USL PRO Announces St. Louis Expansion Joins Colorado Springs, Tulsa as 2015 additions Thursday, May 1, 2014 TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO is pleased to announce the return of professional soccer to St. Louis, Missouri by awarding an expansion franchise to SLSG PRO LLC that will join the league starting in the 2015 season. Longtime St. Louis business executive and soccer advocate Jim Kavanaugh will serve as CEO of SLSG PRO, overseeing the operations of the franchise. Kavanaugh is also the CEO of World Wide Technology which he co-founded 1990. WWT is one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and has grown into a global systems integrator with more than $6 billion in annual revenue and more than 2,400 employees worldwide. St. Louis is the third USL PRO expansion team announced for 2015, joining Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC, with additional announcements expected in the coming months. “We are thrilled to welcome St. Louis into USL PRO starting with the 2015 season,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “St. Louis, more than any other U.S. city, has significantly contributed to the development and growth of American soccer on all levels – youth, collegiate and professional. Through the years, St. Louis players, coaches and soccer executives have greatly impacted not only the game of soccer, but the history of American soccer itself. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/805777.html “We are thrilled to welcome St. Louis into USL PRO,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said in a statement. “St. Louis, more than any other US city, has significantly contributed to the development and growth of American soccer on all levels – youth, collegiate and professional. “Through the years, St. Louis players, coaches and soccer executives have greatly impacted not only the game of soccer, but the history of American soccer itself.” St. Louis has been a hotbed for the beautiful game for more than a century. Many of the players on the legendary 1950 US World Cup team hailed from the city, including Harry Keough, Frank Borghi and Charlie Colombo. The St. Louis USL PRO franchise will compete at the 5,000-seat Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo., and will be led by head coach Dale Schilly, who has nearly 30 years of coaching experience at every level. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...nounces-2015-expansion-soccer-hotbed-st-louis
Rhinos Take a Point in Richmond The Rochester Rhinos played to a 1:1 draw with the defending USL PRO regular season champion Richmond Kickers in City Stadium on Friday, May 2nd. Rhinos substitute attacking midfielder Alex Dixon opened the scoring off of an assist from New England Revs loanee Donnie Smith in the 89th minute. However, Richmond was able to share the points with an equalizer one minute later that was finished by star forward George Davis IV. The Rhinos entered the match in fifth place in the USL PRO table, but faced the best team in USL PRO over the past year, the third place Richmond Kickers. The Kickers were coming off of an ominous 5:1 victory in Dayton on Saturday, April 26th, and they had already scored 13 goals in their first five matches of the season. To compound the danger to Rochester, the Rhinos were due to play in Wilmington 24 hours later against the Hammerheads in a USL PRO back-to-back weekend. Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley organized his team defensively to deal with back-to-back matches over the weekend. Lilley set his team up to sit back and counter attack to start the match. Rochester allowed Richmond to have possession of the ball, particularly in their own half of the pitch, but put the Kickers under heavy pressure as they entered the Rhinos defensive half. The strategy limited the perennial USL PRO power to one chance in the first half hour of the match. Richmond earned the first chance of the match in the 15th minute. Fullback Alex Lee was played through down the right flank, and Rhinos left midfielder Donnie Smith was forced to track back to contain him. Smith ended up committing a foul on Lee, and the Kickers were awarded the free kick. Collin Martin played the free kick in the right corner like a de facto corner kick, and his service found Richmond's First Team All-USL PRO center back William Yomby at the far post. Yomby headed the ball, but his effort was up and over the cross bar. Five minutes later the Rhinos had their first chance of the match off of a set piece. Rochester defensive midfielder Lance Rozeboom quickly took a free kick from just inside the Kickers half of the pitch. Rozeboom played the ball square to right back Pat McMahon who took his space down the right touchline. McMahon played the ball into attacking midfielder Minh Vu in the advanced flank, and Vu served the ball into the far post. Smith got on the end of Vu's service, but he could not put his header on target. Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Luis Soffner, on loan from the New England Revs, made the highlight of the first half in the 33rd minute. Richmond defensive midfielder Jared Jeffrey took possession of the ball from Rozeboom at the bottom of the circle in the Rhinos half of the field. Jeffrey's tackle sparked a counter attack and allowed him to run at the Rochester back four with pace. Jeffrey was able to find Martin with a short pass to his right near the top of the Rhinos box. Martin wrong footed the Rhinos back four, dribbled six yards into the box, and shaped a perfect finish toward the lower left hand corner of the Rhinos goal. Soffner made a full extension dive to his right to parry Martin's shot away, but the rebound found the feet of George Davis IV on the end line. Davis had the composure to control the ball and drop it to Kyle Porter who was 15 yards out on the right side of the penalty area. Porter struck a shot on goal, but Soffner was back on his feet and able to make the save. The Rhinos tactics continued to be effective for the remainder of the first half as Richmond was able to keep possession in their back four, but their only route forward was a long ball over the top. Rhinos center back Kyle Hoffer led a back line composed of left back Ayao Sossou, center back Tony Walls, and right back Pat McMahon who were able to deal with the Kickers long 50/50 balls in the air or sheppard the ball out over the end line for a goal kick. The first half ended in a scoreless tie. It was the first time in three matches that the Rhinos did not take the lead into half time. The Rhinos came out in the second half and seized more of the match than they had in the first 45 minutes. Four minutes into the second half Soffner played a free kick into the Richmond half of the pitch. Rhinos midfielder Tyler Rosenlund flicked the ball on to Smith running down the left flank. Smith played a diagonal ball into the straight run of Rochester target Colin Rolfe. Rolfe surged past Kickers midfielder Mike Callahan to the top of the Richmond box, but he struck his effort right at keeper Joe Willis. In the 63rd minute Rosenlund tried to flick a ball over the top of Richmond's back four to Rolfe. Yomby cut Rosenlund's effort out, but Rolfe did not quit in his pursuit and forced a corner kick. The Rhinos corner kick went into the back post and found the head of Rozeboom. Rozeboom headed the ball back across the goal mouth, and his effort hit the right post and bounced out for a goal kick. Five minutes later the Rhinos had their third chance of the second half. Rolfe won a 50/50 ball that fell to Rosenlund 30 yards out from the Kickers goal. Rosenlund took two touches and took a shot on goal. His effort was right at Willis. Richmond substitution Luke Vercollone committed a studs-up foul on Rochester Rhinos midfielder Michael Garzi and was booked. Garzi had to be helped off of the field, and the Kickers played with a man advantage while Lilley organized a substitution. Richmond used the man advantage to create their first chance of the second half. In the 72nd minute Porter played a ball out wide to Lee on the right flank in the Rhinos half of the pitch. Lee served the ball into the Rochester penalty area from the end line, but his cross was cleared away by Hoffer. The rebound only went as far as Martin at the top of the box, but Hoffer was there again to block Martin's shot. Two minutes later the Kickers had another chance as the momentum in the match began to sway their way. This time the ball took a ricochet and ended up putting left back Taylor Kemp in behind the Rhinos back four down the left side of the penalty box. Kemp crossed the ball into Kickers substitute Matthew Delicate on the far post. Delicate got his head to the ball and tried to flick it into the upper right hand corner of the Rochester goal, but his glancing header was off target. In the 79th minute Richmond had what appeared to be the final opportunity of the match. Martin had possession of the ball in the Rhinos half of the pitch and dropped it to Kickers center back Conor Shanosky. Shanosky cycled the ball out wide to Lee on the right flank. Lee served an early ball into the Rhinos penalty area, and Davis met the ball with a header at the penalty spot. Soffner was quickly off of his line and blocked Davis effort at the point of contact, and the ball deflected out over the end line for a goal kick. The energy seemed to flow out of the match in the final ten minutes as the chances evaporated, and there was not really any indication of the finish that was in store. The Rhinos opened the scoring in the 89th minute. Substitute left back Onua Thomas Obasi won the ball on the left flank 35 yards out from the Richmond goal, and played Smith through down the left flank. Smith dribbled at the Richmond defense, and put them under pressure allowing him to drop the ball to substitute Alex Dixon at the top of the box. Dixon took a touch and finished into the lower left corner of the Richmond goal to give the visitors a shock lead. The Kickers found the equalizer off the subsequent kickoff. Martin took possession of the ball and played it out to Lee on the right flank near the midfield stripe. Lee lumped the ball into the Rhinos box, and Delicate was able to win the 50/50 ball and flick it on. Substitute Jason Yeisley, who has missed most of the past season with a concussion, was first to the loose ball and tried to finish in spectacular fashion with an over head kick. Yeisley got his effort on goal, but Hoffer worked his way across the box to block it. The loose ball fell directly to Davis at the top left corner of the six yard box, and Davis left no doubt with a finish past Soffner into the upper right corner to steal a point for the home side. The Rochester Rhinos conclude their back-to-back weekend in Legion Stadium on Saturday, May 3rd 2014 with a 7:30PM kickoff against the Wilmington Hammerheads. The match can be seen live in its entirety via streaming vidoe on the Hammerheads YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/WilmHammerheadsFC. The Rochester Rhinos next home match is on Saturday, May 10th at 7PM against the defending USL PRO Champion Orlando City. Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available by by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available. Press release from the Rochester Rhinos
Sacramento Republic FC moves to 3-3-1 on the season It was all Republic FC in the first 45 minutes, playing in their second home game of the season played in front of a crowd of 17,414 at Hughes Stadium. After numerous unsuccessful opportunities in the first half hour forward Thomas Stewart was able to break through and score in the 42nd minute. Stewart, in what appeared to be a cross, sent a ball into the goal box. The ball bounced off the far post, ricocheted off of Blues FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain and rolled into the net. The score remained tied at 1-1 at half. Orange County Blues FC showed their resilience and were rewarded with a 48th minute score. The goal came off the head of Allan Russell, who crept in behind the defense and put away a far post cross from Jiovanni Santana. Sacramento Republic FC got back in their first half forma and Adam Jahn netted his second goal in as many games. The heading strike came in the 70th minute from a cross off the foot of defender Nemanja Vukoviæ that glanced off the crossbar and found Jahn. Orange County Blues FC had a few scoring chances in the final 15 minutes but Republic FC Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson came up with a couple of big time saves. "I wasn't really worried", said Republic FC Head Coach Preki, "I know what we have in the locker room and the guys are working really hard and they are playing exactly the way we want to play." Republic FC will host the third of three straight home matches on May 17 against the LA Galaxy II. The match will be played at Hughes Stadium and is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Press release from the Sacramento Republic FC
Wilmington, Rochester End in Draw Wilmington Hammerheads FC ended Saturday night's match versus the Rochester Rhinos with their second draw of the season. Neither the Hammerheads nor the Rhinos could find the back of the net at Legion Stadium to secure the single goal that would render victorious. The Hammerheads started the first half with an improved pace from theprevious weekendcoming off of theirdefeat against the Charlotte Eagles that ended their undefeated start to the season. Midfielder Daniel Lovitz had is first attempt of the night in the 7th minute off a cross from forward Cody Arnoux that deflected off Rochester causing commotion in the box to regain possession of the ball. As the game continued both teams fought to gain majority control, in return each team received three yellow cards in the second half alone. As the final whistle was gaining closerby minutes, Hammerheads midfielder Steven Miller had a shot on Rochester goalkeeper John McCarthy that ended in a save.Not long after, the shot wasfollowed by a header from forward Jordan Hamilton off a corner kick saved by McCarthy on the jump. Hamilton is the fourth player to be loaned to the Hammerheads from their Major League Soccer affiliate Toronto FC. Hamilton produced another shot in stoppage time to conclude his debut match with the squad. Wilmington Hammerheads FC are scheduled totravel to Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday, May 17to take on the Charleston Battery for their next match. For more information regarding the Hammerheads, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com. Press release from Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Arizona United SC plays complete game in win over Charlotte Arizona United SC played its best game to date as it defeated the Charlotte Eagles 2-1 Saturday night at the Peoria Sports Complex. Read more http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...sc-plays-complete-game-win-charlotte/8686543/
Re: Sacramento Republic FC moves to 3-3-1 on the season Republic FC considers expansion at Cal Expo Team draws nearly 40,000 fans for two games Read more: http://www.kcra.com/news/republic-fc-considers-expansion-of-cal-expo-plans/25801060#ixzz30s8ZObSC
Re: Sacramento Republic FC moves to 3-3-1 on the season St. Louis USL PRO Executive Director discusses new franchise USL PRO Weekly Special Edition Nicholas Murray was joined for a special USL PRO Weekly interview by Patrick Barry, the Executive Director of St. Louis USL PRO. Also the Executive Director of St. Louis Scott Gallagher, Barry discusses the new franchise, the reasons for joining USL PRO, and the hiring of Coach Dale Schilly for the 2015 season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvXzjBytlds&feature=player_embedded http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/807648.html
Re: Sacramento Republic FC moves to 3-3-1 on the season Kickers To Host Crystal Palace Premier League side to visit City Stadium on July 28 Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com Monday, May 19, 2014 RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host Crystal Palace of the world-famous Barclay’s Premier League in an international exhibition at City Stadium on Monday, July 28 at 7 p.m. The historic match marks the first-time ever a team from England’s top flight will appear in Virginia. Following a seven-day private pre-sale, general admission tickets for $30 will go on sale on Monday, May 26 at RichmondKickers.com. “The English Premier League is widely considered the World's greatest sports league and when you add this summer's World Cup, our rapidly increasing fan support, and the desire to develop a soccer specific stadium, we knew this was the time to showcase the Premier League in Virginia," said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/810272.html
Re: Sacramento Republic FC moves to 3-3-1 on the season Republic FC to Host Rangers Football Club on July 19 Historic European club returns to U.S for first North American preseason trip since 2007. Sacramento Republic FC will host Scottish League One Champions Rangers Football Club on July 19, 2014 in a friendly match at Bonney Field in Sacramento, Calif. Kickoff time is 7:30 p.m. http://www.reddit.com/tb/26sao9
St. Louis FC Set For USL PRO New franchise unveiled official name on Monday Monday, June 2, 2014 ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Football Club has been unveiled as the newest participant in USL PRO for the 2015 season, as the club revealed its official name via social media on Monday afternoon. St. Louis FC, under the leadership of local businessman and longtime local soccer advocate Jim Kavanaugh, is set to begin play next season at St. Louis Soccer Park. The club has already named Dale Schilly as its first head coach, with Patrick Barry the team’s Executive Director. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72013 L3/Display E NDX NDX 814123
Kickers To Host Mexico U-21 Team International exhibition set for City Stadium on July 1 Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com Tuesday, June 3, 2014 RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host the Mexico U21 National Team in an international exhibition at City Stadium on Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. The historic match will showcase top young talent from Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, as the team prepares for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/814343.html
Switchbacks FC Unveil Logo Club's official song, 'Switchback Attack', also revealed at event Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release -- www.switchbacksfc.com Thursday, June 5, 2014 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC unveiled their first logo this evening limiting out on available space at the Ivywild School Gymnasium with 250 fans. The evening was filled with the Switchbacks new song "Switchback Attack”, hype video, motion graphics, song, and chants from the COS Colonials. The Switchbacks crest has its roots in the Colorado Springs Flag emblem with the hexagon shape and sunburst behind the soccer ball. The entire movement of the mark represents the switchbacks movement which is defined by the club as a sudden change of direction. The hexagon border stops short of making final terminations in order to allow the shape of an “S”. Mountain peaks are subtly referenced on the top and bottom of the mark. The five vertical red lines represent the five Colorado military bases. The cross fluery represents the term “believe” to the club. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/815348.html
Louisville City FC unveils 'abstract' new logo With more than 100 logo design entries to choose from, the Louisville City Football Club on Sunday unveiled a new crest featuring purple and gold colors with an abstract take on the city's skyline. Team owner Wayne Estopinal made the announcement for his minor league club, which starts play in 2015 at Louisville Slugger Field, during the U.S.-Portugal watch party at Fourth Street Live. "I'm sure we're not going to please everybody, but I think the key to this was, we got the community engaged," Estopinal said. "We got many, many entries from professional designers down to an 8-year-old. Clearly, everybody put a great deal of time into these things. They looked great." http://www.thecollegeendzone.net/ce2/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=129361
Sacramento Hosts West Bromwich Albion Premier League side to visit for pair of contests July 21 & 25 Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com Monday, June 23, 2014 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC will host the Barclays Premier League’s West Bromwich Albion FC on July 21 and July 25 in friendly matches at Bonney Field in Sacramento, Calif. Kickoff time for both matches is 7:30 p.m. PT. The matches will be presented by Bonney Plumbing, Heating, Air and Rooter Service. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72013 L3/Display E NDX NDX 819199
Republic FC Falls Late Against Atlas Alvarez has goal in international exhibition Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com Sunday, July 6, 2014 SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC held a halftime lead, but Liga MX side Atlas FC scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to claim a 2-1 victory at a sold-out Bonney Field on Sunday evening. Max Alvarez scored for Sacramento in the club's first of four international exhibitions this summer. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/821974.html
Whitecaps FC announces intent to bring USL PRO soccer to New Westminster Signed MoU first step in process to launch new franchise NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the City of New Westminster have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking their intent to work towards the launch of a United Soccer Leagues (USL) PRO franchise to the community of New Westminster. “We are thrilled to announce our efforts with the City of New Westminster to bring a new professional soccer team to its vibrant sports and family oriented community,” said club president Bob Lenarduzzi. “A USL PRO franchise in our own backyard is an important step in our efforts to support the development of players, especially young Canadians, at every level by bridging the pathway to our Major Soccer League team, as well as the national team.” http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/07/wfc-announces-intent-usl-pro-new-west
Delicate Leads Kickers Past Sacramento Two goals earn Richmond 2-1 victory against Republic FC Saturday, July 12, 2014 RICHMOND, Va. – Matthew Delicâte’s two second-half goals led the Richmond Kickers to a 2-1 victory against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night at City Stadium. Delicâte’s 11th and 12th goals on the season are good enough to move him into a tie for the USL PRO-lead in goals. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/823282.html
