USL News Release

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2011 season today, honoring Dayton Dutch Lions forward George Davis IV as Player of the Week after he scored twice to lift his side to a 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night. The victory was the club’s first in the professional ranks after moving into USL PRO this season from the Premier Development League.

Davis was a member of the PDL side last season and made the move up with the club. With the Dutch Lions trailing the Riverhounds in the second half on Saturday, Davis scored twice in five minutes, the second coming with 10 minutes to go, to earn victory.

Davis is joined on the Team of the Week by teammate Joel DeLass, who played an influential role in the victory in the Dutch Lions’ midfield.

Also named to the Team of the Week are the Harrisburg City Islanders duo of defender Anthony Calvano and forward Sainey Touray, both of whom played important roles as the City Islanders took a pair of victories. Touray scored in both games, including an 89th minute game-winner against the Charleston Battery on Saturday.

A pair of players who scored twice are also named to the team, with Orlando City’s Jamie Watson being honored after his two goals in the Lions’ 4-2 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads. He is joined by Rochester’s Andrew Hoxie, who scored both goals as the Rhinos earned a 2-1 victory against Antigua on Friday night, while Hoxie’s teammate Neal Kitson earned the nod in goal after scoring the first goal by a goalkeeper in Rhinos history to earn his side a 2-2 tie with the Barracuda on Sunday night.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Honorable Mention: Antigua – Randolph Burton; Charleston – Nicki Paterson; Charlotte – Eric Reed; Dayton – Mettin Copier; Harrisburg – Jason Hotchkin, J.T. Noone; New York – Graciano Brito; Pittsburgh – Jason Yeisley; Wilmington – Alex Grendi.

New York Cosmos U-23 News Release -- www.nycosmos.com

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New York Cosmos U-23 will begin their Premier Development League (PDL) exhibition schedule on Wednesday June 8th, at Farrell High School in Staten Island, their home for the 2011 season, against Ocean City FC. The team will play an 11-game season and will be coached by Cosmos Academy East Director, Giovanni Savarese.

The squad will comprise of a great mix of talent ranging from experienced players such as Stefan Dimitrov, Dane Murphy and Chad Calderone; along with current college players Nikko Lara, Michael Valencia and Kevin Orozco; complete with young outstanding players from Cosmos Academy East and Cosmos Academy West, like Ibrahim Diaby (East), Aaron Dennis (East), Moriken Sangary (East), David Diosa (East), Marvin Iraheta (West) and Armando Gaitan (West).

PDL Schedule
2010-11 Season

June 8   NY Cosmos U-23 vs Ocean City, Farrell H.S., Staten Island, 8 p.m. 
June 12 NY Cosmos U-23 vs Reading,  Farrell H.S., Staten Island 5 p.m. 
June 15 Jersey Express vs NY Cosmos U-23, NJIT, Newark, N.J. 8 p.m. 
June 21 Long Island Rough Riders vs NY Cosmos U-23, St Anthony’s HS, Long Island, 8 p.m. 
June 22 NYFC vs NY Cosmos U-23, Adelphi University, Long Island 8 p.m. 
July 1    Westchester Flames vs NY Cosmos U-23, Cy Donnelly Stadium, 8:30 p.m. 
July 6    Ocean City vs NY Cosmos U-23, Carey Stadium, N.J. 8 p.m. 
July 8    NY Cosmos U-23 vs Long Island Rough Riders, Farrell H.S., Staten Island, 8 p.m. 
July 13  NY Cosmos U-23 vs Westchester Flames, Farrell H.S., Staten Island 8:30 p.m. 
July 19  Jersey Express vs NY Cosmos U-23, NJIT, Newark, N.J., 8:30 p.m. 
July 22  Reading United vs NY Cosmos U-23, Exeter HS, Reading, Pa., 8 p.m. 

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Giovanni Savarese
Assistant Coach: Carl Rees
Assistant Coach: David Price
Assistant Coach and Manager: Jack Gaeta
Conditioning Trainer: Jason D’Amelio
Goalkeeper Coach: Guillermo “Memo” Valencia
Equipment Manager: Eoin (Owen) Merrick 

USL News Release - www.uslsoccer.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced the W-League Team of the Week today, with Virginia Beach’s Steffi Goddard earning Player of the Week honors. Goddard hit Fredericksburg for three goals this past Saturday to help the Piranhas to a 5-4 victory, their first of the season.

With Virginia Beach trailing 2-1 at half time, Goddard struck in the 50th and 54th minutes to give the Piranhas a 3-2 lead. Fredericksburg responded with two of their own, but Virginia Beach pulled one back before Goddard put her boot on a through ball in the 90th minute and buried it for a 5-4 victory.

Goddard’s last-gasp goal was not a surprise to her club. That effort has been her hallmark all season, as her hard work and dedication to the club has shown through.

“Steffi just goes 100 percent every training every practice session,” Piranhas President Marcie Laumann said. “I think it really just shows on the field, her leadership skills and how she can just step in and take control of the game singlehandedly.”

Goals came in bunches for the Team of the Week with Christine Nairn, Joelle Gosselin, Edite Fernandes, and Shonel Archer all having two-goal performances.

The week featured plenty of great defense as well, starting with the Colorado Force’s Hannah Clark backstopping her side to a clean sheet win. Defenders Briana Hovington and Lydia Hastings also led their backlines to clean sheets.

MISL Feature

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – The seven owners of the Major Indoor Soccer League’s clubs met at United Soccer Leagues headquarters on Tuesday in the league’s first Board of Governors meeting before the new season.

A wide variety of topics were discussed, ranging from the league’s structure, minimum standards and operations. While there was a lot on the agenda for the day, Norfolk Sharx owner Marcie Laumann was very pleased with the amount of work that got done.

“We had a great day today,” Laumann said. “We got far more done than I thought we’d be able to do in the few hours we’ve been here.”

All of the clubs were keen to get as many details about the league arranged ahead of the 2011-12 season’s scheduled kickoff in November, and according to Laumann that led to a spirit of cooperativeness throughout the group.

“The way we all worked together today, we got through so much in so little time,” Laumann said. “It felt within the group that everyone was working for the betterment of the league rather than everyone looking out for their own team.”

Laumann has been a USL owner for a number of years now, starting the W-League’s Virginia Beach Piranhas in 1995 before adding a Premier Development League side in 2007. With the expertise that the USL representatives at the meetings showed, and the information they were able to offer all of the MISL’s franchises, Laumann said she also felt a sense of pride when the established MISL clubs expressed how positive they felt with the information they were being provided by league directors Chris Economides, Jason Arnold and USL President Tim Holt.

Now Laumann is eager to get things going in the arena. As a soccer memorabilia collector as well as team owner, one of the first pieces in her collection was a Baltimore Blast jersey autographed by Keith Van Eron. Getting the opportunity to host the historic names of the Baltimore Blast and Wichita Wings at the Scope Arena in Norfolk is a great feeling.

“We’re very excited for the new season.” Laumann said. “I think the excitement that has come about with USL acquiring MISL is tremendous. Our phone has rung every day since the announcement; I was getting emails while I was in the meeting asking when tickets are going on sale. I think it’s a very exciting thing to bring these storied franchises into the league.” 

Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Harrisburg City Islanders defeated the Dayton Dutch Lions Wednesday night, 4-1, in front of a crowd of 1,333. The win extended the City Islanders’ winning streak to three. Braces by City Islanders Jose Angulo and Brian Ombiji – and a three-goal binge in a four-minute span in the first half – led the City Islanders to their third win in a row at home.

The City Islanders wasted no time taking advantage of their goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. In just the fifth minute, City Islander goalkeeper Phil Tuttle lifted a 60-yard goal kick downfield to see it bounce over the Dutch Lions backline and fall to Angulo. The speedy forward charged in 1-on-1 with Dayton goalkeeper Jasper Leerdam and chipped the goalkeeper, giving the City Islanders a 1-0 lead.

Angulo’s goal also made history for the Harrisburg City Islanders franchise as goalkeeper Phil Tuttle became the first goalkeeper in City Islander history to score a point.

The City Islanders would continue to press forward, and were rewarded in the 31st minute when midfielder David Schofield crossed from the left flank to Ombiji who fired his header home. Just two minutes later, Ombiji would strike again as midfielder Jason Pelletier split Dayton’s defense to allow Ombiji to finish a breakaway goal.

The scoring flurry was capped a minute later as Angulo took advantage of the Dutch Lions’ messy clearance with a left-footed blast. It was Angulo’s sixth goal of the season, tying him for second place in USL PRO. In just four minutes, the City Islanders had scored three goals and all but sealed the win.

The Dutch Lions stepped it up a notch after the break, pulling a goal back in the 57th minute as forward and USL PRO Player of the Week George Davis scored his third in two games. Defender Kyle Segebart tested City Islander goalkeeper Phil Tuttle in the 66th minute with a fierce left-footed, forcing Tuttle into a diving save and two minutes later Dayton midfielder Lucien Seymor delivered a ball to defender Evan Schwarz for the breakaway that Tuttle also denied with an amazing diving save.

But as the half wore on, the chances for the Dutch Lions decreased. Their last chance came in the 77th minute as forward Kolby LaCrone received the ball in the box, chipping his shot over Tuttle, but the City Islanders goalkeeper once again made the outstanding save, tipping the ball against the crossbar before Geoff Bloes cleared to safety.

The win was also the City Islanders’ third home game in a row. The City Islanders are now only one point behind the Rochester Rhinos for second place and three points behind the Los Angeles Blues for first place of the National Division. Harrisburg could overtake the Rhinos on Saturday when the City Islanders travel to Sahlen's Stadium for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff that will also be the first USL PRO Game of the Week on Fox Soccer Channel.

The City Islanders are back in action at the Skyline Sports Complex next Tuesday as they take on Reading United A.C. in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup. The game will take place at Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. All tickets are general admission and for $7. For more information on the City Islanders, or to order tickets, contact the team at 717-441-GOAL, or visit www.cityislanders.com.

Kitsap Pumas News Release -- www.kitsapsoccerclub.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

REDMOND, Wash. - The goal count was 2-1. The card count was 5-4. The end result was a win for the Northwest Division-leading Kitsap Pumas who improved to an unbeaten 7-0-1 (22 points) overall record and extended their division lead to nine points over second-place Portland.

Before a crowd that was comprised nearly three-to-one of Pumas supporters, Kitsap head coach Pete Fewing was able to do something he has not done all season - he emptied his bench using all six allowed substitutions - and allowing two players to make their season debuts.

Following a mediocre first half from both sides, Kitsap exploded for two quick goals just before the interval, as midfielder Nik Besagno opened scoring with a carbon copy of his bicycle kick in Portland last Friday.

The sequence leading to Besagno’s goal was triggered by a textbook David Gray corner in the 41st minute. Gray's driven ball found defender Daniel Scott, who then headed the ball down to Besagno who took it out of the air with his back to goal - and into the back of the net. It was his second goal in two matches.

Then ninety seconds later, Pumas winger Cameron Hepple took off on a long run, dished off to Matt Friesen who then unselfishly fed forward Robby Christner for his fourth goal on the season.

The Pumas then came out firing in the second half, stringing together a chain of opportunities – all of which were for naught.

In the 67th minute a second yellow card was awarded to Washington’s Matt Fisher, meaning the home side would finish the match a man down. That’s when Fewing began to bring on his reserves.

Making their season debuts for the Pumas were Kendell McFayden and Graham Davidson. Also coming on were Elliott Fauske, Greg Miley, Chris Andre and Sam Roca. Miley though, lasted all of five minutes after a strong challenge from behind by a Washington midfielder injured his foot. He is now listed as day-to-day.

Washington made things interesting in the 89th minute after a careless foul by Fauske afforded Washington a free kick which led directly to a shot on goal - and a conversion - to bring the score to 2-1. Kitsap goalkeeper Bryan Meredith claimed he was interfered with prior to the strike but the referee disagreed.

The team now prepares for its third-successive U.S. Open Cup appearance – the first PDL side to accomplish this feat – with a hard test in El Paso on Tuesday against the Chivas El Paso Patriots. Early weather reports show temperatures over 100 degrees in the first round of the knockout stage of the 2011 Cup. That match will not be broadcast due to technical and rights issues.

SCHEDULE NOTE: Sunday’s match at the Abbotsford Mariners has been rescheduled to July 5 – also at Abbotsford – to accommodate the team's Open Cup appearance.

The Pumas return home match Friday, June 17 against Abbotsford. Tickets are now on sale via www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling Puma headquarters at 360-377-6008.

Mississippi Brilla FC News Release -- www.brillasoccer.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- In a renewal of a rivalry now it's fifth year, Mississippi Brilla FC traveled to New Orleans to take on the Jesters, who along with the Baton Rouge Capitals, switched divisions within the Southern Conference this year. While the teams are not competing for the same post-season spots, the points still count toward their respective divisional races. The Jesters would be the ones earning the points on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory on two goals by Patrick Mullins.

Brilla pounced early when Phillip Buffington's flicked header found Moses Aduny running in behind the Jesters' back line. Aduny pushed the ball past the New Orleans 'keeper and knocked it into the corner of the net in the fourth minute.

The Jesters equalized almost immediately when Patrick Mullins capitalized on a defensive mixup and smashed home a shot from close range in the seventh minute.

Despite the quick start and several good chances from both teams, neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half.

The Jesters struck an important blow in the 65th minute when Patrick Mullins bagged his and the team's second and the eventual winner when he made a fine finish on a Paris Simmons cross.

The Brilla pressured the Jesters' defense during the rest of the match, but were unable to find a goal after missing several good chances and strong goalkeeper play from Jordan Lower.

Mississippi Head Coach Dave Dixon was candid with his thoughts regarding the match, saying, "We played terrible soccer tonight. We couldn't attack, couldn't defend, couldn't do anything right."

"Credit to the Jesters," Dixon added. "They outworked us all over the field."

Brilla's next match will be this Saturday as they host the Bradenton Academics for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Harper Davis Field at Millsaps College.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City has not lost a match in over two months, but the Lions face one of their toughest tests of the season Friday night when Antigua Barracuda FC comes to Orlando for the first time on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl.

Since its season opener on April 2nd, Orlando City has not lost a match. The currently 11-match unbeaten streak has Orlando City at the top of USL PRO’s American Division. Friday’s opponent sits in third place, eight points behind the Lions in the division. A result would go a long way in cementing City’s place both in the playoff race and at the top of the American Division.

Friday’s match is the first of three meetings between the Lions and Barracuda FC this month. A win in this match is key for Orlando City as the next two matches will come at the beginning of a long stretch of games for the Lions when they will play at least seven games in three weeks.

“How we play in this match will go a long way in determining what we need to do later in the season,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We’ll learn a lot about what types of players we need against Antigua. That’ll be a big help in determining how we handle that long stretch at the end of the month.”

Antigua comes in to the match fresh off a two-match home series against the Rochester Rhinos.  Barracuda FC went 0-1-1 in the matches, losing 2-1 last Friday before drawing 2-2 last Sunday. After starting the season hot, Antigua has cooled significantly. They have not won since the reorganization of the USL PRO divisions, going 0-3-1 in four matches.

Despite their recent results, Antigua brings a potent attack to the Citrus Bowl on Friday night. Antigua gets goals from all over the field, but their primary weapons are Tamarley Thomas and Stefan Smith, who leads the side with four goals. Orlando City’s league leading defense will have their hands full with the tandem. Demar Stewart, Rob Valentino, and Miguel Gallardo will have to be at the top of their game to maintain the Lions league-leading goals allowed total (eight goals in 12 games).

Orlando City is celebrating Caribbean Night in honor of Antigua’s first visit to the City Beautiful. For tickets and information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com or call 407-536-5368 today.

Orlando City projected starting line-up (unofficial)

GK – Miguel Gallardo
RB – Erik Ustruck, CB – Rob Valentino, CB – Demar Stewart, LB – Jack Traynor
RM – Luke Boden, CM – Yordany Alvarez, CM – Lawrence Olum, LM – Lewis Neal
FW – Jamie Watson, FW – Max Griffin

Available subs:
Sean Kelley, Dennis Chin, Kevin Molino, Justin Fojo, Kieron Bernard, Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell

Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads will play host to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday at Legion Stadium. This will be the third match-up this season between the two teams and the second hosted by the Hammerheads.

Friday night’s game comes one week after the Hammerhead’s first loss at home against Orlando City. The Hammerheads fell 4-2 against the Lions in a physical match last Saturday night, taking the Hammerhead’s record to 4-2-2.

The Riverhounds will also be entering Saturday night’s game off a disappointing loss against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Dayton's 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh was its first of the club's first season in USL PRO and took the Riverhounds’ record to 2-3-6.

The Hammerheads first met with Pittsburgh this season at Legion Stadium on April 29th. The Hammerheads gave up their first goal of the season in the 79th minute of the initial meeting when Jeremy Deighton scored for the Riverhounds. The Hammerheads’ attack ended up proving too much for the Riverhounds that night, completing as Paul Nicholson and Alex Grendi both scored late to earn the Hammers a 3-1 victory.

The second match up between the Hammerheads and Pittsburgh came just a few weeks back when the Hammerheads had their first doubleheader, visiting both Rochester and Pittsburgh over Memorial Day weekend. Neither team could find the back of the net during the May 28th game at Chartier’s Valley Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The Hammerheads' closest opportunity to break the deadlock in this game came from forwards Chris Banks and Jyler Noviello, whose shots both managed to hit the post in the same play.

After a loss and a tie against the Hammerheads, the Riverhounds will be sure to be on their toes on Friday night. Hammerheads head coach David Irving feels confident going into their sixth home game of the season.

“We have already defeated them once this season, so as long as we play smart and tough, we know it can be done. Pittsburgh is a strong team so we need not take the match lightly and play with diligence and purpose,” said Irving.

Ticket prices for Friday’s game are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+, and $6 for children ages 4-12. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilmingtontickets.com, through the Hammerhead ticket line at (910) 777-2111 ext 10, or at the gate on Friday. The ticket booth opens at 6pm.

D.C. United Women News Release - www.dcunitedwomen.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

GERMANTOWN, Md. - D.C. United Women are set to play their first-ever home match tonight, as they host the New Jersey Wildcats in W-League action at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.

D.C. and New Jersey previously met on Wednesday, June 25, in United Women's inaugural match, a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the Wildcats on their home ground at the College of New Jersey. Despite little practice time together beforehand, DCUW held off their hosts until Kylee Rossi found the net in the 88th minute.

United Women rebounded with a convincing 3-0 road win over the New York Magic on Sunday, while the Wildcats beat local rivals New Jersey Rangers 2-1 last Thursday and remain atop the W-League's Northeast Division standings with a perfect record of three wins and no losses.

D.C. have been paced by midfielder and U.S. Women's National Teamer Christine Nairn, who notched two goals and an assist last weekend. In defense, goalkeeper DiDi Haracic, a product of the McLean Premier Soccer system who currently plays for Loyola University (Md.), has made a number of crucial saves in the first two matches of the season.

United will also have two key players available who traveled with the team to New Jersey late last month, but were not cleared in time to play in the heartbreaking loss. U.S. National Team and WUSA and WPS veteran Christie Welsh had still been registered at the time with the U.S. Soccer Federation as a professional, while Santa Clara standout and current Georgetown University Assistant Coach Hayley Siegel was awaiting release paperwork from VFL-Sindelfingen, where she played in the Germany's Women's 2.bundesliga. Both are healthy and expected to see action tonight.

A lively crowd is expected at the cozy venue in suburban Montgomery County, which once played home to the WPS' Washington Freedom and occasionally hosts D.C. United for U.S. Open Cup matches. With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90's in the afternoon, the team will be providing extra water sales stations in addition to their contracted concessions area. Fans are reminded that no outside food or drink is permitted in the stadium.

Group orders for individual tickets of 10 or more are just $7 per game for all ages. VIP season tickets sell for $69 for adults or $39 for youth ages 4-18. General season tickets are $39 for adults or $25 for youth. While individual game tickets are $14 for adults or $8 for youth.

Fans can order and pay for tickets online at the team's website up until 5 p.m. today and still pick up tickets at Will Call (www.dcunitedwomen.com/tickets). All seating is general admission, so fans can be confident of sitting together with friends or family who may decide to attend last minute and buy tickets the gate.

The team will not have long to rest, as they hit the road this weekend to visit North Jersey Valkyries on Sunday, June 12th for a 12 noon kickoff. That match will be followed by two additional away matches the following weekend, after which United will be done with travel for the regular season and enjoy the luxury of playing four straight games at their Maryland SoccerPlex home.
 

F.C. New York News Release -- www.fcnewyorksoccer.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

QUEENS, N.Y. - F.C. New York will take on the Dayton Dutch Lions and the Richmond Kickers as it hopes to continue its resurgence with interim coach Paul Shaw at the helm. New York is undefeated in three games since Shaw has taken over.

New York welcomes the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday night and the Richmond Kickers on Sunday night. Both matches kick off at 7:30 p.m.

The Dutch Lions are supported by F.C. Twente of the Dutch Eredivisie, the highest level of soccer in the Netherlands. On Sunday the Kickers visit New York as one of the pioneers of American soccer since 1993.

New York hopes to extend a streak that dates back to May 28 during which it has picked up five points in three games. The club comes off a 1-1 draw with the defending USL-2 champion Charleston Battery last Friday thanks to a second-half header from leading scorer Graciano Brito. Brito’s four goals leave him tied for third in the league’s goal chart.

Although Dayton (1-5-2) currently sits in last place in the National Division, Shaw is expecting anything but an easy game.

“Dayton will be tough considering they won their first game last week,” Shaw said. “We need to be ready for a difficult match.”

Richmond (6-2-2) finds itself in second place in the American Division after winning its first five games of the season.

“Richmond is one of the best two to three teams in the league and we are expecting a challenge,” Shaw said.

New York (2-4-4) is in fourth place in the National Division as it approaches the midway point of the season. Striker Jhonny Arteaga and defender Karsten Smith were recently named to the USL Pro Team of the Week while Brito was given an honorable mention.

F.C. New York plays all of its home matches at Belson Stadium at St. John’s University. To order tickets please call 866-827-0154 or email tickets@fcnewyorksoccer.com.

USL News Release

Thursday, June 9, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues today announced the USL Premier Development League Team of the Week for Week 6 of the season, honoring RGV Grandes forward Juan Nava after his four goals led the side to the first victory in the club’s history, a 6-2 win against the Chivas El Paso Patriots on Saturday night.

Nava pulled the Grandes even after El Paso took an early lead, and then scored either side of halftime to complete his hat trick. He then bagged his fourth in the 58th minute before being replaced five minutes later.

Kitsap Pumas goalkeeper Bryan Meredith was named to the Team of the Week after his key performance as the Pumas earned a berth in the U.S. Open Cup with their victory against the Portland Timbers U-23s. Meredith made a crucial double-save of a penalty in the second half to help the Pumas to victory.

A pair of players who notched hat tricks are also named to the Team of the Week as Indiana’s Adam Mena is honored after his three-goal performance against the River City Rovers, while Andrew Bulls of the IMG Bradenton Academics had a hat trick against Schulz Academy.

A pair of defenders from undefeated teams are also honored, with Michael Daly of the Ventura County Fusion and Matt Hedges from Reading United being selected. Daly has been an ever-present in the Fusion’s lineup this season, helping the side to a 5-0-3 record so far, while Hedges had the game-winning goal for Reading in its 2-1 victory against the New Jersey Rangers that moved the team to 7-0-0 for the season.

USL Premier Development League Team of the Week

Honorable Mention: Akron – Michael Balogun; Carolina – Karo Okiomah; Fredericksburg – Nick Surkamp; Fresno – Milton Blanco; IMG Bradenton – Lucas Baldin; Jersey – Jerrod Laventure; LA Blues 23 – Chris Lara; Laredo – Felix Garcia; Long Island – Tyler Arnone; Michigan – Mitch Hildebrandt; Mississippi – Thomas Shannon; MPS Portland – Jason Massie; Nashville – Jean Tshimpaka; New Orleans – Paris Simmons; North Sound – Claudio Lazar; Craig Tomlinson; Ottawa – Miroslav Cabrillo; Reading – Lasse Sohrweide; Real Maryland – Travis Pittman; Schulz Academy – William Suedois; St. Louis – Pat Kelly; Tacoma – Cam Vickers; Ventura County – Brian Rowe; Virginia Beach – Marcello Alves; Western Mass – Adam Perron.

USL Feature

Friday, June 10, 2011

By NICHOLAS MURRAY

Before the USL Premier Development League season began, Fresno Fuego coach Scott Alcorn thought he had a side that was capable of competing for the Southwest Division’s berth in the U.S. Open Cup and the overall PDL Championship.

With an undefeated 6-0-2 start to the season, extending Fresno’s overall undefeated streak to 16 games dating back to last season, Alcorn’s belief has proven correct.

“What we have this year is a complete team,” Alcorn said by phone this week. “I know that term is probably overused, but the guys have fallen into their roles within the team, the pecking order within the team, and you’re only as successful as from the bottom up. I don’t think great players can carry you to a championship, it takes the bottom to lift up and I think that’s what’s happened.”

On Saturday, though, the Fuego will face their biggest challenge of the season so far when the also undefeated Ventura County Fusion come to Chuchanski Park in a matchup of the top two teams in the Southwest Division. The Fusion denied the Fuego the division’s Open Cup berth, taking the spot on goal difference after both teams finished qualifying with 4-0-0 records, but the Fuego lead the division now by two points after the Fusion faltered last week with a pair of 1-1 draws against the LA Blues 23 and Southern California Seahorses.

Despite that dip in form for the Fusion, Saturday’s game does appear as though it could be a preview for the PDL Playoffs. The two teams have opened up a five-point lead ahead of the third-placed Seahorses, and Alcorn is expecting the two teams to be playing in the postseason.

”No disrespect to the Seahorses and Orange County, we still have a lot of games left, but it appears to be Ventura and Fuego to make the playoffs,” Alcorn said. “One of us will get the No.1 seed and probably one will get the second seed.”

The two teams have already played this season, with the contest ending in a 0-0 draw in Fresno’s second game of the season and Ventura County’s first. After earning a shutout against a side that has scored 25 goals in seven games since that meeting, Alcorn believes whether his side is able to contain the Fusion’s potent attack that has four players with double-digit points and three players – Mike Magee, Callum Riley and Andrew Rose – who have scored at least four goals will be the key to the game.

“We’re sound defensively, typically for us to score two or three goals is a great game, we were probably on our best game of the year when we put five past the Blues, but I think our challenge is to keep Ventura at a shutout or one goal,” Alcorn said. “They’ve signed some guys from UCLA that are very, very good. They’ve been our nemesis and a team we’ve really battled with for the last five years I’ve been here.”

The Fuego have an excellent defensive record, currently sitting tied for the second-fewest goals conceded in the PDL with only three allowed in eight games. A key to that, according to Alcorn, has been the high pressure they’ve been able to apply on opponents in their defensive thirds, restricting their time and space and the ability to build from the back.

Of course, getting players to buy into a system that will challenge their fitness and endurance can be challenging. With the success the side has achieved with its high pressure, creating scoring chances they’ve been able to take through their opponents errors, it’s been easier for Alcorn to sell the system to his players.

“As a coach you can preach all you want, but until you have success the kids don’t fully buy into it,” Alcorn said. “Because we’ve been successful winning balls in the opponents half and scoring goals off those turnovers, now there’s a collective team effort to continue to do that.

“All of us, the coaches in the PDL, are trying to teach and trying to come up with tactics that work, but until you have success it’s hard to get the kids to buy into it.”

But with the side continuing to press ahead, and with the opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the standings to five points, Alcorn is expecting a big atmosphere in the Fuego’s first home game since May 14.

“It is the game of the season for us until we get to the playoffs,” Alcorn said. “Ventura brings a terrific side in and I’m expecting a very large crowd, 6,000 to 8,000 people again. We’ve been on the road since May 14, so it’s been close to a month, but we had a staff meeting today and we know the community is behind us, so it should be a very large crowd.” 

Colorado Force News Release - www.forcesoccer.org

Friday, June 10, 2011

LOVELAND, Colo. - On a cool, crisp night in Northern Colorado, the Colorado Force kept the powerful Pali Blues attack on ice, playing to a scoreless draw Thursday at Loveland Sports Park.

With the 0-0 result, the Force moves to 1-1-1 in the W-League’s Western Conference, while unbeaten Pali stands at 3-0-3. The Force returns to action at 7 p.m. Saturday when it hosts Santa Clarita at the University of Northern Jackson Field complex in Greeley. Pali continues its Front Range road swing on Saturday when it meets Rush in Denver.

Thursday’s scoreless match didn’t happen without some late offensive drama. In the 82nd minute, Force forward Carly Bolyard nearly provided the go-ahead score when she slipped behind the Pali defense for a one-one-one opportunity against Blues keeper Anna Maria Picarelli Bolyard received a through ball from Samantha Pena, and found herself in front of onrushing Picarelli. Bolyard had enough time to attempt to attempt an off-balance shot with her left foot, but Picarelli made the stop.

Moments later, Pali created a scoring chance in the 90th minute that Colorado repelled to preserve the draw.
The tie with Pali, which won back-to-back W-League titles in 2008 and 2009 and appears to be a contender again this year, is an early-season milestone for Colorado, said Force coach Tracy Chao.

“This was a very good soccer game,” Chao said. “It was a very good test for us, and what’s going to define our season, as far as the level our players can play at. I was very proud of our team and all the individual efforts out there.”

While both sides created a handful of scoring opportunities, including a string of corner kick chances for Pali in the first half, defense ruled. Picarelli, starting in her fourth match for the Blues, posted her third shutout and lowered her goal-against-average to 0.250. Force keeper Hannah Clark kept a season-long clean sheet, with two shutouts in her two starts. Force defender Kristen DeDycker, who anchored Colorado’s backline, was named Woman of the Match.

Reflective of the scoreboard, the teams matched shots on goal with seven apiece. However, Pali took eight corner kicks to just two for Colorado. Picarelli made three saves for Pali and Clark stopped six shots for Colorado.
 

Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Eagles host long-time rival the Wilmington Hammerheads in a must-win match on Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 7 p.m.

The Eagles plan to build on their four-game undefeated streak with a good showing on Saturday night. After losing four of their first five games, the Eagles have found momentum and are beginning to claw their way back into the mix in USL PRO’s American Division. While they trail the Charleston Battery by nine points for the fourth and final playoff berth in the division, the Eagles also have four games in hand on the Battery to make up that deficit.

After holding Orlando last week to a 0-0 draw the Eagles proved that their defense, led by team captain Greg Dalby, can handle the best in the league. With Diego Martins recovering from a groin injury and back in the line-up, the Eagles’ midfield continues to grow in strength and depth. Producing goals continues to be the crux for the Eagles and Saturday’s game could be decided on the success of the Eagles’ offense.

After a year hiatus the Wilmington Hammerheads have rejoined the league with a bang. While they fell last Saturday to Orlando, 4-2, the Hammerheads have started the new season well, currently sporting a winning record of 4-2-2, Wilmington will be a tough team to beat.

Two first year players, Chris Banks and Luke Mulholland, lead the team in scoring while USL veteran Ivan Becerra leads the Wilmington defense. As always, the North Carolina rivalry will produce a high-octane game that can’t be missed.

The Eagles are proud to partner with the Boy Scouts of America. The Charlotte Scouts will be out in force for Saturday night’s game, while Saturday Night is also Eagles Poster Night. The first 500 fans will receive a 2011 Charlotte Eagles Team poster compliments of Action Graphics, the official printer of the Charlotte Eagles.

Purchase your tickets today at www.charlotteeagles.com. Call 704-841-8644, x27 for group tickets.
 

Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Returning home after taking four out of six points on the road, the Rochester Rhinos will look continue their momentum when they kickoff against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Sahlen’s Stadium on Saturday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. The game will also be televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel.

Harrisburg and Rochester have met once this season, back on May 10th with the Rhinos falling 1-0. The City Islanders leading scorer Juan Angulo tallied the game-winner in that match early as Harrisburg managed to hold on after the 26th minute goal. Former Rhino Chase Harrison has started seven of nine matches in goal going 2-3-2 with a 1.47 goals against average.

Harrisburg is one point behind the Rhinos in the National Division with two games in hand, however they are winless on the road (0-2-1) in 2011. Rochester meanwhile is unbeaten at home going 2-0-2 and has allowed just one goal in those matches.

Offensively Rochester has a four-way tie atop their goal scoring list as Alfonso Motagalvan, Tony Donatelli, and Andrew Hoxie have each notched two tallies this season. In goal, Neal Kitson has started ten matches and has a 1.00 goals against average and three shutouts.

“Harrisburg has always put a quality team on the field” said Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley. “Their success in the league and in U.S. Open Cup play has not been a fluke and they will present one of our toughest tests yet.”

RHINOS HOXIE AND KITSON NAMES TO USL PRO TOW

For the first time this season two Rochester Rhinos have received league Team of the Week honors. Forward Andrew Hoxie tallied both goals in the Rhinos 2-1 win at Antigua last Friday night. Meanwhile goalkeeper Neal Kitson went 1-0-1 during the two-game set in Antigua while also putting his name in the history books. Kitson became the first goalkeeper in club history to score a goal. The Little Neck, New York native scored the historic goal in stoppage time to earn the draw on Sunday.

RHINOS ARE FOR THE DOGS

Saturday will also mark the return of the Rhinos popular “Bark in the Park” night. Fans can bring their pooch to the stadium and mingle with other dogs in the “bark zone.” There will also be a puppy pool party and contest. for man’s best friend to participate in. Fans and dogs interested can contact the Rhinos ticket office and purchase their $8.00 ticket. Dogs are admitted free.
The first 1,000 fans attending Saturday night’s match will also receive a rally towel courtesy of Saranac.

RHINOS SIGN DEFENDER MARSHALL

The Rochester Rhinos have signed defender Yahance Marshall to a contract the club announced on Tueday. Marshall is a 25-year old defender from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. After appearing in two matches for the Los Angles Galaxy in 2009 and 2010, Marshall was loaned to the Austin Aztex where he appeared in 24 matches in 2010. He has also appeared in four matches for the T&T national team.

USL News Release

Friday, June 10, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – The first of 10 USL PRO Game of the Week national broadcasts on FOX Soccer is set for Saturday as the Harrisburg City Islanders travel to face the Rochester Rhinos in a National Division showdown. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET from Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester.

USL’s broadcast deal with FOX Soccer in 2011 includes a total of 15 live game broadcasts – 10 USL PRO regular season games as well as a USL PRO quarterfinal and semifinal, the USL PRO championship game and the championship games for the Premier Development League and W-League.

“We’re excited to give fans throughout North America the opportunity to see the passion, excitement and tradition that make USL PRO such a competitive and entertaining league,” USL President Tim Holt said. “FOX Soccer is the destination channel for all American soccer fans and we are proud to continue providing USL coverage on the network for a tenth consecutive year.”

Calling all the action from Rochester and for the majority of the broadcasts will be the voice of USL, Kenn Tomasch, alongside USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor, who will provide color commentary. Tomasch is a veteran of many USL broadcasts in previous years, and also serves as host of “USL Breakaway Magazine,” a monthly 30-minute highlight and feature show also seen on FOX Soccer.

Mellor has been a staff coach with the United States Soccer Federation since 1992 and was a professional goalkeeper for two decades, primarily in the English Premier League. He manages the technical aspects of USL’s player development programs and combines, and assists USL teams in scouting, development and advancement of players.

The next USL PRO Game of the Week broadcast is set for Saturday, June 18 when the Wilmington Hammerheads visit the Citrus Bowl to take on Orlando City. Orlando City currently sits seven points ahead of the Richmond Kickers atop USL PRO’s American Division. The USL PRO Game of the Week is produced by Cultural Videos and Sports Communications Inc.
 

USL Feature

Friday, June 10, 2011

By NICHOLAS MURRAY

Talking to both Rochester Rhinos coach Bob Lilley and Harrisburg City Islanders coach Bill Becher, the word consistency comes up frequently.

Both teams have been looking for the formula that will provide consistent results, and with the Rhinos having taken four points out of six in Antigua last weekend and Harrisburg having won three consecutive games as they enter Saturday night’s USL PRO Game of the Week on Fox Soccer, both appear to be starting to find it from their squads.

For the Rhinos, though, consistency has been hard to come by so far this season. Prior to their trip to the Caribbean, the Rhinos had been on a three-game winless streak, and still only hold a 4-4-3 record. With injuries to key players like defender Troy Roberts and forward Isaac Kissi, it’s been far from smooth sailing for a side many expected to be near the top of the league’s overall standings.

Lilley, though, is optimistic that his side will benefit in the long-run from the changes that have occurred in the lineup, giving more minutes and experience to those who might have been on the fringes of the team otherwise.

“[Antigua] was a great weekend to try and get some reserve players a lot of minutes,” Lilley said of last weekend’s games. “They did well with that, and we feel like we played well but we also feel like we were able to rest some guys over the weekend in Antigua who will now be ready with the heavy fixture list and Open Cup games. It’s where we’re hoping for the back half of the season we’re able to build off that weekend.”

Harrisburg has also had injuries to overcome, but the City Islanders have seen great improvement in their past three games. Now instead of giving up late goals, which earlier in the season cost the City Islanders points, they are scoring late goals to claim additional ones, such as Sainey Touray’s 89th-minute game-winner against Charleston last Saturday. The key to that has been the effort on the field, which for most of the recent homestand was strong.

“I think our work-rate has been very good, we’ve done a very good job defensively for most of those three games,” Becher said. “The disappointing thing, I think, was in the two games where we had a three-goal and four-goal lead we backed off a little bit and gave up some goals, but more than anything our work rate has been good and we’ve been playing together as a team.”

At the forefront of the City Islanders’ success has been young striker Jose Angulo, whose six goals lead the team. But the team has been getting strong performances by many others, including Brian Ombiji, who had two goals in the 4-1 win against Dayton on Wednesday, Jason Pelletier and David Schofield.

“Ombiji’s a guy that does a lot of the dirty work, does a lot of the stuff that goes unseen sometimes,” Becher said. “He’s had a couple of assists, but he’s always scored goals for us, he’s always come through with some big goals like in the 2007 championship game, so it was good to get him a couple of goals, it was well deserved.”

But Angulo has been the big story of the season so far for Harrisburg, and the 23-year-old’s work-rate and enthusiasm appears to be rubbing off on some of his older teammates.

“It’s been great watching him in practice,” said City Islanders midfielder Jason Hotchkin, also the oldest player on the team. “It’s inspiring for me to see his hunger for the game and to see his drive and will to be in the game. From where he’s come from to where he is now, it’s guys like that who keep old guys like me going, it’s fun to watch him in practice and games and see the success that they have and hopefully then moving up into MLS and maybe even beyond that.”

Angulo scored the only goal when the two teams met earlier this season at the Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, and both Becher and Hotchkin believe that victory will add motivation to the Rhinos to gain a little revenge at home.

But Lilley believes the most important thing for his side is to get back to winning ways at Sahlen’s Stadium, where they have drawn each of their last two contests. To accomplish that, Lilley said they would need to continue to build the consistency that has been absent at times this season.

“I think if we’ve learned anything through the first 11 games this year it’s that if you’re not bringing your best to the table, you’re going to struggle to get results,” Lilley said. “We certainly respect Harrisburg and the form they’re in now and obviously it’s a big game with it being a home game and it being on Fox Soccer, but I think we just have to as a group make sure we’re collected for the full 90.”

As for the City Islanders, who could move even on points with the Los Angeles Blues at the top of the National Division with a victory, Hotchkin believes the team is where it needs to be to make a run into the playoffs.

“Obviously every team at this point would like to be all wins and no losses, but we can’t fool ourselves,” Hotchkin said. “We’re right where we need to be and where we want to be as far as learning lessons and gaining that maturity throughout the season that will carry us to the playoffs and hopefully to a championship.”

F.C. New York News Release -- www.fcnewyorksoccer.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

QUEENS, N.Y. -- F.C. New York maintained its unbeaten streak on Friday night at Belson Stadium thanks to goals from Troy Cole, Jhonny Arteaga, and Gary Boughton. After Cole’s third-minute header opened the scoring, Arteaga drove home to make it 2-0 in the 29th minute and Boughton’s first-time strike made it 3-0 in the 72nd.

New York started strongly, winning a corner kick in the first minute. Two minutes later, Tadeu Terra drove down the left side of the field and floated in a cross to the back post where Cole came charging in to power a header under the crossbar to give his side the lead.

The home side continued to control the game as leading scorer Graciano Brito’s 11th minute shot narrowly found the wrong side of the far post. His physical presence created multiple opportunities for fellow striker Arteaga, who blasted over in the 13th minute and dragged another chance just wide in the 15th minute.

The forwards’ combination paid off in the 29th minute as Brito held off a defender and flicked the ball on to Arteaga, who beat the offside trap and slotted under Dayton goalkeeper Jesper Leerdam to the right side to notch New York’s second.

New York’s central defensive pairing of Karsten Smith and Kyle Hoffer towered above Dayton’s forwards, winning neatly every header and allowing the team to keep possession with solid distribution from the back.

The final goal would come in the 72nd minute as Terra played provider again. Picking up the ball near midfield, he twisted and turned past three Dayton defenders cutting from left to right and played a beautiful through ball to Boughton, whose first-time strike from 10 yards was too much for Leerdam at the near post.

The win moves New York (3-4-4) to 13 points on the season, good for fourth place in the National Division, while Dayton (1-6-2) finds itself at the bottom of the table with five points.

F.C. New York’s next home game is Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. against the Richmond Kickers at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. For tickets and information please call 866-827-0154 or email tickets@fcnewyorksoccer.com.

Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the second time this season as goals by Andriy Budnyy, Chris Banks and Luke Mulholland gave them a 3-1 victory on Friday night at Legion Stadium.

The first promising opportunity was by the Hammerheads in the ninth minute when Budnyy had possession deep and was able to take a shot which was blocked by a Riverhound defender.

But it was Pittsburgh that took the lead in the 14th minute when forward Matt Fondy corralled the ball off a corner and poked it passed Wilmington goalie Brock Duckworth and a cluster of Hammerheads defenders. The Hammerheads almost responded immediately when a Wilmington free kick was played into the box by Gareth Evans but the ball was eventually shot wide of the goal.

Wilmington found the back of the net in the 27th minute when Hammerheads defender Tom Parratt sent a long ball from just short of midfield and connected with a heavily defended Budnyy. Even under heavy pressure, Budnyy was able to control the ball and fire home an equalizer for the Hammerheads, sending the teams to halftime tied 1-1.

The Hammerheads went close to taking the lead early in the second half after a free kick by Richard Jata from just outside Pittsburgh’s penalty area was deflected by Riverhounds defense to the feet of Hammerheads defender Gareth Evans who immediately knocked the ball back into the box, only to be sent just wide of the goal by a header from Budnyy.

Wilmington would take the lead in the 55th minute through Banks before Mulholland tacked on a third four minutes later from a precise ball played through Pittsburgh’s defense by Andres Cuero. With both players scoring, Banks and Mulholland remain tied for the team-lead in goals with four apiece this season.

Pittsburgh’s final quality attempt of the game came in the 72nd minute when a Riverhounds’ throw-in entered the Hammerheads’ penalty area. The Hammerheads defenders were unable to clear and a powerful shot by Fondy was pushed just right of the goal.

The Hammerheads now hit the road, facing in-state rival the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 7 p.m.