"It was tough in the first half, playing into the wind, the sun was tough," said Gilstrap. "They're one of the most organized, toughest units we play against. But finally we're starting to grind as a group and really work for each other."

The Fourth of July holiday match was the third, and final meeting between the two teams, as the Riverhounds took the season series with two wins, including a historic first-ever victory at Rochester's Sahlen's Stadium after 19 tries. The win came before a lively, sellout crowd, and seemed to inspire the home side.

"It was great win. A better performance for our fans," Gilstrap said. "They deserved it. Thanks to everyone who came out. They deserved it more than we did, that's for sure."

The Riverhounds (3-8-5, 14 points), enter the final, two-month stretch of their season holding onto their playoff hopes as they look to move up in the USL PRO Standings.  

"We can't get ahead of ourselves, but the truth is, eighth place (and final playoff spot) is not that far ahead of us.  I think that's a realistic target for us if we put together results like this," said Marshall.

The Riverhounds next contest will send them to face the OKC Energy FC next Saturday, July 12, at Pribil Stadium. They return to Highmark Stadium on Thursday, July 17, when they will take on Charlotte Eagles, and it will be hat giveaway night. 

PDL Game Report

Friday, July 4, 2014

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- On a cloudy Friday evening, Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 defeated Lane United FC 1-0 in the first ever meeting between the two teams in the PDL. A second-half goal from substitute Adam Jones propelled the Blue and White to their seventh straight victory and first place in the PDL’s Northwest Division as they leapfrogged the Kitsap Pumas.

The Northwest Division champions will automatically qualify for the PDL Western Conference Championships, while the second- and third-place teams will play a knockout match to determine the division’s second and final postseason berth.

The visitors had the first chance of the evening. In the third minutes, defender Casey Phillips’ effort grazed just over the bar. Eight minutes later, Phillips threatened again, this time off a free kick from 30 yards out; Marco Carducci sprawled quickly to his left to deny Lane United FC the early advantage.

The 'Caps had their best chance of the first half in the 28th minute as Niall Cousens’ header beat United's keeper Matt Bersano, but was denied by the post.

Right back Ethen Sampson made his return from a right knee injury in the 61st minute for the Whitecaps as he replaced Colton O’Neill, who had played every minute of every PDL match-up until that point. It was Sampson’s first competitive minutes in nearly 10 weeks.

After knocking on the door for the first two-thirds of the match, the Blue and White got the well-deserved go-ahead goal courtesy of Jones. A timely cross from Ali Musse, followed by a deflected headed from Cousens across the six-yard box, found Jones. The right winger's first shot was blocked, but he was first to the rebound and finished nicely to give the home side the advantage in the 70th minute.

Jones came close to doubling his tally nine minutes later when he was the recipient of a well-placed cross from the returning Sampson, but the Port Moody native’s header sailed wide left.

On nearly the last kick of the game, Mitch Piraux was denied from four yards out by a terrific kick save from Lane United’s substitute ‘keeper Wade Hamilton. 

All in all, Whitecaps coach Niall Thompson was satisfied with the way his squad found a way to grind out a victory tonight against a resilient Lane United side.

“It was a good victory,” Thompson told whitecapsfc.com. “You could sense we felt a little bit of pressure when a few of our chances weren’t going in. However, after 90 minutes, we got the result, which we’re happy about."

The U-23 'Caps will look to secure their spot in the playoffs when they travel down to Springfield, Oregon, to face Lane United FC in the second leg of the home-and-home series on Tuesday, July 8. Kickoff for the 'Caps finale of the U-23’s regular season is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.

Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Friday, July 4, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles will face the Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. at 8 p.m. ET as the club hosts its second doubleheader of the 2014 season this Saturday at the Queens Sports Complex. The Eagles' USL PRO contest with Dayton will be preceded by the Charlotte Lady Eagles' clash with the Gulf Coast Texans in a key W-League contest at 5:30 p.m. ET.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

The Eagles will look to continue a strong recent run of form as they face the Dutch Lions on Saturday. In the Eagles last game they got a huge three points in a 1-0 victory on the road against the Rochester Rhinos. In the 52nd minute Gui Brandao got a header off a cross by Wells Thompson that snuck inside the post past Rhinos goalkeeper Luis Soffner to put the Eagles up 1-0. The goal was Brandao's first of the season, and a strong defensive effort by the Eagles that included a penalty-kick save by Alec Kann allowed the Eagles to move within a point of of the eighth and final playoff position in the league standings.

In Dayton's last contest the Dutch Lions fell 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Wednesday night at DOC Stadium. The Riverhounds escaped Dayton with victory thanks to two goals by Michael Green. Aaron Schoenfeld opened the scoring for the Dutch Lions in the third minute, but the Riverhounds hit back early in the second half with Green's first goal of the season. Green added a second in the 54th minute as the Riverhounds secured their second victory of the season.

Saturday's game is the second meeting of the season between the Eagles and Dutch Lions, with Dayton having taken a 1-0 victory in the opening game of the season for both clubs on April 4. Brock Granger had the only goal in that contest, but the Eagles have taken seven points out of nine in their past three games and will be looking to add another victory as they push for a return to the USL PRO Playoffs at the end of the season.

Make sure to follow the match action on twitter with the hashtag #CE93. If you can't make it out to the games make sure to watch them LIVE on Youtube at www.youtube.com/charlotteeaglessc. 

Tickets are available at a discounted price until Saturday morning (midnight.) Purchase yours today at www.charlotteeagles.com.

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

Friday, July 4, 2014

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders will play host to the Charleston Battery at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Skyline Sports Complex. Both clubs are currently sitting outside the top eight places in the USL PRO standings, making Saturday's game an important one as both aim to give their playoff hopes a boost.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS 

In Harrisburg's last contest last Saturday against the Charlotte Eagles, the City Islanders showed an impressive late-game effort to find an equalizer in stoppage time. Charlotte led the Isles for the majority of the second half until a header by Coady Andrews found the back of the net to earn a 1-1 draw. The point left the City Islanders in 12th place in the league standings, five points back of the eighth-placed OKC Energy FC.

The Battery's last USL PRO victory came on June 14th against the LA Galaxy II, when they took a 3-0 win at Blackbaud Stadium. The Battery fell 3-1 to the Eagles in their last contest, however, before their game last Friday night against the Richmond Kickers was postponed due to lightning and heavy rain in the Charleston area.

Charleston took a 4-0 victory against the City Islanders when they met for the first time this season, on May 2 at the Skyline Sports Complex. Four different Battery players found the net that night in Charleston's biggest win of the season so far. but Charleston has had trouble finding the net consistently this season with only 15 goals in 14 games. Haviel Cordoves, Amadou Sanyang and Dane Kelly each have two goals apiece to lead the team.

On the Harrisburg end, Andrews will definitely be an important part of the Islanders' plan to win this match. Not only has he been strong defensively, but he has also been a target for set pieces as in last week's game with Charlotte. Philadelphia Union loanee Jimmy McLaughlin will also be a player to watch for Harrisburg, as the winger has been consistently dangerous in his performances for the City Islanders this season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday night, with the admission gates open at 4:30 p.m.  

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

Friday, July 4, 2014

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – With a win and a draw, the Des Moines Menace can punch a ticket for the PDL Playoffs.

To earn a postseason berth for the first time in three years, Des Moines (7-1-0) needs just four points over its remaining six games. A Saturday-Sunday doubleheader at WSA Winnipeg is the Menace’s first chance to clinch.

The Heartland Division’s top two teams qualify for the PDL playoffs. Fresh off a weekend sweep of Thunder Bay, Des Moines leads the division with 21 points. Thunder Bay (6-5-1, 19 points) sits in second; all three of the defending PDL finalists’ remaining matches come against St. Louis (3-2-3, 12 points). St. Louis hosts Thunder Bay on Saturday.

The Menace have held WSA Winnipeg (2-5-2) in check over the past four years. Des Moines leads the series 7-0-1 against Winnipeg, whose only standings point against the Menace came from a 2-2 draw on June 12, 2012.

If things go the Menace’s way in Winnipeg, Des Moines could clinch the Heartland Division title at Valley Stadium on July 12 against St. Louis.

ABOUT THE MENACE
- Under second-year head coach Mike Jeffries, is 7-1-0 in its 21st season of PDL play.
- Has conceded only six goals in PDL play (all scored by Thunder Bay) – second best in the league (Seacoast United Phantoms, five).
- Holds a 6-0-0 record when leading at half; has outscored PDL teams 11-1 in the first half.
- Chris Hellmann leads the team with 13 points and six goals – all coming in the last six games.
- After assisting three Hellmann goals last weekend, Sean Dong is tied with Nico Wright for the team’s assists lead (three).
- Has more wins through just eight games compared to all of 2013 (6-6-2 record).
- The team has more points in eight games (21), compared to 2013 (20).

ABOUT WSA WINNIPEG
- 2-5-2 in its fourth season.
- Returner Moses Danto has four goals in six games to lead the team.
- Comes off an idle weekend; in its most recent action, settled for a pair of 3-0 losses to Thunder Bay on June 20 and 21.
- Best season in franchise history was 2012 (3-8-5, 14 points).
- Eduardo Badescu leads the team as head coach for the fourth year.

ALL-TIME SERIES
- Des Moines leads the overall series, 7-0-1.
- The Menace took two in 2013, 1-0 on May 18 at Valley Stadium and 4-1 on May 30 in Winnipeg.
- The Menace leads the aggregate scoring in the series: 24-8.
- Des Moines has scored four goals in a game on four occasions against Winnipeg.

UP NEXT: MENACE EYES PLAYOFF BERTH
The Menace will be at home next Saturday (July 12) against St. Louis. The 7:30 PDL match is preceded by the final 2014 action for the Menace women, who host Fire and Ice S.C. at 4:30 p.m.

Charlotte Lady Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Saturday, July 5, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Lady Eagles got a huge stoppage-time equalizer to earn a point against the Gulf Coast Texans as the teams played to a 1-1 draw at the Queens Sports Complex on Saturday evening. The result set up a showdown between the Eagles and Carolina Elite Cobras in the final game of the regular season next Saturday night at the Queens Sports Complex.  

The first half started off with both teams keeping good amounts of possession in each end, and there were a number of opportunities for both teams. Gulf Coast midfielder Happy Orere-Amadu had a pair of shots, but just couldn’t find the net as her efforts went just wide of the Lady Eagles goal both times.

Charlotte's Leah Fortune had a good chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute when her turnaround shot was swallowed up by Gulf Coast goalkeeper Carrie Crook. The two teams went into halftime scoreless.

Coming back for the second half the teams started evenly and continued to retain equal possession. Gulf Coast took the lead in the 52nd minute, however, when a ball was swung in from out wide. Lady Eagles defender Valorie O’Brien almost cleared it out, but Maria Jose-Rojas was able to head the ball into the left side of the goal behind Charlotte goalkeeper Robyn Jones.

The Lady Eagles turned up the pressure looking for the equalizer and it arrived in stoppage time. Fortune served in a corner kick and Amanda Naeher’s header found the back of the net to even the score.  Robyn Jones made a number of huge saves as Gulf Coast countered with some late momentum to keep the game even.

Charlotte will return home next weekend as the Carolina Elite Cobras come to town in a match that may decide the Southeastern Conference title. The Lady Eagles will need victory to earn a place in the W-League Playoffs as they sit two points behind both the Elite Cobras and Texans entering the final contest. Tickets are now on sale at www.charlotteeagles.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, July 5, 2014

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders used an electrifying first half to spring them to a 4-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night at the Skyline Sports Complex in front of 2,033 fans. The win marked Harrisburg's second victory of the season in front of their home fans, pulling them even with the Battery on 16 points in the USL PRO standings, two points behind the eighth-placed OKC Energy FC.

The City Islanders struck early and often as they scored three goals in the first 21 minutes. The opening goal came just seven minutes in after a Morgan Langley cross found Jimmy McLaughlin, who finished low into the right corner to give the Isles a rare early lead.

Just three minutes later, Jose Barril sent a set piece strike around the Charleston wall from the top-right corner of the penalty area and past Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper for a beautiful goal. It was then McLaughlin returning the favor to Langley as he set up the Hawaii native for his fifth goal of the season.

The Battery came into the match in the middle of the table, and hoped to make a move to tighten the playoff race in their second visit to Harrisburg this season. Strikers Dane Kelly and Andre Lewis showcased their elite speed as they consistently found room behind the Harrisburg defense. The pair combined for five shots, but Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble made four saves and an early breakaway from Lewis resulted in the ball sailing over the crossbar. 

The Islanders again struck early in the second half as Pedro Ribeiro found Matt Bahner with a masterful through ball three minutes in. Bahner went on the break and rounded the goalkeeper before he tapped into an open net for Harrisburg's fourth. Harrisburg held possession for much of the second half, and had one last opportunity after Clesio Bauque sent a rocket across the goal, though it would prove to be harmless as it rolled wide.

The Battery also had an early opportunity as Shawn Ferguson used a set piece shot to challenge Noble, who made a diving save to keep the visitors scoreless. In the 77th minute, Lewis would send his third shot wide across the goal. Frustrated with the physical match, Lewis was shown a red card for abusive language in the 81st minute. It was the eighth card of the match, each team receiving an even four.

Despite playing down a man, the Battery would earn a penalty kick with four minutes to go after an Islanders handball inside the 18-yard area. Jarad van Schaik calmly converted the goal into the upper-right corner, just out of reach of the diving Noble. The goal proved nothing but a consolation, however, as the City Islanders took an emphatic victory.

The City Islanders will look to build on their victory when they return home on July 18th for a clash with the Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Prior to that contest Harrisburg will visit the Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. next Saturday night at DOC Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.