PDL Feature

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The University of Michigan hosts No. 8 Penn State as the Wolverines look to close the gap at the top of the Big Ten standings on Sunday in a nationally televised contest featuring PDL standouts on both sides. Sunday afternoon’s clash on the Big Ten Network is one of a number of NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer contests available on national television or online this weekend.

Michigan vs. No. 8 Penn State, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
The Wolverines have taken a point in each of their opening two games of conference play, but could jump within a point of the Nittany Lions with a victory on their home turf. Michigan includes a number of players from 2014 PDL champion the Michigan Bucks, including championship game MVP Adam Grinwis who has posted a 0.58 goals-against average this fall. The Bucks’ James Murphy and Marcos Ugarte each have a goal and an assist for the Wolverines this fall and will try to add to their totals against a solid Nittany Lions defense that has only conceded three goals in its eight-game undefeated streak to start the season. Former IMG Academy Bradenton goalkeeper Andrew Wolverton has a 0.30 goals-against average for Penn State and five shutouts in seven appearances, while Reading United AC’s Connor Maloney leads the side offensively with six goals and two assists.

No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 North Carolina, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Fighting Irish will try to continue their undefeated start to ACC play as they host the Tar Heels in a top-10 clash at Alumni Field. Notre Dame has been led by Ocean City Nor’easters forward Leon Brown, who has two goals in six games to start the season. The Tar Heels, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their second defeat of the season last Friday against Duke. The Chicago Fire U-23’s Tyler Engel has scored in each of UNC’s past two games, while the OC Pateadores Blues’ Andy Craven leads the team with four goals and nine points and the Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy has a team-best three assists.

No. 1 UCLA vs. Cal State Northridge, Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Bruins will try to maintain their hold on top spot in the NSCAA rankings at Drake Field as they complete their non-conference schedule against the Matadors. Former OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Leo Stolz leads UCLA with three goals, while Reading United’s Larry Ndjock has also chipped in a goal while leading a solid Bruins defense that is backed by Ventura County Fusion goalkeeper Earl Edwards. Cal State sits at 3-3-1 entering the weekend and will need a big performance from LA Misioneros goalkeeper Adam Hobbs, who has 0.37 goals-against average in five starts this fall.

W-League Feature

Thursday, September 25, 2014

A top-five ACC clash highlights the weekend’s NCAA Division I women’s soccer action as No. 3 Virginia takes on No. 5 Florida State in a nationally televised clash that will feature current and former W-League standouts on both sides. Sunday’s contest is one a number of games set to be aired on national television or online this weekend that will feature W-League players.

No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 3 Virginia, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The Cavaliers visit the Seminoles on Sunday in what will be a crucial contest in the race for the ACC regular season title. Virginia took a 3-1 win in its conference opener against Miami as former LA Blues forward Makenzy Doniak had a goal and an assist. Doniak now leads the Cavaliers with 16 points and six goals, while the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Meghan Cox has chipped in two goals and an assist. Florida State also took victory in its ACC opener as the LA Blues' Cheyna Williams scored in a 2-0 win against Boston College. Overall, former Seattle Sounders Women and Laval Comets midfielder Marta Bakowska-Mathews leads the Seminoles with 13 points on five goals and three assists, while the Colorado Rush’s Carson Pickett has eight assists to lead the team.

No. 24 Arizona State vs. No. 1 UCLA, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Sun Devils welcome the top-ranked Bruins for their opening game in conference play on a six-game winning streak that included a 2-0 win against Cal State Northridge last Friday night. The Sun Devils have received solid play from the Colorado Rush’s Tommy Goodman, who has a goal and two assists from midfield, but Goodman and her teammates will have a big challenge against UCLA and LA Blues standout Sarah Killion, who leads the Bruins with nine assists. Fellow Blues players have also made big contributions to UCLA’s 8-0-1 start. Sam Mewis has a team-best seven goals, while Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco have led a tight defensive unit that has only conceded twice this season.

No. 14 South Carolina vs. No. 22 Georgia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Gamecocks enter the weekend after taking victory in their conference opener against Auburn, which saw Carolina Elite Cobras standout Savannah McCaskill continue her strong freshman season. McCaskill has a goal and three assists for South Carolina this season, while former Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo has recorded seven shutouts in nine games for a 0.22 goals-against average. USC will face a Bulldogs side that features a pair of former Atlanta Silverbacks, with Rachel Garcia and Lauren Tanner each having scored twice this season. Garcia also sits tied for second in assists, with four, and will be a player to watch in a key SEC clash.

North Carolina State vs. No. 9 North Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Wolfpack face their in-state rival Tar Heels looking to jump-start their season at Dail Soccer Field. The Braddock Road Stars Elite’s Dayna Tomayko has had a solid season for N.C. State and sits second on the team in minutes and points with two goals and an assist. Former Northern Virginia Majestics midfielder Annah Lindberg has also scored twice for the Wolfpack and will need a big performance against ninth-ranked UNC, which enters Thursday night’s game with Clemson on a three-game winning streak. The Tar Heels’ form has been built on the back of a strong defense which is led by the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Satara Murray, who leads the team in minutes played, and Brooke Elby, who has also chipped in an assist.

USL PRO News Release

Thursday, September 25, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The 2014 USL PRO Championship Game presented by Nike is set for Saturday night, as No. 2-seed Sacramento Republic FC hosts the No. 8-seed Harrisburg City Islanders at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT at Bonney Field. Saturday’s championship game is already a sellout, with the game available to be viewed online through the USL PRO YouTube channel, and locally in Sacramento on CW31.

Republic FC will be aiming to cap an outstanding inaugural season in USL PRO with a championship in front of its home supporters, which this season set a league record for regular-season attendance as 158,107 fans attended games at Hughes Stadium and the club’s permanent home at Bonney Field. Sacramento recorded a dramatic victory in Saturday’s semifinals as captain Rodrigo Lopez scored a second-half hat trick, including a stoppage-time game-winner, to earn a 3-2 victory against the LA Galaxy II.

The City Islanders, meanwhile, will try to win their second USL championship after a remarkable run through the postseason. The final team to reach the postseason with a victory in its final game of the season clinching its spot, Harrisburg has gone on to defeat the past two USL PRO regular season champions in the quarterfinals and semifinals. The City Islanders defeated No. 1-seed Orlando City SC 1-0 two weeks ago, and then took a thrilling 3-2 victory against the No. 4-seed Richmond Kickers this past Saturday to return to the USL PRO Championship Game for the second time.

The two teams met once in the regular season, as the City Islanders took a 2-1 victory in Sacramento’s inaugural home opener at Hughes Stadium. Morgan Langley and Robbie Derschang scored for Harrisburg in that contest, and the duo finished tied for the team lead with Jimmy McLaughlin with six goals during the regular season.

Republic FC was led throughout the season by USL PRO MVP finalist Lopez, who had 10 goals and eight assists in the regular season. Sacramento’s attack was also powered by Tommy Stewart who had 11 goals, and the side also possessed a stout defense that was led by Goalkeeper of the Year finalist Jake Gleeson and Defender of the Year finalist Nemanja Vukovic.

Championship Game
Saturday, September 27
No. 2 Sacramento Republic FC vs. No. 8 Harrisburg City Islanders, 10:30 p.m. ET

The 2014 USL PRO Championship Game presented by NIke can be watched live on the USL PRO YouTube channel, and also locally in Sacramento on CW31, 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.

PDL Feature

Friday, September 26, 2014

The 2014 MLSSoccer.com 24 under 24 list was unveiled on Thursday afternoon, as former Seattle Sounders U23 standout DeAndre Yedlin led a contingent of 11 former PDL players selected to the list. Yedlin became the second consecutive PDL alumni to top the list, following Darlington Nagbe, formerly of the Cleveland Internationals.

Now in its fifth year, the 24 under 24 list is determined by a panel of soccer media members from across North America. Four former PDL honorees were included in this year’s list, with Gyasi Zardes, Kekuta Manneh and Deshorn Brown also named.

Yedlin’s remarkable ascent in the past two years has been well documented, with the 2012 PDL All-League selection going on to sign as a Homegrown Player with the Sounders that winter before a standout rookie season last year. Yedlin’s speed and work rate saw him earn his first call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team this January, and then selection to the U.S. squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Yedlin shone throughout 2012 for the Sounders U23s as he played every minute in the regular season, and then helped lead the side to a Western Conference Championship. The Sounders U23 defeated Zardes’ Ventura County Fusion 2-0 in the conference championship game before they fell to eventual champion FC London in the national semifinals.

Zardes, who claimed the No. 4 berth, had a standout summer for the Fusion in 2012 as he earned All-Western Conference honors after recording eight goals and an assist in seven regular-season appearances. As with Yedlin, Zardes signed that winter as a Homegrown Player with the LA Galaxy, and in his sophomore season is the leading American goal-scorer in MLS as he sits fourth in the league with 15 goals.

A pair of former Austin Aztex teammates sit side-by-side in the 11th and 12th positions, as 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year Dillon Powers of the Colorado Rapids edged out the Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Kekuta Manneh. Manneh had a standout season for the Aztex, earning All-Southern Conference honors with 10 goals in 12 appearances, while Powers’ season was cut short due to injury before both were selected in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

A quartet of current MLS standouts with PDL experience sit a few slots lower. The New England Revolution’s Andrew Farrell (River City Rovers) and Kelyn Rowe (Washington Crossfire) are joined by former Chicago Fire U-23 players Perry Kitchen of D.C. United and Harry Shipp, who is one of the leading candidates for the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year after signing with the Fire are a Homegrown Player this offseason.

Yedlin’s fellow 2012 All-League selection Deshorn Brown, a former standout for Reading United AC, was named in the No. 20 position after a strong start to his professional career with the Colorado Rapids. Brown, who also played for the Des Moines Menace, led the PDL with 13 goals for Reading and has since gone on to make his first appearance for the Jamaican National Team.

Former Real Colorado Foxes forward Tesho Akindele and Vancouver Whitecaps FC U23 midfielder Russell Teibert complete the list, with Akindele having a standout rookie season for FC Dallas with seven goals so far in 2014. Teibert, meanwhile, developed with the Whitecaps U23 before joining the club’s MLS roster as a Homegrown Player in 2011.

USL PRO News Release

Friday, September 27, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO honored its top performers of the season today, announcing the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year from the 2014 season. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Sacramento, Calif., site of Saturday’s USL PRO Championship Game featuring Sacramento Republic FC and the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Voting for the awards was conducted by USL PRO team management.

Most Valuable Player – Kevin Molino, Orlando City SC
Molino claimed his second USL PRO Most Valuable Player award after a record-breaking season for the Lions. Signed to an MLS contract before the season by Orlando as the Lions make the move to North America’s top flight in 2015, Molino bowed out in style with a league-record 20 goals in 27 appearances. The Trinidad & Tobago international also led USL PRO with nine assists, to set a league record with 49 points.

Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year – John McCarthy, Rochester Rhinos
A former PDL All-Conference selection for the Ocean City Nor’easters, McCarthy had a remarkable rookie season in USL PRO that saw him lead the league in goals against-average and shutouts. McCarthy recorded 10 shutouts in 18 appearances to finish with a GAA of 0.722 as he helped the Rhinos return to the postseason.

Defender of the Year – Nemanja Vukovic, Sacramento Republic FC
A native of Montenegro, former Columbus Crew defender Vukovic had a standout season for the expansion franchise. After opening the season at left back, Vukovic moved centrally to partner with Mickey Daly and solidify Republic FC’s defense. The 6-foot-2 veteran also had a goal and three assists in the regular season, as he proved a threat at set pieces, as he missed just once game all season.

Coach of the Year – Preki, Sacramento Republic FC
The former U.S. Men’s international added a USL PRO Coach of the Year award to the MLS Coach of the Year award he earned with Chivas USA in 2007. Tasked with bringing together an expansion squad, Preki pushed his side to a second-place finish in the regular season that was clinched with a game to spare thanks to a 10-game undefeated streak (8-0-2) that spanned July to September.

The 2014 USL PRO Championship Game presented by Nike will see No. 2-seed Sacramento Republic FC host the No. 8-seed Harrisburg City Islanders at a sold out Bonney Field at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday. All of the action can be watched live on the USL PRO YouTube channel, with updates also available on Twitter (@USLPRO).

USL PRO Game Report

Saturday, September 27, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC claimed the title at the 2014 USL PRO Championship presented by Nike as a goal in either half earned a 2-0 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders in front of a sellout crowd at Bonney Field. Octavio Guzman and Tommy Stewart had the goals for Republic FC, which capped a remarkable inaugural season with a championship.

“It’s amazing, man, it’s something I can’t explain my feelings,” said Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez, who was named Most Valuable Player after a standout performance that included the assist on Guzman’s game-winning goal. “When the whistle blew, I just teared up, just from joy because of the hard work I’ve put in, that we’ve put in throughout the year. It’s very deserved by my teammates.”

The game opened at a frenetic pace, and Sacramento came close to an opening goal in just the second minute when Justin Braun couldn’t quite finish a cross from the right. Republic FC continued to probe down the flanks and produced a big chance in the 11th minute when a cross from the left was punched clear by Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble, with the follow-up by Max Alvarez blocked on the goal line by Coady Andrews.

Sacramento again went close in the 15th minute when Braun was played in beautifully by Lopez on an angled pass into the penalty area. Braun’s shot beat Noble, but caromed off the left post and was cleared to safety, keeping the game scoreless.

Harrisburg settled in, however, and had a big chance to take the lead at the half-hour mark as it broke forward on the right. A curling cross by Morgan Langley found Antoine Hoppenot eight yards out, but his header was brilliantly saved by Sacramento goalkeeper Jake Gleeson. Langley also had a big chance a minute later as he beat the offside trap, but elected to try and pass to Hoppenot rather than shoot, and Republic FC’s defense was able to clear.

The missed opportunities came back to haunt Harrisburg when Sacramento took the lead nine minutes before the break. Lopez was again the architect, as he chipped a pass forward that found Guzman breaking from midfield, and the Mexican finished his chance clinically into the right corner from the top of the penalty area.

Braun almost added a second two minutes later as he won a 50-50 with Harrisburg’s Richie Marquez, only to shoot over the crossbar from 20 yards, but Republic FC maintained its lead until the halftime break.

Sacramento opened the second half on the front foot, and Mickey Daly went close to a second with a flick three minutes after the break. Braun continued to be a threat and sent a curling shot wide of the top-left corner, and put pressure on the Harrisburg back four as they tried to possess the ball.

Harrisburg had a good spell midway through the second half as Richie Marquez had a header go just wide of the right post from Jamiel Hardware’s free kick. McLaughlin also threatened, but was repelled well by Daly and Nemanja Vukovic as he attacked at pace. Vukovic in particular lived up to his USL PRO Defender of the Year billing, as his was another excellent performance in a game full of them for Republic FC.

“The thing is, it’s a group effort,” Republic FC coach Preki said. “Everybody is responsible, everybody was committed on every single play. Yeah, we made a couple of mistakes, but that’s going to happen because we’re an attacking team, we’re going forward, we’re pushing forward, and we’re creating chances. That’s what people want to see, that’s what I want to see, attacking football, and at the end of the day it paid off.”

Republic FC continued to carve out chances, however, and could have doubled its lead in the 68th minute as Lopez found space just inside the penalty area, only to send his shot over the crossbar. Stewart also went close on multiple occasions after coming on as a second-half substitute, the best with eight minutes to go as he rounded Noble but sent his finish high from the left side of the penalty area.

Harrisburg pushed forward for one final hurrah, and Robbie Derschang had an appeal for a handball waved away in the penalty area in the 89th minute. Republic FC almost became its own worst enemy a minute later as Klimenta’s header back was clawed away for a corner by Gleeson to prevent an own goal, but in stoppage time Stewart put the game away and sealed the championship.

For Lopez, the club’s first official signing, the victory capped a brilliant first season for the organization.

“It means a lot,” Lopez said. “Being in USL PRO, it’s such a competitive league now, and to be here and win a championship in such a competitive league, it says a lot, and hopefully MLS sees the hard work that everyone’s putting in here.”

USL PRO Feature

Monday, September 29, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As the club’s inaugural season began, Sacramento Republic FC coach Preki certainly didn’t envision Saturday night’s championship victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders at a sold-out Bonney Field.

“Not really,” Preki said. “I have to be incredibly honest here, I always knew, and I always said from the first day that we would be competitive. I always believe in my work, and everywhere I have coached my teams have been competitive, and I knew this was going to happen here, but I give my guys credit because after 10 games in the season, we picked it up. We recognized the abilities that we have, we recognized what kind of talent that we have around, and we stuck together as a group and we played as a group, and that’s what carried us to a championship.”

What Preki and Republic FC General Manager Graham Smith likely did know, however, was that they had a player they could build a team around in captain and first signing Rodrigo Lopez. On Saturday night, the 26-year-old former Chivas USA and Portland Timbers player repaid that faith with an MVP performance, as his deft touch provided the assist on what proved to be the game-winning goal by Octavio Guzman.

Lopez, who was also a finalist for the league’s MVP award after a standout regular season that saw him finish with 10 goals and eight assists, had joined Republic FC to get a fresh start with his career. While 2013 had been a successful one with Orange County Blues FC, off-the-field health problems for his newly-born son put Lopez through the wringer emotionally, and left him looking for a new opportunity.

With ties to Smith from his time playing for the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion, with whom he won a championship in 2009, that opportunity proved to be up the California coast in Sacramento. Lopez’s second USL title proved to be the cap to what has been a cathartic season.

“It’s amazing, man,” Lopez said. “I can’t explain my feelings, when the whistle blew I just teared up with joy because of all the hard work I’ve put in, we’ve put in as a team throughout the year. Very, very deserved by my teammates.”

What the future now holds for Lopez remains to be seen. A former MLS player, the opportunity to move to the top flight certainly could present itself after an outstanding season with Sacramento. After winning a championship in the club’s inaugural season, though, the sky could be the limit for both Republic FC and its standout midfielder.

“It means a lot,” Lopez said of winning the USL PRO Championship. “I know that we’re pushing for MLS, but what I know being in USL PRO, it’s such a competitive league now, and to be here and to win a championship in such a competitive league, it says a lot. Hopefully MLS sees the hard work everyone is putting in here.”

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Strong end of the year performances have paid off for a pair of Wilmington Hammerheads FC players. Drew Ruggles and Sunny Jane recently completed a week-long training stint with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire.

“These are the types of opportunities we hope and want for our players,” said Hammerheads Technical Director Carson Porter. “We believe that these opportunities come when the team is playing well and working for each other.”

Ruggles concluded the 2014 USL PRO regular season with one goal and one assist. Jane finished his debut season with the Hammerheads tallying five goals and three assists overall.

Following his return from Chicago, Jane will be traveling to Lesotho to rejoin the Senior National Team for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team is scheduled to play Angola with home field advantage at Setsoto Stadium on October 11 and again on October 15 in Angola. Jane was called to the Lesotho national team earlier this year during the Hammerheads regular season. He will return following the conclusion of the final match.

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC travels to Utah to play Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake on Tuesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in a post-season friendly. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT, with the game set to be streamed live on RSL's website.

Republic FC won the 2014 USL PRO Championship as it defeated the Harrisburg City Islanders 2-0 on Saturday night at a sold-out Bonney Field. Real Salt Lake is currently in third place in the MLS Western Conference, and is looking to make its seventh straight appearance in the MLS Playoffs.

Republic FC was the hottest club in USL PRO to finish the season as it posted a 12-2-2 record to earn second place in the standings and a spot in the USL PRO playoffs. Republic FC capped its run with a USL PRO Championship as midfielder Octavio Guzman and forward Tommy Stewart scored the goals in Republic FC’s 2-0 victory against Harrisburg.

Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, the 2014 USL PRO Championship Game MVP, finished his impressive season with three goals and two assists in three playoff starts.

2014 USL PRO Defender of the Year Nemanja Vuković showed why he was the best defender in USL PRO with strong defensive performances throughout the playoffs. Vuković also showed he could be a threat on offense as he scored two goals in the playoffs, including the first playoff goal in Republic FC history.

Vuković was not the only defender to contribute offensively. Mickey Daly scored a goal and recorded an assist in three playoff appearances and James Kiffe recorded two assists, including one in the USL PRO Championship Game.

Real Salt Lake continues to be a force MLS this season, as it sits fourth overall in the league standings. RSL is led by midfielder Kyle Beckerman and goalkeeper Nick Rimando, both of whom played for the United States Men’s National Team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Beckerman has scored two goals and recorded three assists in 24 appearances for RSL this season. Beckerman is playing in his 15th MLS season, having played the last eight with Real Salt Lake.

Rimando has compiled a 12-3-6 record and recorded five shutouts in 21 appearances this season. Rimando is also playing in his 15th MLS season, and has been a force for Real Salt Lake since 2007, compiling a record of 97-69-56 with 77 shutouts.

Midfielder Javier Morales is the offensive playmaker for Real Salt Lake, having scored nine goals and added 12 assists. Morales has now recorded at least nine assists in five of his eight seasons with Real Salt Lake. 

Joao Plata has also been force on offense for Real Salt Lake scoring a club leading 13 goals and adding five assists. Plata is just 22 years-old but has proven he can compete in MLS, with 20 goals and 18 assists in four seasons.

The match will be broadcast on ESPN 700 and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #RSLvSRFC.

USL PRO Feature

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Sometimes in a championship game, it’s the goal that doesn’t get scored that makes the difference as much as the one that does.

That concept certainly could apply to Sacramento Republic FC’s triumph in the 2014 USL PRO Championship Game. With the opening goal so crucial, one of the key moments in Republic FC’s victory arrived when the game remained scoreless and featured two of the five MLS loanees that started Saturday’s final.

Harrisburg had absorbed some early pressure, thanks in part to an assured performance by Philadelphia Union loanee Richie Marquez at center back, and received a let-off when Justin Braun hit the post in the 15th minute. The City Islanders were able to find their feet, however, and had a strong attacking spell that almost led to the opening goal at the half-hour mark.

Jamaican midfielder Jamiel Hardware created the opportunity with a fine curling cross from the right that found Antoine Hoppenot eight yards out toward the back post. The Philadelphia Union loanee’s header back across goal looked pegged for the right corner until Sacramento goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, on loan from the Portland Timbers, made a sprawling save to keep the game scoreless.

While it wasn’t quite the impact that former MLS loanee Dom Dwyer had on the 2013 USL PRO Championship Game for Orlando City, Gleeson’s save from a fellow MLS loanee highlighted the impact the expanding relationship between clubs in USL PRO and Major League Soccer is having. In all, seven players on loan from the Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes appeared in Saturday’s championship game, making up a quarter of the players to see action.

For Gleeson, the chance to compete and grow as part of the expansion franchise was one that he believes will be a boon as he pushes for first team minutes with the Timbers.

“To deal with a first-year team, people coming together, not knowing anyone, finding our feet and then to go on a championship run is something that is hard against a team that’s been around for years,” he said. “The experience I’ve gained here has been invaluable, and it’s going to be huge to go back to MLS and make that playoff push.”

Gleeson’s impact on Sacramento’s defense, not only on Saturday’s game but on Republic FC’s season overall, was mirrored in attack by fellow loanee Adam Jahn, who worked admirably alongside Braun in attack throughout the game. The San Jose Earthquakes forward, who was born just outside Sacramento in El Macero, Calif., provided strong hold-up play as he frequently matched up against Harrisburg’s Marquez, who held the distinction of being the only player in USL PRO this season to play every minute of his team’s contests.

Hoppenot, meanwhile, appeared the most likely avenue for the City Islanders to get back into the contest after they had fallen behind. Alongside fellow Union loanee Jimmy McLaughlin, both players provided speed in attack, but the chance at the half-hour proved to be their best of the night. Both players had performed well in the postseason, with Hoppenot grabbing the winner against Orlando City in the quarterfinals, but on Saturday their opportunities were limited by the experienced center back pairing of USL PRO Defender of the Year Nemanja Vukovic and Mickey Daly.

Another pair of loanees, Harrisburg’s Cris Hernandez (Philadelphia) and Sacramento’s Steven Evans (Portland), made short appearances late in the contest, but in the end it was the showdown between Hoppenot and Gleeson that resonated longest, and loudest.

PDL Feature

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

After spending time with Reading United AC, Penn State’s Connor Maloney has made a big impact this fall for the Nittany Lions, who remain one of three undefeated ranked teams in the nation after a pair of victories last week. Maloney’s three goals and assist earned him the TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Week award, as he led the current and former PDL players to be honored this week.

Maloney leads Penn State with seven goals in nine games this season, as he added to his tally in a midweek 6-2 victory against Penn. The forward had two goals and an assist last Wednesday night to lead the Nittany Lions to victory, and then on Sunday grabbed the game-winner against Michigan to earn his side its eighth win of the season. Maloney was also named the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts as Penn State moved up to No. 4 in the latest  NSCAA Rankings.

Another player having a standout season for an undefeated squad is former Ventura County Fusion midfielder Gor Kirakosyan, who also earned TDS Team of the Week honors after leading No. 3 UC Irvine to victories against UNLV and Utah Valley. Kirakosyan also earned Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors, where he was joined by 2014 PDL Young Player of the Year finalist Ramon Martin Del Campo of the San Jose Earthquakes U23, who took Defensive Player of the Week honors after a pair of standout performances for UC Davis.

Maloney’s teammate with Reading, Skylar Thomas, also earned selection and took ACC Player of the Week honors as his header proved to be the game-winner for Syracuse as the Orange defeated Virginia. Thomas had a solid all-around week defensively as well, as the Orange recorded shutouts against both Binghamton and the Cavaliers to move to 8-1-0 this season.

The Long Island Rough Riders’ Sean Sepe was selected by TopDrawerSoccer as well, as the Akron forward had two goals and an assist in the Zips’ two victories last week. Sepe, who transferred from St. John’s prior to this season, found the back of the net in a 3-0 win against Tulsa and then had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win against Ohio State as Akron got its season back on track.

Moving into college honors, Reading United’s Wesley Charpie claimed the American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week as he played a key role in South Florida 1-0 victory against Connecticut on Friday night. Charpie and the Bulls defense limited the Huskies to two shots in the second half and overtime as USF took a big conference victory on the road.

The Baltimore Bohemians’ Brandon Allen earned the Big East’s Offensive Player of the Week honor as he scored both goals in Georgetown’s 2-0 victory against Butler in their conference opener on Saturday. He was joined by Cincinnati Dutch Lions goalkeeper Eric Osswald, who claimed the conference’s Goalkeeper of the Week award for Xavier as he made six saves in back-to-back shutouts for the Musketeers.

Michigan Bucks goalkeeper Zach Bennett earned his fourth career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor as he recorded another pair of shutouts for Michigan State to give him seven for the season. Bennett leads the Big Ten in that category, and also goals-against average (0.12) and save percentage (.957) so far this season.

Puget Sound Gunners FC forward Josh Heard claimed the Pac-12’s Player of the Week honor as he led Washington to a 2-1 victory against Portland. Heard opened the scoring for UW against the Pilots, and then provided the assist on Christian Roldan’s overtime game-winner as the Huskies took their sixth consecutive victory.

Carolina Dynamo standout Brandt Bronico was named Conference USA’s Offensive Player of the Week as he led No. 21 UNC-Charlotte to a 2-0 victory against No. 5 New Mexico to open conference play. Bronico scored the winning goal off a cross by Dominic Bonilla in the 86th minute as the 49ers took a big victory Friday night.

Westchester Flames midfielder Alan Reiter claimed the Atlantic 10’s Player of the Week award as he led Davidson to a come-from-behind victory against then No. 2 Virginia, and then had the game-winning goal against Campbell. Reiter had the equalizer for the Wildcats as they earned a 2-1 win against the Cavaliers, and now leads the team with four goals in seven games.

Orlando City U23’s forward Lucas Diniz took the Atlantic Sun Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week award after a two-goal, two-assist game to lead Stetson to victory in its conference opener against North Florida. A native of Brazil, Diniz made 11 appearances for the Lions this summer and is now tied for the conference lead with five assists.

GPS Portland Phoenix defender Jacob VanCompernolle was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Player of the Week as UNC-Wilmington continued its excellent season. VanCompernolle had both goals as the Seahawks took a 2-1 victory against Duke to move to the cusp of the NSCAA Top 25.

Sounders FC U23 midfielder Zev Taublieb claimed the Horizon League’s Offensive Player of the Week honor as he led Valparaiso to a pair of victories. Taublieb scored the overtime winner as the Crusaders took a 1-0 victory against Loyola, and also found the back of the net in a 2-1 win against Belmont in the side’s conference opener. Former Michigan Bucks goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher was also honored, as he was named Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after helping Detroit take a 2-1 victory against conference rival Wright State.

Finally, the Real Boston Rams’ Nicholas Thomson was named the Patriot League’s Goalkeeper of the Week as he posted a nine-save performance for Boston University against Navy. Thomson’s effort helped the Terriers claim a 2-1 victory that snapped the Midshipmen’s 11-game winning streak against conference opposition.

W-League & W-20 Feature

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Laval Comets midfielder Vanessa Gregoire was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after helping Princeton to a 1-0 win against Yale, leading the list of W-League and W-20 players recognized for their NCAA Division I performances last week.

Gregoire, who played for the Comets in 2013 and 2014, helped Princeton open its Ivy League slate in strong fashion as she found Tyler Lussi in the 85th minute for the game-winner and her first career assist and point.

Carolina Elite Cobras veteran Stephanie DeVita was named the Southern Conference Player of the Week after scoring twice for Furman against ETSU on Friday in a battle of the top two teams in the SoCon standings. DeVita’s first score, which came in the 14th minute, proved to be the game-winner in the Paladins’ 3-0 victory, and she added an insurance goal in the 55th minute. The 2012 SoCon Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, DeVita is the active career leader in goals in the SoCon with 41, tying her for sixth in league history.

A pair of shutout wins earned Long Island Rough Riders goalkeeper Diana Poulin BIG EAST Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. A sophomore at St. John’s, Poulin earned shutouts at Xavier and Creighton by stopping all six shots faced to extend her shutout streak to 293 minutes. Poulin has not surrendered a goal since Sept. 14 as the Red Storm have gone 3-0 during that stretch.

For 2014 W-League standouts were included in the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week, including a pair who were part of the 2014 champion LA Blues. Florida State’s Cheyna Williams played a big role in a pair of ACC wins last week, scoring a pair of goals in a 6-0 victory against Louisville before following up with the assist on the game-winning goal in a 1-0 defeat of Virginia. USC defender Miranda Freeman was selected as the Trojans picked up a valuable three points on the road against Arizona, winning 3-0 as Freeman led the defense to the shutout.

Ottawa Fury FC defender Kadeisha Buchanan was selected by TopDrawerSoccer.com as she led West Virginia to a tie and a win against TCU and Texas, respectively. The imposing center back went 200 minutes in the games as West Virginia took a step toward a Big 12 regular season title. Rounding out the choices was Taylor Comeau of the Seattle Sounders Women, who assisted on a pair of goals as the Cal Golden Bears won their first Pac-12 match of the season 4-2 at Colorado.

Youngstown State forward Chelsey Haney, who spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Fredericksburg Impact, was named Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week after she had a hand in three of YSU’s four goals last week as the Penguins opened the Horizon League schedule with a 1-1 tie against Wright State and 3-2 OT win against Milwaukee. Against Milwaukee YSU found itself in a 1-0 hole early in the second half, but Haney tied the match when she beat the keeper to a ball in the center of the box and scored. With the match tied at two in the second overtime, Haney recorded the game-winning assist as Kathy Baquero scored to give the Penguins a 3-2 win.

2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks continues to be a force in her sophomore year with the Florida Gators, scoring a goal in each of Florida's matches this weekend to be named SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Jordan’s goal versus No. 22 Georgia was the game-winner in the 2-1 win, and in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Missouri she added a goal and an assist. Also earning SEC honors was Lake Norman SC W-20 goalkeeper Emily Rusk, who was named Defensive Player of the Week after recording 11 saves during the weekend to lead Alabama to 1-0 shutouts of Tennessee and Vanderbilt as the Crimson Tide has won back-to-back conference road games for the first time since 2004.

Carolina Elite Cobras W-20 forward Meaghan Carrigan, one of the league’s top scorers in 2014 with eight goals and five assists, was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week after she scored three goals last week as the University of Richmond went 1-1 against Saint Joseph's and James Madison. The redshirt freshman's sixth goal of the year tied the game against SJU, and against James Madison Carrigan recorded her third two-goal performance of the season in a 4-2 victory. Carrigan leads the Spiders and the conference with eight goals.

Finally, Toronto Lady Lynx W-20 forward Rachel Hoekstra took home Northeast Conference Player of the Week honors after the Fairleigh Dickinson sophomore tallied a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime victory against Hartford. The 2012 NEC Rookie of the Year netted her hat trick in regulation with the third coming in the 88th minute to equalize and force extra time, where the Knights eventually won via an Amanda Goulet golden goal. Hoekstra’s 17 career goals put her in fourth place in program history.

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

SANDY, Utah -- 2014 USL PRO champion Sacramento Republic FC fell 2-0 to Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake in a friendly match on Tuesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium. Republic FC gave up a second-half penalty kick and a late goal in a competitive contest against one of MLS's top sides.

Republic FC started the match slowly, and was pressured hard by the Real Salt Lake offense. In the 15th minute, RSL had its first good look at goal when Sebastian Velasquez crossed in front of an open goal to Sebastian Jaime, whose shot was partially blocked by defender Emrah Klimenta before being cleared away right in front of the goal by Republic FC defender Mickey Daly.

Jaime would get a chance to redeem himself in the 17th minute, again on a ball from Velasquez. After pushing down the left side Velasquez sent a ball toward Jaime at the back post, but Jaime was unable to control his diving header and sent it just over the bar.

Republic FC seemed to settle in following the two good chances by Real Salt Lake and in the 27th minute saw its first chance at goal when forward Justin Braun sent a cross into the middle that was mishandled by Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez. The ball fell into the middle of the penalty area, but no Republic FC players were able to capitalize, which allowed it to be cleared.

Republic FC got another chance in the 33rd minute when a Max Alvarez corner kick was headed by Braun toward Klimenta. The defender was able to turn with the ball, but his shot bounced off Daly, who was attempting the clear the area. Daly collected the rebound, and sent the ball back to Alvarez, who was standing just beyond the edge of the penalty area. Alvarez took the open shot ,but put the ball just high and wide of the upper-left corner of the goal.

Republic FC’s best chance at goal in the first half came in the 35th minute when 2014 USL PRO Defender of the Year Nemanja Vuković sent a through-ball to forward Adam Jahn. After making a great turn to get around his defender, Jahn sent a ball toward the middle of the penalty area, where Alvarez was streaking toward goal. Alvarez took a shot, but the ball was blocked from behind. On the ensuing corner, Rodrigo Lopez sent a ball toward the back of the penalty area where it found Braun, who headed the ball back toward the action. The header found Daly, who got the ball to his foot and blasted the ball toward goal, but it went just over the bar to keep the match scoreless going into the halftime break.

Republic FC again came out slowly in the second half, and in the 56th minute Klimenta was called for a penalty after fouling Robbie Findley in the penalty area. Findley stepped up to take the penalty himself, and sent the ball straight down the middle as Republic FC goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek dove to his right to put RSL up 1-0.

Real Salt Lake continued to pressure the Republic FC defense, and in the 63rd minute got a chance to double its lead. Jaime played a ball wide before sending a ball on the ground to a waiting Findley, whose shot went just wide of the right post.

Republic FC's best chance to equalize came in the 89th minute when substitute midfielder Gabe Gissie played a ball into the penalty area from the left side. Substitute forward Dakota Collins was able to get a head on the cross, but was unable to get it by an onrushing Fernandez.

RSL doubled its lead in the 90th minute after Velasquez got past the defense at the top of the penalty area. Velasquez made a good move then sent a left footed strike into the near side of the goal to put Real Salt Lake up 2-0.

Republic FC showed more pressure following the goal, but none good enough to put a shot past Fernandez. Tuesday's match was the first match following Republic FC’s emotional win of the USL PRO Championship. Tuesday’s match was also the final match for the 2014 USL PRO Champions as they will head back to Sacramento and begin their offseason in preparation for the 2015 season. Real Salt Lake will continue its playoff push when they face Chivas USA in Carson, Calif. at the Home Depot Center on Sunday, October 5.

USL PRO Feature

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The reality of a championship game is when the final whistle blows, there will be a winner and a loser.

On Saturday, it was the Harrisburg City Islanders and Coach Bill Becher that ended up on the short end of the result as they fell 2-0 against Sacramento Republic FC. Even a few days later, the sting felt at the end of such a memorable run hasn’t quite dimmed.

“It’s tough, you know?” Becher said by phone this week. “You make such good strides, and you come on so hard and pull off two improbable wins, and then you fall a little short at the end; it’s never easy. There’s only one team that wins, and if you’re not that team you feel like you failed a little bit, so that part of it’s tough. But I’m sure a month, two months down the road we’ll look back and say, ‘wow, what a pretty impressive run’.”

The City Islanders will rebound, of course, led by their irrepressible coach. The only person to have held the head coach’s position since the club was founded in 2004, Becher has continued to produce sides that have contended for championships. With his leadership, the City Islanders are one of only four USL PRO clubs to have reached the postseason every year, and the only side outside of Orlando City to reach multiple championship games.

That the City Islanders have come up just short both times is obviously disappointing to Becher, but the work that he puts in, and the network of contacts he has maintained, has been crucial to the club’s success for the past decade.

“Bill Becher is such a good coach, and he’s such a respected coach that he has a network of former teammates and acquaintances and coaches that continuously recommend players to him, so domestically that has always been a real plus for us,” City Islanders majority owner and CEO Eric Pettis said. “Bill’s one of those few players that you could have played against him, and you’d still like him. Bill’s such a likeable, respected guy, and it’s rare to find someone that’s played in the professional leagues for 10 years as Bill did to be liked by so many people.

 “If you played against me, you’d hate me, and Bill is just the rare guy that everybody likes and respects, and also has [earned their trust] in recommending players to Bill. If you look through the years, he’s probably got 50 or 60 coaches throughout the United States that are constantly recommending players to him.”

Those contacts have been useful, with the City Islanders having one of the highest rates of squad turnover in the league. As Becher noted, the only member of the 18-man squad from the 2011 squad that suited up for Saturday’s contest was Morgan Langley, an indication of the challenges Becher faces to maintain the level of success the club has achieved.

At the same time, it’s also indicative of the ability Becher has to develop young talent, something that has started to play in Harrisburg’s favor in the past few years.

“That word is getting around that Harrisburg is a team that is committed to going young, and trying to help players develop and move on,” Becher said. “We’ve had players call here and say, ‘hey, I’m interested in Harrisburg because I know you help guys move on to MLS’, and we’ve had some success with that.

“Now, Sheanon Williams is our biggest story. We’ve had others sign but not all of them have stuck, but I think we’ve put 10 guys in MLS since 2009, which is pretty good. I think that word does get around and people think ‘I’m going to go to Harrisburg. I may not make as much money, but they’re going to help and they’re not going to prevent me from getting to where I want to get to’.”

While Becher has helped develop players who’ve signed with the City Islanders, he has also overseen the development of those sent on loan from the club’s MLS partner, the Philadelphia Union. One of those who featured prominently this season at Skyline Sports Complex was center back Richie Marquez, pictured left, who was the only player to play every minute of every game in USL PRO this season.

“Richie was a huge part of our success. Playing every minute of every game is a huge task, no matter what position you play, and he played with five different center backs this year,” Becher said. “Richie is a player that did improve a lot during the year, and in my opinion if we win that game in Sacramento, he’s the MVP of the game. I just thought he was very sharp, I thought he was our best player. He did a good job of containing their forwards, he made some key, critical tackles, and I just thought we had a lot of guys do well, but I thought Richie was our best player.”

Unfortunately for Becher, while players like Marquez rose to the occasion, others couldn’t quite find the same form they had shown in upsetting both Orlando City and the Richmond Kickers in the previous rounds. The City Islanders had held halftime leads in both of those contests through goals in the 40th and 45th minutes, and came close to doing the same against Sacramento. A big save from Jake Gleeson on a header by Antoine Hoppenot and a missed opportunity by Langley kept Harrisburg from the opening goal, and by halftime it had fallen behind, which it wouldn’t recover from.

“You think about it. We score one of those goals, if you’re them you’re thinking ‘we’ve been all over this team for 20 minutes, we didn’t score, now we’re trailing.’ The air comes out of the crowd a little bit, and it’s right before halftime,” Becher said. “That’s kind of what we did to Orlando and Richmond, we scored late in the half of both of those games to grab a lead, and you go into the locker room, you’re on a high, we’ve put them on a low.”

As USL PRO grows, the path to a championship will certainly get tougher for the City Islanders. As a side that made a stellar transition from USL-2 into the new league, though, Harrisburg has set its aim high both on and off the field. A renovated stadium is set to bring an improved environment to City Island, and Becher is looking forward to what the future holds for the club and the league as a whole.

“I think it’s awesome where this league is heading,” Becher said. “The step up to USL PRO was a big one for us, and I’d be lying to you if I said we weren’t a little bit concerned. Could we compete at that level? We had confidence, but we were looking at some of these teams and we were like, ‘how are we going to battle with some of these big boys,’ and we did it, we made it to the final that year.

“I think it’s another step now with all of these MLS teams that are coming in, you’ve got to think if you’re a young player and you’re coming out of college to play for the LA Galaxy II or some of these other teams or Harrisburg, where are you choosing? I think we’re going to have to battle with that now. I think a lot of kids coming out of college are going to want to start with these MLS second teams thinking that it’s an easier and quicker vehicle to the first team. We’re hopeful that people will see that we have a great development model, we have an unbelievable relationship with the Philadelphia Union, and we’re just as viable a stepping stone to MLS as those second MLS teams are.”

That challenge is part of what keeps Becher energized for his job. While some days are better than others, as he approaches his 50th birthday this offseason Becher is ready for the new challenges the 2015 season and beyond will bring.

“I enjoy the job, I enjoy being around the guys, I enjoy the challenge of competing,” Becher said. “I’ve been a person that has never had it the easy way. I wasn’t on the big club team back home, I went to a small college, I played indoor in a small market, now I’m coaching in a small market, so I’ve kind of learned to relish that underdog role and it always seems like I’ve been in a position where I’ve had to prove myself, and I don’t have any issue with that.”

In USL PRO circles, Becher certainly shouldn’t have to prove himself to anyone, anymore.

PDL Feature

Thursday, October 2, 2014

With conference play in full swing, the upcoming weekend promises a number of interesting contests across the country in Division I Men’s Soccer that are set to be aired on national television or online. A number of PDL standouts will be on display as teams look to maintain, or improve, their standing as the countdown to the postseason begins.

North Carolina State vs. No. 6 Louisville, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Cardinals have quickly taken to their new surroundings in the ACC, with three wins out of three for the only perfect record in the conference. Louisville has been led by 2014 PDL Young Player of the Year Ricardo Velazco, who had two goals in the side’s 4-1 win against Pittsburgh in its last conference outing. FC Tucson’s Velazco leads the team with four goals and three assists, while the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Ben Strong has three goals and two assists this fall. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, have yet to earn their first conference win of the season in three tries. Reading United’s Nick Surkamp and Sounders FC U23’s Mike Bazja each have three goals for NC State this season, and will hope to add to their totals as their side tries to gain ground in the Atlantic Division.

South Carolina vs. No. 10 Charlotte, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The 49ers have surged into the NSCAA Top 10 on the back of six consecutive victories, a streak they will try to extend against the Gamecocks at Stone Stadium. The Carolina Dynamo’s Brandt Bronico has been a key to the run, and was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week as he reached double-digit points in his sophomore season with three goals and four assists. Bronico’s Dynamo teammate Monbo Bokar has also scored four goals for Charlotte, and they’ll try to find a way past IMG Bradenton Academy and South Carolina goalkeeper Marco Velez. The Michigan Bucks Mo Kaba, who helped his side to a PDL Championship this summer, will also play a key role as the Gamecocks look to spring the surprise.

Northwestern vs. Maryland, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
The Wildcats have only lost once this season, but are still looking for their first conference victory as they welcome the Terrapins to Lakeside Field. Chicago Fire U-23 player Joey Calistri leads Northwestern with three goals and an assist, while his Fire teammate Tyler Miller has earned a 0.40 goals-against average this season. Maryland sits two points ahead of the Wildcats, but will be looking for a better performance on Sunday than in a midweek loss against Georgetown. The Terrapins have received a pair of goals from the Austin Aztex’s Dan Metzger, but have only eight goals in nine games so far this season.

No. 5 Washington vs. No. 18 Stanford, Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Huskies open conference play on Friday against Cal, and they take on the Cardinal this Sunday at the Husky Soccer Field. Washington has lost just once this season as the Sounders FC U23’s Darwin Jones has had a standout fall with five goals and four assists. The Puget Sound Gunners’ duo of Mason Robertson and Josh Heard have also performed well with five goals and an assist apiece, but they will be tested by a Stanford defense that has conceded only six goals in seven games so far this season. Jones will have a familiar face on the opposing side, too, as his Sounders U23 teammate Jordan Morris looks to add to his two goals and four assists this season, while former Ventura County Fusion man Brandon Vincent has two goals and an assist.

W-League Feature

Thursday, October 2, 2014

A pair of Top-10 contests in the SEC and ACC highlight this weekend’s action in NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer, with current and former W-League standouts set to lead their sides in key conference clashes that can be seen on national television or online.

No. 9 Texas A&M vs. No. 6 Florida, 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The top teams in their respective divisions in the SEC meet with perfect 3-0-0 records in conference play so far. The Gators have been led by 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan, who picked up the Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week award after scoring in victories against Georgia and Missouri last weekend, and will be hoping to replicate her performance last season in the regular season against the Aggies, when she scored both goals in a 2-0 victory. Former Ottawa Fury midfielder Havana Solaun has also featured for the Gators, with two goals and three assists this season.

No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 5 Virginia Tech, Friday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Tar Heels will try to remain perfect in ACC play as they welcome the Hokies to Fetzer Field. North Carolina is on a four-game undefeated streak after a 2-1 win against N.C. State last Sunday that saw LA Blues midfielder Paige Nielsen score her first goal of the season. Washington Spirit Reserves defender Satara Murray has also been key for the Tar Heels, and she will be among those charged with restricting her Spirit Reserves teammate Katie Yensen, who leads the Hokies with five assists this season.

No. 1 UCLA vs. Utah, Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The top-ranked Bruins welcome the undefeated Utes to Drake Field with both sides looking to pick up their first victory in conference play. The Bruins played to a 1-1 draw with Arizona State on the road last Friday as the LA Blues’ Rosie White found the back of the net. The goal was White’s fifth of the season, while fellow Blues standouts Sam Mewis (nine goals) and Sarah Killion (nine assists) have also had big seasons so far. Utah, meanwhile, played to a 1-1 draw with Stanford in its conference opener and has been getting solid production from former New Jersey Wildcats midfielder Katie Rigby, who recorded her third assist of the season against the Cardinal to go with a pair of goals this fall.

No. 13 Wisconsin vs. No. 7 Penn State, Sunday, 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network Plus
The top two teams in the Big Ten meet in a key regular-season contest at the McClimon Soccer Complex with the Badgers looking to gain ground on the Nittany Lions. Penn State enters the weekend three points ahead of Wisconsin with a perfect 5-0-0 record, and will be looking for another big performance from the Colorado Pride’s Mallory Weber, who has five goals and four assists this fall. Two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Genevieve Richard of the Laval Comets will be charged with keeping Weber and her teammates off the scoreboard for the Badgers, while Ottawa Fury standout Kinley McNicoll is set to lead Wisconsin’s attack, as she leads the team with seven goals and six assists in 11 games this season.

USL PRO News Release

Thursday, October 2, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC has announced a Championship Celebration to commemorate winning the 2014 USL PRO Championship on Friday, October 3. After a remarkable inaugural season in USL PRO, which saw the club finish second in the regular season before claiming the championship with a 2-0 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders this past Saturday night, Republic FC's players and staff will lead Friday's celebration. 

The Championship Celebration will start with a march down Capitol Mall and conclude at the west steps of the Capitol through an address to fans by players, coaches, staff and Mayor Kevin Johnson. Additional activities include food trucks on 10th Street between N and L Streets, live music by City of Vain and selling of championship merchandise.

11:30 a.m. Festivities begin on 10th Street between L and N Streets
12:00 p.m. March and procession begins on Capitol Mall between 4th and 10th Streets
12:15 p.m. Celebration on West Capitol Steps
1:00 p.m. Event Concludes
2:00 p.m.  Festivities on 10th Street Concludes

USL PRO Goals of the Month

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The best 10 goals from the month of September have been selected, watch the video and vote on your favorite. Polls close Monday, October 6 at 1 p.m. ET.

LA Galaxy News Release -- www.lagalaxy.com

Friday, October 3, 2014

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy defender Oscar Sorto has been named to a 21-player roster for the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team’s October camp in Brasilia, U.S. Soccer announced today. The group, which is beginning its early preparations for qualification toward the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, departs for Brasilia on Thursday, Oct. 9.

The team will train from Oct. 10-12 and then face Brazil’s U-23 national team on Monday, Oct. 13, at Estádio Nacional in Brasilia. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. local (9 p.m. PT). The LA Galaxy Homegrown Player will be unavailable for selection when the Galaxy face FC Dallas on the road Oct. 12.

Sorto made 23 appearances for the Galaxy II in their inaugural season, and recorded one assist as the side finished third in the USL PRO regular season standings and advanced to the semifinals of the 2014 USL PRO Playoffs. His 1,808 minutes played in the regular season placed him third on the team, trailing only Los Dos captain Rafael Garcia and All-League selection Daniel Steres.

This marks the third time the U-23s have gotten together this year. The group met for a domestic camp in April at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center, and then most recently traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, in early August. That trip included an Aug. 6 match against the Bahamas’ full national team, with the USA earning a 5-1 victory.

This current roster includes nine players who competed in that win against the Bahamas, including Sorto, who started and played the full 90 minutes against Bahamas.

Along with Sorto, the following six U-23 players were also members of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey: goalkeeper Cody Cropper, defenders Eric Miller and Juan Pablo Ocegueda, midfielder Benji Joya and forwards Alonso Hernandez and Mario Rodriguez.

The coaching staff for this trip, which coincides with the Men’s National Team matches against Ecuador and Honduras, will include U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director and U-20 MNT head coach Tab Ramos, U-18 MNT head coach Javier Perez and MNT scout Matthias Hamann. Rob Vartughian is the goalkeeper coach during this trip.