USL News Release
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – The 20-man roster for the 2014 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game was announced on Wednesday, with standout players that bring experience from both USL PRO and the PDL selected to the inaugural event to be held as part of the MLS All-Star Game next month at Providence Park.
Half of the roster has gained experience in either USL PRO or the PDL, with the breakout star from the U.S. Men’s National Team’s campaign at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, DeAndre Yedlin, leading the way. Yedlin was an All-League selection in the PDL in 2012 as he led the Sounders FC U-23 to a Western Conference title prior to signing with Seattle Sounders FC before the 2013 MLS season.
The Chicago Fire’s Harry Shipp and Chris Ritter, both of whom played for the Fire U-23 in the past were also selected. Shipp is arguably the leading candidate for MLS Rookie of the Year this season, having recorded six goals and four assists in 15 games this season, while Ritter has recently moved into the Fire’s starting XI, making five starts in his rookie season.
Players who are currently starring in USL PRO also feature prominently, with OKC Energy FC goalkeeper Jon Kempin, on loan from Sporting Kansas City, and the LA Galaxy II’s Bradford Jamieson IV both selected to the side.
After a solid season with Orlando City in 2013, Kempin has claimed the No.1 position with Energy FC this year. The U.S. U20 international has started 13 games this season, and posted three shutouts, while also being named to the USL PRO Team of the Week on June 10.
Jamieson IV, meanwhile, has scored five goals in 13 appearances for the Galaxy II in his first professional season, while earning two selections to the USL PRO Team of the Week.
Others to have featured in USL PRO this season include the Sacramento Republic FC duo of Tommy Thompson, on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes, and Steven Evans, who also starred as part of the Portland Timbers U-23s side that claimed the 2010 PDL Championship before signing with the Timbers before the 2013 MLS season.
Other PDL alumni in the squad include Vancouver’s Russell Teibert, who competed across five seasons for the Whitecaps FC U-23 as he made the transition from the club’s academy to the professional ranks. Former Ventura County Fusion All-Conference selection Gyasi Zardes of the LA Galaxy was also named, as was the Sounders FC U-23’s Sean Okoli, who scored his first professional goal in this season’s U.S. Open Cup.
The 2014 MLS Chipotle Homegrown Game will also have an added PDL feel to proceedings as the Portland Timbers U-23s will provide the opposition at Providence Park on Monday, August 4. The Timbers U-23s include a number of top college players, including North Carolina’s Brendan Moore and Omar Holness, and Wake Forest’s Jacori Hayes. The side has been led this season by VCU’s Kharlton Belmar with eight goals, and should provide good opposition for some of the top young professionals in the country.