Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Top 10 prospect list from the 2012 NASL season Now that almost every MLS club are in pre-season training, it is that time where rumours are flying around on trialists and potential signings for the upcoming season. While many focus on players coming over from abroad, or what rookies will make an impact from the SuperDraft, the divisions below MLS can provide plenty of potential for those willing to take a chance. http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/Top10prospectlistfromthe2012NASLseason.aspx
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II The New York Cosmos and head coach Gio Savarese will be hosting an invitation-only player combine in mid February. Space at the combine is limited, but all interested players must register online at: www.nycosmos.com/combine. Applications should be submitted online and applicants must be 18 or older and have a valid e-mail address as registration forms will not be accepted via fax or over the phone. All successful registrants will be contacted with a schedule via e-mail. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 8 at midnight http://nycosmos.com/news/cosmos-host-player-combine-mid-february
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos Add Kyle Reynish Reynish Joins Cosmos After Six Seasons in MLS The New York Cosmos announced today the signing of goalkeeper Kyle Reynish as the club’s second signing this offseason. The 6-foot-3 Reynish, 29, joins the Cosmos from Real Salt Lake where he had served as the backup to MLS All-Star goalkeeper Nick Rimando since 2007. “Kyle is a goalkeeper that I have been following for a long time and I am very happy to be able to bring him to the club,” said Cosmos head coach, Giovanni Savarese. “Along with Carlos Mendes, Kyle Reynish gives us a strong foundation at the back from which we can build around.” After being drafted by Real Salt Lake in the fourth round (43rd overall) of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Reynish spent six seasons in Utah and impressed whenever called upon. In three starts during the 2012 season, he recorded a 0.67 GAA, 1-0-2 record and two shutouts. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3681
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II 2013 NASL Combine Begins Today Today marks the start of the annual NASL Combine, a three day tryout in sunny Fort Lauderdale. Over 60 players from all over the world have been invited to display their talents in front of NASL coaches in the hope of earning a professional contract. The combine, now in its third year, has proven to be very successful in identifying talent to fill NASL rosters. In 2012, a total of nine combine participants landed professional contracts with NASL teams 2013 NASL Combine will take place at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The schedule is as follows: Friday, Feb. 1 – Game 1 @ 1:30pm and Game 2 @ 3:30pm Saturday, Feb. 2 – Game 1 @ 1:30pm and Game 2 @ 3:30pm Sunday, Feb. 3 – Game 1 @ 10:00am and Game 2 @ 12:00pm The event is open to the public Stay tuned to www.NASL.com facebook.com/NASLfans twitter @NASLofficial for updates on the combine and exclusives on some of the participants.
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Alecko Eskandarian Named Cosmos Assistant Coach The New York Cosmos have announced today that Alecko Eskandarian has joined the club as an assistant coach. "I am delighted to welcome Alecko back into the Cosmos family” said Cosmos head coach, Giovanni Savarese. "Alecko is the perfect addition to my coaching staff. Alecko grew up with the Cosmos and understands the club and I look forward to working with him. Along with his excellent playing career, Alecko has good coaching experience already and I feel he has what it takes to be a top level coach.” Eskandarian most recently served as the Philadelphia Union’s youth technical director. Before that he enjoyed a successful MLS career, where he played for DC United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2004, he won the MLS Cup with DC United and was named the MLS Cup MVP. Eskandarian retired in 2010 from concussion related symptoms http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3684
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL Virginia Team Identity Revealed: Virginia Cavalry FC Ashburn-based team will take the pitch in 2014 Ashburn, VA – February 6, 2013 – Bearing a strong, classic name VIP Sports & Entertainment's North American Soccer League franchise -- previously referred to by the generic term "NASL Virginia" -- has established an identity and will be known as Virginia Cavalry FC. The team's website is http://www.VirginiaCavalry.com, and they can be found on social media at Facebook.com/VirginiaCavalry and Twitter.com/CavalryFC. The Cavalry released a number of images, none of which are the final team logo. The logo and team uniforms will be unveiled soon via the Cavalry’s social media platforms directly to our fans. A high-resolution version of the word marks can be found at http://www.virginiacavalry.com/media. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3702
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos Name Carlos Llamosa Assistant Coach. US World Cup Defender Joins New York Coaching Staff The New York Cosmos announced today that Carlos Llamosa has joined the club as an assistant coach. “Adding Carlos as an assistant immediately strengthens our backroom staff,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “With his wealth of professional and international experience in both Major League Soccer and with the US national team, he is the perfect complement to Alecko [Eskandarian], Memo [Valencia] and myself. He also brings that top-level coaching experience and defensive tactical awareness which will be key for our team.” Llamosa most recently served as an assistant coach for Chivas USA in MLS where he coached since the 2008/09 season. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3707
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos Sign Spanish Midfield Maestro The New York Cosmos announced today the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Ayoze as the team’s fourth signing this offseason. Ayoze, 27, is a left-sided midfielder/winger who joins the Cosmos from Sporting Gijón where he had played since 2010. “Ayoze is a very talented player that has great experience in the top two divisions in Spain,” Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese said. “That experience should prove invaluable to our team this season. He also has the versatility to play anywhere on the left side. Combined with the energy he brings to the pitch every game, I think our fans are in for a real treat when he suits up in Cosmos colors.” http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3712
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II MIAMI, Fla. (February 11, 2013) - A classic rivalry and the return of the iconic New York Cosmos to the world soccer stage highlight the opening weekend of the North American Soccer League 2013 Fall Season on August 3 All eyes in the soccer world will be on New York as the irrepressible Cosmos make their long-awaited homecoming at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium, the club’s home back when the original powerhouse of American soccer won its first NASL championship in 1972. “August 3rd has been a long time coming for the entire Cosmos organization, the NASL and most importantly our fans,” Cosmos Chairman Seamus O’Brien said. “It's hard to describe how excited our team is. This is going to be a date that will be remembered for a very long time and we plan on making opening day a special one in New York.” NASL Fall Schedule – Opening Week Saturday Aug 3 Carolina RailHawks vs. FC Edmonton Minnesota Stars vs. Atlanta Silverbacks New York Cosmos vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers San Antonio Scorpions vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies View the complete 2013 NASL Spring and Fall Schedules here: http://nasl.com/index.php?id=12
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos stock up on MLS talent with addition of Freeman The New York Cosmos continue to stock their team with MLS talent ahead of their return to competitive action in the North American Soccer League (NASL). On Tuesday, they beat out the New England Revolution for the signature of MLS veteran right back Hunter Freeman, who had been in discussions with the MLS club after the Revolution picked up his rights in December's Re-Entry Draft. “The chance to play in New York City was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Freeman said in a Cosmos club statement. “I am excited to be a part of this project and help deliver the Cosmos back to the top of American soccer.” The 28-year-old Freeman is the latest MLS product to join the Cosmos, who are coached by former MetroStars legend Giovanni Savarese and his assistants, ex-MLS All-Star Carlos Llamosa and former MLS Cup MVP Alecko Eskandarian. Savarese has also signed former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Kyle Reynish and former MLS defender Carlos Mendes. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/12/cosmos-stock-mls-talent-addition-freeman
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NY Cosmos Add Two More Players Korey Veeder, 21, is a right-back who comes to the Cosmos having most recently played for the Columbus Crew where he spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Prior to Columbus, Veeder played for Crystal Palace Baltimore in the North American Soccer League (NASL) for the 2010 season where he made 19 appearances. "Korey is a young defender who already has significant professional experience,” said Cosmos head coach Gio Savarese. “Along with the signing of Dane [Murphy], this adds different options and depth to our squad." Veeder was also a member of U.S. Soccer’s residency program in Bradenton, Florida. He made 7 appearances for the U-20 team and played in the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. He is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition, the Cosmos also signed Dane Murphy, a 26-year-old midfielder. Murphy was the captain for the Cosmos U-23 squad that participated in the 2011 Premier Development League (PDL). He also represented the Cosmos at Paul Scholes’ testimonial match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in August 2011. Murphy was a four-year starter at the University of Virginia before signing with Major League Soccer’s DC United in 2008, where he was a member of the squad that won the 2008 U.S. Open Cup. In 2009, Murphy moved to Germany’s VFL Osnabrück for two seasons before returning to his home state of New York. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3731
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II The New York Cosmos hosted a player combine Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese, along with assistant coaches Carlos Llamosa, Alecko Eskandarian and Memo Valencia were present to assess over 200 players in attendance. "It was a great day to see a lot of players," said Savarese. “The turnout was excellent. I think that we will definitely be able to sign a few players from this combine. Overall, it has been very good." Due to the cold weather, the first day of the combine was held indoors with the players divided into teams and playing small-sided games. Local college coaches such as Long Island University Brooklyn's TJ Kostecky and Hofstra University's Richard Nuttall coached the teams and helped to run drills. http://nycosmos.com/news/cosmos-hunt-new-talent-player-combine
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos Add Marosevic and Lopez The New York Cosmos announced today that two players have signed contracts for the upcoming season. Peri Marosevic and Henry Lopez agreed to deals after impressing staff on Long Island during the team’s inaugural combine, which featured over 200 participants. "The quality at the combine was impressive and these players showed very well over the weekend," Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. "They are clearly comfortable with the ball at their feet and they each have decent experience for their ages. These two strengthen us up front and give us different options." http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3749
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II PUMAS UNAM COMING TO THE TRIANGLE RailHawks to host Mexican giant on March 20th in international exhibition Club Universidad Nacional A.C., better known around the world as Pumas UNAM, will be coming to the New WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the Carolina RailHawks in an international exhibition on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30PM. Pumas UNAM, a 7-time champion of Mexico and 3-time CONCACAF Champion, currently plays in Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, and most recently claimed the 2011 Clausura title. Tickets for the match between the RailHawks and Pumas UNAM will go on-sale Tuesday, February 26th at 10:00AM and can be purchased through the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office or www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/pumas http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3765
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II NASL Ottawa Franchise Selects Ottawa Fury Football Club as its Name Team Will Begin NASL Play in 2014 February 26, 2013 (Ottawa, ON): The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) today announced the official name for Ottawa’s new North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise will be Ottawa Fury FC. The decision was made after consulting Ottawa soccer fans in a “name the team campaign,” which generated some 4,000 suggestions. “We are so very grateful to everyone who participated in the naming campaign,” said John Pugh, President of Ottawa Fury FC. “We received many good suggestions and, after much deliberation, no name surpassed that of the Ottawa Fury, which already associates Ottawa with success on the field and stability off the field across North America.” “The Ottawa Fury brand is well respected in both Canada and the United States,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “The hard work that has been put into this project will ensure success both on and off the field for many years to come. We are excited that Ottawa’s first kick in NASL at the new Lansdowne Stadium is just around the corner.” http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3775
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Video Animation of the Proposed New Cosmos Stadium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzjIjRxshGQ&feature=player_detailpage
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Cosmos Continue to add Depth The New York Cosmos announced today that two more players have agreed to join the Cosmos: midfielder Joseph Nane and defender Juan Gonzalez. Nane is a 25-year-old Cameroonian central midfielder. He joins the Cosmos after playing for the Colorado Rapids in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Last year, he made nine appearances for the Rapids, scoring one goal. The 6’2” midfielder moved to the United States in 2006 to play soccer at Old Dominion University, the alma mater of his new teammate Carlos Mendes. A four-year starter in college, Nane led ODU with 15 points his senior season before being drafted by Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. Nane made 18 appearances in all competitions in his rookie season prior to being traded to Colorado in 2011. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=4171
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II San Antonio Scorpions FC, in partnership with Nike, have released their 2013 season uniform design, President and GM Howard Cornfield announced on Monday. Designed in conjunction with Nike exclusively for San Antonio Scorpions FC along with fan input, the new home kits will include a red and black color scheme with black shorts and black socks with red trim. The away kits will entail a red and white scheme with white shorts and white socks with red trim. Both will feature the San Antonio Scorpions Crest over the player’s heart along with the Toyota logo on the front of the jersey and the H-E-B logo on the back. The Scorpions are the only professional soccer team in the top two tiers of American club soccer (MLS, NASL) that will play in a Nike designed kit this season. http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=4190
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II North American Soccer League considers expansion to California FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- The North American Soccer League is focused on expanding to California as early as 2015. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego were potential cities for future NASL franchises, commissioner Bill Peterson said Tuesday. ''I know there are opportunities there, there are stadiums there, there are people who are interested,'' Peterson said. ''We still have to go through the process of deciding if we have the right owners in the right locations, but we really don't have a West Coast presence.'' The seven-team NASL will begin its third season with three games on Saturday. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nasl-talks-expansion-california-183553363--sow.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division II Indy Eleven is an American professional soccer team to be based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 2013, the team is expected to make its debut in the North American Soccer League in 2014. The name "Eleven" references the eleven men who will take to the field representing Indiana and also pays homage to Indiana's 11th Regiment Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War, whilst the red colored chequered background is a nod to both Indianapolis' auto-racing culture and the Brickyard Battalion supporters group. The Soldiers' and Sailors' monument is the focal point of the crest. The color scheme is the same as that of the civic flag of Indianapolis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indy_Eleven
