Minor League Soccer - Division II (NASL)

Discussion in 'Americas' started by EPJr, Jun 1, 2010.

  1. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    [​IMG]

    This will be the fourth time the NASL has held a combine, which has previously led to several players earning professional contacts, including Mark Anderson of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who was the third top goal scorer in 2012, and Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Jordan Gafa.

    2014 NASL Combine Schedule at UC Irvine
    Friday, January 24
    12 pm – 1:30 pm: Game #1, Training Session
    2:30 pm – 4 pm: Game #2, Training Session

    Saturday, Jan.25
    12 pm – 1:30 pm: Game #1, Training Session
    2:30 pm – 4 pm: Game #2, Training Session

    Sunday, Jan.26
    9am – 10:30 am: Full/Small Sided Game (All Star invitees)



    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1vp19e
     
  2. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38

    Indianapolis: New MLS-sized stadium planned

    It's not another MLS expansion yet, but why wait so long – says Ersal Ozdemir, founder of Indy Eleven. His plan of building a new 18,500-capacity stadium is already underway, though the club hasn't even played its first game in the second league.

    Indianapolis may have one of the world's most modern stadium in town, but the Lucas Oil Dome is far too large for the demand of many events, including domestic football games.

    But the newly-established NASL team Indy Eleven have already proven there's a very big fanbase to build upon. Ahead of its first second league season, Eleven already filled 100% of their season ticket offer, selling 7,000 out of 11,000 seats available at academic Carroll Stadium.

    Now the plan is to get a stadium the club could call home in the long term. One that would be prepared for a move upwards, to the MLS. As there are no promotions or relegations in the US, one can advance with financial and infrastructural status.

    The MLS requires a stadium of close to 20,000 capacity. That's why real estate tycoon Ersal Ozdemir plans to have a new 18,500-capacity stadium up and running as soon as possible. Its cost is hoped to be at around $87 million.

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1w8dxo
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2014
  3. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    [MLS Commissioner Don Garber set to meet with to San Antonio mayor to discuss expansion prospects
    [​IMG]

    It seems everyone wants a piece of the MLS expansion pie.

    MLS Commissioner Don Garber will head to San Antonio on Tuesday to meet with mayor Julian Castro and Gordon Hartman, the owner of NASL's Scorpions, to discuss the possibility of an expansion bid, according to a report from the San Antonio Express-News. Garber was reportedly scheduled to meet with Castro in New York in November but was forced to cancel, and will now arrive in San Antonio ahead of Wednesday's friendly between Mexico and South Korea at the Alamodome.

    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...t-san-antonio-mayor-discuss-mls-expansion-pro

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2014
  4. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Movement brewing to bring back the Sting
    [​IMG]
    https://twitter.com/Chicago_Sting
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-Sting/117708771608267
    http://chicagosting.org/


    Klopas played in 140 games and scored 62 goals for the Sting.

    Rumors of a Sting comeback have been circulating since early September, when the Twitter handle [MENTION=23168]Chicago[/MENTION]_Sting was established with the bio: “Chicago’s true football club. MIA since 1988. Some think it’s maybe time to make a comeback. Chicago’s footballing dreams.”

    In September, the Sun-Times contacted former Sting owner Lee Stern, who said he had no plans to revive the team. Stern’s Sting won NASL titles in 1981 and 1984.

    Stern did say the NASL had contacted him for advice about running a team in Chicago.

    http://www.suntimes.com/sports/23439967-419/movement-brewing-to-bring-back-the-sting.html
     
  5. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Ottawa Fury FC Confirm Fall Schedule Dates, Kickoff Times
    [​IMG]

    Ottawa Fury FC today confirmed their NASL Fall Season schedule following the announcement of the 2014 Canadian Football League (CFL) schedule.

    In an exciting opening weekend at TD Place, the Ottawa REDBLACKS will christen the new facility on Friday, July 18 against Toronto Argonauts before professional soccer takes to the pitch on Sunday, July 20 when Fury FC host the legendary New York Cosmos. In an effort to ensure sufficient time to properly transform the field from one sport to the other, four Fury FC home dates have been adjusted from the original announcement on January 16.


    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/1r...-fc-confirm-fall-schedule-dates-kickoff-times
     
  6. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Jacksonville NASL expansion franchise announces Armada FC name, club logo
    [​IMG]

    The brand new NASL franchise in Jacksonville was christened on Tuesday — Jacksonville Armada FC — and was branded with a club logo (above).

    The Armada name, which came from a fan competition and survey that yielded more than 1,500 entrants, gives a nod to the region's rich Spanish heritage and strong military connection.

    The fan vote was also used to select the club's colors — navy blue, royal blue, gold and white — which are another expression of Jacksonville culture and the city's close links to the area's US Navy and other military installations, which also explains the prominently featured anchor.


    http://www.mlssoccer.com/sideline/n...nsion-team-announces-armada-fc-name-club-logo
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2014
  7. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Announced as Club's Jersey-Front Sponsor
    [​IMG]

    The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today that Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, one of America’s largest and most successful casinos, has entered into an exclusive agreement to become the jersey-front sponsor of the club during the 2014 season and postseason.

    The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino logo will appear on all 2014 authentic and replica Rowdies jerseys. The brand-new jerseys will make their game debut on April 12 at the Rowdies home opener against FC Edmonton. All Rowdies home games take place at historic Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, located alongside the city’s world-famous waterfront.


    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1z01vj
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2014
  8. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    NASL Clubs To Compete For 'The Championship'
    [​IMG]


    The North American Soccer League will feature a new-look postseason format as four clubs qualify to play in ‘The Championship’ that will decide which of the league’s clubs lifts the NASL Soccer Bowl trophy.

    The new format, which was approved by the NASL Board of Governors meeting this week in Jacksonville, will be introduced for the upcoming 2014 NASL season. The Championship semi finals will be played the weekend of November 8/9 and The Championship final on the following weekend of November 15/16.

    The Championship Semi Finals (home team listed first)
    Seed #1 vs. Seed #4
    Seed #2 vs. Seed #3

    The Championship Final (home team listed first)
    Highest remaining seed vs. other Semi Final winner

    The Championship seeding:

    • The NASL Spring Season and Fall Season champions will each host a semi final.
    • The number one seed will be awarded to whichever of the Spring or Fall champions posts the better combined regular season record.
    • The number three and number four seeds will be awarded to the next two clubs with the best overall records from both seasons combined.
    • Clubs will retain their seeding throughout the postseason.
    • The top-seeded semi final winner will host The Championship final.
    • If the same club wins both seasons, the clubs with the second, third and fourth best overall records from both seasons combined will qualify for The Championship.

    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/19...w8/nasl-clubs-to-compete-for-the-championship
     
  9. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Edmonton looks at long-term plan for new 20,000-seat soccer stadium
    [​IMG]

    With downtown arena construction poised to begin, the city is now considering a long-term plan to build a $120-million stadium for soccer and other field sports.

    Under a strategy recommended Thursday by city staff, the aging artificial turf would be replaced this year for $1.3 million at Clarke Park, used mainly by the FC Edmonton professional soccer team, and amateur soccer and football.

    The new turf will have permanent yellow soccer lines and the ability to be repainted for other sports.

    Once FC Edmonton can boost average game attendance to 4,500 people for three years from the 2,450 fans who showed up for each match in 2013, the city will look at a $20-million expansion of Clarke to 10,000 seats.

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1z5b52
     
  10. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Professional soccer in Hamilton booted to 2016
    [​IMG]

    The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have until September 2015 to lure a professional soccer team to town under the terms of a proposed licensing agreement for the new Pan Am stadium.

    The agreement governs the football team's rent, parking and soccer obligations at city-owned Tim Hortons Field, a $145-million stadium scheduled to open in July.

    Legal concerns with the still-unsigned agreement will be discussed by councillors behind closed doors Wednesday.

    But a public staff report shows the city will extend the Ticats' soccer exclusivity deal until September of next year. The city nixed an amateur Toronto soccer club's hopes to move to Hamilton and turn pro late last year, citing that exclusivity deal.

    The original deadline to finalize plans for professional soccer and a community training academy passed more than a year ago. A team is now supposed to start playing in 2016

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1za60e
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2014
  11. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Sellout Crowd at Toyota Field Sees San Antonio Scorpions Draw With FC Dallas
    [​IMG]

    The San Antonio Scorpions faced MLS FC Dallas among a sellout crowd of 7,967 at Toyota Field in the inaugural deeproot Funds Cup.

    The Scorpions organization, which has undergone several internal changeovers since 2013 including the appointment of head coach, Alen Marcina, came out in black jerseys in full attack mode against an equally aggressive FC Dallas team in red and white stripes.

    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/v7...yota-field-sees-scorpions-draw-with-fc-dallas
     
  12. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Cosmos Schedule Friendly Against Al Shabab Al Arabi Of UAE
    [​IMG]

    With the start of the 2014 NASL spring season a little more than a month away, the New York Cosmos are gearing up to defend their title as Soccer Bowl champions.

    After several weeks of training on Long Island, the Cosmos have taken a trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to continue its preparation for the upcoming season. Not only will the Cosmos players enjoy the beautiful sights of Dubai, but quality opposition as well, as the club is set to take on Al Shabab Al Arabi in an international friendly match on Thursday, March 6.


    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/15...s-schedule-friendly-al-shabab-al-arabi-of-uae
     
  13. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Time is Now For Ottawa Fury Supporters
    NASL club pleased with diversity of support groups, must be flexible to foster positive relationships

    [​IMG]

    We want Ottawa to develop its own soccer culture,” says Matt Hawkins, a member of the Stony Monday Riot, 1 of 3 Fury FC supporter groups (SGs) to have announced itself in advance of NASL 2014. “If it is 'quiet' in the stadium, it's the supporters fault and we'll have to do more.”

    It’s a sentiment that is echoed independently by Christian Marcoux, member of the Fury Ultras: “The supporters groups shouldn't be the number one concern of management. Their job is to put the best possible team on the field and our job is to have a good time in the stands.”

    All of the groups have a website, Facebook and Twitter presence – worth a look and easily found on search. Here are their handles:

    Stony Monday Riot:
    web site: http://www.stonymondayriot.com/
    twitter: @StonyMondayriot
    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonymondayriot

    Bytown Boys:
    website: http://www.bytownboys.ca/
    twitter: @BytownBoysSC
    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BytownBoysSC

    Fury Ultras:
    website: http://www.furyultras.ca
    twitter: @FuryUltras
    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furyultras

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/20ew3l
    http://www.ottawafuryfc.com/page/slug/supporters-group
     
  14. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Scorpions Sign Former MLS All-Star and Designated Player Eric Hassli
    [​IMG]
    San Antonio Scorpions Sign Former Major League Soccer All-Star and Designated Player Eric Hassli


    The 6’4” Hassli is a target forward with excellent skills on the ball and was most recently with FC Dallas of Major League Soccer. He has made 280 appearances during his 14-year club career in both Europe and North America and has compiled quite the personal highlight-reel in the process of scoring 78 career goals. In 2012, Hassli was nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for “the most beautiful goal of the year” alongside the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Radamel Falcao for a screaming volley he hit against Toronto FC in the Amway Canadian Championship.

    http://www.sascorpions.com/news/det...er-all-star-and-designated-player-eric-hassli
     
  15. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    SA Scorpions To Host International Friendly
    Against Costa Rican Side Deportivo Saprissa

    [​IMG]


    The San Antonio Scorpions will host three-time CONCACAF Champions Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica in an international friendly at Toyota Field on April 5, at 7:30 pm CT in their final tune-up for the 2014 NASL regular season.

    “This will be our final test prior to the start of our regular season and I will expect our team to be prepared to play a very good Saprissa squad,” said Scorpions coach Alen Marcina. “We will approach this match like it is a regular season game and I anticipate a highly competitive contest.”


    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/4z...osta-rican-side-deportivo-saprissa-next-month
     
  16. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Rowdies Acquire MLS Standout Goalkeeper Matt Pickens
    Rowdies Continue to Build Premier Florida Pro Soccer Team

    [​IMG]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday that the club has acquired the rights to accomplished MLS goalkeeper Matt Pickens from Major League’s Soccer’s New England Revolution, and has signed the keeper to a multi-year contract. Per club and league policy, further details of the deal were not released.

    http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/d...s-acquire-mls-veteran-goalkeeper-matt-pickens
     
  17. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    [​IMG]
    Strikers Travel To Haiti For International Friendly Against Don Bosco FC

    The NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers will travel to Haiti this weekend to play against Don Bosco FC in the newly renovated Parc St. Therese in Petion-Ville on Sunday, March 30 at 7 pm ET.

    The Strikers were invited by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC), Magalie Racine, the Mayor of Petion-Ville, Yvanca Jolicoeur Brutus and by Mr. Ford, the President of Don Bosco FC.


    http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/1i...r-international-friendly-against-don-bosco-fc
     
  18. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,774
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Fury FC Unveil Inaugural Game Kits
    [​IMG]

    Ottawa Fury FC today unveiled their home and away game kits (uniforms) that the club will wear during its inaugural North American Soccer League (NASL) season. With season ticket holders and the supporters groups in attendance for the event at Ottawa's Tailgators Sports Bar, Fury FC players modelled the newly released kits produced by Admiral Sportswear.

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/21oh8h
     
  19. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2010
    Messages:
    212,768
    Likes Received:
    821
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Strikers Defeat Ottawa 2-0 at Lockhart Stadium

    The Fort Lauderdale Strikers defeated Ottawa Fury 2-0 in the opening match of the 2014 NASL season in front of 3,105 fans at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    The Strikers led for majority of the match on an early goal from Rafael Alves before Darnell King ensured the Strikers claimed all three points with a late strike in the second half.

    The game started at a fast pace in the first-ever meeting between the two sides. Neither side was too familiar with their opponent but both teams looked to attack the opposition and get on the board first.

    It took Alves just 13 minutes to score the first goal of the 2014 NASL season. The big Brazilian found himself unmarked at the back post on Anderson's driven low freekick. He slid home for his first goal for the Strikers in 15 appearances.

    Strikers goalkeeper Oka Nikolov was very active in his Strikers debut. The German-born goalkeeper was one of the main acquisitions by the Strikers in the 2014 offseason and finished his first match with the Strikers with four key saves.

    Chris Nurse went close to doubling the Strikers' lead with a header at the end of the first half. His effort went just wide of the post. Richie Ryan had a chance to level the score on the stroke of halftime but was denied by Nikolov.

    With Alves forced off with an injury at the halftime interval, Justin Chavez moved back into defense and substitute Manny Gonzalez stepped into midfield. The Strikers came out of the dressing rooms the stronger side and pressed for a second goal.

    The insurance goal finally came in the 80th minute on a Strikers counter attack through King. Ottawa were exposed at the back after throwing numbers forward and a smart through ball from Marius Ebbers found King surging down the right. The right back attempted to unselfishly play a square ball to Anderson inside the box, but the low cross was cut out by Fury FC goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. King pounced on the loose ball and sent a vicious effort into the back of the net.

    With the win, the Strikers claim first place in the NASL standings.

    Press release from the Fort Lauderdale Strikers
     
  20. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2010
    Messages:
    212,768
    Likes Received:
    821
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Carolina RailHawks' Mike Ambersley Bags First-ever Indy Eleven Goal

    Indy Eleven's Inaugural Game in the North American Soccer League Match did not disappoint the sellout crowd of 11,048 IUPUI's Michael A. Carrol Stadium, but the squad was forced to settle for a share of the spoils via a 1-1 draw with the Carolina RailHawks in both team's NASL Spring Season debut.
    On a perfect spring evening in the Circle City, the first 45 minutes saw the home and away teams trading marginal attacking opportunities while feeling each other out in the midfield. Both teams did create some danger, however, starting in the 24th minute when Indy Eleven goalkeeper Kristian Nicht came up with a massive save on Carolina attacker Tiyiselani Shipalane, who found himself one-on-one with the German net minder.

    Indy Eleven found its legs - and more possession - as the half went along, and was rewarded in the 43rd minute when Mike Ambersley tallied the first official goal in club history. After a penetrating run by Eleven midfielder Corby Moore was snuffed out, midfielder A.J. Corrado played the loose ball into the 18-yard box where a waiting Ambersley took a touch by the RailHawk defender and slotted a low shot into the far post. The goal capped off a week to remember for the St. Louis native and Indiana University alum, who celebrated the brith of his first child just days ago.

    Carolina looked to quickly counter the 1-0 lead and immediately played a long ball into the box where RailHawk forward Zack Schilawski linked onto the pass. Eager to preserve the one goal advantage, Indy Eleven defender Brad Ring made the tackle of the half, sliding in and stymying Schilawski inside the six-yard box to keep the score 1-0 heading into the break.

    Carolina RailHawks Assistant Coach Greg Shields was dismissed from the game at the halftime intermission.

    Carolina came out of the locker room looking to quickly jump on the home team, and it didn't take long for the RailHawks to find the equalizer. Just five minutes into the second half a good spell of possession by the RailHawks led to a Shipalane cross that Schilawski headed home powerfully from eight yards out to put Carolina equal.

    Showing a positive response to the goal, Indy Eleven midfielder Kleberson looked to lead the squad charging forward into the match. A caution for Carolina's Daniel Scott in the 62^nd minute set up the Brazilian midfielder for a shot on goal from 30 yards out, which was saved by Akira Fitzgerald. Two minutes later Kleberson again looked to goal, but his shot from distance whistled just wide of the post.

    Indy Eleven made three substitutions in the second half, bringing on Pedro Mendes, Don Smart and Dylan Mares. As the second half of play ticked away, Indy felt the pressure to push the ball forward and found a few late chances that brought the capacity crowd to its feet. Despite dominating the last ten minutes, the home side was forced to split the points before celebrating the effort of the sold out crowd.

    Indy Eleven Head Coach Juergen Sommer On the sold out crowd of 11,048 and their support: "The Brickyard Battalion was phenomenal tonight. The atmosphere was electric and every fan was like a 12th man for us tonight."

    On the 1-1 result against the RailHawks and managing expectations early: "You always want to win your homeopener, obviously. Again, we're building a brand new franchise and I think we're going to need four or five games to get a real sense of match fitness going."

    On what to take away from the match: "I was really pleased with the character and fight of our team. Even late in the second half we were pushing forward and creating chances. Finding that game-winner will come with experience and getting matches under our belt."

    Carolina RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke On falling behind in the first half: "There were some positives for us, but I thought we were poor in the first half and we didn't prepare for what we knew was coming. We got in behind a few times and didn't take advantage of our opportunities."

    On gaining a result in a tough atmosphere: "It's a point on the road. I'm disappointed we didn't get three because I thought we could have. This will be a tough place for teams to come in and play. Probably overall a fair result."

    Press release from the Indy Eleven
     

Share This Page