USL PRO Goals of the Month

Thursday, September 4, 2014

The best 10 goals from the month of August have been selected, watch the video and vote on your favorite. Polls close Monday, September 8 at 1 p.m. ET.

USL PRO Game Report

Thursday, September 4, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC defeated OKC Energy FC 1-0 as a Rodrigo Lopez penalty kick proved the difference in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday night at Bonney Field. The win clinched second place in USL PRO standings for Republic FC, and guaranteed a home playoff semifinal should Republic FC win in the quarterfinals, while Energy FC was eliminated from contention for the USL PRO Playoffs with the defeat.

The first half of the match moved slowly, as both sides felt each other out, although Republic FC controlled much of the possession. Max Alvarez and Rodrigo Lopez were active in attack, and both put several shots on goal. Sacramento’s best chance of the first half came in the 44th minute, when a ball deflected out of the penalty area to Alvarez, who took a vertical side-volley which beat Energy FC keeper Ray Clark but hit the right post to keep the match scoreless going into the half.

Republic FC came out of the break strongly and scored the match’s only goal in the 49th minute. After a handball in the penalty area by an Energy FC defender, Lopez stepped up to the penalty spot and calmly put the shot down the middle as Clark dove to his right. The goal was Lopez’s 10th on the season, and his sixth at Bonney Field this season.

Republic FC keeper Jake Gleeson was tested late as he looked to earn his sixth shutout of the season. Gleeson made the save of the match in the 54th minute when Energy FC's Javier Castro sent a low driven shot to the keeper’s right. Gleeson used all of his length as he stretched out to make the save and block the ball away for a corner.  

“We have the crowd behind us and we feel like all season we have had the support and were motivated to perform”, said Alvarez. “As long as we maintain that confidence and continue to get results, we can go a long way.”

In addition to clinching the second see for the upcoming USL PRO Playoffs, the victory allowed Republic FC to extend its unbeaten streak to 10 matches and stayed unbeaten at Bonney Field.

Republic FC will be back in action on Saturday, September 6 when they take on LA Galaxy II in their final regular season match. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT at Bonney Field.  The match is sold out.

PDL Feature

Thursday, September 4, 2014

The second weekend of the NCAA Men’s Division I Soccer season features a Top 10 west-coast clash and a big in-state non-conference game that are both set to feature top PDL players. New NSCAA No. 1 UCLA visits No. 6 New Mexico on Sunday night, while No. 10 Maryland hosts No. 14 UMBC in Friday night’s big game.

No. 10 Maryland vs. No. 14 UMBC, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Terrapins fell in their opening game of the season at Louisville, but bounced back to defeat Coastal Carolina on Monday night in a 3-2 thriller. Former Austin Aztex midfielder Dan Metzger got the scoring started for the Terrapins against the Chanticleers, and will be hoping to strike again, while fellow Aztex defender Mikey Ambrose will be among those tasked with closing down a Retrievers’ attack that will be led by the Baltimore Bohemians’ Kay Banjo. The America East Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week, Banjo had two goals and two assists in UMBC’s opening two games, while Reading United’s Geaton Caltabiano also chipped in a pair of goals.

No. 17 UC Irvine vs. No. 19 University of Denver, Friday, 8 p.m. ET
The Anteaters opened the season with a 3-0 victory against Pacific University behind a goal from former Ventura County Fusion player Gor Kirakosyan and an assist from OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Mats Bjurman. They face a Pioneers side that opened the season with a pair of victories to move into the Top 25. Denver includes former Chicago Fire U-23 midfielder Ryan Dodson, who picked up an assist against Cal-State Northridge in the Pioneers’ opener, and Sounders FC U23 Jordan Schweitzer, who was solid in his holding role in both games.

No. 9 Georgetown vs. Wisconsin, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Hoyas picked up a pair of draws to open the season on the road in Indiana, and return home to face the Badgers looking for their first win of the season. Baltimore Bohemians forward Brandon Allen was on target for Georgetown in its opening game against the Hoosiers, while Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Tomas Gomez conceded once in two games. Wisconsin, meanwhile, got a big second half to claim victory in its last outing against Xavier, as Chicago Fire U-23 players Jacob Brindle and Drew Conner linked up for the opening goal, and Super-20 St. Louis Scott Gallagher standout Mark Segbers struck twice, to earn victory, and will be hoping to build on a positive attacking performance.

No. 6 New Mexico vs. No. 1 UCLA, Sunday, 8 p.m. ET
The Bruins moved into top spot in the latest NSCAA poll thanks to victories against Wake Forest and North Carolina on their trip to the east coast. Led by former OC Blues Pateadores Blues midfielder Leo Stolz, who scored against the Tar Heels, and Reading United AC’s Larry Ndjock, the Bruins visit a Lobos side that took a 1-0 victory against Akron in its opening game of the season. Former Jersey Express midfielder Oneil Fisher scored for New Mexico in that contest, and will be hoping to lead an early-season upset against a powerful Bruins squad.

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

Thursday, September 4, 2014

DAYTON, Ohio -- Dayton Dutch Lions FC will host Wilmington Hammerheads FC in its final game of the 2014 USL PRO season on Friday night at DOC Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET as the Dutch Lions try to end their season on a high note with victory against a Wilmington side that remains in contention for a place in the USL PRO Playoffs.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

Wilmington (8-7-11, 35 points) sits in sixth place in the league in total points, and needs one more point to guarantee a place in the playoffs with two games remaining this weekend. The Dutch Lions (6-17-4, 28 points), meanwhile, have been very successful on the road (6-6-2) and want to finish their season with a victory on home turf. 

The Dutch Lions took victory when they visited the Hammerheads in their last meeting, with a stoppage-time penalty kick by Karamba Janneh giving Dayton a 2-1 win at Legion Stadium. Janneh has scored twice in five games since joining the Dutch Lions from the PDL's Ocala Stampede, and has been part of the side's improvement after the introduction of new coach Matt Weston.

“The squad is looking forward to returning home," Weston said. "After four consistent performances in August the Orlando trip was a bad day at the office and one to quickly forget. We have to return to the basics which got us some positive results and look to end the season on a high. We have the return of club captain Brock Granger who will add much needed composure in the middle of the park as well as Jesjua Cryuff, who has missed our last three games. This game is important for the club and our home supporters and finishing with a positive result is what we're working towards each and every day on the training ground. I can't fault the players effort. Translating this into three points is what we now need.” 

The Dutch Lions encourage everyone to come out for their season finale and see the club end the season in style.

A.C. Connecticut News Release -- www.acconnecticut.com

Friday, September 5, 2014

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- After three seasons, the CFC Azul PDL team will split from Connecticut Football Club and change the name of the franchise and club structure.

Effective immediately, the PDL club and its newly formed youth program will operate as A.C. Connecticut.

As of January 1, 2014, the PDL team has been under new ownership. With the change in ownership came a change in focus on how the club will be operated. It is our intention to make A.C. Connecticut an integral part of the local soccer community. The team has the opportunity to positively impact the quality of soccer in Connecticut from recreational clubs all the way up to the local college level players.

Our objective is to work closely with all local clubs within a 30 minute drive of Western Connecticut State University (the home of A.C. Connecticut) and establish a good working relationship that will benefit the individual town soccer programs.  

The A.C. Connecticut PDL team has the support of a wide fan base. Most importantly, with our new youth program, we have the opportunity to help kids learn and love the sport of soccer. We as an organization have the opportunity to implement some powerful programs to elevate level of play.

A.C. Connecticut is focused on putting players in the correct environment to develop and compete, from top to bottom. Working with Beachside Soccer Club, we will provide all the players in western Connecticut a distinct pathway to develop and play at the regional, Academy, Super-20 and PDL level.  

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Thursday, September 4, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery host playoff hopefuls Harrisburg City Islanders at Blackbaud Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET with their playoff ticket in hand, but their destiny up for grabs.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

As the USL PRO season enters its final weekend of the regular season, five teams have secured playoff spots. Playoff seeding, however, remains in flux. For the Battery, a win on Friday against Harrisburg would go a long way toward securing the fifth or sixth seed. But with Charleston playing just once more and some rivals playing multiple matches, the outcomes of other games will figure into the Battery's playoff seeding even with a win in its final regular-season fixture.

“We want to win and get into that fifth or sixth spot, but obviously we don't control that, so we're just focused on playing well and getting the points,” said Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “That's all we can do.”

Harrisburg (34 points, 9-10-7) looked to be one of the most dangerous teams in the field in early August, winning four straight between July 30 and Aug. 9 – with the Aug. 9th match a signature 3-2 win over first-place Orlando. But the City Islanders finished out the month 0-2-1, most recently falling 4-1 to Rochester at home. The losses dropped them from fifth into a tie with Wilmington for the seventh and eighth playoff positions.

Charleston (38 points, 10-9-8) compiled more points in August than any other team except Sacramento, which ended the Battery's eight-match undefeated streak with a 3-1 victory last week. The Battery bounced back emphatically last weekend, blanking Pittsburgh 4-0 to punch their postseason ticket.

Harrisburg finds itself in contention thanks to the fourth-best goal-scoring offense in the league, much of it powered by steady midfielder Yann Ekra (one goal, six assists), forwards Robbie Derschang (six goals, one assist) and Morgan Langley (six goals, six assists). It's also been boosted at various times by Philadelphia Union attackers James McLaughlin, Pedro Ribeiro and current loaned forward Antoine Hoppenot.

Harrisburg finds itself on the playoff bubble due to the fifth-worst defense in the league. Defender Matthew Bahner has been a regular, steady contributor, and Philadelphia Union loanee Richie Marquez has played every minute so far this season, but goalkeeper Nick Noble – a Battery drainer over the years – has suffered through a 1.55 goals-against average in 24 appearances.

Charleston's late-summer resurgence has hinged on its improved attack. The team averaged just a goal a match in late July, but in the 10 matches since July 22 has averaged 1.8 goals per game while compiling a 6-1-3 record.

“Our offense started clicking,” Anhaeuser said. “Dane [Kelly] started scoring goals, and obviously Jose [Cuevas], who wasn't here at the start, helped create them. But the outside guys have helped, too. What did Zach [Prince] have last week? One goal and two assists? So it's been a lot of guys.”

Home field advantage has figured prominently in the surge. Six of the Battery's previous 10 matches have been played Blackbaud Stadium, where fan support has improved dramatically from week to week. “At the beginning of the season I told the guys that if we could win our home games and get 30 points here, we'd make the playoffs,” Anhaeuser said. “A win on Friday would get us to 27 points at home. So that's pretty close.”

The match will be Charleston's only home date in the three-game series between the two this season, with the first two matches in Harrisburg swinging wildly. Charleston beat the Islanders 4-0 on May 2, only to be pummeled by Harrisburg 4-1 in their return on July 5.

Friday's match is the first of back-to-back games for Harrisburg, who travel to Charlotte on Saturday.

The match is also the final regular season game for Battery legend John Wilson, who is retiring at the end of the season. Wilson first joined the Battery in 1999, and has been with the team ever since returning in 2008.

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6. Tickets are $10 to $18 and can be purchased online (www.charlestonbattery.com) or over the phone at (843) 971-GOAL (4625). A fireworks display will follow the full-time whistle.

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, September 5, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery concluded their 2014 USL PRO regular season with a 2-1 win against the Harrisburg City Islanders in front of a crowd of 3,919 on John Wilson Night at Blackbaud Stadium. With captain Colin Falvey out for the rest of the season on loan, the captain’s armband was passed on to defender Wilson, who is retiring at the end of the season.

“Defensively, we were pretty good,” said Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser said. “We got some guys minutes. Now we just have to see where the chips fall and see who we play [in the playoffs].”

Despite looking sluggish throughout most of the first half, Charleston was able to carry a 1-0 lead into halftime when forward Heviel Cordoves scored in the 45th minute. After Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble charged off his line to save a shot by Jarad van Schaik, the rebound fell to Cordoves on the left side of the box. Cordoves stepped past his defender and bounced a left-footed shot off the far post into the back of the net.

After halftime, Charleston came out with new energy and scored in the 55th minute when fullback Emmanuel Adjetey slipped a pass through the Harrisburg defense and substitute forward Mamadou Diouf beat the goalkeeper and two defenders with a shot from a tight angle on the right side.

With a 2-0 lead, Charleston cruised through the rest of the half and seemed poised for a clean sheet. The Islanders kept Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper under siege, outshooting the home team 14-9, but Cooper logged seven saves and looked set for another clean sheet.

The City Islanders had different plans, however. Substitute forward Garret Pettis was able to sneak a shot past Cooper deep into stoppage time on what was effectively the final action of the night. After the restart, the final whistle blew to give Charleston the 2-1 victory heading into the USL PRO playoffs.

In his last regular-season game, Charleston celebrated the career of Wilson. Prior to the match midfielder Zach Prince presented Wilson with a Battery jersey with the number 269 on the back, representing the number of matches Wilson has played for Charleston. In his time with the Battery, Wilson wore the number 25 and in the 25th minute was treated to a standing ovation from the home crowd.

During halftime, Wilson received more special moments. Wilson’s first soccer coach, Tony Stevens, was brought onto the field and Wilson was given another standing ovation from the crowd. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year, and received the David Vaughn Memorial Award. Forward Dane Kelly was named Offensive Player of the Year and team MVP, while midfielder Justin Portillo was picked as Newcomer of the Year.

Anhaeuser spoke highly of the defender as he reflected on coaching Wilson over the past several years.

“He’s been an absolute professional and young guys need to learn from him. It’s been a joy coaching him the past several years.”

USL PRO Game Report

Friday, September 5, 2014

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio - Wilmington Hammerheads FC became the sixth team to clinch a spot in the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs Friday night, defeating Dayton Dutch Lions FC 4-0 thanks to two goals and an assist from forward Sunny Jane. The Hammerheads (9-7-11) moved into sixth place in the USL PRO table and will close their regular season Sunday when they travel to face the Rochester Rhinos.

Dayton closed the season winless at home and 6-18-4 overall.

Wilmington opened the scoring in the ninth minute when a foul was called 30 yards from the Dayton goal. Jane served the ball into the box and found the head of Samuel Ochoa, who headed it past Dayton keeper Matt Williams.

Jane tallied his first of the night in the 17th minute, curling a free kick  off the inside of the post and in to make it 2-0. He made it 3-0 one minute into the second half to remove any doubt about the outcome.

Wilmington finished the scoring in the 82nd minute when Steven Miller found Corben Bone, and he slid the ball into the far corner to make it 4-0.

Wilmington goalkeeper Brad Stuver made six saves to earn his second shutout of the season.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 6, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds came up short in their quest to earn a USL PRO playoff spot as they fell 2-1 to Arizona United SC before a lively crowd in their season finale at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night. A pair of goals by Long Tan capped an Arizona comeback, and a disappointing home finale for the Riverhounds.  

"That's the way it goes, the boys gave it their all, and that's all you can ask for," said Riverhounds interim Head Coach Niko Katic.

Tan scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute of a tightly played, back-and-forth contest. After receiving a perfectly placed through ball in stride, Tan was able to move past a lunging Hunter Gilstrap for the crucial lead. The victory gave Arizona a pair of wins against in their meetings with the Riverhounds this season.

Just minutes before, the Riverhounds had probably their best chance to regain the lead. Gilstrap threw a long ball to Matt Dallman along the right flank. With tons of space, Dallman made an open field run to play a ball to Jose Angulo near the penalty area. Angulo drew a pair of defenders, played a ball back to Dallman, who crossed it to a wide-open Rob Vincent. Vincent's header was on target, but stopped by Arizona's goalkeeper Evan Newton.

The Riverhounds mounted a few late chances including a Seth C'deBaca shot from distance and a Mike Green bicycle attempt on a Dallman cross, but that would be it.

The outset of the match looked extremely promising for the Riverhounds. Pittsburgh took advantage of its first corner kick of the night in the sixth minute as Danny Earls sent an in-swinging, left-footed ball that a leaping Miro Cabrilo headed solidly into the net. It was Cabrilo's second goal of the season -- and his second on a header from a corner.   The Robert Morris University product scored the lone goal of the Riverhounds' win at Charlotte on August 29.   

Within minutes, however, momentum was lost as Arizona struck back. In the 12th minute, Tan scored the equalizer, beating defender Sterling Flunder by making a nifty move to his right to create enough space to drill a shot just inside the right post past a diving Hunter Gilstrap.

In the 21st minute it looked like the Riverhounds had pulled back into the lead as Angulo put in a rebound from a Flunder shot, but was ruled to be in an offside position on the initial shot to deny Pittsburgh.  

In the 37th minute, after intercepting a pass, Kevin Kerr made a nice run into the box, laid a pass to his left to Angulo, who fired a point blank one-time shot right at Newton who held on for the save.  

Prior to the game, the Riverhounds presented their year-end awards.  Earls took home the Steel Army Supporters Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors, while Arena received Defensive Player of the Year.

W-League Feature

Saturday, September 6, 2014

No. 5 Virginia Tech swept to a decisive victory against No. 13 Georgetown on Friday night as former Northern Virginia Majestics defender Danielle King and Carolina Elite Cobras forward Kallie Peurifoy found the back of the net in a 6-1 win at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Va.

King put the Hokies on top in the 12th minute as she advanced and fired a brilliant shot from 35 yards that sailed into the top-right corner of the net for an early lead. Murielle Tiernan added a second goal for Virginia Tech moments later to make it 2-0 at the break.

The Hoyas were able to pull a goal back just after the halftime break as the Atlanta Silverbacks’ Grace Damaska drove home a finish from 30 yards to make it 2-1, but the Hokies dominated the second half as they quickly regained a two-goal advantage on Tiernan’s second, and Peurifoy made it 4-1 with 17 minutes to go as she nutmegged her defender and then fired a high shot into the roof of the net.

The Hokies added another pair of goals in the final 10 minutes as Ellie Zoepfl and Alani Johnson found the back of the net to complete an outstanding performance.

“I was pleased with our play tonight,” Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. “We wanted to get after them, and some of our athleticism and combination play allowed us to create and put away our chances.”

No. 3 VIRGINIA 3, ALABAMA 0: The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Sonnett was among the scorers as the Cavalier took victory on the road against the Crimson Tide at the Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Virginia took the lead six minutes before the break as Alexis Shaffer opened the scoring, and Sonnett doubled the Cavaliers’ advantage as she buried a rebound from fellow Spirit Reserves player Meghan Cox’s header. Danielle Colaprico completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the final 10 minutes.

CLEMSON 1, No. 9 SOUTH CAROLINA 0: Former Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan out-dueled her fellow Lady Lynx alumni Sabrina D’Angelo as the Tigers defeated the Gamecocks at Stone Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

Sheridan, who starred for the Lady Lynx in 2013, recorded a five-save shutout as Shannon Horgan’s goal proved the lone strike in the game. D’Angelo, who starred for the Lady Lynx prior to Sheridan in 2012, recorded four saves, but the Gamecocks were unable to find a way past Sheridan to avoid the upset.

No. 12 CALIFORNIA 4, ST. MARY’S 0: Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Taylor Comeau had the opening goal as the Bears defeated the Gaels at Garaventa Field in Moraga, Calif. to claim their fifth consecutive victory to start the season.

Comeau struck in the 27th minute as Cal was awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal. The senior curled a shot around and over the defensive wall, and found the back of the net for her third goal of the season.

No. 21 WEST VIRGINIA 4, HOFSTRA 0: The Ottawa Fury’s Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence were both on target as the Mountaineers scored four goals in the opening 20 minutes to sweep past the Pride at Diesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va.

West Virginia grabbed an early lead through Kailey Utley in the fourth minute, but then took control with three goals in five minutes. Buchanan scored the first, knocking home from close range from a corner, before Kelsie Maloney struck three minutes later. Lawrence capped the outburst with a fine individual effort as she drove in from the left and finished from nine yards out.

No. 22 PORTLAND 1, DARTMOUTH 0: Colorado Rush standout Danica Evans provided the assist for Parkes Kendrick as the Pilots took victory against the Big Green at the Husky Nike Invitational in Seattle, Wash.

Evans, a 2014 All-League selection for the Rush, created the game’s only goal in the 57th minute as she gained possession in traffic, got to the byline and cut back a cross for Kendrick to put home a first-time finish. 

PDL Feature

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Potomac SC’s Stephen Hauschild, Jake Garcia and Jordan Manley helped American University spring a big upset as the Eagles defeated No. 1 UCLA 2-1 in overtime at the Lobo Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M. on Friday night. Hauschild scored the opening goal while Manley provided the assist on Dale Ludwig’s overtime game-winner in a big upset of the Bruins.

“We played really well and deserved this win,” said American head coach Todd West. “We expect big things from this group.”

The Eagles jumped on the top-ranked Bruins early and outshot them 11-4 in the opening half. American was rewarded for its pressure at the half-hour mark as Hauschild latched onto a through-ball by Garcia and finished past Ventura County Fusion goalkeeper Earl Edwards.

The Bruins fought back in the second half and found an equalizer with 13 minutes to go as Felix Vobejda put home a chance created by Seyl Adekoya to send the game to overtime. American wasn’t deterred, however, and seven minutes into the extra session the Eagles claimed a winner as a long throw-in by Manley came to Ludwig, whose powerful shot found the back of the net.

No. 6 NEW MEXICO 2, UC RIVERSIDE 1: The Albuquerque Sol’s Josh Goss and Sounders FC U23’s Chris Wehan were both on target as the Lobos rallied for victory against the Highlanders in the Lobo Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M.

UC Riverside took an early lead when it was awarded a penalty kick in the sixth minute. FC Tucson’s Otis Earle stepped up and converted to put the Highlanders on top, but the Lobos quickly hit back as Wehan played a good give-and-go with former Ogden Outlaws player James Rogers and finished to make it 1-1. Goss then gave the Lobos the lead with just more than 20 minutes to go as he followed up his initial shot to put home a rebound and earn his side victory.

No. 9 GEORGETOWN 2, HARVARD 0: Pittsburgh Riverhounds U-23 midfielder Tyler Rudy had the game-winning goal as the Hoyas took victory against the Crimson in their home opener at Shaw Field.

Rudy opened the scoring in the 12th minute as he played a one-two at the top of the penalty area with Bakie Goodman and drove home a finish into the right corner. Arun Basuljevic added a second for the Hoyas, while Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Tomas Gomez recorded three saves for the shutout.

No. 11 COASTAL CAROLINA 2, UNC-CHARLOTTE 1: The Ocean City Nor’easters Shawn McLaws and SW Florida Adrenaline’s Kevin Le Bras each had assists as the Chanticleers took an overtime victory against the 49ers at Transamerica Field in Charlotte, N.C.

Coastal Carolina earned victory in double-overtime as K-W United’s Ricky Garbanzo sent in a corner kick that came to McLaws, who had his shot saved, only for the rebound to be put home by Eric Bjornsson. The 49ers had taken the lead as the Carolina Dynamo’s Monbo Bokar struck, but the Chanticleers hit back quickly as Le Bras set up Martin Melchor for an equalizer which sent the game to overtime.

No. 13 NORTH CAROLINA 1, OLD DOMINION 0: OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Andy Craven scored his second goal of the season as the Tar Heels took victory against the Monarchs at the ODU Soccer Complex.

Craven followed up the rebound of his initial shot in the final minute of the first half to put the Tar Heels on top. UNC went close to adding to its lead as Carolina Dynamo midfielder Robbie Lovejoy set up Alan Winn for a chance that was saved, but Portland Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Brendan Moore recorded two saves to record the shutout and allow Craven’s goal to stand as the winner.

No. 17 UC IRVINE 2, No. 19 DENVER 1: OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Mats Bjurman had the game-winning goal as the Anteaters took victory against the Pioneers at the SDSU Sports Deck in San Diego, Calif.

After a scoreless first half, the Anteaters took the lead in the 68th minute through Eduardo Calzada, but the Pioneers hit back as Teddy Mullin found the net six minutes later. Bjurman put UC Irvine ahead for good with less than a minute later, however, as the Anteaters claimed two wins from two games to start the season.

WAKE FOREST 2, No. 21 CONNECTICUT 1: Portland Timbers U-23s standout Michael Gamble had assists on both goals as the Demon Deacons upset the Huskies in overtime at Spry Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Connecticut took an early lead through Canadian standout Cyle Larin, but Gamble played provider in the 36th minute as his free kick found the Southern California Seahorses’ Jared Odenbeck for the equalizer. The game remained tied at the end of regulation, but three minutes into overtime Gamble found Ricky Greensfelder for the game-winner.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 6, 2014

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In its final USL PRO Regular Season match, Orlando City SC defeated the Richmond Kickers 1-0 at ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWoS) on Saturday night. The Lions set a USL PRO regular season record for wins with 19 this season.

After the match, USL PRO officials awarded Orlando City its third Regular Season Trophy in four seasons, capping off another successful regular season campaign for the Lions. Midfielder Kevin Molino scored the lone goal of the game, notching his 20th league goal in 2014, also a USL PRO record.

“It’s been a great year at home," Orlando Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "I’ve been in this game long enough now to know that winning as much as we have isn’t easy to do. It takes a lot of determination, desire and drive, and we’ve done that now for the last three or four years so I’m really pleased. I’m also very proud of the players tonight. It’s been a good night for us against a very experienced team.”

Molino tallied the lone goal in the 22nd minute with a spectacular header for the Lions. The Trinidadian ran onto a well-placed ball into to the box from Luke Boden, performing a no-look flick past Richmond goalkeeper Ryan Taylor to give City a 1-0 advantage.

“He’s demonstrated that he’s more than capable of moving to the next level,” said Heath of Molino’s performance. “I honestly think that he’s one of the most talented footballers in America, whichever division you’re talking about. This has been a huge break-out season for him and I’m really excited for him.”

Orlando maintained the bulk of possession in the first half as it applied pressure throughout. In the 30th minute, Molino played a piercing ball behind the Kickers’ defense to Brian Span, but his effort was saved for a corner by Taylor.

Orlando’s momentum carried into the second half as the Lions created several chances to add another goal. In the 54th minute, good build-up play from the Lions allowed Boden to get in behind his marker deep inside the penalty area, and he sent a dangerous ball across the six-yard box. Several City players were lurking nearby but the Richmond defense was able to clear it away.

Two minutes later, Molino delivered a wonderful through-ball that led to a one-on-one opportunity for Giuseppe Gentile. The former Chicago Fire striker had a clear chance on goal, but Taylor came charging off his line to prevent a second goal.

With the number of chances increasing, Orlando’s confidence to go forward grew, displaying crafty one-touch passing in the final third. The possession-oriented style of play yielded additional scoring opportunities late in the match, including Corey Hertzog’s effort that went just wide of the target.

Molino’s game-winner was all that was needed for the Lions to notch a record 19th win to close out their USL PRO regular season campaign.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 6, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Jack McBean scored both goals as the LA Galaxy II claimed a 2-1 victory against Sacramento Republic FC in front of a sellout crowd at Bonney Field on Saturday night. The Galaxy II's win was Sacramento's first loss at Bonney Field, and earned Los Dos the third seed in the USL PRO Playoffs ahead of next weekend's quarterfinals.

The first half of the match started slowly for both sides, but the Galaxy II broke through first in 19th minute. McBean took a through-ball from midfielder Dragan Stojkov and found himself in a one-on-one with Republic FC keeper Dominik Jakubek. McBean slotted the ball past Jakubek and into the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead, which would hold all the way to halftime.

The second half started much like the first and in the 59th minute McBean would add a second goal after a shot from just outside the penalty area was parried away by Jakubek. McBean gathered the rebound and shot a ball home to put Galaxy II up 2-0.

The second goal seemed to energize Republic FC and in the 69th minute substitute midfielder Max Alvarez cut the deficit in half. Alvarez stepped up to a free kick from 25 yards out and sent a left-footed in-swinging shot that fooled LA keeper Brain Perk and beat him to the near post for a 2-1 score.

Republic FC would push for an equalizer. Its best chance came in the 87th minute when substitute defender Emrah Klimenta headed a cross with power to Perk’s left and seemed to beat the keeper but Perk made an incredible diving save to block the shot off the goal line at the last second.

“I thought in the first half we were timid because it was basically the first time that 11 started a game,” Republic FC Head Coach Preki said after the match.  “I’m not disappointed, I’m really proud of our guys for creating many, many opportunities.  We’ll regroup and get ready for next week”

Republic FC will host its first-ever playoff match on Saturday, September 13 at Bonney Field.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT with gates opening at 6 p.m. The match is sold out. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. 

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 6, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Harrisburg City Islanders clinched a place in the USL PRO Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season as they took a 4-2 victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night at the Queens Sports Complex. Harrisburg fell behind early, but rallied back to move into seventh place in the league standings at the end of Saturday night's action.

There was no lack of battle for either team as both fought for a chance to reach the postseason. The Eagles opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Wells Thompson took a feed from Ben Newnam, carried it down the field and was able to put it past Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble.

The City Islanders hit back shortly after when Charlotte goalkeeper Alec Kann conceded a penalty kick in the 14th minute. Harrsburg's Jimmy McLaughlin took the kick and Kann dove to make a big save, but he couldn’t keep control of the rebound and McLaughlin got to the rebound and put it home to the opposite side of the goal to level the score.

The City Islanders continued to create chances, and put the ball in the back of the net only for an offside flag to deny the finish. Harrisburg took the lead before the break, however, when Jose Barril dribbled the ball right past Charlotte's defense and hammered a shot past Kann in the 39th minute. The Eagles were then reduced to 10 men as Richard Dixon was sent off a minute before halftime.

Jamiel Hardware added to the City Islanders' lead early in the second half when a goal kick by Noble down the field found him, and he took the ball and ran with it. Hardware managed to get away from Eagles' defense and get the ball behind Kann to make it 3-1 in the 48th minute. Kann continued to stay tall despite the number of shots he faced, and made two big saves right around the hour-mark to keep the deficit at two.

Charlotte pulled a goal back in the 71st minute when Harrisburg defender Richie Marquez was called for a handball in the penalty area to give Charlotte a penalty kick. Jorge Herrera stepped up and sent Noble the wrong way, bringing the Eagles within one. Following the Eagles' second goal, the offense picked up and Charlotte was able to keep more possession and gain more quality chances.

The Eagles' hopes of completing a comeback were dashed in the final five minutes, however, when Kann received his second yellow card of the night to reduce Charlotte to nine men as he conceded another penalty kick. Aaron Wheeler stepped up and put his penalty kick past substitute goalkeeper Brock Duckworth as the City Islanders booked their place in the postseason.

USL PRO Game Report

Sunday, September 7, 2014

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos defeated the Wilmington Hammerheads 2-0 in USL PRO's regular season finale at Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday evening. Rhinos center back Kyle Hoffer scored the game-winning goal in the 47th minute, before Rochester's captain Tyler Rosenlund added a second in the 69th minute. Rhinos rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy made one save on three shots faced for his league leading 10th clean sheet of the season.

After a scoreless first half, the Rhinos took the lead when 2014 Most Valuable Player JC Banks served a right-footed corner kick from the left corner into the near post. Hoffer was there to flick the ball on goal, and no-one from Wilmington could stop the ball before it crossed the goal line and nestled into the right side-netting. The goal was Hoffer's first with the Rhinos, while the assist was Bank's third of the season, and 17th all-time leaving him alone in sixth place on the club's regular season career assist list.

The Rhinos doubled their advantage with just over 20 minutes to go when attacking midfielder Minh Vu whipped in a service from the advanced flank on the right side. Vu's cross found Rosenlund at the far post,15 yards from goal, and he settled the ball with his first touch before finishing past Wilmington goalkeeper Brad Stuver into the upper-right corner.

Rochester's victory left the Rhinos level in the league standings with Wilmington as both teams finished the regular season on 38 points. USL PRO's first tie breaker for playoff seeding is head-to-head results, but both teams finished with four points after splitting their regular season series 1-1-1. The second tie breaker is Total Wins, where the Rochester Rhinos finished with 10 to the Hammerheads' nine. As a result the Rhinos will be the sixth seed in the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs, and Wilmington the seventh seed.

Rochester travels to the StubHub Center to play the No. 3-seed LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. ET. The match can be seen live in its entirety via streaming video on the LA Galaxy's YouTube Live channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLAGalaxy.

USL PRO News Release

Sunday, September 7, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The field for the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs was set on Sunday evening, with the top eight teams in the league standings set to face off for the league championship during the next three weeks. The playoffs kick off on Saturday, September 13 with all four quarterfinals as top-seeded Orlando City SC begins its quest for a third championship before joining Major League Soccer.

No. 1 Orlando City SC vs. No. 8 Harrisburg City Islanders
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Lions went undefeated at home to claim their third regular season title, but will host a Harrisburg side that was able to claim victory for the first time against Orlando this season. Robbie Derschang scored twice as Harrisburg defeated the Lions 3-2 at Skyline Sports Complex, but the Lions got revenge at home in the return contest with a 3-1 win led by Darwin Ceren.

No. 2 Sacramento Republic FC vs. No. 7 Wilmington Hammerheads
Bonney Field, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Republic FC concluded an outstanding inaugural season in second place in the league standings, and made Bonney Field a tough place to visit for opponents as it took eight wins in 10 games at its permanent home. Wilmington fell 2-0 against Sacramento when it visited California, but the two teams played to a draw at Legion Stadium in the return fixture, and the Hammerheads looked bright to close the season going 3-1-3 in their final seven contests.

No. 3 LA Galaxy II vs. No. 6 Rochester Rhinos
StubHub Center, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Galaxy II claimed the No. 3 seed as they handed Sacramento its first loss at Bonney Field in its final game of the season. Los Dos return home to face a Rochester side that also boosted its position on the final weekend of the season, as a win against Wilmington jumped the Rhinos up two spots into sixth. The lone meeting between the two teams this season was also at StubHub Center, where the Rhinos took a 2-1 victory behind a goal and an assist by Alex Dixon.

No. 4 Richmond Kickers vs. No. 5 Charleston Battery
City Stadium, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
The two longtime rivals meet in the postseason for the first time in the USL PRO era, with another tight game in prospect. The two teams played to draws in both of their meetings this season and have been almost inseparable during their histories, with both teams having taken 22 wins with six draws in 50 meetings all-time.  

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs can be watched live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO). For news, match previews and reports from throughout the league, follow USL PRO on Facebook, Google+ and Instagram.

USL PRO News Release

Monday, September 8, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for the final week of the 2014 season on Monday as LA Galaxy II forward Jack McBean was named Player of the Week. McBean had both goals as the Galaxy II handed Sacramento Republic FC its first defeat at Bonney Field, and moved into the No. 3 seed in the USL PRO Playoffs.

McBean gave the Galaxy II the lead against Sacramento when he finished off a well-executed move down the right that culminated with a low finish from Dragan Stojkov’s cross. McBean then tallied his fifth goal of the season as he was first to respond to the rebound from a shot by Charlie Rugg, and buried his finish from eight yards out.

McBean was joined on the Team of the Week’s attacking line by Arizona United SC’s Long Tan,  who scored both goals as United ended the playoff hopes of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds with a 2-1 win on Saturday night. Charleston’s Mamadou Diouf completed the trio, as he finished off an excellent move by the Battery with a fine run and finish for what proved to be the game-winning goal in their win against Harrisburg on Friday night.

Orlando’s Kevin Molino leads a trio of midfielders as he scored his league-record 20th goal of the season to lift the Lions past Richmond on Saturday night. Wilmington’s Sunny Jane also earned selection as his two goals and assist in a 4-0 win against Dayton earned the Hammerheads a place in the postseason, while Harrisburg’s Jose Barril was chosen after he was among the goal-scorers in the City Islanders’ playoff-clinching 4-2 win against Charlotte.

OKC Energy FC goalkeeper Ray Clark led the defensive contingent as he recorded nine saves in two games, including a four-save shutout of Orange County in Energy FC’s 1-0 victory on Saturday. Rochester’s Kyle Hoffer was named as part of the Team of the Week defense as his goal proved to be the game-winner in the Rhinos’ 2-0 win against Wilmington that moved them up to sixth in the final standings, and he was joined by Orlando’s Luke Boden, who recorded his fifth assist of the season in the Lions’ win against Richmond. Sacramento’s James Kiffe was named after a strong performance at full back in Republic FC’s 1-0 win against Oklahoma City on Thursday night, while the team was completed by Wilmington’s Brian Ackley, who played a big role in a pair of shutouts for the Hammerheads as they clinched a place in the playoffs.

The 2014 USL PRO Playoffs kick off on Saturday night with the quarterfinals, as the top eight teams compete to take a step toward the championship. Top-seeded Orlando City SC hosts the Harrisburg City Islanders, while Sacramento Republic FC hosts Wilmington Hammerheads FC, the LA Galaxy II welcome the Rochester Rhinos, and long-time rivals the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery face off for the first time in the USL PRO Playoffs.

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs 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: Jonathan Top, Joey Dillon; Charleston: Heviel Cordoves, Jarad van Schaik; Charlotte: Jorge Herrera, Ben Newnam; Dayton: Christian Camacho; Harrisburg: Jamiel Hardware, Jimmy McLaughlin; LA Galaxy II: Brian Perk, Charlie Rugg; Oklahoma City: Kyle Greig, Cyprian Hedrick; Orange County: Seth Moses, Christopher Santana; Orlando City: Estrela; Pittsburgh: Miroslav Cabrilo, Anthony Arena; Richmond: William Yomby, Matheau Hall; Rochester: Minh Vu, Tyler Rosenlund; Sacramento: Rodrigo Lopez, Max Alvarez; Wilmington: Mark-Anthony Kaye, Brad Stuver.

USL PRO Video

Monday, September 8, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Arizona United SC’s Jonathan Top has claimed the USL PRO Goal of the Month award for August for his goal against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on August 16.

Top’s finish claimed 45 percent of the vote, beating out Sacramento Republic FC's Rodrigo Lopez, who finished second with 35 percent, and his Arizona United teammate Scott Morrison, who took third with seven percent.

Watch the Top 3 goals from August.

USL PRO News Release

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced the league’s 2014 statistical award winners on Tuesday, as Orlando City SC’s Kevin Molino was named the league’s Scoring Champion, Golden Boot and Assist Champion. The Rochester Rhinos’ John McCarthy was also honored, as he was named Goals-Against Average Champion.

Kevin Molino, Orlando City SC – Scoring Champion, Golden Boot, Assist Champion
Molino had a record-setting season in the Lions’ final campaign before joining Major League Soccer. The Trinidad & Tobago international, who was Orlando’s first MLS signing, set a new league record for goals with 20 and points with 49. Molino’s nine assists also led the league, putting him ahead of Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez and Charlotte’s Drew Yates. The 2012 USL PRO Most Valuable Player led the Lions to their third regular season title, and will likely be a key figure in the next month as Orlando attempts to add a third USL PRO Championship to its trophy case.

John McCarthy, Rochester Rhinos – Goals-Against Average Champion
A former PDL All-Conference selection for the Ocean City Nor’easters in 2012, McCarthy had an outstanding rookie season for the resurgent Rhinos, who finished with the second-best defensive record in USL PRO. McCarthy’s goals-against average of 0.722 placed him just ahead of the Richmond Kickers’ Joe Willis. McCarthy also led USL PRO with 10 shutouts in 18 appearances, claiming the league lead in the Rhinos’ final game of the season as they defeated Wilmington to move into sixth place in the final USL PRO standings.

Molino and McCarthy are both set to compete in the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs, which kick off on Saturday night as the top eight teams compete to take a step toward the championship. The quarterfinal matchups see top-seeded Orlando City SC hosts the Harrisburg City Islanders, while Sacramento Republic FC hosts Wilmington Hammerheads FC, the LA Galaxy II welcome the Rochester Rhinos, and long-time rivals the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery face off for the first time in the USL PRO Playoffs.

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs 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.

PDL Feature

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

North Carolina’s Andy Craven has made a strong start to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer season, scoring the game-winner in each of the Tar Heels’ three victories to start the season. After leading UNC to victory in a pair of games this past weekend, the OC Pateadores Blues forward was named the College Soccer News’ Player of the Week, and also selected to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week, to lead a number of current and former PDL alumni to earn college awards in Week 2 of the season.

Craven – who missed the 2013 season with the Tar Heels due to injury before returning to action this summer with the Blues – scored his second goal of the season Friday night to lift UNC to a 1-0 win against Old Dominion. Craven repeated the feat two days later as he had the lone goal in a 1-0 win against VCU to move the Tar Heels to 3-1-0 this season.

Reading United AC’s Alex Bono, who this summer was named to the PDL All-Eastern Conference Team, joined Craven on the TDS Team of the Week as he recorded eight saves in a pair of shutout victories for Syracuse against Rutgers and St. John’s during the weekend. Bono has yet to concede a goal for the Orange this fall, as they moved to 4-0-0 to start the season.

Bono’s teammate with Reading, Lucas Baldin, also claimed Team of the Week honors and was named the American Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week as he led South Florida to a pair of big victories. Baldin had both goals as the Bulls took a 2-1 overtime win against Akron Friday night, and then struck again in a 2-0 win against Portland as USF took its first two wins of the season.

Baltimore Bohemians midfielder Mamado Kansaye had two goals - including the game-winner - and an assist to earn his place on the TDS Team of the Week as UMBC defeated Appalachian State on Sunday. The senior also helped earn a scoreless draw with Maryland earlier in the week to keep the Retrievers undefeated to start the season.

In the conferences, the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Michael Gamble claimed ACC Player of the Week honors after he led Wake Forest to a pair of victories, including an upset of No. 21 Connecticut. Gamble had three assists during the weekend, including on both goals in the Demon Deacons’ 2-1 win against the Huskies, and added a goal from the penalty spot against Cleveland State.

Jordan Thomas became the third Reading United player to earn honors as he was named the AAC’s Defensive Player of the Week as he helped Memphis record a 4-0 upset of No. 15 St. Louis. The defender, who made 11 appearances for United this summer, had an assist and was solid defensively to lead the Tigers to their second win in three games this season.

Chicago Fire U-23 defender John Pothast was named the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Week as he helped Marquette claim the Milwaukee Panther Invitational during the weekend. The Golden Eagles recorded back-to-back shutouts, and Pothast preserved a 1-0 victory against Oregon State with a clearance off the line in the 88th minute.

Fellow Fire U-23 player Patrick Doody also claimed weekly honors as he was named the Big Ten’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week for Indiana. Doody had the game-winning goal as the Hoosiers took victory against Dartmouth. Doody’s Indiana teammate Colin Webb, who played this past summer for the Ocean City Nor’easters, claimed Defensive Player of the Week honors as he posted shutouts in both of the Hoosiers’ victories against the Big Green and Kentucky.

The Abuequerque Sol’s Josh Goss took Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors as he led New Mexico to a 2-1 win against UC Riverside, and added an assist as the Lobos faced UCLA on Sunday night. He was joined by IMG Bradenton Academy goalkeeper Marco Velez, who claimed Defensive Player of the Week honors for South Carolina as he recorded six saves to help the Gamecocks take a 2-1 overtime victory against No. 25 Clemson. Velez added another three saves on Sunday as South Carolina shut out Mercer to move to 3-0-0 this season.

Ocean City Nor’easters forward Emmanuel Temeh was named the Atlantic 10’s Player of the Week after he led Saint Joseph’s to a dramatic victory against LIU Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon. Temeh scored the equalizer for the Hawks with just less than a minute to play and then bagged the winner in the second period of overtime to earn a 4-3 victory for his side.

The OC Pateadores Blues’ Mats Bjurman was named the Big West Defensive Player of the Week as he led No. 17 UC Irvine to a pair of victories against ranked teams. Bjurman helped the Anteaters defeat the No. 19 University of Denver and No. 25 Clemson to take Courtyard Marriott SD Central Soccer Tournament Defensive MVP honors, and also chipped in the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win against Denver.

The Springfield Demize’s Nick Miller claimed the Summit League’s Defensive Player of the Week award as Omaha took a pair of victories to even its record at 2-2. Miller, who appeared 11 times for Springfield this past season, scored for the Mavericks in their 3-1 win against Cincinnati while also playing a key role in the defensive end in both wins.

Finally, the Des Moines Menace’s Michael Semenza was named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Week as he led St. Mary’s to an upset victory against No. 4 Washington on Sunday afternoon. Semenza had assists on both of the Gaels’ goals as they rallied for an overtime victory, which was the first for St. Mary’s against a top-five program.