Thunder Bay Chill News Release – www.thunderbaychill.com

Monday January 5, 2015

THUNDER BAY, Ontario – The Thunder Bay Chill’s only head coach Tony Colistro announced today that he will be stepping away from his duties as Head Coach for the 2015 season. Colistro steps down after 15 consecutive years as the only person to ever coach the Chill.

The veteran boss leaves the bench with an all-time Chill record of 130-94-24 (W-L-T). Colistro leaves with an impressive play-off mark of 13-6-0, which saw him take the team to seven consecutive playoff appearances. Colistro's sides brought home six Heartland Division Titles, four Central Conference Championships, three National Championship appearances, and one PDL Championship in 2008 in Laredo, Texas.

“Obviously the 2008 Championship team will be one of the most memorable events for me and the organization, but seeing the club grow from the youth to the PDL has also been very satisfying as head coach,” said Colistro. In 2008 the Chill became the first Canadian team to win the PDL Championship when they defeated the home side Laredo Heat in 100-plus farenheit temperatures via penalty kicks. “Since that victory I think it just installed a sense of confidence to move forward and never look back. Every year we want to win the title now,” said Colistro.

“I think the greatest thing about any coaching is not the wins and losses but the players that come into your life and the impact you have on them. What I will miss the most is the connection with the players,” he added. Colistro has coached over 200 players at the PDL level, of whom many have now become true alumni and close friends. “The relationships you grow from coaching is the most remarkable. Not only do my former players help in bringing in top quality players, but they stay in contact and follow the team wherever they are in life. It’s those phone calls that always have the biggest impact and being able to chat about the years they played is worth every minute spent on the field,” said Colistro.

Colistro, who is Owner/President of the Club, will continue to serve as Technical Director and focus on the growing youth side of the club. “Although our PDL has been successful, we can’t forget about the success of our youth side being in the recreational program as well as our competitive teams. A lot of planning and work goes into these programs and ensuring we provide our kids the best opportunity possible,” said Colistro. At the present time, the Chill have a full time coaching staff that oversees all the competitive teams and recreational teams. The Chill presently register more than 1,800 recreational players and 250 competitive players which represent 12 teams that train annually and compete at the local, provincial, and national level.

On the PDL side, Colistro’s role will change as he will move into a management position which will assist the coaches in the recruitment of players and building the team to play on the field. “Tony’s experience and contact with other coaches and players around the world are too valuable to lose and player selection will continue to be integral to our team moving forward,” said Chill General Manager John Marrello. “His decision to leave the bench is to continue to put the club forward and allow him more time to recruit and spend more time with our team stakeholders such as our sponsors which he enjoys doing. The financial viability of the club is just as important off the field as is the success on the field.”

When asked, Colistro has a major focus for the future of the Chill: “Better outdoor playing facilities for all soccer in our community.”

The Chill will begin immediately to search for the Head Coaching position and hope to have someone in place by the end of January in preparation for next season. The Thunder Bay Chill plays in the PDL, which is the top developmental men’s league in North America.

A.C. Connecticut News Release -- www.acconnecticut.com

Monday, January 5, 2015

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- A.C. Connecticut announced today they have come to an agreement with Shaun Bailey to serve as head coach for the 2015 PDL season. Bailey replaces David Kelly, who led the club to its first ever Eastern Conference semifinals appearance last season.

Bailey's staff for the 2015 season includes Joe Mingachos, Alex Harrison, Antony Howard and Sean Weir.

"First, I'd like to thank our former Head Coach, David Kelly, for his hard work and dedication over the past three seasons," A.C. Connecticut General Manager Robin Schuppert said. "His professionalism and drive for success should be credited for our historic season last year. He will be missed.

"Moving forward, we are extremely lucky to welcome Shaun Bailey as our new Head Coach. Over the years, I have gotten to know him as one of the most well respected and passionate personalities in our sport. He's an educator of the game and everyone in our club will benefit from his knowledge. Our players will learn a great amount from Shaun and his staff."

Bailey served as the former Director of Coaching for the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. During his tenure as the State Director of Coaching, his roles and responsibilities were to oversee both the State Coaching Education and Olympic Development Programs.

Along with playing a vital role in coaching education and youth development, Bailey has just completed his ninth season as the assistant coach of the women's soccer program at Western Connecticut State University. 

"I am really honored and pleased to be offered the A.C. Connecticut Head Coaching position," Bailey said. "I'm looking forward to working with some of the top amateur soccer players in the Northeast. The club has come a long way in the last three years, capped off by a terrific 2014 season, and I look forward to continue helping the growth of this franchise. I am confident that, with the staff joining me and the resources provided by the club, we can provide a top training environment for the best players in the area."

A native of Colchester, England, Bailey spent his early years playing at Colchester United FC, Harwich & Parkeston FC and Halstead Town FC.

In 2000 he spent one season as the head coach at Halstead Town FC.

Bailey holds a USSF National "A" License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, NSCAA Professional Development Certificate as well as an English FA Coaching Certificate.

A.C. Connecticut finished the 2014 PDL season with a franchise best 10-3-3 record including a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tryout details for the 2015 season will be announced in the coming days.

Ocean City Nor'easters Feature -- www.oceancityfc.com

Monday, January 5, 2015

OCEAN CITY, N.J. – Four-time All-MAAC selection (Fairfield University), 2011 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, London 2012 Olympian (New Zealand Oly-Whites), 2013 PDL Eastern Conference Champion and former-Nor’easter goalie Michael O’Keeffe is the most successful player to take the Carey Stadium pitch in recent years.

Ranking highly among O’Keeffe’s accolades was the unparalleled opportunity for the goalkeeper to represent his home-nation, New Zealand, in the 2012 London Olympic Games. As a 21-year-old, Michael started in goal for three Olympic matches when an injury to starting Kiwi stopper Jake Gleeson (Portland Timbers) sidelined the MLS keeper. The Oly-Whites led off with a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Belarus before forging a positive result at Old Trafford against Egypt, drawing 1-1. New Zealand bowed out of the tournament after a 3-0 loss to Brazil, but O’Keeffe had experienced an opportunity that most athletes can only dream of.

Now playing professionally for Team Wellington in the ASB Premiership, New Zealand’s top professional soccer league, O’Keeffe and his mates are preparing for a clash against the nation of Qatar in a friendly to be played in Australia on January 5th. Qatar is the 98th-ranked team in the world and Team Wellington sit atop the ASB Premiership table. The match will be a tune-up for both sides as Qatar looks ahead to the Asian Cup tournament kicking off at the end of the week, and Team Wellington prepares for the second half of the ASB Premiership season.

As O’Keeffe geared up for Qatar, the former Nor’easter touched upon approaching the beautiful game with a combination of hard work and joy, and the fondness with which he remembers his 2013 season in Ocean City, a crucial time in his transition to professional soccer, in an interview with the club.

Ocean City Nor’easters: Based on your profiles and interviews during your collegiate career at Fairfield, and your outstanding 2013 season at the shore, it seems as though two character traits distinguish you as a soccer player: your work ethic and a tangible joy that you bring to the game. Would you agree?

Michael O’Keeffe: Definitely. My work ethic is something I pride myself on. I've always been someone that has understood that natural talent can only get you so far and that the best players have gotten [to the professional level] with an incredible amount of hard work and dedication. If I were to leave somewhere I would want to be known as the person who worked the hardest.

OCN: How would you describe your approach to the game?

MO: A relaxed focus. The older you get the more wise you become. I’ve screwed up a lot of times, but it is from those mistakes where I have been able to learn and hone my approach to find the perfect level.

OCN: Can you share a memorable moment from your PDL National Championship run with the Nor'easters?

MO: Hosting the regional playoffs without a doubt. Playing in the semi-final and winning on penalties when we were under the pump for a lot of the game,  and then beating Ottawa convincingly in the [PDL Eastern Conference] final at home. It was so great to win in such a great way and in front of our home fans.

OCN:  Is there something special about the atmosphere surrounding the Nor'easters players/fans/organization?

MO: Like Ocean City, the club has a great family culture about it. I loved every moment living in the accommodation with the best players from around the country, players whom you would usually only play against. It’s great getting to know them and to live on the beach during the summer, you can’t ask for anything more. Also, the way in which we were looked after, especially by El Presidente [Giancarlo Granese, Club President] was fantastic.

OCN: What kind of an opportunity does playing in the PDL, specifically for Ocean City, create for a top collegiate player looking to play professionally? 

MO: Because [The Nor’easters] are one of the best PDL teams, the assurance that you will play at the highest level during summer, with the country’s best players is the best possible preparation not only for your next collegiate season, but for higher honors as well.

Michael O’Keeffe was named to All-MAAC squads in all four years during his collegiate career at Fairfield University, in addition to being named to the MAAC All-Rookie team and earning the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year award. He represented New Zealand, in the 2012 Summer Olympics before seeing action in four matches for the Nor’easters during the 2013 campaign, making 25 saves and posting two shut-outs. The keeper’s current club, Team Wellington, sits atop the ASB Premiership table.  

O’Keeffe and Team Wellington square off against the nation of Qatar in a friendly on January 5th.

PDL News Release

Monday, January 5, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. - The 20-player squad to represent Canada at the CONCACAF U20 Championship was announced on Monday, with a number of PDL alumni set to feature in Jamaica as the side tries to qualify for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Canada is led by eight members of the Vancouver Whitecaps U-23s, all of whom competed for the side in the 2014 PDL season. Goalkeepers Marco Carducci and Nolan Wirth both spent time goal for the Whitecaps U-23, with Carducci expected to be the starter for Canada. The 18-year-old is a two-time U17 Player of the Year for Canada, and may feature for the Whitecaps’ new USL PRO franchise when it begins play in 2015.

Defenders Sam Adekugbe and Jordan Haynes were also selected by Rob Gale, as were midfielders Marco Bustos and Kianz Froese. Bustos had a positive 2014 season for the Whitecaps U-23 as he recorded four goals in six appearances for the side to help it reach the playoffs from the Northwest Division. Froese also had a pair of goals in his six appearances. The octet is completed by Rares Serban, who made nine appearances this summer, and Jackson Farmer, who made six appearances after beginning the season on loan with USL PRO's Charleston Battery.

A pair of players from the Montreal Impact U23 were also named to the squad as midfielders Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé and Louis Beland-Goyette earned selection. Gagnon-Laparé made six appearances for Montreal in the PDL, while Beland-Goyette recorded a pair of assists in his eight games for the side.

In addition to Canada’s selections, a number of other current and former PDL players will represent their nations in Jamaica, led by Orlando City U23’s Romilio Hernandez of El Salvador. Reading United AC midfielder Duane Muckette will also head to Jamaica as part of Trinidad & Tobago’s squad.

The 2015 CONCACAF U20 Championship kicks off on Friday with two six-team groups set to compete for four berths at the World Cup. The two group winners earn an automatic berth, and the second- and third-placed sides in each group will face off for the remaining two berths allotted to CONCACAF for this summer’s tournament.

Canada will face Mexico, Haiti, Cuba, Honduras and El Salvador, while the United States is grouped with host Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Aruba and Trinidad & Tobago.

PDL News Release

Monday, January 5, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – Major League Soccer announced the signing of eight top college prospects on Monday ahead of next week’s MLS SuperDraft, with six of the players signed current or former PDL standouts. The group was led by former San Jose Earthquakes U-23 defender Ramon Martin del Campo, who this past summer was a finalist for the PDL’s Young Player of the Year award.

Del Campo, who was recently called into the U.S. Men’s National Team U-23 training camp, played every minute of the regular season for the Earthquakes U-23 to earn All-League honors as San Jose finished the season with a 7-4-3 record. The UC Davis standout was also selected to the NSCAA All-Far West Region Team this fall.

A pair of former Austin Aztex also signed, as midfielder Dan Metzger and forward Khiry Shelton prepared to make the jump to the professional ranks. Metzger and Shelton both featured for the Aztex side that claimed the PDL Championship in 2013, as Shelton was one of the goal scorers in its 3-1 victory in the final against the Thunder Bay Chill.

Shelton spent this past season with Lane United FC, and another pair of Northwest Division standouts are set to join him in MLS this spring as the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Fatai Alashe and Washington Crossfire’s Andy Thoma both signed with the league. Alashe made 11 appearances for the Timbers U-23s and scored two goals and added one assist, having previously played for Reading United in 2013.

Thoma, meanwhile, spent three seasons with the Crossfire, for whom he made 25 appearances and had two goals and two assists. The University of Washington midfielder also claimed NSCAA All-America honors as he finished third on the Huskies in minutes played as they reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

Former Orlando City U23 and Carolina Dynamo defender Boyd Okwuonu rounded out the signees, after the former U.S. U20 international had another strong season for North Carolina. Okwuonu made five appearances for the Lions this past summer after having previously helped the Dynamo reach the 2012 PDL Championship. Okwuonu made seven appearances in the regular season for the Dynamo as the side fell just short against FC London.

The 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft is scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 15 as part of the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia.

USL PRO News Release

Monday, January 5, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – The 20-player squad to represent the United States at the CONCACAF U20 Championship was announced on Monday, with three USL PRO alumni set to feature in Jamaica as the side looks to qualify for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The LA Galaxy II’s Bradford Jamieson IV, Orlando City SC’s Tyler Turner and former Sacramento Republic FC loanee Tommy Thompson were all selected by head coach Tab Ramos. The United States kicks off the tournament this Friday against Guatemala (5:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 2).

Jamieson was a finalist for the USL PRO Rookie of the Year award in 2014 as he recorded six goals and one assist in 18 appearances for Los Dos. The young phenom also made his debut in Major League Soccer at the age of 17, recording an assist in his first appearance for the Galaxy in their contest against Sporting Kansas City on July 19.

Turner was also voted as a finalist for the league’s Rookie of the Year award after a stellar season for the Lions. A Homegrown Player signing ahead of Orlando’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer, Turner made 24 appearances and had one goal and two assists to help the Lions claim their third USL PRO regular season championship.

Thompson was sent on loan to Republic FC from the San Jose Earthquakes, and made his debut for Sacramento in a 1-0 victory against Arizona United SC on June 26. Thompson made six league appearances overall for Republic FC before he returned to San Jose. With the Earthquakes, Thompson made 13 appearances, including eight starts.

A pair of former Wilmington Hammerheads loanees are set to feature for Canada in Jamaica as Toronto FC’s Manny Aparicio and Jordan Hamilton were both selected to represent their country. Hamilton recorded five goals and two assists in 11 games for Wilmington, while Aparicio made 19 appearances for the Hammerheads and scored his first professional goal.

Former Charleston Battery loanee Jackson Farmer was also named to Canada's squad. The Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 player made four appearances for the Battery in the 2014 USL PRO season before returning to British Columbia to continue his development with the Whitecaps U-23s.

Former Richmond Kickers loanee Michael Seaton will represent the hosts as he was called up following a good start to his professional career. A D.C. United Homegrown signing, Seaton made 23 appearances and scored eight goals for the Kickers in the past two seasons.

The 2015 CONCACAF U20 Championship kicks off on Friday with two six-team groups set to compete for four berths at the World Cup. The two group winners earn an automatic berth, and the second- and third-placed sides in each group will face off for the remaining two berths allotted to CONCACAF for this summer’s tournament.

The United States will face host Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Aruba and Trinidad & Tobago in the group stage, while Canada is grouped with Mexico, Haiti, Cuba, Honduras and El Salvador.

W-League News Release

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – A trio of former W-League players are headed to England to compete in the F.A. Women’s Super League this summer after signing professional deals in the past week. Former Washington Spirit Reserves standout Satara Murray leads the group, after the center back joined defending league champion Liverpool.

Murray, who was named to the W-League’s All-Northeastern Conference Team this past summer, has a history of success in the league, having also been part of the LA Blues’ championship side in 2013. Murray made 11 regular-season appearances for the Spirit Reserves this past summer as she helped them finish the regular season undefeated before they reached the W-League Championship Game.

Murray also had a standout senior season at North Carolina, where she earned NSCAA All-America honors as the Tar Heels reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Satara is a superb signing for us,” said Liverpool coach Matt Beard. “She is a massive talent who has a big future ahead of her and will provide us with options in defense.

“Satara is an athletic defender with a great physical presence who has a good reading of the game. Her speed is also a massive asset and I’ve no doubt she will prove to be an excellent signing for us as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Former Vancouver Whitecaps Women midfielder Demi Stokes is headed home as the English international signed with Manchester City Women. Slated to compete for the side’s left back position as she turns professional, Stokes had a strong 2012 season in Vancouver as she made 13 appearances for the Whitecaps. Stokes also had a strong college career that was capped by an All-American Athletic Conference Second Team selection this past fall for the University of South Florida.

Former New York Magic player Laura Bassett completes the trio after signing with Notts County. An England international, Bassett competed for the Magic in 2006 before turning professional, where she made eight appearances and had one goal and one assist. Bassett has spent the past three seasons with Chelsea Ladies, and brings excellent experience to the Lady Magpies defense.

USL PRO Feature

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Growing up, Rob Valentino was a member of one of the strongest youth sides in Arizona’s club soccer history. Playing alongside former U.S. international Robbie Findley, Brandon McDonald - formerly of D.C. United, and Michael Gavin - formerly of the LA Galaxy, Valentino helped Sereno SC to state and regional championships, and even the national final in 2004.

“I got a lot of good memories here,” Valentino said by phone this week. “Our club team did really well, we won about six or seven state championships, and won a couple of regional championships, and even made it to the national finals a couple of times, so I have good memories from the club days.”

Allied with former Orlando City teammate Carl Woszcynski, and an impressive roster, the standout central defender is hoping to recreate his success in his hometown as part of Arizona United SC in 2015 after he signed with the club last month. A native of Phoenix who attended Pinnacle High School, Valentino is excited to be a leader on and off the field as he was throughout his stint with the Lions.

“It’s awesome,” Valentino said. “I didn’t have this when I was a kid and now there’s a professional team here; everything has come together really well.”

Valentino admitted that his return to Arizona was a little bittersweet. As with many of his former teammates, he had hoped to make the same jump to MLS with Orlando as players like 2014 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino and Luke Boden, among others. Despite that disappointment, he left Orlando with nothing but respect for the Lions.

“[Orlando coach] Adrian [Heath] used to say, ‘football, it breaks your heart over and over again,’ and it did, it broke my heart and it still hurts,” Valentino said. “But I have so much respect for Adrian and Ian [Fuller] and everyone there, [Founder and President] Phil [Rawlins] and even [GM] Paul McDonough, who I didn’t get to know that well, but the little interactions I had with him were great, and unfortunately it didn’t work out. All signs looked like it was going the right way, but you never know until they tell you yes or no, and unfortunately they went in a different direction.”

Woszcynski had similar hopes when he signed with Orlando prior to the 2014 season, despite facing a battle for playing time with Miguel Gallardo that the Lions veteran held the upper hand in for much of the season. While he made only five league appearances for the Lions, though, Woszcynski has no regrets about heading to Florida.

“Orlando is an incredible organization,” he said. “I think anybody you talk to will echo those words, and when I had the chance to go there it was a no-brainer to sign. Even knowing Miguel Gallardo would be back as the No. 1 to start the year, it was still a no-brainer to go in there and compete, and in the long-run most of us were there hoping MLS would work out. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way for a lot of us, but it was still a great experience. I won my first professional championship, so nothing to complain about there.”

Woszynski’s upbeat personality endeared him to Valentino as they trained together day in and day out for the Lions, and there is a mutual appreciation between the two players as they join a side that has also added former USL PRO Rookie of the Year Jose Cuevas to its returning players from 2014.

“Goalies. It’s always tough for them because there’s only one goalie on the field, only one can play, so backups have a tough time, I’m sure,” Valentino said of Woszcynski. “But he sat there and waited and waited and waited, and kept working hard in training, and when he got his chance he did well, and I think that says a lot about somebody that they can keep that good attitude.

“He was still supportive of Miguel, supportive of the team, and wanting the team to do well, wanting the team to win. For me, that shows a lot of that character, and I’m excited that Carl will hopefully get the chance to be the No. 1 goalie in Arizona, and excited to see the group they put together. We seem to have a really strong squad.”

“Rob is a great player, was a great captain for us in Orlando and a great guy off the field as well, so when I signed with Arizona I talked with him a bit,” Woszcynski said. “I knew he was considering it; he had a few options as well so we were kind of pushing in that direction as well, and I knew his whole family is there and he’s really excited to be back in Arizona playing in front of his hometown crowd, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him with me.”

With the growth of the sport in Arizona, Valentino is also excited to suit up for United this spring. Preparing for the new season on the same fields that he trained on with aspirations of a professional career, the three-time All-USL PRO selection holds great optimism for the future of the sport in the state, and is reminded of his former club when he looks around his new home.

“It’s really special,” Valentino said. “I think they’re doing things the right way. It has that same feel to when Orlando started. They’re not just trying to win games - win at all cost - they’re trying to bring in good people and trying to do things the right way in the office and in the community.”

The same reminders have been noticeable to Woszcynski, who is looking forward to trying to claim the No. 1 jersey for the start of the new season as he heads back to the west coast.

“Expectations were very high,” Woszcynski said. “Orlando have made that their way over the past few seasons, always have a high standard, and Arizona is following that exact same thing. The ownership group is very supportive, very positive, looking to help out the coaching staff however they can, looking to help out the players. I’ve heard great things about all the coaches there. Obviously the goalkeeper coach for me was a big one and I’ve heard great things about him, so I can’t wait to get in there and working with those guys.”

With Valentino and Woszynski set as the foundation for Arizona’s defense this year, there certainly could be a lot to celebrate for United’s fans.

And, maybe, there will be inspiration for players who hope to follow in their footsteps to make United a strong part of the state’s sporting landscape for many years to come.

“To be able to pass the message on and be able to say, ‘hey, come out to the game, this could be you guys one day,’ it’s not far off,” Valentino said. “These kids can grow up and have that dream to play professional soccer, because the way this organization is doing things, I think they’ll be able to stick around here.”

Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Thursday, January 8, 2015

RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to kick off the 2015 preseason schedule with the sixth annual Pro-Am Challenge when they host the NCAA College Cup Champions University of Virginia on Saturday, February 28. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at Ukrop Park and the match will serve as the marquee game during the weekend’s prestigious Ultimate Cup, hosted jointly by the Richmond Kickers and Chesterfield United.

Tickets for the Pro-Am Challenge, featuring the University of Virginia, are $10 and space is limited to just 500 seats. Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Holders are eligible for a 24-hour, private pre-sale before general admission tickets go on sale on Friday, January 9 at 3:00 p.m. at RichmondKickers.com.

“Virginia had a dream season on their way to the NCAA Championship and Coach Gelnovatch and his staff are to be congratulated for compiling such an impressive group of players,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “As always, the Pro-Am Challenge is about playing the best that college soccer has to offer and I have no doubt that the Cavaliers will provide exactly the type of competition we are looking for in preseason.”

The preseason tune-up will also include closed door match ups against Georgetown on March 1, James Madison University on March 5 and Navy on March 8 before concluding with a three-games-in-eight-days gauntlet when the Kickers host Longwood on March 15, William and Mary on March 18 and Virginia Commonwealth University on March 22.

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!

Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release - www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Thursday, January 8, 2014

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today the addition of midfielder Justin Moose to the 2015 USL PRO regular season roster, pending ITC approval. Moose is the newest addition to the squad succeeding the recent announcements of 14 returning players this season.

"I feel very privileged to be playing professionally in my home state,” said Moose. “I've missed North Carolina and I am stoked to be close to family and friends. I know the players will provide an entertaining atmosphere for the fans.”

The North Carolina native began his professional career after being a first-round draft pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United for two seasons. He then went to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps for three years in the USL First Division, reaching two league finals and claiming one championship.

“Beyond his excellent qualities on the field, he is a good person off the field and brings some valuable experiences and qualities to our entire club,” said Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director and Head Coach Carson Porter. “He has played in four different countries (U.S., Canada, Thailand and Finland) and is driven and motivated to continue his career here in Wilmington. He also has a passion for coaching and we look forward to him spending time with our youth players.”

In 2011, Moose signed with Sriracha FC in the Thailand Premier League and recently finished a two-year stint in Finland with Seinajoen Jalkapallokerho, tallying four goals and six assists.

“I am coming off my best season as a professional and I am hoping to make an impact in Wilmington,” said Moose. “I have also started to get involved with the youth club and I look forward to being a part of the growth of this organization."

Moose entered MLS upon graduation from Wake Forest University in 2005. The midfielder was under the direction of Jay Vidovich and was a First Team All-ACC selection, a three time All-ACC Second Team member and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2002. He is recognized as one of the top players in the  history of the Demon Deacons' program with 18 career goals and 29 assists. Moose set a school record for most assists in a single game with four.

“Different is a word that I use in a complimentary way when talking about Justin,” said Porter. “He’s a creative, attacking player whose vision, touch, and feel for the game make him different. From our first conversation, having Justin with us felt like a good fit. We welcome him and his family to Wilmington and I really look forward to our time on the field together.”

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

Charlotte Independence News Release -- www.charlotteindependence.com

Thursday, January 8, 2015

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of the  first two players in the USL PRO expansion team’s history. Jorge Herrera and Ben Newnam have agreed to terms and will join the Independence for training camp in mid February.

Herrera is a veteran forward/midfielder from Bogota, Colombia, who most recently played with former USL PRO club the Charlotte Eagles. In eight USL seasons, all with the Eagles, Herrera tallied 53 goals and 29 assists. He was named First Team USL Second Division in 2008, 2009 and 2010, as well as First Team USL PRO in 2011 and USL PRO All-League Second Team in 2013 and 2014. Prior to joining the North American soccer ranks, Herrera spent his early professional career playing for Independiente Santa Fe, Atlético Nacional, Deportes Quindío and Millionarios in Colombia. He also played briefly for Huracán in Argentina and Club Guaraní in Paraguay.

"We are very pleased to announce Jorge Herrera as the first player signed in Charlotte Independence history,” said the club’s General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Jorge carries himself as a true professional on and off the field. His impact on the field has been significant, but he also is very well respected and liked in the Charlotte community for his work with youth players. Jorge’s excellence, work ethic and team-first approach represents the ideals of an Independence player.”

Herrera becomes the key piece for the Independence to build its roster around. Head Coach Mike Jeffries said, “Jorge provides leadership, experience and, most importantly, the ability to create and score goals.  Difference makers are rare, so I am delighted to have Jorge on our side.”

Newnam, who also previously played for the Eagles, is a Kernersville, N.C. native, 2008-09 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year and Wake Forest University alum. As a rookie, the midfielder appeared in and started every game during the Eagles’ run to the 2013 USL PRO Championship match, notching one goal and four assists. In 2014, Newnam led the Eagles in minutes played at 2,387, recording two goals and two assists. Following the completion of the 2014 USL PRO season, Newnam was invited to train with the Colorado Rapids of MLS. The Independence signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the Rapids in September. 

Rapids Senior Director of Soccer Development Brian Crookham, who serves as Independence Technical Director, said, “We are very excited to have Ben in our system. He had a very good stint with us in Colorado at the end of the 2014 season and we have already invited him to join us in preseason later this month. He possesses a great soccer brain, is a good passer of the ball and brings such versatility to the group.” Engstrom echoed those sentiments, adding, “Ben’s work rate and ability to cover ground is second to none. We are thrilled to have Ben under contract, yet also realize it may be short term as he is a player that has the potential to move up to MLS.”

The Independence hopes to announce the signing of a third player early next week. The team will begin training camp in mid February and kick off its inaugural USL PRO season in late March.

Sacramento Republic FC News Release - www.sacrepublicfc.com

Thursday, January 8, 2015

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - 2014 USL PRO Champion Sacramento Republic FC announced today that they will host San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in a friendly match on Saturday, February 21 at Bonney Field in Sacramento, Calif. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 5 p.m.

“We look forward to the opportunity to enhance our relationship with the Quakes,” said Republic FC President Warren Smith. “Through our matches last year and our continued affiliation, we are creating one of the top regional rivalries in North American soccer.”

The match will be the third matchup between the two clubs since Republic FC’s launch last season. The clubs met last season in an exhibition match on March 5, 2014 at California State University, Stanislaus and then again in a U.S. Open Cup match on June 11 at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. San Jose won both of the previous meetings.

Multiple Quakes players spent time on the Republic FC roster last season through the club’s affiliation agreement between Republic FC and the Quakes. Forward Adam Jahn, a Davis, Calif. native, appeared in 22 matches for Republic FC scoring seven goals in 1,493 minutes. Midfielder and Granite Bay, Calif. native Tommy Thompson appeared in 9 matches for Republic FC last season. Thompson is also the first Quakes homegrown player. He was discovered through its academy program in Roseville, Calif. with Cal Blues before signing a four-year deal with the MLS club.

This match will be included in season ticket packages. Details on single match tickets to be announced at a later date. For more information on Republic FC and season tickets, visit SacRepublicFC.com. 

Reading United AC News Release - www.readingunitedac.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2015

READING, Pa. - Alex Bono is turning pro.

On Wednesday, the Reading United goalkeeper accepted his Generation Adidas contract offer and will be eligible for selection in the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Generation Adidas is a programmed designed to bring the nation's top underclassmen into Major League Soccer. The Syracuse University junior becomes the fifth member of this year's Generation Adidas class, which also includes fellow PDL alumni Romario Williams and Christian Roldan.

Bono puts his name on an ever growing list of Reading alumni to earn a Generation Adidas contract. The goalkeeper is the sixth Reading United player to sign with MLS as an underclassmen, joining Damion Lowe (2014), Deshorn Brown (2013), Andrew Wenger (2012), Corey Hertzog and Zarek Valentin (2011).

In accepting his Generation Adidas offer, Bono will be part of a large contingent of seven Reading United stars taking part in the MLS Player Combine being held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ahead of the January 15th SuperDraft in Philadelphia. He joins Fatai Alashe, Oumar Ballo, Wes Charpie, Ignacio Maganto, Manolo Sanchez and Skylar Thomas.

The United goalkeeper skyrocketed to national prominence in 2014, dazzling Major League Soccer scouts with his stellar play for Reading during the PDL season and his record breaking play through his junior year with the Syracuse Men's Soccer team. The Baldwinsville, N.Y. native picked up numerous honors, including being named to the PDL's All-Eastern Conference team, the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American.

The physically imposing goalkeeper was also announced as a finalist for college soccer's top individual honor, the 2014 MAC Hermann Trophy. Bono can join legendary U.S. Soccer goalkeepers Brad Freidel and Tony Meola, should he win the award on January 9th.

Bono credits Reading United for helping him to reach his goal of turning pro, saying, "Reading is one of the best environments in the PDL to train and have a good game experience. I'm so thankful for the opportunity they've given me over the past two summers. The training and coaching was phenomenal and more than I could have asked for over a summer season." Bono continued, "Playing in the PDL, which is such a competitive league with my college teammates and peers really prepared me for the fall season."

Bono played in 18 matches with Reading United, where he allowed just 14 goals and kept eight clean sheets over two seasons. At Syracuse, the junior goalkeeper led the Orange to 16 wins and set a school record with 12 clean sheets.

In his assessment of Bono, United's Director of Youth Coaching Colin Kent offered nothing but praise for the young goalkeeper saying, "Alex is one of the most technically and physically gifted goalkeepers I have been around.  His presence in goal for us over the past two years has been a key component to our success in the league.  Alex has all the tools needed to become a top class goalkeeper and he will be a great attribute to any team that sign him."

United Head Coach David Castellanos spoke highly of his former net-minder saying, "I am very proud of Alex. He has the drive and work ethic to be successful at the next level. He is a true pro on and off the field. I wish him a ton of success." 

Reading United President Art Auchenbach expressed his pride in helping Bono reach his dream of being a professional soccer player. “As our 6th alum to receive this opportunity, I am sure Alex will be an outstanding addition to the team that is fortunate enough to draft him.  Like all Reading United players, Alex is deserving not just due to his soccer skills, but his professionalism and courtesy on and off the field.  I am very happy for Alex and his family, and honored that Reading United was part of his path to the pros.”

When asked to reflect on what he'll remember most about his two summers with Reading United, Bono spoke of the lasting connections he made. "For me, the friendships I made with the players and staff and everyone in the soccer community, Reading is such a great place to play. The families that come out, they really get behind you and you get to know them as people, not just fans." Bono added, "The Reading United staff was unbelievable. The front office and everyone that make it possible for Reading to do what they do, you couldn't ask for more from the front office. They really make your time enjoyable, they make it a fun and professional place to play."

Austin Aztex News Release - www.austinaztex.com

Friday, January 9, 2015

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Aztex announced they have entered a cooperation agreement with Brazilian club Coritiba.
 
"We are very excited and honored to start a cooperation agreement with Coritiba, a club with a long and rich soccer tradition," said Austin Aztex CEO Rene van de Zande. "They have an excellent reputation in scouting, developing and nurturing young talent, something we as a professional expansion team can learn from."
 
The agreement allows USL PRO’s Aztex and Coritiba to promote an exchange between the clubs. Currently, Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales has traveled to Brazil so that he may begin preseason training under the watchful eyes of Coritiba’s coaching staff, led by technical director Mario André Mazzuco. The Aztex have also signed two players from Coritiba who will be announced pending USL PRO and USSF approval.
 
The cooperation agreement with Coritiba is now the second partnership with a professional club for the Aztex. In November 2015, the Aztex announced they have affiliated with Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC.
 
“As with Columbus Crew SC, the key thing to partnerships is the relationship between the people involved,” said Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “During our visit to Coritiba, the warmth and hospitality the staff showed made us certain that they would be the ideal team to partner with. We look forward to a long a fruitful partnership.”
 
Coritiba also has existing partnerships with Porto and Benfica of Portugal, Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico, Daegu of South Korea and VVV-Venlo of the Netherlands.
 
Season tickets for Austin's inaugural USL PRO season are now on sale, where the Early Bird special will continue until January 16. For more information about the Austin Aztex and ticket information for upcoming preseason matches including the ATX Pro Challenge, visit www.austinaztex.com.  
 

Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, January 9, 2015

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that the club’s all-time leading scorer, Matthew Delicâte, will return for the 2015 USL PRO season.

A four-time All-League First Team honoree, Delicâte was a USL PRO MVP Finalist last season.  Following a month-long injury, he immediately picked up where he left off, scoring the game-winning goal with his first touch of the night in the 117th minute against Charleston in the USL PRO Quarterfinals to send the Kickers through to the semifinals.  Posting a career-high 16 goals through all competitions in 2014, he surpassed the century mark in career goals in June.

Consistently one of the top goal scorers in the league since his professional debut in 2004, Delicâte eclipsed the franchise’s all-time scoring record in 2012, amassing 87 goals and 20 assists in 208 appearances during eight seasons in Richmond.  Spending the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Rochester Rhinos, the native of Kent, England returned to Richmond in 2009 and led the club to back-to-back championship appearances.

The 2003 CAA Player of the Year, Delicâte holds the career record at Virginia Commonwealth University with 44 goals and 13 assists and is the first player to reach the century mark in career points (101).

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 to 75 percent 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!

OKC Energy FC News Release - www.energyfc.com

Friday, January 9, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Sporting Kansas City announced on Friday that the club has renewed its agreement with OKC Energy FC to serve as the team’s exclusive USL PRO affiliate with a multi-year extension.

“The first year of our partnership was beneficial to both organizations in many ways,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “The professionalism within the club, from the quality of coaching to the investment by their ownership in new facilities, makes OKC Energy FC a perfect partner for us and an ideal destination for our players to continue their development. We’re looking forward to again helping one another find success both on and off the field.”

“Extending our affiliation with Sporting Kansas City is affirmation we are on the right course to continue our success with Energy FC in Oklahoma City,” said Energy FC co-owner Bob Funk, Jr. “In addition to providing head coach Jimmy Nielsen with quality players, the Energy FC staff can learn best practices from the business and operations perspective from one of the most well-respected franchises in Major League Soccer. We can apply the knowledge we gain from our association from Sporting KC to lay a foundation for our ultimate goal of one day having an MLS team in Oklahoma City.”

OKC Energy FC was named USL PRO’s Rookie Franchise of the Year in 2014, winning the award over USL PRO champions Sacramento Republic FC and third-place finishers LA Galaxy II. Sporting Kansas City sent five players on loan to OKC Energy FC during the 2014 campaign and, along with new Brazilian partner Fluminense FC, will again foster loan agreements between the clubs during the 2015 USL PRO season.

In 2015, USL PRO will add 12 expansion clubs and OKC Energy FC will move into a brand new training facility and recently renovated home stadium. Taft Stadium is in the midst of a $12 million upgrade while OKC Energy FC also announced plans last month to partner with the Oklahoma City City-County Health Department to develop a multi-field practice complex scheduled to open this summer.

Nielsen, whose contract with OKC Energy FC was extended through the 2017 season, was a club captain and MLS Cup champion during four seasons with Sporting Kansas City (2010-13). The team’s roster also featured three former Sporting KC players (Kyle Miller, Cyprian Hedrick and Michael Thomas) in 2014, as well as 19-year-old Sporting KC Academy product David Leichty.

In addition to player loans, the two clubs will collaborate on other business endeavors such as shared facility access, mutual cooperation between technical staffs, youth soccer initiatives, stadium support, marketing opportunities and fan experience consultation.

In 2013, USL PRO and Major League Soccer began a partnership to enhance the development of professional players in North America, strengthen the competition in both leagues and establish a solid foundation for future collaboration. Eleven MLS clubs were affiliated with USL PRO sides in 2014 and an additional five MLS teams will enter into affiliations for the upcoming season.

Kitsap Pumas News Release - www.kitsapsoccerclub.com

Friday, January 9, 2015

BREMERTON, Wash. -- This past season under previous Head Coach Andrew Chapman, the Kitsap Pumas, who compete in the highly competitive PDL, had another excellent season. The Pumas not only reclaimed the Northwest Division, defeating talented Major League Soccer affiliated sides such as the Vancouver Whitecaps U23, Sounders FC U23s and the Portland Timbers U-23s in the process, but they also won the Roughneck Cup, clinched an Open Cup bid for 2015, were crowned Western Conference Champions and reached the PDL Championship Game.

However now that Chapman has elected to leave his position as head coach to pursue a position as the Director of Soccer at Custom College Recruiting LLC, the Pumas will be led by a new head coach, Cameron MacDonald. Under MacDonald, who took on the brunt of responsibility as Chapman’s first assistant during the 2014 campaign, the Pumas hope to improve upon the immense amount of success they have experienced since their inaugural season in 2009.

As most sports fan know, a talented team can only go as far as their coaching staff can lead them. Thus, MacDonald has carefully constructed his own staff for the upcoming season that he believes will give the club the greatest chance of accomplishing their goal of winning another PDL Championship and continuing to develop gifted players that can be pushed on to higher levels such as USL PRO, Major League Soccer and other foreign professional leagues after their time at Kitsap.

MacDonald has not only kept staff members from the previous season, but he has brought in some new faces as well. He has added Shaun Scobie as his assistant coach, named PJ Stickney as the Director of Sports Science, brought in Keith Sargent as the Performance Analyst and elected to retain the services of Mike McKenzie as the Director of Strength, Conditioning and Nutrition.

MacDonald believes that this coaching staff combination has the experience, work ethic, ambition and passion to take the Kitsap Pumas Organization to new, extraordinary heights.

"Soccer is an integral part of local communities across the world,” MacDonald said. “It is something so positive that it brings smiles to people’s faces even in the worst of circumstances. In most places simply arriving at a field with a soccer ball will win you instant friendships and immediate access into a local community.”

MacDonald grew up in small town in Scotland, much like Bremerton, that was not renowned for producing top soccer players. But just like most young lads in Europe, his dream was to be a professional soccer player. He was used to traveling hours just to train and play games for the best teams available.

“As a youth, my parents and mentors always reminded me to plan for the future,” MacDonald said. “Even though I didn’t like to think much about life if I wasn’t kicking a ball, it was their wisdom that got me started with coaching. I began coaching youth teams back at Livingston, which is where I met Shaun, and that is where I found my true passion; teaching others. Since then I’ve always been keen to pursue opportunities to progress my coaching career and that is how I began coaching for Kitsap.”

Prior to coming to play for Kitsap in 2013, he worked his way through the Livingston professional youth and reserve teams before being called up to their first team. During a seven-year spell there, he won consecutive league championships as well as numerous individual awards. It was through those experiences, matching up against players and coaches, now featuring regularly in the English Premier League and World Cups that he began to grasp what it takes to create a winning football side and he hopes to implant that same knowledge in the future Kitsap Pumas teams.

“Professional soccer players are heroes to the kids who watch them play and having access to these players, not just to watch them play but to socialize with them after games, and have them work with the kids is fantastic,” MacDonald said. “The people of Kitsap County are lucky in that they have the big bright lights of the Sounders across the water but they also have these top young professional athletes, striving to reach those heights, right on their doorstep.”

PDL Notebook

Saturday, January 10, 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – At 5-foot-8, one of the players MLS clubs have a close eye on at the MLS Combine is former Carolina Dynamo and Orlando City U23 center back Boyd Okwuonu.

After a solid opening performance on Friday afternoon at the Central Broward Regional Park, Okwuonu said he didn’t think he had anything to prove to the scouts in attendance.

“The only thing I have to prove is to myself, so I’m glad I can play there. That’s not really an issue for me,” Okwuonu said. “A.J. DeLaGarza, I see him playing there and [Fabio] Cannavaro, all of the short center backs, [Carles] Puyol at 5-10 playing center back. So if I’m in the center, I’ll play there. If I’m on the right there, I’ll play there too. Anywhere in the backline; I’m a defender, naturally.

Okwuonu helped the Dynamo reach the PDL Championship Game in 2012, when they fell 2-1 against FC London at McPherson Stadium, but he said took a lot from his experience before returning to North Carolina for his sophomore season.

This past summer, he also had a stint in Orlando, where in addition to appearing for the U23s he was able to train with Adrian Heath’s USL PRO squad as they prepared to make their move to MLS.

“It was wonderful; Adrian’s a good coach, a really good coach, and he motivates the young players well, so training with them was a good experience,” Okwuonu said. “It helped me increase my level and develop, and [Adrian] really promotes the younger players, so I liked that a lot about him. It was a wonderful experience; I’d love to go back.”

WILLIAMS GETS ORLANDO BOOST: Another player who benefitted from his time with Orlando City U23 this summer was Romario Williams, who scored seven goals in the Southeast Division ahead of earning a Generation adidas contract this week.

The Jamaican forward also had a strong fall season for Central Florida, and was grateful for the time he got to spend with the Lions’ first team.

“Yeah, that was a remarkable experience for me, being introduced to the first team and getting the chance to play with them a couple of times,” Williams said. “It was a really good experience, and I thank them for that because they took my game to a whole ‘nother level.”

With his GA status, Williams will be one of the coveted players at next Thursday’s SuperDraft, but he is still hoping to shine for the coaches on hand with some strong performances this week at the Combine.

“You definitely still have to impress someone,” Williams said. “Even though you’ve signed already you still want to put your best foot forward so you can get drafted high. You have to take this seriously, just as much as the seniors are taking it.”

RICHEY’S TIME COMES: For Puget Sound Gunners goalkeeper Spencer Richey, seeing action at the MLS Combine had been a long time coming.

The University of Washington goalkeeper had originally been invited to last year’s event, only for a broken leg suffered during his junior season with the Huskies to rule him out. After an excellent performance in the opening day of scrimmages, where he made a number of good saves, Richey was glad to finally get the chance to compete in front of MLS coaches and scouts.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Richey said. “It’s kind of been - I don’t want to say it’s been a long time coming, but I’ve been anxious for sure to get the invite - and it’s pretty cool to come down here and play against the best players, and it’s quite the scene with the scouts and everyone watching.”

Richey competed for a number of different PDL teams during his college career including the Washington Crossfire and Portland Timbers U-23s, and said that the different teams offered different opportunities to players.

“Some summers, if you’ve had a rough year, it may be better to go to a PDL team that takes it a little bit lighter, and some summers it’s good to go into PDL teams that take it really seriously,” Richey said. “They all offer something good, and particularly for goalkeepers who want extra games, I think it’s a good system to use.”

Richey’s stint with the Timbers U-23s was, according to him, the most intense of the experiences. He made 14 appearances for Portland in the 2012 season, and posted a 0.970 goals-against average, and helped the side reach the PDL Playoffs. That experience, along with the other clubs he was able to train with during summers away from UW, gave him a taste of what he might expect at the MLS level.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to train with four or five different MLS clubs through the past few years, and Portland, if not the most of any of them, runs really high-speed, high-pressure, high-tempo sessions,” Richey said. “The first team trains after the PDL guys in the morning, so a couple of times some of the players from the PDL team got to stay and either participate, or just watch. Sometimes you can learn a lot from the speed and the quality at which those guys play. It was pretty impressive.”

PDL Feature

Saturday, January 10, 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – One of the most noticeable players on the field at the 2015 MLS Combine is former Thunder Bay Chill defender Axel Sjoberg.  Listed at 6-foot-7, the towering Swedish defender is easy to pick out, and his aerial prowess is an asset on both ends of the field.

Sjoberg’s abilities were on display for a number of professional coaches, as they watched the Swede help his side keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 opening game at the Combine.

Though his height is the first thing you notice, Sjoberg also moves well and shows surprising agility defending his goal. A hockey player until 15, and a youth high jump competitor, Sjoberg is an intriguing professional prospect and is relishing the opportunity to play at the Combine.

“I think like everyone else – I’m competitive,” Sjoberg said of his attitude at the Combine. “I want to do the best I can, and showcase my abilities.”

After four years at Marquette University and two seasons with the Thunder Bay Chill in the PDL, he was in the second round of players invited to the Combine, and has been preparing for the professional tryout for some time.

“I’ve touched up on everything a little bit, making everything a little bit sharper since the season ended,” Sjoberg said.

He also credits the two seasons he spent in the PDL, including his All-League campaign in 2013, with helping him to further develop his skill set in anticipation of making the jump to the pro level.

“PDL combined with college has been a great experience. You get a lot of training time and playing time in both leagues, so that’s something that helps obviously. You need repetition in order to improve in game situations, so these last few years it has been great,” Sjoberg said.

His PDL career peaked with a trip to the Championship in 2013 with Thunder Bay, a memorable season for the team, but not necessarily the best result in the final game.

“It was a great experience apart from the final when we lost to Austin. But otherwise, it was a great team. I believe we were ranked No. 1 going into the playoffs, but just not a great game in the final – it happens.”

Nevertheless, Sjoberg is excited for the next step in his career, wherever that ends up taking him.

“Just being able to do this full-time, it’s a childhood dream,” he said. “And even though I’m grown up, it’s definitely something I want to do and experience, so it’s a true pleasure.”

USL PRO Feature

Saturday, January 10, 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Getting in on the ground floor is nothing new for Freddy Juarez.

The new coach of Real Monarchs SLC was there when the club’s academy in Casa Grande, Arizona was opened, and now five years later will get the chance to mold the academy’s graduates as part of RSL’s entry into USL PRO.

“For me it was very exciting,” Juarez said on Saturday after a meeting that brought together all of USL PRO’s coaches for the upcoming season. “We’ve had a pretty good, successful academy, and now to be part of something that’s about to start off, I think that was part of the appeal for me to start a new project and see if we can make it just as successful as the first team, and as the Real Salt Lake Academy.”

RSL-AZ has been one of the models for youth development in recent years, perennially not only producing outstanding teams, but numerous U.S. youth internationals like current U18 players Brooks Lennon and Sebastian Saucedo, both of whom were in the squad that headed to Spain in December. Some of those players, whose paths have partly been shaped by Juarez, were loudest in their congratulations on social media when the hire was announced, reflective of the culture that has permeated the club from the first team down.

“I think Real Salt Lake is one of the top academies in the country,” Juarez said. “It’s different to most. It's very similar to what’s going on around the world where it’s residential, and that adds a big component to it where the guys live together. We're there with the guys seeing them a little bit more than your average club because they’re living together, they’re training more often. You grow that closeness.

“It starts from the first team, then you start that culture with the academy and I think that’s why you see guys happy for me, just as coaches are happy for our players when they move onto the first team and onto college. It’s a family, it really is, and it’s carried on from our first team to our academy.”

Players such as Saucedo, who signed with RSL as a Homegrown Player this past July, are among those who figure to benefit greatly from the Monarchs’ presence in Salt Lake City. Juarez and RLS Technical Director Craig Waibel are currently in the process of building the team’s roster, which figures to have a number of RSL-AZ graduates included in it.

In addition, though, Juarez expects to have the same type of veteran presence on his side that Curt Onalfo and the LA Galaxy II had in 2014. The experience and leadership that offers to young players is something Juarez believes will be valuable not only to make sure the side is as competitive as Los Dos proved last season, but will also help groom players like Saucedo as they move toward the first team.

“We all know you can’t just have a group of young players,” Juarez said. “I think they need players of an older age and experience to learn from, but we’ll be going after players who have come through our academy, who maybe have had a year or two in college, and our top players in college that are currently with our U18s that we feel have the potential to get to the first team.”

With the moves the club is making off the field to establish the Monarchs - not least the creation of a downtown stadium that is set to open in 2016 - Juarez is excited to help the club build its own identity as it provides opportunity not only for the club’s players, but its fans to watch more top-quality soccer in Salt Lake City.

“That’s huge,” Juarez said. “I mean, even right now we’re excited. I go to the stadium and work out of Rio Tinto and they’re building us a locker room and a weight room, so we’ll have an identity of our own as well, but getting our own stadium, not as big, where it’s a little more intimate - the atmosphere will be better - that’s a huge part of development.

“We’re not there to replace Real Salt Lake - we’re the baby brother really in trying to develop players to be successful for that team - but at the same time we want to win as well. Winning is part of development and we’re going to rate ourselves on whether can we push guys through to be a success, but also can we play good attractive soccer and develop young players.”

With the success he has had both in putting strong sides on the field and helping players reach the next level, Juarez would appear just the man to accomplish both of those goals for the Monarchs both this season, and beyond.