USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, August 30, 2014

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Rochester Rhinos snapped a four-game winless streak as they took a 4-1 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday night in the regular season finale at Skyline Sports Complex in front of 2,257 fans. Three second-half goals allowed the Rhinos to take their first regular-season victory in Harrisburg in the USL PRO era, and solidified their position in the playoff positions in the league standings.

Rochester wasted no time to open the scoring as Jonny Mendoza ran the ball down the sideline and played a cross to JC Banks. The ball hung in front of the net and was turned  home by Coady Andrews for an own goal. Harrisburg hit back in the 23rd minute on a goal by Morgan Langley as Yann Ekra played a spectacular ball over the Rochester defense to find Langley, who tapped it between goalkeeper John McCarthy's legs and into the net. Robbie Derschang also caused havoc to no avail for the City Islanders, sending a great opportunity just over the crossbar as they teams went to the break level.

The second half, however, was a different story. Rochester took control of the game as it struck three times to take the match and a cushion in the playoff race. Tony Walls, who scored in the Islanders' visit to Rochester, assisted Alec Sundley in finding the net for the Rhinos second goal in the 48th minute, which would prove to be the game-winner. The Rhinos didn't finish there as leading scorer Banks stole the ball from the Islanders' back line and beat Harrisburg goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre to the far post. Babacar Diallo recorded the last goal for the visitors, cleaning up a mess in front of the goal after a corner kick.

It proved to be a rough night for Sylvestre as he took Nick Noble's place after a red card last week kept the City Islanders' regular starter on the sidelines. Sylvestre allowed three goals before David Flynn came on for relief in the 79th minute. Sylvestre was shaken up on multiple occasions, forcing head coach Bill Becher to make a change late in the match. The Islanders racked up three second half cautions, as Andrews, Langley and Rapael Cox each were shown a yellow card.

Harrisburg's best opportunity in the second half came when Jimmy McLaughlin hit the crossbar on a lob that would have beaten McCarthy had it been on frame. McLaughlin's return came at a crucial time as dynamic forward Clesio Bauque will be returning to Portuguese club SL Benfica, who loaned him to Harrisburg.

With the result, Rochester advanced to sixth place in the USL table, one point ahead of seventh-placed Harrisburg. The City Islanders need one victory to clinch a playoff berth. The Islanders will play matches on consecutive days; first on Friday, September 5th against the Charleston Battery and then Saturday, September 6th against the Charlotte Eagles to close the regular season.

Season tickets for the 2015 Harrisburg City Islanders season are on sale now! Visit CityIslanders.com or call (717)441-GOAL (4625) for details and to purchase.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, August 30, 2014

IRVINE, Calif. -- Orange County Blues FC held the Richmond Kickers to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Anteater Stadium as it played one of its best games of the season. While results earlier in the evening had eliminated the Blues from playoff contention, a good finish by Andrew Hoxie earned Orange County a point against the third-placed Kickers.

In what was a crisp, technical, and tactical chess match, Richmond struck first when a poor clearance out of the Blues end fell right to Jason Yeisley. The Richmond striker returned it with considerable interest, smashing it past Pepe Miranda in the Blues' goal in the 18th minute for his third goal of the season.

The Blues stormed back as a multi-pass move found Seung Ju Kim on the right hand side. He curled a delightful ball in and Hoxie charged into the penalty area to finish with a flying header to level the score six minutes later.

The match continued to produce end-to-end action, and the pendulum swung from side-to-side as each team dominated pockets of the game. In the second half, Kim saw his effort from 18 yards fly well over the goal, while Gabriel Gonzalez had a shot from just outside the penalty area, but Richmond goalkeeper Ryan Taylor was equal to the task.

Substitute winger Enrique Cardenas almost recorded a shock victory for the Blues in stoppage time after Richmond had been reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of defender Conor Shanosky. The former Anteater weaved his way into the penalty area and struck his shot with plenty of venom, but Taylor was the hero with a stunning save to deny the home side a famous victory.

The Kickers will travel up the 405 to face the LA Galaxy II on Monday night in a battle between the top two scoring teams in USL PRO. Richmond will look to maintain its hold on third place in the standings, as it sits three points ahead of Los Dos with two games remaining in the season. 

Orange County has a week to recover before ending the season just as they started it, with a home match against OKC Energy FC on September 6th. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT at Anteater Stadium on the campus of UC Irvine. It’s Fan Appreciation Night, where OC Blues FC will reward the fans for their loyalty with fun games and great prizes. The first 500 fans will receive a commemorative match-day poster, presented by Tifo Apparel, and LucyVegas.com will award a free trip to Las Vegas to a lucky Blues fan in attendance. For the best ticket pricing, call (714) 738-8011 or email seats@bluessoccerclub.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, August 30, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Battery powered their way into the USL PRO Playoffs behind a hat trick from forward Dane Kelly and superb performances from goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper and midfielder Zach Prince as they defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-0 on Saturday night in front of a crowd 4,181 at Blackbaud Stadium.

“We got knocked in the teeth on Wednesday at Sacremento but the players bounced back,” said Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser after the match. “We are doing a great job of getting goals and Cooper is keeping them out.”

After nearly putting the Battery ahead in the 31st minute, Kelly opened the scoring with a marvelous left-footed shot in the 38th minute. Zach Prince picked up the assist with a through-ball into the penalty area after collecting a pass from midfielder Jose Cuevas. After receiving Prince’s pass, Kelly used one touch to beat his defender and ripped a shot into the right side of the goal.

Pittsburgh had an opportunity to tie the game in stoppage time of the first half. Charleston defender Quinton Griffith committed a foul in the box and the Riverhounds were awarded a penalty kick.

Pittsburgh forward Jose Angulo stepped up to take the penalty and Cooper saved the initial attempt only to watch as Angulo poked the rebound past Cooper and began to celebrate. However, the referee waved off the goal because Cooper was ruled to have stepped off the goal line on the attempt. The referee gave Cooper a yellow card and ordered the penalty be retaken. 

Angulo took the second kick after a slight delay and sent his shot to Cooper’s left. Cooper guessed correctly and made the second stop. The rebound fell to the feet of defender John Wilson, who quickly knocked the ball out of play. The spectacular performance from Cooper earned him a standing ovation from supporters as the halftime whistle blew. 

Kelly added his second goal just minutes after the second half started. Cuevas sent a ball down the left wing and Kelly beat his lone defender before slotting the ball past Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap to make the game 2-0 in the 47th minute. 

Kelly scored again in the 54th when a pass found him sprinting down the middle of the field 35 yards from goal. Kelly danced past one defender and the goalkeeper before walking the ball towards the goal. He blasted the ball home from five yards out to cap off his night and give the Battery a three-goal advantage. 

Prince finished off the Riverhounds with a masterful strike in the 68th minute. Dante Marini got the play started when he passed the ball to Prince in the middle of the field on the edge of the box. Prince turned and found himself surrounded by defenders ,but his nifty footwork helped him escape before he finished with his right foot from 12 yards out. 

After the two saves on the penalty kicks, Charleston keeper Odisnel Cooper continued to turn away shots in the second half to preserve the clean sheet for Charleston. 

The Battery will next face the Harrisburg City Islanders in the final game of the USLPRO regular season on Friday, September 5 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets for Battery home games are available starting at $10, to purchase tickets or for more information please call 843-971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Sunday, August 31, 2014

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Orlando City SC (18-4-4, 58 points) celebrated its 100th USL PRO match with a convincing 7-0 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions (6-17-4, 22 points) at ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWOS) on Saturday night.  The victory moved the Lions a step closer in their pursuit of the USL PRO regular season championship.

Midfielder Kevin Molino continued his excellent attacking form during the win, scoring his second hat trick of the season while providing two assists. The midfielder’s 2014 goal tally now stands at 19.

“I’m pleased for the boys because the past few weeks haven’t been easy," Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "It’s nice to get a result like that, moving six points ahead with two games to go. We’ve given ourselves a really good opportunity. I’ve said in the past that we’ve left a lot of goals on the table, but today we went after it.”

Orlando went on the attack early on in the game, putting Dayton Goalkeeper Matt Williams under immense pressure. After hitting the post and forcing Williams to make several saves, the Lions opened the scoring in the sixth minute of play when Molino calmly curled Giuseppe Gentile’s pass into the back of the net.

Gentile and Molino proved to be a dangerous tandem all night, breaking down the Dutch Lions’ defense on several occasions. As a result, Gentile scored his second goal in Purple and White in the 38th minute after pouncing on a rebound originally struck by Molino.

Two minutes later, Gentile was once again involved in an Orlando City goal, creating a prime scoring opportunity for Molino. The striker latched onto Molino’s pass and hit a shot that was saved by Williams, but the goalkeeper’s deflection landed in Molino’s path setting up a comfortable finish for his 18th goal of the season.

City opened the second half with the same relentless attack from the first 45, scoring in the opening four minutes from Darwin Cerén’s cross in the box. Cerén’s service found Molino for a clear look at goal, but the Trinidadian unselfishly opted to knock it wide to da Luz whose powerful volley found the back of the net.

The scoring continued in the 57th minute when Molino bagged his second hat-trick of the season. The Trinidadian pounced on another save from Williams on Gentile’s strike, slotting home his third goal of the night.

Three minutes later Molino continued to cause problems for the Dutch Lions’ defense, playing a crafty through ball to Mbengue who went one-on-one with the ‘keeper.

The Senegalese midfielder took his chance well and carefully placed the ball into the back of the net to give the Lions a 6-0 advantage with 30 minutes remaining.

Shortly after, Rafael Ramos created the final finish for Orlando, whipping a precise ball into the box for da Luz, who nodded home a strong header for his second goal of the match.

PDL Feature

Monday, September 1, 2014

Former OC Blues Pateadores player Leo Stolz had the only goal as No. 4 UCLA took a 1-0 victory against No. 22 North Carolina on Sunday night at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Bruins’ victory was their second in North Carolina during the weekend following a win against Wake Forest on Friday night.

The lone goal of the game arrived in the 31st minute as UNC goalkeeper Brendan Moore (Portland Timbers U-23s) came off his line to clear a cross. His punched clearance came to Stolz, who sent a low shot in off the left post.

“We had a mature performance tonight,” UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo said. “The trip to North Carolina has helped us reveal where we are as a group. Three consecutive halves of shutouts and four goals on the road is a solid platform to build upon during the early phase while we continue to evolve our style of play.”

Ventura County Fusion goalkeeper Earls Edwards made a pair of saves to earn the shutout as the Portland Timbers U23s’ Omar Holness threatened for the Tar Heels, who were unable to add to their season-opening upset of California.

No. 1 NOTRE DAME 0, No. 9 GEORGETOWN 0: Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Tomas Gomez had seven saves as the Hoyas earned a draw with the top-ranked Fighting Irish at Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Ind.

Notre Dame had more opportunities, but the Hoyas had the best chance of the game. Baltimore Bohemians forward Brandon Allen got on the end of a cross by Alex Muyl, only for Notre Dame goalkeeper Patrick Wall to save.

No. 10 MICHIGAN STATE 3, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 0: Goals by the Portland Timbers U-23s Fatai Alashe, Chicago Fire U-23’s Adam Montague and Michigan Bucks’ Zach Carroll earned the Spartans victory against the Panthers at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Mich.

Alashe opened the scoring in the ninth minute as he converted from the penalty spot. Carroll recorded his first goal for the Spartans in the 24th minute as he pounced on a loose ball from a corner kick and buried a finish. Montague wrapped up the victory in the 66th minute with his first goal of the season.

No. 15 UC IRVINE 3, PACIFIC 0: Former Ventura County Fusion midfielder Gor Kirakosyan was on target as the Anteaters took victory against the Tigers at Anteater Stadium in Irvine, Calif.

OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Mats Bjurman helped the Anteaters open the scoring as he found fellow Blues player Cameron Iwasa, who set up Eduardo Calzada for the finish in the 37th minute. Kirakosyan doubled the lead in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, before Renato Torquato capped the scoring with 13 minutes to go.

No. 19 UMBC 2, SACRED HEART 1: Baltimore Bohemians forward Kay Banjo had both goals and claimed tournament MVP honors as the Retrievers took back-to-back victories at the Doubletree BWI Classic at Retriever Park with victory against the Pioneers.

Banjo opened the scoring in the 10th minute as he volleyed home a cross by Michael Scott. Sacred Heart hit back just before the halftime break, but Banjo notched his second in the 50th minute to give him two goals and two assists in UMBC’s opening two games of the season.

No. 21 WISCONSIN 4, XAVIER 0: St. Louis Scott Gallagher Super-20 forward Mark Segbers had a pair of goals as the Badgers took victory against the Muskateers at the McClimon Complex in Madison, Wisc.

After a scoreless first half, Chicago Fire U-23 forward Jacob Brindle opened the scoring in the 54th minute for the Badgers off a cross by Fire teammate Drew Conner. Segbers added his first six minutes later, and wrapped up the scoring with nine minutes to go as Brindle added an assist to his earlier goal.

W-League Feature

Monday, September 1, 2014

Former LA Blues forward Makenzy Doniak had two goals and an assist as No. 3 Virginia remained perfect in the early season with a 5-0 win against Villanova on Sunday afternoon at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

The Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead behind goals from Kaili Torres, who tapped home a through-ball by former Dayton Dutch Lions’ W-20 player Alexis Shaffer, and Veronica Latsko, who scored her first goal for the Cavalier after a good turn and shot following a pass from Olivia Hazelrigg.

Doniak then took over after the halftime break. The junior scored her first goal of the day less than three minutes into the second half as she blasted home a through-ball by Brittany Ratcliffe, and then added a second in the 56th minute. The two goals moved Doniak into Virginia’s all-time top 10, where she now sits tied with Lori Lindsay at 33 goals.

Doniak added an assist seven minutes later as she set up Ratcliffe for her third goal of the season on a breakaway.

“We were able to learn some more about our team today,” said Cavaliers head coach Steve Swanson. “This was the first time we played on Sunday after a Friday game. We need to get used to that, especially in these hot conditions because that is what we will see next week in Alabama. We have been looking at different lineups and different roles for each player. At times we showed our quality today, but we still need to work on doing that consistently.”

No. 1 UCLA 2, SAN DIEGO 0: The LA Blues’ Sam Mewis was on target as the Bruins remained undefeated with victory against the Toreros at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles.

The game reached the halftime break scoreless, but 2014 All-League midfielder Sarah Killion created the opening goal in the 56th minute as she stole possession and found her Blues teammate, who fired home from distance. The Bruins added to their lead through Kodi Lavrusky in the 68th minute, and that was enough as UCLA earned a fourth consecutive shutout to start the season.

No. 5 FLORIDA 4, OKLAHOMA STATE 0: Savannah Jordan and Havana Solaun each scored as the Gators took victory against the Cowgirls in Stillwater, Okla.

Former Ottawa Fury player Solaun gave Florida the lead less than three minutes in, but the Gators didn’t put the game away until late in the second half. Jordan, the 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year for the Atlanta Silverbacks, doubled the lead with 16 minutes to go, and Florida then added a pair of goals in the final 10 minutes to earn its third win of the season.

No. 17 PEPPERDINE 1, No. 9 NORTH CAROLINA 0: The LA Blues’ Lynn Williams had the only goal as the Waves took victory against the Tar Heels at Rokus Field in Malibu, Calif.

Williams struck in the 71st minute as she controlled a weak clearance just outside the penalty area and fired a left-footed shot into the top-right corner of the net. The goal was Williams’ second of the season, to go with a pair of assists in four games.

No. 15 GEORGETOWN 5, TOWSON 0: Former LA Blues midfielder Daphne Corboz scored twice as the Hoyas took victory against the Tigers in Towson, Md.

Corboz and Vanessa Skrumbis each scored twice in the first half for Georgetown, as the former Blue opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a low shot into the left corner. Corboz then took advantage of a clever back-heel by Kaitlin Bast to add her second of the game, and fourth of the season.

No. 21 CALIFORNIA 5, PORTLAND STATE 0: The Seattle Sounders Women’s Taylor Comeau and Bay Area Breeze’s Hannah Koski both found the back of the net as the Bears remained perfect with their fourth win of the season at Negoesco Field in San Francisco.

Comeau gave the Bears the lead in the 24th minute as she slipped a finish past the advancing goalkeeper. Koski added a late goal from the penalty spot as the Bears cruised to victory.

LA Galaxy II News Release -- www.lagalaxy.com

Sunday, August 31, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II (14-7-5, 47 points) will the Richmond Kickers (13-2-11, 50 points) Monday at StubHub Center’s Track & Field Stadium in Week 25 of USL PRO action, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT live on www.lagalaxy.com.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

The match marks the only time Los Dos will face off against Richmond in the USL PRO regular season this year. Richmond, led by head coach Leigh Cowlishaw, is currently in third place in the USL PRO standings, just three points ahead of Los Dos.

Less than a week after clinching a USL PRO home playoff quarterfinal in their inaugural season, Galaxy II will look to build a winning streak after they defeated the Real Salt Lake Reserves 1-0 on Monday. Forward Charlie Rugg scored the game’s only goal, as he headed home a free kick from midfielder Andre Auras in the first half.

The Kickers are coming off a 1-1 draw against Orange County Blues FC on Saturday night. Jason Yeisley opened the scoring for Richmond, but Orange County's Andrew Hoxie notched an equalizer with a diving header to leave the game level.

Following the match against Real Salt Lake Reserves, Curt Onalfo’s squad will play their final game of the USL PRO regular season when they face Sacramento Republic FC on the road Saturday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. PT.

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).

USL PRO Game Report

Monday, September 1, 2014

MONTREAL -- The Charlotte Eagles earned one out of a possible three crucial points on Monday afternoon as they played to a 1-1 draw with the Montreal Impact Reserves at Stade Saputo. Maxim Tissot and Jorge Herrera scored within five minutes of each other in the first 10 minutes of the game to leave the Eagles' slim playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Tissot picked up a loose ball on the left edge of the penalty area before dribbling his way across the top of the box and slotting a shot home to the far post past Alec Kann in the fifth minute. Kann was able to get a finger to it, but couldn't push the ball far enough away and it snuck in the far post.

Charlotte responded well in the next five minutes as JJ Greer nearly missed tying the game off a Herrera corner kick. On the ensuing possession Richard Dixon forced the Impact Reserves defense into a turnover at the top of the penalty area. Zak Boggs picked up the loose ball and fired a shot low to the far post. Homegrown Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was able to get a touch on it, but Herrera was left unmarked at the back post and tapped the ball into the goal to even the game at 1-1.  

Herrera now leads the Eagles with nine goals on the season. This also puts him in a tie for eighth place in the league in goals. 

The first half ended with both teams exchanging possession but neither side came close to threatening to take the lead.

The second half opened with Charlotte looking to press the attack a bit more as the Eagles looked for a crucial second goal that would secure three away points. Second half substitute Drew Yates had Charlotte's best chance midway through the second stanza as he picked up a loose ball in the Montreal penalty area and fired a shot at Crépeau. The young Impact Reserves goalkeeper did well to get down and block the attempt and his defense helped him out by clearing the ball from danger.

Montreal was content to sit in and absorb Charlotte's attacks and looked to counter when given the chance. Late in the second half with Charlotte pressed high up the pitch the Impact Reserves came close but were denied once again by Kann and the Eagles defense.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and Charlotte now looks to its final USL PRO regular season home game against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday, September 6th as a must win. The Eagles are not mathematically eliminated from the playoff picture but will need a victory on Saturday and some help to get in to the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs.

Tickets for Saturday's match can be purchased on www.CharlotteEagles.com for a discounted rate until Friday night (midnight).

USL PRO Game Report

Monday, September 1, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II (14-7-6, 48 points) earned a 1-1 draw against the Richmond Kickers on Monday night at StubHub Center as Chandler Hoffman’s penalty in the first half was enough for a point on the night. With the draw, LA Galaxy II remains in fourth place in USL PRO standings, just three points behind the Kickers.

Los Dos took the lead two minutes before the halftime break after Jason Bli was brought down in the penalty area by Richmond’s Matheau Hall. Hoffman stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, bringing the score to 1-0. With the goal, Hoffman moved into sole possession of third place in the race for the USL PRO Golden Boot with his 13th of the season.

In the second half, Bradford Jamieson IV almost doubled Los Dos' lead when he hit the post in the 49th minute. Richmond leveled the game in the 68th minute, however, when William Yomby turned Shay Spitz’s corner kick into a goal with a powerful header from point blank range. The equalizer was the defender’s second goal of the season.

LA Galaxy II brought on Charlie Rugg and Travis Bowen to try and boost the side's attack following the equalizer, and the duo created multiple opportunities late in the match, but Galaxy II couldn’t find the back of the net before the final whistle as honors finished even.

Curt Onalfo’s squad will play their final match of the USL PRO regular season when they travel to play Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night at 8 p.m. PT at Bonney Field. The Kickers conclude their regular season with a game against Orlando City SC at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, also on Saturday night.

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).

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Charleston Battery fullback and midfielder Quinton Griffith has returned to his native Antigua and Barbuda for service on the country’s national team as it hosts a group stage in the 2014 Caribbean Cup this week.

The call-up is Griffith’s first since 2012, when the tiny island nation made it through the first CONCACAF group qualifying stage, only to fall in the second stage despite a series of competitive performances that caught the attention of footballers around the world.

The national team has been on hiatus since December 2012, making this Griffith’s first call-up as a Battery player.

The 22-year-old native of St. John’s, Antigua, has been capped in 28 FIFA-sanctioned matches, with four goals for his national team.

Griffith has figured primarily as a left midfielder for Antigua, which will host Anguilla on Wednesday at Antigua Recreation Grounds in his home town of St. John’s. On Friday the team takes on Dominican Republic before closing out the group with a match against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday.

Griffith joined the Battery in 2013 after two seasons in USL PRO with Antigua Barracuda FC. A versatile two-footed athlete with legitimate speed and power, Griffith began his career in Charleston as a midfielder but has been transitioning to defense for most of 2014. Though he has played at both outside midfield positions and left back, Griffith emerged this year as a Battery stalwart at right back for Coach Mike Anhaeuser.

Griffith will miss Friday’s match against Harrisburg. Charleston qualified for the playoffs last weekend, but the final preseason match remains significant as the team jockeys for seeding advantage.

“The timing’s not great,” Anhaeuser said. “But it’s a fantastic opportunity for him to help Antigua move on to the second round of the Caribbean Cup.”

Griffith will return to Charleston by Sept. 9, and is expected to be available for the team’s match in the first round of the USL PRO Playoffs.

With John Wilson anticipated as Friday’s starter at left back on Friday, Anhaeuser will have multiple options as a fill-in for Griffith on the right, including Emmanuel Adjetey and veteran defender Taylor Mueller.

Kitsap Pumas News Release -- www.kitsapsoccerclub.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

BREMERTON, Wash. -- The Kitsap Pumas have named Cameron MacDonald as the club's new head coach, the club announced on Tuesday.

"We interviewed a number of candidates, and 'Cammy' was clearly the top choice," said Pumas owner Robin Waite. "His background of winning titles at Livingston FC and Aidrieonians in Scotland makes him the ideal man to take the club forward with both the first team as well as overseeing the growing youth program."

As a coach and player in the Livingston program, MacDonald has had a hand in developing some of the top prospects in Scottish soccer. He also had a strong influence on this year's Pumas side that reached the PDL Championship Game.

MacDonald played for the Pumas in 2013, and moved into a coaching role this past season as the assistant to Andrew Chapman. MacDonald is now eager to get started as they club builds toward the 2015 season.

"I'm delighted to be given this opportunity to manage such a strong club," he said. "I'm excited and can't wait to get going on this terrific project, going forward both on and off the field."

Working with MacDonald will be fellow Scotsman Shaun Scobie, who joins the Pumas after heading up the academy program at Livingston FC and at the West Lothian branch of Coerver Coaching.

Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysc.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC midfielder Darwin Cerén and defender Bitielo Jean-Jacques will join their respective national teams for upcoming fixtures.

Cerén is set to play four games with El Salvador in the Central American Cup 2014 USA, beginning on Wednesday, September 3 against Guatemala at RFK Stadium. Jean-Jacques will aim to earn his first cap at the senior level when Haiti takes on Chile at Lockhart Stadium on September 9.

The Central America Cup is being played on U.S. soil for the first time and will provide berths to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2016 Centennial Cup America. Following their opening contest against Guatemala, El Salvador will travel to Texas for a match-up against Honduras at the Cotton Bowl on September 7, before playing its final group game against Belize on September 10 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The tournament concludes on September 13 at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, with first place through third places matches scheduled throughout the afternoon.

Cerén has captained El Salvador since 2012, making 16 appearances for his native country – including several Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying matches. The defensive midfielder will miss City’s final regular season games against Wilmington on Sept. 3 and Richmond on Sept. 6, as well as the Lions’ first round playoff match on Sept. 13.

Haiti’s approaching fixture in Fort Lauderdale marks the third meeting between the Caribbean side and the South Americans, with the most recent result ending in a 3-0 victory for the South Americans in January 2013.  

Since joining the Lions earlier this season, the left-back has made seven appearances for City, including a recent start in their 7-0 win over the Dayton Dutch Lions. Jean-Jacques will return in time for Orlando City’s opening playoff match.

For more information on Orlando City SC, 2015 MLS Season Tickets or tickets to the Club’s remaining USL PRO home games, including the Lions’ first playoff game on Sept. 13,  visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.  Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 24 of the 2014 season on Tuesday as Charleston Battery forward Dane Kelly was named Player of the Week. Kelly had a hat trick to lead the Battery to victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night as Charleston clinched a place in the USL PRO Playoffs.

Kelly reached double-digit goals for the second consecutive season with an excellent performance against the Riverhounds, and gave the Battery the lead in the 38th minute as he ran onto a pass from fellow Team of the Week selection Zach Prince, drove to the top of the penalty area and lashed a shot into the top-right corner of the net. The Jamaican added a second two minutes into the second half as he gained possession 35 yards from goal on the left, zipped past his defender and lifted a finish into the right corner from 12 yards out. Seven minutes later he completed his hat trick, as a lifted pass from Prince put him in behind the Riverhounds’ defense for a simple finish.

Orlando City SC and Wilmington Hammerheads FC also had a pair of players selected to the Team of the Week, with Kevin Molino earning selection as he recorded a hat trick and two assists in the Lions’ 7-0 win against Dayton Dutch Lions FC. He was joined by Austin da Luz, who had three goals in two games for the Lions during the week.

Wilmington goalkeeper Brad Stuver earned selection as he conceded one goal in two games, including a seven-save performance as the Hammerheads took a 3-1 victory against Orlando last Thursday. Midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye was also named as he recorded a goal and an assist in the Hammerheads’ win against the Lions.

Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez led the remaining selections as his two goals led Republic FC past Charleston. Richmond’s Jason Yeisley was also named after a strong performance against Orange County on Saturday night. Rochester defender Babacar Diallo led a defensive trio after playing a big role in the Rhinos’ first victory in Harrisburg in the USL PRO era. He was joined by Pittsburgh’s Matt Dallman, who recorded his seventh assist of the season to lift the Riverhounds past Charlotte, and Orange County defender Brenton Griffiths, who was solid throughout as the Blues earned a 1-1 draw with Richmond.

The USL PRO regular season continues on Wednesday night as Wilmington Hammerheads FC try to clinch a place in the playoffs as they host Orlando City SC, while Thursday night brings a key game for OKC Energy FC as they visit Sacramento Republic FC needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Then, in the final weekend of the season, the final three places in the playoffs will be decided, with Wilmington, the Rochester Rhinos and Harrisburg City Islanders all looking to maintain their top-eight positions as the Energy, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charlotte Eagles aim to capitalize on any opening to grab a berth in the postseason.

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO season can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via USLPROSoccer.com.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Honorable Mention – Arizona: Matt Kassel; Charleston: Colin Falvey, Adam Mena; Charlotte: Fred Sekyere; Harrisburg: Yann Ekra; LA Galaxy II: Andre Auras, Charlie Rugg; Orange County: Andrew Hoxie, Seth Moses; Orlando: Giuseppe Gentile, Adama Mbengue; Pittsburgh: Miroslav Cabrilo, Michael Lisch; Richmond: William Yomby, Michael Callahan; Rochester: Tony Walls, J.C. Banks; Sacramento: Jake Gleeson, Steven Evans; Wilmington: Ashani Fairclough, Sunny Jane.

Tulsa Roughnecks FC News Release – www.tulsaroughnecksfc.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

TULSA, Okla. -- The Tulsa Roughnecks today unveiled the new team’s official colors, logos and uniforms. The Roughnecks will take the field in the spring of 2015 in USL PRO with the primary colors of orange and navy blue in their home and road kits.

The new logo features an iconic oil derrick set on top of a bold placement of Tulsa Roughnecks FC, the team’s official name. The renewed Tulsa Roughnecks FC logo is a tribute to the Tulsa’s legacy as the "Original Oil Capital of the World” and to the hard-working roughnecks who put Tulsa on the map. The oil derrick, the centerpiece of the new crest, stands for strength, tenacity, hard work, determination and power. The navy blue and Roughneck orange make up the official team colors and represent the loyal Tulsa community and its electric fans.

As with the team’s overall brand identity, the team’s marks and branding were designed in collaboration with Brandiose, a sports-branding company; and Walsh Branding, a local Tulsa branding and marketing agency. Both Brandiose and Walsh have a long history of working with teams and organizations to develop brands and their identities.

The team will have three main uniform combinations, with the third kit paying tribute to the “original” soccer Roughnecks and their 1983 North American championship, the only major sports title ever for the city of Tulsa.

At home, Tulsa will wear orange tops with the option of combining them with either orange or white shorts. On the road, the Roughnecks will feature navy blue jerseys with either navy or white shorts.

Both the home and road jerseys will also feature a lightly sublimated star on the backs with the number 83 inset.  It is to honor the original Roughnecks’ 1983 championship in the old North American Soccer League.

The alternate kits are replicas of the original kits that the original Roughnecks wore in their inaugural season in 1978.  The alternate kits feature the original colors of red, white and black.

The uniforms will be white with a pair of red stripes surrounding a black stripe, running vertically on both the jersey and shorts.  The jerseys will have red numbers with a black outline.  Sublimated lightly on the back will be the original Roughnecks logo with a roughneck soccer player in front of an oil derrick.

It is anticipated that all three versions will eventually feature a sponsor logo or message on the fronts.

“Our Roughnecks are a new team in USL PRO, and we wanted to give it a new and modern look,” said Roughneck General Manager Mike Melega.  “At the same time, we wanted to pay heritage to the original Roughnecks who helped popularize the game of soccer in our city, and we feel like we have done that with our third kit.”

The Roughnecks also announced that a full line of merchandise featuring the team’s new logo and colors is now on sale.  Items are available at the Black Gold Outfitters store at ONEOK Field, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and during the Tulsa Drillers playoff games this week.  Merchandise can also be purchased online through the team’s official website, TulsaRoughnecksFC.com.

Season tickets for the Roughnecks inaugural 2015 season in USL PRO are also now on sale with the club taking $75 per seat deposits to help fans ensure seating priority for games at ONEOK Field.  Tickets can be purchased in person at ONEOK Field, over the telephone by calling (918)744-5901 or online at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com.

PDL Feature

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

The University of Louisville wanted to make a big first impression as it took the field at Lynn Stadium on Friday night, and did just that in its first game as a member of the ACC with a 1-0 victory against No. 2 Maryland. Orlando City U23 midfielder Andrew Brody scored the winning goal for the No. 9 Cardinals and was named the ACC Player of the Week as a result, to lead the current and former PDL players honored for their performances in the first week of the NCAA Division I season.

Brody got on the end of a cross by FC Tucson’s Ricardo Velazco, this summer’s PDL Young Player of the Year, to lift the Cardinals to victory in front of a capacity crowd of 7,047. Brody’s finish also saw him named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week.

Joining Brody on the TDS Team of the Week was Michigan Bucks defender Zach Carroll, who had a standout performance as Michigan State recorded a pair of shutouts to start the season, and also added a goal in a 3-0 win against Florida International on Sunday.

LA Misioneros defender Edgar Contreras also earned selection after a strong weekend for UCLA that saw the Bruins take a pair of victories on the road in North Carolina. Contreras played every minutes as the Bruins held Wake Forest and North Carolina to one goal, and moved to No. 1 in the NSCAA Coaches Poll released on Tuesday.

A pair of Carolina Dynamo midfielders earned selection, with Duke’s Sean Davis and Charlotte’s Brandt Bronico both being named to the TDS Team of the Week. Davis earned MVP honors at the John Rennie Nike Invitational, and recorded three assists in the Blue Devils’ victory against Stetson, while Bronico had a goal and an assist to lead the 49ers to victory against Radford on Sunday.

Las Vegas Mobsters forward Salvador Bernal was named as he recorded his first collegiate hat trick in UNLV’s 4-3 win against Bradley on Sunday. Bernal, who had five goals in 12 games for the Mobsters in their inaugural season, was also named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his display.

Former Ocean City Nor’easters forward Tim Mulgrew rounded out the TDS selections as he led George Mason to a pair of victories at the #Kuykenstrong D.C. College Cup. Mulgrew had a hat trick as the Patriots defeated Howard in their opening game of the season, and also notched the only goal in a 1-0 win against American on Sunday as he also claimed Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week honors.

In conference awards, PDL players swept the Big East weekly honors as former CFC Azul player Markus Nagelstad was named Offensive Player of the Week as he scored four goals for the Friars in a 5-1 win against Rhode Island on Sunday. IMG Bradenton Academy’s Connor Sparrow claimed Goalkeeper of the Week honors as he recorded a pair of shutouts for the Bluejays in victories against Stanford and Santa Clara, while Baltimore Bohemians defender Josh Yaro earned Defensive Player of the Week honors as Georgetown earned a pair of draws against defending national champion Notre Dame and Indiana.

F.A. Euro’s Jonah Williams was named the American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week as Temple only allowed one goal in its opening two games. Williams was part of an Owls squad that didn’t allow a shot on goal against Sacramento State, and also added an assist in their victory. The OC Pateadores Blues’ Jake McGuire was also honored as he took Goalkeeper of the Week for Tulsa as he made 11 saves in two games for the Golden Hurricanes.

Former Jersey Express player Oniel Fisher was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week as he had the only goal in New Mexico’s victory against Akron on Friday night. He was joined by Orlando City U23 defender Ian Svantesson, who took Defensive Player of the Week honors for UAB as he scored twice to lead the Blazers to a pair of victories to start the season.

Baltimore Bohemians forward Kay Banjo took America East Player of the Week honors as he was named MVP at the Doubletree BWI Classic for UMBC. Banjo had a pair of goals in the Retrievers’ 4-0 win against LIU Brooklyn, and then added a pair of assists in a 2-1 win against Sacred Heart.

A pair of K-W United players took conference honors, with Nathan Ingham named the Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Week as he recorded a five-save shutout for Florida Gulf Coast against South Florida in a 2-0 victory to open the season. United midfielder Ricky Garbanzo claimed the Big South’s Attacking Player of the Week award as he had a goal and two assists in No. 17 Coastal Carolina’s 3-2 victory against No. 8 Connecticut on Friday night.

OC Pateadores Blues forward Michael Salazar was named Big West Offensive Player of the Week as he led UC Riverside to victory against Pacific with a hat trick. Salazar was making his debut for the Highlanders, and recorded the first hat trick in program history as Riverside took a 5-1 victory.

FC London midfielder James Dell earned Colonial Athletic Association Co-Player of the Week honors as he led UNC-Wilmington to victory against High Point on Friday night. Dell struck a fine finish from the top of the penalty area in the 28th minute that held as the game-winner for the Seahawks in their season-opener.

Long Island Rough Riders standout Dominick Sarle claimed the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week award as he scored twice in his first game for Monmouth after transferring from St. John’s. He was joined by Jersey Express goalkeeper Matthew Turner, who recorded a seven-save shutout for Fairfield in a 1-0 win against Army to claim Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Finally, former FC Tucson midfielder Danny Kirkland was named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Week as he led San Francisco to a 2-1 victory against No. 21 Wisconsin. Kirkland’s free kick just before halftime proved to be the game-winner as the Dons earned their first victory against a ranked opponent since 2007.

W-League Feature

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Pepperdine’s Lynn Williams, the 2012 W-League Rookie of the Year with the Pali Blues, leads this week’s list of players honored by their NCAA Division I conferences after she was named West Coast Conference Player of the Week. Williams scored twice and added two assists as No. 17 Pepperdine picked up wins against Florida Atlantic and No. 9 North Carolina. Williams contributed a goal and two assists in a 4-0 win against Florida Atlantic, then scored the game-winner in the 71st minute against North Carolina, hitting a strike into the upper right corner from outside the box as Pepperdine took down the No. 9 Tar Heels, 1-0.

Three-year Toronto Lady Lynx standout Sabrina D’Angelo was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after she notched her 21st and 22nd career shutouts against #22 Boston University and Milwaukee as South Carolina extended its home win streak to a program-best 14. D’Angelo kept the shutout streak alive with a diving save of a Milwaukee penalty on Sunday, and the Gamecocks scored three minutes later to take the lead.

The Pac-12 weekly honors included a pair of W-League veterans, with LA Blues defender Abby Dahlkemper selected as Defensive Player of the Week and 2012 LA Strikers keeper Caroline Stanley chosen as Goalkeeper of the Week. Dahlkemper helped UCLA record shutouts against San Diego and ninth-ranked North Carolina, anchoring a defense that went the first 348 minutes of the season without allowing a single shot on goal.  Stanley made seven saves in two games as USC swept the Notre Dame Invitational, defeating No. 9 Notre Dame 2-1 while stopping a late penalty kick for the Irish.

Nicole Waters of the Gulf Coast Texans earned her second consecutive Atlantic 10 Player of the Week nod, sharing the honors with Fordham’s Kate McDonnell after helping Dayton to a pair of wins. Waters netted the game-winning goal and added an assist in a 2-0 victory against UC Santa Barbara, then recorded three assists in Dayton's 5-1 win against Murray State. Waters, who spent 2012-13 with the Toronto Lady Lynx before joining Gulf Coast in 2014, leads the Flyers and the A-10 with 13 points in four games.

Junior Melanie Fox, a 2013 member of the Santa Clarita Blue Heat, was instrumental in Long Beach State’s victories against Georgia and Denver to earn Big West Defensive Player of the Week honors. One of only two 49ers field players to play the entire 180 minutes, Fox started the sequence that led to LBSU’s first goal against Georgia as she earned her first career assist.  Fox than anchored the defense in a 2-1 triumph against Denver, holding the Pioneers to only six shots and no corner kicks.

Hofstra Freshman Kristin Desmond, a 2014 member of the Long Island Rough Riders, was named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week.  Desmond contributed offensively and defensively as Hofstra cruised past Saint Joseph's 5-0 on Sunday, assisting on a goal by the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Amber Stobbs midway through the first half and playing a large part in a defensive effort that limited the Hawks to seven shots in the shutout victory.

University of Albany sophomore Caitlyn Patsios, a 2013 member of the FC Stars of Massachusetts W-20 squad, was chosen as America East Player of the Week after she tallied seven points in two games, including a career-high five points in a win against Siena on Sunday. Paltsios scored Albany’s lone goal in a loss against Syracuse Friday and added a goal and three assists vs. Siena. The three assists set an Albany single-game record.

Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC is scheduled to host Orlando City SC in its final home match of the regular season on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Legion Stadium. Looking to clinch one of the final three playoff positions, the Hammerheads are currently even with the Harrisburg City Islanders for the seventh seed position with three games remaining, and would earn a berth in the postseason with victory against the Lions.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

Wilmington and Orlando will meet at Legion Stadium for the second time in a week for a rematch following the Hammerheads’ 3-1 victory against the Lions last Thursday. Corben Bone was quick to put Wilmington on the board with a goal in the third minute. Austin da Luz equalized for Orlando just before halftime after knocking the ball into the back net following a few failed attempts by the Hammerheads defense to clear the ball from the penalty area.

Mark-Anthony Kaye and Sammy Ochoa would eventually lift the Hammerheads with two goals in the second half to secure the victory over the current league-leaders. Thursday’s win was the first victory for Wilmington in almost six weeks. Two days later, the Hammerheads hosted Sacramento Republic FC in a scoreless draw at Legion Stadium.

Orlando enters Wednesday’s match following a 7-0 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions on Sunday at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Kevin Molino tallied his second hat trick of the season as he raised his 2014 goal count to 19. The Lions can clinch the USL PRO regular season title with a draw on Wednesday night.

The Hammerheads are set to travel north for their final two matches of the regular season this weekend as they face Dayton on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET at DOC Stadium and the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium.

Fans in Wilmington are encouraged to join the Hammerheads organization and supporters for a live Watch Party on Friday and Sunday at Buffalo Wild Wings on Old Eastwood Road to cheer on the team as they play Dayton and Rochester for the final regular season matchups. Drink and food specials will be available.

For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC or to purchase tickets, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Wednesday, September 3

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Orlando City SC was crowned USL PRO Regular Season Champion for the third time in four seasons as the Lions earned the point they needed to clinch top spot in the league standings with a 0-0 draw against Wilmington Hammerheads FC on Wednesday night at Legion Stadium. The Hammerheads, who had defeated the Lions in their previous meeting in Wilmington, also moved another point closer to a place in the postseason with two games remaining.

The stakes were high for Orlando and Wilmington entering Wednesday's match. Orlando needed a victory or a draw to claim the regular season title for the third time and Wilmington was in search of a victory to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Hammerheads forward Cody Arnoux was quick out of the gate in the first half, and went close to opening the scoring in the 12th minute, but was denied by Orlando goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski, who made a diving save. Adama Mbengue followed soon after for the Lions with a hard shot on Brad Stuver, but the Columbus Crew loanee made a fine save with his fingertips. 

Arnoux and Mark-Anthony Kaye worked an attempt near the end of the first half off a cross, but Kaye could not find the right angle on the header towards the net as the game went to the break scoreless. Mbengue also pushed hard for the Lions throughout the night, and finished with four shots overall on Stuver, but none found the back of the goal.

Kaye continued to play creatively in the second half, placing a short, angled pass through the penalty area the box in search of a teammate to run onto, only for the ball to drift wide of the post. Wilmington's Samuel Ochoa also took a breakaway down the sideline as he looked to re-enact his goal against the Lions in their previous meeting, and got in one-on-one with Woszczynski, but he was shut down by Orlando defense as he tried to finish at the near post.

Wilmington nearly broke the deadlock when they were awarded a free kick late on just outside the penalty area. Corben Bone's delivery just eluded Ochoa's head, and flew just wide of the far post in the 89th minute. Orlando went close to claiming victory in stoppage time, but Stuver proved his presence by pushing the ball wide with another diving stop to leave honors even, and the Lions regular season champions.

The Hammerheads are scheduled to finish their 2014 USL PRO regular season on the road against the Dayton Dutch Lions at DOC Stadium on Friday night and the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday afternoon at Sahlen's Stadium. The Hammerheads will be hosting a watch party on Friday at Buffalo Wild Wings on Old Eastwood Road in Wilmington to watch the team in Dayton. Sunday's watch party location has yet to be announced.

For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC or to purchase 2015 season tickets, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com. 

W-League Feature

Thursday, September 4, 2014

One of the historic non-conference rivalries in college athletics takes center stage in NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer this weekend as No. 2 Florida State hosts No. 8 Florida in one of this weekend’s big games set to be televised or streamed nationally featuring current and former W-League standouts.

No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 8 Florida, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Seminoles have made a perfect start to the season with four consecutive victories, helped in part by the play of former Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Marta Bakowska-Mathews, who has a goal and an assist. Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Cassie Miller has also played well, posting a 0.48 goals-against average, but she will get a strong test from a Gators attack that will be led by 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks, who has three goals and an assist so far this fall. Former Ottawa Fury midfielder Havana Solaun has also notched a goal and two assists for the Gators, who have taken three wins from their first four outings.

No. 14 North Carolina vs. No. 7 Penn State, Friday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Tar Heels return to North Carolina looking to rebound from a west-coast trip that saw them earn a 0-0 draw with No. 1 UCLA, but then fall to Pepperdine on Sunday. The Tar Heels’ defense has been solid, led by the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Satara Murray and LA Blues’ Brooke Elby, but UNC has only scored once in four games this season. It will try to reverse that trend against a Penn State side that has won its first three games while conceding only two goals. The Colorado Pride’s Mallory Weber has led the Nittany Lions offensively so far with three goals, while her Pride teammate Britt Eckerstrom has been solid in goal with a 0.37 goals-against average.

No. 4. Stanford vs. No. 25 Notre Dame, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
After taking three consecutive wins on the road to start the season, the Cardinal return home for a pair of games this weekend, the second of which brings the Fighting Irish to Cagan Stadium. Stanford has been led so far this season by former LA Blues’ forward Chioma Ubogagu, who has two goals and an assist, while former LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta has also found the back of the net.

No. 12 California vs. Cal Poly, Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Bears have taken four consecutive wins to start the season and return home to host Cal Poly led by Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Taylor Comeau, who has posted a goal and two assists so far this fall. Fellow Sounders Women player Ifeoma Onumonu has also found the back of the net for Cal, which will host a Mustangs side that is looking to get back to .500 after one win in its opening three games.

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

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC begins the final weekend of the USL PRO regular season when it takes on OKC Energy FC on Thursday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT at Bonney Field. The match will be 80s Night presented by SMUD.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

The match is the fourth and final meeting between the two sides this season. Energy FC won the first two meetings, each by the score of 2-0 before Republic FC bounced back and defeated Energy FC 2-1 on August 9.

Both clubs enter the match on streaks.  Republic FC comes into the match unbeaten in its last nine matches, while Energy FC has lost its last five matches, a streak that started with their loss against Republic FC on August 9. 

Republic FC extended its unbeaten streak to nine matches with a scoreless draw against Wilmington Hammerheads FC on Saturday night. The match was the last match in a very strong month of August for Republic FC. The club was the only USL PRO club to go unbeaten, while amassing the most wins of any USL PRO club in the month of August. Republic FC also had more points, gave up fewer goals and had the highest goal differential of any USL PRO club. Sacramento can clinch second place in the USL PRO standings with a victory against Energy FC on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson allowed just three goals in the month and recorded his fifth shutout of the season on Saturday against Wilmington. Gleeson has allowed just 15 goals this season, fourth in USL PRO and just two behind Rochester Rhinos’ goalkeeper, Jon McCarthy, the USL PRO leader.

Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez had a strong month scoring two goals and recording an assist. Lopez has been especially strong at Bonney Field this season. Lopez has scored seven of his nine goals and recorded three of his eight assists at Bonney Field this season.

Energy FC comes into the match fighting for a playoff berth, and needs victory in each of its final two games of the regular season to have a chance at reaching the postseason. OKC has struggled of late, dropping its last five matches and being shut out in its last three. Energy FC is led by Adda Djeziri and Kyle Greig. Djeziri leads the club in assists with seven and has added three goals. Greig leads Energy FC in scoring with eight goals and has added two assists. 

Goalkeeper Samir Badr has stepped in at goal after Jon Kempin was called up to Sporting KC. Badr has recorded three shutouts since taking over the starting role. Defender Gareth Evans, who has appeared in 25 of Energy FC’s 26 matches playing 2,190 minutes, leads the defense in front of Badr.

The match will be 80s Night presented by SMUD.  Fans are encouraged to wear their best 80s attire and tweet their song requests to @SacRepublicFC using #80sRewind.  Fans are also encouraged to share their match day photos using #80sNight, the best photos will win a prize.

The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #SRFCvOKC.