Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release -- www.switchbacksfc.com

Thursday, January 29, 2015

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is excited to welcome experienced USL PRO defender JJ Greer to the team.

“I have heard nothing but great things about Colorado and Colorado Springs and my wife and I can’t wait to get started out there,” Greer said. “I know that I will give it my all for the team and the city and hopefully we can pack Sand Creek Stadium for the first home game and get a W.”

Greer was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1991.  His father, Jarvis Greer, is the Sports Director for WMC-TV in Memphis.  His mother, Emily Greer, works for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Greer grew up watching his sister, Mckenzie, play soccer, which is how he learned the game.

Greer began his professional soccer career last year with the Charlotte Eagles in USL PRI, and the defender is excited to be working with familiar faces, who are now part of the Switchbacks FC team, including Director of Team Operations Jeremy Auyer, and Greer's former opponent in midfielder Luke Vercollone. 

“I’m excited to work with Jeremy again because he was tremendous in the front office with my last club, Charlotte Eagles, and I know he’ll only continue that excellence in Colorado Springs.” 

For more information about the Switchbacks FC, or to purchase season tickets, go to our website at switchbacksfs.com.  Fans can also follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/switchbacksfc or Twitter @SwitchbacksFC.

LA Galaxy II News Release -- www.lagalaxy.com/2

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II announced today that the club has finalized the signing of forward Ariel Lassiter. Lassiter will join the club’s roster pending an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and a physical.

“Ariel is a very talented young attacking player that has a bright future,” LA Galaxy II Head Coach Curt Onalfo said. “We look forward to working with him this season and we are confident he will be an asset to the Galaxy organization for years to come.”

The 20-year-old forward attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for one season, where he earned honors on the Big West Conference All Freshman Team, starting in 21 games while scoring five goals and adding four assists. His five goals were second most on the team during the 2014 season.

“We continue to scout and sign players that have the potential to be a part of our first team,” LA Galaxy Technical Director Jovan Kirovski said. “Ariel is a good attacking addition who can help our team going forward.”

In July 2014, Lassiter signed a professional contract with GAIS in Sweden’s second highest division, Superettan, where he scored one goal in 12 appearances for the club.

Lassiter grew up in Southern California and attended Great Oak High School in Temecula, Calif. In his four years there, he was named a Southwester League Offensive MVP honoree two times and the Inland Empire High School Player of the Year two times in addition to serving as his team’s captain during his junior and senior seasons.

Lassiter is the son of former U.S. Men’s National Team and MLS player Roy Lassiter, who scored 88 total MLS goals including 27 in a single season, tied for the most in MLS history.

A full schedule of LA Galaxy II’s USL PRO 2015 season will be announced at a later date.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release -- www.SwitchbacksFC.com

Friday, January 30, 2015

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is excited to welcome Rony Argueta to the team.

“I want to help this team win and grow,” Argueta said. “The plan is to stay hungry and never settle, keep moving forward.”

Argueta was born in Fountain Valley, California in 1991, but grew up in Costa Mesa with his parents and three brothers. He speaks both Spanish and Portuguese. 

Argueta graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2013 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He played soccer through all four years there (2009 – 2013), and was named MVP in the 2011-12 season.

Argueta joined the Ventura County Fusion in the PDL this past July. While with the Fusion, Argueta was substituted into a game against famous Scottish club Rangers FC, and scored within three minutes.  Later in the season, he scored a goal to tie the score in a PDL semifinal against the Kitsap Pumas.

For more information about the Switchbacks FC, or to purchase season tickets, visit switchbacksfs.com.  Fans can also follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/switchbacksfc or Twitter @SwitchbacksFC.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release -- www.whitecapsfc.com/wfc2

Friday, January 30, 2015

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the appointment of Alan Koch as Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) head coach prior to the club’s inaugural season in USL PRO. Koch has agreed to a multi-year contract that will continue to include his role as the club’s college scout. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Alan has had great success over the past seven years at SFU," Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi said. "We’re looking forward to working with him in the next step of his career as we get set for the inaugural season of WFC2.”

Koch, 39, spent the last seven years as head coach of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) men’s soccer program and is himself an SFU graduate. Koch, with a record of 126W-21L-7D at SFU, became the quickest coach in the school’s history to reach the 100-win milestone. For his efforts, the North Vancouver, BC, resident was recognized as the Conference Coach of the Year in six consecutive seasons and guided the Clan to a Top Ten ranking in either the NAIA or NCAA Division II in every season he’s been in charge. Other highlights of his tenure at SFU include four Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) championships, two NCAA Division II regional championships, and two berths in the NCAA Division II Final Four.

"This is an amazing opportunity and one that I'm very excited about," Koch said. "I'm grateful to the club for bringing me in, and I'm looking forward to working with Robbo and his technical staff. We share a similar philosophy and vision. I'm ready to hit the ground running."

Last fall, the native of Durban, South Africa, worked closely with the Whitecaps FC first team technical staff as he oversaw the club’s college scouting responsibilities. Koch was also with the club in 2009 as Whitecaps FC women’s head coach in the USL W-League.

A former central midfielder who had professional spells in South Africa, Germany, and Ireland, Koch began his coaching tenure in 2003 as an assistant at Midwestern State University, where he oversaw the majority of the program’s recruiting responsibilities. His efforts led the team to an Elite Eight appearance in 2003 and Final Four appearance in 2006. The Mustangs posted a combined 42W-14L-2D record over Koch’s three years with the program.

After a two-year stint as head coach at Baker University with a record of 22W-16L-0D, Koch then returned to SFU in 2008 and had been at the helm of the Clan program ever since.

Koch carries a NSCAA Premier Diploma with distinction, a Canadian "B" license, various South African licenses, a UEFA “B” badge and is currently completing his UEFA “A” through the Irish Football Association.

The club also announced on Friday that long-time Residency assistant coach Steve Meadley will join Koch’s staff as WFC2 assistant coach and Residency goalkeeper coach Raegyn Hall will also work with the WFC2 side. Furthermore, Whitecaps FC confirmed that U-16 Residency head coach Rich Fagan has been promoted to U-18 Residency head coach with Niall Thompson continuing his part-time duties as U-18 Residency assistant coach. Carl Valentine will act as interim U-16 Residency head coach.

 

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release - www.switchbacksfc.com

Monday, February 2, 2015

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is excited to welcome eight-year professional soccer player Samir Badr to the team.

“I am really excited about joining Switchbacks FC and helping to play a real part in building something special in the city of Colorado Springs,” said Badr.

Badr was featured as New York Times’ Next Generation Soccer Player for the U.S. National Team in 2010.  He was also named ESPN Rise magazine’s All-American player of the year in high school.

Badr is starting his eighth year as a professional soccer player.  He previously played for OKC Energy FC in USL PRO, Al-Ahly and El-Hoodod of the Egyptian Premier League, FC Porto, and DC United’s Academy. Prior to turning professional, Badr was a member of the U.S. Soccer Residency Program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Badr was born in Washington, D.C. in 1992.  His parents and sister still live in the D.C. area.

Video highlights for Samir Badr: http://youtu.be/5WDaNBhCSXQ

For more information about the Switchbacks FC, or to purchase season tickets, go to our website at switchbacksfs.com.  Fans can also follow the team on Facebook or Twitter.

USL PRO News Release

Monday, February 2, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO unveiled its 336-game 2015 regular season schedule today, with its 24 teams kicking off their pursuit of the 2015 USL PRO Championship during an expanded regular season on Saturday, March 21.

With its unprecedented off-season growth, which included the establishment of professional soccer in several new markets and the addition of seven MLS owned and operated clubs, USL PRO has split into 12-team Eastern and Western Conferences in 2015. Teams face each of their conference opponents at least twice during the 28-game regular season schedule, and the additional six games (beyond the standard home and away against the other 11 intra-conference foes) will be matchups against geographic rivals resulting in several cross-conference contests.

“With the remarkable growth of the league during the offseason, this schedule reflects the increased focus on regional rivalries,” USL PRO Executive Vice President Jake Edwards said. “We are excited that many of the league’s home openers will give away fans the opportunity to follow their teams on the road to start the season and provide a truly special atmosphere. We expect a great year of action as the league’s regular-season schedule expands to 27 weeks.”

The opening weekend will see a trio of games, with three of the seven MLS-owned expansion teams making their debuts. Sacramento Republic FC begins its title defense on Saturday, March 21 as it travels to face Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Starfire Stadium, while Toronto FC II will visit Blackbaud Stadium for the Canadian side’s USL PRO debut against the Charleston Battery. Real Monarchs SLC will kick off its first USL PRO campaign on Sunday, March 22 as it visits the LA Galaxy II at StubHub Center.

The season’s second weekend sees Sacramento make its home debut with a rematch of a classic 2014 semifinal contest when the LA Galaxy II visit Bonney Field on Saturday, March 28.

That same weekend also sees the debut of the 10 remaining 2015 expansion teams, with the action kicking off Friday, March 27 as the Charlotte Independence welcome the Charleston Battery to the Queen City. Nine games are on tap for Saturday, March 28, including a pair of matches featuring all expansion competition as the Austin Aztex host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at House Park and Louisville City FC welcomes Saint Louis FC to Louisville Slugger Field.

Regional rivalries will also be a focus of the action on March 28 as Tulsa Roughnecks FC plays host to OKC Energy FC at ONEOK Field in the battle of Oklahoma, the Rochester Rhinos travel to face the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena, FC Montreal welcomes Toronto FC II to Saputo Stadium, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds host the Harrisburg City Islanders at Highmark Stadium in a renewal of the Keystone Derby.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 and the Portland Timbers 2 are the final USL PRO newcomers to make their debuts when Vancouver visits Sounders FC 2 at Starfire Stadium and the Timbers 2 welcome the Real Monarchs SLC to Merlo Field on Sunday, March 29.

The regular season concludes the weekend of September 19-20, with seven games on tap as the fight for playoff positions concludes. The 2015 USL PRO postseason will see the top six finishers in each conference moving on to the four-week single-elimination playoffs.

Full 2015 USL PRO Regular Season Schedule

OKC Energy FC News Release - www.energyfc.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has announced the signing of midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Dalgaard’s signing is pending receipt of his international transfer clearance.

"Sebastian is a dynamic winger with a great attitude,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “He is a smart player and will take on defenders and work well with our forwards. He has gained a lot of experience at Bronshoj in the Danish first division. Sebastian is an exciting addition to the team.”

The Danish midfielder, pictured left, has spent the last three seasons with Brønshøj BK of the Danish First Division and has been a regular in the Wasps’ starting XI since his arrival. Prior to playing for Brønshøj, Dalgaard scored eight goals in two seasons for BK Marienlyst and also played for FC Fyn in fall 2009, splitting time between the first team and U19 squad.

“It’s been a long process to get ready for this adventure of moving from Copenhagen to Oklahoma City,” Dalgaard said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity, and I hope that I can make a difference. I’m looking forward to getting to know the other players and the staff. I think that this will be a very successful year for Energy FC.”

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release - www.switchbacksfc.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is excited to welcome experienced veteran Mike Seth for the club's inaugural season in USL PRO. 

“I am very enthusiastic about this upcoming inaugural season with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks,” said Seth. “Colorado is a great area and I am excited to be a part of this organization.”

For the past five seasons, Seth played in USL PRO for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, for which he made 64 appearances. Seth scored five goals, and added three assists with the Riverhounds, with whom he reached the playoffs three times.   

Prior to turning professional, Seth played in the PDL for the Colorado Rapids U23. He also played soccer for Penn State Behrend, one of the top Division III programs in the nation, where he was a four-time-all-AMCC player.

For more information about the Switchbacks FC, or to purchase season tickets, go to our website at switchbacksfc.com. Fans can also follow the team on Facebook or Twitter.

USL PRO Feature

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

As new beginnings go, facing the side that topped Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference in 2014 is certainly a big first step for the Austin Aztex. After their move up from the PDL this offseason, Paul Dalglish’s side will face D.C. United as part of the ATX Pro Challenge on February 13 as the club’s newly-assembled squad gets its first chance to shine.

“It was nice of the ownership group to do that, put me under pressure straight from the start!” Dalglish said with a laugh recently. “It’s great. We have big ambitions in Austin, and part of what we want to do is bring top-level football to people who enjoy watching the game in Austin, and what better way to do it that bringing some of the best teams in MLS in to showcase, and what a way to launch the franchise, seeing the local team go up against some of these MLS superpowers. It’s a brilliant, brilliant opportunity for local people to come and watch us compete against the best.”

Dalglish - who led the Aztex to a PDL Championship in 2013 and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in the process - returned to Austin after a stint as an assistant to Jeff Cassar with Real Salt Lake in 2014. Re-appointed head coach in August, Dalglish has spent much of his time since targeting players to join him in Austin, which turned out to be an easy sell to many of the club’s new players.

“It really, really helps us being located in Austin,” Dalglish said. “It’s an easy place to attract players to. People want to come and live in Austin, and also the way that the players have been treated in the PDL has been huge for us in recruiting players, because word has spread that you’ll get looked after in Austin, and it’s a great place to live. It’s been a really enjoyable recruiting process.”

With that at the fore, the club was able to add USL PRO veterans like Kyle Hoffer and Drew Yates, who bring extensive experience to the side. Dalglish’s highest-profile recruit to this point, though, is Mikey Ambrose, who will make his professional debut with the Aztex after making the decision to leave the University of Maryland a year early to turn professional in Austin.

Previously a player for the Aztex in the PDL alongside fellow early college departure Devin Perales, Ambrose’s signing is a potential landmark for the professional game in North America.

“We want to be pioneers, and we want to offer an alternative to college soccer for the elite soccer player in this country,” Dalglish said. “We don’t want to replace college soccer because it’s an unbelievable opportunity for player’s lives and futures long term, but we want to try and offer an alternative for that serious soccer player that maybe wants to tilt the balance of the education and soccer priorities where they maybe prioritize soccer a bit more, and the education takes a back seat.”

Ambrose and Perales will continue their education while competing for the Aztex, which was an important factor for the club. Monday, however, brought the opening day of training camp for Ambrose and the full squad as the Aztex begin to build toward a clash at House Park with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on March 28.

Perales got a head start on his preparations, though, thanks to Austin’s partnership with Coritiba FC in Brazil. The 21-year-old goalkeeper headed to Curitiba for training last month as the ties between the two clubs continued to strengthen. Facilitated in part by the Aztex’s Business Director - Roberto Pinto da Silva, Jr. - while he and Dalglish visited Brazil last year, the partnership reflected the mentality shared by the two clubs.

“[Coritiba] was a club that when I met them, I immediately felt very comfortable with them as people,” Dalglish said. “I think when you pick relationships it shouldn’t be the club you pick, it should be the people that you’re going to be working with. They were such a humble group, and the whole club was connected from the cleaners all the way up to Alex, a superstar from the Brazilian national team, so it was something I felt really comfortable with, something that mirrored our values at the Aztex where it doesn’t matter what your role is at the Aztex, you’re an Aztec, and they have the same mentality. It was a perfect fit for us.”

The same principles applied as the Aztex partnered with the Columbus Crew, who will also be part of the ATX Pro Challenge next week as they gear up for the new MLS season. A side with a number of bright young players, including Romain Gall and recent Homegrown signing Ben Swanson, the Crew could potentially send players to Austin that could have the same impact as USL PRO All-League selection Aaron Schoenfeld last year.

Dalglish will welcome any help from Columbus as the Aztex look to find the same level of success they experienced in the PDL. At the same time, the club’s goal from the outset has been to build a side that can compete on its own merits, with its current crop of signings set to provide a solid foundation for the new season.

“What we wanted to do was make sure that anything we got from Columbus was cherry on top of the cake,” Dalglish said. “We wanted to make sure our team was strong enough to compete in this league on its own two feet, and that we didn’t rely on players, because it only takes a few injuries from Columbus for players to be recalled, or lack of form. We wanted to make sure our squad was deep enough that anything Columbus could send would be a bonus. We’re hoping for the [Dom] Dwyers, the Schoenfelds, but we’re certainly not relying on them.”

With a young and talented squad signed already and some more additions to come, Dalglish’s goal of a place in the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference certainly appears as though it should be within reach come September.

“We want to get off to a good start,” he said. “We want to keep that momentum that we’ve have in the PDL, where people coming to House Park are used to seeing the Aztex win. We wanted to put a team together that can continue to win even though we’ve gone up a level, so for me it’s not just winning, but winning playing the brand of soccer that people in Austin have come to love, which is an open, attacking, aggressive style of play.”

Arizona United SC News Release - www.arizonaunited.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Arizona United Soccer Club has announced the re-signings of defender Devon Grousis and goalkeeper Jacole Turner. Turner and Grousis bring the total number of players to 11 under contract for the 2015 USL PRO season.

Grousis was named to the starting lineup twice, and was brought on as a substitute three times in 2014. He made one appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, coming off the bench in Arizona United SC’s 2-1 overtime win over the OKC Energy FC in the third round.

Grousis grew up in Fresno, Calif., and played collegiately at Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University. Grousis signed his first professional contract with the Charlotte Eagles in 2012. In 2013, he featured for the now-defunct Phoenix FC Wolves.

“Devon is extremely compatible with the culture in which we have created in our club,” said Arizona United SC Head Coach Michael Dellorusso. “We are excited to bring Devon back, and he will be a pivotal player for our team moving forward.”

Turner was one of Arizona United SC’s original signings and his lone appearance during the 2014 campaign was against the LA Galaxy II. He came on during halftime and made two saves in 45 minutes of action.

The Lee’s Summit, Missouri native played for Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) team from 2010-12, and was named to the USSDA All-Central Conference Starting XI for the 2010-11 season. Turner joined Arizona United SC after competing for Spanish club Atlético Madrid.

“Jacole is a young goalkeeper with tremendous potential,” Dellorusso said. “We are happy to have him back with the club under the direct tutelage of goalkeeper coach Cory Robertson. We are excited to see Jacole progress in his professional career.”

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.

PDL News Release

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. - The participating teams and format for the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced on Wednesday by U.S. Soccer, with 19 PDL clubs set to participate in the tournament this summer.

Considered the top developmental league in the United States, the PDL received the most berths of any league outside the professional ranks, as clubs with storied Open Cup histories such as 2014 PDL Champions the Michigan Bucks, Reading United AC and Des Moines Menace will be joined by first-time qualifiers AC Connecticut, Burlingame Dragons FC, Midland/Odessa Sockers FC and SW Florida Adrenaline.

All 19 PDL teams will enter the competition in the first round, set to be played on May 13. The winners will advance for a chance to face USL PRO opposition in the second round, to be played the follow week on May 20.

The 2015 tournament will feature 91 teams, an increase from the 80 that competed last year, marking the largest field in the modern era (1995-present) and the fourth consecutive year where a record has been set. Last season, the Laredo Heat and Orlando City U23 carried the PDL’s flag into the fourth round, where they performed strongly while being eliminated by MLS opposition.

Laredo is among the PDL teams to return to the competition, alongside 2014 conference champions the Jersey Express, Kitsap Pumas and Ocala Stampede. Other sides set to return from last season’s tournament are the Golden State Misioneros, Ventura County Fusion and Western Mass Pioneers.

2014 PDL Organization of the Year FC Tucson, which advanced to face the Houston Dynamo in the 2013 edition of the Open Cup, leads the remaining PDL teams set to compete, with the Seacoast United Phantoms, Long Island Rough Riders, West Virginia Chaos and BYU Cougars all set to return to the competition.

For more details on the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, visit www.ussoccer.com.

USL PRO News Release

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. - All 21 U.S.-based USL PRO sides will be part of the 102nd Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, for which the participating teams and format were announced on Wednesday by U.S. Soccer. After a remarkable season of expansion, USL PRO’s clubs will get the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Rochester Rhinos and Richmond Kickers, the last two non-MLS sides to claim the championship.

USL PRO sides, who commanded the most entries into this year’s tournament, will enter the competition in the second round, set to be played on May 20, where they may face some of the top clubs in the PDL, which earned 19 berths in the tournament. The chance to face MLS opposition will come in the fourth round on June 16-17, where clubs with rich Open Cup pasts like 2014 USL PRO Championship finalist the Harrisburg City Islanders and Charleston Battery will look to add to their giant-killing histories.

The 2015 tournament will feature 91 teams, an increase from the 80 that competed last year, marking the largest field in the modern era (1995-present) and the fourth consecutive year where a record has been set. In 2014, the Rochester Rhinos carried USL PRO’s flag into the fifth round with an upset of D.C. United, before they were eliminated by MLS Cup Finalist the New England Revolution.

The Rhinos remain the only non-MLS side to claim the Open Cup title in the tournament’s modern era, having won the championship in 1999.

New USL PRO side the Austin Aztex will make their third consecutive appearance in the tournament, having twice earned a berth as a PDL side in the past two seasons. USL PRO’s remaining expansion sides will make their first appearances in the tournament, as clubs like Saint Louis FC (Chicago Fire) and the Seattle Sounders FC 2 look to replicate their MLS affiliate’s success over the tournament’s past 20 years.

For more details on the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, visit www.ussoccer.com.

PDL News Release

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL, the preeminent developmental league for professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada, will kick off its 26th season on Saturday, May 2 as 64 teams will compete for the opportunity to be crowned champion. With 58 of the league’s alumni selected in the recent MLS SuperDraft, the top players from throughout the U.S. and Canada will once again flock to the PDL in the coming months in the hopes of improving their professional aspirations.

Ten PDL clubs will once again be operated by or affiliated with MLS and USL PRO organizations, including longtime PDL powers the Chicago Fire U-23, the Portland Timbers U-23s, and Seattle Sounders FC U23.

“We expect 2015 to be the most exciting season in PDL history,” PDL Senior Director Todd Eason said. “There have been several important changes, including creating the largest division in the league with the 10-team Mid-Atlantic, which is packed with some of the most successful clubs in the Eastern Conference.  We have also added two more teams in Florida that will continue to strengthen the emerging Southeast Division, and adding Calgary Foothills FC to the Northwest will only complement what is already one of the strongest divisions in the entire league. 

“We have seen many upgrades this year, but nothing is more impressive than continuing to see elite clubs – such as the Lehigh Valley United Sonic - make the step up to the PDL. That is why it continues to be the most competitive amateur league in North America.” 

PDL clubs will play 12- or 14-game schedules in 2015, half home and half away. New teams joining for the 2015 season include Burlingame Dragons FC, Calgary Foothills FC, the Charlotte Eagles, the Dayton Dutch Lions, the FC Miami City Champions, the Lehigh Valley United Sonic, New York, Palm Beach Suns F.C., and TFC Academy.

The league features 64 teams in four geographic conferences and 10 divisions, as the Eastern and Western conferences contain three divisions while the Southern and Central conferences have two divisions each. Victoria Highlanders FC, previously announced in the league alignment, will not participate in the 2015 season.

FC Miami City will kick the season off as it makes its debut in a Southeast Division showdown against local South Florida rival Floridians FC at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, while the OC Pateadores Blues will play host to the Ventura County Fusion and Golden State Misioneros FC will travel to face the Fresno Fuego in opening-day Western Conference action.

The season gets into full swing in its second weekend with 10 matches on the schedule, including the debut of Palm Beach Suns FC (at Floridians FC on Saturday, May 9). The 2014 PDL Champion Michigan Bucks open their title defense on Saturday, May 16, when they welcome newcomer TFC Academy to Ultimate Soccer Arenas.

The regular season concludes with a 20-game slate the weekend of July 17-19, and a total of 23 teams will advance to the postseason, with the league’s conference championship weekend set for July 24-26. Seven teams will advance from the Eastern and Western Conferences, while five teams will advance from the Central Conference, and four from the Southern Conference.

2015 PDL Schedule (link)

YouTube Live will once again serve as the official video platform for the PDL in 2015. Live games from throughout the league as well as team highlights and weekly league videos will provide fans a front-row seat during the 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.

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

Thursday, February 5, 2015

LOUISVILLE, Kent. - Louisville City FC, the new USL PRO team that will begin play on March 28th of 2015, announced today that former Orlando City right back Bryan Burke has inked a deal with Louisville City FC for the 2015 season.

The 25-year-old from Newport, California played two seasons with Orlando City SC, playing alongside LCFC head coach James O’Connor both seasons, including the 2013 season when Orlando City captured its second USL PRO Championship.

“It was when I played against Burke while he was at LA Blues that I first noticed him,” O’Connor said. “I really liked his attacking prowess and his aerobic ability.  He will always pose an attacking threat as he has fantastic ability to get up and down the field.  We had to be patient, but we are thrilled that we are going to have him here in Louisville.”

Burke played 1,526 minutes for the 2013 championship team where he totaled two goals and four assists before a mid-season injury kept the defender off the pitch for the remainder of the year. Burke found the back of the net in U.S. Open Cup play as well in 2013, scoring in the 4th minute to set the tone for a 3-1 upset win over Major League Soccer club, the Colorado Rapids.

In 2012 Burke signed with the LA Blues where he scored three goals in 19 appearances in his first season in USL PRO.

Season tickets for Louisville City’s inaugural season are available now and can be purchased by visiting www.LouisvilleCityFC.com or by calling 502-384-8799.  Ticket packages include 15 matches – 14 USL PRO regular season home games and one additional fixture (friendlies, Open Cup matches, etc.).

The deadline to become a Louisville City FC Founding Member, a one-time opportunity only offered this year, was extended to Friday, February 13th.  As a Founding Member of the club, members will receive a season ticket, a Founding Member Scarf, exclusive access to team events, name on a plaque inside Louisville Slugger Stadium, discounts on merchandise and more. 

Des Moines Menace News Release - www.menacesoccer.com

Thursday, February 5, 2015

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - With six years’ experience in Major League Soccer and six more as the leader of one of the PDL’s most successful teams, Mike Matkovich brings an extensive résumé to the Des Moines Menace.

Menace owner Kyle Krause this afternoon announced Matkovich as the ninth head coach in franchise history.

“I’d like to thank Kyle and Matt [Homonoff] for this opportunity,” Matkovich said. “I’m excited to be part of a team with a rich PDL tradition and excited to bring another title back to Des Moines. I’m looking forward to working with the players and building a new tradition moving forward.”

Matkovich comes to the Menace from the Chicago Fire. He served as the MLS side’s “first assistant coach” in 2012-13 and as the Fire’s second assistant in 2009-10. He started his MLS career as an assistant coach with Toronto FC (2007) and Chivas USA (2008).

The Chicagoland native has a track record of success in the PDL – the league the Menace has competed in since 1994. “Matko” was the Fire PDL team’s head coach for a stellar stretch from 2002 to 2006. During these years, the team racked up a dazzling 71-8-7 record, won its division every season and finished second in the 2003 playoffs.

During this dominant PDL run, Matkovich coached future U.S. World Cup players Jay DeMerit, Ricardo Clark and Brad Guzan, as well as several future MLS mainstays. In these years, the Fire’s PDL entry comprised some of the top college players from across the country.

When Matkovich returned to lead the Fire PDL team last year, he took over a team with a very different makeup. The Fire in recent years has made a concerted move to focus its PDL roster on developing homegrown talent from its youth academy. Matkovich’s 2014 squad started the PDL season 7-2-2 before dropping its final three matches and losing a postseason berth to K-W United, the Canadian team the Menace knocked out of the playoffs.

The Menace won the league’s 2014 regular-season championship and clinched the team’s sixth straight (and 10th overall) berth in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Homonoff, the organization’s general manager, believes Matkovich will build on this success and take the team to the next level.

“During our selection process, Coach Matkovich distinguished himself both with his history of producing winning teams as well as his ability to develop top players for the professional game,” said Homonoff. “We are excited to welcome him to Des Moines and are confident we now have the man in place to lead our team into a successful new season this May.”

The Menace’s new head coach also carries impressive credentials from the game’s youth levels.

From 2009 to 2012, Matkovich was the head coach of the United States’ U18 national team. From 1996 to 2008, he was a regional and national staff coach for the United States Soccer Federation, working with the U14, U15 and U20 national teams.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America named Matkovich the 2000 Adidas Youth Boys National Coach of the Year. In Matkovich’s time leading the Chicago Magic (1989-2008) and the Chicago Fire Juniors (2011-present), his teams have won national titles in U.S. Youth Soccer (two), U.S. Club Soccer (four) and the United Soccer Leagues’ Super-Y League (eight).

Matkovich is the Menace’s third straight head coach with MLS ties. He fills a vacancy left by Mike Jeffries, a former Dallas Burn head coach and Chicago Fire assistant coach who left the Menace after two seasons to take the top job with the Charlotte Independence USL-PRO expansion team. Before Jeffries, Laurie Calloway, a former San Jose Clash head coach, guided the Menace for five seasons (2001-02 and 2010-12).

Already in recruiting mode, Matkovich is putting together the pieces for the Menace’s title defense. Players interested in suiting up for the team are invited to the 2015 Menace Open Tryout, to be led by Matkovich on April 25 at Valley Stadium, the team’s home field in West Des Moines.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.RichmondKickers.com

Thursday, February 5, 2015

RICHMOND, Vir. – The Richmond Kickers and D.C. United announced today that the clubs have extended their affiliation agreement through the 2015 season. This is the third year of the clubs’ partnership in conjunction with the in 2013 agreement forged by Major League Soccer and USL PRO.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with the Richmond Kickers for the third consecutive season,” D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper said. “They provide a fantastic professional environment and have been instrumental in helping our players to develop as professionals while out on loan.”

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with D.C. United,” Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw said. “The addition of MLS professional players to our team has proven very successful over the last two seasons and we look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Separated by a little over 100 miles, D.C. United and the Richmond Kickers have worked closely to organize loan spells for nearly two decades before officially affiliating prior to the 2013 season. Over the last two seasons, 13 players from D.C. United featured for the Kickers, including  Steven Birnbaum, Alex Caskey, Andrew Dykstra, Christiano Francois, Jared Jeffrey, Taylor Kemp, Collin Martin, Kyle Porter, Jalen Robinson, Michael Seaton, Conor Shanosky, Casey Townsend and Joe Willis, who combined for 12,235 minutes with 19 goals and 11 assists. In 2013, Dykstra was named USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year.

Through the extended arrangement with the Kickers, United will once again send a minimum of four first-team players on long-term loans to Richmond, assignments which will be announced at a later date.

Over the past two decades, 31 D.C. United players have played with the Richmond Kickers, with the roster of players including 2011 Major League Soccer MVP Dwayne De Rosario, Mike Burke, Jeff Causey, Ben Crawley, Brian Kamler, Mike McGinty, Mark Simpson, Clyde Simms, Robert Ssejjemba and Richie Williams. Players who have featured with the Kickers on loan include Steven Birnbaum, Brian Carroll, Alex Caskey, Andrew Dykstra, John DiRaimondo, Christiano Francois, Jared Jeffrey, Taylor Kemp, Justin Mapp, Collin Martin, Andy Metcalf, Bryan Namoff, Anthony Peters, Kyle Porter, Jalen Robinson, Michael Seaton, Conor Shanosky, Long Tan, Casey Townsend, Ethan White and Joe Willis. In franchise history, an impressive 22 players have progressed from the Richmond Kickers into Major League Soccer.

USL PRO Feature

Friday, February 6, 2015

Saint Louis FC may be entering its first season in USL PRO, but the club has roots that go much deeper thanks to its place in one of North America’s most storied soccer cities.

The man leading the team on the field in its inaugural season is veteran coach Dale Schilly, a St. Louis native who has spent much of his career coaching in the St. Louis region. Before being named Saint Louis FC’s first head coach, Schilly was a Director at St. Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois – the Illini state branch of the prestigious youth club.

Preparation for the inaugural season started well in advance, with Schilly and the rest of STL FC’s technical staff gathering last May to begin assembling a roster for the 2015 season.

“We just put a staff together, and started watching games to try to get a feel for what the level was like in the league,” Schilly said. “And then trying to identify players within the league that we had interest in, and then the fun began with emails and YouTube videos, and links, and agents, and players, and then just diving in with every lead that we had to look at quality of players.”

The club’s first official signing came from its own backyard, as veteran forward Mike Ambersley was welcomed home to his native St. Louis. Ambersley boasts nine years of pro experience in addition to an NCAA title at Indiana University, and a stellar prep career, which included Missouri Player of the Year honors in 2000. 

Following the Ambersley signing, STL FC positioned itself for immediate success with a series of signings, and an official affiliation agreement with the Chicago Fire, which is expected to provide a strong crop of young talent on loan from the MLS club this season.

“We’re about halfway through on our roster, and we feel like we took a slow, deliberate path to get to where we are. It just felt like patience was the right way to go. So we think we’re right where we want to be right now,” Schilly said.

With the formation of the USL PRO club, the professional team will operate as the top tier of a development pyramid which encompasses both the Missouri and Illinois branches of St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG), and Schilly expects to create an environment where professional players, and aspiring youth prospects interact frequently.

“To have two U-14s, two U-16s, two U-18s – US Soccer Development Academy programs – you have a pretty large pool of players to look at,” Schilly said. “We’ve brought [some players] in to see how they do, and they’ve done well in the environments that we’ve put them in. We also know that that level is below what the final team is going to look like, but I think at the end of the day we would love to be able to have guys that start with us at six [years old] and end with us at 26 or 30.”

The idea of a fully-formed professional club with access to top youth talent is especially intriguing in St. Louis, a city which famously produced the core of the 1950 U.S. World Cup team, and in recent years has produced stars like Taylor Twellman and Brad Davis, and even top Bundesliga forward Vedad Ibisevic, who called the city home for several years before launching his pro career in Europe.  

 “We understand system-wise what we want to do. We understand what kind of players we need to play in that system. For the most part, being an expansion team in the Midwest, we have to find players that are willing to grind it out, and have some soccer-playing abilities, but are willing to roll their sleeves up and work hard.”

As the rest of the squad comes together, the team plans to stay in the St. Louis area for preseason, and Schilly is already looking forward to regular season matchups with nearby USL PRO clubs, including a trip to Louisville for the team’s first game on March 28.

“For our supporters to be able to develop local rivalries and regionally-based rivalries - to play Louisville, and Tulsa and Oklahoma City - and to create those sort of rivalries that supporters groups want, I think is going to be neat.”

“The people in St. Louis will get to see a high quality product. It’s not just a product and a game or a team from St. Louis, but when they recognize the quality of the player that is in this country and playing in USL PRO, they’ll recognize that the game is moving along in this country, and that they can stand behind what’s going on and support the league.”

Tulsa Roughnecks FC -- www.tulsaroughnecksfc.com

Friday, February 6, 2015

TULSA, Okla. - The final design piece is now in place for the uniforms Tulsa Roughnecks FC will wear for its inaugural season of play in USL PRO. The club announced today a multi-year partnership with Anheuser-Busch Sales of Oklahoma that makes Modelo Especial the first jersey sponsor for the club. The Modelo logo will appear on the front of all jerseys worn by the team.

"We are excited to announce this major partnership between our club and Modelo and Anheuser-Busch Sales," Roughnecks President Mike Melega said. "We appreciate Modelo's commitment to the return of outdoor, professional soccer to the city of Tulsa."   

The Roughnecks will wear three different uniforms during the upcoming season. The home kits will feature orange jerseys and shorts, while the road kits will have navy blue tops and bottoms. A third change kit pays respect to the original Roughnecks team that played in the old NASL from 1978-1984. Modelo will be featured prominently on the front of all three versions.

"The forming of the Tulsa Roughnecks franchise marks a new era for professional soccer in Tulsa," Dan Peters, Director of Sales and Marketing for Anheuser Busch Sales of Oklahoma said. "It is exciting to see how the team has grown since the initial announcement, and that is why our Modelo brand ties in so well with the team. Modelo and the Roughnecks are both growing brands in the Tulsa market, and we are looking forward to seeing them both grow and develop together."

Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager whose original recipe was first brewed in Mexico in 1925. Since being introduced in the United States in the 1990s, Modelo Especial has grown organically from the ground up, becoming one of the country's top imported brands.

The Roughnecks recently announced that their first regular season game will be played on Saturday, March 28 in downtown Tulsa. They will host their cross-state rivals, the Oklahoma City Energy, in the opener at ONEOK Field.

Season tickets for the inaugural campaign are currently on sale at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com and by calling (918)744-5901. Partial-season and flex plans start at only $79 per ticket, while full-season plans begin at only $120 per ticket.

OKC Energy FC News Release - www.energyfc.com

Friday, February 6, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has announced the re-signing of midfielder Danny Delgado, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Delgado is the sixth returning player from the 2014 Energy FC roster.

"I had such a great experience last year with Energy FC, and I am very excited to come back for another season,” Delgado said. “I am honored to be working with such a great and talented coaching staff and am looking forward to another year of hard work and dedication in hopes of improving and making the playoffs in a tough conference.”

Delgado played in 12 matches last season, starting 10. He had four points, including goals against Pittsburgh on July 12 and Harrisburg on July 23.

“We brought Danny in halfway through our season last year as he was coming back from an injury,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “You could see early on he has skill. He picked up our system fast and did very well for us. He’s a hard working guy and wants to get better.”

The Escondido, California native previously played for the Ventura County Fusion of the PDL and played four seasons at the University of San Diego. He finished his collegiate career with 15 goals and 23 assists in 72 games. Delgado was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

Sacramento Republic FC News Release - www.sacrepublicfc.com

Saturday, February 7, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. - Sacramento Republic FC’s first test of 2015 proved there’s still plenty of work for the club before they kick of their 2015 USL PRO season in March. With no goals in the first half, two goals were not enough for Republic FC to earn a win, as they played the PDL's Fresno Fuego to a 2-2 draw.

Eight players from Republic FC’s starting line-up vs Fresno were regular starters for Republic FC during their 2014 championship season, including last year’s leading scorer, Thomas Stewart and team captain Justin Braun. The remaining three starters, Bilal Duckett, Patrick McLian and Philip Lund, are trialists that were invited to join the club for further evaluation during training camp.

However, despite a strong veteran presence for Republic FC in the first half, the team struggled to produce on the attack, taking just three long shots in the first 45 minutes of play.

In the 13th minute, Republic FC had an early chance from midfielder Octavio Guzman  from just outside the near side top corner of the box. After a quick Republic FC run up the sideline, Guzman received the ball and had a beautiful look towards goal, but looked slightly off-balance as he took his shot, which flew wide of the net.

For the majority of the first half, Republic FC struggled desperately on offense. Forwards Stewart and Braun attempted run after run after initial set-ups from the midfield, but found themselves constantly cornered by Fresno without an angle on goal. The lackluster offense resulted in a scoreless half for Republic FC, but still managed to starve off Fresno. 

Despite the struggles on offense in the first half, trialist McLain, a former Chivas USA and OC Blues goalkeeper, stood out for Republic FC in the first half, making six saves.

McLain had great reads on set pieces from Fresno Fuego, making a fantastic save in the 16th minute off a particularly dangerous Fresno header from a corner. Just over ten minutes later, McLain made another standout save off a Fresno breakaway. Fresno had a particularly dangerous counter attack in the 28th minute. Defender Mickey Daly found himself the only defender in position and cleared the first attempt, but McLain took a bold step off his line to make a big save off of Fresno’s follow-up on Daly’s clearance.

Also standing out in the first half was trialist defender Duckett, who made several big clearances for Republic FC within the first 10 minutes when the Fuego made some early dangerous runs into the box.

The second half proved to be considerably more productive for Republic FC, who opted to play the remaining 45 minutes with an entirely new squad, substituting all 11 players for fresh legs.

It still took Republic FC 25 minutes to finally click on the attack. A breakthrough came in the 70th minute, when trialist Richie Cardozo made a run for an angled shot outside of the box on the near side. Cardozo’s unassisted shot was just outside the reach of Fresno’s Sean Taufer to put Republic FC up 1-0.

Momentum finally seemed to sway in Republic FC’s favor after the first goal, with another opportunity coming just minutes later when a late tackle on Cardozo in the box resulted in a penalty kick for Republic FC in the 74th minute. Cardozo slotted the ball home to give Republic FC a 2-0 lead.

However, the momentum was short-lived, as the Fuego countered with a goal of their own less than a minute later when a break in Republic FC’s back line gave Daniel Kazinsky the perfect opportunity to sail the ball past Dominik Jakubek, who stood in goal for Republic FC for the second half.

In the final minutes, Republic FC certainly looked tired from their first week of preseason training camp as they struggled to keep up with Fresno’s quick attacks. Kazinsky again found an opportunity for a goal in the 83rd minute, scoring the final goal of the match, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

“Tonight was disappointing, especially from the first group,” said Republic FC head coach Preki. “We just weren’t ready to play.”

Republic FC won’t have much time to reflect on the match, as the squad is back on the road for another friendly. Republic FC will face Ventura County Fusion in another match on Monday in Ventura County. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com. Kickoff is for 7 p.m. PT.