USL Feature

Friday, April 1, 2011

By NICHOLAS MURRAY

Wherever Tobin Heath has gone, success has seemed to follow.

It started early, with Heath’s PDA Wildcats winning US Youth Soccer National Championship in 2003 in the girls U15 division. The Wildcats would go on to reach the final twice more during Heath’s time with the club before she earned three national championships in four years at the University of North Carolina.

Add in an Olympic Gold medal from the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing and a pair of W-League championships with the New Jersey Wildcats and Pali Blues before being selected No. 1 in the Women’s Professional Soccer draft in 2010, and you have quite a resume for a player who doesn’t turn 23 until May 29th this year. But despite all the success, and all the attention that’s come with it, Heath remains mentally grounded and focused on finding success in the future.

“I don't really notice the attention that much,” Heath said by e-mail from England. “Hopefully the attention I do receive I can use to impart some gift into the younger generation that watches me play. I simply just love playing soccer and that is what I bring to every team I’m a part of.”

For Heath, and the U.S. Women’s National Team she is now a fixture on, finding success this summer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany is the next goal. Currently preparing for their exhibition against England on Saturday, which can be seen on ESPN2 at 3 p.m. ET, Heath believes the team is on track for a strong performance this summer.

“Our preparations for the World Cup have been very positive,” Heath said. “Every day the team gets to spend together allows us to develop more and more as a team. The team is really starting to gel and I think every individual player is starting to come into form as well. We are on pace and we still have lot of hard work to do before we head to Germany.”

Heath’s W-League career began while she was still a youth player, competing for the New Jersey Wildcats for three seasons between 2004-06. In 2004 she was named to the W-League Championship All-Tournament team as the Wildcats fell in the final before the club went one step better the following season, winning the 2005 championship.

After heading to UNC, Heath joined the Pali Blues for the 2009 season, helping the club to a championship as well. There she was able to play alongside current USWNT teammate Lauren Cheney, and was able to add additional experience to that which she gained in the national team and UNC.

“I always enjoyed playing in the W-league,” Heath said. “I think it is a fantastic environment for the growth of any soccer player. The W-league provided me with quality coaches and introduced me to some great players.”

Not that Heath isn’t still learning. Entering her second season in WPS, and now with Sky Blue FC after an offseason trade with the Atlanta Beat, Heath still takes every opportunity to learn from her teammates.

“The greatest gift these older players have given me is encouragement,” Heath said. “In practice and games they encourage me to be a better player. Off the field my teammates encourage me to be more professional. It’s cool because it’s not really through talking about it but it’s through watching how they do things.”

Hopefully, the development Heath has shown from her 24 caps prior to Saturday’s game will pay off for the U.S. this summer.

“I think it would be pretty sweet,” Heath said. “The World Cup is a special tournament for all soccer players. Playing with the best players and against the best players is what it’s all about and I would definitely embrace that challenge and experience.”

USL News Release

Friday, April 1, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues is pleased to announce that more than 100 live games from the 2011 USL PRO season will be available online through USL Live. The live game webcasts will complement USL PRO’s 2011 national broadcast television package, which will be announced in the coming days.

Now in its fifth year, USL Live (www.usllive.com) is the popular online video destination for all fans of the teams and players of United Soccer Leagues. After shifting its focus to mostly short-form feature content for the 2010 season, USL Live will return to its original focus this season with 10 USL PRO clubs streaming their home games live.

The first scheduled live game webcasts will take place next Saturday, April 9, as Orlando City and the Charleston Battery host their home openers for the 2011 USL PRO season. Several additional games will be seen on USL Live during the next two weekends as USL PRO Kickoff 2011 continues.

USL PRO clubs planning to stream their home games live in 2011 include Antigua Barracuda FC, the Charleston Battery, the Dayton Dutch Lions, the Harrisburg City Islanders, the LA Blues, Orlando City, Puerto Rico United, River Plate Puerto Rico, the Rochester Rhinos and the Wilmington Hammerheads. USL has equipped each team with broadcast-quality production kits to enable them to stream games.

In addition to live games and full-length game archives, USL Live will continue highlighting the teams and personalities throughout USL’s pyramid of youth, amateur and professional leagues with highlights, interviews and short-form features. In 2010 clubs from USL’s professional leagues, the Premier Development League and the W-League provided a regular menu of highlights, archived games, player profiles, match previews and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in elite-level amateur and professional soccer.

“Expanding USL Live last year to include short-form content from all of our teams was extremely important,” USL Director of New Media Seth Witkowicz said. “Now, with the momentum generated by USL PRO, we are thrilled to offer fans more than 100 live games in 2011 while continuing to present new and dynamic feature content. We’ve had a tremendous response from the teams and fans, and we expect the entertainment value offered by USL Live to continue to grow.”

USL Live made its debut in 2007 and centered on providing compelling video content for fans, both live and on-demand. While it originated as a subscription service, USL Live is now available completely free and all videos may be linked, shared, or embedded through unlimited web platforms.

River Plate Puerto Rico News Release -- www.rivercaribe.com

Friday, April 1, 2011

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- River Plate Puerto Rico opens the 2011 USL PRO season with a crucial match against Sevilla FC Puerto Rico in the Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina, Puerto Rico on Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST.

It will be the first game in Puerto Rico of the USL PRO season, with both clubs making their first appearances in USL competition. In what appears to be an evenly-contested match, Sevilla will aim to take some revenge against River for knocking them out in the semifinals of last year’s SuperCopa DirecTV.

River, on the other hand, will try to maintain the excellent form shown last season and so far in the 2011 CFU Club Championship. Although River doesn't have all of the players from its SuperCopa winning side of 2010, the club has retained 80 percent of last year’s roster, plus the addition of Puerto Rican international Chris Megaloudis, who played for Sevilla last year.

River enters Saturday’s game having advanced from the opening round of the CFU Club Championship 2-1 on aggregate against the Cayman Islands’ Bodden Town, keeping the team in contention to reach the CONCACAF Champions League. If it should succeed, River would be just the second Puerto Rican club to participate in the competition.

Sevilla enters the contest coming off a 3-1victory in a friendly match against Bayamon FC and has high hopes to take points from the opening game of the season.

Certainly, both teams are eager to get the competition underway, with each setting out to try and fulfill its goal of becoming the 2011 USL PRO champion.

USL Feature

Friday, April 1, 2011

PUERTO RICO UNITED

Coach: Charles Gatinho
2010 Season: Third, Group B, SuperCopa DirecTV

The Lowdown – Puerto Rico United had some difficulties last season, missing out on the knockout round of the SuperCopa DirecTV, but it appears the club has tried to rectify that with a number of offseason additions to its squad, including some from its USL PRO rivals on the island.

Key Departures – United lost one of its Brazilian players in forward Gilmar Peter, who made the move to PRSL rival Mayaguez during the offseason. The club does still have a number of Brazilian players in its squad, however, with Edivaldo da Silva, Jr. leading the way.

Key Additions – Andres Cabrero arrives from River Plate Puerto Rico to try and shore up United’s midfield, and he is joined by young Puerto Rican international Hector Ramos, who despite being just 20, he turns 21 in May, has already made five appearances for his national team.

Also joining the club are the Turizo brothers, Christian and Mauricio. From Columbia, both previously have experience playing in Puerto Rico as members of the Gigantes de Carolina.

If it all goes to plan – With what appears to be a large roster turnover since last season’s disappointments, PR United will try to find chemistry as quickly as they can to keep up with their island rivals River Plate and Sevilla. However, this is probably going to be a season of development, with the playoffs a goal for the future.
 

Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com

Saturday, April 2, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. – Stanley Nyazamba and Matt Delicâte both scored as the Richmond Kickers opened the USL PRO 2011 season in front of 1,650 dedicated fans with a dominant performance to secure three points in a 2-0 win against Orlando City on Saturday evening at City Stadium.

There were plenty of chances for the home side in the opening 45 minutes, including a rasping third-minute shot by Gerson dos Santos that Orlando City keeper Miguel Gallardo could only punch behind for a corner.

Richmond kept the pressure on throughout the first half, and nearly opened their scoring account for the season in the 18th minute when Delicâte’s diving header from Edson Elcock’s cross saw Gallardo equal to the task yet again.

Despite Richmond dominating possession, Orlando was not without chances in the first half. Lions striker Jamie Watson made a quick turn at the top of the penalty area in the 37th minute, but his shot sailed just wide of the post.

The Kickers countered immediately through Ryan Heins, who was fouled inside the area by Orlando midfielder Erik Ustruck. Nyazamba stepped up and sent Gallardo the wrong way with his penalty kick to give Richmond a 1-0 lead going into half time.

Richmond was on the front foot again after the restart, with multiple scoring opportunities coming in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Nyazamba nearly scored his second of the afternoon in the 57th minute after an intricate series of passes from a free kick put him through on goal, only to see his shot cannon off the crossbar. Elcock also struck the crossbar a minute later from the edge of the penalty area.

Gallardo was called into action in the 72nd minute to deny a point-blank shot from Delicâte, who had two other shots fly just over. Orlando mounted their only serious counter of the second half in the 82nd minute. A foul by Richmond’s Michael Callahan just outside the penalty area led to a headed City goal, but it was disallowed for a foul inside the box.

Just a minute later, Delicâte finally capitalized on a cross by Sascha Görres to give the Kickers their insurance goal, and Richmond was able to close out the game with its clean sheet intact.

The Kickers will be back in action at the University of Richmond Stadium next Saturday, April 9th, at 5 p.m. as they take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information, visit www.RichmondKickers.com.

River Plate Puerto Rico News Release -- www.rivercaribe.com

Saturday, April 2, 2011

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico – River Plate Puerto Rico rallied twice from deficits to earn a 2-2 draw against Sevilla FC Puerto Rico, Yaikel Perez scoring the game-tying goal in the 80th minute in a fierce contest to open the 2011 USL PRO season.

The game offered both teams clear chances to win the match. Sevilla twice took the lead thanks to goals from Ryan Massoud in the first half and and Nicholas Cardenas in the second but River answered with a pair of goals in the second half from captain Peter Villegas and Perez.

After a slow start to the game, River’s Matias Arce had the first clear chance to open the scoring in the 20th minute but was unable to get a shot off. Sevilla then took the lead in the 33rd minute through Massoud, who scored from a corner kick by Erik Hort to give his side a halftime lead.

River hit back 10 minutes into the second half, a good spell of pressure resulting in the equalizer for Villegas, who played a clever give-and-go with Arce before slipping his shot into the left corner of the net. 

River then pressed to try and take the lead, but it was Sevilla that retook the lead in the 71st minute on another corner by Hort from the right that found Cardenas 10 yards out for a header that went in off the right post.

Sevilla was denied a chance at all three points nine minutes later, though, as Perez’s looping header from a cross by substitute Julio Maya tied the game.

Both sides pressed for a game-winner, but neither were able to find one as the game ended tied. Next up for River Plate is a match against Puerto Rico United on April 17 at 3 p.m., while Sevilla faces Puerto Rico United next Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m.

Antigua Barracuda News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com

Monday, April 4, 2011

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Antigua Barracuda FC today announced the signing of seven players for the 2011 USL PRO season. George Dublin, Miguel Baez, Akeem Thomas, Karanja Mack, Lawson Robinson, Tash Harris and Orlando Mitchum agreed professional terms with the Antigua based USL outfit in a signing ceremony at the Sticky Wicket.

"This is a significant and important occasion for us as we put together a unit that will compete and perform at their peak in this our inaugural USLPRO season. These players have all shown the commitment, expertise and the willingness to give their best whenever called upon,” said Director of Football Fernando Abraham. “They possess a wealth of experience and the vibrancy of youth to challenge any opposition and we are particularly pleased to have secured the commitment of our inspirational leader and Club Captain, George Dublin”.

Miguel Baez and Orlando Mitchum, Dominican Republic and St. Kitts and Nevis Internationals respectively, are the two non-Antigua and Barbuda players signed thus far while Karanja Mack, Lawson Robinson, Tash Harris and Akeem Thomas have all represented Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua Barracuda FC will open its 2011 USL season against LA Blues on April 17 at the Sticky Wicket Grounds.
 

Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com

Monday, April 4, 2011

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos and Pittsburgh Riverhounds played to a 1-1 draw in a preseason exhibition match at Sahlen’s Stadium on Sunday. For the Rhinos it was their fourth match of the preseason, and midfielder Tony Donatelli netted the game-tying goal for Rochester early in the first half.

The Riverhounds jumped on top first off a corner kick in the 14th minute. Tommy Gray’s cross into the box was headed by Jason Yeisley. The header was nearly cleared away as Rochester’s Alfonso Motagalvan managed to get his head on the ball but not enough to keep it from hitting the underside of the crossbar for a 1-0 Riverhounds’ lead.

It only took a couple of minutes for Rochester to come back. Applying consistent pressure forward Anthony Hamilton had an opportunity but couldn’t connect in front of an open net. Moments later, however, two of Rochester’s newest acquisitions, along with Hamilton would get the equalizer.

Quavas Kirk raced down the right wing from his defensive position to cross the ball into the bax where Hamilton would control the ball for a second before getting it back to Donatelli, who would fire a low, hard right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner of the net. The goal was Donatelli’s third in three preseason games since joining the Rhinos last month.

Rochester is now 2-0-2 in the preseason and will wrap up its preseason schedule on Saturday, April 9th when the Rhinos host the Harrisburgh City Islanders at Classics Park in Lancaster, N.Y.

The Rhinos will begin their 16th season on the road in Richmond, Virginia on Friday, April 15th, as they take on the Richmond Kickers at University of Richmond Stadium. Rochester opens its 2011 home slate at Sahlen’s Stadium on Saturday, May 7th, against Charleston.

RGV Grandes News Release – www.rgvgrandes.com

Monday, April 4, 2011

McALLEN, Texas – Mexican soccer star and cult hero Cuauhtémoc Blanco is to bring his team, Irapuato to the Rio Grande Valley to play the RGV Grandes. The friendly game will take place on April 30 at the Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco, starting at 8:30 p.m., according to the Grandes general manager, Zeke Morales.

Blanco was born and raised in Tepito, a poor neighborhood of Mexico City. He is widely considered one of the greatest and most talented Mexican players. His distinguished career includes over 400 games played for teams in Mexico, Spain and the Chicago Fire of the Major Soccer League in the United States.

Now in the twilight of his career, Blanco often appeared as a substitute in Mexico’s World Cup games in South Africa last summer. He has scored over 150 goals during that span that began in 1992 with América in the Mexican League. He is the only Mexican football player to win a major award from FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer. He won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe awards in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was also awarded the most valuable player five times in the Mexican First Division.

In addition to his prowess on the pitch, Blanco is currently filming a telenovela in Mexico and has appeared in different reality shows in the neighbor country to the South.

Blanco’s latest team, Irapuato, plays in the Mexican Liga de Ascenso.

The RGV Grandes are the Valley’s newest sports franchise. An expansion team, they will kick off their first season in the Premier Development League of the United Soccer League.

The Grandes began putting a squad together in February and March with tryouts at Brownsville, San Antonio and McAllen respectively. That process of developing a final roster will continue throughout the month of April through practice sessions and the exhibitions against world-class Mexican teams. The team will begin the season with a final roster of 22 players.

“These are obviously big games for our players. A lot of our players have tried to make the pro circuit and now will see what it takes to make it,” said Grandes head coach Gary James Hamilton, himself a former English Premier League player for Middlesbrough.

“Defensively we look very strong, the midfield looks good and we are still looking for a top goal scorer. One thing I can promise is a very passionate team that wants to do well. Our guys want to play,” added Hamilton in characterizing the current look of the Grandes team.

The team opens the season at Laredo on May 6th and will debut at home at Edinburg Field on May 13th.

Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads have expanded their roster by three for the upcoming USL PRO season. Gareth Evans, Alex Grendi, and Luke Mulholland have all signed to play for Head Coach David Irving’s 2011 team.

A native of Cold Spring Harbor, New York, Alex Grendi was drafted in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. He made his professional debut in March 2009 in the Crew’s first game of the season against the Houston Dynamo, where he had an assist.

Grendi attended the University of Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2009 where he notched eight goals and 20 assists in 65 career games. He finished third on the University of Pennsylvania’s all-time assist list and was a unanimous selection to the All-Ivy League First Team.

Midfielder Luke Mulholland was a stand out at WingateUniversity from 2007 to 2010. In 2009, the Preston, England native was named First Team All-American and SAC Conference Player of the Year.

In 2009, Mulholland played with the USL Premier Development League's Mid-Atlantic Champions Reading United AC where he tallied four goals and four assists. He notched eight goals and six assists the following with Reading, and was also named an All-Eastern Conference First Team Selection.

Originally from Wrexham, Wales, Gareth Evans is a former Newi Cefn Druids player in the Welsh Premier League. Evans made 31 appearances with the Cefn Druids and later signed a professional contract with Wrexham in 2006.

Evans has played in USL with both the Austin Aztex and Real Maryland Monarchs. Before joining the Hammerheads, the 6’1 defender played for Chester FC on loan against Harrogate Railway Athletic in the Northern Premier League. He had spent the preseason with USL PRO's Los Angeles Blues.

The Hammerheads begin their season at home on April 16, 2011 against the Rochester Rhinos. Ticket prices for games are $10 of adults, $8 for seniors (65+), and $6 for children 12 & under. Special group ticket rates are available. Contact the Hammerhead office for more information. 

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

Monday, April 4, 2011

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - F.C. New York is pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Quame Holder for the 2011 USL PRO season. He signed a two-year contract with the club.

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Holder moved to Brooklyn at the age of 13. He spent the past two years with the New York Red Bulls U-23 team. Prior to that be played on the U-18 nationally ranked New Rochelle Storm Raiders.

“Quame is a talented player who will play anywhere and can play anywhere,” F.C. New York Head Coach Matt Weston said. “We took notice of him immediately in the first tryout he attended. We were enthusiastic about his style of play.”

“I wanted to be a part of this club for two years, I am so excited to be a part of professional soccer starting in New York City," Holder said. "I want all those who love this game to come out and support the club.”

Holder has been a proud participant in the Caribbean Cup tournament and has true passion for the sport.

“We know there are talented players right here in town and we will find them and we will look to develop others in our academy,” F.C. New York President Doug Petersen said.

F.C. New York begins the 2011 USL PRO season on Saturday at Orlando City, with the home opener at Belson Stadium set for April 30. Season tickets are now on sale. Special group ticket rates are available. Contact the F.C. New York ticket office for more information at 1-866-827-0154.

Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA. – The Pali Blues are delighted to announce that the Stanford trio of Rachel Quon, Cami Levin, and Mariah Nogueira will play for the team in the 2011 USL W-League season, pending USL and USSF approval. The three are coming off a successful year at Stanford in which they reached the final of the 2010 NCAA Women’s College Cup.

“Bringing Mariah and Cami back and adding Rachel to our team will give us a huge boost,” Blues Vice President Charlie Naimo said. “They all have youth national team experience and come from a system of play that is very similar to our philosophy.”

Levin and Nogueira were part of Pali Blues during the 2010 season that saw the team extend its win streak to 33 matches (including a pair of championships) before the Vancouver Whitecaps snapped it with a 2-1 win.

A junior from Newport Coast, Calif., Levin has represented the USA at the U-14 through U-18 levels and is a current member of the U-20 player pool. Levin had two goals and 11 assists last season for Stanford.

Nogueira, a sophomore from Westminster, Calif., scored five goals and had four assists for Stanford as a midfielder. She played all 26 matches while starting 22, and was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2010.

“I’m excited to come back and play for Pali,” Nogueira said. “It’s been a great way to keep up my soccer fitness and skill. I’ve met some great players and people over the past two years. Southern California is my home, so I can’t wait to get back to the perfect weather. I had a lot of fun working the camps last year as well.”

Quon, a native of Lake Forest, Ill., is one of Stanford’s top players at the outside back position. As a defender that likes to get involved in the attack, she scored two goals and assisted on five as a freshman last year. Quon also played every minute for the USA in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany last summer, where it fell to Nigeria in a penalty kick shoot-out in the quarterfinals.

“I’m incredibly excited to have Rachel on the team this year, she’s an amazing player with vast experience in big games,” Nogueira said. “She’s one of the smartest soccer players I know, reads the game extremely well, is composed, makes good decisions, and is quick. I feel confident with her playing behind me. She’s also one of my good friends, so I look forward to spending more time with her this summer and showing her my hometown.”

Nogueira also looks forward to playing for new Pali Blues head coach Jacob Tudela. “I’m interested in seeing the new coach and his coaching style. I’m sure he will bring something different to the team so I look forward to working with him and growing.”

Pali Blues season tickets are now on sale at www.bluessoccerclub.com. For more information on the two-time W-League champion Pali Blues, make sure to stay tuned to the team website and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter @PaliBlues.

Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.bluessoccerclub.com

Monday, April 4, 2011

FULLERTON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Blues hosted a selection of young, rising players from Orange County on Saturday night in a match whose proceeds went to benefit the Japan relief efforts of the American Red Cross. The Blues dominated their opponents throughout the 90 minutes to come away with a 7-0 victory behind the play of numerous former MLS players and two veterans of the Mexican Priméra Division.

The first ten minutes saw only a couple of highlights as the All-Stars enjoyed some dangerous play on the left side while the Blues Tomislav Colic fired just over the bar following a textbook spin inside the penalty area. But the hosts would not be denied on the quarter-hour mark. Argentine playmaker Walter Gaitán had his jersey pulled about 25 yards out and executed beautifully on the ensuing free-kick, his curling left-footed shot bouncing off the inside of the right post and into the net.

The agile Colic nearly doubled the advantage a few minutes later, sliding in to redirect a low cross by streaking defender Josh Suggs, only to see the ball shake the outside of the net. But the Blues extended their lead in the 22nd minute as former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Josh Tudela released Chukwudi Chijindu with a great through ball and the speedy striker found himself one-on-one with opposing goalkeeper Luis Trujillo. While Chijindu saw his low shot bounce off the right post, the rebound fell straight to Gaitán, who slotted into the open net to complete his brace.

Blues goalkeeper Oscar Dautt finally saw some action just after the half-hour mark, as he collided with several players trying to punch out a cross. The former Puebla, Tigres and Monterrey star then quickly recovered to sprint across the box and block the ensuing volley attempt by Nazario Miramontes. Instead of a goal for the visitors, it was the USL PRO side finding net at the other end moments from the break. Gaitán was instrumental again, as he received the ball deep in the penalty area and lobbed it over the onrushing Trujillo. The Orange County goalkeeper scrambled to get back and prevent the goal but dropped the ball under pressure from Colic, who pounced and slotted into the empty net.

Following a number of changes at halftime, the Blues picked up right where they had left off in the first half. In the 51st minute, substitute Cesar Rivera passed the ball to Colic at the top of the penalty area and continued his run. Colic sent it straight back to his teammate with a beautiful backheel and Rivera confidently slotted past Trujillo for the game’s best goal.

While the Orange County goalkeeper had no chance on the home side’s fourth tally, it was his mistake in the 56th minute that helped the Blues extend their lead to 5-0. Midfielder Gerardo Bravo released a long-range effort that was spilled by Trujillo for an easy tuck-away by the alert Chijindu. The Blues added a sixth just before the hour mark thanks to another goalkeeping error for Orange County as Trujillo failed to get his body behind another long-distance effort by Gerardo Bravo that found the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. But Trujillo would finally redeem himself in the 71st minute of play. A streaking Gerardo Bravo sent a low cross in from the right that was initially spilled by the Orange County shot-stopper, who then quickly recovered to make an athletic save on substitute Israel Sesay’s follow-up effort from close range.

Sesay was again unfortunate not to score in the 82nd minute, as he fired wide from inside the penalty area following a nice cut back to his left foot. The 20-year-old forward had received the ball on a nice through ball down the left flank by his former Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate Mike Randolph. The Blues then rounded out the scoreline moments from the final whistle, Federico Cino releasing Gerardo Bravo down the right flank only to see his fellow midfielder’s low cross elude everyone in the area. Sesay was fastest to react and pick up the ball on the left side of the box. After some skillful dribbling, he sent a determined close-range blast off the hand of Trujillo and inside the near post.

The Blues will be facing a much tougher task when they travel to take on Sevilla FC Puerto Rico in their April 15 USL PRO season opener. Their first home game at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton is on May 1 against Antigua Barracuda FC with a 5 p.m. kickoff.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. - United Soccer Leagues announced the first USL PRO Team of the Week of the 2011 season today, honoring Richmond Kickers midfielder Michael Callahan as Player of the Week for his commanding performance in his team’s 2-0 win against Orlando City on Saturday, April 2.

The Kickers earned the first victory of the 2011 USL PRO season on Saturday afternoon at City Stadium, with Callahan playing a major role. He was joined on the Team of the Week by four teammates; midfielder Stanley Nyazamba and forward Matthew Delicâte each found the back of the net for the Kickers, while defenders Yomby William and Henry Kalungi played a key role in allowing only two shots on goal for the Lions.

River Plate Puerto Rico’s Yaikel Perez joins Delicâte as the other forward on this week’s team after his 80th-minute goal earned his side a 2-2 draw with Sevilla FC Puerto Rico on Saturday night. He was joined by teammates Peter Villegas, who scored on a beautiful give-and-go 10 minutes into the second half to tie the game, and Matias Maroni, who was strong at center back for his side.

Sevilla is represented by defender Nick Cardenas, who gave Sevilla its second lead of the game with a fine headed goal in the 71st minute, and goalkeeper Maximiliano Torlacoff, who made a number of excellent saves throughout the game including one that allowed his side to emerge with a point on the road.

USL PRO Team of the Week

USL News Release

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

“We are thrilled to bring the 2011 W-League Championship presented by Umbro to Washington where the Seattle Sounders Women will host one of USL’s marquee events,” W-League Senior Director Amanda Duffy said. “During their 10-year history the Sounders Women have proven to be an elite-level franchise and they understand how to put on a first class event. With that experience and the professional facilities the Starfire Sports Campus offers, the 2011 Championship will undoubtedly present an optimal experience for the teams and fans alike.”

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

GERMANTOWN, MD - D.C. United Women didn't need to look far for its first-ever coach, selecting longtime Washington-area youth soccer coach Michael "Mike" Jorden to lead the new women's team in its inaugural season, the new United Soccer Leagues W-League club announced today.

"Mike is one of the best coaches in the region, with a long track record of success in developing female players as well as winning," said D.C. United Women General Manager Tim Schweitzer. "He brings the perfect combination of coaching ability and the relationships with top programs that we need to quickly build a highly competitive team. We couldn't be happier to have him on board, and the team building has already moved into high gear."

Jorden, a 10-time Virginia state cup champion coach, said he's excited to take the helm of the W-League team.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with a great group of people," said Jorden, a native of Dayton, Ohio. "Tim and everyone in the front office at D.C. United Women are all first class. We have a lot of work to do in a short time frame and I am looking forward to the challenge."

Jorden has coached with several Northern Virginia youth clubs over the last 10 years, including Herndon, Reston, Loudoun, Sterling, Southwestern, McLean, Chantilly Soccer Club and most recently, FC Virginia, an ECNL club in Fairfax.

He has two U.S. Youth Soccer Region I titles - in 2003 with Sterling Elite U13 girls and in 2009 with the U15 Chantilly Burn girls team - and has captured Virginia state titles in every age group the competition is held.

In 2008, Jorden coached two girls teams at the U.S. Youth Soccer Region I tournament in Maine, with both teams - the U18 McLean Freedom and the U14 Chantilly Burn - taking second place.

Jorden's 2009 Chantilly Burn U15 team advanced to the U.S. Youth National Championships, where the side went undefeated in three draws, taking third place overall.

His many youth tournament championships include the WAGS/Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament, the CASL Girls Shootout (Raleigh, N.C.), the Atlanta Cup, the Disney Showcase in Orlando, Fla. and the Players' Development Academy Showcase in New Jersey.

D.C. United Women will draw players from a large pool of elite college standouts, international stars and former professionals. With numerous veteran stars and top collegiate programs in the Washington metro area, expectations will be high when United takes the field this summer.

Jorden, who was also affiliated with Virginia's Olympic Development Program for 10 years, said he wouldn't be surprised to one day coach his former youth players on D.C. United Women.

"The idea of re-connecting with some of my former players and building relationships with new ones is extremely exciting," he said.

D.C. United Women fill the vacancy left by the departure of the Washington Freedom Futures and will play their home matches at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, Md. Also the former home of the WPS Washington Freedom, the Soccerplex is an ideal showcase for women's minor league soccer in the D.C. metropolitan area.

D.C. United Women face a challenging slate of opponents in the Northeast Division this season, including notable W-League mainstays New York Magic and Long Island Rough Riders. United Women open the season on May 25th with a visit to the 2005 W-League Champions, New Jersey Wildcats. The club will kick off its home season on Thursday, June 9th with a rematch against the Wildcats at 7:00 pm.
 

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City held its first annual media day today, highlighted by Owner/President Phil Rawlins’ “State of the Team” address.

Rawlins covered several topics ranging from the team’s rapidly growing season ticket base, incredible commitments from sponsors, and the outpouring of support from the community. Rawlins also officially introduced the Orlando City roster to the media. The highlights of Rawlins’ address were three-fold: the Citrus Bowl is the definitive home for all Orlando City regular season matches in 2011, Bright House Sports Network will air at least five Orlando City matches this season, and English Premier League side Newcastle United will be coming to Orlando this summer.

"We are delighted to announce that Newcastle United, one of the biggest teams in the English Premier League, will be our guests for part of their pre-season training in July in Orlando, Florida,” said Rawlins. “The team will spend several days training here before playing Orlando City in an international exhibition game on Saturday, July 23rd."

Bright House Sports Network will air a minimum of five Orlando City matches this season, beginning with the June 2nd match against the Charlotte Eagles. June 29th vs. Sevilla FC Puerto Rico, July 8th vs. the Dayton Dutch Lions, and August 12th vs. the Harrisburg City Islanders have all been earmarked as broadcast dates with one more game still to be determined. Orlando City and Bright House Sports Network are also exploring options to broadcast certain Orlando City road games.

The Citrus Bowl is now the official home for Orlando City during the 2011 USL PRO season. All twelve regular season home games plus playoff games will be played at the downtown stadium. The Citrus Bowl will also be the primary location for Orlando City’s international and domestic friendlies, as evidenced by the Philadelphia Union’s visit this past February. Rawlins also announced the team intends to negotiate a long term lease of the Citrus Bowl for the 2012 season and beyond.

“The future is very bright for Orlando City,” said Rawlins. “This year we are focused on building our team and winning the USL PRO championship, but we have our eyes set on even bigger and brighter things. Chief among those is bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to the City Beautiful.”

Dayton Dutch Lions News Release – www.dutchlionsfc.com

Thursday, April 7, 2011

DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Dutch Lions are pleased to announce the signings of Dutch forward Lucien Seymour and the return of a pair of players from the club’s 2010 Premier Development League season, George Davis IV and Evan Schwartz.

Seymour signed a three-year contract with the club having previously played for Dutch Eredivisie club VVV-Venlo. The 27-year-old said he was excited for the opportunity to play with the Dutch Lions.

“I think it is great to have the opportunity to experience the sports mentality of the American people,” Seymour said. “Soccer in America is becoming more popular and I want to experience the way of playing in the States, also because it’s so different from Dutch soccer. Dayton Dutch Lions gives me the chance, so I am taking it.”

Davis IV was one of only three players to play in all 16 games of the Dutch Lions’ inaugural season a year ago. The 23-year-old, who recently graduated from the University of Kentucky, finished second on the team with five goals and led the team with seven assists a season ago.

Schwartz made 14 appearances for the Dutch Lions in 2010, principally at the right back position. A graduate of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Schwartz previously played professionally in Iceland.

“Last season was a great season for Davis IV,” Dutch Lions Technical Director Cor van Hoeven said. “With his unpredictable actions he makes it difficult for every opponent. Evan is a right defender with great ambitions. With ball possession he can play, especially with his speed, at the right side of the field. The Dayton Dutch Lions are pleased that these two players are back again.”
 

Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Thursday, April 7, 2011

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery begins the defense of its USL championship on Saturday night against long-time rival the Charlotte Eagles; gates open at 6 p.m. with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. ($10 - $18, (843) 971-GOAL (4625) / www.charlestonbattery.com). The Battery defeated the Richmond Kickers 2-1 in the 2010 title game, while the Eagles just missed the playoffs; Saturday’s match with Charlotte continues a rivalry that is entering its 19th season.

The Charleston Battery first played the Charlotte Eagles in both clubs’ inaugural seasons back in 1993. The teams met twice that year with the Battery winning both games, 3-1 at home and 1-0 in the return fixture. Over the past 18 years the teams have met 28 times in competitive fixtures (regular season, post-season & US Open Cup) with Charleston winning 19 games, losing five with four ties.

Charleston head coach Mike Anhaeuser will be entering his seventh season at the helm of the Battery on Saturday evening.  Anhaeuser has managed to bring back the nucleus of the side that won last year’s championship; in all 11 players return including veteran midfielder Stephen Armstrong who will also serve as an assistant coach for the 2011 campaign.

Other returnees include defenders Mike Zaher, Nigel Marples, Colin Falvey, John Wilson and goalkeeper Keith Wiggans.

In the midfield Kevin Jackson, John Gruenewald, Brandon Massie and former College of Charleston stand-out Zach Prince return, along with forward Levi Coleman.

New international players include New Zealand’s Cole Peverley, 18-year-old Gambian forward Seedy Bah, Scottish midfielder Nicki Patterson plus two young Jamaican prospects in midfielder Evan Taylor and forward Dane Kelly.

Former Chicago Fire goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra will compete with Wiggans for the starting role; other new players include defenders Mark Wiltse and Graham Dugoni; and midfielders Alex Caskey and JC Mack.

The Battery played Charlotte four times last year winning three times and losing once. Charleston will visit Charlotte for a game on April 29; the teams meet for a third match in the regular season finale on Friday, August 12 at Blackbaud Stadium.

Charlotte has won the USL Championship twice, in 2000 and most recently in 2005 and has reached the final on eight occasions including 2008 and 2009; Charlotte missed the playoffs in 2010, finishing fourth (top three advanced).

The Eagles are led by one of the most experienced coaches in U.S. Soccer, Mark Steffens, who is currently in his 15th season as head coach for the Eagles.

Anhaeuser will be hoping to continue a long run of good league form at home; in 2010 the Battery were undefeated at Blackbaud Stadium during the regular season and have not lost a regular season match at home since September 6, 2009.

Game tickets, Promotions & Fireworks

Saturday’s home opener is presented by BlueWater Benefits and everyone in attendance will receive a complimentary schedule cup. Fans can enjoy $2 drafts until kickoff in the Battery beer garden and at halftime one lucky fan will have the chance to win $10,000 in the Heritage Trust Kick for Cash. Immediately following the game there will be a season opening fireworks display!

Tickets for the game are available starting at just $10 with discounts for groups of 10 or more; to purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Battery team Physician Dr. David Geier is blogging

Charleston Battery team physician Dr. David Geier is now blogging about the Battery (and lots of other interesting sports-related subjects). Keep up to date with what is going on in the Sports Medicine world and more by following his blog at www.DrDavidGeier.com or on Twitter @DrDavidGeier.

Real Maryland FC News Release - www.realmaryland.us

Thursday, April 7, 2011

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Henry Lopez of Manassas, VA and Osborn H.S. played for the Real Maryland FC Monarch U17 Team for two years and was the leading scorer during the regular season. Last night, playing in his home Country, Henry scored the game winning goal that knocked the United States out of contention for World Cup play and put Guatemala into its first U20 World Cup birth.

“The Monarch Family is very proud of Henry and his accomplishments,” says General Manager David Noyes. “He is not only a great player, but great person with strong character. Real Maryland FC aims to continue to develop the youth of Maryland and the DC Metro Area and hopes that other Monarchs will follow in Henry’s footsteps.”

In two consecutive seasons with Real Maryland FC, he led the U17 Team to the United Soccer Leagues Super Y-League National Finals Tournament. Lopez also helped the Monarchs take home some local hardware where he helped the team win the Icebreaker tournament in Richmond, VA and the Virginia Beach Memorial Day tournament in 2010.