Reading United AC News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

READING, Pa. – While the result on the field was not what Reading United had hoped for, the result off the field was the focus of Friday night’s 2-0 loss to the Long Island Rough Riders. Reading wore pink jerseys to help raise funds for cancer awareness, auctioning the jerseys off during a silent auction. Just over $1,800 was raised for local charities, including $175 for defender Ged Quinn’s jersey.

During the game, Reading had their best chance of the night in the early stages. Shane Malcolm danced around Long Island’s goalie, and had a wide open net. His left footed attempt had little power, and was deflected away and off the far post.

Long Island’s Keith Detelj netted the first goal of the night, heading in a Danny Kramer cross from the near sideline past a diving Brian Holt. The Rough Riders would tally the clincher in the 79th minute, as Dom Sarle booted a penalty kick that found the right side netting.

Despite the loss, Reading (21 points, 7-1-0) remains in first place of the USL Premier Development League's Mid Atlantic Division, while the Rough Riders (19 points, 6-0-1) have closed the gap between the two teams to two points with a game in hand. The two teams have to wait over a month for a rematch in a game that will surely go a long way in deciding playoff fate for either team.

Reading will now travel to Harrisburg for a U.S. Open Cup match on Tuesday at 7 p.m. This is the second time in three years that the two teams will clash in the Open Cup, and the second time in two months. Harrisburg has won those previous two meetings; a 1-0 decision on May 14th in a friendly match held in Reading, and a 4-1 victory in the Open Cup back in 2009.

Thunder Bay Chill News Release -- www.tbchill.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

THUNDER BAY, Ontario – The Thunder Bay Chill gave the home crowd at Chapples Park a 2-0 win in their first home game of the season against division rivals Des Moines Menace. Two goals by Brandon Swartzendruber sealed the win in the first half.

In a caution-filled game, the Chill out-shot the Menace 11 to 1. It took 35 minutes for the home side to get on the score sheet when Nolan Intermoia set up Swartzendruber for the games first goal. In the 45th minute, Pedro Pereira was fouled in the box by former Chill player Anthony Colaizzi, resulting in a penalty. Swartzendruber stepped up to the spot and threaded home the shot past the Menace goalkeeper.

Head Coach Tony Colistro was pleased with the energy his team showed from the start. “It was a hard fought game, but we came out with pace and were able to play good defense,” stated Colistro.

Anthony Putrus, Gustavo Oliviera, Sicelo Buthelezi, Jordian Farahani and Wilson Neto all received yellow cards for the Chill. John Sosa and Coady Andrews received yellows for the Menace.

The second match of the home series takes place on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City and Antigua Barracuda FC battled to the end in an incredible match that saw Orlando’s 11-game undefeated streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss as Stefan Smith and Randolph Burton gave Antigua victory. The game was a thrilling fight to the end resulting in four red cards, three goals, two yellow cards which captivated every single one of the 5,943 in attendance at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

The first half was a very back-and-forth affair. Both sides jockeyed for position with neither team managing a dangerous attack. The major hindrance for Orlando was the seven offside infractions they committed in the first half, cancelling several goal-scoring opportunities. Though action-packed, the first half ended scoreless.

The second half began with a frenzy of Antigua attacks. The Barracuda broke through in the 48th minute when Lions defender Demar Stewart was whistled just outside the 18-yard box, a near ideal location for a free kick. Quinton Griffith slammed the ball low and hard towards the near post. Orlando goalkeeer Miguel Gallardo blocked the shot but Smith jumped on the rebound for a quick strike and a 1-0 lead.

Antigua’s strong attack was not finished when Burton beat Luke Boden on a one-on-one.  Gallardo was left with little chance as Burton slid a low shot into the net. Just 10 minutes into the second half the Barracudas were firmly in control of the match.

The Lions were down, but determined. They struck back hard in the 59th minute with an fine finish by forward Max Griffin. Lions winger Jamie Watson assisted the goal by making a through-pass to Griffin, who easily slid the ball past Antigua goalkeeper Keita DeCastro. Griffin picked up his league-leading eighth goal of the season and gave Orlando City a boost of energy.

That energy spilled over in the 70th minute when Rob Valentino was tackled hard from behind and angrily stood up with frustration as Lawson Robinson threw a punch. Valentino shoved him in return. Both teams immediately got involved, sending the game into a massive fight and heated argument. Red cards were issued with Valentino being sent off along with two Antigua players and their assistant coach. One of the Barracuda ejections, Akeem Thomas, was the result of a substitute leaving sidelines to join in a physical altercation. Both teams played with ten men the remainder of the match.

Orlando City pushed hard to try and score the tying goal but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.  Griffin came close after scrambling in the six-yard box to score, but he was ultimately shut down in crowd of defenders. Orlando City’s loss was tough, but they fought courageously and never gave up on their attack until the final whistle.

“In the final third we need to be more consistent; we need to be more lethal,” said Gallardo. “We’re the best team in the league by far and tonight we lost to a team, in all due respect to them, we were much better than, but we’ll get a chance again to get them back.”

Orlando will not have to wait long before they face Antigua again. The Lions face Barracuda FC in a two-game series in Antigua which begins on June 24th and concludes on June 26th. Both matches will be shown on USLLive.com.

Next up for the Lions is the opening round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. City takes on ASC New Stars at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 14, at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex. For tickets and information, call 407-536-5368 or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com.

Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Saturday, June 11, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos welcomed the Harrisburg City Islanders to Sahlen’s Stadium on Saturday night. Kendall Jagdeosignh’s 65th minute goal was enough to lift the Rhinos over the Islanders catapulting Rochester past the Los Angeles Blues (17 points) into first place in the National Division with 18 points.

The first half saw both teams struggle early to generate any consistency on the attack. Both teams managed just seven total shots during the first 45 minutes of play.

Rochester’s best scoring opportunities came in the 33rd minute when defender TJ Gore blasted a shot from the side of the 18, putting it high over the bar. Two minutes later midfielder Tony Donatelli had an opportunity from near the penalty area but watched with similar results.

The start of the second half witnessed much of the same until midfielder JC Banks managed to elude Harrisburg’s Andrew Welker in the 62nd minute to place a shot that goalkeeper Phil Tuttle stopped easily. Rochester continued to pressure in the 65th minute when Jagdeosingh ran onto a ball played deep into Islander territory. The Trinidadian forward used his speed, tallying his second goal of the season unassisted to put the Rhinos up 1-0.

“We didn’t play with enough determination during the first half which cost us some opportunities” said Jagdeosignh. “In the second half we definitely played with much more energy.”

Rochester’s Andrew Hoxie nearly added an insurance goal in the 87th minute turning on a ball just outside of the 18. Hoxie managed to turn, getting a right foot on a hard shot that Tuttle had to be sharp to stop.

Rochester’s defense clamped down the rest of the way holding off a late Harrisburg surge. Rochester netminder Neal Kitson’s diving save on Jason Pelletier late preserved his fourth shutout of the season.

“We didn’t play our best game tonight” said Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley. “We played well enough however to get a win in front of the home crowd.”

The Rhinos will put their unbeaten home record (3-0-2) on the line on Tuesday night when they host Phoenix SC in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup tournament on Tuesday, June 14 beginning at 7:35 p.m.

 Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com

Saturday, June 11, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In-between rain showers, the Charlotte Eagles put together a dominating 3-0 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Cheyne Roberts received the player of the match award, scoring goals in both the 11th and 40th minute. Diego Martins sealed the victory with a goal in the 71st minute.

A torrential down pour delayed the game, bringing about a much cooler 8 p.m. start. From the whistle both the Eagles and the Hammerheads fell into their groove. For the first ten minutes, a midfield battle ensued. Wilmington tested Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed early, firing a shot low and in the corner that Reed was able to make a diving save to set up for a Wilmington corner.

The Eagles answered quickly after a blown Eagles corner kick. Sanchez got in the way of a Wilmington clearance and delievered the ball back into a chaotic Wilmington penalty area. Roberts quickly settled and turned, finding the corner of the net with his shot.

The Eagles continued to apply pressure and just minutes after the first goal a rocket from Martins flashed just wide of the net. Then both teams settled, sharing possession late into the first half. Wilmington had their best chance of the half off a beautiful free kick taken by Luke Mulholland. The ball skipped past the wall, but Reed smothered it just in time to deny the goal in the 37th minute.

Two minutes later Reed made another great save as Wilmington had a great chance off a broken corner kick play.

In the 40th minute the Eagles added their second as Herrera found Roberts on a cross. Roberts beat his defender in the air for his second goal of the night and a 2-0 lead for the Eagles at the break.

The second half was hard fought by both teams making for some great soccer. While both teams were able to create opportunities, the Eagles were able to capitalize one last time in the 71st minute. Herrera found himself on a breakaway with Wilmington’s defense closing fast. Feeling the heat, Herrera led Martins into the box. Martins finished easily, putting the Eagles up 3-0.
The Eagles were able to extend their current undefeated streak to five games. The next Eagles home game is next Saturday night, and will be part of a doubleheader with the USL W-League's Charlotte Lady Eagles, who face the Dayton Dutch Lions Women at 5:30 p.m. and before USL PRO's Dayton Dutch Lions take on the Eagles at 8 p.m.

Virginia Beach Piranhas News Release - www.vbpiranhas.com

Sunday, June 12, 2011

DAYTON, Ohio – The W League Piranhas (2-2-0) jumped into third place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference Saturday night, primarily on the strength of Steffi Goddard’s right foot. Goddard has simply outscored the team’s opposition including the Dayton Dutch Lions (3-2-1), netting a hat trick in each of her last two matches. That’s six goals in two games to people who are not diehard footy fans. And two of those goals were game winners – one in stoppage time on June 4th and one just before the final whistle at 90 minutes Saturday night.

Saturday night’s road match win at Dayton came after a 9-hour van ride from Virginia Beach. The entire team and coach Wendy Waddell arrived very late Friday night but were fired up and ready to go Saturday, feeding off the frenzy of June 4th’s last minute 5-4 win over Fredericksburg. That win, too, was courtesy of Goddard’s second half heroics. The Red and White were primed and felt they had the talent and the will to do it again. And they did.

This is not to say that Goddard won this game single-handedly. She didn’t. She had lots of help from her teammates and her coach. Saturday’s dose of déjà vu was helped immensely by Emily Kittleson’s two assists and by the Piranha’s second goal that came by way of newcomer Cheyenne Martinez-Trevino. Kittleson also assisted on Goddard’s game-winner on June 4th. The other Piranha team members just kept up the pressure both on offense and defense to insure the win.

Coach Waddell changed things up a bit for this match after Dayton scored in the third minute of play. It was a quick wakeup call. Even after Goddard’s last performance, Waddell moved her up to a forward position from midfield and adjusted other combinations in her lineup. The team responded and four minutes later evened the score at 1-1 off Goddard’s first goal of the match.

The Piranhas took the 2-1 lead in the 19th minute off of Martinez-Trevino’s goal and settled in. But Dayton evened the score two minutes before the break and the first half ended 2-2.

Virginia Beach started the second half with a winning mindset and Goddard netted her second goal to take her team up 3-2 in the 56th minute. But you can’t sit back in a match with the top team in the division and Dayton didn’t disappoint, pulling even again in the 85th minute, 3-3. The Piranhas, though, weren’t to be denied and the twosome of Goddard and Kittleson went to work in the 89th minute. Kittleson collected a throughball and ran up the far side, finishing her run with a cross to the middle. Goddard was waiting and powered the feed past the Dayton keeper for the winner. Seconds later, the whistle sounded to mark the Piranhas 4-3 win.

Goddard now stands in first place in the W League in goals with six, in second place in points with 12 and in 7th place in shots with 16 - all in four games. Kittleson stands in second place in the W League in assists with four, also in just four games.

The W League Piranhas will return home to the Sportsplex on Friday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. against Atlanta. The women will play in the first half of a doubleheader with the PDL Piranhas who will face West Virginia at 8 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Fresno Fuego News Release -- www.fresnofuego.com

Saturday, June 11, 2011

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Fresno Fuego and Ventura County Fusion came into Chukchansi Park unbeaten and left just same way. In a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men, the Fuego (6-0-3) retained their place on top of the USL Premier Development League's Southwest Division after a 1-1 draw with the Fusion (5-0-4) on Saturday night.

The Fuego went down a goal early when Fusion midfielder Jake Hustedt struck in the 20th minute, silencing the crowd of 4,053 at Chukchansi Park. The Fuego would then be reduced to 10 men with the ejection of Tyler Crough in the 23rd minute.

But the Fuego were able to respond after the halftime break and in the 53rd minute Fuego captain Milton Blanco scored on a free kick from 25 yards, bending the ball around the Fusion wall and sneaking it just past the arms of goalkeeper Sam Hayden.

The referee would even the numbers when he showed a red card to Fusion midfielder Michael Jensen for a strong tackle on Blanco. Both teams pressed on trying to find a winner and were able to create chances. The Fuego had more opportunities, out-shooting the visitors, and almost stole victory in the 90th minute when Fuego veteran Eddie Gutierrez was taken down just outside the box.  Blanco stepped up and hit a sizzling shot that had Hayden beat yet again only to hit the post and leave the Fuego and Fusion destined for a draw.

The Fuego will next host the Los Angeles Legends on Saturday, June 18th at Chukchansi Park. The first 1000 fans will receive a 2011 team poster courtesy of Supercuts.

In collaboration with Univision Radio, the Fuego will continue to provide free game passes to fans for all home games. Fans just need to call Univision Radio at (559) 430-8500 or become a Facebook friend of the Fuego and print their own game pass.

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

Sunday, June 12, 2011

QUEENS, N.Y. – F.C. New York’s four-game unbeaten streak in USL PRO was thwarted by the visiting Richmond Kickers, who took a 2-0 victory on Sunday night thanks to goals from native New Yorker Edson Elcock and Matthew Delicâte, both in first-half stoppage time.

New York got caught on its heels and was plagued by injuries over the course of the evening, the most important of which saw the team’s leading goal scorer Graciano Brito get knocked around several times early before he left with an injury in the 17th minute.

Kickers head coach, Leigh Cowlishaw, made a point of making sure his defenders pestered Brito from the outset. At the other end of the field, Richmond was knocking on the door for the entire first half and finally broke through in the 45th minute. Elcock headed in what proved to be the game-winner, then Delicate soon followed suit right before the halftime whistle to put F.C. New York in a 2-0 hole at the break.

New York came out with vigor and determination in the second half and created a number of opportunities in Richmond’s final third, but couldn’t capitalize. Richmond improves to 7-2-2 on the season while also regaining second place in the American Division after its first victory since May 7. F.C. New York falls to 3-5-4, and remains in fourth place in the National Division.

Up next for F.C. New York is the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday at the Metropolitan Oval in Queens, N.Y. Their opponent will be the Western Mass Pioneers of the USL Premier Development League. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps Residency News Release -- www.whitecapsfc.com

Sunday, June 12, 2011

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A breezy Sunday afternoon saw the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency (4-1-2) earn a 2-1 home win against  the Portland Timbers U-23s (4-4-1) in the USL Premier Development League on Bell Pitch at Empire Field.

Coming off a 2-1 victory over British Columbia rivals the Victoria Highlanders last weekend the young ’Caps were looking for a strong effort against the defending PDL champions, having added some Major League Soccer flavour to their roster for this PDL Northwest Division clash.

With Wes Knight, Long Tan, Russell Teibert, and Blake Wagner in Residency head coach Richard Grootscholten’s line-up, the Resdiency team looked to field an offensively-minded squad to match the a powerful Portland attack, which had produced 16 goals in eight league matches - the second most in the Northwest Division.

Both sides got off to a good start, but it was the ’Caps who created the game’s first chance. Teibert took a Tan feed and sailed a strike over the Portland crossbar on a beautiful left-footed volley in the 14th minute. The Timbers U-23s replied with an attack of their own three minutes later, as striker Brent Richards took a Portland cross and just missed converting the opportunity.

In what quickly became a back-and-forth affair, Carlos Marquez had a wonderful opportunity in the 22nd minute to notch the game’s first goal, but Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Garrett Staples was on hand to make one of his two saves on the day.

It was on 29 minutes that the game’s first goal was produced by two Vancouver MLS players. Showing incredible patience and touch, Knight fed a perfect cross to the head of Tan, who scored for the second consecutive PDL match in East Vancouver and hand the Residency team a 1-0 halftime lead.

That advantage was quickly taken away, though, as Portland came storming out the gate to start the second half. Just three minutes after the break a corner from the Timbers U-23’s Sean Morris was knocked home by Ryan Kawulok, despite the efforts of ’Caps goalkeeper Callum Irving.

Whitecaps FC substitute Caleb Clarke came on in the 61st minute and had an almost immediate impact, converting a strike after a marvellous pass from Ben Fisk in the 67th minute to restore Vancouver’s lead.

Several substitutions by both sides saw the pace of the action maintained as Portland pushed back for the equalizer. Clarke seemed to be a one-man force for the ’Caps at the other end as he came close with a headed chance in the 79th minute. The final minutes saw the Timbers U-23s make one last push to find an equalizer, but the Residency team were able to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory and extend their unbeaten streak in the PDL to six matches.

Although happy with the result, Grootscholten saw plenty of room for improvement in his squad, who find themselves in second place in the PDL’s Northwest Division after seven matches played.

"The 2-1 result is good, but we’re not satisfied with the way we played," he told whitecapsfc.com. "We like to play possession out of our backline and Portland played us with pressure high up the pitch, and we’re not really used to that. Some of our players panicked a bit, but that’s why we play these games. That’s why we talk with the players and show them the video of these games. I thought the last 30 minutes were much better, as we got our confidence back by putting fresh players in and we controlled the game until the end."

Whitecaps FC Residency will have a week to prepare for next Sunday’s PDL home match against the Washington Crossfire. The game will take place at Coquitlam’s Percy Perry Stadium at 4 p.m. PT. The Timbers U-23s, meanwhile, return home to host Tacoma Tide next Saturday night.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers open the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 14, hosting the Dayton Dutch Lions at Richmond City Stadium at 7:00 p.m. Should the Kickers advance past their USL PRO opponents, they will host the winner of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds against Chattanooga FC (NPSL) game in the Second Round on Tuesday, June 21. Wear red and purchase tickets for just $5 at the gate. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted for this match.

The Kickers meet the expansion USL PRO franchise, Dayton, for the second time this season after coming away with a 6-0 victory against the Dutch Lions on April 30. Scoring early and often, the Kickers left their mark at Miami Valley South Stadium when Matthew Delicâte registered in the fifth minute. The Kickers' leading scorer added two assists on the night, while midfielder David Bulow notched a pair of goals in the second half. Midfielders Edson Elcock and Ryan Heins each contributed their first goals of the season and newcomer Shaka Bangura rounded out the scoreline.

Off to a slow start this season, the Dutch Lions trail in the National Division standings with a 1-6-2 record. Recently recording their first professional win, Dayton stunned division foes Pittsburgh with a 2-1 victory earlier this month. Most recently, they suffered a pair of losses to Harrisburg and F.C. New York, conceding seven goals, during their first road-trip of the season last week.

Meanwhile, the Kickers continue to reside in second place in the American Division standings with a 7-2-2 record. Returning to regular season action the Kickers handed F.C. New York a 2-0 defeat at Belson Stadium on Sunday night courtesy of two first half tallies by Elcock and Delicâte.

The 2011 season marks the 13th time the Richmond Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 19 seasons and hold an overall record of 19-11 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the “Professional Era” in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round four times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007), ousting three Major League Soccer teams along the way including Colorado Rapids in 2000, D.C. United in 2004 and LA Galaxy in 2007. With 64 total goals scored during the Open Cup, the Kickers set several franchise records as well as a Professional Era U.S. Open Cup record for most goals (12) during the 8-4 rout over the Ocean City Barons in 2005.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years beginning in 1914. Like recent editions, the U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, with games tied after regulation extended by two 15-minute overtime halves. If a winner is not determined in overtime, advancement will be determined by penalty kicks. The 2011 champion will earn a $100,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will collect $50,000. The top Division III and Amateur Division clubs will each receive a $10,000 prize.

Tickets

Richmond Kickers regular admission prices will apply for the First Round match. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for youth ages 3-17. Avoid lines at the gate and click and print your tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com. Richmond Kickers Season Passes, Coach Passes and Youth Pro Passes will be accepted for this match.
 

The Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer are the reigning Open Cup Champions, winning the tournament in both 2009 and 2010. 

Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos will take a break from league play on Tuesday night when they host Phoenix SC in the first round of U.S. Open Cup play. The match kicks off at 7:35 p.m. and season ticket holders should use their ticket marked Wild Card A.

The Rhinos return to Open Cup play for the 16th time in their history. Twice they have advanced to the final of the tournament, losing to D.C. United (3-0) in 1996 and defeating the Colorado Rapids (2-0) in 1999. They still remain the only team from outside Major League Soccer to capture the title since the inception of MLS in 1996.

Phoenix SC, an amateur team from Philadelphia, is currently the champion of Pennsylvania’s United Soccer League, the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association’s Amateur Cup and EPSA Open Cup. The German Sport Club has been in existence for over 85 years, fielding a soccer team for the last fifty.

Rochester meanwhile enters the match with a 25-12-5 all-time mark in U.S. Open Cup play. The club is 8-0 against amateur teams in tournament play and is 13-1-1 all-time in its opening matches. The Rhinos have reached the quarterfinal round each of the last two seasons falling to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United and the Columbus Crew in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Tickets for the U.S. Open Cup match are on sale at the Sahlen’s Stadium box office, by phone at (585) 454-KICK or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery (USL PRO) kick off their 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign on Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium with a first round match against Regals FC (USASA-Texas); gates open at 6 p.m. with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. The Battery enjoyed a strong Open Cup run in 2010 that included an away victory against Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire; the Battery eventually lost to MLS’s Columbus Crew in a quarterfinal match played in Columbus, Ohio.

Regals FC advanced to the 2011 competition by finishing second in the USASA Region III tournament played over the Memorial Day weekend.

The winner of the Battery-Regals FC match will face off against the winner of the Orlando City (USL PRO) vs. ASC New Stars (USASA) match in a second round fixture next Tuesday night (June 21). If the Charleston Battery advances it will host that game at Blackbaud Stadium (7:30 p.m.).

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

The first and second rounds will be made up exclusively of lower division and amateur teams and will be played on June 14 and June 21, respectively, with eight teams advancing to play eight MLS teams on June 28 in the third round.

The tournament has crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years beginning in 1914. Every winning team’s name is engraved on the base of the Dewar Challenge Trophy which dates to the first year of the tournament and currently resides at U.S. Soccer House in Chicago. This year’s final will take place on Oct. 4.

At stake in the tournament is $180,000 in prize money broken down as follows: $100,000 to the champion, $50,000 to the runner up and $10,000 to the team that advances deepest into the tournament from each of the Division II, Division III and amateur levels. The winner of the U.S. Open Cup also receives an automatic berth into the CONCACAF Champions League.

U.S. Open Cup Tickets

Tickets for the Charleston Battery vs Regals FC match are available for $5 (bleacher) and $10 (Club). 2011 Season Ticket holders receive complimentary tickets to this match. To purchase tickets, for directions, group orders, or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com. 

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla. – Tuesday marks yet another first for the Orlando City history books as the club begins its first season of U.S. Open Cup play against USASA Region III side ASC New Stars. The Lions are now a part of an American soccer tradition that dates back to 1914. The match will be played at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

City’s first opponent represents what makes the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup unique. ASC New Stars are an amateur team from the Houston area. They qualified for the tournament through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) regional tournament. Much like the F.A. Cup in England, the Open Cup allows all amateur and professional teams the opportunity to qualify for the tournament.

The New Stars come into the match as the champions of Region III of the USASA. They defeated fellow Houston area club Regals FC 2-1 in overtime in the Region III final over Memorial Day weekend. Regals FC also qualified for the tournament and stand to be Orlando City’s next opponent should both they and the Lions advance.

The Lions will bring a new look line-up into the match. Several players are being rested ahead of the Lions' national television debut on Saturday against the Wilmington Hammerheads, which can be seen live on Fox Soccer at 7:30 p.m. This opens up opportunities for local products Justin Fojo (Lake Mary) and Dennis Chin (Oviedo) to get their first starts of the season. Recent signing Charlie Campbell and reserve goalkeeper Sean Kelley are also expected to receive their first starts of the season.

A victory in the match would send the Lions into the second round of the tournament. They will face the winner of the Charleston Battery/Regals FC match. If Charleston wins, the Lions will travel to Charleston. Regals will travel to Orlando should they emerge victorious. If the match is played in Orlando, it will take place at UCF.

Tickets for the match are $15 and are general admission. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com or call 407-536-5368.

USL News Release

Monday, June 13, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced today that the 2011 Super Y-League North American Finals presented by Umbro - one of the top college recruiting events in the country - has been set for December 2-6 in Tampa, Florida.

The revitalized showcase event features more than 130 boys and girls teams and nearly 2,500 players from throughout the U.S. and Canada competing for the right to be called North American champions. It has been moved later on the calendar to allow for increased attendance among college, national team and international club scouts due to fewer conflicts with other tournaments.

“I’ve had the opportunity to attend the USL Super Y-League North American Finals and I was impressed by the overall level of play and the quality of players participating,” U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team Assistant Coach Erik Imler said. “The Super Y-League is a great opportunity for elite-level players looking to develop their game, and the North American Finals provides a great platform for players to be identified by college coaches or national team programs.”

In its 13th consecutive year, the SYL North American Finals has helped launched the careers of many notable U.S. soccer stars such as Jozy Altidore and 2010 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year Mollie Pathman. More than 100 men’s and women’s college soccer coaches, as well as U.S. Soccer National Team scouts, attended the 2010 SYL North American Finals in Tampa, with the later date expected to increase those numbers for 2011. Participants also have the opportunity to be identified for the SYL ODP National Camps, which take place under the direction of USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor.

“From an identification standpoint, the Super Y-League North American Finals is a special opportunity for elite-level players,” Mellor said. “Not only will participants have the opportunity to be selected for the SYL National ODP Camps, they will be seen by top college coaches, US National Team staff and international club coaches that will be on site thanks to the high level of play the Super Y-League offers.”

USL has added respected soccer executive Farrukh Quarishi as a special consultant for the Finals. Quarishi, who established and oversaw the highly successful Sun Bowl international youth tournament for many years and served as the Venue Executive Director for World Cup USA 1994 in Orlando, will work with USL to ensure the 2011 event reaches new levels in both quality and competitiveness.

The SYL North American Finals are presented by league partner Umbro in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tampa Bay & Company, the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council, and the Pasco County Office of Tourism. Tampa’s Ed Radice Soccer Complex and the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center in Pasco County will serve as the venues for all the action at the Finals.

“We’re excited about once again working with USL to help produce one of the top youth soccer events in North America,” Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins said. “The Tampa Bay Sports Commission continues to work closely with local officials to ensure the quality of the fields at the 2011 Super Y-League North American Finals befits the high quality of the competition.”

Teams in the U12 to U17 age groups will qualify from their respective regions (Mid Atlantic, Midwest, New England, Northwest, South Atlantic and Southeast) and compete for national titles. The allocation of finals berths by division for the boys and girls will be released during the next week.

The SYL North American Finals presented by Umbro are expected to draw more than 10,000 participants, family members, and spectators, and will feature an updated interactive Player’s Village where players and fans can relax, check out what is new in the soccer world and enjoy entertainment from USL partners and vendors. USL Breakaway Magazine, the feature show highlighting the teams and personalities throughout United Soccer Leagues, will be on site to produce a 30-minute show for FOX Soccer Channel focused on the SYL North American Finals.

Founded in 1999, the Super Y-League is a professionalized system serving as one of the first steps in developing elite youth soccer players in North America. Affiliated with U.S. Soccer, the league is designed for talented youth players striving for professional careers. The most talented boys and girls participating in the Super Y-League are chosen for the SYL Olympic Development Program Camps, from which the top players are often selected for National Team programs.

Participating clubs represent the youth academies of some of the top professional clubs in North America, including Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew. USL PRO clubs also field Super Y-League teams, including the Richmond Kickers and Harrisburg City Islanders.

Ed Radice Soccer Complex & Land O’Lakes Recreation Center
The majority of the 2011 SYL North American Finals, including all championship matches, will be played at the Ed Radice Soccer Complex. The sprawling facility serves as home to Tampa Bay United (formerly Hillsborough County United) – the 2006 U17 boys Super Y-League Champion. Fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center will host preliminary and semifinal action.

Tampa Bay Sports Commission
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501c3, charitable corporation that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and hosting major amateur sporting events. Our mission is to attract, promote and/or organize major amateur sporting events, and grassroots youth sports programs, that foster the ongoing development and quality of life for the entire Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission works to unite all interests in the Bay Area under one full-service approach that provides leadership and guidance for the benefit of all parties involved with amateur and youth sports. The Sports Commission works with area convention and visitors bureaus to provide a wealth of services to potential events and their governing bodies.
 

USL Feature

Monday, June 13, 2011

By NICHOLAS MURRAY

The opening round of the 2011 U.S. Open Cup sees a number of USL PRO teams facing off against USL Premier Development League sides, but only one sees the PDL side getting home field advantage.

That will be the case for the Carolina Dynamo, who welcome USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles to Macpherson Stadium on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The Dynamo have had a rich tradition of future professionals passing through their doors in previous seasons, and also have a rich history in the Open Cup, most recently advancing to the fourth round of the tournament in 2006 with a 3-2 victory against the then USL-1 Seattle Sounders after overtime.

Now their new coach Marc Nichols, who took over prior to this season from veteran coach Joe Brown, is eager to see what his players can do against professional opposition.

“Obviously it’s a priceless experience,” Nichols said. “This is a cup competition, it has a bit of a different feel to it, there’s an anticipation and an excitement, but I think obviously the carrot is that they have the opportunity to play against professional teams, professional players and if the stars align and we manage to win a couple we would be in the hat with the big boys.”

Making it to the third round of the tournament would certainly be an impressive feat for the PDL side, which would likely have to defeat two USL PRO teams to get to face a Major League Soccer opponent. The winner of the first round game between the Wilmington Hammerheads and the PDL’s Central Florida Kraze will be waiting for either the Dynamo or the Eagles.

Add in that Charlotte has found its feet after a rocky start to the USL PRO season and it makes the challenge on Tuesday night all the more great. Nichols was planning to be at the Eagles’ 3-0 victory against Wilmington on Saturday night, which was Charlotte’s fifth game without defeat in the league. Nichols expects the biggest challenge his players will face is the step up in maturity and experience the Eagles possess.

“Obviously, we’re dealing with college athletes, and it’s a pretty young team that I have too and they’ve still got a lot to learn,” Nichols said. “When you’re playing against players for whom this is their livelihood and they’ve been around a little bit longer, potentially they have a bit more savvy and that experience is a real benefit.”

Experience aside, though, Nichols likes what he has in his side. While he doesn’t have a full squad to pick from due to injuries, he does have a pair of key players at his disposal. Goalkeeper Scott Goodwin has been outstanding for most of the season, recording four shutouts in five games this season, which has helped him earn a 0.400 goals-against average.

Then there’s defender Sebastian Ibeagha, who anchors the Dynamo’s defense when he’s not on international duty for the U.S. U-20s. Ibeagha, who also attends Duke University, recently got to train with the full national team during their preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Cary, N.C., and has the kind of big game experience that can be crucial in a tournament like the Open Cup.

“He is somebody who while he may not have the experience of a lot of professional games, he’s certainly got the experience of playing at a high level,” Nichols said. “He really shows maturity beyond his years and we’re really looking to him to organize us and lead us through Tuesday’s game.”

After a four-year absence from the tournament the Dynamo are certainly hoping to make their presence felt, starting on Tuesday night.

“It’s a goal for us,” Nichols said. “The first goal was obviously to get in the Open Cup and we’ve done that, and now our immediate focus is on Tuesday, but there’s definitely a buzz about the game and the prospects it could deliver for us.”

U.S. OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND

Western Mass Pioneers (PDL) at F.C. New York (USL PRO), 7 p.m. – F.C. New York saw its four-game undefeated streak in the league come to an end on Sunday and could be without leading scorer Graciano Brito who left the loss to the Richmond Kickers in the first half with an injury. The Pioneers also fell during the weekend, but had been undefeated in PDL play prior to that and have been good defensively this season, conceding just five goals in six games.

Reading United AC (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO), 7 p.m. – The two affiliates of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union meet for the second time this season, only this time with something at stake. The City Islanders earned a 1-0 exhibition victory in Reading last month, and will try to shake off their defeat to Rochester on Saturday to move on.

Phoenix SC (USASA) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO), 7:35 p.m. – The Rhinos, buoyed by their return to the top of the USL PRO National Division standings, will face the amateurs from Philadelphia aiming to make another deep cup run. The 1999 champions have reached at least the third round of the Open Cup every season since 2001, including a run to the semifinals two years ago before being eliminated by D.C. United.

Chattanooga FC (NPSL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO), 7 p.m. – The Riverhounds are 2-1-2 this season at home, but are coming off three consecutive road defeats in USL PRO. Jason Yeisley has been a bright spot, however, scoring three goals in their past three games and could be the key to the Riverhounds moving on.

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO), 7 p.m. – The only all-USL PRO tie in the first round, the Kickers will be hoping to emulate the 6-0 defeat they handed the Dutch Lions earlier this season. Dayton has struggled in its first two road games of the USL PRO regular season, falling 4-1 to Harrisburg and 3-0 to New York.

Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO), 7:30 p.m. – The Hammerheads fell in their last outing on Saturday against Charlotte, but have been almost invincible at Legion Stadium so far this season winning five out of six contests. The Kraze return to the Open Cup for a second consecutive season, but will likely need another outstanding performance by goalkeeper Keneil Baker to advance.

ASC New Stars (USASA) at Orlando City (USL PRO), 7:30 p.m. – Orlando hosts its first U.S. Open Cup game at the UCF Soccer and Track complex, and while Coach Adrian Heath might field a slightly changed lineup from the one seen in Friday night’s game against Antigua, it would likely be the shock of the round if the New Stars were able to spring the upset.

Regals FC (USASA) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO), 7:30 p.m. – The Battery have a strong Open Cup history, defeating Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire last season before being knocked out in the quarterfinals. The Battery have only lost once at home this season, and have reached at least the fourth round for each of the past five seasons.

Chicago Fire Premier (PDL) at Iowa Menace (USASA), 8:30 p.m. – With no professional side in their quarter of the draw, the Fire could have a great opportunity to reach the third round and face MLS competition. In order to do that, they will first have to get past a Menace side that shares an affiliation with the PDL’s Des Moines Menace. Each of the three previous times the Fire Premier have reached the Open Cup, they have advanced through the first round.

DV8 Defenders (USASA) at Real Colorado Foxes (PDL), 9 p.m. – The Foxes have been outstanding this season so far, and should be favored in the first Open Cup game in the franchise’s history. Real Colorado is led by Lorne Donaldson, who has five goals, and Drew Beckie and Kyle Christensen, who were both recently called upon by the Colorado Rapids for a reserve team match after scoring four goals apiece for the Foxes this season.

Kitsap Pumas (PDL) at Chivas El Paso Patriots (PDL), 10 p.m. – The Patriots qualified for the Open Cup with a perfect record, but had cooled off a little since prior to this weekend’ s 1-0 win against West Texas United. The Pumas, who are making their third consecutive Open Cup appearance, have been strong all season, earning their place in the tournament with a 3-2 victory against the Portland Timbers U-23s, and currently sit at the top of the PDL’s Northwest Division.

Hollywood United (NPSL) at Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO), 8:30 p.m. – The Blues will be playing their first game since a 3-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on May 22, so there could be a little rust for Charlie Naimo’s men. With an experienced squad that includes former USL PRO Player of the Week Chukwudi Chijindu, however, Los Angeles is expecting to win its first Open Cup game in history.

Doxa Italia (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL), 10:05 p.m. – The Fusion remained undefeated in the PDL on Saturday when they escaped from Fresno with a 1-1 draw with the Fuego. That was the Fusion’s third consecutive draw, and they might be aiming to take out a little frustration on Doxa, who won the Region IV championship against fellow qualifier the DV8 Defenders. The Fusion will be led by Daniel Barerra, who has nine assists in seven games this season.

For more coverage of the U.S. Open Cup, go to the USLSoccer.com U.S. Open Cup page and also follow the league’s @USLPRO and @USLPDL twitter feeds for live updates from Tuesday night’s games.

USL News Release

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 11 of the 2011 season today, honoring Charlotte Eagles defender Cheyne Roberts as Player of the Week after he scored twice to help his side earn a 3-0 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads Saturday night. The victory allowed the Eagles to extend their undefeated streak to five games as they try to work their way back into the USL PRO American Division playoff race.

Roberts scored twice in the first half, pushing up from his right back position to join the attack. He now leads the Eagles with three goals, and is joined on the Team of the Week by the club’s leading points-scorer, Jorge Herrera, who had a pair of assists in the victory.

The Richmond Kickers have goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale and forward Matt Delicâte named to the team of the week after they helped the Kickers end their four-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory against F.C. New York on Sunday. The Harrisburg City Islanders also had a pair of players selected after midfielder Brian Ombiji and forward Jose Angulo each scored twice in a 4-1 midweek victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions.

The Rochester Rhinos also had a pair of players named, with Troy Roberts masterful marshalling of the Rhinos defense helping lead the side to a 1-0 victory against the City Islanders in Saturday night’s USL PRO Game of the Week on FOX Soccer. Forward Kendall Jagdeosingh was also named after his second-half goal gave the Rhinos victory, moving them into top spot in the National Division. 

USL PRO Team of the Week

Honorable Mention: Antigua – Stefan Smith; Charlotte – Greg Dalby, Darren Toby; Harrisburg – Dustin Bixler; New York – Troy Cole; Orlando – Max Griffin; Pittsburgh – Matthew Fondy; Richmond – Edson Elcock, Bobby Foglesong; Rochester – Drew Cost; Wilmington – Paul Nicholson.

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. – A hat trick by David Bulow propelled the Richmond Kickers to a 4-1 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday evening.

Richmond Coach Leigh Cowlishaw opted to rest strikers Matthew Delicâte and Edson Elcock for the match, but his starting strike force of David Bulow and Shaka Bangura were effective early on. Bulow notched his first goal of the evening in the seventh minute when he raced past the Dayton defense and placed his shot low into the corner beyond Lions goalkeeper Brian Visser.

The Kickers’ pace again proved too much for Dayton in the 17th minute, when Stanley Nyazamba hared down the left wing and played a square pass to Bangura in the penalty area, who had time to look up and find Bulow at the top of the box. The striker took a touch and sent an unstoppable drive past Visser and into the upper corner to double Richmond’s lead.

Dayton nearly pulled a goal back just before the half, but Kickers shot stopper Ronnie Pascale made an acrobatic diving save to deny George Davis IV from his long-range effort and maintain Richmond’s two-goal lead going into the break.

The Dutch Lions introduced attacking substitutes Marvin van der Pluijm and Julius Willie for the second half, and the pair injected some life into the Dayton side. In the 60th minute, Willie carried the ball into the box and beyond Pascale, whose diving attempt at the ball instead caught the Dayton player and resulted in a penalty kick. Van der Pluijm stepped up and finished under Pascale to give Dayton a lifeline back into the game.

The opportunity was short-lived, however, when in the 65th minute Bulow was taken down inside the Dayton box and another penalty was given, this time for the Kickers. Bulow completed his hat trick with a low finish into the side-netting. The goal was Bulow’s 11th in U.S. Open Cup play, bringing him level with Philadelphia Union’s Sebastian LeToux for third place all-time on the scoring chart in the modern era.

Dayton continued to press for another goal throughout the second half, but as a result were left exposed to the counterattack. Bangura capitalized on a through ball by substitute Ross MacKenzie in the 89th minute, curling his effort from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner to give Richmond their fourth goal of the evening. Davis forced Pascale into a few key saves in the final stages, but the Dutch Lions were unable to add to their tally.

“We wanted to try and maximize the strength of the squad tonight and get the win,” Cowlishaw said. “We’re looking ahead to Friday night and to Tuesday for the second round.”

The Kickers will return to Open Cup action at City Stadium next Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m., as they face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information, visit www.richmondkickers.com.

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

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Late goals from J.T. Noone and Sainey Touray lifted the Harrisburg City Islanders to a 2-1 win against Reading United AC in a first round U.S. Open Cup match on Tuesday night at the Skyline Sports Complex. Harrisburg’s Chase Harrison made five saves in goal for the win.

The City Islanders will host USL PRO rival the Rochester Rhinos in a second round Open Cup match next Tuesday, June 21, at Skyline. Kickoff will be 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, June 15.

Neither side could seem to find a way to break through for most of an evenly-played first half. A Jose Angulo free kick in the 18th minute was knocked away by Reading keeper Brian Holt (two saves). Shortly thereafter, Harrisburg’s Brian Ombiji tried to catch Holt off his line from outside the penalty area, but the chip was cleared away.

At the other end, Harrison turned aside a ferocious 15-yard volley from Reading forward Matt Sanner in the 30th minute. Just five minutes later, though, United defender David Rodriguez nodded home a Christian Barreiro free kick. Reading held the 1-0 lead at halftime.

Though the ejection of United defender Stephen Okai in the 53rd minute gave Harrisburg a little more room to play, the City Islanders couldn’t solve Reading’s staunch defense. But in the 86th minute, Jason Hotchkin chested down a loose ball in the goalmouth, and Noone popped it home for a 1-1 tie. Then in stoppage time, Touray sent Harrisburg through to the second round, sliding in a Jordan Seabrook feed for the 2-1 win.

The City Islanders return to regular season play this Friday in Richmond at 7 p.m. The club’s next regular season home game will be on Saturday, July 2, against the Charlotte Eagles. Kickoff will be 7 p.m.

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

CHARLESTON, S.C. --  The Charleston Battery earned a 2-0 win over Regals FC in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 1,761. Nicki Paterson scored the first from the penalty spot and Dane Kelly smashed home the second to lift the Battery to victory.

With the win the Battery advances to the second round of the competition and will host either Orlando City or ASC New Stars next Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium.

“We tried to pick them up at halftime and get Levi to stay high and it worked, we got the goal. And when you get the first goal that’s the most important,” said Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “In the Open Cup its all about you win, you move on, and you don’t look behind you.”

Charleston started off the night with a major chance in the sixth minute. Battery midfielder Brandon Massie met a free kick from Paterson with a header that just skimmed the crossbar missing the goal by inches. The Battery was at it again in the 15th minute with a shot driven hard by defender Mike Zaher. The effort was barely scooped up by Regals goalkeeper Marcus Sanchez who struggled to keep the ball under control.

Regals FC fought back and forward Roy Hernandez attempted a shot from just inside the box in the 18th minute but could not get enough on it get past Battery goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra.

The Battery opened the scoring in the 47th minute after a penalty kick was called as a result of a push on Battery forward Levi Coleman by Regals FC defender Robert Hernandez. The kick was taken by Patterson who scored with a hard shot to the upper right hand corner of the net.

The second Battery goal resulted from a string of passes between the Battery midfield and forwards. Massie brought the ball up the sideline for a cross into the box to teammate Seedy Bah. Bah received the ball quickly and made a back heel pass to Kelly whose swift cutback left an open shot and goal to the back of the net in the 78th minute.

Next up for the Battery is a USL PRO match against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday June 17th at 7:30 pm at Blackbaud Stadium.