Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEmngDxCzk&feature=player_embedded
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL: Rowdies rally to give the Soccer Bowl a new home A red card slowed them down, overtime sapped their strength and a shootout tested their nerves, but none of those challenges were enough to keep the Tampa Bay Rowdies from wresting the NASL Championship from the defending champion Minnesota Stars. Entering the second leg of the 2012 final on Saturday with a two-goal deficit, Tampa Bay fought back to even matters with a 3-1 victory that prompted a decisive penalty-kick shootout. On the back of three massive saves from Best XI goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, the Rowdies laid claim to the Soccer Bowl, the highest honor of the American and Canadian second division. A back-and-forth first leg set the bar high and what followed at Al Lang Stadium was one of the most intense matches in the league’s two-year history, as aggregate scores flip-flopped, regulation produced four goals and a sell-out crowd of 6,208 in St. Petersburg, Fla., provided a fitting atmosphere. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/10/29/nasl-rowdies-rally-give-soccer-bowl-new-home
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL Announces Virginia Team to Begin Play in 2014 VIP Sports & Entertainment to Bring Professional Soccer to Loudoun County ASHBURN, VA – November 5, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional sports and entertainment options to Northern Virginia, VIP Sports & Entertainment announces that it is partnering with Loudoun Professional Soccer, LLC (LPS), who have been awarded a franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The franchise will debut in 2014 playing its home games at the future Ballpark located at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3496
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Erik Stover Named NY Cosmos Chief Operating Officer NEW YORK (Nov 8, 2012) ̶ The New York Cosmos today named Erik Stover as the franchise’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all facets of the operation on and off the field. Stover is a 16-year veteran of the sports and entertainment industry having held senior management positions with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (Giants Stadium and IZOD Center) and Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Red Bull New York, a flagship team in Major League Soccer. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3505
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos name Metro icon Gio Savarese coach The New York Cosmos named MetroStar legend Giovanni “Gio” Savarese head coach today, further stoking the fires of a potential rivalry with the Red Bulls. “I know how much the New York Cosmos mean to the local soccer community, understand my great responsibility and am excited about the challenges ahead,’’ said Savarese. “I’m thrilled and appreciative for the opportunity and look forward to putting together a competitive team.” Savarese – who earned six caps for Venezuela and was the MetroStars all-time leading scorer - most recently served as director of the Cosmos Academy and manager of the Cosmos U-23 team that played in the USL Premier Development League. Savarese also is a soccer commentator on ESPN Deportes. Read more: Cosmos name Metro icon Gio Savarese coach http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/socce...savarese_m0J9wU9DufeYGHUWTYKmRN#ixzz2Ch3DbPfv
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Beckham interested in Cosmos role David Beckham has been offered a golden chance to reunite with his old Manchester United team-mate Eric Cantona as a player and joint-owner of the New York Cosmos, according a report in Irish newspaper the Sunday World. A senior Cosmos source has confirmed to the Sunday World that discussions are underway with Beckham and his advisers and said: "David has confirmed his interest and we expect an announcement before Christmas." http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...sted-in-new-york-cosmos-role---report?cc=5901
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II The Cosmos confirmed today in a forum with a group of supporters -- the Borough Boys -- they would return to play in the NASL Fall Championship season. Schedule particulars, specifically about the home opener, will be announced by the league in the near future. Cosmos COO Erik Stover: "We've said from the beginning that when we returned to the field, we would do it in the right way. This allows us the time we need to build our staff and operational capabilities in a professional manner. But most importantly, especially for our loyal fans, it gives us the necessary time to put a club on the field they can be proud of." http://nycosmos.com/news/new-york-cosmos-meet-supporters-start-nasl-fall-championship
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL's Fort Lauderdale to pursue soccer-specific stadium On Tuesday, Strikers owners Traffic Sports announced that either Lockhart will get another facelift, or they'll just build a brand new soccer-specific stadium of their own. “Traffic Sports has given me a mandate to seek a permanent, first class home for the Strikers,” said Tim Robbie, newly named managing director of team personnel and stadium development, in a press release. “Our top priority is to work with the city of Fort Lauderdale to renovate Lockhart Stadium as part of the overall development of the area. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...announce-plans-pursue-soccer-specific-stadium
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Minnesota Stars FC announces 2013 venues Club to Split Time in 2013 Between Metrodome and NSC Stadium With 2013 North American Soccer League action about four months away, Minnesota Stars FC announced Tuesday its venue plans for the upcoming season. Stars FC will split time between two venues, beginning the season indoors during Minnesota’s unpredictable spring weather before moving outdoors. Just as it did in 2012, Stars FC will open its home schedule in downtown Minneapolis at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Unlike 2012, when the club opened in front of nearly 9,000 fans at the Dome, its downtown stay will be an extended one. Instead of one game at the H.H.H. Metrodome, the team will play the first four home games of the 2013 season in Minneapolis before returning to NSC Stadium on the campus of the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. for the remainder of the NASL’s opening Spring Championship. The club will play the entirety of the Fall Championship outdoors at NSC Stadium. Exact dates at each venue will not be known until the NASL releases its complete schedule in early 2013. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3568
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NY Cosmos Sign Long Island Native Carlos Mendes Mendes Played Seven Seasons with the New York Red Bulls NEW YORK -- December 11, 2012 – The New York Cosmos today announced the signing of Long Island-native Carlos Mendes. Mendes was born and raised in Mineola, Long Island –he currently resides in East Meadow– and played youth soccer for the Mineola Portuguese Soccer Club. He attended The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, the alma mater of Cosmos legend Shep Messing. Mendes will wear No. 4, the same number as Werner Roth, the New York-raised former Cosmos captain, who joined the club for its first season at Hofstra in 1972. "Carlos is a Long Island guy, well respected in the community and a leader on and off the field,” said Cosmos COO Erik Stover. “He gives us a solid foundation to build our club around.” http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3583
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Silverbacks Release Four Logo Finalists The field has narrowed for the Atlanta Silverbacks new logo. The Silverbacks announced four finalists on Wednesday, kicking off the final round of a logo design contest that has allowed the fans and others in the community to be involved in the club’s brand evolution. The final round begins after a four-week-long preliminary period that saw many fans and local designers submit and vote on a wide variety of logo submissions. The logo design from Michael Jasiczek, a resident of Decatur, received the most votes through the team’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/atlantasilverbacks), and thereby advanced as a finalist. As a reward for advancing, Jasiczek will receive a pair of 2013 season tickets in the section of his choice, a team-signed jersey, and dinner out with Silverbacks Head Coach BRIAN HAYNES, General Manager ANDY SMITH, and a player of his choice. “We were blown away by the spirit and creativity that the fans showed with their logo designs,” Smith said. “It was amazing seeing so many different concepts, with each one showcasing unique elements about the club’s name, colors, and even history.” http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3593
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Islanders to Reorganize Operations in 2013 MIAMI, Fla. (December 21, 2012)– The Puerto Rico Islanders have informed the Board of Governors of the North American Soccer League (NASL) that it will not participate in the 2013 Spring Season. The team has decided to use that time to reorganize its operations. "The NASL continues to grow and improve and as such our teams must also continue to grow and develop,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “This reorganization will give the Islanders an opportunity to rejoin the NASL and contribute to its growth while proudly representing Puerto Rico around the world. It is our intention to have the Islanders back on the field as soon as they have completed the process and we will provide whatever assistance is necessary to help them." http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3606
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II MIAMI, Fla. (December 12, 2012) – The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced today that it will hold its 2013 combine from February 1-3 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The annual event will allow players the opportunity to display their talents to coaches, scouts and staff from all nine NASL clubs. This will be the third consecutive season the NASL has held a February combine. In the previous two editions of the event, several players have landed professional contacts in the league. Last season, nine players were signed by NASL teams including Fort Lauderdale’s Mark Anderson, who finished third in the league goals scored and was the league-leader in shots attempted during the 2012 season. Players are invited to apply for the 2013 NASL Combine beginning on December 17, 2012, via an application form found here. The application period will close on January 18, 2013 and players will be notified if they have been accepted on a rolling basis. http://nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3592
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II North American Soccer League Announces 2013 Spring Schedule MIAMI, Fla. January 10, 2013 ̶ The two teams that battled for the 2012 North American Soccer League (NASL) championship face tough rematches of last year’s semi finals when the 2013 NASL Spring Season kicks off on Saturday, April 6. “I’m eager to watch the intriguing matchups unfold on opening weekend,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “I feel this is a schedule that will excite our fans because of the added pressure to win every game under the new format. 2013 will be a milestone year for the NASL and our teams and I can’t wait for it to kick off.” View the complete 2013 NASL Spring Schedule: http://nasl.com/index.php?id=12 The one-month summer break will allow NASL teams to schedule exhibition games and occurs during the international transfer window that is open throughout much of Europe, Latin America and North America. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3629
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL Combine Interest Swelling Dramtically Interest in the 2013 NASL Combine which will be held from February 1-3 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. has increased drmatically over the previous year. Applications for the annual event have been elevated by almost 200% over 2012. The annual event will allow players the opportunity to display their talents to coaches, scouts and staff from each NASL club. Applicants this year have come from across the globe and burgeoning talent from not only North America and the Caribbean, but Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East will be on display in Fort Lauderdale next month. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3632
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Eric Wynalda Named Silverbacks Technical Director US Soccer Legend Served as Interim Head Coach and Team Advisor in 2012 Atlanta Silverbacks have appointed former interim head coach and U.S. soccer legend Eric Wynalda as the team’s technical director, the club announced Monday. “I’m thrilled to continue my relationship with the Silverbacks, and I’m just excited to try and help the club achieve the success on the field that they’re striving for,” Wynalda said. “I know how serious the organization is about winning a NASL championship and also making a run in the U.S. Open Cup, so I’m looking forward to working with Brian Haynes and the rest of the organization to meet those goals.” Wynalda, 43, will be filling a new role with the Silverbacks after serving as the club’s interim head coach and team advisor during the second half of the 2012 season. The former U.S. Men’s National Team star helped orchestrate an impressive turnaround for a team that managed only eight points through its first 14 games. The team posted the league’s best record over the last nine games of the season under Wynalda and Brian Haynes, who he hired as the team’s permanent head coach in early August. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3641
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL Awards Team To Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS (January 16, 2013) – Professional soccer is coming to Indianapolis. The Midwest passion for the world’s most popular game will be rewarded when the 12th team to join the North American Soccer League kicks off in the Hoosier state in 2014. NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson today welcomed the new Indiana franchise, owned by Ersal Ozdemir, president and chief executive officer of Keystone Construction Corporation into the men’s professional soccer league for the 2014 season, joining the likes of defending champion Tampa Bay Rowdies, San Antonio Scorpions, Atlanta Silverbacks and the New York Cosmos. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3648 NASL. Fans are encouraged to vote on the team’s official name at IndyProSoccer.com, with the club moniker to be announced in the coming months. http://indyprosoccer.com/nametheteam/ my fav is:
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Atlanta Silverbacks Unveil New Logo It may have been a long and winding road for the Atlanta Silverbacks and their fans, but the search for a new logo is over. The club unveiled its new logo at a party on Wednesday night at Brewhouse Café in Little Five Points, bringing a conclusion to a two-month-long process. “We’re very happy with our new logo and we want to thank everyone who was a part of the process,” said Silverbacks Chairman Boris Jerkunica. “Getting everyone involved was a lot of fun, and I think it made the whole process much more enjoyable. Without the fan involvement, I don’t think we would have come up with such a great logo design.” The new logo, designed by Wisconsin native Ryan Foose, was one of four finalists in the Silverbacks Logo Design Contest, which began in mid-November. Throughout the final round of the contest, people from all over the world voted for their favorite finalist via the Silverbacks’ website, and in the end, the club ended up receiving thousands of votes. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3666
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Indianapolis Fans Embracing Newest NASL Team Team has sold over 1,250 season ticket deposits At 6pm on Wednesday, 16 January ...ttp://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3661
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Scorpions to Open Toyota Field Against Familiar Foe Tampa Bay Visits San Antonio on April 13th The San Antonio Scorpions will open up their new home stadium—the state-of-the-art Toyota Field—against the defending NASL Champions Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 13, 2013. Last season, the Scorpions first-ever home game drew a sellout crowd of 13,151 fans to Heroes Stadium http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3674
