W-League News Release

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced its Team of the Week for Week 9 of the 2014 season today, naming Gulf Coast Texans forward Maria Jose-Rojas as Player of the Week. The Chilean international had three goals in two games as the Texans secured a place in the W-League Playoffs in their inaugural season.

Jose-Rojas scored twice, and added an assist, as the Texans claimed a 3-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday afternoon. She then opened the scoring as Gulf Coast claimed a 1-1 draw with the Charlotte Lady Eagles, which secured their place in the Southeastern Conference Championship.

The Texans’ place in the postseason is secure as they hold the edge over the Carolina Elite Cobras in the Southeastern Conference standings. The season series between the two teams finished 1-1-1, while both have five victories, which means the third tiebreaker of goal difference has Gulf Coast (+12) ahead of the Cobras (+7). With Carolina facing third-placed Charlotte in its final game of the season, Gulf Coast cannot be overtaken for second place, even while the No.1 seed in the conference remains up for grabs for all three teams.

Charlotte’s Robyn Jones claimed the goalkeeper position in the Team of the Week as her 10 saves kept the Lady Eagles in contention against the Texans on Saturday. She is joined by a trio of defenders, with the Colorado Pride’s Holly King’s performance in her side’s shutout victory of the Colorado Storm that moved the Pride into second place in the Western Conference leading the way. Long Island’s Sue Weber also earned selection after helping shut down North Jersey’s attack in a key 1-0 victory for the Rough Riders, while K-W United FC’s Elysia Masters earned selection after a standout display in a 2-1 win against the Toronto Lady Lynx.

Jose-Rojas was joined in the Team of the Week forward line by the New York Magic’s Sara Sanau Ruiz, who had three goals in two games to keep her side in contention for the postseason. The Colorado Rush’s Danica Evans also earned selection as she recorded five goals in two victories against Santa Clarita and Sedona FC.

New Jersey’s Layla da Cruz leads the midfield group, as she scored three goals in two games as the Wildcats split a pair of weekend contests, while Ottawa’s Teresa Rynier was named as she scored twice in the opening 10 minutes in a 3-0 Fury victory against Laval that clinched the Central Conference regular-season title. Braddock Road’s Kristen Meier earned selection after her game-winner against New Jersey on Saturday kept the Stars Elite’s playoff hope very much alive, and the quartet is completed by LA’s Shawna Gordon, who had goals in both of the Blues’ victories against Seattle and Santa Clarita.

A total of 19 games are scheduled for the final week of the W-League regular season with five of the nine playoff berths still to be decided. The fight for the Southeastern Conference is set to be settled on Saturday, as the Charlotte Lady Eagles host the Carolina Elite Cobras with victory needed to advance to the postseason. Wednesday night brings a key game in the Northeastern Division’s fight for second place as the New Jersey Wildcats host the Braddock Road Stars Elite, while out west the Seattle Sounders Women’s visit to the Colorado Pride on Friday could determine the conference’s final postseason berth. Finally in the Central Conference, K-W United and the Laval Comets meet on Saturday in a likely conference semifinal preview, with the Toronto Lady Lynx needing victories against London and Ottawa to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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 – Savannah McCaskill; Colo. Pride – Mallory Weber; Colo. Rush – Civana Kuhlman, Pia Rijsdijk; K-W United – Leticia Skeete; LA – Katie Stengel, Mele French; Laval  – Genevieve Richard, Sabrina Santarossa; Long Island – Shelby Hala’sz; New Jersey – Sarah Price; New York – Denisha Thomas, Serina Kashimoto; Ottawa – Catherine Levasseur; Seattle – Anna Picarelli, Jaclyn Softli.

USL News Release

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The 20-man roster for the 2014 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game was announced on Wednesday, with standout players that bring experience from both USL PRO and the PDL selected to the inaugural event to be held as part of the MLS All-Star Game next month at Providence Park.

Half of the roster has gained experience in either USL PRO or the PDL, with the breakout star from the U.S. Men’s National Team’s campaign at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, DeAndre Yedlin, leading the way. Yedlin was an All-League selection in the PDL in 2012 as he led the Sounders FC U-23 to a Western Conference title prior to signing with Seattle Sounders FC before the 2013 MLS season.

The Chicago Fire’s Harry Shipp and Chris Ritter, both of whom played for the Fire U-23 in the past were also selected. Shipp is arguably the leading candidate for MLS Rookie of the Year this season, having recorded six goals and four assists in 15 games this season, while Ritter has recently moved into the Fire’s starting XI, making five starts in his rookie season.

Players who are currently starring in USL PRO also feature prominently, with OKC Energy FC goalkeeper Jon Kempin, on loan from Sporting Kansas City, and the LA Galaxy II’s Bradford Jamieson IV both selected to the side.

After a solid season with Orlando City in 2013, Kempin has claimed the No.1 position with Energy FC this year. The U.S. U20 international has started 13 games this season, and posted three shutouts, while also being named to the USL PRO Team of the Week on June 10.

Jamieson IV, meanwhile, has scored five goals in 13 appearances for the Galaxy II in his first professional season, while earning two selections to the USL PRO Team of the Week.

Others to have featured in USL PRO this season include the Sacramento Republic FC duo of Tommy Thompson, on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes, and Steven Evans, who also starred as part of the Portland Timbers U-23s side that claimed the 2010 PDL Championship before signing with the Timbers before the 2013 MLS season.

Other PDL alumni in the squad include Vancouver’s Russell Teibert, who competed across five seasons for the Whitecaps FC U-23 as he made the transition from the club’s academy to the professional ranks. Former Ventura County Fusion All-Conference selection Gyasi Zardes of the LA Galaxy was also named, as was the Sounders FC U-23’s Sean Okoli, who scored his first professional goal in this season’s U.S. Open Cup.

The 2014 MLS Chipotle Homegrown Game will also have an added PDL feel to proceedings as the Portland Timbers U-23s will provide the opposition at Providence Park on Monday, August 4. The Timbers U-23s include a number of top college players, including North Carolina’s Brendan Moore and Omar Holness, and Wake Forest’s Jacori Hayes. The side has been led this season by VCU’s Kharlton Belmar with eight goals, and should provide good opposition for some of the top young professionals in the country.

PDL Game Report

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

NEWARK, N.J. -- When Kene Eze's shot in the sixth minute found the bottom-left corner of the net, he didn't just give the Jersey Express an early lead against NJ LUSO Parma on Wednesday night, he also found the confidence boost he desperately needed.

"It's been very frustrating.  I kind of let it get to me a little bit. I was thinking about it too much," said Eze, who had gone scoreless the previous six matches. "I think I was trying too hard. Today I just wanted the game to come to me and luckily my teammates found me in a better position to score.

"It's a big weight (off my shoulders). I think after the first goal it made the goal look that much bigger. I was waiting to score the first goal and that made everything much easier."

Eze's early goal paved the way to a convincing 5-0 victory for the Express, who moved to the top of the Mid Atlantic Division standings with three games remaining in the regular season. After his early strike, it didn't take long for Eze to find the back the net again and again, showing why he's one of the league's most talented strikers. 

"He's a very talented guy and he's just been trying to get back into it fitness wise," said Jersey Express head coach Jeff Matteo. "Today, his pace and quality really showed."

Eze, who was selected by Toronto FC in the fourth round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft after a stellar career at Rutgers, has been trying to work his way back from a series of injuries this year. The Sayreville native said he's as healthy as he's been in a while and it showed early on.

After breaking through with a goal in the sixth minute, Eze took a Christopher Karcz pass down the left wing and sent a blast into the top corner to make it 2-0 just 11 minutes into the contest.

"Scoring early was key," Eze said. "We told ourselves, we'll come out hard, pressure them, score a couple of goals and keep the level high. It made everyone work that much harder."

The Express kept applying pressure as Karcz scored in the 15th minute and Walter Hines added a fourth in the 28th minute. Eze capped off the offensive barrage in the 35th minute with a breakaway goal off a long pass from teammate Andrew Tinari.

"I thought we did real well the first 40 minutes, putting pressure on them, putting them into bad situations," Matteo said. "A lot of the goals came off of us having a good defensive shape and they turned into real good chances. We did a great job of punishing them."

Tinari finished with two assists while Karcz and Hines each had a goal and an assist for the Jersey Express, which outshot NJ LUSO Parma, 10-3. Matthew Turner earned his second shutout of the season, making three saves, all of them coming in the second half. NJ LUSO Parma goalkeeper Ryan Baird made three saves in defeat.

The Express will try to maintain their lead in the division race as they travels to Brooklyn, N.Y. on Sunday for an 8:30 p.m. match at F.A. Euro. The side then closes out the regular season with home games on Wednesday, July 16 against Baltimore at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, July 19 against Long Island at 7 p.m.

Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com

Thursday, July 10, 2014

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Sounders Women earned a crucial point Wednesday night against the Colorado Rush, with Jaclyn Softli scoring on a 90th-minute penalty kick to earn Seattle a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The tie kept Seattle (6-3-1) within three points of the Colorado Pride (7-2-1) in the race for the second and final Western Conference playoff spot.

Seattle will travel to face the Pride on Friday and can move into second place with a win.

The Sounders had the first chance to get on the scoreboard in the sixth minute after a nice passing play between midfielder Joana Houplin, forward Lyndsey Patterson and forward Ifeoma Onumonu in Rush territory. Onumonu drilled a shot to far post that went inches wide.

Colorado opened  the scoring in the 27th minute when forward Gabbi Miranda crossed to the right side of the penalty box where forward Sid Otto chipped a shot out of goalkeeper Anna Picarelli’s reach and into the top-right corner of the net.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw both teams equally matched and possession was kept on both sides of the field. In the 55th minute Colorado almost added to its lead as midfielder Lauren Kaskie sent a shot on goal from 20 yards out, forcing Picarelli to make a fantastic save.

Seattle responded as Softli crossed in the 60th minute to midfielder Emma Follis, who sent the ball just wide of the near post. The Sounders had another chance to equalize in the 73rd minute as Softli sent a through ball to substitute M’ily Reiter, who drilled a shot inches from far post.

The equalizer came when Emma Follis took control at the top of the box and beat one defender in the 90th minute. As she slid the ball back outside to beat a second defender, she was pulled down from behind. Softli calmly took the PK, going top right and easily beating Rush keeper Sabrina Macias.

Laredo Heat News Release -- www.laredoheatsc.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

LAREDO, Texas – The Laredo Heat must produce perfection, beginning with Thursday’s Mid South Division match against the Mississippi Brilla, if they are to continue their decade-long run of postseason qualification. With three matches left, the Heat sit five points outside the division’s final playoff berth – held by the Midland-Odessa Sockers (6-4-2, 20 points). Essentially, for Laredo, the playoffs start now.

After a heart-breaking loss to the Brilla (3-5-3, 12 points) on July 5 in Clinton, Miss., the Heat have their backs against the wall. The Brilla stole the match at the death, winning a penalty kick in the 88th minute. The conversion cemented a 2-1 victory for Mississippi and served as the prologue to this weekend’s two-match series at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex. The Heat host the Brilla on Thursday and Saturday with both matches kicking off at 8 p.m. CT.

Laredo, the only Mid-South team to play on natural grass in a soccer-specific venue, stand 2-1-2 at home with a plus-5 goal differential, while Mississippi is 1-3-0 with a minus-3 differential on the road.

For Laredo, postseason qualification hinges on every tackle, every shot and every match. The Heat (4-4-3, 15 points), if they win out, would finish with 24 points. The Sockers face just two remaining games, with the opportunity for a maximum of 26 points, but their schedule holds more treacherous challenges on paper.

Midland-Odessa faces the defending PDL champion Austin Aztex (10-1-1, 31 points) on Friday. Austin has only suffered two losses in the last two years – both via the Heat – but it may field a reduced team as it has already clinched the Mid South title and qualification in the Southern Conference Championship.

For the Heat to have a chance to qualify for the postseason, the Sockers would have to drop points – by losing or drawing – one of their final matches against Austin or the Houston Dutch Lions.

There are several potential scenarios that could see the Heat qualify, with some help. Assuming the Heat claim maximum points and the Sockers finish with a draw and a win, the postseason qualification process would go to tiebreakers, the first of which -- head-to-head results -- favors the Heat. Laredo took a win and a draw against the Sockers this season, which would give the Heat the upper hand should the teams finish with the same amount of points.

But, in order for that possibility, the Heat need to win and need the Sockers to lose at least once.

All the action can be watched for free online at www.YouTube.com/LaredoHeatSC.

Each home game will see the Heat offer four fans a chance at winning $500. If the randomly selected fans can bury an undefended penalty kick at halftime, they will win $400 for themselves and $100 to the evening’s selected benefactor.

Thursday’s match will be Laredo Community College Night, with LCC Community Outreach staff on hand to assist prospective students and offer college information and exciting giveaways. Registration for Summer Session 2 and the Fall 2014 Semester is under way at LCC. The LCC Palominos Pride Team will offer a special half-time cheer and dance performance.

PDL News Release

Thursday, July 10, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced its Team of the Week for the 10th week of the 2014 season on Thursday, with Reading United AC forward Brett Campbell named Player of the Week. Campbell had two goals and three assists as United took a pair of victories to move back into the playoff positions at the top of the Mid Atlantic Division.

Campbell had a hand in all four goals as United took a 4-2 victory against the Baltimore Bohemians on Wednesday, July 2. Campbell’s goal proved to be the game-winner against the Bohemians, and he also added assists on each of the other three goals. On Saturday he had another goal in a 2-0 victory against the Northern Virginia Royals that left Reading well placed to reach the postseason for a seventh consecutive season.

Ocala’s Kyle Breitmeyer was also named in the Team of the Week attack as his pair of goals led the Stampede to a 3-0 victory against IMG Bradenton Academy, and within striking distance of the club’s third consecutive division title. Cincinnati’s Rowin van Zaanen was also selected after his pair of goals led the Dutch Lions to a crucial 3-0 victory against the Carolina Dynamo that moved Cincinnati to the top of the South Atlantic Division.

The Team of the Week defense is led by FC Tucson’s Tim Harbison, who helped his side claim the Mountain Division title by shutting out the Albuquerque Sol F.C. on Saturday night. Harbison is joined by the St. Louis Lions’ Blake Jones, who was solid in his side’s 1-0 win against the Thunder Bay Chill, and Vancouver’s Reynold Stewart, who had a goal in the Whitecaps U-23’s 4-1 win against Washington and performed well in a shutout victory against Lane United. Goalkeeping honors go to Mississippi’s Carl Blundell, who recorded seven saves in the Brilla’s 2-1 victory against Laredo.

Austin’s Chuy Cortes led the midfield selections after his late game-winner against Midland-Odessa earned the Aztex a second consecutive Mid South Division title, while San Jose’s Seth Casiple was named after his goal helped keep the Earthquakes U-23’s playoff hopes alive in a 2-1 victory against Ventura County. CFC Azul’s Luke Perry earned selection as he had the only goal in a key Northeast Division clash with the Real Boston Rams, and the quartet was completed by Southern West Virginia’s Jake Ramsey, whose two goals led the King’s Warriors past the River City Rovers and kept his side alive in the South Atlantic Division playoff race.

The PDL season continues this weekend with 32 games on the schedule for the penultimate weekend of the season. Games to watch include a key contest in the South Atlantic Division as the West Virginia Chaos and Cincinnati Dutch Lions meet at Schoenbaum Stadium with first place on the line on Friday night. Saturday’s action sees a key Great Lakes Division contest as K-W United will try to overtake the Chicago Fire U-23 when it hosts them at Wilfrid Laurier University Stadium, while Sunday could see the CFC Azul clinch the club’s first postseason berth as they host the Western Mass Pioneers.

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 – Austin: Devin Perales, Adam Black; Baltimore: Mamadou Kansaye; CFC Azul: Stephen Sasso; Cincinnati: Chris Harmon; Des Moines: Chris Hellmann, Javi Lopez-Mochon; FC London: James Pucci, Tyler Hemming; GPS Portland: Nicholas Melville, Zach Zurita; Houston: Gustavo Alvarado, Kelvin Iloba; K-W United: Jack Warburton; Kitsap: Daniel Gonzalez, Brodie Steigerwald; Long Island: Shaun Foster, Keith Detelj; Michigan: Adam Grinwis, Brad Vanino; Midland-Odessa: Tucker Hume; Mississippi: Dustin Ashley; Montreal: Frederic Lajoie Gravelle; Ocala: Lex Craggs, Lewis Hilton; Pittsburgh: Arkangelo James, James Merriam; Reading: Shane Campbell, Alex Bono; San Jose: Daniel Kuczynski; SC United: Braeden Troyer, Eric Suarez; Seacoast: Ryan Alex; Southern West Virginia: Jeremy Payne; St. Louis: Vadim Cojocov; Thunder Bay: Gavin Hoy, Stuart van Doten; Toronto: Taylor McNamara, Callum Home; Victoria: Blair Sturrock, Kevan Brown; Westchester: Ryan Williams.

PDL Game Report

Thursday, July 10, 2014

LAREDO, Texas – With their postseason hopes hanging before them, the Laredo Heat claimed a 3-2 victory against the Mississippi Brilla at the Texas A&M International Soccer Complex on Thursday night. Laredo's Yair Hernandez bookended the scoresheet with a brace in the 3-2 victory, as goals in the 44th and 73rd minutes moved the Heat within two points of the Midland-Odessa Sockers with two games remaining in the regular season.

After dropping behind in the 35th minute to Mississippi (3-6-3, 12 points), Hernandez produced perfection off his left boot nine minutes later for the equalizer. After settling a wild rebound just two yards outside the penalty area and right of center, Hernandez cut one touch toward goal and bent a finish over the sprawling hands of Brilla goalkeeper Addison Watson. Irving Villanueva entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute before a stretch of three Heat corner kicks, and broke the tie with a rocket in the 68th minute.

Hernandez completed his brace five minutes later with a right-footed rocket from the right edge of the penalty area. Hernandez has featured in every outfield position for the Heat (5-4-3, 18 points) through different points of the season, but the most impressive aspect of his performance on Thursday was that he found the net despite manning a backline position.

The Brilla opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Stephen Robertson streaked into the Heat’s penalty box between the center backs. He took one deft touch before slotting his shot under Heat goalkeeper Jorge Ortega. The Brilla’s final goal came in the second of four minutes of stoppage time when Leonard Smith III struck from 15 yards out, just right of the penalty spot, but the Heat were able to hold on for a vital three points.

With the victory, the Heat maintain their outside-looking-in pace in the Mid South Division. With only the top two Mid-South teams qualifying for the Southern Conference Championship, the Heat sit just two points behind the Midland-Odessa Sockers and 13 behind the division champion Austin Aztex. The Aztex host the Sockers on Friday in a pivotal match that will affect the final standings. If the Heat win their final two matches – against the Brilla on Saturday and at the Houston Dutch Lions next week – they have a chance to finish with 24 points on the season. The Sockers would finish with 26 points if they win out, while a win and a draw could knot Laredo and Midland-Odessa at 24 points.

Should the teams finish level on point, the PDL’s tiebreakers follow head-to-head records between the tied teams, followed by amount of wins and finally goal differential. If the Heat and Sockers tie, Laredo would advance via a 1-0-1 record against Midland-Odessa.

The Heat have never failed to qualify for a postseason in nearly a decade, and will continue their push toward the 2014 tournament with their home finale against the Brilla on Saturday at 8 p.m. CT. The match will be live streamed at www.YouTube.com/LaredoHeatSC.

Each home game will see the Heat offer four fans a chance at winning $500. If the randomly selected fans can bury an undefended penalty kick at halftime, they will win $400 for themselves and $100 to the evening’s selected benefactor.

Arizona United SC News Release -- www.arizonaunited.com

Friday, July 11, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Arizona United Soccer Club is pleased to announce the signing of forward Long Tan, pending USL PRO and USSF approval. Tan will be part of the traveling squad for Arizona United SC's match against Orange County Blues FC on Saturday that will be streamed on arizonaunited.com at 7 p.m. PT. 

"We couldn't be happier to have Long Tan join our organization," Arizona United Soccer Club head coach Michael Dellorusso said. "He is a dynamic, attacking player, who has shown that he can score goals. He will fit in very well with the way we play and we look forward to him making an immediate impact."

Tan, 26, joins Arizona United SC after appearing in seven matches for the Chinese Football Associations Super League's Harbin Yiteng FC.

Born in Dalian, Liaoning, Tan played for the Shanghai United FC U-18's before he made his professional debut for Pudong Zubon F.C. in 2007-08, where he made appeared in 16 matches and scored 6 goals. Tan moved to the United States and joined the PDL's Atlanta Blackhawks in 2009 and amassed seven goals in 12 matches.

Tan joined FC Tampa Bay of the USSF Division 2 Pro League in 2010. Tan played one season in Florida, and logged more than 1,700 minutes, and 3 goals in 25 appearances. His rights were traded to Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps and he proceeded to make his MLS debut on March 26, 2011, becoming the first Chinese-born to play in an MLS match. In two seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Tan appeared in 17 matches and notched one goal. Tan was traded to D.C. United midway through the 2012 MLS season and made six appearances before he joined USL PRO's Orlando City SC in 2013. In his lone season in Orlando, Tan appeared in 25 matches and scored six goals.

In a unique twist, Tan will be playing for the only professional soccer team in America owned 100% by a Chinese-American, Kyle Eng. 

“To be clear our first priority was to sign a high-caliber player to help our team make the playoffs, and Long Tan fits that bill" said Eng, whose father was born in China. "For that player be Long, and for him to be from China, is an added bonus of cultural pride for me.”

For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets go online at arizonaunited.com. Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer or Twitter @AZUnitedSC.

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

Thursday, July 10, 2014

CINCINNATI – After a 3-0 win against the Carolina Dynamo in their final home game of the regular season in front of more than 500 fans, the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC (6-2-3, 21 points) travel south this weekend to play the West Virginia Chaos (6-3-3, 21 points) on Friday and the Dynamo (5-5-1, 16 points) on Saturday.

Should the Dutch Lions win both games, they would clinch the South Atlantic Division title, and a place in the postseason. The big game of the weekend is on Friday when the Dutch Lions play the Chaos at Schoenbaum Field. The two teams enter the contest level on points, and with both sides having taken victory in the previous two meetings this season, the winner on Friday night would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker should they end the season even in the standings.

“I am very much looking forward to what could be called a “decider” on Friday, because the decision of this game will likely provide the division's winning team," Head Coach Terry Nicholl said. "We finished our last game on a high note and we need to find the same effective performances from everyone. We looked good going forward and tight at the back. Energy and enthusiasm will be needed in these tough back-to-back games helping us to power past our opponents."

Cincinnati has been led this season by Jeff McClure, who has six goals, while three other players -- Jordan Grant, Chris Harmon and Rowin van Zaanen -- have each scored four goals apiece. Only the winner of the South Atlantic Division advances to the playoffs, which means the Dutch Lions and Chaos will both be focused on earning all three points.

Saturday's game against Carolina will likely also prove important in the playoff race, with the Dynamo still mathematically alive to return to the playoffs. Carolina needs to win all three of its remaining games, meaning the Dutch Lions would eliminate them from contention with victory at Macpherson Stadium.

Following this weekend's pair of games, the Dutch Lions will travel to Louisville for their last regular season game against the River City Rovers on Saturday, July 19. 

Colorado Pride News Release -- www.pridewleague.com

Thursday, July 10, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado Pride face two crunch matches, beginning this Friday evening at Colorado College's Washburn Field against fellow W-League playoff contenders the Seattle Sounders Women, that will determine their postseason fate. Currently second in the Western Conference, the Pride know victory on Friday night would clinch a playoff berth, but a defeat to the Sounders Women would open the door to missing out.

"For a new team to the W-League to make the playoffs in our first year would be historical," said Colorado Pride General Manager Sian Hudson.  "We certainly came into the year with the playoffs as one of our objectives, so to be this close to achieving it is pretty special."

The team has exceeded expectations in its inaugural season. In players like Mallory Weber, Sarah Schweiss, Holly King and Lara Kane, the Pride have a strong nucleus of talent, as well as a relentless commitment to working for the team. Weber and Schweiss are among the league leaders in goal scoring and assists, while players like Kane, King and local standout Catherine Ruder sure up the midfield and defense.  The results are impressive.  Pride have scored 28 goals from ten league matches, the fifth highest in the W-League, while only allowing 7 goals scored against them, ranking them the league's fourth stingiest defense.

Head Coach Daniel Clitnovici believes that preparation and hard work are keys to Pride's first year success. 

"From the very beginning, we have focused the players on working for each other and for the team,"  he said. "We've not acted like a first-year club, because it's too convenient an excuse not to commit to complete and total success. This teams destiny is in our hands, we have a roster full of very special, very talented players, and we have worked very hard to be in second place. There is no reason why our team can't make playoffs."

Friday's match offers a stern test of the Pride's intent. The Sounders Women, affiliated with Major League Soccer's club of the same name, trail the Pride by three points in the conference standings after a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rush on Wednesday night. Should Seattle take victory, it would move into second place thanks to its head-to-head record with the Pride, who fell 3-0 to the Sounders Women in their first meeting of the season.

Should Friday night's game finish in a draw, then attention would immediately move on to Sunday's contest with Arizona's Sedona Strikers, who visit Washburn Field to close the regular season. While the Pride would clinch a postseason berth, and a meeting with the LA Blues next weekend, with a draw against Seattle and a win against Sedona, Clitnovici has only one path in mind. 

"We want to win these final two matches, and go into the playoffs with confidence," Clitnovici said. "Every game at the W-League level is a tough one; I and the rest of the coaching staff have full faith in our group of ladies."

W-League News Release

Friday, July 11, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The race for the playoffs in the W-League will be decided in the regular season’s final weekend, with postseason berths in all four conferences still up for grabs. Only four of the nine postseason berths have been claimed so far to set up a big weekend of action across North America.

The Southeastern Conference will be decided on Saturday, as the Charlotte Lady Eagles host the Carolina Elite Cobras to decide which side joins the Gulf Coast Texans in the postseason. The Lady Eagles enter the contest at the Queens Sports Complex (7 p.m. ET, YouTube) knowing they must win in order to jump past Carolina Elite and into the playoffs. The two teams have already drawn twice this season, and the same result would put the Cobras into the postseason for a second consecutive season.

The key weekend action gets underway on Friday night as the Colorado Pride host the Seattle Sounders Women at Colorado College’s Washburn field at 7 p.m. MT. The expansion Pride have had an outstanding first season in the W-League and would claim a postseason berth with victory, but the Sounders sit only three points behind and would take the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams should they earn victory on Friday and on Sunday against the Colorado Storm.

Second place in the Northeastern Division could be decided on Saturday, with games between the Long Island Rough Riders and New York Magic, and the Braddock Road Stars Elite and North Jersey Valkyries set to determine which side will face the Washington Spirit Reserves in the conference title game. Braddock Road holds the inside track to the berth and would clinch a spot with victory against the Valkyries ahead of the Rough Riders thanks to their win and draw against Long Island this season.

Long Island and New York, meanwhile, will both aim for victory and hope for a slip from the Stars Elite that would move either the Rough Riders or Magic into second place. Long Island claimed a 1-0 victory in the last meeting between the two teams after a 0-0 draw in their first meeting of the season, so a tense, playoff-style game is likely at Long Island’s Cy Donnelly Stadium.

Finally in the Central Conference, K-W United will try to clinch second place in the conference on Friday night as it faces the Quebec Dynamo ARSQ at 7 p.m. ET. United, which sits a point ahead of Laval and Toronto, would move four points clear and earn the right to host next week’s conference semifinal with a victory against the Dynamo.

Attention would then switch to Saturday night, as United completes its trip to Quebec by facing the Laval Comets. The Comets currently hold the conference’s third and final playoff place and would clinch a postseason berth with victory against United. Should they fail to claim victory, the door would open for the Toronto Lady Lynx, who sit tied with Laval at 17 points. A win for Toronto against Ottawa combined with a draw between K-W and Laval, or a draw with the Fury if the Comets lose to United, would send the Lady Lynx to the postseason.

Select games from the final weekend of the W-League regular season 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 News Release

Friday, July 11, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League will host a free grassroots soccer clinic in conjunction with the National Guard on Friday, July 25 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The event, open to the first 72 boys and girls ages 16-18 who register online, will take place from 1-5 p.m. and focuses on college recruiting, individual technical development and team-based tactical training. The clinic offers players the opportunity to hone their skills in a fun atmosphere with direction from top youth, college and national team coaches.

“With the W-League Championship being held at IMG Academy for the second consecutive season, hosting a National Guard soccer clinic is a great opportunity for the W-League to give back to the local soccer community,” said Amanda Duffy, Senior Director of the W-League. “The clinic will feature top-level coaches who are well known throughout the domestic and international soccer communities, and provide players of all skill levels the opportunity to learn in a fun atmosphere.”

Players may register online for the free National Guard grassroots soccer clinic at http://www.formstack.com/forms/uslsoccer-ngclinic.

Immediately following the clinic the W-League will host its two semifinal matches, with the winners of each match advancing to the 2014 W-League Championship presented by Nike on Sunday at IMG Academy.

United Soccer Leagues and the National Guard have teamed for the second consecutive year to offer a series of free development clinics for youth soccer players throughout the nation. The clinic curriculum focuses on individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games and coached scrimmages, all presented in a fun, positive learning environment.“Players, parents and college coaches who attend a grassroots soccer clinic are excited to learn all the benefits the Guard offers to help their children succeed in life,” said Master Sgt. Shawn Stone, program manager for the National Guard’s soccer program.  “In addition to college tuition assistance for every Guard member, we offer exciting career skills for more than 150 jobs.

“Both coaches and parents get excited to hear there is alternative financial assistance for college available through Guard membership,” Stone said.

The 2014 W-League Championship presented by Nike will feature four conference champions from throughout North America, with the semifinals held Friday, July 25 and the final set for Sunday, July 27 at IMG Academy Stadium. Admission for all 2014 W-League Championship matches is free.

Ocean City Nor'easters News Release -- www.oceancityfc.com

Thursday, July 10, 2014

OCEAN CITY, N.J. -- When the Ocean City Nor’easters take on Reading United AC on Friday evening there will be an air of anticipation, not only because these two divisional rivals are in a Mid Atlantic Division playoff battle, and their history of beating each other up dates back more than a decade, but because there will be something special happen during the game. That something special, however, will happen when both teams will not even be on the field of play. 

During halftime, Ocean City Nor’easters and PDL legend, Byron Carmichael, will once again take center stage, just as he did during his eight-year PDL playing career from 2004-2011. The Nor’easters will honor Carmichael as their first ever Hall of Fame inductee. 

“For a couple of years now we have been discussing the idea of creating a Hall of Fame to honor the great players we have had throughout our 19-year history,” Neil Holloway, Nor’easter Executive Director said. “For me, Bryon is a legend, and it is only right that he becomes our first ever inductee.”

Holloway was not only a teammate but also Head Coach and General Manager during Carmichael’s eight years, “He was one the best target player and one of the best goal scorers I have ever played with and certainly the best I have coached. You could throw him in the team now and I am sure he would still score goals. As a coach he was always the first name on my roster,” Holloway said.

Carmichael played 113 games, totaling 7,975 minutes during his PDL career, and he remains the Nor’easters all-time leading goal scorer with 63 goals, and leader in goal assists with 24 assists.  It is no surprise that he was the team offensive MVP from 2007 to 2011.

Reflecting back on his career Carmichael spoke of some of the greatest moments in the Nor’easters history. 

“There are so many memories created from playing with The Nor’Easters that I will cherish for the rest of my life and will be able to tell my daughter Kelsey," Carmichael said. "Some memories that stand out are playing in the US Open Cup Third Round against D.C. United, travelling to Bermuda for regular season games, winning the Eastern Conference title on the road in Ottawa, a crazy trip to Des Moines, Iowa for the  PDL National quarterfinals, to name a few. There are so many. 

“It’s not fair to just talk about one memory because there are so many great experiences that I was able to contribute too. It was a great eight years playing for one of the best organizations in the PDL. I want to thank all my teammates throughout the years, the OC fans who are the best in the PDL, and everyone for being part of my journey”.

Carmichael spoke with a smile on his face about the Nor’easters historic Lamar Hunt U.S. Open run in 2009, when he was also voted Open Cup Player of the Round in the First Round. However, that was not his only glory in the Open Cup. His record in the competition is second to none. He scored nine Open Cup goals in 10 appearances, leading Ocean City to four upsets over professional teams throughout the years.

Ocean City Nor’easters President Giancarlo Granese couldn’t speak highly enough of the club all-time leading scorer.

“I was lucky to witness Byron at his best, a sensational striker with incredible finishing skills," Granese said. "He had great elevation and was so strong, he was the prototype of what a striker should be. Most importantly he was a friend and a great teammate to all the players. He was a leader on the field and very influential in the locker room, having a positive influence on all the younger players. He was a legend and still is”.

USL President Tim Holt also paid tribute to one of the outstanding figures in the PDL's history.

"Congratulations to Byron on this extremely prestigious and well-deserved honor," Holt said. "He was not only a great player, but an excellent ambassador for the club and league for many years. The hundreds of hours that he spent interacting with fans and actively working to develop young players within the club dwarfs the number of goals he scored and is a key part of his legacy. His achievements as a player in USL and Open Cup competitions helped Ocean City solidify its reputation as a force to be reckon with against teams from all levels of American soccer."

Carmichael is thrilled about his induction.

“It is an honor to be the first inductee into the Nor’easters Hall of Fame," he said. "I’m very excited to be recognized by one of the best organization in the USL. I couldn’t have received this honor without the support of my wife, parents, brother, sister, and the rest of my family. I want to thank my father who has been one of my biggest supporters during my soccer career for pushing me to be the best player that I could be. Also my wife, who supported me by coming to all my games and being so understanding when I was away for periods of time during the summer.

”I am grateful to the Ocean City Nor’Easters who allowed me to continue my dream of playing professional soccer and want to thank Mr. Granese and Neil Holloway for giving me a place to continue my soccer career."

Super-20 League News Release

Friday July 11, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – For the second consecutive year, all matches at the Super-20 League Championship presented by Nike will be streamed live thanks to a partnership with Tourbeau Sports. All group stage matches will be available live and on-demand with audio commentary, while the championship match will be available for free on YouTube.  Tourbeau Sports will provide live scoring, HD-quality broadcasts and live audio commentary for each match of the Championship.

Twelve teams have qualified for the 2014 Super-20 League Championship presented by Nike, with the event set to open Thursday, July 17 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The field includes six returnees from 2013 including semifinalists the Toronto Lynx Jrs., who fell 1-0 last year against the eventual champion, Force FC. Other returnees include, Beachside SC of CT, 2012 champion the Chicago Fire, IMG Academy, Ironbound SC, and Junior Lone Star FC.

“It is always an exciting opportunity to watch the top U20 players in the country competing for a North American Championship,” Super-20 League Senior Director Ryan Brooks said.  “We are eager to welcome the 12 teams who have demonstrated excellence throughout the summer months to Bradenton, and wish them the best of luck on the fields.”

A blind draw was conducted and the teams have been drawn into two groups of six for the group stage.

2014 Super-20 League Championship

Each team will play three group games from Thursday through Saturday, with the group winners advancing to Sunday’s championship match.

Tourbeau Sports Group has produced live broadcasts of U.S. Soccer National Team Friendlies, U.S. National U17s and U20s, as well as USSF Developmental Academy Playoffs. Tourbeau also works alongside several USL PRO clubs including the Richmond Kickers and Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Tourbeau has also served as the production company for other major soccer events for the NWSL and US Youth Soccer.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the entire staff of USL for their support to invest their resources and give TSG the opportunity to provide quality HD productions for the second consecutive year at IMG,” Tourbeau Sports Group President Chase Neidig said. “Both of our organizations understand the importance of providing major coverage for the top under-20 players in the country, and most importantly giving the clubs, families and fans a destination to connect for a digital game-day experience from afar.

“As a soccer-specific production company, we see this partnership with USL as a growing one, and as the next step in our desire to provide professional video streaming services to soccer organizations at the professional level for a fraction of the price of most production houses,” added Neidig.

The Super-20 League Championship group stage matches are available as a pay-per-view option for all fans, as well as on-demand by navigating to the Tourbeau Sports Group Network at: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/tourbeau.portal. All games will also be available for order after the tournament in the form of HD video files, so players, coaches and fans can have a great memory and tool from the

Championship. Videos can be ordered from Tourbeau Sports Group at: http://www.tourbeausportsgroup.com/video-downloads---orders.html.

The 2014 Super-20 League Championship will also serve as an important player identification event for the PDL, as well as for U.S. National Teams. PDL coaches will be in attendance to scout talent, along with USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor, a longtime USSF Staff Coach.

The Super-20 League Championship found a new home in 2012 at the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and education complex at IMG Academy. For the next several years, the Super-20 League Championship, the W-League championship, the W-20 Championship and Super Y-League North American Finals will all be held at the Bradenton complex, an amazing opportunity for some of the best talent on the continent.

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.

2014 Super-20 Championship Schedule

Group A

Group B 

Finals

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, July 11, 2014

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos defeated FC Dallas Reserves 3-0 at Sahlen's Stadium on Friday night as goals by JC Banks, Colin Rolfe and Alec Sundly earned victory that allowed Rochester to snap a three-game winless streak. Rhinos rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy earned his eighth shutout in 14 career starts for Rochester as the Rhinos solidified fifth place in the USL PRO standings.

Rochester opened the scoring in in the 21st minute when Jonny Mendo'/za received the ball on the right flank and served the ball into the box. Banks made a near-post run, but left the ball to set up striker Rolfe for a blistering first-time shot on goal. FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez made a reflex save at point-blank range to deny Rolfe, but Banks spun off his initial run and was there to tap in the rebound for his sixth goal of the season.

Rochester doubled its advantage in the 31st minute as Alex Dixon led a counter-attack down the left flank, only to be fouled 40 yards from goal. Sundly served the ensuing free kick into the Reserves box from 40 yards out on the left flank . Rhinos center back Babacar Diallo won a header 15 yards out on the right side of the penalty area that found Rolfe on the left post, and he hit home a volley from 12 yards. The goal was Rolfe's first league goal of the season. He had previously scored in three of the Rhinos' four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches including the upset victory over D.C. United.

The FC Dallas Reserves had their best chance of the second half in the 65th minute when attacking midfielder Danny Garcia was played through on the left side of the Rhinos penalty area. After taking two aggressive touches toward goal Garcia played a cheeky back heel to Hollingshead who was behind him. Hollingshead approached the ball and hit his shot to the far post but, Rochester Rhinos rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy dove to his left to parry it away. The rebound found FC Dallas right midfielder Jonathan Top at the top of the Rhinos box, and he hit the bouncing ball with a half volley on goal, but McCarthy was already back on his feet to smother the shot.

United closed out the game in the 87th minute, when Rochester's Lance Rozeboom picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch 35 yards out. Rozeboom carried the ball to the top of the penalty area before he played a delicate through ball to Sundly on the left side of the FC Dallas box. Sundly took his first touch away from a Reserves defender, settled the ball with his second touch, and then finished past Gonzalez. The goal was Sundly's first as a professional.

McCarthy made three saves for his seventh clean sheet in 11 league starts this season.

The Rhinos next home match is Saturday, July 2014 at 7:05 p.m. against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available by by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available. 

PDL Game Report

Friday, July 11, 2014

LOS ANGELES -- The LA Misioneros clinched a place in the postseason as they took a 1-0 victory against the OC Pateadores Blues on Friday night at George Carver Stadium. Chris Smith had the only goal of the game as the Misioneros ended the regular season and set up a playoff opener against Mountain Division champion FC Tucson in Las Vegas next Saturday.

“We came out to win, and nothing less tonight,” said Misioneros head coach Cruz Hernandez. With the win, the Misioneros finished second in the Southwest Division, a point behind the Ventura County Fusion, who also claimed victory on Friday night in their final game of the regular season to win the division title. 

“We had a great run this regular season, a couple stumbles along the way, but we have fought adversity and are now one step closer to the 2014 PDL Playoffs,” said Misioneros general manager Daniel Collazo. “We couldn’t have done this without the help of all the players and coaches, including coach Ever [Morataya] and Eric [Garcia], they initiated the season well, we are now just finishing it.”

The Misioneros pressured the Blues high in their field early in the game, and created a pair of opportunities. The only goal, and winning goal for the Misioneros, came early in the 16th minute when midfielder Alex Mendoza places in a great solid pass to Smith, who finished the play with a blast past the Blues goalkeeper Jake McGuire to make it 1-0.

The Misioneros would remain on the front foot in the attacking third as they placed five other shots on target, three of these shot all coming from the young striker Kyrian Nwabueze.

Orange County had a late chance to equalize when they were awarded a free kick just outside the top of the penalty area. The shot rebounded off the crossbar, as the Misioneros held on for all three points and a place in the postseason.

The Misioneros have met their opening opponent in the playoffs, FC Tucson, in previous seasons. Tucson was part of the Southwest Division in its first two seasons, but this year became part of the newly-created Mountain Division. The Misioneros have never taken victory against Tucson, with an 0-1-3 record all-time.

“We are aware of our opponent, but we are confident that with the enormous amount of talent we carry, we will battle our way into playoffs,” said Collazo.

The Misioneros will take on FC Tucson this upcoming Saturday, July 19th at the UNLV soccer stadium, while the Fusion will face Mountain Division runner-up the BYU Cougars in the day's other game. Kickoff is yet to be scheduled, with the two winners set to move on to the Western Conference Championship where they will face the Northwest Division champion Kitsap Pumas, and one of the Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 or Victoria Highlanders FC.

PDL Game Report

Friday, July 11, 2014

REDMOND, Wash. -- All season long, the Kitsap Pumas have been checking goals off their list once they’ve reached them.

They checked off a few more items on Friday night as they defeated the Washington Crossfire 3-1 at Redmond High School. The win gives them the PDL Northwest Division title, the third time in club history that they’ve won a division title. They also clinched the Ruffneck Cup, the third straight time they’ve won the derby trophy.

The win also fell on the exact day that they won its first division title in 2009. Kitsap also won the division in 2011 en route to its first and only PDL Championship.

“It’s always good to win,” head coach Andrew Chapman said, sporting a bit of a wet shirt from the water cooler that was dumped on him in the locker room celebration. “It’s a good spot to be in in this area [to compete in the Northwest Division] because it allows you to get ready to get through the postseason.”

The Pumas got a fantastic game from the Gonzalez brothers. Older brother Miguel scored the first hat trick in club history, while younger brother Daniel was a threat on the right wing all evening, making big runs and putting a ton of pressure on the defense.

Gonzalez scored his first goal in the 31st minute when Chuy Sanchez fed him a ball in open space that allowed him to make some good moves to get off a shot and score. He got his second in the 42nd minute when he took a free kick and got a break with a deflection off the wall that found the back of the net.

“The guy made a perfect header right into the corner,” he said with a laugh. “You can’t argue with that.”

His third came in the 55th minute when Joaquin Rivas found him wide open on the right side and he finished superbly.

The Crossfire got back into the match in the 60th minute when goalkeeper Matt Grosey was whistled for a foul in the penalty box after he tackled a Crossfire player in the box. Liam Kelly converted the attempt by burying it into the right corner.

Grosey said he disagreed with the call.

“In my opinion, when I slid [into the tackle] I didn’t touch the guy,” he said. “But the ref saw something else. I kinda disagreed with it but it is what it is. I almost had the penalty too, but he took it well.”

Despite losing the shutout and Brodie Steigerwald, who left soon after Miguel’s first goal with an apparent concussion, the Pumas defense did not bend. Blake Robinson came on for Steigerwald and performed well in his place.

“We knew what we had to do,” Grosey said. “Defensively we kept it sound. We had a couple of shaky moments here and there but we did well. Blake stepped in and did real well. He picked it up right where Brodie left off and didn't disrupt our back line at all.”

With the win and the bye into the Western Conference semifinals, Sanchez said it was a welcome turnaround for him, Cody Shelton and Seb Jansen, who suffered through a lost 2013 season when the Pumas missed the playoffs completely for the first time in club history.

“It always feels good to accomplish a goal that you set,” he said. “When the Pumas gave me a chance to stay here, I had one thing on my mind and that was winning the division. A lot of times last year I felt like I could have helped to win a couple of the games that we tied, so that was frustrating. So when I stayed here, that was my goal was to get us back to being division champions as it should be year in and year out.”

But he said they won’t rest on their laurels.

“I think this makes us more hungry,” Sanchez said. “We tasted victory and we’re super hungry for that national championship now. It’s not over – this journey is not over for us just yet.”

Braddock Road Stars Elite News Release – www.bryc95elite.com     

Friday, July 11, 2014

FAIRFAX, Va - In their final regular season match of the 20114 W-League season Saturday, the Braddock Road Stars Elite (4-6-1) host the North Jersey Valkyries (2-4-4) for their second meeting in three days.  While the Washington Spirit Reserves have clinched the top seed in the Northeastern Conference, all five remaining teams are still competing for the second and final playoff spot this weekend.  With a win Saturday, the Stars Elite advance to face the Spirit Reserves.

On Thursday night, the Valkyries defeated Braddock Road 1-0 with the lone goal coming from forward Stefanie Scholz late in the second half (80’).  With playoff hopes for both teams on the line, the sides battled for 90 minutes in the pouring rain.  Even though the Stars had more shots on goal, the Valkyries ultimately earned the vital three points. 

Despite earning just one point in their first six games, the Stars Elite find themselves in control of their own destiny.  After a crucial 3-0 victory Wednesday night against the second-place New Jersey Wildcats led by Rachel Moore’s brace, Braddock Road will advance to the playoffs with a win Saturday in their first season in the W-League. 

North Jersey still has playoff dreams of its own.  If the Valkyries win their two remaining games they will move from last place into contention for the final playoff spot.   

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Samuel J. Coffey Stadium at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia.  Admission into the game is free.  Live game updates will be available via twitter (@BRStarselite) for those fans unable to attend Saturday’s match. 

Albuquerque Sol F.C. News Release -- www.abqsolfc.com

Friday, July 11, 2014

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – During the Albuquerque Sol’s final regular season game this Saturday night, the late Pat Grange will be remembered and honored during ALS Awareness Night. The first 250 fans into the stadium will receive a commemorative Pat Grange T-Shirt. Gates open at 6pm. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. The Sol will be retiring Grange's number in a special halftime commemoration. 

Grange played soccer for the University of New Mexico and in the PDL with the Chicago Fire U-23. Grange died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS – more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) at the young age of 29 in April of 2012. He was recently profiled in a feature piece by ESPN's E:60. 

The Sol are also taking action towards addressing the issue of mild traumatic brain injury in sports by announcing their collaboration with VisionQuest Biomedical in developing an inexpensive, portable, easy-to-use concussion screening application called ConQuest.

VisionQuest Biomedical, an Albuquerque-based research and development company, specializes in advancing medical technologies for clinical environments. VisionQuest has obtained a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research grant for developing ConQuest. By assessing neurocognitive and neurosensory symptoms, ConQuest will be the first completely objective method for evaluating mild traumatic brain injury. It is their hope trainers and coaches everywhere will be able to accurately and easily assess athletes for mild traumatic brain injury.

The Albuquerque Sol and VisionQuest will announce their collaboration toward developing ConQuest this Saturday, and welcome all fans to demo the device and supply valuable feedback. This Albuquerque-based partnership intends to honor a memorable individual in addition to taking the initiative toward giving coaches and players a diagnostic tool to premptively assess brain injury. This tool would then encourage people to seek appropriate medical care in cases of brain trauma that otherwise would have gone untreated.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, July 12, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Adda Djeziri recorded two assists and a team-high two shots as OKC Energy FC extended its current unbeaten streak to seven games by blanking the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0 on Saturday night in front of 3,619 fans at Pribil Stadium.

Djeziri’s first assist put Energy FC up 1-0 in the fifth minute. After a foul near the corner of the Riverhounds’ penalty area, Djeziri sent a free kick to the front of the Pittsburgh goal, where Michael Thomas headed it past Riverhounds goalkeeper Mike Lisch for his third goal of the season.

OKC extended its lead in the 19th minute when Djeziri stole the ball from Pittsburgh defender Alfonso Motagalvan 25 yards in front of the Riverhounds’ net. Djeziri found Dan Delgado just outside of the Pittsburgh six-yard area, where Delgado fired a shot that deflected off Motagalvan and into the Pittsburgh goal for his first goal for Energy FC.

In what was his second start of the season, Energy FC goalkeeper Samir Badr made two saves, including a diving stop on a headed corner kick by Pittsburgh's Jose Angulo in the 49th minute. Badr earned his first clean sheet of the season with the 2-0 win.

The Riverhounds outshot Energy FC 13-8, 11 of which came in the second half. Despite managing fewer total shots than Pittsburgh, OKC doubled the Riverhounds in shots on goal, 4-2.

With the win, Energy FC improved to 6-7-3 on the season and retained the eighth and final playoff position in the USL PRO standings, while the Riverhounds fell to 3-10-5. Energy FC’s next game is 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 17, against Arizona United SC at Pribil Stadium.