USL PRO News Release

Monday, November 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Real Monarchs SLC became the ninth new franchise announced for the 2015 USL PRO season today, as Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer announced the team will play at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Monarchs SLC is the third new MLS-owned team to be announced for 2015 – joining the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC – with the LA Galaxy II preparing for their second USL PRO season.

“USL PRO proudly welcomes the addition of Real Monarchs SLC to our league,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said.  “Boasting a distinguished owner in Dell Loy Hansen and experienced leadership in Bill Manning, Garth Lagerwey and Rob Zarkos, Real Monarchs SLC is poised to field a top USL PRO team in 2015. Further, this organization shares the mission to purposefully build USL PRO into one of the most competitive and admired leagues in the world.”  

RSL’s Reserve Team has enjoyed remarkable success in the stands in interleague play against USL PRO opposition the past two years.  Earlier this season a crowd of 11,202 saw the Pittsburgh Riverhounds claim a 5-2 victory in an action-packed contest at Rio Tinto Stadium. That crowd topped the 8,263 in attendance in 2013 against USL PRO competition.

The Utah State Fairpark recently approved the club's proposal for construction of an 8,000-seat stadium to host the USL PRO team at the downtown site. The new multi-use venue, a key element of the downtown Salt Lake City redevelopment plan, would be funded by RSL. The club will play at Rio Tinto Stadium until the Fairpark facility is completed.

“We are committed to providing another asset to our great State of Utah and the Intermountain region, one which will provide career, sporting and entertainment value to all those who wish to work, play and live here,” Hansen said. “The collective presence of the Monarchs and USL PRO on the Utah sports scene deepens our sport’s roots in the community, strengthen the infrastructure supporting our elite MLS team, and marks the latest of many initiatives for soccer in Utah.”

Information will be available at www.RealMonarchs.com, as additional Monarchs announcements are expected in the coming weeks and months as the club prepares for its first season in USL PRO.

USL PRO featured 14 teams in 2014 with new franchises already announced for 2015 in Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Louisville, Portland, Seattle, St. Louis, and Tulsa.

OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has re-signed defender Peabo Doue for the 2015 season, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re very glad to have Peabo back,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “Last season he proved he could play at this level, and we’re excited to see how he develops. He’s a great guy to have around on and off the field.”

Doue started 23 matches for Energy FC this past season and played 1,920 minutes. Doue, a midfielder, made the move to defense and thrived on the back line this past season. He earned USL PRO team of the week honors on June 3. Doue scored his only goal of the season on April 7 against LA Galaxy II. He had an assist in the team’s first match on April 5 against the Orange County Blues.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be back,” Doue said. “This organization has become family to me. Thanks to fans for their incredible support this past season, and I look forward to helping bring a championship to Oklahoma City.”

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today that Carson Porter has been appointed head coach and technical director for the upcoming 2015 USL PRO regular season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

“I am honored to continue into this role,” said Porter. “This is a community with a deep passion for the sport of soccer and a love for this club. Our club goals begin with results for the first team, but they go much deeper than that. We hope to inspire our youth players, earn respect in the soccer community with the style we are implementing, and give our players opportunities to reach their goals. We will make every minute on the training field count, we will compete for results in the league, and we will serve our community.”

Porter joined the club mid-season as technical director in support of player personnel decisions, club philosophy, curriculum and preparing training sessions. He also plays a key role working with Hammerheads FC Youth, aiming to provide the best soccer experience possible for the youth of Wilmington.

Porter assumed coaching duties after former head coach David Irving stepped down from the role in August. Under Porter’s direction the team completed their final seven regular season matches with a record of 3-2-2. The team went unbeaten at home during this difficult stretch of the season that included a victory and a draw versus regular season champions Orlando City, a tie against LA Galaxy II in Los Angeles, and a draw with USL PRO Champions Sacramento Republic FC.

The strong finish would see the club gain 11 points in seven games, resulting in a playoff berth. Upon assuming the head coaching duties, Porter also made roster moves that included the Major League Soccer loan signings of goalkeeper Brad Stuver (Columbus Crew) and midfielder Corben Bone (Philadelphia Union), as well as adding Toronto FC Academy standout Mark-Anthony Kaye and local product Ross Tomaselli. All four would play significant roles in the final stretch.

“Carson brings a new level of professionalism and energy to the club that we are excited about,” said General Manager Jason Arnold. “He will implement a new culture within the club and our approach and style of play will improve dramatically. His focus on development, not only on the professional side but with the youth brings us in line with our clubs goals. Carson is well respected inside and outside of the game and will represent the Hammerheads extremely well. I am very pleased to have Carson in this role and look forward to long and successful tenure for him with our club. ”

Prior to joining the Hammerheads, Porter spent three years as a technical advisor and national staff coach for the United States Soccer Federation. Porter served as an assistant coach for the U14 and U15 U.S. Youth National Teams and most recently the U18 Men’s National Team. His time with U.S. Soccer proved valuable through travels with various national teams. He participated in international tournaments in Italy, Germany, Portugal and Azerbaijan and was involved with U.S. teams that competed against the likes of Portugal, Mexico, Bulgaria, Sweden and Norway.

Prior to joining U.S. Soccer Porter was involved in the college game. His most successful stint came serving as Jay Vidovich’s assistant coach at Wake Forest University from 2004-2008. During this time, the team went to three consecutive College Cup appearances (2006, 2007, 2008), winning the NCAA National Championship in 2007. For his work, Porter was honored by the NCAA in 2008 as the National Assistant Coach of the Year. He began his collegiate career as a player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1997-2001.

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

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. – Arizona United Soccer Club is pleased to announce its second signing of the off-season, as it has come to terms with defender Scott Morrison on a multi-year deal, pending USL PRO and USSF approval.

Morrison becomes the second player under contract with Arizona United for the 2015 season. Earlier, Arizona United announced the re-signing of USL PRO All-League Second-Team forward Long Tan.

“Scott is the perfect example of how we want our players to be on and off the field,” said Arizona United SC General Manager Kevin Stevenson. “His leadership on the field, presence in the locker room and constant interaction with fans made this decision to bring him back a no-brainer. He was a big piece in the puzzle for us during our inaugural season, and we expect the same from him for years to come.”

Morrison signed with Arizona United in March and scored two goals in 24 USL PRO matches. Morrison was named to the USL PRO Team of the Week twice for his goal-scoring efforts. The first honor was on June 11, when Morrison’s second-half goal gave Arizona United a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy II. The second came on the heels of Morrison’s match-winning goal in Arizona United’s 1-0 victory over OKC Energy FC on August 22.

Morrison appeared in all three of Arizona United SC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, which earned Arizona United SC the distinction of being the first team from Arizona to compete in the fourth round of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S.

Hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, Morrison made his professional debut in 2003 for hometown club Aberdeen F.C., where he logged 40 appearances for the Dons in two seasons.

For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets visit online at www.arizonaunited.com. Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook or Twitter.

PDL Feature

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

For the second time this season, the Real Colorado Foxes’ Nick DePuy claimed TopDrawerSoccer.com and Big West Player of the Week honors as the UC Santa Barbara forward again came up big for his side in the final week of NCAA Division I Men’s regular season action. DePuy led a number of current and former PDL players to be honored as teams across the country pushed on toward the postseason.

DePuy helped the Gauchos claim the top seed in the Big West Tournament as he scored all three goals in their two victories last week. The standout sophomore scored an overtime winner to lead UCSB to a 1-0 win against UC Davis, and then struck twice against Cal Poly to lead the Gauchos to the top of the Big West’s North Division.

Joining DePuy on the TDS Team of the Week was OC Pateadores Blues forward Andy Craven, who continued his standout season for North Carolina with a hat trick against Georgia Southern. The senior leads the Tar Heels with 11 goals this season - including seven game-winners - and will be a key player as they begin the ACC Tournament against Louisville on Saturday.

Reading United AC defender Skylar Thomas also earned selection as he lifted Syracuse to a 2-1 overtime victory against Boston College with the game-winner in the second extra session. Thomas helped the Orange finish atop the ACC’s Atlantic Division and claim top spot in the NSCAA rankings as the teams head to the postseason.

2013 All-Eastern Conference selection Brandt Bronico of Charlotte helped lead the 49ers past both Wake Forest and Florida Atlantic to earn his selection and take the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week award. Bronico had the game-winner in both games as Charlotte moved into fifth spot in the NSCAA rankings.

In conference honors, the River City Rovers’ Walker Andriot was named the Big East’s Rookie of the Week as he scored the game-winning goal in Xavier’s 3-0 victory against Villanova. The victory moved the Musketeers into a tie with Providence for second place in the conference standings with one game remaining.

FC London’s Jamie Dell was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Co-Player of the Week as he scored a pair of goals in UNC Wilmington’s 3-0 win against Drexel on Saturday. The win clinched at least a share of the CAA regular-season championship for the Seahawks, and the two goals made Dell UNCW’s first double-digit scorer since 2005.

The Ocean City Nor’easters’ Machel Baker claimed the Metro Atlantic Athletic Association’s Offensive Player of the Week award as the native of Jamaica had two goals and an assist for Quinnipiac in the past week. Baker had a goal and an assist as the Bobcats took victory against Siena, and then struck again against Iona.

Baker was joined by fellow Nor’easters player Borja Angoitia, who was named Defensive Player of the Week for the Bobcats as he claimed a pair of victories in goal to help Quinnipiac earn the MAAC regular season title. 

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

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Arizona United Soccer Club announced its third player deal of the off-season on Wednesday as it re-signed forward Brad Stisser to a multi-year deal, pending USL PRO and USSF approval.

Stisser joins defender Scott Morrison and forward Long Tan, who have both re-signed with Arizona United SC.

"Brad is a player who really stood out and distinguished himself during our push to qualify for the playoffs," said Arizona United SC General Manager Kevin Stevenson. "He came in, had the right attitude, and worked hard to earn a starting spot. He is another piece to the puzzle of what we are trying to build here."

Named as one of Arizona United SC's original signings in April, Stisser scored two goals and notched one assist in 17 league appearances. Stisser's first goal of the season earned him USL PRO's Goal of the Month award for his volley in Arizona United SC's 2-1 win over the Orange County Blues FC. His second goal was in a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. In matches Stisser appeared in, Arizona United SC posted a 8-3-6 record and outscored opponents 24-22.

Stisser grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and played collegiately for Coastal Carolina and Loyola Marymount.

Stisser first turned pro in 2010 when he signed with AC St. Louis of the USSF Division 2 Professional League. He then moved over to USL PRO, joining the Rochester Rhinos and Charlotte Eagles before a stint with the Atlanta Silverbacks.

For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets visit online at www.arizonaunited.com. Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook or Twitter.

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

November 5, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The 12th annual Carolina Challenge Cup will welcome 2015 Major League Soccer expansion clubs New York City F.C. and Orlando City SC to Blackbaud Stadium in February for the event's first edition in partnership with MLS.

The two-time MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo will make their third consecutive CCC appearance, and their sixth as a franchise.

With six matches to be scheduled with the three MLS teams and host club Charleston Battery of USL PRO between Saturday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 28, the 2015 field will showcase three of the biggest stars in world soccer:

Kaká (Orlando City): the Brazilian international phenom who earned Serie A and UEFA Champions League titles with Italian powerhouse AC Milan en route to winning the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or awards. Was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup Championship team.

Frank Lampard (NYCFC): England’s international captain and the all-time scoring leader at Chelsea F.C., with 211 goals in all competitions over 13 seasons. Lampard is the only midfielder in English Premier League history to score more than 150 goals, and trails only Ryan Giggs in the EPL's all-time assists statistic. Currently on loan to NYCFC’s parent club, England’s Manchester City F.C.

David Villa (NYCFC): Spain's all-time leading international goalscorer and a La Liga and UEFA League champion in a club career that included stops at Real Zaragoza, Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. He is Spain's all-time leading World Cup goal scorer, and his three goals in South Africa led Spain to the 2010 World Cup title.

“This is a fresh and very exciting field this year, with probably the biggest names from world soccer that we've ever brought to Charleston,” said Mike Anhaeuser, Battery general manager and head coach. “Kaká, Lampard, David Villa. Those are world-class players. And that's not to mention the (U.S.) national team players from the World Cup: (DaMarcus) Beasley, (Brad) Davis, maybe some more by the time the tournament starts. It's very exciting for the Battery as a club, and for the community.”

The 2015 tournament will also mark a new level of cooperation between the Charleston Battery and MLS, which has previously been involved in pre-season tournaments in Arizona and other locations. Carolina Challenge Cup pioneered the format of a lower-division club hosting multiple MLS teams when it debuted in 2004.

Battery President Andrew Bell welcomed the league's involvement. “I think it clearly raises the profile of the Carolina Challenge Cup. We've been doing this for 11 years now and have been part of the growth of the sport of soccer in the US. Major League Soccer is an incredibly successful league and brand, and to be a part of it even in a small way is fantastic.”

This tournament will bear the distinction of hosting the first-ever meeting between the two 2015 MLS expansion teams. Orlando City and NYCFC enter the league from radically different trajectories, but will likely track their success relative to each other for years to come.

“The (CCC) will give us the opportunity to test our mettle as we put the final touches on our squad ahead of our MLS debut,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The competition should be outstanding as we’ll face a number of established MLS teams, our fellow league newcomers NYCFC and former USL PRO rivals Charleston Battery. We’re looking forward to the tournament as a nice cap to our preseason and hope to see many of our fans there to support us.”

NYCFC Head Coach Jason Kreis won the CCC as the coach of Real Salt Lake in 2009, and testified to the competitiveness of the event within the organization. Former U.S. National Team Captain Claudio Reyna – now NYCFC’s Sporting Director -- believes that the competition will provide the perfect test at an ideal time.

“The opportunity to play in the Carolina Challenge Cup was one that we didn’t want to pass up,” Reyna said. “It’s a fantastic tournament and Charleston is a great city for us to spend time in during preseason.”

While Orlando and New York are new to the tournament, Houston has become one of its all-time stalwarts.

“It is an honor to be involved in the Carolina Challenge Cup once again,” said Nick Kowba, Dynamo director of soccer operations. “It has become an important tradition for our club. We enjoy the hospitality and believe it to be an important part of our preseason preparation.”

The 2015 tournament also marks a significant local milestone with a directed marketing campaign aimed at attracting fans of Major League Soccer from outside the metro Charleston area. In partnership with Major League Soccer, the 2015 Carolina Challenge Cup is presented in part by the Charleston Visitors Bureau, the City of Charleston, the City of North Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant, with other event partners to follow.

“It helps on so many levels, but particularly as the tournament grows in stature it's unlikely that we as an individual club could continue to do it without municipal support,” Bell said. “It’s also an indication that local leaders are aware of the economic value of soccer in this market. Charleston is a wonderful destination with a strong soccer heritage and we are looking forward to showcasing that to soccer fans around the U.S. and beyond.” 

W-League & W-20 Feature

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Georgetown’s Daphne Corboz, who helped the LA Blues to the 2013 W-League title, claimed a pair of major BIG EAST Conference awards to highlight the list of W-League and W-20 players who earned regular season honors from their NCAA Division I conferences.

Corboz, who tallied a pair of assists to lead the Blues during the 2013 championship weekend, made conference history by becoming the first player to be named both Midfielder of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year after ranking third nationally in assists (17) and 10th among all Division I players with 37 points.

Joining Corboz in capturing BIG EAST honors are a pair of 2014 Long Island Rough Riders - Defensive Player of the Year Georgia Kearney-Perry and Goalkeeper of the Year Diana Poulin - both from St. John’s.  Kearney-Perry led the Red Storm back line which limited conference foes to four shots on goal per game while finishing BIG EAST play tied for the most shutouts with five. Poulin enters the postseason with a league-best eight shutouts to her credit, including five in BIG EAST play. Against league foes the sophomore recorded the best goals-against average (0.65) and second-best save percentage (.845).

A trio of 2014 W-League standouts were honored by the SEC, as Ottawa Fury FC star Arin Gilliland was named Defensive Player of the Year and Savannah McCaskill of the Carolina Elite Cobras took Freshman of the Year. Gilliland led a Kentucky defense that only allowed one goal in its final five matches and surrendered an SEC-low eight goals in league play.  McCaskill joins South Carolina teammate and former Toronto Lady Lynx standout Sabrina D'Angelo – who claimed Goalkeeper of the Year honors – as the only Gamecocks to earn SEC Freshman of the Year honors after leading USC with 15 points this season.

Another Carolina Elite Cobras veteran was honored by the Southern Conference, as Furman’s Stephanie DeVita became the second player in league history to be named Player of the Year twice after also being named SoCon Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in 2012. DeVita was second in the SoCon this season with 16 goals and tied for third with 36 points, and is the SoCon’s active career leader in goals (50) and points (117).

Toronto Lady Lynx 2013 standout Noelle Leon-Palmer was selected as America East Defender of the Year, as the University of Maine Junior led a Black Bears defense that only allowed three goals in conference play. Leon-Palmer follows Ottawa Fury FC defender Maggie Malone, who captured the honor in 2013 for the Black Bears.

It was no surprise that two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Genevieve Richard of the Laval Comets was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, as the Wisconsin star led the Big Ten in goals-against average (0.37), save percentage (.903) and shutouts (12), and currently ranks fifth in the NCAA in both goals-against-average and save percentage. Richard was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week three times this season.

W-League alums took two of three major player awards from the Big 12, as the Colorado Rush’s Janine Beckie was named the Offensive Player of the Year and the Ottawa Fury’s Kadeisha Buchanan was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive time. Texas Tech’s Beckie led the Big 12 in points (29), goals (13) and shots (103), while Buchanan anchored a West Virginia defense that had nine shutouts and has only allowed more than one goal once in league play.

Brooke Moody, a defensive anchor for the Colorado Storm this past season, was named Big Sky Co-Defensive MVP after leading a Montana defense that only allowed four goals in conference play. The Grizzlies had a league-leading seven shutouts in conference, and Moody's defensive play helped Montana win the Big Sky regular-season title, going unbeaten in the league for the first time since 1999.

Kacey Kelley of the Fredericksburg Impact was voted the Big South Attacking Player of the Year, and was joined by Triangle FC Alliance W-20 star Caroline Houser, who was chosen as Freshman of the Year. Kelley, of Coastal Carolina, ranked second in the Big South in points (26) and shots (89) and tied for second in goals (11). Houser led UNC Asheville in goals (6) and shots (66) this season, and ranked second on the team in assists (4) and points (16). She tallied the most goals by a Bulldog freshman in nine seasons, and ranked third in the Big South in shots on goal.

Three-year Ottawa Fury FC standout Lauren Hughes (Rice) was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, with former K-W United FC defender Olivia Mbala (Florida Atlantic) taking Defensive Player of the Year honors. Hughes led the league with 12 goals and 31 points, while MBala anchored a Florida Atlantic defense that ranked fourth in C-USA in goals allowed per match at 0.98. The redshirt-senior also got involved on the offensive end by recording three goals, including the game-winner at intrastate foe Miami.

Nicole Waters, who helped the Gulf Coast Texans to the 2014 Southeast Conference regular season title, was tabbed as Atlantic 10 Midfielder of the Year, while Carolina Elite Cobras star Meaghan Carrigan took home Rookie of the Year honors. Waters, a dominant offensive force for Dayton, had eight goals and led the A-10 with 15 assists, while Carrigan led the Spiders with 14 goals and 32 points, both second-best in the A-10.

Gulf Coast’s Nini Rabsatt-Smith took home the Sun Belt Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award after she led a South Alabama defense that compiled eight shutouts while chipping in 12 points. Rabsatt-Smith started 18 matches for the Jaguars and helped hold opponents to 16 goals, the fewest in a regular season in school history.

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

Thursday, November 6, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC officially announced today that defender Troy Cole has agreed to a two-year deal with the club and will return to the squad for the 2015 USL PRO regular season.

“My experience at the Hammerheads has been nothing short of amazing and I am elated to now call Wilmington my home,” said Cole. “I am grateful to play with an organization that has so much to offer in terms of developing players, as well as providing service to the community.”  

Cole appeared in 20 matches for the Hammerheads during the 2014 USL PRO season, also playing a key role off the field as an ambassador for the club at several appearances and events. 

“Troy is one of a core group of players that thrived during a time of change within the club,” said Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter. “He supported me, personally, and I am grateful for that, while also earning his spot at right back as we made our run into the playoffs. Troy also knows that the start of a new year means healthy competition for places and he is hard at work this offseason to continue to chase his personal goals and our team goals. I am happy for Troy and happy for the Hammerheads organization.”

Cole is also involved with the coaching and development of Hammerheads Youth FC players during the offseason months in Wilmington.

He originally debuted with the Hammerheads in 2012 before signing with VSI Tampa Bay FC for one season. He tallied two seasons (2012-2013, 2013-2014) on the defensive line with Major Indoor Soccer League’s Rochester Lancers before returning to the Hammerheads again in 2014.

For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC, contact (910) 777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

USL PRO Feature

Thursday, November 6, 2014

After a disappointing season in 2013, Gareth Evans was looking for a fresh start, and a new challenge.

A year on, things could hardly have gone better for the veteran defender, who this week signed a new multi-year deal with OKC Energy FC. After being named to the USL PRO All-League Team for the second time, the club’s vice captain was clearly happy with the expansion franchise’s first season, and its direction for the future.

“It’s been really, really good,” Evans said by phone this week. “Obviously, when I first signed it was a new franchise and I was a bit mindful of how it was going to be. I’ve played for new franchises before, but since I’ve came in it’s been extremely well run.

“They push it really well in the community, everyone in the city knows who Oklahoma City are, and beyond, and moving into the new stadium next year with the plan for the soccer-specific stadium in the future, the training complex, I’ve got a great relationship with the coaching staff and the front office staff, so for me it was a no-brainer really.”

Evans was one of the veterans brought in by the Energy to help lead the through its first season. One of the league’s stalwarts - his 93 regular-season appearances put him eighth in the league’s history - Evans was consistent in the center of defense as the side had its ups and downs in 2014.

He arrived in Oklahoma City thanks to Energy assistant coach Chris Spendlove, with whom he played for the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2011. With Evans looking for a fresh start after a tough final season for the Hammerheads, Oklahoma City exceeded the expectations he had upon his arrival.

“I was lucky to be living on the beach in North Carolina for three years, so it’s definitely very different to that, but the people are brilliant,” Evans said. “The people of Oklahoma are known for being very supportive of their teams with the Thunder and obviously now with the Energy, and they’re very supportive and very nice people, and it’s an up-and-coming city. There’s always new buildings being built, there’s a big renovation going on downtown, and it’s an exciting city to be around, both with the Energy and in general.”

Evans still has a soft spot for the Hammerheads, with whom he was an All-League selection in 2011 and helped reach the USL PRO Championship Game in 2012, and still has many friends who play for the club. Getting the chance to be part of the Energy, however, was something he wanted to be part of, especially with the moves the club is making to become an upper-echelon club in not only USL PRO, but the U.S. soccer landscape.

“I’ve been to the stadium recently and looked myself, the stands are going in now and it’s coming along great,” Evans said of the club’s new home at Taft Stadium. “It’s going to be a great venue, that’s for sure, and I think moving there is a positive move. Hopefully we’ll double the attendance from last year - I don’t think we’ll have a problem filling up the stadium in Oklahoma City - and that just strengthens our bond with the people of Oklahoma City even more. The atmosphere at games will be even better with more people there, and with our ownership group I don’t think they’ll have it any other way than having it fully filled out for most games like it was this year.

Evans added the moves the club is making off the field are such that recruiting players to become part the club in the future will likely lead to success sooner rather than later.

“I think it’s very exciting,” he said, “and I think it helps when you’re trying to attract players when you can show them this is where we’re going to be playing next year, we’re building a training facility - these are all the sort of things that as a player you think, ‘well, that’s exciting, they’re going in the right direction, they’re doing it the right way’, so I think it’s all a huge positive.”

One of the other reasons for Evans’ optimism is the attitude instilled by Energy head coach Jimmy Nielsen, who provided a positive environment for the players to grow throughout the season. Evans is looking forward to continuing to work with the former Sporting Kansas City standout, whose energy proved vital as the duress of the season took its toll.

“He’s such a player’s coach,” Evans said. “Obviously he’s just come off playing himself, and he stopped playing at the top winning the championship as captain for Kansas City - it doesn’t get any better in this country for sure - and he’s awesome. I get on really well with him. The way he coaches, he’s very personable, he’s very approachable, he tells you everything straight. He won’t take any messing around, but it’s all in a very positive way, which I hadn’t experienced in a while. Him and Chris and James [Richie], the assistants, it’s been a very exciting experience.”

Energy FC fell just short of the playoffs in its first season, as a late-season slide that saw the club only win twice in its final eight games dropped the side into 10th position, five points behind eighth-placed Harrisburg. While that was a disappointment, Evans believes the amount the team learned will prove invaluable in 2015, and with a strong group of players set to return along with some new additions, the club appears well set for a run at its first playoff berth.

“The experience was really good last year. We lost a bit of steam toward the end and fell short of the playoffs, which Sacramento aside tends to be quite common [for expansion teams],” Evans said. “Going forward, we’ve got a very strong core group of players returning which are getting announced as we speak, and I’m very excited about that, and some of the players we’ve got lined up for next year. Hopefully, we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

With Evans leading from the back, Oklahoma City will have a lot to look forward to when spring arrives.

PDL Feature

Friday, November 7, 2014

With two weeks to go before the NCAA Tournament, the battle for a place in the 48-team field and high seeding continues this weekend with a number of contests set to be aired on national television and online. Current and former PDL players are set to play key roles, as the regular season concludes with a top-15 matchup in Conference USA and the ACC Tournament kicks off.

No. 13 Kentucky vs. No. 5 Charlotte, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Wildcats host the 49ers only needing a draw to claim the Conference USA regular season title and top seed in the conference tournament, but Charlotte will enter with confidence having claimed victory in both of the teams’ meetings a season ago. Carolina Dynamo standout Brandt Bronico, a PDL All-Eastern Conference selection in 2013, has been in good form recently for the 49ers and this week was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week. Fellow Dynamo player Monbo Bokar has also scored six goals, and will try to find a way past former Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 goalkeeper Callum Irving, who has led Kentucky to an undefeated record in conference play with a 0.56 goals-against average and 10 shutouts in 17 contests. The River City Rovers’ Napo Matsoso will also be a player to watch for the Wildcats, with four goals and four assists this fall.

No. 10 Stanford vs. No. 3 Washington, Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Huskies will try to remain in contention for the Pac-12 championship as they visit California this weekend for games against the Cardinal and California Bears. Washington is currently four points behind UCLA but has a pair of games in hand as it meets Stanford, and will hope for a big performance from Sounders FC U23 standout Darwin Jones, who has eight goals and four assists for the Huskies this season. The Puget Sound Gunners’ Mason Robertson has also scored six goals, and Washington Crossfire midfielder Cristian Roldan has three goals and two assists for the Huskies. Jones, meanwhile, is set to go up against his Sounders U23 teammate Jordan Morris, who has had a strong sophomore season for Stanford with three goals and five assists. The Cardinal have also been boosted by former Ventura County Fusion forward Brandon Vincent, who leads the side with six goals, and they will hope for more as they too try to close the gap on the Bruins at the top of the conference standings.

No. 20 Clemson vs. Wake Forest, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Tigers host the Demon Deacons in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament looking to build on a solid regular season that saw them finish second in the Atlantic Division with a 5-2-1 record and claim the No. 4-seed in the tournament. Reading United standout Manolo Sanchez led the Tigers in the regular season with three goals and five assists, while former SC United Bantams midfielder Ara Amirkhanian added four assists. Wake Forest finished a point behind Clemson in the league standings, as the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Michael Gamble recorded six goals and 10 assists to lead the team. Fellow Timbers U-23s player Jacori Hayes also chipped in six assists, while Carolina Dynamo goalkeeper Alec Ferrell recorded a 1.41 goals-against average.

W-League Feature

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Division I Women’s Soccer season enters its final weekend of action before the field for the NCAA Tournament is revealed. Current and former W-League players are set to lead their teams in the pursuit of automatic berths as conference champions are crowned on national television and online during the next three days.

Southern California vs. No. 1 UCLA, Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Bruins only need a draw against their cross-city rivals to claim the Pac-12 Championship and complete an undefeated regular season, but will likely be challenged by a Trojans side that is on a four-game winning streak and is looking to secure an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LA Strikers goalkeeper Carolina Stanley will be key for the Trojans, who will try to contain a potent Bruins attack led by the LA Blues’ Sam Mewis, who leads UCLA with 14 goals and 11 assists. 2014 W-League All-League selection Sarah Killion of the LA Blues has also had another excellent season with seven goals and 10 assists, while fellow Blues Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco have led a defense that has conceded only four goals in 19 games.

ACC Championship, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The top four teams in the ACC will meet on Friday for a place in Sunday’s championship game, as Florida State looks to add to its regular-season title. The Seattle Sounders Women’s Marta Bakowska-Mathews had a big role in the Seminoles’ success with nine goals and six assists, while former LA Blues player Jamia Fields earned All-ACC Second Team honors ahead of their clash with Notre Dame. Fields’ teammate with the Blues, Paige Nielsen, has had a strong season for No. 2 seed North Carolina, with four game-winning goals, while Washington Spirit Reserves defender Satara Murray has been crucial at the back, registering the second-most minutes on the team with 1,501. Murray will need to try and contain Virginia’s Makenzy Doniak in Friday’s semifinal, with the former LA Blues forward having scored 13 goals and added eight assists to lead the Cavaliers.

Big Ten Championship, Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
The Big Ten Tournament was thrown into disarray in the quarterfinals as three of the top four seeds fell, leaving No. 2 seed Wisconsin as the only side to claim victory on home turf. Led by two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Genevieve Richard of the Laval Comets, who recorded a shutout, the Badgers got goals by former Toronto Lady Lynx player Kodee Williams and Cara Walls to advance and face Minnesota in Friday’s semifinals. Fellow Lady Lynx player Melanie Pickert, an All-Central Conference selection this past summer, led Iowa into the other semifinal as she picked up the assist on Natalie Krygier’s winner in a 1-0 win against Rutgers. Now the Hawkeyes will face Northwestern after the Wildcats upset No. 1-seed Penn State in the quarterfinals.

SEC Championship, Sunday 3 p.m. ET, ESPNU
South Carolina extended its undefeated streak to six games as it defeated Missouri in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday. The Gamecocks have received strong contributions all season from the Carolina Elite Cobras’ Savannah McCaskill, who was named SEC Freshman of the Year after notching five goals and five assists, while Sabrina D’Angelo, formerly of the Toronto Lady Lynx, claimed Goalkeeper of the Year honors ahead of Friday’s semifinal with Texas A&M. Kentucky and the Ottawa Fury’s Courtney Raetzman will face Tennessee in the second semifinal, with the midfielder having provided the assist on Kelly Hubly’s game-winner in the quarterfinals against Auburn. Fellow Fury player Arin Gilliland led the Wildcats in the regular season with six goals and eight assists, and now she will try to help lead Kentucky past a Volunteers side that upset Florida in a penalty shootout. Former Atlanta Silverbacks Women goalkeeper Jamie Simmons recorded five saves for Tennessee to send the game to a shootout, and will again need to come up big if her side is to record another upset.

USL PRO News Release

Friday, November 7, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – United States U20 Men’s National Team coach Tab Ramos announced a 20-player squad that will travel to Spain on Monday to compete in the U-21 International National Teams Football Tournament, with a pair of finalists for the 2014 USL PRO Rookie of the Year award named in the squad. The LA Galaxy II’s Bradford Jamieson IV and Orlando City’s Tyler Turner were joined by the Lions’ Tommy Redding and former Sacramento Republic FC loanee Tommy Thompson in the group, which will face Russia, the Republic of Ireland and Canada in Marbella.

Jamieson IV appeared 18 times for the Galaxy II this past season and finished with six goals and one assist. The 17-year-old shone brightly for Los Dos, with a pair of highlight-reel goals against OKC Energy FC on May 25 a highlight in an outstanding rookie season that saw the Homegrown signing also make his MLS debut.

Turner made 24 appearances for the Lions in his rookie season, and is set to be a key part of Orlando’s squad as it makes the move to Major League Soccer in 2015. The center back was consistent for Adrian Heath’s side, and he also scored his first professional goal in a victory against the Charlotte Eagles on August 2.

Fellow Orlando Homegrown signing Redding made 15 appearances for the Lions in his rookie season, as he logged more than 1,000 minutes of action. The 17-year-old’s call-up is his first for the U20s, having previously played for the U15, U17 and U18 National Teams.

Thompson was sent on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes to Republic FC early in the 2014 season and made six appearances for the side during his stint in California’s capital before returning to San Jose, for which he made his MLS debut on August 16 against FC Dallas. The club’s first Homegrown signing, Thompson has since made eight starts for the Earthquakes.

The United States will open the weeklong tournament next Wednesday as it faces Russia, with contests on November 15 against the Republic of Ireland and November 18 against Canada. The squad is currently building toward CONCACAF Qualifying for the 2015 U20 World Cup, which is set to be held in Jamaica from January 9-24, 2015.

W-League Roundup

Saturday, November 8, 2014

GREENSBORO, N.C. – No. 2 Florida State advanced to the final of the ACC Championship as the LA Blues’ Jamia Fields had a goal and Cheyna Williams added an assist in a 3-1 victory against Notre Dame on Friday night at the UNC Greensboro Soccer Stadium.

The Seminoles controlled much of the contest as they outshot the Fighting Irish 18-5, and took the lead in the 22nd minute as Dagny Brynjarsdottir headed home a cross from Megan Campbell after the Irish full back played a good give-and-go with Colorado Rush midfielder Carson Pickett.

Campbell doubled the lead five minutes later from the penalty spot after Isabella Schmid was brought down in the area. Campbell shot home for her second goal of the season to put FSU in complete control at the break.

“I thought that our group played a very hard game,” Florida State head coach Mark Krikorian said. “We started out with a great deal of intensity and came out with a lot of focus. The quality of our play was quite good. The defending was good, and for the first 35 minutes of the game we were very sharp.”

The Seminoles added a third with six minutes to go as Fields scored her first goal of the season. The ACC All-Conference Second Team selection was found by Williams at the top of the penalty area, and she hammered home a finish that went off the underside of the crossbar and in. Notre Dame pulled a goal back on its first shot on target in the final minute through Karin Simonian, but it was a minor blemish on a complete performance by FSU.

No. 1 UCLA 2, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 0: Kylie McCarthy scored both goals as the Bruins claimed the Pac-12 Championship with a victory against the Trojans at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Both goals arrived in the final 15 minutes as McCarthy broke the deadlock after picking up the rebound off a shot by LA Blues standout Caprice Dydasco and finishing to the right corner. She added her fifth goal of the season with three minutes to go as she put home a finish from Ally Courtnall’s through-ball.

No. 4 VIRGINIA 2, No. 5 NORTH CAROLINA 0: The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak scored the game-winner as the Cavaliers defeated the Tar Heels to advance to the ACC Championship Game.

Doniak scored her team-leading 14th goal of the season as she latched onto a through-ball from Alexis Shaffer and finished in the 11th minute. Doniak has now scored a goal in seven consecutive games, one short of the program’s record. The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Morgan Reuther added a second in the 29thminute as the Cavaliers held firm defensively to claim victory, and a meeting with Florida State in Sunday’s final.

No. 20 KENTUCKY 3, TENNESSEE 2: Ottawa Fury FC standout Arin Gilliland found the net as the Wildcats advanced to the SEC Championship Game with a victory against the Volunteers at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Kentucky pushed out to a three-goal lead as Kelli Hubly and Gilliland, an All-Central Conference selection this past summer, scored before the halftime break, and Kaitlin Miller added a third from the penalty spot just past the hour mark. The Volunteers rallied in the final 15 minutes behind two goals from Hannah Wilkinson, but the Wildcats were able to hold on to advance, and set up a contest with Texas A&M in Sunday’s final.

PDL Roundup

Monday, November 10, 2014

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Reading United AC standout Alex Bono set a new Syracuse record with his 12th shutout of the season as the No. 1-ranked Orange took a 2-0 victory against Duke in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Sunday afternoon. Ocean City Nor’easters midfielder Nick Perea found the back of the net as Syracuse advanced to face Louisville in Friday’s semifinals.

The Orange took the lead in the 10th minute when Alex Halis was able to get on the end of a cross by Julian Bueschler. Syracuse doubled its advantage just past the half-hour mark as Liam Callahan’s volleyed cross found Perea, who headed home from six yards out.

Bono, who earned PDL All-Eastern Conference selection this past summer, was solid throughout and posted seven saves to earn the shutout. Bono now sits second in Division I with a 0.38 goals-against average, and .889 save percentage.

"It was a terrific day for our program and I'm very proud of our guys," Orange head coach Ian McIntyre said. "I thought we started off a bit nervy, giving up a good chance off the cross bar in the first minute, but we settled in and made some chances of our own after that. To show that we can not only get results, but play well in the postseason was very good for us as well."

No. 2 INDIANA 1 (5), No. 16 NORTHWESTERN 1 (4): The Hoosiers advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament with a penalty shootout victory against the Wildcats after the teams finished tied after regulation and overtime.

The Des Moines Menace’s Dylan Lax gave Indiana the lead in the 17th minute as he fired home a shot from 20 yards into the left corner, but the Chicago Fire U-23’s Niko Boxall tied the game for Northwestern seven minutes before the halftime break to leave things level. That was the way it stayed until the shootout, when Ocean City Nor’easters goalkeeper Colin Webb first converted the Hoosiers’ sixth shot, and Northwestern’s Drew Rosenberg hit his off the crossbar to send Indiana through.

No. 3 WASHINGTON 3, No. 7 CALIFORNIA 2: The Washington Crossfire’s Garret Jackson and Puget Sound Gunners’ Mason Robertson both had a goal and an assist as the Huskies took a big road victory against the Bears.

Robertson gave the Huskies the lead in the third minute off a pass from Jackson which he volleyed home from 25 yards. Fellow Puget Sound player Josh Heard doubled the lead in the 21st minute off a cross by Robertson, and Jackson made it three two minutes later as he put home a corner after a scramble in the penalty area.

California rallied, and pulled a goal back before halftime through Omid Jalili. The Huskies maintained their two-goal advantage as Puget Sound goalkeeper Spencer Richey made 10 saves, but the Bears set up a tense finish as Stefano Bonomo scored with four minutes to go. Washington held on, however, to keep its slim hopes of a conference title alive.

No. 4 NOTRE DAME 3, No. 15 VIRGINIA 0: The Ocean City Nor’easters’ Leon Brown was among the scorers as the Fighting Irish defeated the Cavaliers in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

Brown gave Notre Dame the lead in the 28th minute as he finished a cross by Evan Panken from 14 yards out. Brandon Aubrey and Patrick Hodan added goals at either side of halftime for the Fighting Irish, who also got an excellent performance from goalkeeper Patrick Wall as he made eight saves to post the shutout.

No. 6 CREIGHTON 3, No. 19 PROVIDENCE 0: The Albuquerque Sol’s Ricardo Perez and LA Misioneros’ Sean Kim both scored as the Bluejays claimed the Big East regular season title with victory against the Friars.

Kim gave the Bluejays the lead only 98 seconds into the contest as shot home from the right side, and that was all Creighton needed as IMG Academy Bradenton goalkeeper Connor Sparrow made four saves before being lifted late for Ocala Stampede goalkeeper Alex Bolowich. Vincent Keller added a second in the 34th minute before Perez wrapped up the scoring with 10 minutes to go to clinch the victory.

No. 11 GEORGETOWN 2, VILLANOVA 1: The Baltimore Bohemians’ Austin Martz helped the Hoyas take victory in their regular season finale as they defeated the Wildcats at the Higgins Complex.

Martz opened the scoring in the ninth minute as he picked up the rebound from fellow Bohemian Brandon Allen’s shot and finished. Villanova leveled the score just before the halftime break through Andreas Bartosinski, but the Hoyas claimed victory with five minutes to go as IMG Academy Bradenton’s Bakie Goodman set up Arun Basuljevic for the winner from the left side of the penalty area.

No. 18 UC IRVINE 2, SACRAMENTO STATE 0: The OC Pateadores Blues’ Cameron Iwasa scored for the Anteaters as they took victory against the Hornets in the first round of the Big West Tournament.

The game was scoreless at the halftime break, but UC Irvine broke things open with two goals in two minutes just past the hour mark. Matt Tilley scored the first in the 64th minute and Iwasa followed 89 seconds later to book the Anteaters’ place in the semifinals against UC Santa Barbara.

No. 25 NEW MEXICO 2, SOUTH CAROLINA 1: Sounders FC U23 forward Chris Wehan scored the winner as the Lobos took victory against the Gamecocks at the UNM Soccer Complex.

Former Ogden Outlaws player James Rogers gave New Mexico the lead from the penalty spot in the seventh minute, and Wehan doubled the lead with his ninth goal of the season 12 minutes later as he capitalized on a back-heeled pass by fellow Sounders U23 player Niko Hansen. South Carolina pulled a late goal back through the SC United Bantams’ Wes Eads, but the Lobos held on to take victory.

OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC hosts the Springfield Demize of the PDL in an exhibition match on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT at the Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex, Field 10, 1001 East Robinson Street in Norman, Okla. Admission to the match is free and is in partnership with the Norman Classic Cup, being held at the complex.

“This game is part of our efforts to take professional soccer on the road across Oklahoma and expose more players to the Energy FC brand,” said Energy FC General Manager Jason Hawkins. “ We want to continue to grow the passion for the sport.”

The Energy FC roster for the exhibition includes current players, like Gareth Evans and Peabo Doue, as well as guest players from the Fluminense Football Club, based out of Laranjeiras, Brazil, a neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Club Bolivar, based out of La Paz, Bolivia, and various programs across the United States.

The Demize have been members of the PDL since 2007, and this past season finished fourth in the Heartland Division. Goalkeeper Yuta Nomura had a strong season this past summer for the club, finishing in the Top 10 in the 64-team league with a 0.909 goals against average, with six shutouts in 11 appearances, as he claimed All-Central Conference honors.

W-League Roundup

Monday, November 10, 2014

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Ottawa Fury’s Kinley McNicoll scored the overtime game-winner as Wisconsin claimed the Big Ten Championship on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win against Iowa at the Boilermaker Soccer Complex. The conference title was the Badgers’ first since 2005, and secured an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

The Badgers had the upper hand for much of the contest but weren’t able to score the decisive goal until the second period of overtime. After earning a corner kick, McNicoll delivered a ball that curled through the six-yard area and found the far corner of the net in the 104th minute.

McNicoll was named the Big Ten Tournament’s Offensive MVP, while Laval Comets standout Genevieve Richard claimed Tournament Defensive MVP honors after recording shutouts in each of the Badgers’ two contests this weekend. The two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year has now posted 15 shutouts this season, which ties a Wisconsin record.

“It shows how your effort, your mentality and your attitude all have a huge effect,” Wisconsin coach Paula Wilkins said. “They always had the talent, but they really bought into the team thing. If you had watched them this whole week, it was just a great atmosphere. That kind of atmosphere creates great talent on the field. I’m very proud of them and it’s truly their victory.”

No. 2 FLORIDA STATE 1, No. 4 VIRGINIA 0: The Colorado Rush’s Carson Pickett scored the only goal as the Seminoles claimed the ACC Championship with victory against the Cavaliers at the UNC Greensboro Soccer Complex.

The goal arrived in the 17th minute, as the LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams sent in a cross to the back post from the right and Pickett was on hand to head home just inside the left post. With the win, the Seminoles claimed their second consecutive ACC title, and third in the past four seasons.

No. 13 DEPAUL 2, GEORGETOWN 0: Seattle Sounders Women forward Elise Wyatt had the game-winning goal as the Blue Demons claimed their first Big East title in program history with victory against the Hoyas at Belson Stadium.

The Blue Demons extended their undefeated streak to 20 games (16-0-4) as Wyatt gave them the lead in the 26th minute. The forward struck a fierce shot that was parried by Georgetown goalkeeper Emma Newins, and Wyatt reacted quickly to finish off the rebound. Amber Paul added a second goal for DePaul at the hour mark as the Blue Demons continued their remarkable season.

USL News Release

Monday, November 10, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The squad for the United States Men’s National Team’s final two contests of 2014 was named on Monday, with a number of former PDL and Super Y League players called into Jurgen Klinsmann’s team for games against Colombia and the Republic of Ireland. 2004 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year Brad Guzan led the alumni selected, while Sounders FC U23 forward Jordan Morris earned his second call-up.

Guzan is joined by fellow PDL alum Sean Johnson, who previously played for the Atlanta Blackhawks before becoming a mainstay for the Chicago Fire in MLS. Former Super Y League ODP selection Bill Hamid also earned selection, returning to the squad alongside Johnson after both were part of the squad for last month’s exhibition against Honduras.

2012 PDL All-League selection DeAndre Yedlin, formerly of the Sounders FC U23, remains part of the squad in the defensive unit, where he is joined by 2006 PDL All-Eastern Conference selection Geoff Cameron, now of Stoke City. Yedlin, whose Seattle Sounders FC face FC Dallas tonight in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals of the MLS Playoffs, appeared in every contest of Sounders FC U23’s season two years ago, and led the side to the Western Conference Championship.

Morris, who has helped Stanford reach the top of the Pac-12 standings with one game remaining after playing for the Sounders U23s this past summer, returns to the squad after being selected for the USMNT’s contest against the Czech Republic in September. He is joined by former Super Y League standout Jozy Altidore, and former PDL player Miguel Ibarra, who made almost 50 appearances for the Lancaster Rattlers and Orange County Blue Star prior to turning professional.

The United States will face Colombia at Craven Cottage in London, England on Friday at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN and UniMas. The side will then head to face the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday, November 18 at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has re-signed defender Cyprian Hedrick for the 2015 season, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Cyprian brings a great daily work ethic to practice,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “He is passionate about what we’re building in Oklahoma City, and I’m very happy to have him back for another season.”

Hedrick was part of a strong defensive quartet for Energy FC that held opponents to 1.32 goals per match. He started in 14 matches, appeared in 23 matches and played a total of 1,433 minutes on the back line in 2014.

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be back another season playing for such a great organization,” Hedrick said. “I’m excited to once again play in front our amazing fans.”

PDL Feature

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The past PDL season saw a number of big performances by players who also compete at the NCAA Division II level, with players such as the Des Moines Menace’s Chris Hellmann and Ocala Stampede’s Ilija Ilic leading their sides to division titles while also claiming league honors.

On Monday, the bracket for the NCAA Men’s Division II Tournament was unveiled. Here are five players to watch during the next month as the 35 teams kick off the tournament this weekend.

Ilija Ilic, Ocala Stampede – Ilic was named to the PDL All-Southern Conference Team after a standout summer for the Stampede that saw him score eight goals and add two assists as Ocala won its first Southern Conference title. Ilic has continued to shine for Young Harris University this fall, as he has recorded a Division II-leading 57 points on 22 goals and 13 assists. The Mountain Lions are the No. 1 seed in the Southeast Region as they make the first tournament appearance in program history.

Chris Hellmann, Des Moines Menace – The All-League selection finished tied for the PDL lead in assists with seven, and also finished among the top 10 goal scorers as the Menace topped the Heartland Division this past summer. Hellman, twice named PDL Player of the Week during the summer, finished fourth in the nation with 21 goals for Lynn University this fall, and also added 10 assists to lead the Fighting Knights to the top seed in the South Region with a 12-1-1 record, and a No. 4 ranking by the NSCAA.

Jordan Roberts, St. Louis Lions – A key player, with four goals and four assists, as the Lions reached the postseason for the first time since 2007, Roberts had a standout fall for Quincy University. The forward had 21 goals to finish tied for fourth in the nation with Hellman, and also added five assists to put him in sixth place in points. The senior will now hope to lead the Hawks through the Midwest Region after they suffered their first loss of the season in the Great Lakes Valley Conference championship game.

Dom DiMaggio, Seacoast United Phantoms – DiMaggio led the PDL with a 0.384 goals-against average and eight shutouts as the Phantoms finished first in the Northeast Division, and continued his outstanding form for Southern New Hampshire this fall. DiMaggio was seventh in the nation with a 0.577 goals-against average and also recorded seven shutouts to help the Penmen take their third consecutive Northeast-10 Championship. Southern New Hampshire now enters the NCAA Tournament, where it is the defending champion, as the No. 1 seed in the East Region.

Will Roberts, Michigan Bucks – Roberts’ appearances for the 2014 PDL Champions were brief, as he scored one goal and added two assists in four appearances before his freshman season at the University of Charleston (W.V.). It was apparently time well spent, however, as he recorded 15 goals and five assists to finish second on the Golden Eagles as they claimed the Mountain East Conference championship and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with an 18-0-1 record. The No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Region will hope Roberts’ form continues as the Golden Eagles look for their first NCAA championship.