USL News Release
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced today that the Baltimore Bohemians will join the PDL for the 2012 season. The Bohemians, operated by principal owner Louis Angelos, will call Cedar Lane Park in Bel Air, Maryland their home.
The club, established by residents of Baltimore and Harford County, aims to further the growth of the Baltimore soccer community throughout the metropolitan area and promote the best young players from across the region. Announcements regarding the management and coaching staff will be made in the coming weeks.
“This is an exciting day for USL and soccer fans in Baltimore,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “We’re most excited about the quality of ownership joining USL in the Bohemians. They have an extensive record of supporting local initiatives, in general, as well as throughout the Maryland sporting community, including baseball, horse racing, and, now, soccer. There’s no doubt in our minds that the Baltimore Bohemians will become one of our most successful teams.”
The Bohemians will play a 16-game schedule between the months of May-August, and will aim to compete in the U.S. Open Cup. The top supplier of talent for professional soccer in North America, the PDL saw another large group of its alumni make the move into professional soccer in 2011 with 37 of the 54 players selected in the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft having previously played in the PDL.
A remarkable eight of the first 10 selections in the draft had PDL experience, including 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year C.J. Sapong of Sporting Kansas City, who previously played for Reading United AC.
“We are extremely pleased to join with County Executive Craig to bring the ‘beautiful game’ to the Baltimore area,” Angelos said. “This is a special opportunity to partner with the community and USL to enhance the parks and recreation facilities while, at the same time, providing a local, affordable, family entertainment option.”
Cedar Lane is a 112-acre park located at the intersection of Routes 543 and 136 in Bel Air. During the coming months, improvements will be made on the grounds in preparation for the 2012 PDL season.