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Women's Tournament Reaches Quarters

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W-League Feature

Friday, November 28, 2014

The NCAA Division I Women’s Tournament reaches the quarterfinals this weekend as the remaining eight teams look for a victory and a place at the College Cup. W-League standouts are set to feature in all four contests, with three of the games set to be streamed live online.

Florida State vs. South Carolina, Friday, 2 p.m. ET
The Gamecocks advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history with an upset victory against North Carolina in the last round, and now head to Tallahassee to try and continue their remarkable run. South Carolina will look to standout freshman Savannah McCaskill (5 goals, 5 assists) and Chelsea Drennan (3 goals, 7 assists), both of the Carolina Elite Cobras, to lead them offensively against a Seminoles side that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Florida State also took a 1-0 win against Central Florida in the Round of 16 through a goal by Kristin Grubka, and has received solid offensive production from the LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams and Jamia Fields’ and the Seattle Sounders Women’s Marta Bakowska-Mathews.

UCLA vs. Virginia, Friday, 8 p.m. ET,Pac12.com
Arguably the marquee matchup of the Elite Eight, the defending champion Bruins and Cavaliers both boast U.S. Women’s National Team members in their ranks as they meet at Drake Stadium. UCLA’s Sarah Killion, who earned W-League All-League honors for the LA Blues this past summer, has nine goals and 11 assists this fall, while Virginia’s Morgan Brian has nine goals and 13 assists. Killion’s teammate with the Blues, Makenzy Doniak, leads the Cavalier with 19 goals and 10 assists, and her matchup with the Blues’ Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco will be a key one. For the Bruins, the Blues’ Sam Mewis has had a standout season with a team-high 16 goals and 13 assists, and she will match up with the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Sonnett, who sits second in minutes played for the Cavaliers.

Stanford vs. Florida, Friday, 10 p.m. ET, Pac12.com
A rematch from an early-season non-conference clash, the Cardinal are aiming to repeat their victory against the Gators at Cagan Stadium. Stanford’s victory didn’t come easily, as Lo’eau LaBonta scored the overtime winner in a 1-0 win on September 12. The former LA Strikers forward has been in good form during the tournament, having scored in both of the Cardinal’s wins last weekend, while former LA Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu and Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Taylor Uhl will also be key figures if Stanford is to advance to its sixth College Cup berth in the past seven seasons. Florida’s Savannah Jordan, the 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year, has also performed well throughout the tournament, and now has 19 goals and eight assists this season. The Fury’s Havana Solaun has also had a strong fall and sits second on the team with eight goals and nine assists.

Texas A&M vs. Penn State, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3.com
The Nittany Lions head to College Station looking to claim victory against an Aggies side that has lost just once at home this season. That defeat came against fellow Elite Eight side Florida, and since then Texas A&M has won 12 of its past 13 contests. Penn State will try to end that run of form and will be led by the Colorado Pride’s Mallory Weber, who scored the winner in Penn State’s 2-1 win against Virginia Tech in the last round. Weber, who earned All-Western Conference honors this past summer, leads the Nittany Lions with eight goals and six assists this season, while former Ottawa Fury FC defender Kori Chapic has also chipped in five goals and five assists.


Cardinals, Retrievers Set To Clash

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PDL Feature

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The road to the College Cup reaches the Round of 16 in the NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament on Sunday, with three games set to be streamed online through ESPN3.com. A pair of unseeded sides will try to continue their runs as they battle for a place in the Elite Eight, with PDL players set to feature in all three contests.

No. 13 Louisville vs. UMBC, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Cardinals will host a Retrievers side that has been powered in its run through the tournament by a trio of Baltimore Bohemians players. Malcolm Jones scored the only goal in UMBC’s 1-0 win against No. 4-seed Maryland in the second round, while Kay Banjo (8 goals, 5 assists) and Mamadou Kansaye (4 goals, 6 assists) have both been key throughout the season. Reading United AC’s Geaton Caltabiano has also played well, and will go up against Orlando City U23 midfielder Andrew Brody in a key contest in midfield on Sunday. PDL Young Player of the Year Ricardo Velazco will be crucial to the Cardinals’ attack, with six goals and five assists so far this season, while FC Tucson’s Michael DeGraffenreidt and Reading’s Shane Campbell will also play an important role defensively.

No. 7 Clemson vs. North Carolina, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Tar Heels got a pair of goals from the Chicago Fire U-23’s Tyler Engel to earn a 2-1 victory against No. 10-seed Charlotte in the second round, and now head to South Carolina to face the Tigers. North Carolina’s attack has been led by the OC Blues Pateadores’ Andy Craven for much of the season, with 14 goals and five assists, while the Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy has chipped in three goals and a team-high eight assists. Reading United’s Manolo Sanchez has led the Tigers with three goals and six assists, while former SC United Bantams forward Ara Amirkhanian (2 goals, 4 assists) and the Orlando City U23’s Paul Clowes (2 goals, 5 assists) have also performed well in the tournament.

No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 16 Virginia, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The top-seeded Fighting Irish host the Cavaliers in an all-ACC clash in the third meeting of the season between the two teams. Notre Dame took a 3-0 victory in the ACC Tournament three weeks ago as the Ocean City Nor’easters’ Leon Brown had a goal and an assist, and the senior forward sits second on the side with seven goals. Virginia earned a 3-1 win against UNC Wilmington in the second round as former Baltimore Bohemians forward Kyle McCord found the back of the net. The Cavaliers will look for big performances from Reading United’s Darius Madison, who has three goals and one assist this fall, and goalkeeper Calle Brown of the Northern Virginia Royals.

Cavaliers End Bruins' Repeat Hopes

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W-League Roundup

Sunday, November 30, 2014

LOS ANGELES – Virginia put an end to UCLA’s hopes of a second consecutive national championship as goals by the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Sonnett and Morgan Brian earned victory on Friday night at Drake Stadium.

The game saw few opportunities in the opening half hour, but the Cavaliers took the lead in the 33rd minute through Sonnett. The defender pushed forward and found the LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak, whose initial shot was blocked. Sonnett continued her forward movement, however, and was able to get to the ball before UCLA goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland and placed the ball into the net for her fourth goal of the season.

Virginia doubled its advantage with 19 minutes to go as a cross was cleared straight to Brian at the top of the penalty area. The U.S. international controlled and fired home her 10th goal of the season for a 2-0 lead.

The Bruins hit back three minutes later as the LA Blues’ Caprice Dydasco pushed forward and sent in a cross/shot that went off the post and in. The Cavaliers held firm defensively the rest of the way to earn a spot at the College Cup for the second consecutive season.

“We felt we could win the game, but we knew it would take a monumental effort and we got that tonight,” said Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “I thought our defense was fantastic, as we bent but didn't break. We limited their chances and took advantage of the ones we created. You are not going to beat this team by scoring one goal, they are just too good, so scoring two tonight was crucial. Our whole team was fantastic and we needed to be to beat the best. That is a team that is absolutely loaded with talent who are great people too. It is tough that one of us has to go out at this stage. I am just so proud of how our kids performed in a difficult environment after a long trip.”

FLORIDA STATE 5, SOUTH CAROLINA 0: The LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams and Jamia Fields each scored twice as the Seminoles romped past the Gamecocks at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Florida State took the lead through Berglind Thorvaldsdottir in the 32nd minute, and Fields doubled the advantage two minutes before the halftime break. Fields added a second 10 minutes into the second half, and Williams then struck twice in two minutes near the hour mark to wrap up an impressive victory for the Seminoles.

STANFORD 2 (4), FLORIDA 2 (3): Former Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Taylor Uhl and former LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta found the back of the net as the Cardinal defeated the Gators in a penalty shootout at Cagan Stadium.

Uhl opened the scoring in the fourth minute off an assist by former LA Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu, but Florida tied the game six minutes later on an own goal. The game remained level well into the second half when Stanford retook the lead as Kendall Romine headed in a corner kick by the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Andi Sullivan in the 75th minute, but the Gators again hit back quickly as former Fury player Havana Solaun tied it three minutes later with her ninth goal of the season.

The game remained tied through overtime, and the Cardinal took an early advantage in the shootout as LaBonta converted to give them a 2-0 lead after two rounds. Ubogagu’s miss in the third round offered Florida a glimmer of hope, but Haley Rosen and goalkeeper Jane Campbell both converted to seal victory and a sixth College Cup berth for Stanford in the past seven seasons.

TEXAS A&M 2, PENN STATE 1: The Aggies advanced to the College Cup for the first time in program history as Allie Bailey scored both goals in their victory against the Nittany Lions at Ellis Field.

Texas A&M opened the scoring in the fifth minute as Bailey, who was playing in her 100th game for the Aggies, slid to finish a cross by Annie Kunz. Penn State leveled the score eight minutes into the second half as Salina Williford shot home from the right side of the penalty area, but Bailey’s second five minutes later earned victory and a place at the College Cup.

Tar Heels Upset Tigers In Tournament

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PDL Roundup

Monday, December 1, 2014

CLEMSON, S.C. – The University of North Carolina continued its run through the NCAA Men’s Division I Tournament as the Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy scored both goals in a 2-1 upset of No. 7-seed Clemson on Sunday night at Riggs Field. The victory allowed the Tar Heels to advance to the Elite Eight for the sixth time in the past seven seasons, and sets up a meeting with No. 2-seed UCLA.

North Carolina took the lead in the 13th minute when a corner kick by the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Omar Holness found Lovejoy, who headed home. The Tigers hit back 11 minutes later, however, as the Timbers U-23s’ Kyle Fisher found the back of the net from the penalty spot after a foul by UNC in its penalty area.

The Tar Heels had a chance to retake the lead just before the half-hour mark as the Dynamo’s Raby George was denied from a free kick, but Clemson carried much of the contest as Reading United’s Manolo Sanchez and the SC United Bantams’ Ara Amirkhanian both forced good saves from the Timbers U-23s’ Brendan Moore, who finished with seven saves.

Moore’s performance kept the score level well into the second half, when Lovejoy scored the game-winner. The redshirt senior drove down the left side, cut back inside to beat his defender, and fired a low shot into the right corner for his fifth goal of the season.

No. 2 UCLA 3, No. 15 CALIFORNIA 2: The Ventura County Fusion’s Jordan Vale scored the game-winner as the Bruins got past their Pac-12 rivals the Bears at Drake Stadium.

The Bruins appeared to be in control of the contest as they took a two-goal halftime lead through Chase Gasper and the Fusion’s Brian Iloski, but the Bears hit back four minutes into the second half through Connor Hallisey. Vale restored the two-goal lead six minutes later, however, and that proved enough for the Bruins to hold on as Stefano Bonomo’s goal with 16 minutes to go was as close as Cal came to sending the game to overtime.

No. 3 MICHIGAN STATE 2 (4), No. 14 WASHINGTON 2 (3): Former Chicago Inferno midfielder Tim Kreutz had a late equalizer, and the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Fatai Alashe had the winning goal in the penalty shootout, as the Spartans rallied past the Huskies at DeMartin Stadium.

The game came to life in the final half hour as Washington took a two-goal lead through finishes by the Washington Crossfire’s James Moberg and the Puget Sound Gunners’ Steven Wright with 17 minutes to go. The Spartans got on the board three minutes later via an own goal, and Kreutz tied the game in the 88th minute to send the game to overtime after good work by the Michigan Bucks’ Adam Montague and Zach Carroll.

Montague and Carroll, who helped the Bucks claim the PDL Championship this summer, also converted from the penalty spot in the shootout, and after the Sounders FC U23’s Darwin Jones was denied in the fifth round by the Bucks’ Zach Bennett, Alashe stepped up to send his side through to the quarterfinals.

No. 8 GEORGETOWN 2, No. 9 SYRACUSE 1: Former Reading United AC player Keegan Rosenberry was on target as the Hoyas took an overtime victory against the Orange at Shaw Field.

Syracuse took the lead in the 55th minute as Alex Halis found the net, but with 10 minutes to go the Hoyas got back on level terms as Rosenberry headed home a corner by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds U23’s Tyler Rudy. Georgetown took victory four minutes into the extra session as another delivery from Rudy found Jared Rist, who scored his first goal for the Hoyas to send them into the next round.

No. 11 PROVIDENCE 1, UC IRVINE 0: Former AC Connecticut forward Markus Naglestad had the only goal as the Friars defeated the Anteaters at Hendricken Field.

The Friars had the better of the game and finally broke through with 11 minutes to go as Naglestad scored from a free kick 30 yards out. The lone goal proved enough, as Real Boston Rams goalkeeper Keasel Broome recorded a two-save shutout to earn the program’s first Elite Eight appearance.

UMBC 1, No. 13 LOUISVILLE 0: The Baltimore Bohemians’ Mamdou Kansaye scored to continue the Retrievers’ remarkable run in the tournament with victory against the Cardinals at Lynn Stadium.

UMBC was awarded a penalty kick midway through the first half after a Louisville handball in its penalty area. Kansaye stepped up and fired into the top-left corner of the net. The Cardinals surged back in the second half, but were unable to find an equalizer as Bohemians goalkeeper Billy Heavner recorded a four-save shutout to send the Retrievers through.

Davies, Revolution Reach MLS Cup

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USL Roundup

Monday, December 1, 2014

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Former Westchester Flames standout Charlie Davies scored a pair of goals to lead the New England Revolution into their first MLS Cup appearance since 2007 as they earned a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, claiming the MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Championship 4-3 on aggregate at Gillette Stadium.

Davies’ performance was his second two-goal game of the postseason, after striking twice in a 4-2 win against the Columbus Crew in the previous round. His goals against the Red Bulls twice put the Revolution back ahead on aggregate after goals by Tim Cahill and Peguy Luyindula had twice pulled New York back on even terms.

The goals also shone the spotlight on a player who now appears back to his best after a devastating injury from a car accident five years ago that could have ended his career.

“For me, personally, it’s unimaginable really,” Davies said. “These five years, really just grinding it out, things would go against me and there’s a lot of tears and pain. Through it all I just continued to fight and stay with it and things have turned out for the best.”

The Revolution led 2-1 following the first leg at Red Bull Arena, but New York took the lead in the 26th minute as Cahill finished off a chance created by Thierry Henry. Davies restored the Revolution’s aggregate advantage four minutes before the break as he put home a cross by Chris Tierney after a short-corner routine.

Luyindula pulled the Red Bulls level on aggregate again eight minutes into the second half as he reacted quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area and shot low past Bobby Shuttleworth. Davies and Tierney linked up again to send the Revolution through with 20 minutes to go, however, as a pinpoint cross was headed home by Davies eight yards out to cap a standout performance.

“He’s been huge,” said Revs defender Andrew Farrell, formerly of the River City Rovers. “Charlie’s gone through a lot and his perseverance and his fight through it shows when he gets on the field. Those two goals today were huge for us. You want to see a good person do well and that’s why we rally around him.”

The Revolution will face the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final after Juninho’s finish sent the four-time champion through on away goals against the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday night at CenturyLink Field.

The Galaxy led 1-0 after their home leg at the Home Depot Center, but the Sounders took the upper hand as former Orange County Blue Star midfielder Brad Evans scored the opening goal, and Clint Dempsey added a second to make it 2-1 on aggregate at the halftime break. The Galaxy’s Brazilian midfielder struck nine minutes into the second half to give his side a crucial away goal, and it held up as the Sounders fell short of a chance at a historic treble after winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Supporter’s Shield earlier this season.

Republic FC Announces Trophy Tour

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

Monday, December 1, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced that they will begin the Republic FC Trophy Tour presented by UC Davis Children’s Hospital. The USL PRO Championship Trophy will launch its tour on December 3, 2014, Republic FC’s 2nd Anniversary. The tour will include a chance for the fans to request the trophy to appear at a practice, office or school and will include opportunities for photos with the trophy. 

The Trophy Tour will kick off visiting Sacramento City Hall from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The trophy will be on display at City Hall for the public wishing to take photos during their lunch hour. The trophy will then make stops at Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento at 5 p.m. and de Vere’s Irish Pub at 6:30 p.m. for further public viewing. The trophy will also visit a select school and youth soccer practice on Wednesday.

Fans interested in hosting the trophy at their office, practice or event may submit a request via SacRepublicFC.com. All requests will be reviewed within 72 hours and every attempt made to fulfill requests pending availability and schedule. Republic FC Trophy Tour will extend into 2015. 

Republic FC won the 2014 USL PRO Championship after defeating the Harrisburg City Islanders 2-0 on September 27, 2014. Republic FC is the first franchise in USL PRO history to win a championship in their inaugural season.

Fans are encouraged to tag all trophy photos using #SRFCTrophyTour. For more information about the Republic FC Trophy Tour presented by UC Davis Children’s Hospital please visit SacRepublicFC.com.

Rawlins, Zaratin Voted Into USL HOF

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USL News Release

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – Longtime American soccer advocates Phil Rawlins and Peter Zaratin have earned election into the USL Hall of Fame and will be enshrined alongside nearly 100 of the most influential names in the domestic game upon their induction in December. Rawlins, Founder and President of Orlando City SC, will join the USL Men’s Hall of Fame in the Builder category, while Long Island Rough Riders CEO Zaratin will be inducted into the USL Women’s Hall of Fame, also as a Builder.

The USL Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will be formally inducted at the USL Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach in Florida. Honorees were chosen through a vote of current Hall of Fame members, USL teams and the USL Hall of Fame Committee.

Rawlins and Zaratin are being recognized for their tremendous efforts and personal sacrifices made on behalf of USL and the sport of soccer in North America. Additionally, Atlanta Silverbacks FC is being honored as a 10+ Club after having completed their 10th consecutive season in the W-League.

2014 USL Men’s Hall of Fame

Builder – Phil Rawlins, Orlando City SC

The Founder and President of Orlando City SC, Rawlins has led his club to remarkable success since the inception of USL PRO. Under his stewardship the Lions have not only been a force on the field, with three regular-season titles and two USL PRO Championships, but also off the field, where year-on-year growth in attendance, including a record 20,886 fans at the 2013 USL PRO Championship Game, saw the club’s goal of membership in Major League Soccer come to fruition last year. Rawlins has also been a leader as a member of USL PRO’s Board of Governors, helping the league forge forward during the past four years, imparting his insight and knowledge to the league’s new franchises.

2014 USL Women’s Hall of Fame

Builder – Peter Zaratin, Long Island Rough Riders

Peter Zaratin is the CEO of the Long Island Rough Riders, who joined the W-League in 2007 on the heels of the success of the men’s team, which he acquired in 2005. The Rough Riders have been a steady presence in the Northeastern Conference, reaching the playoffs in three of their first seven seasons. Today, the Rough Riders have grown into a full-service integrated soccer club, which also includes a youth development program known as the Junior Rough Riders which competes in the Super Y League. In addition, the Rough Riders conduct camps, leagues, tournaments and training services for the Long Island soccer community.

2014 USL 10+ Club

Atlanta Silverbacks SC (W-League)

Since making their W-League debut in 2005, the Atlanta Silverbacks have been a consistent force in the league, reaching the championship match in only their third season and taking home the title in 2011. The Silverbacks made their intentions clear from the beginning, falling one spot short of the playoffs in their first season. A 9-2-1 regular-season record in 2007 saw Atlanta take home its first division title, and the team rode the momentum to the W-League title match before falling against the Washington Freedom. After three more trips to the post-season and a spot in the final four in 2010, the Silverbacks brought home the elusive title in 2011 with a convincing 6-1 win against the previously undefeated Ottawa Fury in the championship match. Notable former Silverbacks include Canadian International Melissa Tancredi and University of Florida star Savannah Jordan.

Women's Hermann Semifinalists Named

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W-League Feature

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The semifinalists for the 2014 Women’s MAC Hermann Trophy were announced on Tuesday, and nine of the 16 players selected are current or former members of the W-League. Awarded annually to the top men’s and women’s college soccer players in the U.S., the MAC Hermann Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer.

Two players still vying for the College Cup are among the semifinalists with W-League ties.

Makenzy Doniak helped lead the LA Blues to the 2013 W-League Championship and she is closing in on a college title as well, as the Virginia Cavaliers face Texas A&M in one semifinal on Friday. Doniak scored 14 goals and added eight assists for the Cavaliers this season, and this is the second consecutive year she has been named a semifinalist for the award.

Two-year LA Strikers midfielder/forward Lo’eau LaBonta is excelling for Stanford as she closes out her college career. LaBonta has a career-high 13 goals this season, and will look to build on that total as Stanford faces Florida State in the other semifinal on Friday.

LA Blues defender Abby Dahlkemper became the first defender in 10 years to be named a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2013, and she returns as a semifinalist in 2014 after another strong season with UCLA.

Dahlkemper is joined this season by fellow defender Kadeisha Buchanan, a member of Ottawa Fury FC and the Toronto Lady Lynx in past W-League seasons. At 19, Buchanan is already receiving regular caps with the Canadian National Team, and  the Brampton, Ontario native had another strong season at West Virginia and was named Big 12 Conference Defender of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Several additional members of the LA Blues’ 2013 title-winning team were also among the finalists. Three-year Blues veteran and 2012 W-League Rookie of the Year Lynn Williams closed out her career at Pepperdine with her strongest season yet, totaling 14 goals and 10 assists. Midfielder Samantha Mewis earned her first cap for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2014, and she was named a Hermann semifinalist for her play at UCLA. Daphne Corboz was also honored for her play in her senior season at Georgetown, leading the Hoyas to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Former Atlanta Silverbacks standout and 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan had a strong year for the Florida Gators in 2014, scoring 19 goals and adding eight assists in her sophomore season. Janine Beckie plied her trade with the Colorado Rush in 2014 and the Seattle Sounders Women in 2013, and she enjoyed a stellar season at Texas Tech, notching 17 goals for the Red Raiders.


Hermann Trophy Semifinalists Announced

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PDL Feature

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The semifinalists for the 2014 MAC Hermann Trophy were announced on Tuesday, with nine of those selected current or former PDL players. Each of the past six winners of the award have been PDL Alumni, including back-to-back honoree Patrick Mullins, now of the New England Revolution.

Reading United standout Alex Bono leads the selections, with the All-Eastern Conference selection this past summer the only goalkeeper named as a semifinalist. Bono has had a standout fall for Syracuse, with a 0.554 goals-against average and .848 save percentage for the Orange.

A number of players who remain alive in the pursuit of a place at the College Cup were also selected, including K-W United midfielder Jay Chapman, who has played an integral role in Michigan State’s success this fall. The OC Pateadores Blues’ Andy Craven has also shone this fall for North Carolina, with a team-leading 14 goals which puts him tied for third in the nation.

Fellow Blues player Leo Stolz, a finalist for the award a season ago, has been excellent for tournament No. 2-seed UCLA with nine goals and six assists, both team-highs. He is joined by Pac-12 rival Jordan Morris of the Sounders FC U23, who had a solid season for Stanford while also representing the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Lane United’s Khiry Shelton, who claimed the PDL Championship in 2013 with the Austin Aztex, was also named after an outstanding season for Oregon State. Shelton sits tied for second in the nation with 12 assists, and also had 10 goals for the Beavers as they reached the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Baltimore Bohemians defender Joshua Yaro, considered by many the best center back in college soccer this season, earned selection after a series of formidable performances for Georgetown, while Reading United’s Lucas Baldin earned nomination after he led South Florida with nine assists this fall.

Rounding out the group is the third member of the Blues to be nominated, with Cameron Iwasa selected after a standout season for UC Irvine. Iwasa had two goals and two assists for the Blues in nine appearances this summer, and went on to record six goals and six assists for the Anteaters this fall.

The three finalists for the 2014 MAC Hermann Trophy will be announced in mid-December. The NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament continues this weekend as the final eight teams compete for a place at the College Cup in Cary, N.C.

Blues Appoint Wyss As Head Coach

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Orange County Blues FC News Release -- www.ocbluesfc.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

IRVINE, Calif. -- Orange County Blues FC has officially hired Oliver Wyss as the club’s head coach, effective immediately. Wyss replaces Daryuosh Yazdani, who will not return to the club in the 2015 season.

Wyss is the Director of the West Coast Futbol Club Boy’s Program, and is the head coach of boys’ soccer at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano.

“Oliver will work hard to create a new and improved team culture and structure, which will be a major part of our focus in 2015," said Blues General Manager Jon Spencer. "The OC Blues FC organization wants to congratulate Oliver on his new position and welcome him to the Blues family. We look forward to working with him, and know this is the first step in helping lead the club to great success in the coming years, beginning with the 2015 season."

Wyss began his professional soccer career with First Division Swiss club F.C. Solothurn at the young age of 15. While in Switzerland, he was called up to the Swiss Youth National Team where he played over 20 international games. This included the European Cup Qualifiers and matches against International powerhouses England, Germany, Turkey, and France.

In 1994, Wyss moved to the United States to play professionally. He started playing for the L.A. Salsa in 1995 in the USISL (a predecessor of USL PRO), and also played for the Anaheim Splash in the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

Originally from Switzerland, Wyss graduated from the Business College of Switzerland with a diploma in Economics and Languages. His coaching career began in 1992 with the F.C. Solothurn Youth Program. After coming to the United States to play professionally, he also began his coaching career, and currently holds his USSF National A license.

West Coast FC was established in 1997 and Wyss has played an integral role in the club since its inception. The new Blues head man has helped West Coast FC become one of the top developmental programs in the nation. The club has won three US Youth Soccer National Championships, as well as various League Championships and League Cups during Wyss’ tenure. Among his many accomplishments, he received the 2010 Cal South Coach of the Year and US Youth Soccer Region IV Competitive Coach of the Year.

Wyss was forced to retire as a professional soccer player in 1997 due to his diagnosis of a rare but severe blood disorder, Aplastic Anemia. After a successful bone marrow transplant, he fully recovered and went on to form Soccer For Hope, his successful non-profit organization, which is based in Orange County. Wyss and his wife were inspired by the children they met while he was in treatment, who were diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Soccer For Hope was created with the stated goal of aiding childhood cancer research, family support, and raising overall awareness.

The Soccer For Hope foundation has raised $2 million for hospitals and foundations nationwide, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Children’s Hospital Orange County. The organization hosts events to raise funds and awareness for children with life threatening diseases through soccer camps, inspirational walks, gala dinners and more.

Wyss and his wife Jamie reside in Laguna Niguel.

Season tickets for the 2015 OC Blues FC campaign in USL PRO are on sale now. Call (714) 738-8011 or email seats@bluessoccerclub.com. For media inquiries, email luisa@bluessoccerclub.com.

PDL Expands to Calgary, Alberta

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PDL News Release

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL continued its recent growth with the announcement that Calgary Foothills Football Club will join the league for the 2015 season. Set to become the highest level of men’s soccer in greater Calgary area, Calgary Foothills FC is an extension of the highly successful Calgary Foothills Soccer Club Academy, as the ambitious club looks to further elevate the landscape of soccer within Canada.

“The addition of Calgary Foothills FC represents another significant step in the continued expansion of the PDL in North America,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Under the leadership of former USL standout Tommy Wheeldon Jr., the club is an established leader in player development within Alberta and will instantly enhance both its and the PDL’s profile in Canada.”

Calgary Foothills is one of Canada’s leading youth clubs with proven success at the Canadian Club Nationals level, winning four national titles (2007, 2008 and two in 2009). Also known for its player development, the club counts former England international Owen Hargreaves, ex-Canada captain Kevin McKenna and current Vancouver Whitecaps player Sam Adekugbe among its long list of graduates. 

With the implementation of a PDL team to its pyramid, Calgary Foothills hopes to create a more competitive environment where it can continue to develop players who will advance further at the collegiate, professional or international levels.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our club and the soccer community of Calgary to see high-profile soccer return to this great sporting city,” Calgary Foothills FC Technical Director and Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said. “Since being a part of USL in the early 2000s, it has always been a personal goal of mine to return to USL with another team from Calgary. 

“This has taken a lot of hard work from a lot of great people within our organization, but I firmly believe that Calgary is a phenomenal city with some excellent sporting franchises, which until now has been missing a soccer franchise. I feel now with the growth of the game across North America, we want a talent hotbed such as Calgary to play its part in growing the game.”

The club expects to be part of Northwest Division in the PDL’s Western Conference, and will hold open tryouts on January 3-4, 2015 for the forthcoming season.

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. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.

Men's NCAA Quarterfinals Preview

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PDL Feature

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The quarterfinals of the Men’s NCAA Tournament are set to take place this weekend, and PDL players are expected to continue to have a major influence as teams strive to reach the College Cup next weekend.

PDL players combined to score 11 goals in the previous round, and several goalkeepers with PDL experience will be counted on to continue their good form. 

This is the final round of games taking place on campus, and large crowds are expected at each venue before the winners move on to the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina next weekend. 

No. 12 Creighton vs. UMBC, Friday, 8 p.m. ET, gocreighton.com
UMBC looks to continue its improbable run in the tournament as the Retrievers travel to Omaha to face traditional powerhouse Creighton. The Terriers defeated Louisville in a major upset in the previous round thanks to a goal by Baltimore Bohemians forward Mamdou Kansaye, and a shutout by Bohemians goalkeeper Billy Heavner.  The Bluejays, meanwhile, have won 12 of 14 games at home this season while receiving large contributions from IMG Bradenton Academy  goalkeeper Connor Sparrow (0.51 goals-against average).

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 11 Providence, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, msuspartans.com
The Spartans welcome the Friars to East Lansing on Saturday afternoon after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Washington in the Sweet 16. The Chicago Inferno’s Tim Kreutz scored in the 88th minute of that game to tie the score at 2-2. The Spartans will also rely on K-W United midfielder Jay Chapman, who was recently named a MAC Hermann Award semifinalist. Providence advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a late goal by AC Connecticut’s Markus Naglestad, who has scored 10 goals for the Friars this season, and a shutout by Real Boston Rams goalkeeper Keasel Broome.

No. 8 Georgetown vs. No. 16 Virginia, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, guhoyas.com
A host of PDL players will be in action on Saturday in the nation’s capital as both teams look to return to the College Cup following recent appearances. The Hoyas defeated Syracuse in the previous round behind late goals from Reading United SC defender Keegan Rosenberry and Jared Rist. The Cavaliers reached the semifinals in 2013, and knocked off the top-ranked Notre Dame Irish in their last game, with Northern Virginia Royals goalkeeper Calle Brown keeping the clean sheet.

No. 2 UCLA vs. North Carolina, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
UCLA is the highest-ranked team remaining in the tournament and will look to Ventura County Fusion teammates Jordan Vale and Brian Iloski to come up big for them again after both players scored in the Bruins’ 3-2 victory over California. North Carolina knocked off ACC rivals Clemson last weekend thanks to a brace by Carolina Dynamo forward Robbie Lovejoy. The Chapel Hill squad will also look to OC Pateadores Blues forward Andy Craven, the team’s leading scorer and recent MAC Hermann Award semifinalist, to propel it to the College Cup in neighboring Cary, N.C.

 

 

Women's College Cup Set For Semifinals

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W-League Feature

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The NCAA Division I Women’s Tournament concludes this weekend at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton as the remaining four teams face off at the College Cup. Florida State, Virginia, Texas A&M and Stanford remain in contention for the title, with current and former W-League players set to feature as a new champion is crowned this season.

Texas A&M vs. Virginia, Friday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The Cavaliers unseated defending champion UCLA in the biggest game of the Elite Eight last weekend as the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Sonnett found the back of the net. Led by U.S. international Morgan Brian, Virginia also had three players named as semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy earlier this week, including former LA Blues forward Makenzy Doniak, who leads the side with 19 goals and has also added 11 assists. The Spirit Reserves’ Morgan Reuther has also tallied eight goals and four assists for the free-scoring Cavaliers, whose record of 85 goals in 24 games will likely test a Texas A&M defense that enters on a 14-game undefeated streak, of which the past eight have been victories. Kelley Monogue leads four Aggies with double-digit goals with 17, and also leads the side with 10 assists.

Florida State vs. Stanford, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The Seminoles romped into their fourth consecutive College Cup with a 5-0 win against South Carolina, as the LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams and Jamia Fields each scored twice. Williams now sits tied for second on the team with 12 goals, while the Ottawa Fury’s Carson Pickett leads the team with 13 assists. Another player to watch for FSU is the Seattle Sounders Women’s Marta Bakowska-Mathews, who has had a strong impact off the bench with nine goals and six assists. While FSU cruised into the College Cup, Stanford needed a penalty shootout to get past Florida in the last round after twice taking the lead in regulation. Ottawa’s Taylor Uhl was one of the Cardinal’s two scorers against the Gators, and sits tied for second on the team with 10 goals alongside former LA Blues standout Chioma Ubogagu. Hermann Trophy semifinalist Lo’eau LaBonta, formerly of the LA Strikers, leads Stanford with 13 goals, while the Washington Spirit Reserves duo of Andi Sullivan and Alex Doll will also have a key role if the Cardinal are to emulate their 2011 championship.

Weitz Excited For Sonic's Move To PDL

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PDL Feature

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Since the club’s inception, the Lehigh Valley United Sonic have proved a model of consistency on the field.

It was, however, a contest at the USASA’s 2013 National Amateur Championship that made the club believe it was ready to make the step up to the PDL.

“Early in the season it's always difficult to go on the road and play against a well-established organization like the [Carolina] Dynamo,” recalled Sonic coach Dave Weitzman. “We were outclassed in the first half, but once we realized that we could play with them the game change dramatically. In our opinion, we were a bit unlucky not win the match in regulation. Our guys showed their fatigue during the penalty kicks, and uncharacteristically missed opportunities. It was then that we realized we had turned the corner and could at least compete in the PDL.”

The Dynamo took victory in the shootout, but the Sonic saw the potential a move to the PDL could offer. A U.S. Open Cup qualifier for the past three years, LVU has had the chance to face some of the league’s top teams and gauge its own progress as a club.

After averaging more than 10 wins in the regular season during the past five years and claiming the NPSL Championship in 2012, Weitzman and his side are ready for the new challenge the PDL will bring.

“We really admired the professionalism of each of the organizations that we faced [from the PDL], and we were very impressed by their level of play on the pitch as well,” Weitzman said. “Playing against very good teams like Carolina Dynamo, GPS Portland, Reading United and the Long Island Rough Riders, and being capable of getting good results so early in our season, it is our intention to compete with all the high quality opponents in the PDL during the 2015 campaign.”

Reading and Long Island are likely to be opponents for the Sonic in their inaugural season in the league, with the perennially strong Mid Atlantic Division set to get another contender added to its ranks when the league’s official alignment is announced. Weitzman is looking forward to building a rivalry with nearby Reading, which has reached the PDL Playoffs each of the past seven seasons.

“That's a quality side,” Weitzman said. “Troy Snyder does an incredible job bringing in the right staff and players for that organization. It should be good fun come May and we'll hope to provide a good showing for our fans against them. Hopefully, that will be a great rivalry over the years as we are only 30 miles apart.”

Long-term, Weitzman said the club hopes to continue to grow, with a place in USL PRO a consideration for the future. For now, though, LVU is eager to kick off the 2015 season and maintain the success the club has been known for.

“We are excited about the first home match and bringing this level to the Lehigh Valley,” Weitzman said. “With our youth club affiliation we should have a terrific group of youth supporters. And we are excited to begin the new campaign and be part of the PDL.”

Valentino Signs With Arizona

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

Thursday, December 4, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Rob Valentino, Orlando City SC’s captain for the past three years, is coming home signing a multi-year deal with Arizona United Soccer Club, the team announced today.

Valentino becomes the sixth player under contract with Arizona United SC for the 2015 season.

"Rob's impact is not only felt on the field, but off the field as well," said Arizona United SC General Manager Kevin Stevenson. "You can describe Rob with one word: winner. He won five USL PRO trophies in four years at Orlando. His leadership off the field was another key component for us. He was a fan-favorite in Orlando and was captain for three years. He helped build Orlando into what is regarded as the most successful club in USL PRO history. We expect the same for Rob here in Arizona and welcome him back home with open arms."

The Pinnacle High School graduate joins Arizona United SC after scoring nine goals in 77 regular-season appearances for Orlando City SC from 2011-2014. During his four-year stay in Orlando, Valentino guided Orlando City SC to two USL PRO Championship victories (2011, 2013), three USL PRO Regular Season titles (2011-12, 2014), and the best record through 100 matches for any U.S. professional soccer team. Valentino was named to the USL PRO All-League First Team in his first three seasons with Orlando City SC. Following his 2011 Defensive Player of the Year award, Valentino was named captain ahead of the 2012 season and retained the role until the end of the 2014 season.

"I talked to Kevin and coach Dellorusso about the direction of the club and even talked to owner Kyle Eng just a little bit about where they think the club is going in the next couple of years with growth, and we all think it can be something huge here," said Valentino. "I grew up here, I've seen what the youth soccer scene is like, and I know a good professional team could do very well here. That is why I was excited to come home. It will be awesome to help the game grow here in Arizona. This organization is doing it the right way."

Following his collegiate career at the University of San Francisco from 2004-07, Valentino signed a Generation Adidas contract and was drafted by Major League Soccer's New England Revolution with the 13th overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. He appeared in three U.S. Open Cup matches and made one CONCACAF Champions League appearance for the Revolution before he was traded to the Colorado Rapids in 2009. Valentino was released prior to the 2010 MLS season and signed with FC Tampa Bay of the USSF Division 2 Professional League, where he made 27 appearances.

For more information on Arizona United Soccer Club, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. To purchase tickets visit www.arizonaunited.com or call 623-594-9606.


Kirovski Happy With Galaxy II's Season

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USL PRO Feature

Thursday, December 4, 2014

It’s been almost a year since the LA Galaxy announced they would become the first MLS club to enter a team in USL PRO. According to the club’s Technical Director, Jovan Kirovski, the move has already paid dividends.

“I think overall we’re happy with how it went,” Kirovski said by phone this week. “Everything we tried to accomplish, we’ve seen the benefits of having a team in USL PRO, we saw it in our first year.”

The numbers bear it out. The six Homegrown Players that spent time with Los Dos appeared in 93 games, played 6,568 minutes, with the quartet of Bradford Jamieson IV, Oscar Sorto, Jack McBean and Raul Mendiola all playing a key role in the club’s success.

After earning selection as a finalist for the USL PRO Rookie of the Year award, Jamieson IV is arguably emblematic of what the Galaxy hoped its new addition would bring to the club. Just 17 years old, the talented winger shone brightly in his 18 appearances and moved into the fringes of the club’s first team as he marked his MLS debut with an assist against Sporting Kansas City on July 19.

Jamieson’s progress, highlighted by MLSSoccer’s Andrew Weibe earlier this year, caught the attention of U.S. U20 coach Tab Ramos ahead of January’s U20 World Cup Qualifying. Currently attending a conditioning camp in Florida with the U20s, Jamieson has grown up both on and off the field this year.

“One of the most important things is learning how to be a pro off the field, taking care of himself,” Kirovski said. “He’s in an environment now where he’s here every single day in a real, professional environment, learning how to be a pro. As big as on the field is, off the field is a key part of it as well because in order for these guys to succeed they have to take care of themselves off the field. As it is on the field, off the field is just as important for me.”

Sorto, who has also been involved with the U.S. U20s, Mendiola and McBean all performed strongly throughout the season, as the club fared well to finish third in the regular season standings. Kirovski was pleased with the level of play the side faced, particularly on the road, as it competed against seasoned professionals and in front of audiences very different to those in the MLS Reserve League.

“Going on the road, learning how to play in a hostile environment… just to harden them up, I’d say, to grow up, to be a man,” Kirovski said. “Obviously, the level on the field is the most important, but also the whole environment, it makes it. When you go out there as a player, you want to be playing in front of a crowd. That puts a little more pressure on you; it definitely is something that is positive for the development.”

That the Galaxy II were able to find success on the field in their inaugural season was gratifying for Kirovski. With a short window to put together a squad that brought together Academy graduates, current Galaxy players, and players signed to USL PRO contracts, matching the league’s level was his main concern.

“For us, the challenge was at the beginning of the year,” Kirovski said. “We put this together in two or three months, it was tough before the season started, and one of the biggest challenges was we knew we’d watched a lot of games but we didn’t really get a feel for the level. Until you’re in it and you see what the level is, is was tough to go off the cuff and build a team without really knowing what the level was, because all of our players are going to be relatively young compared to some of the other teams.”

The club’s youngsters, both from the MLS roster and brought in through the USL PRO squad, rose to the occasion. Among those who made a strong impression was center back Daniel Steres, who earned All-League honors for his consistent play, and team MVP Andre Auras, who marshalled the midfield well and proved key to set pieces throughout the season.

While developing the club’s young players was the main focus for Kirovski and his team with the Galaxy II, the secondary opportunity to look at players like Auras for future first team consideration was another important role that the team served.

Then, of course, there was the opportunity to provide minutes for players on loan from the first team, with Chandler Hoffman an All-League selection following an excellent season. The player to gain the most from his time with Los Dos, however, may have been Robbie Rogers, who not only worked his way back to fitness after injury, but also used his time to learn a new position and subsequently played a key role in the second half of the MLS season.

“Robbie… was tested at a different position and went on to really be one of the best left backs in [MLS],” Kirovski said.

After the Galaxy paved the way, 2015 will see a large influx of MLS clubs follow them into USL PRO. Six additional teams have announced they will field sides next year, including Western Conference rivals the Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders FC, which will bring a new dynamic to the league as it continues to grow.

“I don’t know if I want to give them advice, we’re competing against them!” Kirovski said, with a laugh. “Every team is going to go about it their way, they’re going to have their ideas on what the make-up of the team is going to be, what the dynamic of the team is going to be. We do it our way, and we had a positive start, and we look forward to the next few years in trying to build on that and learn from what we’ve made in our first year.”

Those strides forward will include an even greater number of Homegrown Players representing the Galaxy II as they join the professional ranks. Kirovski’s hope is that within the next three-to-four years the club will be able to call upon a full squad of homegrowns, all of whom could be capable of representing the first team in the future.

“We’ve tried to develop our young players and build a winning culture,” Kirovski said. “It’s all about development, but winning is part of it too.”

With the infrastructure the Galaxy have in place, and the commitment they have made to being ahead of the curve, there are likely many more that will follow in the footsteps of Jamieson IV, Sorto, McBean and Mendiola. And that, in turn, should keep both the Galaxy and the Galaxy II in contention for silverware in both MLS and USL PRO for years to come.

Independence Name Jeffries As Coach

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Charlotte Independence News Release -- www.charlotteindependence.com

Friday, December 5, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence are excited to introduce Mike Jeffries as the first head coach in the USL PRO expansion team’s history. Jeffries spent the past two seasons with the Des Moines Menace of the PDL, where he had a combined regular-season record of 18-7-3. He was named the 2014 PDL Coach of the Year after guiding the Menace to the league’s regular-season championship. The Menace collected their first postseason win in five years and built an 11-match unbeaten streak before falling in the PDL Central Conference Championship Game to eventual champion the Michigan Bucks. Jeffries also led the Menace to a combined 3-2 record in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“Mike will create a great environment to play soccer by treating people well and helping the players in their development as professional soccer players,” said Independence GM Tom Engstrom. “Mike has a wealth of experience including being a head coach in Major League Soccer, college soccer and the PDL. He has a good eye for talent and a track record of producing winning teams."

The Independence in September reached a two-year agreement to become the USL PRO affiliate of the Colorado Rapids. “Mike brings the specific experience we are looking for,” said Rapids Senior Director of Soccer Development Brian Crookham. “He has a great eye for talent and will create an environment in which our younger players can accelerate their development while learning what it takes to compete and win games at the professional level. Mike will prove to be a great extension of our staff at the Independence.”

Jeffries, 52, has more than 20 years of experience as a professional soccer coach and player, including 10 years spent on the MLS sidelines. A former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and NCAA player of the year, Jeffries has ties to the game at the international and collegiate levels.

His first MLS position was as an assistant to Bob Bradley during the Chicago Fire’s first three seasons. The inaugural Fire team won the 1998 MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup titles, repeating as Open Cup champion in 2000. Jeffries then served as head coach for the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) from 2001-03, reaching the MLS Playoffs in his first two seasons. He was nominated for MLS Coach of the Year in 2002. Jeffries spent the next four years coaching at the collegiate level, before returning to the Fire as an assistant coach from 2008-10, and as Director of Player Personnel from October 2010 through September 2011. He also served as a scout for the USMNT in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, assisting Bradley and his staff in South Africa.

“The opportunity to build from the ground floor up in Charlotte is very exciting, as is the partnership with the Rapids,” said Jeffries. “The level of the USL PRO has a great appeal to me. The combination of competing at a high level week-in and week-out, with the additional goal of developing young professional players is a perfect mix for me. The Independence impressed me with the organization, the people and their long term goals. As a bonus, I look forward to being back in North Carolina, an area I have always loved, and I am really excited about getting to know Charlotte.”

The Bethesda, Md., native is a graduate of Duke University, where he earned the 1983 Hermann Trophy as a senior. Jeffries’ junior season ended in an epic national title match, an eight-overtime 2-1 loss to Indiana. Between 1984-85, he earned three caps as a member of the USMNT. From 1984-88, Jeffries played professionally in the top U.S. indoor and outdoor leagues. In the final season of the original North American Soccer League he scored two goals in 10 matches for the 1984 Minnesota Strikers. Jeffries, the first pick of the 1983 Major Indoor Soccer League Draft, played for the reincarnated Minnesota Strikers from 1984-87 and for the Dallas Sidekicks in 1988 before a torn ACL ended his playing career.

The first stop in Jeffries’ coaching career was with the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers, a member of the former USL A-League. He served as an assistant coach from 1993-94 and as head coach from 1995-98.

“I have been fortunate to be a part of many soccer environments from which I have been able to learn,” said Jeffries. “This team will compete every day in training to develop a winning mentality in an environment where young players will learn the nuances of being good professionals. Obviously, my goal for the team is to win championships as well as develop players for higher professional levels. The benefit of being an expansion franchise is the ability to set the tone and the environment from the beginning - to hold players accountable daily in training and to build confidence in individuals and the team.”

The Independence will begin training camp in early February 2015 and kick off its inaugural USL PRO season in late March 2015.

Louisville Unveils First Three Signings

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Louisville City FC News Release -- www.louisvillecityfc.com

Friday, December 5, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC has announced today the signing of the first three players in Louisville City FC history. Juan Guzman, Kadeem Dacres and Guy Abend have become the first three to agree to terms and will join the club for preseason in February.

Guzman is a veteran midfielder from Charlotte, N.C.. In 2014 the 28-year-old played in his fifth season for former USL PRO club, the Charlotte Eagles, and scored a pair of goals in 22 appearances.

Head coach James O’Connor is familiar with the skills Guzman can bring to the club, as the Louisville City FC manager played against Guzman while at Orlando City in the 2013 USL PRO Championship Game.

“He has very good attributes,” O’Connor said. “He’s a holding midfielder, so he can play a specific role and he’s going to be a very good asset for us.”

Midfielder Dacres is the youngest of the three signees but a talented player who has seen international experience with the U.S. U-18 National Team. The 23-year-old Rosedale, N.Y. native is a graduate of UMBC, and was drafted by the Chicago Fire in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.

However, Dacres was not signed by the Fire and was instead picked up by Arizona United last April. Dacres played in 24 games in his first season in USL PRO, scoring three goals and adding an assist in 974 minutes of play for AZSC.

O’Connor considers Dacres to be an exciting young player who is capable of scoring goals from the midfield position.

“Kadeem is a talented player who is fast, direct and a real threat to opposing teams,” the first-year head coach said. “He has great potential and I think he is one that will really excite our fans this upcoming season.”

Abend, whose signing is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, is a holding midfielder who joins the team after appearing in 37 games for Hapoel Rishon LeZion of Liga Leumit in Israel. The 24-year-old holding midfielder scored two goals across all competitions in the 2013-14 season. He is another signing that O’Connor believes will make an immediate impact on the pitch.

“We’re really excited to sign Guy,” O’Connor said. “He is a player I’ve had my eye on for a while. I’m thrilled we could come to terms.”

With the team’s first players signed, the club will start to build around them with training and exhibitions drawing closer. O’Connor is building his team piece by piece and more player announcements will come before the end of the year.

Louisville City FC will be at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub (933 Baxter Avenue) on Sunday at 2:30 P.M. for the Louisville Coopers’ annual meeting around the MLS Cup watch party. Fans will have the opportunity to meet O’Connor and purchase season tickets to become Founding Members of the club.

Williams Leads Seminoles Into Final

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W-League Roundup

Saturday, December 6, 2014

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams scored both goals as Florida State advanced to the NCAA Division I Women’s College Cup Final with a 2-0 win against Stanford on Friday night at FAU Stadium. The Seminoles will face ACC rival Virginia in Sunday’s final as both teams look for their first national championship.

Williams’ two-goal game was her second straight in the tournament, after scoring twice in the Seminoles’ victory against South Carolina in the Elite Eight. Williams opened the scoring against the Cardinal in the 16th minute as the Ottawa Fury’s Carson Pickett hit the crossbar with an initial shot. Michaela Hahn and Emma Koivisto kept the play alive, and found Williams at the top of the penalty area, who fired home into the top-left corner of the net.

The Seminoles kept their lead early in the second half through a standout play by the Blues’ Kristen Crowley. Former Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu broke into the left side of the penalty area for the Cardinal, and slipped her finish past the goalkeeper, but Crowley tracked back to clear the ball off the line to safety.

Williams clinched victory for the Seminoles with three minutes to go as she latched onto a long pass from Blues teammate Jamia Fields behind the Cardinal defense. Williams evaded Stanford goalkeeper Jane Campbell and finished into the open net for her 14th goal of the season.

VIRGINIA 3, TEXAS A&M 1: The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak and Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Sonnett both scored as the Cavaliers defeated the Aggies in the first semifinal.

Virginia took the lead in the 13th minute as Doniak scored her 20th goal of the season, but Texas A&M hit back through Kelley Monogue just past the half-hour mark. The Cavaliers regained the lead just before the halftime break through Sonnett, who scored her second goal in as many games, and that proved to be the game-winner as Alexis Shaffer wrapped up victory with three minutes to play.

Friars Upset Spartans In Elite Eight

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PDL Roundup

Saturday, December 6, 2014

EAST LANSING, Mich. – A goal and assist by the Real Boston Rams’ Fabio Machado lifted No. 11-seed Providence to its first appearance at the Men’s College Cup as the Friars took a 3-2 victory against No. 3-seed Michigan State at DeMartin Stadium in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Men’s Division I Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans took an early lead as the Michigan Bucks’ Adam Montague scored in the eighth minute with a low finish to turn home the Chicago Inferno’s Tim Kreutz’s cross. The Bucks’ Zach Carroll also went close, first shooting over the crossbar, and then forcing a good save from Real Boston goalkeeper Keasel Broome in the Providence goal.

The game swung the Friars way just before the halftime break, however, as Mac Steeves found Daniel Neustadter at the top of the penalty area, and the German fired home into the left corner in the 36th minute. Six minutes later, Dominik Machado gave Providence the lead as he put home a cross from his brother and Rams teammate Fabio to make it 2-1.

Fabio Machado added his sixth goal of the season just past the hour-mark as the Friars took a two-goal lead. Former Rams player Thomas Ballenthin brought the ball up the left side, and found Machado, who sent a curling finish from 20 yards into the top-right corner of the net.

Michigan State hit back with just over 20 minutes to go as K-W United standout Jay Chapman put home a close-range finish on Kreutz’s second assist of the day. Broome and the Providence defense held firm for the remainder of the contest, however, as the goalkeeper made six saves, including a crucial stop of the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Fatai Alashe, to send the Friars on to the College Cup.

No. 2 UCLA 3 (6), NORTH CAROLINA 3 (5): The Ventura County Fusion’s Earl Edwards made the key stop in a penalty shootout, while Chase Gasper scored the decisive goal in the eighth round, as the Bruins defeated the Tar Heels in a thrilling quarterfinal at Drake Stadium.

The Tar Heels were pegged back when Alex Olofson was sent off in the 20th minute, but managed to take the lead through the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Omar Holness, who scored straight from a free kick five minutes before the halftime break. The Bruins made their man-advantage tell in the second half, however, as the Fusion’s Brian Iloski tied the game in the 69th minute off an assist from Ventura County teammate Abu Danladi, and Christian Chavez gave the Bruins the lead a minute later.

The Fusion’s Danladi added a third for UCLA in the 75th minute, which appeared to wrap up victory against the 10-man Tar Heels, but UNC fought back valiantly to force overtime. The Chicago Fire U-23’s Tyler Engel and OC Pateadores Blues Andy Craven scored 24 seconds apart to get North Carolina back on level terms, and the Tar Heels would get through overtime to force a shootout.

Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Brendan Moore then gave UNC the advantage as he saved from Iloski, while the Carolina Dynamo’s Raby George converted. The teams then exchanged goals to leave Glen Long with a chance to send the Tar Heels through in the fifth round, but Edwards saved to send the shootout to sudden death. Both sides converted their next two kicks, but after Gasper scored to open the eighth round, Edwards denied Warren Marshall to send his side through.

No. 16 VIRGINIA 1 (5), No. 8 GEORGETOWN 1 (4): Former Fredericksburg Hotspur player Todd Wharton scored a 90th-minute equalizer for the Cavaliers, who went on to take victory in a penalty shootout against the Hoyas at Shaw Field.

The Baltimore Bohemians’ Austin Martz opened the scoring just before the hour-mark for the Hoyas with a spectacular finish into the top-right corner of the net. Wharton handed the Cavaliers a lifeline with a header into the top-right corner to send the game to overtime.

Orlando City U23 goalkeeper Tomas Gomez twice came close to saving for Georgetown in the shootout, but the Cavaliers went perfect from the spot as Wharton was among the scorers, and when Arun Basuljevic missed the Hoyas shot in the fifth round, the Cavaliers claimed victory.

UMBC 0 (4), No. 12 CREIGHTON 0 (3): The Baltimore Bohemians’ Kay Banjo scored the decisive goal, after Bohs goalkeeper Billy Heavner made an early save in the shootout, as the Retrievers took victory in a penalty shootout against the Bluejays at Morrison Stadium.

Heavner and his Creighton counterpart, IMG Academy Bradenton’s Connor Sparrow, both recorded shutouts in a contest that saw few chances. Heavner made a key save in the first round of the shootout, while the Bohs’ Mamadou Kansaye converted for UMBC, and the Retrievers never trailed following that. When Banjo converted in the fifth round, UMBC clinched victory, and became the first unseeded side to reach the College Cup since 2007.

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