USL PRO Feature

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Jamaica claimed its sixth Caribbean Cup as it defeated Trinidad & Tobago 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a 0-0 draw through extra time. Former Sacramento Republic FC loanee Alvas Powell played a key role in defense for Jamaica, while former Richmond Kickers loanee Michael Seaton also featured for the Reggae Boyz as they claimed the championship.

Both teams pushed forward early and two-time USL PRO Most Valuable Player Kevin Molino teamed well with Trinidad & Tobago captain Kenwyne Jones in attack. Jones forced a good save from Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake that kept the game scoreless, while Jamaica’s Jobi McAnuff also looked dangerous.

Jamaica gained more of an upper hand in the second half but was unable to find a way past the Trinidad & Tobago defense, which was bolstered in extra time by the addition of former Dayton Dutch Lions loanee Kevon George. Molino also tried to help his side find a winner, as did Seaton for Jamaica after being brought on for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Darren Mattocks at the start of extra time, but neither side was able to make the breakthrough as the game went to a penalty shootout.

Jamaica took the early advantage in the shootout as Jones’ shot was saved by Blake in the first round. Molino converted for Trinidad & Tobago in the third round to keep the score close, and when Seaton had his shot saved in the fourth round the Soca Warriors were able to get back on level terms. Jamaica captain Rodolph Austin converted to open the fifth round, however, and when T&T’s Khaleem Hyland shot over the crossbar the Reggae Boyz were crowned champions and earned a berth at the 2016 Centennial Copa America.

Earlier in the evening, Haiti claimed third place with a 2-1 victory against Cuba as former Orlando City standout Mechak Jerome opened the scoring. The Dayton Dutch Lions’ Sebastian Thuriere also played the full game for Haiti as it held on after a late goal by Cuba offered some hope, but Haiti claimed victory to complete the tournament with a second victory.

Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Eagles are excited to announce that the club and Dave Dixon have agreed to terms that sees the former Assistant Coach take the reins for the 2015 PDL season.

“We are excited to add a coach of Dave’s quality and character to lead us into the future,” said Eagles General Manager Andrew Pierce. “His 15-plus years of coaching experience will be a valuable asset as we move from the professional game to the PDL.”

Dixon will bring a rich history of PDL experience to the Eagles this season as he compiled a 47-18-17 record while the head coach of Mississippi Brilla FC. Dixon was a finalist for the 2010 PDL Coach of the Year and led Brilla FC to three straight Southeast Division Titles from 2009-2011. Dixon has spent the previous two seasons assisting USL Hall of Fame coach Mark Steffens with the USL PRO Eagles.

“I am extremely excited and honored to step into the head coaching position with the Eagles,” said Dixon. “Following in the footsteps of coaching legends Brian Davidson and Mark Steffens is no easy task but a challenge that I am looking forward to. The opportunity to work with Coach Steffens the last two years has helped me grow as a coach and a mentor. I hope to replicate his success both on and off the field.”

A four-year starter he led Houghton to three NAIA National Championship tournament appearances. Dixon was named a two-time All-America and All-Region selection along with being named to the All-Conference team three times. Dixon spent a summer with the Charlotte Eagles in 1997 after graduation.

He holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma - Distinguished Pass, NSCAA National Diploma - Distinguished Pass, and an NSCAA Goalkeeper License.

Dave and his wife Kerri, along with their two children Emmelyn and Brode reside in Matthews, N.C.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that midfielder Michael Callahan has signed a multi-year contract that will commence with the 2015 season.

“Cally is another important signing in our overall objective of returning the top performers from last season's team,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “Losing him to injury last season was a big loss and we are delighted that he is regaining full fitness and fully expect him to be ready for the opening day of pre-season.

“He brings all the positive personality characteristics and playing attributes we desire in our players. He will be our club captain next season and a vital part of maintaining and growing the successful winning tradition we have established here in Richmond.”

Signing with the Kickers just days before the 2011 home opener, Callahan made an immediate impact and quickly became a regular in the starting lineup, since making 79 appearances in a Kickers uniform. Over four seasons, he has amassed over 5,400 minutes, contributing to 39 shutouts while adding a pair of goals and five assists.

Callahan made his professional debut with the former USL First Division/USSF Division II side Austin Aztex, where he made 47 appearances over the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Originally from Cary, N.C., he started 79 of 82 games played at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, notching 10 career goals and 13 career assists over four seasons. He earned NSCAA/adidas Men’s Collegiate Scholar All-America honors his senior year and was a NSCAA/adidas All-America selection.

Don't miss a minute of Kickers Pro action when the USL PRO season kicks off in 2015. Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Benefits include 50-75% off match day prices, exclusive invitations, merchandise discounts and VIP benefits. Guaranteed to see all regular season, US Open Cup and playoff games for the best possible pricing, Kickers Season Tickets are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable entertainment experience - order now!

Tulsa Roughnecks FC News Release -- www.tulsaroughnecksfc.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

TULSA, Okla. -- Professional soccer will officially return to the city of Tulsa next year with the inaugural season of the Tulsa Roughnecks in USL PRO. On Tuesday, the Roughnecks organization revealed that the new team will have more in common with the original Roughnecks than just a nickname. The new Roughnecks announced that David Irving, who played briefly for the original Roughnecks in 1980, has been named the new team’s head coach.

Irving comes to Tulsa after serving as head coach of USL PRO’s Wilmington Hammerheads for 14 seasons. During his tenure in North Carolina, the Hammerheads became one of the most accomplished franchises in USL PRO and he was inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame. He left his position with Wilmington in August of this season.

“I want to thank the Roughnecks’ organization for this opportunity,” said Irving.  “I am very excited.

“I do remember the Roughneck fans and how they filled Skelly Stadium. After all these years, I feel privileged to be back in Tulsa, and I look forward to meeting and talking with those fans. The Roughnecks were a big part of the wonderful Tulsa soccer community, and I know that I have a tough act to follow with the legendary Roughneck players and coaches.

Irving, a native of Workington, England, led the Hammerheads to 10 playoff appearances and three trips to the league championship game, winning the USL title in 2003.

His teams have also excelled in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, reaching the quarterfinals on two occasions and claiming wins over Major League Soccer clubs FC Dallas and the Chicago Fire.

As coach of the Hammerheads, he was also instrumental in bringing English sides Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sunderland AFC to North Carolina for exhibition matches with the Hammerheads.

Irving played professionally, beginning his career with hometown Workington AFC before moving on a transfer to Everton FC in what was then the English First Division, the equivalent to today’s English Premier League.  He also spent time with Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic and Shamrock Rovers.  In 1978, Irving came to the United States and joined the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, for whom he scored 27 goals in 72 appearances.

Tulsa general manager Noel Lemon acquired the striker in 1980, bringing him to Tulsa. Irving scored three goals in only seven appearances for the Roughnecks before joining the Atlanta Chiefs in mid-season.  He played the 1981 season for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Irving’s role with the Roughnecks begins immediately. As head coach, he will oversee all aspects of the team’s operation, including scouting and signing players.

“We feel very fortunate to obtain a coach with David’s experience,” said Brian Carroll, Roughnecks Vice President of Public Relations.  “His knowledge and understanding of how to construct a team to compete in USL PRO is invaluable. The fact that he played with the original Roughnecks is an added bonus. The entire Roughnecks organization looks forward to working with David to build a team that Tulsa fans will enjoy and take pride in supporting.”

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Arizona United Soccer Club's busy off-season continued on Wednesday with the signing of former Orlando City SC goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.

Woszczynski is the fifth off-season signing by Arizona United SC, which has signed forwards Long Tan and Brad Stisser, midfielder Jose Cuevas, and defender Scott Morrison to multi-year deals.

Hailing from Columbus, Ind., Woszczynski joins Arizona United SC after making four regular-season appearances and one playoff appearance for Orlando City SC in 2014. In five combined starts, Woszczynski recorded three shutouts and averaged 0.28 goals against per game. 

"Carl is a big, athletic, technical goalkeeper. He comes from a system that will help him transition to our organization very easily," said Arizona United SC Head Coach Michael Dellorusso. "With the instruction from goalkeeper coach Cory Robertson and the rest of our coaching staff, we look forward to seeing Carl reach his full potential. His addition will bring healthy competition within our organization."

Following his collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Birmingham from 2007-11, Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire drafted Woszczynski with the 53rd overall pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. After spending preseason with the club, Woszczynski participated in MLS Reserve League matches with the Columbus Crew.

He signed his first professional contract with USL PRO's Orange County Blues FC in 2012 and recorded eight shutouts in 16 appearances in two seasons for the club.

"I can't wait to get started with Arizona United. I've talked to head coach Dellorusso a couple times on the phone and the one thing that stood out to me was his passion for the game as well as his high standards," said Woszczynski. "Dellorusso has big expectations for this year and I was very happy with both of those things. The organization is passionate, and it seems like they are doing great things. I spoke to a few players and they all had high praise for the organization. Everything seems great and I can't wait to get going."

During his college years, Woszczynski played for the PDL's Indiana Invaders from 2007-08 and Atlanta Blackhawks from 2009-10.

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 News Release

Thursday, November 20, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced its second addition for the 2015 season, with the FC Miami City Champions set to become the highest level of men’s soccer in Miami-Dade County. The FC Miami City Champions are owned and operated by U.S. Champions Soccer Academy, led by Ravy Truchot and Wagneau Eloi.

“This is another strong, positive step for the U23 PDL as we add a team in one of the top soccer markets in the U.S.,” PDL Director Todd Eason said. “Ravy Truchot and Wagneau Eloi have created a burgeoning youth academy in the ultra-competitive Miami market, and we expect they will continue their standards for excellence as they develop the PDL team.”

FC Miami City will play its home games at Florida International University Soccer Stadium in Miami, and plans to take advantage of the wealth of local and international talent available in Miami-Dade County. The club is expected to join the PDL’s Southeast Division.

“Our goal is to build one of the top teams in the country while providing an opportunity for the talented players in the area,” Owner and President Truchot said. “This is our first step in establishing a nationally competitive soccer club. We are very motivated because we have amazing players in our area who will be proud to play for Miami.”

Announcements regarding coaching staff and tryouts are expected in the coming weeks, with tryouts expected in December and January.

US Champions Soccer Academy (www.uschampionssoccer.com) provides boys and girls of all ages with a competitive soccer environment driven by top professional players and a fully licensed coaching staff. The club has developed the same educational and athletic standards as top European clubs and aims to train and foster future champions and young soccer enthusiasts.

The top U23 men’s league in North America, the PDL is the destination league for college-aged players to continue their development toward the professional ranks with clubs from across North America not only competing for a championship each summer, but also providing the opportunity for top-level competition for the best players in the college ranks. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.

PDL Feature

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The opening round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament kicks off on Thursday, with 32 teams set to compete for a contest against one of the 16 seeds in the second round. PDL players will feature prominently in a number of fascinating matchups, a number of which can be seen online.

Kentucky vs. Oakland, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Wildcats were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA tournament by South Carolina, but earned an at-large berth after a solid season that was led by former Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 goalkeeper Callum Irving. The junior was named the CUSA Player of the Year, in addition to taking the Defensive MVP and Golden Glove honors, while Jordan Wilson of Reading United AC has been a mainstay on the Wildcats’ back line. The Golden Grizzlies, meanwhile, earned their place as the Horizon League champions, a title earned with a 2-1 win against Wright State that saw the Michigan Bucks’ Gerald Ben record a goal and an assist. Ben has four goals and three assists this season, while the Thunder Bay Chill’s Gavin Hoy had three goals and four assists, and both are hoping for big performances as they look to spring an upset and earn a visit to No. 3-seed Michigan State in the second round.

Wake Forest vs. UMBC, 7 p.m. ET, WakeForestSports.com
The Demon Deacons fell in a penalty shootout to eventual ACC champions Clemson in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, but will host the Terriers after finishing third in the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Led by the Portland Timbers U-23s duo of Michael Gamble (six goals, 10 assists) and Jacori Hayes (one goal, six assists), Wake Forest will try to see off the challenge of a UMBC side that is coming off its third consecutive America East championship. Reading United’s Oumar Ballo found the net for the Terriers in a 2-1 win against Hartford, while Reading teammate Geaton Caltabiano added four goals and an assist this season. The Baltimore Bohemians duo of Kay Banjo (eight goals, five assists) and Mamadou Kansaye (four goals, six assists) were also key, as they finished 1-2 in points, and will need to be sharp if they are to help their side advance to a contest with No. 4-seed Maryland.

UC Irvine vs. UNLV, 10 p.m. ET
A rematch from the regular season sees the Anteaters host the Rebels at Anteater Stadium. UC Irvine took a 4-2 victory in the first meeting, as former Ventura County Fusion forward Gor Kirakosyan and OC Pateadores Blues forward Cameron Iwasa both found the net. Kirakosyan currently has five goals and five assists, while Iwasa has added four goals and five assists and his Blues’ teammate Mats Bjurman chipped in two goals and three assists. The Rebels will be led by a trio from the Las Vegas Mobsters including Salvador Bernal, who led the Mobsters with five goals this past summer. Bernal also leads the Rebels with eight goals and three assists, while fellow forward Danny Musovski has scored five goals and four assists and midfielder Julian Portugal leads the Rebels with six assists. The WAC champions will hope for more and for a better defensive performance than their last meeting with the Anteaters, as both sides aim at a contest with No. 6-seed Stanford.

USL PRO News Release

Thursday, November 20, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Toronto FC announced today that it will become the sixth MLS club to operate a franchise in USL PRO, joining the league beginning in the 2015 season. Toronto becomes the 11th new team announced for the 2015 USL PRO season - the second based in Canada - and joins the LA Galaxy, the Montreal Impact, the Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC as MLS clubs operating teams in USL PRO.

Toronto FC is owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, with Tim Leiweke serving as President & CEO and Tim Bezbatchenko as General Manager.

“USL PRO is pleased to welcome Toronto FC, the second Canadian team entering our league for the 2015 season,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “Toronto FC boasts an amazing fan base that with certainty will add a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement to USL PRO games. With this addition, our league continues to build on its competitive and commercial success.”

Toronto FC’s USL PRO team will be coached by Jason Bent, an assistant the past four seasons with the MLS squad. A former member of the Canadian National Team, Bent’s professional career included stops in England and Germany, as well as three seasons in MLS with the Colorado Rapids.

Additional information including team name and home venue will be released at a later date.

“Today marks an important day in the history of Toronto FC,” Bezbatchenko said. “Having our own USL PRO side is crucial in the development of our players. We saw several benefits from our partnership with Wilmington last season and we are pleased to now have our own side here in Toronto.”

Since becoming an MLS expansion team in 2007, Toronto FC has claimed the Canadian championship four times and reached the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2011-12. The club has also featured former USL professional standouts including former Richmond Kickers forward Dwayne DeRosario, who is the club’s all-time leading scorer and sits second all-time in appearances. This past season Toronto FC held a partnership with Wilmington Hammerheads FC, as Quillan Roberts, Jordan Hamilton, Manny Aparicio and Mark-Anthony Kaye all played a role in helping the Hammerheads reach the USL PRO Playoffs.

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

PDL Roundup

Friday, November 21, 2014

IRVINE, Calif. – The OC Pateadores Blues’ Cameron Iwasa scored twice as UC Irvine claimed a 3-0 victory against UNLV in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night at Anteater Stadium. The Anteaters’ win was their second against the Rebels this season, and sets up a contest against No. 6-seed Stanford on Sunday in the second round.

Iwasa’s teammate with the Pateadores Blues - Mats Bjurman - provided the assists on both goals, the first of which arrived in the seventh minute. Bjurman’s pass found Iwasa in the penalty area, and his finish found its way past UNLV goalkeeper Ryan Harding.

The duo combined again in the 36th minute when Bjurman gathered the ball at midfield and hit a pass behind the Rebels defense that Iwasa was able to run onto. The senior controlled and finished calmly past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0 at the halftime break.

The Anteaters wrapped up victory with 15 minutes to go as a corner by former Ventura County Fusion forward Gor Kirakosyan found Dennis Martinez, who headed home from inside the six-yard area.

SAN DIEGO 2, CAL STATE FULLERTON 1: K-W United forward Dave Musambi had the overtime winner as the Toreros defeated the Titans at Torero Stadium to advance to face No. 2-seed UCLA.

San Diego staged a dramatic late comeback after CSF took the lead in the 13th minute on a goal by Ian Ramos. Former Orange County Blue Star forward Keegan Smith began the rally with a minute to go as he sent the game to overtime, and then Musambi scored the golden goal in the 103rd minute to lift the Toreros to victory.

SIU EDWARDSVILLE 1, NORTHWESTERN 0: The Springfield Demize’s Paul Scheipeter scored the only goal as the Cougars advanced against the Wildcats to set up a clash with No. 15-seed California.

The goal was the first of Scheipeter’s career for SIUE, and came with nine minutes to go to lift his side to victory. After a shot by FC Tucson’s Jason Hackett was saved, Scheipeter was on hand to put away the rebound and earn victory on the road.

NORTH CAROLINA 6, JAMES MADISON 0: The OC Pateadores Blues’ Andy Craven had a hat trick as the Tar Heels romped past the Dukes and set up a clash with No. 10-seed UNC-Charlotte in the second round.

Craven opened the scoring three minutes before the halftime break, and the Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy added a second two minutes after as the floodgates opened. Craven completed his hat trick with goals in the 54th and 70th minutes, and Alan Winn and Glen Long both added tallies to complete the rout.

OHIO STATE 1 (13), AKRON 1 (12): Former Mississippi Brilla defender Kyle Culbertson scored the equalizer for the Buckeyes, who took victory against the Zips after their penalty shootout went to 15 rounds in Columbus, Ohio.

Akron took the lead just past the half-hour mark as Adam Najem found the net from the penalty spot, but Culbertson equalized midway through the second half to send the game into overtime. Both sides missed shots in the third and 11th rounds of the shootout, but after Akron missed to open the 15th round, Zach Mason converted to set up a contest with No. 1-seed Notre Dame.

UNC WILMINGTON 2, BUCKNELL 0: Former IMG Academy Bradenton midfielder Daniel Escobar found the back of the net as the Seahawks took victory against the Bison to set up a clash with No. 16-seed Virginia.

UNC Wilmington scored twice in two minutes midway through the second half as Kalvin Kromer opened the scoring in the 67th minute. Escobar added a second a minute later, and the Seahawks held on comfortably from there as former Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 goalkeeper Sean Melvin was forced into just one save.

PENN STATE 2, HARTWICK 1: Former IMG Bradenton Academy defender Brett Gravatt had the winner as the Nittany Lions rallied to defeat the Hawks and set up a meeting with No. 9-seed Syracuse.

Hartwick took the lead a minute into the second half as Jhevaughn Beckford struck, but Penn State got back on level terms at the hour mark as San Jose Earthquakes U-23 player Mikey Minutillo scored. Gravatt then found the winner with 16 minutes to go as the Nittany Lions avoided the upset.

OAKLAND 2, KENTUCKY 0: The Thunder Bay Chill’s Gavin Hoy was on the score sheet as the Golden Grizzlies defeated the Wildcats on the road and set up a meeting with No. 3-seed Michigan State.

The game was scoreless until the second half, when Cody Archibald gave Oakland the lead 10 minutes in. Six minutes later Hoy added a second, and that proved enough as Grand Rapids Crew S20 goalkeeper Wes Mink made a pair of saves to record the shutout.

UMBC 0 (3), WAKE FOREST 0 (2): Baltimore Bohemians goalkeeper Billy Heavner made three saves as the Terriers defeated the Demon Deacons on the road and set up a clash with No. 4-seed Maryland.

The Bohemians’ Kay Banjo was a threat throughout the contest for the Terriers, recording a game-high six shots, but neither side was able to break the deadlock in regulation or overtime. Reading United’s Geaton Caltabiano and the Des Moines Menace’s Jordan Becker both converted in the shootout before Michael Scott made the decisive shot as Heavner denied Jared Odenbeck in the final round to send UMBC through.

W-League Feature

Friday, November 21, 2014

The second round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Tournament is set for Friday, with the top eight seeds hosting a pair of contests before Sunday’s third round. A number of games are set to be aired online, with W-League players set to feature prominently as their sides look to take the next step toward the College Cup.

Texas Tech vs. Auburn, 3 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Red Raiders romped to victory against Prairie View A&M in the first round behind a hat trick from the Colorado Rush’s Janine Beckie, who only needed 24 minutes to record three goals and an assist in an 8-0 win. Beckie leads Texas Tech with 16 goals, while defensively former Seattle Sounders Women standout Jaelene Hinkle sits second in minutes played and has chipped in three assists this season. Texas Tech should get a bigger test from Auburn than their first-round opponent, after the Tigers took a 1-0 win against Florida Gulf Coast last weekend.

South Carolina vs. Seattle, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Gamecocks downed in-state rival Clemson in a penalty shootout in the first round as former Toronto Lady Lynx goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo came up big to make a pair of saves. The SEC Goalkeeper of the Year has had a standout senior season, with a 0.58 goals-against average and 10 shutouts, while South Carolina has also received contributions from the Carolina Elite Cobras’ Savannah McCaskill, who sits tied for the team lead with 15 points, and Chelsea Drennan, who leads the side with seven assists. The Redhawks, meanwhile, defeated Washington State 2-1 to move on as their two leading scorers, Stephanie Verdoia and Natasha Howe, both found the net.

Florida vs. California, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Bears head to Florida after an overtime victory against San Diego State that saw Arielle Ship score the winning goal in the 105th minute. California has been led overall this season by the Seattle Sounders Women’s Taylor Comeau, who has eight goals and seven assists for the Bears, and she will go up against another standout forward in Florida’s Savannah Jordan, who scored twice in the Gators’ 3-0 win against Mercer last Sunday. Jordan, the 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year for the Atlanta Lady Silverbacks, now has 17 goals this season and has been ably backed by former Ottawa Fury midfielder Havana Solaun, who has six goals and nine assists.

USL PRO News Release

Friday, November 21, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its 12th new addition for the 2015 season today, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) becoming the seventh MLS-owned franchise in the rapidly expanding league. WFC2 will operate under the management of Whitecaps FC and will play all home matches on David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

In partnership with UBC and the Government of British Columbia, the club also revealed preliminary renderings for a new training facility on the UBC campus for the Whitecaps FC MLS, USL PRO and youth squads. The head coach for WFC2 will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled to welcome WFC2 into USL PRO and continue our long-term association with Whitecaps FC,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said.  “During the past decade the club has blazed the pathway for the development of professional players in British Columbia and across Canada, and it is no surprise for them to remain on the leading edge through the launch of their USL PRO team.  Considering the quality of the ownership and the experienced leadership, WFC2 are certain to provide an entertaining soccer product for fans during their inaugural USL PRO season and beyond.”

A two-time USL First Division champion prior to joining MLS, Whitecaps FC is one of the standout franchises in USL history. The club failed to reach the playoffs only twice in its 17 seasons in the league, including 13 consecutive appearances between 1997 and 2009. The side was home to a pair of MVPs in Joey Gjertsen and Jason Jordan, while Bob Lenarduzzi was elected to the USL Hall of Fame in 2004.

"Today marks another important milestone for our club," said Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC President. "We're thrilled to be launching Whitecaps FC 2 for the 2015 USL PRO season. This will provide a bridge for our young players to play consistently in a competitive professional environment, as well as create a long-term platform to develop Canadian talent."

The club also announced the WFC2 Starting 11, recognizing the first 1,100 season ticket holders of the inaugural WFC2 season with exclusive voting rights, contest entries and ticket privileges.

Whitecaps FC is the seventh MLS club to officially field a team in USL PRO, joining Cascadia rivals the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC, as well as the LA Galaxy, the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, and Real Salt Lake. Other new clubs for 2015 have been announced in Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Louisville, St. Louis and Tulsa.

For more information and news about WFC2, visit the official website at whitecapsfc2.com.

W-League Roundup

Saturday, November 22, 2014

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Former LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta scored the only goal as Stanford claimed victory against Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Division I Tournament on Friday night at Cagan Stadium. The Cardinal advanced to face Pac-12 rival Washington in Sunday’s third round.

The goal arrived from the penalty spot, after former Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Taylor Uhl was brought down in the penalty area. LaBonta stepped up, and sent a powerful finish into the left corner of the net.

“Washington was sitting in the corner yelling, ‘She’s going right’,” LaBonta said. “So, I said, ‘All right. I’m going to drive it left then.’ Why not?”

While the Cardinal held a 24-6 shot advantage, the Razorbacks proved dangerous throughout the contest. Both LaBonta and the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Andi Sullivan had chances to add to the Cardinal’s lead, but were unable to put in a decisive finish.

“They were a well-organized team,” Stanford coach Paul Ratcliffe said. “Their goalkeeper was good and I thought we had some good chances we just didn’t put away … I’m happy to advance.”

UCLA 7, HARVARD 0: 2014 W-League All-League selection Sarah Killion had the opening two goals as the Bruins romped past the Crimson at Drake Stadium.

Killion, who shone for the LA Blues in their back-to-back championship victories the past two seasons, opened the scoring in the second minute, and added a second from a corner kick five minutes later. The Blues’ Taylor Smith and Rosie White also found the back of the net as the Bruins remained undefeated.

PEPPERDINE 4, ILLINOIS STATE 0: 2012 W-League Rookie of the Year Lynn Williams of the LA Blues scored twice and added an assist as the Wave surged past the Redbirds at Drake Stadium.

Pepperdine took the lead in the seventh minute as Amanda Lecave found the back of the net, and Williams then added goals either side of the halftime break to make it 3-0. Williams set up Kristen Rodriguez for the fourth with four minutes to go as the Wave allowed only three shots on goal.

KENTUCKY 3, ARIZONA STATE 1: Ottawa Fury FC’s Courtney Raetzman and the Seattle Sounders Women’s Cara Ledman both scored as the Wildcats advanced past the Sun Devils at Klockner Stadium.

Raetzman gave Kentucky the lead five minutes in, and the Wildcats held the lead until the halftime break. Arizona State tied the game five minutes into the second half through Whitney Kanavel, but the Wildcats quickly regained the lead three minutes later as Zoe Swift found the net, and Ledman added a third in the 66th minute to wrap up victory.

VIRGINIA 3, RUTGERS 0: The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak found the back of the net as the Cavaliers advanced against the Scarlet Knights at Klockner Stadium.

After a scoreless first half, Virginia struck three times in quick succession before the hour-mark. Tina Iordanou opened the scoring in the 50th minute, and Doniak added a second a minute later before Brittany Ratcliffe rounded out the flurry to send the Cavaliers through.

FLORIDA STATE 3, NORTHEASTERN 0: The LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams and Kirsten Crowley both scored as the Seminoles defeated the Huskies at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Williams opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Florida State held the lead until the break. The Seminoles added two goals in two minutes as Crowley made it two in the 54th minute before Dagny Brynjarsdottir wrapped up the scoring.

CENTRAL FLORIDA 3, WISCONSIN 2: The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Ashley Spivey had the opening goal as the Knights upset the Badgers at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Spivey scoring in the ninth minute, and Tatiana Coleman added a second before the halftime break. Wisconsin pulled a goal back through former Toronto Lady Lynx forward Kodee Williams, but Coleman’s second with seven minutes to go restored the Knights’ two-goal lead before Micaela Powers scored a late consolation for the Badgers.

FLORIDA 3, CALIFORNIA 1: Ottawa Fury FC’s Havana Solaun and the Atlanta Lady Silverbacks’ Savannah Jordan both scored as the Gators took victory against the Bears at Pressly Stadium.

Florida struck twice in the opening 15 minutes as Annie Speese opened the scoring in the third minute, and Solaun knocked in a second 10 minutes later. California pulled a goal back through Celeste Boureille in the 17th minute, but Jordan added a goal to her earlier assist late on to wrap up victory for the Gators.

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

Monday, November 24, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today the return of midfielder Paul Nicholson and forward Sunny Jane for the 2015 USL PRO regular season. Both return to the Hammerheads to fulfill their second year of their two-year contracts.

“My time in Wilmington has been nothing short of fantastic,” said Nicholson. “We finished last season on a very positive note and with plans to bring back a great core group of players, I am really looking forward to see how we can keep progressing next year. It is a privilege to be coming back and playing again in front of our amazing fans. I cannot wait for next season to roll around.”

The upcoming season will be Nicholson’s fifth consecutive season with the club. In 2014, he appeared in 27 matches and tallied one goal.

“From day one Paul has been on board with what we are trying to do at the club,” said Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter. “He always wants to improve, he is a great leader in the locker room and is someone that all of us have the utmost respect for. I am really looking forward to this year for Paul, I think there are great things ahead for him.”

Jane made his professional debut with the Hammerheads in 2014 following his collegiate career with the University of Maryland. He appeared in a total of 17 matches, scoring five goals and tallying three assists. Jane, a native of the African country Lesotho, was called up to join the Lesotho Men’s National Team during the USL PRO regular season to take part in qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Prior to moving to the United States at the age of 13 years-old, Jane played for the U15-16 Lesotho National Team.

“Sunny has special qualities and he showed them towards the end of the year,” said Porter. “What is exciting for us is that I don’t think we have seen the best of Sunny and we look forward to working with him and helping him reach his potential as a player. We knew coming into the offseason we wanted to have Sunny back and are excited about his future.”

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

PDL Roundup

Monday, November 24, 2014

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Former Michigan Bucks midfielder Will Walker converted from the penalty spot as Xavier upset No. 5 seed Indiana 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Tournament at Armstrong Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The victory sent the Muskateers through to a matchup with No. 12 seed Creighton Sunday.

Indiana almost took the lead in the eighth minute when Tanner Thompson’s penalty kick came back off the post, and controlled much of the opening 20 minutes. Xavier went ahead in the 27th minute, however, as Matt Vasquenza gained possession from a long clearance, broke into the penalty area and scored from 12 yards.

The Muskateers’ lead didn’t last long as Indiana hit back in the 34th minute when Grant Lillard found the net with a back-post finish from Jamie Vollmer’s cross to even the score. As heavy rain continued to fall, the game remained level well into the second half, but Xavier got the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot as Vasquenza was brought down in the area. Walker stepped up and converted for his second goal in as many tournament games.

“As a senior, I couldn't be happier,” said Walker. “I've been here for four years and I've seen our highest and lowest moments. This is definitely my highest. And whether or not we're remembered as a class, it's really irrelevant. It's all about moving the program forward and being with each other one more day. It's really irrelevant if I'm remembered for this, I just want to be here in the now and keep going with my family.”

Cincinnati Dutch Lions goalkeeper Eric Osswald made the lead hold up as he made a number of key late saves to finish with seven in the game, and the Musketeers advanced to the third round for the first time in program history.

UMBC 1, No. 4 MARYLAND 0: The Baltimore Bohemians’ Malcolm Harris scored the only goal as the Terriers upset the Terrapins at Ludwig Field.

Harris, who made 13 appearances for the Bohemians this past summer, scored his second goal of the season with 20 minutes to go as he won possession for fellow Bohemians player Kay Banjo on the right. Banjo’s cross was deflected by Maryland goalkeeper Zach Steffen, but it fell into the path of Harris, who finished from eight yards to earn the upset.

No. 2 UCLA 2, SAN DIEGO 1: Former OC Pateadores Blues forward Leo Stolz had both goals as the Bruins rallied for an overtime victory against the Toreros at Drake Stadium.

San Diego took the lead in the 20th minute when Parker Price found the net, but Stolz got the Bruins back on level terms 10 minutes into the second half. The standout senior grabbed the winner seven minutes into overtime to send UCLA into the third round.

No. 3 MICHIGAN STATE 1, OAKLAND 0: The Michigan Bucks’ Zach Carroll struck to lead the Spartans past the Golden Grizzlies at the DeMartin Soccer Complex.

Carroll, who helped the Bucks claim the PDL Championship this past summer, scored in the 67th minute to send the Spartans through, as he headed home a corner kick by Dewey Lewis for his fifth goal of the season.

UC IRVINE 1, No. 6 STANFORD 0: The OC Pateadores Blues’ Michael Sperber had the overtime winner as the Anteaters took victory against the Cardinal at Cagan Stadium.

With the game scoreless going to overtime, Sperber and his Blues’ teammate Cameron Iwasa linked up to find the winner seven minutes into the extra session. Iwasa found the redshirt sophomore as he broke in and shot home at the near post to earn victory for the Anteaters.

NORTH CAROLINA 2, No. 10 CHARLOTTE 1: The Chicago Fire U-23’s Tyler Engel had both goals - including the winner with a minute remaining - as the Tar Heels upset for 49ers at Transamerica Field.

Engel put North Carolina on top in the 27th minute as he took a pass from the Ocala Stampede’s Verneri Valimaa and scored from a narrow angle. Charlotte got on level terms on an own goal by UNC’s Raby George early in the second half, but Engel scored in the 89th minute on the rebound after the OC Pateadores Blues’ Andy Craven had his shot come off the crossbar to send the Tar Heels through.

No. 11 PROVIDENCE 3, DARTMOUTH 0: The Real Boston Rams’ Dominik Machado scored twice as the Friars took victory against the Big Green at Hendricken Field.

Providence took the lead three minutes into the second half when Julian Gressel found the net, and Machado added a second eight minutes later to give the Friars a solid lead. Machado’s second with 11 minutes to go wrapped up a comfortable victory as Rams goalkeeper Keasel Broome recorded a four-save shutout.

No. 12 CREIGHTON 1, OREGON STATE 0: The Portland Timbers U-23s’ Lucas Stauffer had the only goal as the Bluejays got past the Beavers at Morrison Stadium.

Creighton scored five minutes into the second half as Stauffer was on hand to tap home a rebound after good work by Fabian Herbers and Timo Pitter. The goal was the freshman’s fourth of the season, and held up as IMG Bradenton Academy goalkeeper Connor Sparrow was called on to make only one save to earn the shutout.

No. 13 LOUISVILLE 2, SAINT LOUIS 1: Orlando City U23 midfielder Andrew Brody found the net as the Cardinals took victory against the Billikens at Lynn Stadium.

Former Lions U23 player Francisco Vizcaino opened the scoring for Saint Louis in the 68th minute, but Brody hit back for the Cardinals three minutes later to level the score. Louisville then grabbed victory with three minutes to go as Tim Kubel found the net to send his side through.

No. 14 WASHINGTON 0 (6), FURMAN 0 (5): Puget Sound Gunners FC goalkeeper Spencer Richey made a pair of big saves as the Huskies defeated the Palladins in a penalty shootout at the Husky Soccer Stadium.

With the game scoreless through overtime, Furman took an early advantage in the shootout as Clint Ritter scored and the Huskies missed in the opening round. Furman had the chance to clinch victory in the fifth round with the score tied 2-2, but Richey saved Marco Ortiz’s shot to send it to sudden death. Richey was one of those to score in the extra shots, and after fellow Gunners player Beau Blanchard converted to open the ninth round, Richey saved from Brendan Richardson to send Washington through.

No. 15 CALIFORNIA 1, SIU EDWARDSVILLE 0: The OC Pateadores Blues’ Bobby Sekine scored the only goal as the Bears took victory against the Cougars at Edwards Stadium.

The game remained scoreless well into the second half, but Sekine’s second goal of the season arrived in the 71st minute as he picked up the rebound of a blocked shot by Stefano Bonomo and put home a finish to earn his side a place in the third round.

W-League Roundup

Monday, November 24, 2014

LOS ANGELES – The LA Blues’ Sam Mewis scored with two minutes remaining to lift UCLA to a 1-0 victory against Pepperdine in the third round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Tournament on Sunday evening, keeping the Bruins’ hopes of back-to-back national championships alive at Drake Stadium. With the win, the Bruins set up a quarterfinal matchup with Virginia on Friday night.

The Bruins had pushed for the go-ahead goal for much of the second half, but were denied by an excellent performance by Wave goalkeeper Hannah Seabert, who finished with five saves. The Blues’ Taylor Smith also hit the crossbar for the Bruins in the 61st minute as UCLA held a 16-6 advantage in shots.

As overtime loomed, however, UCLA was able to create an opening as Ally Courtnall found Darian Jenkins, who dribbled into the penalty area and cut a pass back to Mewis. The Pac-12 Player of the Year turned her defender and fired a left-footed shot into the back of the net.

“Sam Mewis is such a great finisher,” UCLA head coach Amanda Cromwell said. “She's has such a good presence in there; it's hard to take the ball off of her. When you have her get the ball inside the 18, there's a great chance she's going to score.”

VIRGINIA 7, KENTUCKY 0: The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak had a hat trick as the Cavaliers romped past the Wildcats at Klockner Stadium.

Virginia got a pair of first-half goals from U.S. international Morgan Brian before Doniak notched her first in the 36th minute to make it 3-0 at the halftime break. The Cavaliers then scored four goals in the opening quarter-hour of the second half, as Doniak scored her second and third to complete the rout.

PENN STATE 2, VIRGINIA TECH 1: Colorado Pride standout Mallory Weber had the winner as the Nittany Lions took victory against the Hokies at Jeffrey Field.

Penn State took the lead five minutes before the halftime break through Raquel Rodriguez, but Virginia Tech tied the game eight minutes into the second half through Ashley Meier. The Nittany Lions regained the lead with 19 minutes to go, however, as the All-Western Conference selection struck to send her side through to a clash with Texas A&M.

STANFORD 1, WASHINGTON 0: Former LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta scored the only goal as the Cardinal advanced against the Huskies at Cagan Stadium.

The goal arrived two minutes before the halftime break as LaBonta’s excellent run of form continued. After Ryan Walker-Hartshorn was fouled in the penalty area, LaBonta stepped up to take the penalty kick. Megan Kufield saved LaBonta’s shot, but the forward put away the rebound for her team-leading 13th goal of the season.

FLORIDA 3, TEXAS TECH 2: Ottawa Fury FC’s Havana Solaun and the Atlanta Lady Silverbacks’ Savannah Jordan both found the net as the Gators defeated the Red Raiders at Pressly Stadium.

Florida took an early two-goal lead as Solaun struck in the 14th minute and Jordan added a second seven minutes later. Texas Tech pulled a goal back before the halftime break, however, and the Colorado Rush’s Janine Beckie tied the game in the 64th minute. The Gators earned victory with nine minutes to go, though, as Annie Speese scored the winner to earn a clash with Stanford in the quarterfinals.

USL Roundup

Monday, November 24, 2014

HARRISON, N.J. – The New England Revolution took a big step toward their first MLS Cup appearance since 2007 as former Rochester Thunder forward Teal Bunbury had a goal and an assist to help his side take a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals in the MLS Playoffs on Sunday afternoon at Red Bull Arena.

Bunbury, who earned PDL All-Central Conference honors in 2009 for the Thunder, gave the Revolution the lead in the 17th minute with an outstanding finish. Bunbury picked up possession on the right, used a step-over to beat his marker and drifted toward to the top of the penalty area where he unleashed a curling, left-footed shot that found the far corner of the net for his second goal of the postseason.

“I was fortunate enough to get matched up one on one,” said Bunbury. “My left foot isn’t my strong foot, but I feel like I took it well. I’m just very happy with the result we got.”

The Red Bulls got back on level terms 10 minutes later after Bradley Wright-Phillips put home the rebound after Puguy Luyindula’s shot had hit the crossbar. Luyindula ran onto a pass by Ambroise Oyongo pass to get behind the defense, but was denied by former Western Mass Pioneers goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. Luyindula got the rebound, only for the shot to hit the crossbar, but Wright-Phillips was on hand to head home and make it 1-1 at the break.

Both sides had chances in the second half, but the Revolution took an advantage back to Foxboro as they scored a second with four minutes to go. Lee Nyugen found Bunbury wide on the right side, and his low cross was finished by Jermaine Jones from close range as the U.S. international scored his first playoff goal for New England.

“Lee got on the ball and I wanted to get wide, pull their defenders apart,” said Bunbury. “He slid me the ball, I looked up and [Luis] Robles came out really tight. I saw Jermaine, slipped it to him and went crazy.”

The LA Galaxy also took victory on Sunday in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship against Seattle Sounders FC as a goal by Marcelo Sarvas earned a 1-0 win at StubHub Center.

The game was scoreless at the break, but former LA Galaxy II player Robbie Rogers proved dangerous throughout down the right side. Sarvas gave his side the lead in the 52nd minute as his shot from 16 yards took a slight deflection off Chad Marshall and found the back of the net.

Stefan Ishizaki almost added a second for the Galaxy just past the hour mark as his free kick went off the underside of the crossbar and out, and Alan Gordon was well denied by Stefan Frei late as the Galaxy pushed for a second. Seattle performed well defensively, however, and will now try to overturn its one-goal deficit as the contest returns to CenturyLink Field for the second leg Sunday.

Jersey Express News Release - www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. - Jeff Matteo has stepped down as the Jersey Express' head coach after two seasons with the Express and an 18-2-8 record. Matteo made the decision to step down earlier this month, citing family reasons for his departure. He and his wife, Ashley, are expecting their first child in the coming weeks.

"We're having a baby in five weeks and it's just a lot with having a full-time job with recruiting and putting a lot of energy here at St. John's," said Matteo, who also serves as associate head coach of the St. John's men's team. "I need any spare time I can get in the summer."

"He continued with our mission to develop players and maintain a professional atmosphere in our organization," Jersey Express General Manager Gali Maimon said. "He did a very good job on the field and off the field. We're sad to see him going and hopefully he'll be able to work with us again in the future."

In 2014, the Express achieved unprecedented success as they were 10-1-3, captured the PDL Mid-Atlantic Division crown in the regular season and won their first Eastern Conference Championship. For his work, Matteo was one of four finalists for the PDL's Coach of the Year Award.

"I greatly enjoyed my time here with the guys, with Gali and with the owner, Joe Branco. I was very, very lucky," Matteo said. "The team winning the past couple of years was a blast, but we have a baby [on the way] and I had to make this decision for my family."

Matteo, who just completed his seventh season at St. John's, played for the Express in 2010. A St. John's alum, Matteo's five-year professional playing career included stints in Italy, the MLS and USL.

According to Maimon, interviews for the vacancy have already begun and the club expects to hire a new coach before it holds 2015 tryouts on Dec. 20-21.

USL PRO Feature

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

For Seattle Sounders FC 2 coach Ezra Hendrickson, one of the major disappointments in recent years has been seeing players brought in by the Sounders, particularly through the MLS SuperDraft, get caught in the numbers game of Major League Soccer’s roster rules.

With the addition of S2 to the club’s structure, Hendrickson is looking forward to providing a new pathway to the club’s first team for young players as they take their first steps into the professional ranks.

“In the past few seasons, we’ve drafted players that if we had a USL PRO team we could have held on to,” Hendrickson said by phone recently. “Players who maybe are not at the MLS level yet, but with a year or two of USL we see them having the potential to be there. This now gives us an avenue to hold onto those players instead of releasing them and letting them go, and working with them to develop them to get them better and get them ready for MLS play.”

Appointed head coach after leading the Sounders Reserves and working as an assistant to Sigi Schmid since 2009, Hendrickson is looking forward to the added challenge playing in USL PRO will offer him as a coach. In order to prepare, the club has learned from other clubs within the league, which Hendrickson believes will put them in good position to put a strong side on the field in 2015.

“Because it’s our first year, we’ve had people shadow and kind of look at how things are run,” Hendrickson said. “We’ve talked to people as far as how a USL PRO franchise is actually run, Andrew Opatkiewicz, who is our GM, has done a lot of the legwork on that as far as getting us ready for the launch of S2, so I think we’re ready, I think we’re prepared, I think we have the infrastructure and the players and we have the organization to really have an impact in our first year.”

Opatkiewicz is equally eager for the club’s inaugural season. A former founder and GM of the Seattle Wolves, who competed in the PDL before a merger with the Washington Crossfire saw the club renamed, Opatkiewicz went on to work for a number of different organizations in the sports industry, including ProZone and Intersport, before returning to the Pacific Northwest to help lead S2.

While both Hendrickson and Opatkiewicz are unanimous that the primary goal of the side is to help players progress to the first team, they also believe the environment provided by USL PRO will offer a better proving ground than the reserve league did in the past.

“The way that I reconcile those two is by saying that creating a competitive environment whereby we’re fighting to make the USL PRO Playoffs and we want to compete for a championship year-in and year-out is an important part of creating the environment that’s going to help us develop players,” Opatkiewicz said. “We believe that S2 is an important bridge between the academy and the first team because it provides 20+ matches on a yearly basis that mean something within a competitive environment where you’ve got thousands of fans cheering and booing and creating that atmosphere, but the expectation to win is equally important to creating both the mental and physical side of each player that’s competing in meaningful matches.”

Hendrickson is himself is a USL alumnus, having earned Select League Defender of the Year honors in 1996 for the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers. In the almost 20 years that have passed things have certainly progressed on and off the field, according to the former Saint Vincent and the Grenadines international, who used his time in the league to earn a place in MLS, where he made more than 250 appearances before retiring following a 2008 MLS Cup victory with the Columbus Crew.

“The league has grown since then; I think the players are better, and it’s a better run organization,” Hendrickson said. “I look back at those days and say, ‘yeah, I was Defender of the Year’, but I’m not sure I would be now because the level of play is so much better than it was back then.”

Upon his retirement, Hendrickson immediately joined Schmid’s staff with the expansion Sounders. Having formed a strong relationship with the legendary coach after playing for him with the Galaxy and Crew, Hendrickson has developed his coaching skills at Schmid’s side during the past five years to gain an understanding for what it takes to reach the top of the profession.

“What I’ve learned is the preparation for games is very, very important,” Hendrickson said. “Sigi will be up all hours of the night studying films preparing for the next game, and I think that’s something each and every coach should do. It’s necessary to be successful. You can just look at Sigi’s track record and see that his methods and his ways of doing things works. It worked in college, and it’s now working in the pros, so that’s something I look up to as far as Sigi is concerned.”

Opatkiewicz believes that Hendrickson’s dedication will be a major asset for S2 as they aim to fulfill the dual goals of not only developing future first team players, but also producing a competitive side on the field week in and week out.

“He’s obviously competed at a very high level as a player, he knows what it takes to compete at the Major League Soccer level, he’s a competitive guy who gets the most out of players,” Opatkiewicz said. “He has a great rapport with players; players and coaches alike both at the youth and first-team level both have a great amount of respect for him, and he’s attaching his name to S2, so this is an opportunity for him to prove himself as a head coach of a team.”

As with the players who will be under his command with S2, Hendrickson too has hopes of one day making the jump to MLS as a head coach. For now, though, he’s focused on building a squad for S2’s inaugural season, with next month’s combine in Las Vegas a chance for him and his staff to look at players who could become part of that side.

“I think you have to have the talent,” Hendrickson said. “You have to possess soccer skill, first and foremost, and then in three days it’s really hard to tell who has the grit and what it’s going to take to be in MLS, but you can get an idea of guys who when the game is on the line, what are you going to do? How do guys react under pressure? They try to gauge that over the weekend - it’s a three-day thing where they play three games - and you just watch how players react under pressure. Can they stand their ground when your team is down 1-0 in the 80th minute? How do you react when you’re tired? Players are out of shape, so they get tired by the third game. When you’re tired, do you lose your skill?

“How are you able to cope under pressure? Most of the players there for the combine are players that we’ve scouted throughout college throughout the year so we know that they have the skillset, and so now can you separate yourself from the rest of the group by showing some mental toughness, a skillset that may be a little bit above the rest of the players? It’s like any other combine, you miss some, but you try the best you can to pick out the most well-rounded players.”

With USL PRO a place the Sounders have been able to pluck players from in the past, including current squad members Osvaldo Alonso, Lamar Neagle and Mike Azira, Hendrickson believes the introduction of S2 to the club will allow more players to progress, earn their place in the club’s first team, and bring the club sustained success in both leagues.

“I’m looking forward to that - building a team and working with my staff to do that and making sure that this thing gets off on the right track and that we have a good number of quality players, and young players that are hungry, that want to be playing in CenturyLink on a Saturday night eventually,” Hendrickson said. “I’m excited. There will be growing pains - it’s a first-year team - but I think we have what it takes to really get off to a good start as the first team did coming into MLS.”

Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release - www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today that Wilmington natives, forward Cody Arnoux and midfielder Ross Tomaselli, will return to the roster for the upcoming 2015 USL PRO regular season.

“It is fitting to announce these guys right before a holiday that is all about family,” Hammerheads Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter said. “These two guys [Arnoux, Tomaselli] grew up with the Hammerheads and this soccer community being a part of their families, and both care deeply for this club. They tell stories of when they were ball boys and you can see how invested they are in our team. Beyond that, they are quality players, good teammates and great people.” 

The upcoming season will be Arnoux’s fourth consecutive season with the club. He filled a late slot in the Hammerheads roster in July 2012 after having previously signed with Real Salt Lake and the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. Prior to the start of his MLS career, Arnoux was on a one-year agreement with Everton of the English Premier League.

“I am very happy to be coming back to the Hammerheads for my fourth season,” said Arnoux. “It has been an honor and a privilege playing for my hometown club and I look forward to building on last year’s success.”

Arnoux finished the 2013 USL PRO regular season tallying four goals and one assist overall with the Hammerheads. Many of his goals lifted the Hammerheads to wins in the final minutes of play. Arnoux tallied two goals and one assist during the 2014 season.

“Cody [Arnoux] has a lot more soccer to give and a lot more goals in him, and we are really happy to have him back,” said Porter. “He was in really good form towards the end of the year and speaking to him over the last few weeks, he is re-energized and ready to go. We will play to his feet and look for him to do some good running off the ball and get in good spots to score goals.”

Tomaselli debuted with the Hammerheads toward the end of last season following his four-year collegiate career at Wake Forest University. There, the midfielder served as team captain, leading his team to the third round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament, tallying five goals and eight assists overall.

“I am very pleased to have re-signed through the 2015 season,” said Tomaselli. “Seeing that I am a local guy and the club has a special place in my heart, I look forward to helping the club flourish under the guidance of Carson Porter. I am also very excited that Cody is re-signing. Not only is he another local guy, but a player that I looked up to growing up in Wilmington.”

Tomaselli worked his way through the local youth system with the former Cape Fear Soccer Club, now Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC, and Capital Area Soccer League. He was a member of the North Carolina 1992 ODP Team, the 1992 Region III ODP Team and the U14, U15, and U17 U.S. Youth National pools.

“Ross [Tomaselli] is someone that plays a very important role in the way we want to play,” said Porter. “He is good technically, a good passer of the ball and someone that is valued here in the club. He is competitive, he comes to training every day committed to getting better and takes very good care of himself – a true professional.” 

Austin Aztex News Release - www.austinaztex.com

Tuesday, November 26, 2014

AUSTIN, Texas -  The Austin Aztex announced Tuesday evening that the organization has entered an affiliation agreement with Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC. The announcement was made in front a capacity crowd at the Aztex Launch Party held at PGi Austin.

“Columbus Crew SC and the Austin Aztex decided to partner because our respective organizations share a similar player nurturing philosophy,” Aztex Owner Rene van de Zande said. ”We have great confidence in the leadership at Crew SC that makes up for a strong partnership and cooperation between our respective clubs and are very excited for what lies ahead for us.”
 
"It was important for our organization when choosing our affiliate to make our decision based on the people involved,” Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish said. “After several meetings between the owners and technical staff we felt the Austin Aztex and Columbus Crew SC were the ideal match in terms of philosophy on and off the field. We are excited and privileged to partner with the Crew in our inaugural year."
 
As per the MLS-USL affiliation agreements, Crew SC will be able to loan up to four players to the Aztex for the 2015 season.
 
Crew SC finished the 2014 season with a record of 14-10-10 and were eliminated in the first round of MLS playoffs as their head coach, Gregg Berhalter, was named one of three finalists for MLS Coach of the Year. The organization was one of the first MLS clubs and plays in the first major soccer-specific stadium in the country, helping spearhead soccer’s growth in the United States.

Early Bird Season Tickets for the Aztex inaugural 2015 USL PRO season are now on sale. With expanded amenities including the beer garden, reserved seating, and a supporters section, fans are able to secure their spot in line for only $50. For more details and pricing, visit www.austinaztex.com/tickets.