Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III USL PRO Adds Special Consultant Minor League Baseball veteran to enhance fan experience TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO is pleased to announce it has retained the services of respected branding and business development consultant Misann Ellmaker. Ellmaker will immediately begin working as a special consultant for USL PRO at its Tampa, Florida headquarters, and will focus on enhancing the total fan experience at all USL PRO games. Ellmaker, who developed many successful branding and community relations programs in more than a decade spent with Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball, will also work with USL PRO to enhance community relations outreach, national sponsorships, licensed merchandise sales and website productivity for its teams. Ellmaker’s addition is yet another step that will allow USL PRO to raise the level of overall service provided to its teams. Family entertainment and community relations are top priorities as USL PRO teams work to integrate into the fabric of their communities and increase attendance http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/563006.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III USL PRO Combine Heads to Florida Sixth Edition to be presented by Umbro in Bradenton, Florida TAMPA, Fla. – The 2012 USL PRO Combine is set for January 26-29, 2012 at the internationally recognized IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida. The USL PRO Combine provides an opportunity for elite men’s soccer players to showcase their talents for both domestic and international scouts and professional coaches. The annual event, now in its sixth year, will feature 102 of the top players from North America and abroad hoping to land a professional contract. To date, nearly 150 participants (including 20 from 2011) have gone on to sign professional contracts with USL, MLS and international squads since the debut of the combine in 2006. The event attracts the top talent from throughout North America, with a majority of the participants coming from the USL PDL, North America’s leading developmental league for men’s professional soccer. The USL PRO Combine will once again be led by USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor, who will oversee a comprehensive curriculum that challenges participants while providing coaches with the proper environment for evaluation. Coaches expected to participate in the event will include MLS staff coaches and several current PDL head coaches. http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/572481.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando City unveils updated crest and new scudetto Today, Orlando City Soccer Club announced and unveiled an updated crest that reflects the club’s 2011 USL PRO championship. Also unveiled was a championship scudetto, a commemorative patch the team will wear during the 2012 USL PRO season. “We are honored to be adding a Championship star to our crest in our first year representing the City of Orlando,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “The returning players and new players will be proud to wear the updated crest on their uniforms. It should remind all of them what a fantastic inaugural season we had in 2011.” http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/index.html?article_id=539
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando City Returns To Disney Sporting KC also to compete at 2012 Soccer Classic LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Major League Soccer Eastern Conference top seed Sporting Kansas City and USL PRO champions Orlando City Soccer are among the first teams to enter the 2012 Disney Pro Soccer Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Sporting KC, which plays the Colorado Rapids Nov. 2 for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference Championship, has been the Cinderella team of Major League Soccer this season with their worst-to-first run. Sporting KC is arguably the hottest team in MLS today and anchors what is expected to be another strong Disney Pro Soccer Classic field, Feb. 24-March 3, at Disney. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/575837.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Texas Dutch Lions Join USL PDL Will add W-League franchise in 2013 TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced today that Texas Dutch Lions FC will join the PDL for the 2012 season and will operate a team in the W-League starting in 2013. The club is an affiliate partner of FC Twente, a former winner of the Dutch Premier League and KNVB Cup, and the Dutch Lions FC, who operate teams in USL PRO and the W-League as well as a youth academy in Dayton, Ohio. It is also the intent of the organization to acquire a USL PRO team to begin competition as early as the 2013 season. “We expect the Texas Dutch Lions will prove to be a model organization for USL” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “By establishing both PDL and W-League teams, the Texas Dutch Lions will give every youth soccer player in North Houston something to aspire to by offering an opportunity to play at the next level.” The club intends to develop top-level PDL and W-League teams while providing youth players from the North Houston communities of The Woodlands and Conroe with the opportunity to develop in a professional environment. The Texas Dutch Lions will also operate the Dutch Lions FC youth development program in Texas, based on the Dutch youth development philosophy promoted by FC Twente. The FC Twente youth academy was voted best academy in Holland in 2007 and 2008, while the professional club captured the Dutch Premier League title in 2010 and the KNVB Cup in 2011. http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/580298.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Riverhounds Announce Stadium Plans Soccer-specific $7.5 million stadium opening this summer USL News Release Tuesday, January 10, 2012 TAMPA, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL PRO announced today they will join forces with Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System to play a key role in the construction of a $7.5 million stadium to serve as a home field for the franchise. The stadium will be constructed in Station Square, Pittsburgh’s preeminent mixed-use entertainment complex, with a completion date set for summer 2012. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/589757.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III USL PRO 2012 Schedule Released League alignment, playoff format also announced USL News Release Wednesday, January 11, 2012 TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its 2012 regular season alignment and schedule Wednesday, with the 132-game regular season slated to kick off on Friday, April 6. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Antigua Barracuda will officially get the season underway at Sticky Wicket Stadium on April 6, and also highlighting the kickoff weekend is the opener for 2011 USL PRO champion Orlando City, which visits the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, April 7. SCHEDULE http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/schedules/index_E.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III USL PRO Combine Players Announced Opening 97 players selected to attend at IMG Academies Thursday, January 19, 2012 TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced today the first 97 players who have had their applications accepted for the USL PRO Combine, scheduled for January 26-29 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Among the players who will get the opportunity to be evaluated by USL PRO clubs, and other professional clubs such as Sweden’s Malmö FF, are 58 former USL PDL players looking to make the jump to the professional ranks. 2012 USL PRO Combine Players List http://pdl.uslsoccer.com/docs/2012 USL PRO COMBINE INVITEES.pdf
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando City Signs John Rooney Midfielder joins Lions from New York Red Bulls Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Thursday, January 26, 2012 ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City announced today the signing of English midfielder John Rooney, pending USSF approval. Rooney is a versatile midfielder capable of playing multiple positions, giving the Lions additional depth to an already strong midfield corps. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/593347.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Blues Announce Preseason Exhibitions Will face Mexico U20 Team, Irapuato FC at Titan Stadium Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com Wednesday, February 8, 2012 FULLERTON, Calif. – The Los Angeles Blues are excited to announce they will be taking on The Mexican U-20 national team on February 25 and the stars of Mexican club Irapuato FC on March 10. Both high-profile international exhibition matches will be played at the Blues’ home, Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium, and are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. PT. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/596717.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando Earns Draw With Union Griffin's late goal results in 1-1 draw to open preseason Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Saturday, February 18, 2012 ORLANDO, Fla. - “Our Hearts Beat Red,” the slogan for Orlando City's first official preseason match, was certainly a fitting name for a game that had the entire crowd’s heart pounding at the end as the Lions earned a 1-1 draw against Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. Max Griffin scored the tying goal in added time in front of 5,963 City fans, starting out Orlando’s preseason on a positive note. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/599789.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando Takes Draw Against Toronto Rooney, Molino find net in 2-2 draw at Pro Soccer Classic Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Saturday, February 25, 2012 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Orlando City opened the 2012 Disney Pro Soccer Classic with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Toronto FC. John Rooney and Kevin Molino each scored for Orlando, which drew its third match in as many tries against MLS squads in 2012. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/601889.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Battery Earn Late Draw With Crew Cuevas' penalty gives Charleston 2-2 tie in Challenge Cup Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com Saturday, February 25, 2012 CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery earned a 2-2 draw against Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in their first game of the 2012 Carolina Challenge Cup in front of 5,767 at Blackbaud Stadium. The Battery came from behind twice with goals from Dane Kelly in the 40th minute and an 89th minute penalty kick from midfielder Jose Cuevas to earn the draw. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/601879.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Kickers Unveil New Logo, Uniforms Celebrate 20th anniversary season with modern design Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com Tuesday, March 6, 2012 RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers kicked off the 20th Anniversary season and went retro Tuesday afternoon when they unveiled their new logo on their official third uniform. The logo, designed by Richmond-based branding firm yogg, blends the dynamic passion of the beautiful game with the club’s mission to entertain, invite community participation and inspire all. “We have always been on the cutting edge, working passionately as the model of American soccer,” said Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers President. “Moving forward, the vision of our brand is to continue to evolve, providing quality experiences for our fans, our players, and our partners.” The logo, which will be used as the professional team’s primary logo effective immediately, is a combination of symbolic elements to reflect the distinct history, culture and tradition of the Richmond Kickers, as well as the vision for the organization. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/605543.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando City Adds New Sponsors MetroPCS, Fifth Third Bank, Gold's Gym partner with Lions Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Tuesday, April 10, 2012 ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City announced today several national and local brands as new sponsors for the 2012 season. Highlighting the new sponsors are international company Lifemax and national companies MetroPCS and Fifth Third Bank. “As a brand it is tremendous to see Orlando City getting this type of international and national exposure,” said Phil Rawlins, Orlando City President. “Soccer in the US has really taken off in the past 10 years and companies like these wanting to partner with us is a clear sign of that progress and success for the game. I encourage all our fans to support our sponsors, just as they are supporting Orlando City.” http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/616014.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Richmond Kickers Unveil Jersey Sponsor Health Diagnostic Laboratory becomes new partner Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com Friday, April 6, 2012 RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. jointly announced a new partnership for the 2012 season that will feature the advanced testing laboratory based in Richmond, Va. as the new front-of-jersey sponsor for the Kickers professional team. The jerseys will be officially unveiled this Saturday, April 7 at the Kickers 20th Anniversary home opener, with the Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. logo prominently featured on the 1993 green and blue retro kit. Additionally, Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. CEO Tonya Mallory will present the official game ball. “Our advanced lab is focused on making people healthy,” said Tonya Mallory, CEO and cofounder of Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. “The Richmond Kickers organization is the perfect example of living a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on active living, diet, prevention, and community engagement.” http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/615097.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Rhinos Partner With Excellus Heath insurance provider is club's new jersey sponsor Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com Tuesday, April 24, 2012 ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield jointly announced a new partnership for the 2012 season that will feature the health insurance company based in Rochester, New York as the new jersey sponsor for the Rhinos' professional team. The jerseys will be officially unveiled Saturday, May 5th at the Rochester Rhinos' home opener against the Charlotte Eagles, with the Excellus BCBS logo prominently featured on the Rhinos' iconic black and white striped kit. "Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve," said Carl Devore, M.D., associate medical director, Excellus BCBS. "In this case, we are supporting an organization that is a community asset while also encouraging families to engage in healthy activities such as soccer." The jersey sponsorship deal will only be the beginning of the Rochester Rhinos and Excellus BCBS working relationship this season. Excellus BCBS will also be the jersey sponsor for the Rhinos' six youth teams beginning in July 2012 http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/619870.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando, Richmond Finish Tied Neither side able to break deadlock in 0-0 draw Saturday, April 28, 2012 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City’s perfect start to the season came to an end, but the Lions remained undefeated after playing to a 0-0 draw against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night in front of 7,899 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Richmond’s attack created multiple chances early on, forcing Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo into a number of saves. The Torreon, Mexico, native found himself on his toes throughout the first half, making four saves in the first 45 minutes. In comparison, Gallardo made just seven saves in his first two appearances for City this season, but he would be forced to leave the match with a concussion during halftime. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/621312.html
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando City to play Stoke City and Nottingham Forest ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club announced today two international friendly matches to be played in late July. Two-time European Champions Nottingham Forest will square off with the Lions on Saturday, July 21, with Premier League side Stoke City taking on Orlando City on Saturday, July 28. http://orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=891
Re: Minor League Soccer - Division III Orlando Falls Against Stoke Late first-half goal gives Premier League side 1-0 win Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Saturday, July 28, 2012 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City Soccer Club fell 1-0 in an international friendly against the English Premier League’s Stoke City at the Florida Citrus Bowl in front of a rowdy 10,441 fans on Saturday night. A goal in stoppage time at the end of the first half put the Potters on top over the Lions. Despite the loss, Orlando City was praised for the quality of play and the crowd that showed for the friendly in Orlando. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/649215.html
