W-League Feature

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – It was a big week for former Ottawa Fury FC and Toronto Lady Lynx midfielder Kinley McNicoll, who was selected as both the Big 10 Offensive Player of the Week and the TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Week after she scored once and had two assists in Wisconsin’s 4-0 defeat of Washington Friday night, and followed up with a goal in a 3-0 win against Portland on Sunday. McNicoll leads a strong group of current and former W-League talent honored this week for their NCAA Division I performances.

Also chosen for the TDS Team of the Week was LA Blues midfielder Sarah Killion, who recorded a goal and two assists in the first half Friday night in UCLA’s 6-1 win against Hawaii. Killion came up big again against Pepperdine, scoring a second-half insurance goal that put the game away.

Braddock Road Stars Elite midfielder Rachel Moore is making a big impact as a freshman at William & Mary, earning Colonial Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors after she scored the game-tying goal and assisted on the game-winning goal as William & Mary knocked off N.C. State 2-1 on Sunday. The freshman converted a pass from Emory Camper in the 60th minute for her first collegiate goal, then sent a long ball to Haley Kavanaugh for the game-winner in the 78th minute.

Gulf Coast Texans defensive stalwart Nini Rabsatt-Smith was honored this week by the Sunbelt Conference as the South Alabama junior was named Defensive Player of the Week. Rabsatt-Smith scored her first goal of the season and added two assists for a four-point week, leading the Jaguars to a 2-0 record against Southern Miss and Southern. She also played important role in the back-to-back shutouts, the team's third and fourth of the year.

The Summit League honored Colorado Storm forward Shelby Raper, naming her Offensive Player of the Week after she tallied seven points in two South Dakota State victories last week. Trailing 2-0 vs. Drake, the sophomore scored a pair of goals in a seven-minute span to erase the deficit and help guide the Jackrabbits to a 3-2 win. Raper added a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win against Bemidji State on Sunday.

Seattle Sounders Women forward Elise Wyatt claimed the Big East Offensive Player of the Week award, as the DePaul junior led the Blue Demons to a pair of wins against 2013 NCAA Tournament teams with two goals and two assists. Wyatt’s second goal against Illinois State on Wednesday night proved to be the game-winner, while her second helper at Milwaukee was on Abby Reed’s game-winning goal.

Toronto Lady Lynx midfielder Rachel Hoekstra was named the Northeast Conference Player of the Week after the Fairleigh Dickinson sophomore scored twice in an 8-0 victory against Saint Peter's on Friday. Hoekstra scored her first after a feed from the Quebec Dynamo ARSQ’s Amanda Goulet. The brace gives Hoekstra 12 career goals and moves her into a tie for sixth all-time in program history.  

LA Blues midfielder Brooke Elby, who helped them to the W-League title in July, was named ACC Player of the Week after being named the defensive MVP of the Duke Nike Classic while helping the University of North Carolina defeat No. 7 Penn State and No. 18 Arkansas. Elby played all 102 minutes of the 1-0 double overtime shutout against the previously unbeaten Nittany Lions, and played all but four minutes against the Razorbacks, while helping to hold them to just four shots en route to the 2-1 victory. Elby also assisted Summer Green’s goal in the 17th minute that gave the Tar Heels an early 1-0 lead.

2013 Virginia Beach Piranhas defender Meghan Magee was named Big South Defensive Player of the Week after she keyed Longwood’s shutout of VMI from her center back position. She was part of a Lancers defense that held the Keydets to only two shots in the game, with only one shot on goal.

Reading United AC W-20 standout Emily Gingrich was also honored this week, being named Gingrich, reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Week after scoring the game-winning goals in each of St. Joseph’s games last weekend. Against UMBC Gingrich secured a loose ball near midfield and got past a charging keeper in the 62nd minute, finding the back of the net in a 1-0 victory. Against Loyola on Sunday, Gingrich tallied a first-half goal that ultimately decided the game in a second consecutive 1-0 shutout for SJU. Another W-20 veteran took the A-10’s Rookie of the Week honors, as Carolina Elite Cobras forward Meghan Carrigan earned the honor for the second time this season. Carrigan netted two first-half goals in Richmond’s 3-1 win against Charleston Southern and leads UR with four goals through the first five matches.

Southern West Virginia King's Warriors News Release -- www.wvkingswarriors.org

Thursday, September 11, 2014

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -- The Southern West Virginia King's Warriors are pleased to announce that Gideon Asante played with USL PRO's Charlotte Eagles after his PDL season in Bluefield ended this July. Asante signed with Charlotte in the first week of August and was on the Eagles' squad until the close of their regular season which ended this past Saturday.

The Old Dominion University product played in six games for the USL Pro Eagles, logging 339 minutes with no points, eight shots on goal and three fouls.

Asante was one of only three players who played in all 14 games for the King's Warriors this past season. Itode Fubara and Jake Ramsay joined Asante as the club's iron-men in 2014. Asante was Southern West Virginia's second-leading scorer this past season, with nine points on three goals and three assists. He was also named to the PDL's Team of the Week on May 12.

"The Kings Warriors are thrilled with the Charlotte Eagles' decision to sign Gideon Asante for the remainder of their 2014 campaign," King's Warriors' coach Scott Reitnour said. "Gideon led the Kings Warriors in minutes this summer with 1,225. He offered Charlotte a dynamic attacking personality on the field. We are thrilled with the progress Gideon has made as a player and a person, and wish him all the best as he heads into the professional game."

Eagles' coach Mark Steffens was familiar with Asante, having hosted him and Fubara at the team's tryouts in the spring. After failing to make the Eagles, Asante and Fubara were encouraged by Steffens to continue their development by playing for the King's Warriors in the PDL. Steffens also got to see Asante as the Eagles and Kings' Warriors played an exhibition in Bluefield on June 2.

"I came to Charlotte in the pre-season but couldn't sign there right away," said Asante. "They told me there was an opportunity in West Virginia to go play with the King's Warriors. When I went [to West Virginia] I loved it. The coaches were really nice to me and gave me a lot of playing time. The Eagles were keeping up with our season and Coach Mark [Steffens] called me back right after our King's Warriors' season was over to play with them."

Asante was excited to make the step up from the PDL to USL PRO, but he quickly found there was a learning curve as he joined the professional ranks. His experience with the King's Warriors benefitted him, however, as he earned playing time during a critical point of the Eagles' season. 

"There's a big difference here in USL PRO," he said. "The guys here are always tuned in and on a different level. You can't slack off at all and always have to bring it. Playing with the King's Warriors really helped me out. In training and practices the coaches were always telling me to keep going and not slack off because you don't know where you are going to end up. Coach Reitnour told me to keep doing something even if you don't like it because then it becomes a habit. All that helped me here in Charlotte the most."

PDL Feature

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Three top-five teams are set to compete on national television or online this weekend as the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer season enters its third weekend, with a number of PDL standouts set to feature. No. 1 UCLA, No. 3 North Carolina and No. 4 Notre Dame will all look to maintain their strong starts to the season in non-conference action.

No. 1 UCLA vs. Cal Poly, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Bruins bounced back from their first defeat of the season to take a 2-1 win against New Mexico last Sunday, as former OC Pateadores Blues standout Leo Stolz notched his second goal of the season. Ventura County Fusion forward Abu Danladi, a 2014 Gatorade National HS Player of the Year, has also scored for the Bruins in his freshman season, while Reading United defender Larry Ndjock and Fusion goalkeeper Earl Edwards have been solid at the back. The Bruins host a Cal Poly side that is unranked, but has made a solid 3-1-0 start to the fall thanks in part to Edwards and Danladi’s teammate with Ventura County, Chase Minter. The junior midfielder has three goals and two assists to lead the Mustangs, while fellow Fusion player Steve Palacios has a pair of goals.

No. 3 North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Tar Heels are on a two-game winning streak since their loss to UCLA on the first weekend of the season, and have been led so far by OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Andy Craven, who earlier this week was named the College Soccer News Player of the Week after bagging his second and third game-winning goals of the season. The Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy has also had a solid start to the fall with a goal and two assists, while Portland Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Brendan Moore has conceded two goals in four games behind a tight defense that includes Orland City U23 defender Boyd Okwuonu. The Panthers enter having taken two wins from their first three games, and include Pittsburgh Riverhounds U-23 midfielders Ryan Myers and Romeo Charron.

No. 4 Notre Dame vs. No. 20 Syracuse, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Fighting Irish are coming off their first defeat of the season, against Kentucky last Monday, and will try to bounce back as the Orange visits South Bend, Ind. Ocean City Nor’easters forward Leon Brown leads Notre Dame this season with a pair of goals, and he will try to break down a Syracuse defense led by this past summer’s PDL All-Eastern Conference goalkeeper Alex Bono of Reading United AC. The Orange have yet to concede a goal this season on their way to a 4-0-0 start, while K-W United's Jordan Murrell has recorded a goal and two assists going forward. Former Ocean City midfielder Nick Perea has also found the back of the net for the Orange, as has Portland Timbers U-23s defender Louis Cross.

Wisconsin vs. Rutgers, Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
The Badgers have struggled early in the season with just one win from their first four outings, but will try to get things turned around as they open Big Ten play with a visit from conference newcomer the Scarlet Knights. St. Louis Scott Gallagher Super-20 midfielder Mark Segbers leads Wisconsin with three goals this season, while the Chicago Fire U-23 duo of Jacob Brindle and Drew Conner have both recorded a goal and an assist. Rutgers, meanwhile, sits at 2-2-0 as it heads to the Midwest. Jersey Express goalkeeper David Greczek has conceded five goals in four games to open the season, while the Real Boston Rams’ Mitchell Taintor will also have an important role to play after a solid season defensively this summer.

W-League Feature

Thursday, September 11, 2014

A top-10 clash between standout programs from either coast highlights this weekend’s action in NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer, with W-League standouts set to play a role as No. 4 Stanford hosts No. 6 Florida on Friday night in one of a number of games this weekend available on television or online.

No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 6 Florida, Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network Bay Area
The Gators face another big road test as they head to Palo Alto a week after a 2-1 victory against arch-rival and then-No. 2 Florida State in Tallahassee last weekend. Led by 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks, who has three goals and two assists this season, Florida heads to Palo Alto on a two-game winning streak that has also been helped by former Ottawa Fury midfielder Havana Solaun. The Cardinal, meanwhile, have made an undefeated start to the season with former LA Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu leading the way. The senior has three goals and one assist this season, while the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Andi Sullivan has a pair of assists.

No. 11 California vs. No. 7 Texas Tech, Friday, 6:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Red Raiders have earned their highest ranking in program history with a 5-0-0 start to the fall, with Colorado Rush forward Janine Beckie (two goals, assist) and Seattle Sounders Women defender Jaelene Hinkle both playing a key role in Texas Tech’s success. They head to face a Cal side that has also made a perfect start with six consecutive wins, with Sounders Women midfielder Taylor Comeau leading the Bears with four goals and three assists.

Michigan State vs. No. 9 Wisconsin, Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
The Badgers have had an excellent start to the season, led by the Ottawa Fury’s Kinley McNicoll, Dayton Dutch Lions FC’s Rose Lavelle and Laval Comets standout Genevieve Richard. McNicoll, who earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors earlier this week, is tied for the team lead with 14 points on five goals and four assists, while Lavelle leads the Badgers with five assists. Richard, the two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year, has allowed one goal in six games thus far.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release -- www.switchbacksfc.com

Thursday, September 11, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC continues its build-up to the club’s inaugural season in USL PRO in 2015 with the announcement of the COS PRO Soccer Kickoff on Saturday, October 18 at 6 p.m. MT. The exhibition contest will be the first USL PRO match played in Colorado Springs, and will be between future Switchbacks rivals the LA Galaxy II and Arizona United SC. Both teams are set to make history in Little London.

The LA Galaxy were the first MLS club to field a USL PRO team in 2014, and have performed strongly throughout their inaugural season with a top-three finish ahead of the start of the playoffs this weekend. The club has featured a number of players from the club’s first team, including Chandler Hoffman, who led the side with 13 goals this season, and U.S. U20 internationals Jack McBean, Oscar Sorto and Bradford Jamieson IV.

Arizona United also features top talent, including former MLS players Paolo DelPiccolo and Evan Newton, and finished in ninth place in its inaugural season, just one position out of a playoff berth. Head coach Michael Dellorusso, a former MLS player and University of Maryland assistant, put together a side that played attractive, attacking soccer as Jon Okafor and Long Tan both shone late in the season as United fell just short of  the postseason.

While host site Sand Creek Stadium is scheduled for completion only a few short weeks prior to the friendly, the Switchbacks are confident everything will be in place to offer their fans a taste of what’s to come when the club begins its inaugural season in USL PRO next spring.  

"Right now, the pressure is on the construction team and the front office to set the stage for this great matchup,” said Switchbacks Owner Ed Ragain. “We want to be an example of finishing opportunities when they present themselves, similar to our players finishing in the net in 2015."

Sand Creek Stadium will feature a variety of new game-day experiences for fans, including quality seating, lighting, a vibrant concourse experience, drink rails, fantastic music, food and beverages along with featured craft brewers from the area. The gates are open early at 5 p.m. MT for Season-ticket holder seat selection and entertainment.  

"We guarantee that this will be a Colorado Springs event to be remembered," said Switchbacks President Nick Ragain.

Season tickets for the 2015 USL PRO season, and tickets for the COS PRO Soccer Kickoff can be purchased online, or by calling the Switchbacks’ office at (719) 368-8480.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Thursday, September 11, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – The No. 4-seed Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium to host the No. 5-seed Charleston Battery in the quarterfinals of the USL PRO Playoffs this Saturday night. The quarterfinal kicks off at 7 p.m. ET, and the gates open at 5:30 p.m. with live music from Pump House, craft beer on tap and RVA food trucks. Tickets are on sale now for $12/adult and $7/youth, ages 3-17, at RichmondKickers.com. With the exception of All-Access and Red Army Passes, 2014 Season Passes will not be accepted at this match.

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

The Kickers concluded the 2014 regular season with a 13-3-12 record and 51 points, good for a fourth-place finish and homefield advantage for the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Following a near-record high 21-game unbeaten streak, injury crises and D.C. United call-ups left the Kickers with a 2-3-2 record to close out the regular season, most recently dropping their final match with a narrow 1-0 loss to Orlando last weekend.

Meanwhile, Charleston climbed to a fifth-place finish in the standings, posting an 11-9-8 record and going 5-1-1 to close out the regular season. Most recently, the Battery posted a decisive 4-0 win against Pittsburgh before edging Harrisburg 2-1 to finish with 41 points on the season.

Rivals for more than two decades, Saturday’s match marks the 52nd meeting between the Kickers and the Battery with the Kickers holding the slight edge on the all-time series record at 23-22-6 following a 4-0 rout at City Stadium in July. A pair of goals on either side of the half saw Conor Shanosky, George Davis IV and Jason Yeisley each convert tallies before Matthew Delicâte posted his 13th goal of the season. 

Three days later, the two clubs swapped home field advantage for a rescheduled match that ended in a 1-1 draw at Blackbaud Stadium. After conceding a seventh-minute penalty, the Kickers responded with a quick equalizer when Yeisley buried a header for his second goal in as many games.  Previously, the two clubs opened the 2014 campaign with a 2-2 draw in Charleston in March when end to end action saw Davis score on either side of goals by Jarad van Schaik and Amadou Sanyang for the Battery. 

Despite combining for seven league Championship titles (Charleston 1996, 2003, 2010, 2012; Richmond 1995, 2006, 2009), the two sides have only met in one other high-stakes match, when the Battery claimed their third league title in a heated 2-1 affair on August 28, 2010.

The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the USL PRO Semifinals to face the winner of the quarterfinal between No. 1-seed Orlando City SC and the No. 8-seed Harrisburg City Islanders.

Players to Watch
Kickers:  Forward Jason Yeisley tallied two goals in back-to-back games against Charleston this season, adding a tally to the 4-0 scoreline in Richmond before burying the equalizer in the 1-1 draw on the road.  Earlier this year, he made a triumphant return to the field after a nearly 10-month hiatus due to injury and added a third goal against the Orange County Blues to conclude the regular season campaign. Stalwart defender Sascha Görres earned USL PRO Team of the Week honors twice this season, notching one goal and three assists while contributing to seven shutouts. In his 10th season with the Kickers, the player/assistant coach ranks second on the all-time career assists list with 49 and holds the club record for most consecutive games played, appearing in 107 successive matches. Midfielder George Davis IV finished the regular season campaign in fifth place in USL PRO with 27 points on the season. The Lima, Ohio native signed with the Kickers in 2014 after spending two seasons with the Orange County Blues and the leads the team this season with 14 goals and six assists through all competitions.

Battery: The 2012 USL PRO Rookie of the Year, Jose Cuevas, re-signed with the Battery in July and made an immediate impact with three goals and four assists during the remainder of the regular season. Despite an early season injury in 2013, Cuevas returned late in the summer and added four goals and three assists last year to help lift the Battery to the third seed in the USL PRO Playoffs. Cuban goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper returned for his second season with the Battery after defecting from the Cuban National Team before a World Cup Qualifier in 2012. Making more than 40 appearances in Charleston over two seasons, he posted nine shutouts during the 2014 campaign, ranking second in USL PRO. Leading the Battery to three of their four Championship titles, veteran defender John Wilson has anchored the Battery defense for more than a decade.  Reversing a retirement decision prior to the 2011 season, Wilson resides in second place on the Battery’s all-time career list with more than 240 appearances.

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

Thursday, September 11, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II will face the Rochester Rhinos at StubHub Center in a USL PRO Playoffs quarterfinal match Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be Galaxy II’s first-ever USL PRO Playoff appearance and will also feature free entry and parking for all fans in attendance.

WATCH LIVE

“It’s free admission, free parking. And it’s a chance for the community to watch the future of the LA Galaxy,” said head coach Curt Onalfo. “It’s the first-ever [USL PRO] playoff game in [StubHub Center]. It could be a great night for a family, a great night for young players to watch 17-23 year olds that aspire to play for the Galaxy.”

Rochester enters the match having allowed the second-least goals in USL PRO this season (25), with only first-place Orlando City SC (24) allowing fewer. Rhinos goalkeeper John McCarthy holds a USL PRO-best 10 shutouts and a .72 goals against average.

Galaxy II will look to break down the Rochester defense after having scored the second-most goals of any club in USL PRO this year with 54. Los Dos’ offensive effort was led by forward Chandler Hoffman with 13 goals, the third-most of any player in USL PRO this year.

“They’re a really defensive-minded team,” said Hoffman. “I know when they came here earlier in the year, they sat back and put 11 players behind the ball, so the key is going to be breaking down the low pressure and find a way to get an early goal.”

Rochester is just one of two teams to earn a victory at StubHub Center this year, defeating Galaxy II 2-1 on June 11. Rochester took a 2-0 lead behind goals from Jonny Mendoza and Alex Dixon in the first half before Rafael Garcia put Los Dos within one in the 75th minute, but the Rhinos held on to the lead to earn the victory.

“We know they came in here earlier in the year and they beat us,” said forward Jack McBean. “I think they will be a little more defensive-minded, pack it in a little bit and play the counter, but we just need to play our game and we’ll be alright.”

Should Galaxy II win against Rochester, they will advance to the USL PRO Playoffs semifinal match and face the winner of the matchup between Sacramento Republic FC and Wilmington Hammerheads FC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT.

“In terms of the game, we’ve prepared all year for this and we finished the year in third place,” said Onalfo. “I think it was a really successful season where we have lots of changes every week and getting a team functioning, playing as a unit and doing things properly is not always easy, but I think it’s something we’ve done well. And now it’s a matter of taking advantage of that in a home playoff game and doing whatever we can getting three points.”

The 2014 USL PRO Playoffs include the top eight finishers in the table, with the quarterfinals (No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, etc.) set for the weekend of September 12-14. The semifinals, featuring the four remaining teams, will be played the following weekend with the 2014 USL PRO Championship set for the weekend of September 26-28. All playoff rounds feature a single-game knockout format and teams will not be re-seeded following each round.

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

Friday, September 12, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC will play its first playoff match on Saturday night against Wilmington Hammerheads FC at Bonney Field in the quarterfinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, with gates opening at 6 p.m. PT.

WATCH LIVE

Republic FC and Wilmington met twice in the regular season. Goals from Thomas Stewart and Emrah Klimenta led Republic FC past Wilmington 2-0 in the first match between the two sides at Bonney Field. The second match-up at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, N.C. was a story of two halves with Republic FC controlling the first half and Wilmington controlling the second. Although both clubs controlled a half neither could find the back of the net and the match ended in a scoreless draw.

Republic FC finished the season unbeaten in 10 of its last 11 matches, and went 7-1-2 in its last 10 games. The club's form at the end of the season vaulted them into second place in the USL PRO standings behind only MLS-bound Orlando City SC. Republic FC’s 17 USL PRO wins were the most of any expansion franchise in USL PRO history.

Republic FC was led on offense by midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, the franchise’s first signing. Lopez’s eight assists led the club and his 10 goals came in one goal short of the club lead. Lopez has excelled this season at Bonney Field where he has scored eight goals and recorded three assists.

Stewart was the team's leader in goals in its first season with 11 USL PRO goals. Stewart also recorded this clubs first-ever hat trick in a 6-1 victory against Orange County Blues FC on August 17.

Republic FC goalkeepers Jake Gleeson and Dominik Jakubek allowed just 28 goals on the season, the third-lowest total in USL PRO. Gleeson has been particularly strong lately, allowing just three goals in his last eight appearances. 

Republic FC defenders Nemanja Vuković and Mickey Daly anchored the defense in front of Gleeson and Jakubek this season. Vuković recorded three assists and scored one goal in his club-leading 2,380 minutes played. Daly finished with the second most minutes played on the club with 2,309 and added three goals and an assist.

Wilmington finished the season with eight matches in 18 days. Wilmington finished this stretch with a record of 3-2-3 to finish seventh in the USL PRO standings.

Forward Samuel Ochoa was the offensive leader for Wilmington this season, as his six goals and five assists led the club. Fellow forward Sunny Jane scored five goals and recorded three assists, and the side added Corben Bone on loan from the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC Academy standout Mark-Anthony Kaye to provide extra offensive firepower late in the season.

Defender Christian Davidson and midfielder Paul Nicholson were regulars in the Wilmington lineup leading the club in minutes played. Davidson played 2,312 minutes on the season with Nicholson coming in second with 2,249 minutes played.

The winner of the match will continue on in the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs and take on the winner of quarterfinal between the LA Galaxy II and Rochester Rhinos, which takes place at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Saturday night.

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

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

Thursday, September 11, 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (19-4-5, 62 points) enters the postseason as USL PRO Regular Season Champions for the third time in four seasons on Saturday night, as the Lions are set to take on the Harrisburg City Islanders (10-11-7, 37 points) in the quarterfinals of the USL PRO Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWoS).

WATCH LIVE | TICKETS

Orlando heads into the match boasting a three-game unbeaten streak, including a 1-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers in its final USL PRO regular season game. Midfielder Kevin Molino scored the lone goal of the match in the 22nd minute, notching a record 20th goal of the season.

Saturday’s fixture marks only the second ever postseason meeting between the Lions and the City Islanders. Both sides faced each other in the thrilling 2011 USL PRO Championship Game, in which the Lions defeated Harrisburg 3-2 in penalty kicks. The match featured a roller-coaster of events as Orlando battled back from a 2-1 deficit in extra time to defeat Harrisburg with 10 men.

Orlando City and Harrisburg split the regular season series in 2014. After falling to the City Islanders 3-2 at Skyline Sports Stadium in August, the Lions responded with a strong 3-1 victory in front of their home crowd the following weekend.

Commenting on the upcoming match, Head Coach Adrian Heath is committed to maintaining his squad’s focus.

“The regular season is done now," Heath said. "We’ve achieved what we set out do, but that’s been put away. It’s a three game season for us now, and it starts on Saturday. I have no qualms that Harrisburg will be a difficult opponent for us, but the lads have had a good week in training so we’re looking forward to it. ”

Aside from Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, who is listed as questionable, Heath’s squad is injury-free for the quarterfinal match. However, Midfielder Darwin Cerén remains unavailable for selection due to international duty.

During halftime, the Orlando City Foundation will present a $10,000 check to the Howards Phillips Center for Children and Families – Healthy Families Orange. The check will help fund programs building healthy and positive parenting behaviors for new mothers and fathers. This phenomenally successful program has demonstrated a near 100% success rate in preventing child abuse and neglect in Central Florida.

If the Lions are victorious, the WWoS box office will be open for an hour after the match so fans can purchase tickets to the playoff semifinal game on September 20. Fans can also purchase tickets online or by phone.

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.

PDL Feature

Saturday, September 13, 2014

The Puget Sound Gunners’ Mason Robertson scored twice as No. 10 Washington took a convincing 3-1 victory against Connecticut on Friday night at Husky Soccer Field. Fellow Gunner Josh Heard also scored for Washington, while the Washington Crossfire’s Christian Roldan and Sounders FC U23’s Darwin Jones had assists as UW bounced back from its first loss of the season.

UConn took an early lead through Canadian standout Cyle Larin, but the Huskies responded strongly as they controlled possession. The equalizer arrived in the 15th minute on an individual effort by Robertson, who intercepted a clearance and drove into the center of the field, where he unleashed a powerful finish into the back of the net.

Robertson soon gave Washington the lead as he got on the end of a cross by Roldan in the 24th minute and powered home a header to make it 2-1. The two goals, Robertson’s second and third of the season, were part of a strong all-around performance that drew praise from Huskies coach Jamie Clark.

“Mason was unbelievable, goals aside,” said Clark. “His target play, winning balls, bringing balls in. They didn’t have any answers for he and Darwin.”

Jones didn’t find the back of the net on Friday, but he did have a role in the Huskies’ third in the 64th minute as his cross from the left was put away by a soaring Heard. Gunners goalkeeper Spencer Richey finished the night with two saves for the Huskies as Washington saw out a comfortable victory.

No. 1 UCLA 0, SANTA CLARA 0: The Ventura County Fusion’s Earl Edwards and FC Tucson’s Kendall McIntosh each recorded shutouts as the Bruins and Broncos finishes scoreless at Drake Field.

McIntosh recordes his third consecutive shutout for Santa Clara with three saves as he denied chances for the OC Pateadores Blues’ Leo Stolz and the Fusion’s Brian Iloski. Edwards made two stops to post his second shutout of the season.

No. 3 NORTH CAROLINA 3, PITTSBURGH 0: The Carolina Dynamo’s Jonathan Campbell was on target as the Tar Heels took a comprehensive victory against the Panthers at Fetzer Field in their ACC opener.

Campbell capped a strong performance by North Carolina that was led by Nyambi Jabang, who provided the assist on Alan Winn’s opening goal before tallying himself in the 69th minute. Portland Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Brendan Moore was rarely troubled as he made two saves to post the shutout.

No. 8 NEW MEXICO 1, CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE 0: Sounders FC U23 forward Chris Wehan had the only goal as the Lobos took victory against the Matadors at Matador Soccer Field.

Wehan’s goal came in the 20th minute as a deflected cross came to the top of the penalty area. Wehan was the first to react, and curled a shot into the net for his second goal of the season. Former Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 midfielder Ben McKendry came close to a second for the Lobos, but the offside flag denied his finish.

No. 12 MARYLAND 1, MICHIGAN 1: Michigan Bucks forward put the Wolverines ahead against the Terrapins, but a last-minute equalizer by David Kabelik earned Maryland a draw in its Big Ten opener.

After a quiet first half, the game opened up after the break and the Wolverines took the lead with 15 minutes to go as Rylee Woods’ free kick set up Murphy for a finish eight yards out. Michigan couldn’t hold on for the upset on home turf, however, as Kabelik beat Bucks goalkeeper Adam Grinwis with 22 seconds remaining, with neither side able to grab victory in overtime.

UNLV 1, No. 14 UMBC 0: Las Vegas Mobsters forward Salvador Bernal had the only goal as the Rebels upset the Retrievers to claim their fifth consecutive victory to start the season at Peter Johann Memorial Field.

Bernal, who had five goals to lead the Mobsters in the PDL this summer, struck in the 23rd minute as he got onto the end of a free kick by fellow Mobsters player Julian Portugal to score his sixth goal of the season. Bernal sits tied for second in the nation, behind only Patt Flynn of Bowling Green, in goals this fall.

UNC WILMINGTON 2, No. 17 SOUTH CAROLINA 1: FC London’s Jamie Dell had the game-winning goal as the Seahawks upset the Gamecocks at Stone Stadium.

South Carolina took the lead in the ninth minute when Ive Burnett found the back of the net, but UNC Wilmington responded four minutes before halftime as Freddy Nzekele scored on the rebound of Kellen Foster’s shot. Dell then secured the upset with eight minutes to go as he fired home a finish from Brayden Smith’s pass.

No. 19 AMERICAN 3, HARTWICK 1: Potomac SC Super-20 forward Stephen Hauschild was among the scorers as the Eagles took victory against the Hawks at Reeves Field in the Capitol Cup.

American took the lead midway through the first half as Joe Iraola broke the deadlock, and the Eagles then scored twice in two minutes as Dale Ludwig and Hauschild made it 3-0 in the opening five minutes of the second half. Hartwick pulled a goal back on a finish by Kit Tregear, but the newly-ranked Eagles saw out victory on home turf.

No. 22 GEORGE MASON 2, WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 0: Former Ocean City Nor’easters forward Timi Mulgrew had a goal and an assist as the Patriots took victory against the Panthers at George Mason Stadium.

Mulgrew opened the scoring less than a minute in as he took a long clearance and ran into space before firing home a shot from 20 yards. The goal was his sixth of the season, and he added an assist in the seventh minute when Panthers goalkeeper Agustin Rey could only parry his shot, which allowed Zach Herstek to finish the rebound.

W-League Feature

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Former LA Strikers midfielder Lo’eau Labonta scored the only goal from the penalty spot as No. 4 Stanford took a 1-0 overtime victory against No. 6 Florida on Friday night at Cagan Stadium. The senior captain sent a fierce shot into the top-left corner of the net to earn the Cardinal their fourth win against ranked opposition this season.

Labonta had come off the bench late for Stanford as she nursed some minor injuries, but made the difference when the Cardinal were awarded a penalty kick less than three minutes into the extra session. Both she and LA Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu stepped up to the spot initially, but Ubogagu stepped aside to let Labonta take the decisive spot kick.

“Chi and I both stepped up to the ball,” LaBonta said. “She just laughed at me because when I went up to her, I said, ‘rock, paper, scissors.’ She said, ‘No, you take it.’ I said, ‘All right, you give it to me and I’ll take it.’”

Ubogagu had been a threat throughout the contest for the Cardinal and finished with a game-high five shots that included a late effort that forced a good save from Taylor Burke in the Gators’ goal. 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks had Florida’s best chance on one of the Cardinal defense’s few mistakes, but fellow U.S. U20 international Jane Campbell made an outstanding save to deny her.

Former Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Taylor Uhl also went close for the Cardinal, who outshot the Gators 20-8, but it proved to be Labonta’s calm finish that made the difference as Stanford moved to 5-0-1 to start the season.

No. 1 UCLA 2, WAKE FOREST 1: The Bruins conceded for the first time this season, but goals by former LA Blues Sam Mewis and Rose White earned victory against the Demon Deacons at Drake Stadium.

The Bruins scored twice in the opening 12 minutes to take control of the contest. White converted from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after Mewis was fouled in the penalty area, and Mewis added a second two minutes later as she put home a cross from fellow Blue Taylor Smith. 2014 W-League All-League selection Sarah Killion was also credited an assist on Mewis’ goal, giving her a goal or assist in each of the Bruins' first seven games.

Wake Forest’s Riley Ridgik became the first player to score against the Bruins this season as she broke their 772-minute shutout streak, but UCLA held on for victory as it moved to 6-0-1 this season.

No. 7 TEXAS TECH 1, No. 11 CALIFORNIA 0: Colorado Rush standout Janine Beckie had the overtime winner as the Red Raiders remained perfect with victory against Cal at Goldman Field.

The game appeared set to end as a scoreless draw as it entered the final minute of overtime, but Beckie was able to get on the end of a corner kick and head home to score the 12th game-winning goal of her college career, which set a new Red Raider program record.

No. 9 WISCONSIN 2, MICHIGAN STATE 1: Ottawa Fury FC standout Kinley McNicoll recorded assists on both of freshman Becca Harrison’s goals as the Badgers took an overtime victory against the Spartans at DeMartin Stadium.

Wisconsin took the lead in the 20th minute as McNicoll and fellow former Toronto Lady Lynx midfielder Kodee Williams combined to set up Harrison for her first collegiate goal. The hosts equalizer just before the hour mark through Jamie Cheslik, but the Badgers extended their program-best winning streak to start the season to seven games as McNicoll’s pass set up Harrison for a finish from the corner of the penalty area a minute into overtime.

No. 14 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 3, PACIFIC 0: LA Blues forward Kayla Mills scored her second goal in as many games and former LA Strikers forward Alex Quincey was also on target as the Trojans took victory against the Tigers.

Southern Cal took the lead just after the halftime break when Tamara Mejia scored on a good individual effort, and Mills doubled the lead just past the hour mark as her strong run down the right was capped by a shot into the top-left corner. Quincey then added her team-leading fifth goal of the season with 15 minutes to go when she headed home Reilly Parker’s corner kick.

No. 16 SOUTH CAROLINA 3, SOUTH FLORIDA 0: The Carolina Elite Cobras’ Chelsea Drennan had a goal and Savannah McCaskill an assist as the Gamecocks took victory against the Bulls at Corbett Stadium.

South Carolina had the better of the first half and took a deserved lead when Coryn Bajema flicked home a cross by Bay Daniel in the 32nd minute. Drennan added her second of the season as she followed up a corner seven minutes into the second half with a strong shot from the left side of the penalty area, and McCaskill’s looping cross to find Sophie Groff capped the victory as former Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo recorded seven saves for the shutout.

No. 22 WEST VIRGINIA 1, GEORGETOWN 1: Ottawa Fury FC defender Kadeisha Buchanan had the equalizer as the Mountaineers earned a draw with the Hoyas at Diesk Soccer Stadium.

Georgetown took the lead in the 24th minute through Vanessa Skrumbis, but West Virginia quickly hit back as Buchanan scored her third goal of the season three minutes later as she sent home a shot into the left corner of the net off a flicked pass by Reading United W-20 player Carly Black.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 13, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II earned a victory in their first-ever contest in the USL PRO Playoffs as they took a 2-1 win against the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday night at StubHub Center. Los Dos earned a comeback victory in the quarterfinals behind goals from forwards Chandler Hoffman and Charlie Rugg as Galaxy II advanced to the semifinals, where they will travel north to face Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. PT.

Galaxy II came back from a goal down in the first half and finished the match with just 10 men to earn the victory over the Rhinos.

“It’s just one of those games you’ve just got to grind out,” LA Galaxy II head coach Curt Onalfo said. “Some teams can throw their hands in the air and make excuses, but we fought, came together as a team and we worked hard. So overall, I was really pleased with the character we showed and the fact that we really were a team tonight.

“I think that’s something we can build on as we go into the semifinals against Sacramento on Saturday.”

Rochester opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when JC Banks fired a shot past Perk to make the score 1-0. Forward Alex Dixon played a ball over top the Galaxy II defense to Banks, who went in on goal with just Perk to beat. Banks fired a shot with his right foot that bounced off the bottom of the crossbar and into the net.

Galaxy II responded just minutes later when they earned a penalty kick in the 28th minute after Jaime Villarreal launched a shot from outside the 18 that bounced off of a Rochester player’s hand. Hoffman stepped up to the spot and fired it on goalkeeper John McCarthy, who made a diving save before Hoffman followed up the shot and fired it into the corner of the net off of the rebound.

“He made a good save on the first shot, but I stayed with the play and I was able to slot it to the back post,” Hoffman said. “I just tried to stay calm knowing that I could still score the goal.”

Los Dos added the second of the night in the 62nd minute as Hoffman combined with Charlie Rugg. Hoffman found space down the left side before he fired in a cross to an oncoming Rugg, who blasted in a shot to an open net to put the hosts up by one from close range.

The Galaxy II were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when captain Rafael Garcia was sent off after seeing his second yellow card for a challenge on a Rochester player, and Los Dos played down a man for the rest of the match.

Los Dos absorbed pressure from the Rhinos in the closing minutes of the match, but the defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Brian Perk making a heroic, diving save in stoppage time to keep the Galaxy II ahead. JC Banks took a free kick from inches outside the penalty area, and fired a shot that was headed for the bottom left corner of the net, but Perk made a diving save on the shot and push it away from goal.

“It was a huge win for us,” said Hoffman. “We had some adversity tonight in going down to 10 men, but the guys that came into the game stepped up. We played 24 minutes down a man and didn’t really concede much; Perk makes one huge save, but besides that I thought we did really well playing with 10 men and holding on to the lead.”

More than 2,400 fans came out to StubHub Center to support Galaxy II in their first-ever USL PRO Playoffs contest.

“I thought it was a great atmosphere,” said Onalfo. “It was really helpful for us, especially at the end of the game. So hopefully if we get another game [at home], we’ll have the same sort of turnout or even better. It was a great night for the LA Galaxy and LA Galaxy II.”

 With the victory, Galaxy II will travel to face Sacramento Republic FC in the USL PRO Playoff Semifinal match next Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. live on www.lagalaxy.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 13, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC claimed its first USL PRO Playoffs victory in club history as it took a 4-1 win against Wilmington Hammerheads FC on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd at Bonney Field. The victory allowed Republic FC to advance to the semifinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs as defenders Nemanja Vuković and Mickey Daly account for three of the four goals, with Adam Jahn adding the fourth late in the match.

Republic FC had many early chances, but was unable to convert despite putting two shots off the crossbar. Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made a kick save in the 17th minute on a breakaway opportunity from Hammerheads FC forward Sunny Jane to keep the game scoreless after the opening half-hour.

Sacramento finally broke through in the 40th minute when midfielder Max Alvarez sent a cross into the penalty area. After a group of players went up for a header, Vuković fired a shot in from close range to give Republic FC a halftime lead. 

The Hammerheads came out of the break pressing for a goal, and in the 58th minute second-half substitute Samuel Ochoa broke free behind the defense as he ran onto a through-ball. Gleeson came off his line to make a challenge, but instead clipped Ochoa in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Ochoa stepped up to the mark and confidently put his shot past Gleeson and into the back of the net to level the score.

The equalizer from Ochoa inspired a quick response from Republic FC, which needed just six minutes to regain the lead. In the 64th minute Rodrigo Lopez took a corner that found defender Mickey Daly in the air, and the former Hammerheads center back redirected the ball off a Wilmington defender’s back and into the net for a 2-1 lead. 

With the crowd still buzzing Republic FC doubled its lead in the 67th minute as second-half substitute Octavio Guzman sent a cross to the far post to Thomas Stewart, who redirected a header back across the face of goal. An unmarked Vuković cleaned up the play with a header for his second of the match and a 3-1 lead.

Republic FC scored again in the 88th minute after defender James Kiffe sent a cross over the goalkeeper’s head to an unmarked Jahn, who put away the fourth and final goal of the match into the empty net.

“I think this team really deserved this,” said Vuković following the match. “It doesn’t matter who scores, I am just happy. I hope we keep playing and advancing.”

With the win Republic FC advances to the semifinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs, where it will host LA Galaxy II on Saturday September 20.  Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT, with gates at Bonney Field opening at 6:30 p.m. PT.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 13, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. -- In a match that took the full 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time, it would be Richmond's Matthew Delicate scoring in extra time that gave the Richmond Kickers a 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery at City Stadium in the quarterfinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs on Saturday evening.

The teams finished regulation tied 1-1 as Dane Kelly equalized for the Battery after Collin Martin had opened the scoring for the Kickers. Charleston defender Quinton Griffith had the first chance of extra time as he fired a shot on goal, only for the effort to come back off the crossbar. Later, Battery forward Heviel Cordoves took a shot on the run at the top of the 18-yard box but it sailed wide of the left post, ending the scoring threat.

Charleston was reduced to 10 men at the end of the first period of extra time, however, as Emmanuel Adjetey was sent off for a strong challenge in the center circle. The Kickers worked hard to take advantage in the final 15 minutes, but it was a late substitution by Richmond that introduced leading scorer Matthew Delicate that provided a spark to the Kickers' offense during the second half of extra time. In the 117th minute, Delicate was able to take a Juan Arbelaez pass on his first touch and send it into the back of the net, pushing the Kickers to a one-goal lead with less than five minutes remaining.

Charleston tried to level the match in the closing moments but Richmond was able to hang on and preserve the 2-1 win over the Battery.

Richmond had opened the scoring early in the first half after a foul in the Charleston defensive third provided the Kickers with a set-piece opportunity. In the 11th minute, Kickers defender Sascha Goerres took the free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. The shot made its way through a wall of defenders and challenged Charleston goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper, who was able to make the first save, but the rebound came back out into the penalty area to Martin, who was able to hit a first-time shot into the back of the net.

Charleston's Zach Prince had a chance just before the halfway point of the opening half when he took a powerful shot from just outside the Richmond penalty area, but goalkeeper Ryan Taylor was just as strong in goal, making the save and negated the chance. Taylor continued to make saves throughout the first half, including a 33rd minute stop that saw Taylor come off his line and made a diving play on an incoming Charleston shot and, only moments later, leaping to make a second save off the rebound opportunity.

In the second half, Charleston was able to level the game thanks to a quick shot by Kelly in the 64th minute, when the Jamaican found the ball at the top of the Richmond penalty area and fired off a shot, which cleanly found its way by Taylor into the  top-right corner of the net. 

Chances went both ways for Richmond and Charleston, but the Kickers were able to sustain their attack and fire several dangerous chances toward the Battery goal in the final minutes of the second half and stoppage time. With neither club breaking the 1-1 tie, the match moved into extra time, when Delicate's late winner proved the difference.

Richmond will now host the Harrisburg City Islanders in the semifinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs on Saturday September 20 at 7 p.m. at Richmond City Stadium. Buy tickets now at richmondkickers.com.

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 13, 2014

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Harrisburg City Islanders recorded a stunning upset as Antoine Hoppenot scored the only goal to defeat USL PRO regular-season champion Orlando City SC 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

Featuring a true playoff atmosphere, the action quickly got underway as both sides produced chances in an end-to-end first half. In the fifth minute, Rob Valentino provided the opening chance for Orlando City with a leaping header that was saved for a corner by Harrisburg goalkeeper Nicholas Noble.

One minute later, Hertzog continued City's attack as he connected with Kevin Molino’s ball into the penalty area. However, his first-time effort flew just over the bar.

The City Islanders’ pace up front led to several dangerous chances in the opening portion of the first half. Harrisburg’s first clear opportunity came in the 25th minute when Jimmy McLaughlin found Jamiel Hardware on the edge of the penalty area. After avoiding the incoming challenges from City defenders, Hardware’s final shot was hit wide of the target.

The City Islanders eventually broke through five minutes before the end of the half with an effective counter-attack. As multiple Orlando players pushed high up the pitch, Hardware played Hoppenot in behind on a good angled run behind the defense. The Philadelphia Union loanee controlled and sent a good finish in from the top of the penalty area into the right corner.

Orlando had a strong case for a penalty deep in stoppage time, after Adama Mbengue appeared to be brought down in the penalty area. However, the referee waved the play on, leaving the City Islanders up 1-0 at the halftime break.

The Lions opened the second half with even greater urgency, as they continued to battle for an equalizer. In the 55th minute, Bryan Burke sent an early ball into the penalty area that led to a corner for the Lions. Mbengue’s ensuing set-piece was cleared by Harrisburg to Estrela, whose volley from the edge of the area went high and wide.

After slipping in behind the Islanders’ backline, Hertzog followed up with an opportunity to equalize in the 66th minute, but his shot was deflected away by a last-ditch challenge by center back Richie Marquez.

With time winding down, the Lions continued to push forward in a dramatic close to the match. In the 78th minute, Kevin Molino floated a ball to the near-post for Dennis Chin, whose header went just inches wide of the target. Shortly afterward, Mbengue surged into the penalty area and produced a late chance for Orlando, but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Frustration began to build on both sides and Harrisburg's Robbie Derschang was sent off for a reckless challenge on Mbengue in stoppage time. With Orlando City holding a one-man advantage, the Lions pressed into Harrisburg’s half, searching for a game-tying goal to send the match into extra time.

The Islanders were able to hold off the mounting pressure from Orlando, however, as they secured an upset victory and a place in the semifinals of the USL PRO Playoffs. 

The City Islanders will now travel to face the Richmond Kickers, with kickoff of the semifinal match-up set for Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. ET at City Stadium.

USL PRO News Release

Sunday, September 14, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The Harrisburg City Islanders scored the upset of the round as they defeated USL PRO regular season champion Orlando City in the quarterfinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs on Saturday night. The Richmond Kickers, LA Galaxy II and Sacramento Republic FC also advanced, ensuring there will be a new champion as the postseason heads to the semifinals next weekend.

No. 8 Harrisburg City Islanders 1, No. 1 Orlando City SC 0
Antoine Hoppenot scored the only goal as the USL PRO regular season champion was eliminated before the championship game for a third consecutive season, bringing the curtain down on Orlando City SC’s time in the league. The City Islanders struck on a well-executed counter-attack five minutes before halftime that saw Jamiel Hardware spring the Philadelphia Union loanee behind the Lions’ defense to finish into the right corner, and that was all Harrisburg needed as Orlando was unable to find the back of the net in a tense second half.

No. 2 Sacramento Republic FC 4, No. 7 Wilmington Hammerheads 1
Set pieces proved to be the difference as center backs Nemanja Vukovic scored twice and Mickey Daly once in front of a sold-out crowd at Bonney Field to send Republic FC past the Hammerheads. Vukovic gave his side the lead in the 40th minute from a free kick, but Wilmington hit back just before the hour mark as Sammy Ochoa converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the penalty area. Republic FC regained control with a pair of goals by Daly and Vukovic three minutes apart, both from set pieces, before Adam Jahn’s goal with two minutes to go sealed Sacramento’s first postseason victory in club history.

No. 3 LA Galaxy II 2, No. 6 Rochester Rhinos 1
The Galaxy II rallied past the Rhinos at the StubHub Center to set up a California derby in the semifinals as Chandler Hoffman had a goal and an assist to lead Los Dos to victory. Rochester’s JC Banks gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute as he beat LA’s offside trap and roofed his finish. Hoffman answered seven minutes later as the Galaxy II were awarded a penalty kick after a handball in the area. Rhinos standout goalkeeper John McCarthy made the initial save, but Hoffman followed up to convert his own rebound to level the score. He then added an assist on an outstanding goal by Charlie Rugg that proved to be the game-winner just past the hour mark. Los Dos finished with 10 men as Rafael Garcia was sent off with 24 minutes to go, but a pair of big late saves by Brian Perk denied Rochester a chance at extra time as LA held on.

No. 4 Richmond Kickers 2, No. 5 Charleston Battery 1, AET
Matt Delicâte’s first touch of the game proved to be decisive, as the Kickers’ leading scorer scored in the 117th minute moments after being brought on as a substitute to give Richmond victory against its longtime rival. Collin Martin gave Richmond the lead 11 minutes in, but the Battery hit back through Dane Kelly in the 64th minute as the game ended level after regulation. Charleston almost took the lead early in extra time as Quinton Griffith hit the crossbar in the 98th minute. The Battery were reduced to 10 men in the final minute of the first half of extra time as Emmanuel Adjetey was sent off for a strong challenge in the center circle, and the Kickers were able to take advantage as a close-range finish by Delicâte lifted his side to victory and a home game in the semifinals.

2014 USL PRO PLAYOFFS
Quarterfinals
Saturday, August 13
Richmond 2, Charleston 1, AET
Harrisburg 1, Orlando 0
Sacramento 4, Wilmington 1
LA Galaxy II 2, Rochester 1

Semifinals
Saturday, August 20
No. 4 Richmond Kickers vs. No. 8 Harrisburg City Islanders, 7 p.m. ET, City Stadium
No. 2 Sacramento Republic FC vs. No. 3 LA Galaxy II, 10:30 p.m. ET, Bonney Field

PDL Feature

Monday, September 15, 2014

Portland Timbers U-23s midfielder Ben Strong had a pair of goals as No. 5 Louisville romped past Duke 5-0 on Saturday night at Lynn Stadium. The Chicago Fire U-23’s Will Vitalis, FC Tucson’s Santiago Velez and Orlando City U23’s Romilio Hernandez also found the net for the Cardinals, who took victory in their ACC opener.

The Cardinals struck twice in the opening six minutes as Vitalis opened the scoring in the fourth minute from Tim Kubel’s cross with a clever flicked finish. Strong added a second two minutes later as he controlled a deflected cross and fired into the left corner of the net.

"I was proud of the guys and how we responded. The last two games, I thought we played well up until the final third and just weren't sharp. We challenged the guys to be a little bit better and tonight, I thought we were good in the final third," said Louisville head coach Ken Lolla. "I thought big portions of the game were similar to the last two in that we moved the ball well into the final third. I think the difference this game was just our intent and focus and finishing in the final third."

Velez added to the Cardinals’ lead before the halftime break with a shot into the right corner, and Strong then notched his second 10 minutes into the second half as 2014 PDL Rookie of the Year Ricardo Velazco played Strong through the center of the field and he finished past an advancing goalkeeper. Hernandez capped the scoring in the 67th minute as his Orlando teammate Andrew Brody provided a pass for a finish from 10 yards for his first collegiate goal.

No. 6 GEORGETOWN 1, No. 9 UC IRVINE 1: OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Mats Bjurman scored an equalizer for the Anteaters as they finished level with the Hoyas at Shaw Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Baltimore Bohemians’ Brandon Allen gave Georgetown the lead in the 33rd minute as he fired home a shot from the top of the penalty area for his fourth goal of the season. Bjurman hit back with 17 minutes to go, however, as he put away a counter-attack from a pass by former Ventura County Fusion midfielder Gor Kirakosyan to leave honors even.

No. 7 MICHIGAN STATE 1, LOYOLA CHICAGO 0: K-W United midfielder Jay Chapman had the only goal as the Spartans took victory against the Ramblers at DeMartin Field.

Chapman, a preseason All-America selection, scored his first goal of the fall in the 61st minute as he headed home a free kick by Jason Stacy. The goal was Chapman’s eighth of his career for the Spartans, and earned his side its third win of the season.

No. 8 NEW MEXICO 2, SAN DIEGO 0: Former Jersey Express midfielder and Ogden Outlaws forward James Rogers found the back of the net as the Lobos took victory against the Toreros at Torero Stadium.

Both goals arrived in the second half, as Fisher opened the scoring in the 52nd minute off a rebound from Niko Hansen’s shot. Rogers added his second of the season with 20 minutes to go as he poked home a finish off the post and in to wrap up New Mexico’s fourth win.

No. 10 WASHINGTON 3, PENNSYLVANIA 1: A pair of goals by the Sounders FC U23’s Darwin Jones bracketed a game-winner by the Washington Crossfire’s Justin Schmidt as the Huskies took victory against the Quakers at Husky Soccer Field on Sunday.

Jones gave the Huskies the lead in the 38th minute as he juked past his defender and finished after a cross by the Crossfire’s James Moberg, but Penn hit back as former Ocean City Nor’easters forward Duke Lacroix tied the game before the halftime break. The Huskies went ahead for good with four minutes to go, however, as Schmidt headed home a corner kick, and Jones wrapped up the victory with 20 seconds to play with his fifth goal of the season as he put home a free kick by the Puget Sound Gunners’ Mason Robertson.

No. 16 PENN STATE 1, No. 11 INDIANA 0: The LA Misioneros’ Mason Klerks had the only goal as the Nittany Lions took victory against the Hoosiers at Armstrong Field on Saturday night.

Penn State took the lead in the 27th minute as a corner kick was dummied by Kyle MacDonald and allowed to run to Klerks at the top of the penalty area. He controlled, and fired home a shot to put the Nittany Lions ahead, and that proved to be enough as San Jose Earthquakes U23 goalkeeper Evan Finney recorded a two-save shutout in his first collegiate start.

W-League Feature

Monday, September 15, 2014

The North Jersey Valkyries’ Ani Sarkisian scored with one second remaining in regulation to lift the University of Michigan past No. 9 Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon in a dramatic Big Ten clash at the U-M Soccer Stadium. The victory allowed the Wolverines to remain undefeated in conference play, and handed the Badgers their first loss of the season.

Sarkisian, who had three goals and an assist in 11 appearances for the Valkyries this summer, had both goals for the Wolverines as they earned their first win against a top-10 side since 2003. The winner came off a free kick, awarded with 20 seconds to play. Michigan PDA W-20 player Taylor Timko’s initial delivery was headed away, but Bailey Haydock gathered possession and sent a low cross from the right that Sarkisian flicked home at the near post.

Sarkisian gave Michigan the lead in the ninth minute as she put away the rebound from Nicky Waldeck’s shot. The early goal continued a recent run for Sarkisian, who has now scored in the opening 12 minutes of the Wolverines’ past three games.

Wisconsin leveled the game from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after a foul in the penalty area. Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Kinley McNicoll stepped up and put away the penalty kick. Both teams had chances to take the lead in the second half as Laval Comets goalkeeper Genevieve Richard finished with six saves for Wisconsin, but she was unable to deny Sarkisian her dramatic winner just before the final whistle.

No. 2 VIRGINIA 3, HOFSTRA 1: The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak and Washington Spirit Reserves’ Meghan Cox were both on target as the Cavaliers claimed the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic title with victory against the Pride at Klöckner Stadium.

Cox gave Virginia the lead in the 10th minute as she put home a corner kick from close range, but Hofstra hit back as Cox’s Spirit Reserves teammate Amber Stobbs set up Leah Galton in the 53rd minute. The Cavaliers regained the lead through Doniak from the penalty spot five minutes later, however, before Danielle Colaprico capped the scoring with three minutes to go.

No. 4 STANFORD 8, DAYTON 0: The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Alex Doll scored twice as the Cardinal swept to victory against the Flyers at Cagan Stadium.

Ryan Walker-Hartshorn added a hat trick for Stanford, which remained undefeated as it took its largest victory since 2010.

No. 5 FLORIDA STATE 7, STETSON 0: Seattle Sounders Women forward Marta Bakowska-Mathews had a hat trick as the Seminoles routed the Hatters at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Bakowska-Mathews scored twice in the opening 15 minutes, as the first arrived in the seventh minute with a close-range finish from the LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams’ low delivery. She added a second with a header from former LA Blues’ midfielder Jamia Fields’ cross, and then completed her first hat trick for FSU 11 minutes into the second half as she put home the rebound of her own shot. Fields finished with two assists, while Williams also added a goal, as FSU took its sixth win of the season.

No. 6 FLORIDA 4, NEW MEXICO 0: 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan had a pair of goals as the Gators took victory against the Lobos at the UNM Soccer Complex.

Lauren Smith gave Florida the lead in the 13th minute before the Atlanta Silverbacks standout bagged her first in the 36th minute. Jordan stole possession on bad pass at the top of the penalty area and finished well. She added a second in the 83rd minute after getting in behind the Lobos defense via a pass from Brooke Sharp to wrap up the victory.

No.  7 TEXAS TECH 2, ABILENE CHRISTIAN 0: Colorado Rush forward Janine Beckie scored her second game-winning goal in as many games as the Red Raiders defeated the Wildcats at the Walker Soccer Complex.

Beckie’s goal arrived in the opening minute of the second half, as she ran onto a through-ball by Alli Murphy. Beckie cut back past her defender and sent a shot into the top-left corner of the net. The goal was Beckie’s 30th for the Red Raiders, which ties her for second all-time in program history with Kristi Patterson.

No. 8 PENN STATE 3, INDIANA 0: Former Seattle Sounders Women player Emily Hurd and New York Magic midfielder Mallory Peterson were both on target as the Nittany Lions defeated the Hoosiers at Armstrong Stadium.

Hurd gave Penn State the lead in the 11th minute as she intercepted a pass and shot low into the left corner. The Colorado Pride’s Mallory Weber then set up the Nittany Lions’ second as her pass found Rachel Rodriguez for her third goal of the season from 15 yards, and Peterson wrapped up the victory with four minutes to go as she headed home a cross from the left at the back post.

No. 13 PEPPERDINE 3, KENTUCKY 2: The LA Blues’ Lynn Williams scored an overtime game-winner to lift the Waves past the Wildcats in a thriller at the Bell Soccer Complex.

Pepperdine twice took the lead, first through Rylee Baisden in the 21st minute, but Kentucky hit back both times as Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Arin Gilliland set up Kelli Hubly for the equalizer just past the hour mark. Williams, the 2012 W-League Rookie of the Year, appeared to have grabbed victory for the Waves with eight minutes to go, but Gilliland tied the game again in the final minute for the Wildcats. Williams struck again for her fifth goal of the season less than two minutes into the extra session, however, as Pepperdine took its sixth win of the season.

No. 16 SOUTH CAROLINA 2, FLORIDA GULF COAST 0: Carolina Elite Cobras standout Savannah McCaskill scored her first goal for the Gamecocks as they took victory against the Eagles at Corbett Stadium.

McCaskill, who led the Cobras with five goals this summer, wrapped up the victory for South Carolina with nine minutes to go as she powered home a cross by Sophie Groff. Former Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo recorded her seventh shutout of the season with a pair of saves, and she now sits five behind Mollie Patton’s all-time program record of 31.

No. 17 CLEMSON 1, WOFFORD 0: Carolina Elite Cobras midfielder Katelyn Reeve had the only goal as the Tigers took victory against the Terriers at Riggs Field.

Reeve found the game-winner with six minutes to go as she intercepted an attempted clearance from a corner kick and sent a shot into the right corner of the net. The goal was Reeve’s first of the year, and extended Clemson’s program-best start to the season as it moved to 7-0-1.

Midland-Odessa Sockers FC News Release -- www.sockersfc.org

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

MIDLAND, Texas -- Following a strong turnaround in 2014, Midland-Odessa Sockers FC is looking to expand upon that success in the coming seasons.

The franchise took the first step to that end today with the announcement that head coach Matt Barnes will return for a second year with the club. Barnes was hired in November 2013 and guided the team to a 7-4-3 record, finishing in a second-place tie in the PDL's Mid South Division this summer.

“We are extremely happy that Matt Barnes will continue as our head coach,” said assistant general manager and director of soccer operations, Jeff VonHolle. “He brought a new energy and passion to this team, and the positive results were immediate. We know there are more great seasons to come.”

After one season as the head men’s coach at Lubbock Christian University, during which he led the Chaparrals to the best record in the Heartland Conference, Barnes was introduced as the head coach at San Francisco State University on July 30. Despite being further from West Texas during the academic year, Barnes is looking forward to returning to the Permian Basin during the PDL season.

“This summer was new and challenging for me, but, ultimately, it was fun,” Barnes said. “It will be great to come back here in a few months and continue working towards our goal of winning a national championship for our fans.”

Barnes is an expert at restoring programs, and his latest position at SF State continues his career path of bringing programs to prominence. The collegiate season is less than a week old, but Barnes’ team is already 2-1, and opponents have scored just one goal in those three matches.

The focus on defense and goalkeeping that Barnes brings to his players was invaluable during the Sockers’ 2014 season. The Sockers' goalkeepers faced the fewest shots in franchise history, which helped them allow 22 fewer goals than in 2013. Their 19 goals allowed were also the fewest in team history, and the team recorded its best goal differential in its history (+7).

Prior to LCU, Barnes spent two seasons at Embry-Riddle, during which he went a combined 23-11-6. In 2012, the Eagles captured the CalPac (California Pacific Conference) championship with a 14-3-3 record, capping a remarkable two-year turnaround and earning a berth in the NAIA national championships. When Barnes took over as head coach in 2011, Embry-Riddle was ranked No. 171 in the NAIA. By the end of the 2012 campaign, the Eagles broke into the national top 25. For his efforts, Barnes was named the CalPac’s Coach of the Year.

Barnes is the third head coach in Sockers’ history, following Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez (2009-10) and Warren Cottle (2011-13).

“With Barnes’ return, we are making a commitment to each other,” VonHolle said. “Most importantly, though, we are making a commitment to our fans and partners that we will have strong and successful soccer franchise in the Permian Basin.”

W-League Feature

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – As you watch South Carolina’s Savannah McCaskill at work, the thing that jumps out immediately is her movement.

On the ball, but in particular off, the Gamecocks forward stays connected to the game, offering for her midfield, making strong runs in behind the opposing defense, creating space for others to run into.

What makes it more impressive? McCaskill is only eight games into her NCAA Division I women’s soccer career.

“You don’t think she’s a freshman out there,” said South Carolina coach Shelley Smith. “She definitely added a dimension to our offense this year. She reads the game so well, she sets up other players, she sees the seams she needs to get through and where to play the ball. Honestly, she’s such a versatile player we could have played her in several positions, but where we needed her most was closest to goal.”

The freshman, who scored her first goal for USC on Sunday in a 2-0 victory against Florida Gulf Coast, has quickly fit into the starting lineup for the No. 11 Gamecocks. That she has says much of her offseason preparation, which for the past two years has included competitive action for the W-League’s Carolina Elite Cobras. A standout this past summer, McCaskill led the side with five goals in nine games as she got set for her first season of college soccer.

“It was amazing,” McCaskill said of her time with the Cobras. “I played with a great group of girls my first year, and they really picked me up whenever I was learning and getting to the speed I needed to be. Having them around me and playing against some of the best players in the country who were all older than me, it really allowed me to get better as a player.”

Since joining the W-League in 2012, the Cobras have built a strong program that has allowed McCaskill and other young players to grow their games. With a veteran group that includes former U.S. international India Trotter and 2013 Defender of the Year Blakely Mattern leading the way, the club reached the W-League Championship a year ago, and just missed out on a return trip to the postseason this season.

Having someone like Trotter to learn from has proved invaluable, according to McCaskill.

“I definitely looked up to [India], she’s definitely a mentor,” she said. “She’s been on the national team, been in the program, she knows how to get there and how to stay there, so learning a lot from her just talking to her, having her on my side, on my bench, has really helped. Whenever I need advice, she’s always there, so that’s really good.”

Smith is also pleased McCaskill took the opportunity to build her game in the W-League prior to joining the Gamecocks.

“When you’re playing with women that have been through the college game and played at an elite level, it can only help you,” said Smith. “Anytime you put yourself in a position to play against top players, you’re helping yourself, especially when you can get in there and compete, and she’s showed that.”

Of course, McCaskill’s ability was known to Smith long before she set foot on USC’s campus. A native of Chapin, S.C., a small town just more than 20 miles outside Columbia, McCaskill rose through the youth ranks in the state and region, which allowed Smith the chance to work with her on the field in the region’s Olympic Development Program.

“I’ve watched her grow as a player,” Smith said. “She played for a local club, and she joined a club that was a little bit stronger, and we saw her grow in that, and then also I coached her in the region ODP team, so I got to know her there as well. I got to see her compete with the best players in the country in her age group, and I always thought she showed very well.”

That led to an offer to become part of Smith’s program at USC, an offer McCaskill eagerly took.

“It’s pretty awesome to have been born in the Columbia area to play for my home school,” McCaskill said. “I grew up watching USC, I played with Shelley in the region team, and it’s just awesome to be able to represent where I come from.”

Now, having been named the SEC’s Freshman of the Week earlier on Tuesday, McCaskill is looking forward to continuing her growth as a player, both with the Gamecocks and hopefully again with the Cobras next summer.

“Just to be able to come in right away and kind of make an impact, state where I stand and what I need to work on has really helped,” McCaskill said. “It gives me some confidence to know what I’m doing is working, and I just need to keep working off that.”