USL PRO News Release
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – The list of final participants and rosters for the 2014 USL PRO Combine presented by Nike, were announced on Wednesday, with top PDL players leading those selected to train and compete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from January 23-26. A total of 102 players will assemble at the world-class facilities at IMG Academy aiming to catch the eye of the USL PRO, MLS and international scouts on hand.
“We are excited by the group of players that will join us at IMG Academy,” USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor said. “We believe there are a number of players that have the ability to play at the next level, and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to compete in front of not only coaches from USL PRO, but clubs from MLS and overseas.”
Team 1’s squad is highlighted by a pair of standout goalkeepers, with the Des Moines Menace’s Scott Angevine and Ocean City Nor’easters’ Brian Billings both coming off strong seasons. Also in the squad is Reading United’s Mario Pinto, who had 15 points in 12 games in the PDL this past summer, and FC Tucson midfielder David Clemens, who had five goals to lead his side.
Team 2 is led by Panama City Beach Pirates goalkeeper Sean Lewis, who finished in the Top 10 in goals-against average as he played every minute of every game to help Panama City Beach reach the PDL Playoffs for the first time. Also included in the squad is the Austin Aztex’s Eddie Campbell, who helped his side claim the PDL championship this past summer.
Another member of the Aztex is set to play on Team 3, with All-Conference selection Max Gunderson part of the squad’s defensive group. One of Gunderson’s opponents in the 2013 PDL Championship Game, the Thunder Bay Chill’s Paul Dillon, is also included in the squad, as is Tommy Ramos, who had four goals for Phoenix FC in USL PRO.
Team 4 is highlighted by Ocala Stampede midfielder Kyle Breitmeyer, who helped lead his side to a second consecutive Southeast Division title with six goals and six assists in 2013. Experienced central midfielder Joseph Niouky of the Jersey Express will also be one to watch after his previous stint with the New England Revolution.
Team 5 includes Ocean City Nor’easters midfielder Kenny Tribbett, who recorded four goals and three assists before finishing second in points for Drexel while claiming NSCAA All-Region honors. The Ocala Stampede’s Jack Bailey is also in the squad after he scored eight goals in nine games for the side in 2013, while FC London holding midfielder Brandon helped his side claim the Great Lakes Division.
Rounding out the squads is Team 6, which includes Thunder Bay Chill goalkeeping standout Stephen Paterson, a former All-Conference selection who recorded a 0.625 goals-against average and five shutouts in eight games this past summer. Also in the side is the Ocala Stampede’s Kenny Hogg, who led the Stampede with 20 points in a three-pronged attack with fellow Combine attendees Breitmeyer and Bailey.
The eighth edition of the USL PRO Combine, presented by Nike, is set to kick off on Thursday, January 23 at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy. Eight of the nine scrimmages will be streamed live on the USL PRO YouTube channel by Tourbeau Sports, with live updates also available on Twitter (@USLPRO) and daily updates on Facebook, Google+ and Instagram (@USLPRO).