City Islanders Go Forward with New Stadium Project after Results of Economic Impact Study Yesterday morning Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, the Dauphin County Commissioners, and Harrisburg City Islanders Professional Soccer and Youth Academy announced the results of months of planning for a new multi-use stadium facility in 2016 at the current location of the city-owned Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. http://www.recklesschallenge.net/ci...oject-after-results-of-economic-impact-study/
Republic Announce Quartet Of Signings Avesyan, Gonzalez, Guzman, Mirkovic added to squad Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com Tuesday, March 25, 2014 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced the signing of defenders Jack Avesyan and Jose “Cristian” Gonzalez and midfielders Ivan Mirković and Octavio Guzman, pending USSF approval. “This group are squad players in whom Preki has seen potential,” said Republic FC Technical Director Graham Smith. “If they realize their potential, they can stake a regular claim in the team.” http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/796887.html
McLaughlin Joins Energy As Partner Becomes equal partner with Funk Jr. for expansion franchise OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com Tuesday, March 25, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC announced today that respected local businessman Tim McLaughlin has joined the management team as an equal partner with Bob Funk Jr. The partnership represents a major step towards uniting the Oklahoma City soccer community and strengthens Prodigal’s commitment to bring top level professional soccer to Oklahoma City including a potential Major League Soccer team in the years ahead. “We’re pleased to have Tim join OKC Energy FC as an equal partner,” said Prodigal owner Bob Funk Jr. “His passion for the continued success of Oklahoma City and its citizens is unmatched. By uniting our efforts, it brings us another step closer to our shared vision of bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to Oklahoma City in the future.” http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/797071.html
2014 USL Pro preview This season will be tricky again, especially since two of the weaker teams folded: VSI Tampa Bay and the Antigua Barracudas. LA Galaxy II are joined by two new expansion teams, but with familiar coaching names such as Jimmy Nielsen leading the Oklahoma Energy and former Toronto FC coach Preki leads the Sacramento Republic, while two clubs changed their names but remain in the same area. Overall, it should be an exciting season with the added advantage that the league will be broadcasting most games free of charge over Youtube. For those people looking for an additional soccer fix, or trying to grasp the quality of soccer in North America, I give you my 2014 USL Pro preview. http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2014/2014USLPropreview.aspx
USL Partners With Ruffneck Scarves Ruffneck to serve as Official Scarf Supplier USL News Release Friday, March 28, 2014 TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues is pleased to announce Ruffneck Scarves as the Official Scarf Supplier of USL. The multi-year agreement between the Seattle, Washington-based company and USL provides USL and its teams the opportunity to work with a nationally recognized scarf manufacturer that specializes in custom scarf production targeted at enhancing game day atmosphere, providing fans a way to display their support for a club and providing teams with a formal way to continue the extensions of their brands. “Our partnership with Ruffneck Scarves will help provide all of our teams with a valuable opportunity to enhance their brand awareness and fan engagement,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Ruffneck Scarves has become an industry leader by producing a quality product and catering to the needs of passionate soccer fans, and USL looks forward to helping grow that passion.” http://www.reddit.com/tb/21mcd2 http://ruffneckscarves.bigcartel.com/products
Arizona Hires Dellorusso As Head Coach Former FC Dallas player, Maryland assistant takes helm Arizona United SC News Release -- www.arizonaunited.com Friday, March 28, 2014 PEORIA, Ariz. – Arizona’s only professional soccer team, Arizona United SC, announced today the hiring of Michael Dellorusso as its head coach. Dellorusso, 30, has spent the past four years as the top assistant for the Terrapins, helping guide the team to unprecedented success as one of college soccer’s top programs. During his tenure, Maryland made four straight Sweet Sixteen appearances and went to two College Cup Final Fours. In the 2013 season, the Terrapins lost to Notre Dame in the NCAA Championship Game. A native of Columbia, Md., Dellorusso played collegiately at Maryland, and served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons. During his senior campaign in 2005, Dellorusso guided the Terrapins to their first national championship since 1968. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/797943.html
Republic Make Debut On The Road Fucito added to squad ahead of trip to Galaxy II Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com Friday, March 28, 2014 SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC is set to take to the field for the first time in club history as it visits the LA Galaxy II on Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be played at the StubHub Center Track Stadium in Los Angeles. Republic FC finished the preseason with a 4-2-1 overall record, including matches against their MLS affiliate San Jose Earthquakes, the Ventura County Fusion, a strong PDL club, as well as UC Davis, Sacramento State, Chico State, St. Mary’s and UC Santa Barbara. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/scripts...E 47116 News/Display/ 65674034 65672522 14553
Duggan Targets Detroit For USL PRO Michigan Bucks owner aiming for new franchise in 2015 Michigan Bucks News Release -- www.buckssoccer.com Tuesday, April 1, 2014 PONTIAC, Mich. -- Michigan Bucks owner Dan Duggan confirmed today that he has reached a preliminary agreement with USL PRO to bring a professional outdoor soccer team to the Detroit market starting in the 2015 season. The agreement (subject to league approval of the ownership group and stadium plan) represents the final chapter in the longtime local soccer executive's quest to bring a professional team and soccer-specific stadium to downtown Detroit, marking the first time professional outdoor soccer has been played in the city since 1968 when the Detroit Cougars hosted their games at Tiger Stadium. http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/798798.html
Building the Soccer Pyramid: Long road could lead to huge expansion for USL PRO It’s not often that the lower tiers of the North American soccer pyramid intrude on the collective consciousness of Major League Soccer. There are exceptions, obviously. Think about Cal FC in the 2012 US Open Cup, the recent NASL rebirth of the New York Cosmos, Dom Dwyer’s successful loan to USL PRO Orlando City SC last season, or even the fact that Orlando will be the fifth team to join MLS after existing in a lower division, after Seattle, Portland, Vancouver and Montreal. But are MLS fans really paying enough attention to the quickly shifting landscape beneath their feet? They certainly should be. Look no further than the new aura surrounding USL PRO, the US Soccer Federation’s third-tier league. In 2013, MLS and USL cemented an agreement to integrate MLS’s Reserve League into USL PRO with the hope that by the end of 2015, every MLS club will either own a third-division team or affiliate with an existing club in order to improve player development. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...d-long-road-could-lead-huge-expansion-usl-pro Building the Soccer Pyramid: Cash is king for aspiring USL PRO squads Right now, there are operational professional soccer teams in 39 different markets across the first three tiers of US Soccer – MLS, NASL and USL PRO – and if everything goes according to plan, 2015 will see another two markets enter the fold. But if you accept USL PRO president Tim Holt’s evaluation of the North American soccer landscape, that means we’re only at 50 percent capacity. “I think there are anywhere between 50 to 75 different markets in the United States that can support, under the right circumstances, a professional soccer team,” Holt tells MLSsoccer.com. “It’s not the craziest thing. You’re talking about another 20 to 30 markets, potentially, that don’t have professional soccer that could support professional soccer.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...cer-pyramid-cash-king-aspiring-usl-pro-squads
Local soccer fans could get share of new USL Pro team Jonathan Lintner, jlintner@courier-journal.com Negotiations have progressed slower than anticipated to bring a United Soccer Leagues Pro Division club to Louisville, but as an agreement nears to start play at Slugger Field in 2015, fans have learned of their role. Members of a local soccer support group, The Coopers, will get first crack at season tickets and the opportunity to own part of the would-be team through what Coopers president Taylor Sorrels calls an idea “unique in American sports.” With few exceptions — the most well-known as the Green Bay Packers — an individual, corporation or small group owns sports franchises in the United States, whereas overseas it’s commonplace for soccer fans to get a share of their club. “This group of fans would … have the same voting rights as any other team owner,” Sorrels said. http://www.courier-journal.com/stor...ccer-fans-get-share-new-usl-pro-team/7298067/
Kickers Claim 3-1 Win over Pittsburgh The Richmond Kickers claimed a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Saturday night at City Stadium. Forward Michael Seaton opened scoring in the first half with midfielder Kyle Porter notching a pair of goals on either side of a Collins Johns' tally to award the Kickers three points for their 2014 home opener. The Kickers jumped out to an early lead when defender Luke Vercollone carried the ball into the box before being stifled by a Pittsburgh defender. Collin Martin picked up the weak clearance and slotted it through traffic, only to once again be denied by a deflection. However, an unmarked Seaton rounded the back line at the left post and buried the rebound into the far right corner in the 19th minute. The advantage was nearly short-lived; however, as the Riverhounds squandered the chance to level the score minutes later when midfielder Matt Dallman lined up a free kick inches from the box but stood idly by as his shot sailed just wide. Soon after, the Kickers almost capitalized in the 24th minute when George Davis IV was awarded a free kick at midfield. Martin beat his mark and played a leading ball through to Porter, but his close range strike was swept away for a corner. Picking up where they left off after the break, the Kickers doubled the score in the 57th minute when Samuel Asante played a long ball over the defense, meeting Porter at the top of the box. As Riverhounds goalkeeper Gregg Blum charged off his line to challenge, the D.C. United loanee calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. Porter was back in action four minutes later, streaking down the right flank but he could not elude Blum a second time as the Riverhounds keeper leapt to smother the ball. Then, on a quick counter attack in the 69th minute, Seaton received the ball on the left flank and played it back to Porter at the top of the box but his shot on frame soared skyward. With 15 minutes remaining in regulation, the Riverhounds pressed to pull a goal back with a series of dangerous shots that eventually found the target in the 82nd minute. Former Kickers midfielder Joseph Ngwenya picked up the ball on the left edge of the box, 20 yards out. Heavily marked as he approached the penalty area, he served a cross through the box, connecting with Johns at the far post who made no mistake inside the right corner. With the equalizer in sight, the Riverhounds were awarded consecutive corner kicks in the 90th minute but Dallman's whipping inswingers, turned point blank headers, dipped just over the bar. Then, in his debut at City Stadium, Ryan Taylor was tested late in the game when Johns received the ball at the end line and played it back to Dallman but the Kickers keeper stretched to make the save. Despite the Riverhounds' last-ditch effort to level the score, the Kickers claimed the full three points when second half substitute Christiano Francois evaded defenders and played Porter through to the top of the box. Held at the 18, the crafty midfielder tucked the ball inside the far post for his second tally of the night. The Richmond Kickers travel to the Charlotte Eagles next Saturday before returning to City Stadium on Saturday, April 19 to host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 5:00 p.m. Order tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com. Press release from the Richmond Kickers
Orlando City Wins First Match of 2014 Season Orlando City SC gained their first win of the 2014 USL PRO regular season on Saturday, April 5, with a 3-1 victory over the Rochester Rhinos. The win against the Rhinos continues the Lions' unbeaten run against Rochester, as City have never lost to the upstate New York based club in three years (7-0-1). "I'm pleased that we won the game and I'm pleased that we scored three goals, but I think that our performance could have been a bit better," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "We had a bit of break when we needed it tonight, unlike last week." After only coming away with two 1-1 draws in their opening matches against Charleston and Pittsburgh, Head Coach Adrian Heath mentioned that City needed to score early to open the game up and prevent opposing teams from bunkering in. On Saturday night, the gaffer got his wish when attacking midfielder Kevin Molino put the Lions up 1-0 in the third minute. The Trinidadian international began the match in cracking form and was active in the final third, creating chances for not only himself but also for his fellow attacking players. Molino missed an early strike from inside the area in the 1st minute, but would make up for it two minutes later with a comfortable finish from a Tyler Turner cross. With the early goal secured, the Lions looked more relaxed and began playing vintage Orlando City football. The three attacking midfielders, da Luz, Molino and Ceren were popping in and out of the free space in Rochester's defensive third, and the holding midfielders, Quinn and Alvarez, continuously made themselves available when the front three ran into trouble. Meanwhile the backline looked equally impressive, as Orlando were fervent in their efforts to press the Rhinos high up the pitch and force them to clear it away. However, despite not maintaining much possession, Rochester nearly equalized when Midfielder Minh Vu came close to capitalizing on a defensive error from Orlando. Luckily for the Lions, Vu tapped his strike just wide of the target. Vu's chance was the only clear-cut opportunity for the visitors in the opening half. Orlando, on the other hand, managed to create several in the first period. With da Luz and Molino drifting further inside, Defenders Luke Boden and Tyler Turner found more space on the wings and were able to drive low crosses to the near-post. After coming close to scoring on several occasions, including a chance from Hertzog that ricocheted off the post, Valentino scored the second goal of the game for Orlando. Valentino scored six goals for the Lions in 2013 and added another to his career while wearing purple and white by calmly re-directing a well-placed cross from Alvarez. With the momentum in their favor, Orlando came close to scoring a minute later when Hertzog had a one-on-one with Goalkeeper Luis Soffner, but the former Whitecaps striker hit his final strike directly at the "keeper. Orlando City looked even more confident to begin the second half, but an early mistake from rookie Aodhan Quinn gave the visitors a bit of life. Quinn attempted to play a back pass to Rusin but, instead, ending up splitting the two center-halves, and Rochester Midfielder JC Banks was able to run on to it and place it past Gallardo. Two of three goals allowed by Orlando this year have come from their own mistakes, and City's confident play became a bit more cautious. But in the 72nd minute, Heath made a tactical change and brought on attacking players Adama Mbengue and Dennis Chin. Within minutes, Heath's substitution would yield dividends when Chin scored a tap-in from six yards out in the 76th minute. The goal marked the first in 2014 for the Lions' all-time leading scorer. The remaining 14 minutes featured professional football from City as they maintained possession and didn't allow Rochester to take advantage of any mistakes. Next week, Orlando will host the Charleston Battery on Saturday, April 12, before venturing on a two-game road trip against F.C. Dallas and OKC Energy. Press release from the Orlando City SC
Wilmington, Harrisburg End in Draw Wilmington Hammerheads FC kicked off their 2014 USL PRO regular season tonight at Legion Stadium with a draw versus the Harrisburg City Islanders. This was the first match-up of the season for both teams. City Islanders took possession majority of the first half as forward Clesio Baque took a run past Hammerheads defender Ashani Fairclough on the back line ending in a one-on-one with Hammerheads goalkeeper and Toronto FC loanee Quillan Roberts. The shot went wide to the left of the goal post nearly giving Harrisburg the lead in the first half. Harrisburg's Yann Erika followed closely behind with a shot saved by Roberts, leading to the first corner kick of the night, only to be deflected by Hammerheads midfielder Paul Nicholson reversing possession. Bague was close to putting points on the board once more with a shot that bounced off the goal post in the 41st minute. Hammerheads forward Brian Ackley followed moments later with an attempt that deflected off the face of City Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble. Ackley played off the advantage of being in City Islander's territory with a header attempt off a cross from Toronto FC loanee Daniel Lovitz ending in a follow through attempt from rookie midfielder Steven Miller. The Hammerheads picked up momentum in the second half with the incoming substitution of Cody Arnoux. Arnoux and Miller came close to increasing the deficit in the 75th minute with a combination of moves that led to a shot over the crossbar by Miller. Arnoux paired with a pass from Nicholson for his next attempt outside the box that went wide of the goal. The pace remained strong from the Hammerheads throughout the half with Lovitz getting off his first shot of the season in the 88th minute that rolled just outside the goal post. Opportunities came close as the final whistle approached and midfielder Tom Parratt placed the ball at the foot of forward Mickael Oliveira for an attempt in the final minute that nearly gave the Hammerheads the one goal needed for the win. Wilmington Hammerheads FC is scheduled to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for their first road match of the regular season on Saturday, April 12 at Highmark Stadium. Press release from the Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Republic FC gets first victory Mike Fucito, Justin Braun and Thomas Stewart scored goals to lead Republic FC to a 3-1 victory over the Chivas USA Reserves on Monday at StubHub Center Track Stadium in Carson. Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/07/6303336/republic-fc-gets-first-victory.html#storylink=cpy
Kofi Opare Goes 90 Minutes in LA Galaxy II Win With LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena looking on from the stands, Galaxy center back Kofi Opare made his longest appearance of the year with a 90 minute showing in LA Galaxy II's 4-2 victory over Oklahoma City Energy FC on Monday evening. Opare, who has been hampered with a right adductor issue since the preseason, looked assured in central defense for Los Dos as he made three timely blocks to preserve the victory over Oklahoma City. The appearance was Opare's third for Galaxy II, but his first start. "I felt a little fatigued because it was the first time that I've played 90 minutes since [the Galaxy's 2013 Western Conference Semifinal exit against Real Salt Lake]," said Opare. "I'm happy to get 90 minutes and get sharpness back." The result may have looked like a comfortable one on paper, but the closing minutes were anything but as Oklahoma City rode a wave of energy sparked by their 59th minute goal and threw numbers forward. Opare and the rest of the Galaxy II back four were asked to make repeated stops, but none bigger than the center back's block in the 90th minute. With Oklahoma City searching for a late equalizer, midfielder Christian Duke rifled a shot inside the penalty area, but Opare made a sliding save in the nick of time to deny Energy their goal. "I just happened to be at the right place at the right time," said Opare. "I saw the play develop and once he fired the shot, I knew that I had to slide to keep it from hitting the back of the net." His 90-minute showing in the books, Opare now has his sights set on a return to the first team. In recent weeks, the Galaxy back four has been ravaged by injuries with A.J. DeLaGarza (contusion), James Riley (meniscus surgery) and Todd Dunivant (abdominal ailment) going down Although Opare has played almost exclusively in central defense for LA, the second-year defender who played both outside back positions during his youth career believes that he can be a possibility for Saturday's match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. "I want to present Bruce with an option in case that he needs another defender," said Opare. "I want to show him that I am available if he needs me, but from a personal standpoint, it's important to just be ready whenever in case I get the call to ask the team." Read more http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4765403
OKC's Greig Named Player of the Week USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2014 season on Tuesday with OKC Energy FC's Kyle Greig being named Player of the Week as he scored the first goal in club history to lead his side to a 2-0 win against Orange County Blues FC. Greig, a former member of the Wilmington Hammerheads, opened the scoring for the Energy in the 12th minute against the Blues as he beat the offside trap and then coolly shot low into the right corner of the net from the top of the penalty area. He was joined on the Team of the Week by teammate Tarek Morad, who had a strong first professional game at center back as OKC held firm under pressure in the second half. A pair of strikers from the Richmond Kickers joined Greig in the Team of the Week attack as D.C. United loanees Kyle Porter and Michael Seaton both claimed berths. Porter had a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and Seaton tallied his first goal of the season in a 3-1 win against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Dayton Dutch Lions and Orlando City also had a pair of players chosen, with Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams and defender Brock Granger both earning selection. Granger scored his first professional goal and Williams made it stand up as he recorded a shutout to earn the Dutch Lions their first win of the season. Orlando also claimed its first win of the season behind a goal and an assist by former league MVP Kevin Molino, who was joined on the Team of the Week by defender Rob Valentino, who notched what proved to be the winning goal for the Lions. Harrisburg's Jason Pelletier and Wilmington's Paul Nicholson both earned midfield berths as they were influential in the draw between the two sides on Saturday night, and Charlotte's Bilal Duckett rounded out the defensive group as he put in a strong debut in a losing effort for the Eagles. The 2014 USL PRO season continues on Friday night as the Rochester Rhinos visit the Dayton Dutch Lions for their home opener at 7 p.m. ET. Saturday night sees the final debut of the 2014 season as Arizona United makes its first appearance as it hosts OKC Energy FC at the Peoria Sports Complex. Also on Saturday night, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds host their home opener as the Wilmington Hammerheads visit Highmark Stadium, and there are a pair of 2013 playoff rematches as Orlando City hosts the Charleston Battery, and the Richmond Kickers visit the Charlotte Eagles. Closing out the night, the Orange County Blues FC will host Sacramento Republic FC looking for their first win of the season. Every game of the 2014 USL PRO season can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via USLPROSoccer.com. USL PRO Team of the Week Pos Player Team Highlights GK Matt Williams Dayton Recorded six-save shutout as Dutch Lions downed Eagles D Rob Valentino Orlando Had the game-winning goal for Lions against Rhinos D Tarek Morad Oklahoma City Strong debut performance in Energy FC's inaugural win D Bilal Duckett Charlotte Pushed forward well as Eagles fell against Dutch Lions D Brock Granger Dayton First professional goal lifted Dutch Lions to victory M Jason Pelletier Harrisburg Marshaled the midfield well against Wilmington M Kevin Molino Orlando Scored a goal, added an assist in win against Rochester M Paul Nicholson Wilmington Provided strong tackling, good distribution in opener F Kyle Porter Richmond Pair of goals, including game-winner, against Pittsburgh F Kyle Greig Oklahoma City Scored first goal in club history in win against Blues F Michael Seaton Richmond Scored opening goal in victory against Riverhounds Honorable Mention - Charlotte: Wells Thompson, Doug Herrick; Dayton: Shintaro Harada, Kevan George; Harrisburg: Clesio Bauque, Pedro Ribeiro; Oklahoma City: Gareth Evans, Nate Shiffman; Orange County: Stephen Okai, Schillo Tshuma; Orlando: Dennis Chin, Tyler Turner; Pittsburgh: Collins John, Joseph Ngwenya; Richmond: Samuel Asante, Mike Callahan; Rochester: J.C. Banks, Alex Dixon; Wilmington: Quillan Roberts, Brian Ackley. Press release from the USL PRO
Arizona United Soccer Club Adds Three Highly Regarded Collegiate Players Arizona United SoccerClub (Arizona United SC) - Arizona's only professional soccer team playing in the USL PRO league - has signed three highly regarded collegiate players midfielder Widner Saint Cyr, forward Kadeem Dacres, and Tucson born goalkeeper Michael D'Arrigo. D'Arrigo enters his first professional season after wrapping up a successful four-year career at the University of San Diego in 2013, where he finished in a variety of school top-10 career and single season records. In his senior season, D'Arrigo led the West Coast Conference (WCC) in saves (89) and was named All-WCC Honorable Mention. "I'm excited to represent my home state and start a new career," D'Arrigo said. "It's awesome. I don't feel like I'm representing just myself. I feel like I'm representing my town, city, friends, family FC Tucson, and even Fort Lowell." During D'Arrigo's collegiate career, he played two seasons for USL Premier Development League's FC Tucson, where he made six appearances in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In 2012, FC Tucson's inaugural season, D'Arrigo played the full 90 minutes in their first postseason appearance in franchise history. Saint-Cyr, born in Port Au Prince, Haiti, will also be making his professional debut this season for Arizona United SC after concluding his senior season for the University of Maryland Terrapins in 2013. At Maryland, Saint-Cyr appeared in 49 matches and helped guide the Terrapins to a 2009 Elite Eight College Cup appearance. "It's a fantastic opportunity," Saint-Cyr said. "A lot of players out there wanted to play for this type of team and I'm the one who has the opportunity and I'm just excited for the season." Before he joined Maryland, Saint-Cyr participated in Haiti's U-17 and U-20 National Teams, and for Haiti in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea. Saint-Cyr also played one season for the New York Red Bulls in the United States Soccer Development Academy. Dacres joins Arizona United SC after wrapping up his collegiate career at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in 2013. Dacres spent two years at UMBC where he appeared in 41 matches, scored 12 goals and notched seven assists. He was named America East Midfielder of the year in 2013. "I'm very happy, it's an exciting time," Dacres said. "I'm looking forward to helping the team bring winning ways over here." Dacres competed for Mercer County Community College and was cited as a 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Junior College First-Team All-American. As a youth player, Dacres participated in U.S. Soccer's U-15, U-17 and U-18 National Team and played for Met Oval in the United States Soccer Development Academy. With the acquisition of these three players, Arizona United SC now has seven players on the roster for the upcoming season. Earlier this week Arizona United SC announced the signings of defender Daniel Ant"nez, midfielder Matt Kassel, and forwards Brad Stisser, Brandon Swartzendruber. Current Roster: Name Position Date of Birth Country Former Club Widner Saint Cyr M 11/18/90 Haiti University of Maryland Kadeem Dacres F 08/25/91 USA University of Maryland-Baltimore County Michael D'Arrigo GK 06/20/91 USA University of San Diego Daniel Ant"nez D 02/10/86 USA Chivas USA Matt Kassel M 10/30/89 USA Philadelphia Union Brandon Swartzendruber F 04/02/85 USA Dayton Dutch Lions Brad Stisser F 09/24/86 USA Atlanta Silverbacks Arizona United SC will make its inaugural USL PRO debut at home on Saturday, April 12th at the Peoria SportsComplex against the expansion Oklahoma City Energy. Gates to Peoria Sports Complex will open at 6 p.m. with the match slated to kick off at 7:10 p.m. For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets visit online at www.arizonaunited.com . Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer or Twitter twitter.com/AZUnitedSC Press release from the Arizona United SC
Dayton Rallies in Stoppage for Draw with Rochester The Dayton Dutch Lions capitalized in stoppage with a 94th minute goal by Joe Broekhuizen to tie the Rochester Rhinos 1-1 at Miami Valley Hospital Stadium in Beavercreek on Friday night. For most of the game the Rhinos managed to protect their early score, which came in the 277th minute on a cross from Onua Obasi, converted by midfielder Samuel Petrone. The ball dipped into the bucket just out of the reach of Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams for the early Rhino lead. Although Dayton controlled possession and tempo early, Rochester responded well, and denied several Dayton scoring opportunities to hold onto their 1-0 lead at the half. In the second half, Rochester came out of the gate hot, ready to defend their lead with a strong physical presence. Petrone's shot in the 46th minute showed the Rhino determination, but Dayton's Willams dove hard for the save. Dayton looked for a possibility in 61st minute with a wicked run by Eli Garner, whose cannon to the upper goal was punched over by the Rhino keeper, Luis Soffner. Dayton failed to convert their corner kick in spite of confusion in the box and the Rhinos maintained their lead. Five minutes of stoppage saved Dayton, and the equalizing goal finally came in the 94th minute by Joe Broekhizen. The resulting 1-1 was somewhat of a relief for Dayton Coach Sid van Druenen, who noted, "There was a moment when the speed of the ball was good, the tempo was high, and there was flares of what we wanted to play. But there was too much long ball. The work ethic was fantastic but the soccer we showed today is not the soccer we want to show." Dayton looks forward to their second game on the road, this time facing the Harrisburg City Islanders (0-1-0) on April 19th. The Dutch Lions return home for an April 26th game at Miami Valley Hospital Stadium against the Richmond Kickers (1-0-1) For season and individual game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website. Press release from the Dayton Dutch Lions
