Minor League Soccer - Division III (USL)

Discussion in 'Americas' started by EPJr, Nov 20, 2010.

  1. truebluefan

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    Orlando City Moves into First Place with Win against Battery

    *Team 1 2 Final*
    Orlando City SC 0 1 1

    Charleston Battery 0 0 0

    *Scoring Summary:*

    *ORL- *Brian Span (Adama Mbengue) 74'

    *Lineups/Substitutions: *

    *Orlando City SC- *GK Miguel Gallardo, D Tyler Turner, Rob Valentino, Brad Rusin, Luke Boden, Yordani Alvarez, Aodhan Quinn (Brian Span 56') Austin da Luz (Adama Mbengue 60'), Kevin Molino, Darwin Ceren, Corey Hertzog (Dennis Chin 60')

    *Charleston Battery-* GK Odisnel Cooper, D Taylor Mueller (Dante Marini 76'), Colin Falvey, Shawn Ferguson, John Wilson, M Quinton Griffith, Amadou Sanyang, Jarad van Schaik, Zach Prince (Maikel Chang 67'), F Mamadou Diouf (Haviel Cordoves 66'), Dane Kelly (Andre Lewis 76')

    *Penalty Summary:*

    *CHA- *Zach Prince (Yellow Card) 48'

    *Match Facts:*

    Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

    Weather: -- Clear

    *Orlando City Moves into First Place with Win Against Battery*

    *Loanee Brian Span scores first goal for Orlando, moving Lions into first place in USL PRO*

    *Kissimmee, Fla.--* Orlando City SC secured their second consecutive win on Saturday night against the Charleston Battery at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. In his debut appearance, F.C. Dallas loanee Brian Span scored his first goal in purple and white and helped move City into first place in USL PRO.

    "Apart from a few isolated incidents, I thought that it would have been a travesty had we not won the game tonight," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "Overall I'm pleased with the win, and I'm pleased that Cobi [Brian Span] got a goal because he's been working very hard in training."

    Both Orlando and Charleston are responsible for the past four USL PRO Championships and, as a result, a rivalry has been created. Over the years, the two sides have competed in multiple memorable matches, and tonight was no different.

    Saturday's game didn't feature a high-scoring affair that typically takes place when the two sides compete against one-another, but it was just as dramatic nonetheless.

    The beginning of tonight's match featured a similar theme to the opening three games, as Orlando were once again the more dominant side in terms of possession but struggled to break-through due to Charleston bunkering in.

    With several crafty and technical players in the midfield for Orlando, possession seems almost routine, but the two players providing the majority of the chances for the Lions were full-backs Luke Boden and Tyler Turner.

    The two defenders spent more time in the final-third than in their own half and were instrumental in whipping crosses in the box.

    Due to Turner and Boden placing several dangerous balls in the six-yard box, the Battery were then forced to adjust- allowing Molino, Ceren and da Luz to get more involved in the attack.

    In the 12th minute, the Lions would nearly break-through when da Luz played a lovely no-look pass to spring Corey Hertzog in behind, but the striker was unable to notch his first-goal since arriving to the City Beautiful.

    Hertzog would have another close-chance in the 45th minute when Turner pinged a driven ball across the six, but the former Vancouver Whitecap was unable to latch on to it.

    Despite Orlando having most of the possession and chances, the Battery were also able to create a few nervous moments from set-pieces, including a near-chance that was cleared off the line, but Gallardo and the City defence were able to see the danger away.

    The second half featured more direct play from the Lions, particularly after new loanee Brian Span was brought on along with attacking players Dennis Chin and Adama Mbengue.

    Span joined City earlier this month on loan from MLS side F.C. Dallas and was brought on for the first time by Head Coach Adrian Heath. The 22-year-old couldn't have had a better debut, as the powerful midfielder was able to find the back of the net within 15 minutes of entering the match.

    After a long spell of relentless attacking from Orlando City, Mbengue was able to get enough space on the left-side to pull the ball across the box to Span, who was all alone on the back-post.

    City would have two more opportunities to add to the score-line in the waning moments via Chin and Mbengue, but a great save by Cooper and a goal-line clearance prevented the Lions from securing a second.

    With a second victory secured, Orlando has momentum heading into their two-game road trip. Next week, the Lions will take on the F.C. Dallas reserves and expansion side, OKC Energy F.C. shortly afterward.

    City's next home game will take place on Wednesday, April 30, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the I-4 Derby before returning back to league-play with another home fixture set for May 4 against OKC Energy F.C.

    Press release from the Orlando City SC
     
  2. truebluefan

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    OC Blues FC Notch First Win of 2014

    OC Blues FC register their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Sacramento Republic FC in front of 638 fans at Anteater Stadium.
    It was the Republic who was off and running after just eight minutes. Former Blues' star Rodrigo Lopez whipped in a vicious free kick. Center back Mickey Daly outwitted the Blues outside trap and side footed a volley past Blues' keeper Patrick McLain.

    Orange County responded positively. Gibson Bardsley bulldozed his way into the box and was chopped down by Sacramento defender. Captain Allan Russell stepped up to the spot and sent Sacramento keeper Jake Gleeson the wrong way to level the score in the 19th minute.

    The sides were evenly matched until the 69th minute when the game was turned on its head.

    Bardsley was again the catalyst as he split the Republic center backs and was dragged down just outside the box by Harrison Delbridge. Referee Tyler Ploeger showed the Australian a straight red card.

    Stephen Okai stepped up and curled a world class free kick over the wall and just under Gleeson's cross bar.

    The Blues were able to hold on as a resolute defense repelled everything sent into their box, hanging on for their first 3 points of 2014.

    "We played with more heart," explained Russell after the game. "For a lot of players it's their first time being professional and are getting used to what it takes to play at a professional level. The very first thing is applying pressure and work rate which was far more superior than previous games."

    The Blues have a week to recover before heading back up the 405 for a rematch against the LA Galaxy II at 7:30 p.m. P.T., next Saturday, April 19th, at the StubHub Center Track Field.

    The Blues next home game will be April 24th against the Harrisburg City Islanders. For the best pricing value to your OC Blues FC 2014 seats call (714) 738-8011, email seats@bluessoccerclub.com, or visit www.ocbluesfc.com .

    If you can't make it to the game, you may watch the live stream online, thanks to a new partnership between USL PRO and YouTube. OC Blues FC v LA Galaxy II will streamed live, for free, via the OC Blues FC official YouTube channel through Liquid Event TV.( https://www.youtube.com/user/OCBluesFC ).

    Press release from Orange County Blues FC
     
  3. truebluefan

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    Arizona United SC shut out in season opener

    Opening night didn't go quite the way Arizona United SC had hoped for Saturday night at the Peoria Sports Complex.

    Following a second yellow card to Arizona United defender London Woodberry in the 43rd minute, Arizona United was forced to play with 10 men, and Oklahoma City FC took advantage, scoring four second-half goals —two in a span of six minutes — in a 4-0 victory over Arizona United in front of 2,888 fans.

    Read more http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...arizona-united-sc-shut-season-opener/7665335/
     
  4. truebluefan

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  5. truebluefan

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    Eagles Earn First Win of the 2014 Season

    Charlotte faced the 2013 USL Pro Champions the Richmond Kickers on Saturday April 12. The game started with a lot of back and forth between Charlotte and Richmond and the scoring nearly opened in the 29th minute when Drew Yates took a turn but was denied by Taylor.
    Charlotte got a few quality chances on the goal but couldn't capitalize and get it into the back of the net. Former Eagle Samuel Asante took a yellow card in the 29th minute. Richmond got the first tally on the board as Michael Seaton scored in the 32nd minute. Charlotte goalkeeper Doug Herrick initially deflected the shot but it went off the crossbar and trickled into the net.

    Former Charlotte 49er Giuseppe Gentile made his Eagles debut after the half when he subbed in for David Geno. In the 54th minute Juan Guzman tied up the game as he took a pass from Drew Yates and finished with a left footed shot past Kickers goalkeeper Ryan Taylor. Gentile almost tallied his first point as an Eagle in the 73rd minute but his shot went just wide of the post.

    Jorge Herrera put the Eagles ahead in the 89' minute as he curled a left footed past Taylor. Herrera took a pass from Drew Yates before taking a touch and finishing calmly giving the Eagles the game winner.

    The Eagles will return to action against the Chicago Fire Reserves on Friday, April 25th at UNCC at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale at www.charlotteeagles.com, if you purchase them in advance they will be $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for children.

    Press release from the Charlotte Eagles
     
  6. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    New renderings of Louisville's Slugger Field in a soccer configuration
    as the home for the relocated OCSC USL-Pro franchise


    [​IMG]
     
  7. truebluefan

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    Republic FC Defeats Galaxy II

    Sacramento Republic FC broke the LA Galaxy II's three-game unbeaten run in USL PRO as it took a 3-0 victory at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium on Sunday evening. Mickey Daly,

    Read more http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/
     
  8. truebluefan

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    Dallas Reserves Edge Past Energy

    FC Dallas Reserves held on for a 1-0 victory against OKC Energy FC in an interleague contest at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday night. Andrew Jacobson's 53rd-minute goal off a nice feed from returned loanee Cobi Span gave FC Dallas the lead while Raul Fernandez's 90th-minute save of a penalty kick earned Dallas a shutout win.

    Read more http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/
     
  9. truebluefan

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    Battery and Red Bulls Fight Through Rain to 1-1 Draw

    . With a constant downpour the entire game, the Charleston Battery were able to withstand the rain and preserve a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls reserves on Friday night at Blackbaud Stadium.
    "Their keeper made 2 or 3 really good saves in the first half," Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser stated after the game, "They put the penalty away, but you have to credit our guys for coming back down. It was a good ball by Zach Prince, Heviel Cordoves whipped a great ball into the box and Dane Kelly finished it off. Unluckily, we didn't get the second one to win."

    The Battery dominated the chances in the first half of play in the wet conditions. In the 23rd minute forward Dane Kelly pressured New York defender Kevin Politz into a turnover just outside of their goal box. After collecting the turnover, Kelly sprinted toward the goal and had his shot blocked by Red Bulls keeper Ryan Meara. The ball ricocheted onto the foot of Battery forward Mamadou Diouf, whose shot was blocked and cleared quickly by New York.

    Late in the half, Kelly was able to intercept a pass about 30 yards away from the goal. Kelly stopped immediately and fired a shot on target that was bobbled and then controlled by Meara in front of the goal.

    The second half started slowly but the 66th minute saw the excitement of the match surge when Zach Prince was called for a foul in the box and the Red Bulls were awarded a penalty kick. After some protest from Charleston, Red Bulls midfielder Michael Bustamante stepped up and calmly buried the ball in the back of the net.

    The Battery were able to answer and tie the game in the 73rd minute. Prince played a through ball from just inside the Charleston defensive half and forward Haviel Cordoves tracked it down deep in their attacking zone. Cordoves quickly fired a low cross in front of the goal mouth and Dane Kelly slid in to knock the ball home.

    In a very physical match, tensions boiled over in the 76th minute and, after a brief scuffle between the two teams, Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara was sent off after receiving 2 yellow cards during the incident. Red Bulls midfielder Michael Bustamante and Battery defender Colin Falvey were also given yellow cards for their involvement in the incident. Falvey would pick up a second yellow in the 89th minute and was also sent off.

    The Battery will next face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m.

    Press release from the Charleston Battery
     
  10. EPJr

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    United claimed first win in AUSC club history

    Top Named Player of the Week
    Scored winning goal as United claimed first win in AUSC club history

    [​IMG]

    Tuesday, April 22, 2014

    TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 5 of the 2014 season on Tuesday as Arizona United SC forward Jonathan Top was named Player of the Week as he scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win against Sacramento Republic FC. The victory was United’s first win in club history.

    http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/803730.html
     
  11. truebluefan

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    Second-half goal earns Arizona United SC a draw with LA Galaxy II

    Arizona United SC looked like a deer in headlights the first 45 minutes of its USL Pro game Friday night against LA Galaxy II at the Peoria Sports Complex.

    But a different Arizona United squad showed up in the second half, and a goal by midfielder Paolo DelPicollo in the 68th minute helped Arizona United to a 1-1 draw in front of 2,818 fans.

    Read more http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...-arizona-united-sc-draw-la-galaxy-ii/8190807/
     
  12. truebluefan

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    Charlotte Eagles doomed by errors

    The Charlotte Eagles were flying high early in their match against the Chicago Fire Reserves on Friday.

    Forwards Zak Boggs and Jorge Herrera pushed Charlotte to a 2-0 lead with goals in the first 15 minutes, but the visitors took advantage of Eagles errors the rest of the way to take a 3-2 victory in front of 1,261 fans at UNC-Charlotte’s Transamerica Field.

    Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...med-by-errors.html#.U1vIo_ldWSo#storylink=cpy
     
  13. EPJr

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    City Islanders Spoil Sacramento's Party
    Republic FC falls 2-1 in front of regular-season record crowd

    [​IMG]

    Saturday, April 26, 2014

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC set a new USL PRO regular-season attendance record, but the Harrisburg City Islanders claimed all three points as they took a 2-1 victory at Hughes Stadium in front of 20,231 fans on Saturday night. Robbie Derschang and Morgan Langley both scored for the Islanders, who took their first win of the season.

    http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/804761.html
     
  14. truebluefan

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    Rhinos Take Three Points in Home Opener

    The Rhinos defeated the Charleston Battery 1:0 in their 19th home opener in Rochester in front of a crowd of 6,385 fans in Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday, April 27th 2014. JC Banks scored the only goal of the match in the first half. Rhinos rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy made two saves to keep his second consecutive clean sheet. The result leaves Rochester unbeaten in their last three matches after recovering from a season opening defeat in Orlando to the defending USL PRO champions.
    The Charleston Battery played to a scoreless draw in Pittsburgh on Saturday April 26th. Charleston head coach Mike Anhaeuser responded to the back-to-back matches by making eight changes to the starting line-up that he used the night before against the Riverhounds. Only former First Team All-USL PRO center back and team captain Colin Falvey, center back Taylor Mueller, and midfielder Jared vanSchaik started in both matches this weekend.

    "With the back-to-back matches I had to start a group of guys who haven't really had the chance to play this season." Anhaeuser said. "I didn't really think that it affected the match though. JC Banks had one quality chance that he put away in the first half, and that was enough to give them all three points."

    The Rhinos opened the scoring in the 19th minute. After receiving a short pass from fellow holding midfielder Alec Sundly in the build-up, Lance Roseboom played a twenty yard pass into the feet of target player Tyler Rosenlund at the top of the box. Rosenlund had his back to goal, but help off Charleston center back Taylor Mueller, and flicked the ball into the path of withdrawn forward JC Banks. Banks took two touches before he fired past Charleston goalkeeper Eric Shannon and into the lower left hand corner of the Battery goal.

    "Rosey was able to get into a pocket of space and receive the ball at his feet." Banks said. "He flicked the ball onto me, and I was able to control it and put it in the bottom corner of the net. I'm not sure if the goalkeeper was able to see it, or if he was screened, but I felt like I struck it well."

    The goal was Banks third in four matches to start the 2014 USL PRO season. Banks is now tied for second in USL PRO in goals scored, and third in points. After a 2013 season that saw Banks limited by his rehabilitation, the fourth-year Rhino has returned to form after reconstructive surgery on his ACL in September 2012. In 2012 Banks was named First Team All-USL PRO, the Rhinos team MVP, and USL PRO assist leader with five goals and eight assists.

    The Rochester Rhinos and Charleston Battery played a first half dominated by possession between the two penalty boxes. The two teams combined for six shots with the Rhinos putting the only two shots on goal of the first half. Rochester scored the opening goal with the first shot on goal of the match.

    The Rhinos had an opportunity to double their lead in the 29th minute. After an extended spell of possession Rozeboom played a ball over the top of the Battery back four to Rosenlund who had slipped in behind down the left side of the Charleston box. Rosenlund took two touches before he dropped the ball to Banks on the penalty spot. Banks shot was straight at Shannon who was able to parry the ball over the cross bar.

    The Rhinos had the final chance of the first half. In the 44th minute Banks played an early ball into the Battery box for Rosenlund, but Shannon was quickly off of his goal line and punched the ball away from Rosenlund at the penalty spot.

    The Rhinos took a 1:0 lead into half time for the third consecutive match.

    The Rhinos had the first two chances of the second half as Anhaeuser began to work his first choice players back into the match through substitutions.

    In the 53rd minute Rochester Rhinos right back Pat McMahon played a ball from the top right corner of the Battery penalty box that set Rosenlund free in the advanced flank. Rosenlund served the ball into box from the endline and found attacking midfielder Alex Dixon. Dixon headed the ball on goal from the middle of the six yard box, but Shannon dove to his right and saved the effort.

    Eleven minutes later the Rhinos had another chance with a header in the Battery penalty area. Substitute Jonny Mendoza served a ball into a crowded Battery box from thrifty yards out on the left flank for Rochester. Banks was on the end of Mendoza's cross, and put his effort goal bound, but it was blocked by a Charleston defender. The ball popped straight up in the air and found the head of Rhinos center back Kyle Hoffer in the Charleston six yard box. Hoffer tried to direct a header on target, but his effort just sailed over the cross bar.

    The Rhinos nearly gifted Charleston an equalizer in the 66th minute. Rochester center back Tony Walls was dealing with a long ball served to the top of the Rhinos box. Walls headed the ball back to goalkeeper John McCarthy, but Charleston forward Haviel Cordoves ran onto the header and intercepted it before it found McCarty's hands. Cordoves had the Rhinos goal at his mercy, but the substitute just missed the far post with his shot.

    The Rhinos began to settle into their defensive half as the second half carried on. After Anhaeuser brought on Cordoves and Vancouver Witecaps loanee Omar Salgado, the former number one overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, into the match on the hour mark, Charleston began to carry more of the play than they had in the first half. Battery left back Quinton Griffith got forward got forward down the flank, and served a couple of quality balls into the Rhinos penalty area in the last ten minutes of the match. Both chances ultimately came to nothing, but should have served as warnings to the home side.

    The Charleston Battery waited until stoppage time to get their first shot on goal of the match, but it was an effort that could have easily been the equalizer. Maikel Chang played a corner kick into the far post in the 92nd minute for Charleston. Battery captain Colin Falvey got on the end of the service and directed a header on goal from inside the six yard box. Falvey's header was powerful enough to beat Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper John McCarthy. Rhinos right back Pat McMahon worked in behind the goalkeeper to cover for him, and McMahon was able to clear the header up over the crossbar to save all three points for the home side.

    "It's good to be able to get a win and three points from a match that we didn't necessarily play our best in." Rochester Rhinos captain Tyler Rosenlund said. "That was something that we were able to do during my first season here in 2010. Last year it seemed like whenever we had a lead late in a match we found a way to give up a goal. That's why it was important for us to get out of here with a win tonight."

    The victory gives the Rochester Rhinos seven points from their last three matches. The Rhinos were bottom of the table six days ago, but two victories have catapulted Rochester head coach Bob Lilley's young side all the way up to fifth in the USL PRO table. The Rhinos four goals conceded is the best defensive mark in USL PRO. It marks the first time that the Rhinos record has been above .500 since August 18, 2012 - the final match of the 2012 USL PRO regular seas on.

    The Rochester Rhinos return to their USL PRO schedule next weekend with a back-to-back road trip to Richmond and Wilmington. The Rhinos will visit the Richmond Kickers on Friday, May 2nd at 7PM in City Stadium. Rochester will visit the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30PM in Legion Stadium. Both matches can be seen live in their entirety on YouTube Live.

    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
     
  15. truebluefan

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    LA Galaxy II Roll over the Orange County Blues 3-0

    The first half-hour was evenly played, but the tide turned in the 33rd minute when Blues defender Rauwshan McKenzie conceded a free kick right at the top of the penalty area after a fine run from Robbie Rogers. Garcia stepped up and curled a spectacular free kick over the wall and beyond the reach of Blues' keeper Mohammad Mohammadi to give Galaxy II the lead.

    From then on it was all Los Dos, who controlled the run of play for the remainder of the first half. LA Galaxy II added to their lead in the 50th minute as Kenney Walker slid a pass through for Bowen, who exploited the Blues' high line. Bowen calmly stroked home his first goal of the season past the advancing Mohammadi.

    Zardes completed the rout in the 65th minute as Galaxy II won possession in their own half and quickly pushed forward which allowed Zardes to turn and run at the Blues defense. The Galaxy Homegrown Player took the space and fired the ball into the bottom-right corner of Mohammadi's net for the final goal of the afternoon.

    The Blues' misery was compounded in the 76th minute as right back Mershad Momeni was shown his second yellow card, which reduced Orange County to 10 men for the duration of the match.

    Los Dos return to action next week when they play the Charlotte Eagles on Monday, May 5 at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT.

    LA Galaxy II Season Ticket Memberships begin at just $6 per game. For more information on LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II memberships, or group and single tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299).

    Press release from the LA Galaxy II
     
  16. truebluefan

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    Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Charleston Battery End in 0-0 Draw

    On Saturday night at Highmark Stadium, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charleston Battery, two teams looking for their elusive first win in USL PRO League play, battled to a 0-0 draw.
    The Riverhounds dominated possession, but ultimately were not able to generate a goal.

    "We did a decent job, our midfield was dominant, but it's a shame we couldn't turn that dominance into goals," said Joseph Ngwenya, Riverhounds midfielder.

    The best chance of the match for the Riverhounds came in the 48th minute. After receiving a nice ball from Rob Vincent at the top of the 18 yard box, midfielder Kevin Kerr sent a stinging ball toward the right side of Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper, who made a nice lunging save.

    As the rest of the second half unfolded, strong early winds that were prevalent in the first half, died down a bit, and it became clear the Riverhounds were controlling the ball in large chunks, and the Battery were taking their chances on the counter attack.

    In the 55th minute, the Battery set up a trio of consecutive corners after a nice sequence on the left side that was deflected by the Riverhounds. Despite probing with multiple chances in a row from corners, the Battery could not convert, as Riverhounds goalkeeper Michael Lisch held strong, despite being knocked around in the box a few times.

    In the 70th minute, Vincent had a nice chance, with a shot from outside the box that was on target, but Cooper was able to get to it. Forward Jason Johnson followed that up a minute later with a left footed shot that sailed low and left of the post.

    In the late stages, despite continued pressure, good finishing opportunities were elusive for the home team.

    Riverhounds midfielder Matt Dallman played a nice ball into the box in the 86th minute from the right side after receiving a nice pass back from Ngwenya. However, as the ball sailed toward the box, Cooper came out and made a strong play on the ball, colliding with forward Mike Seth. Seth was shaken up and had to be helped off the field, but would come back into play.

    In stoppage time, the Battery's Adam Mena had a potential breakaway chance, but Lisch came out make a nice open field play on the ball.

    As the final seconds ticked down, Ngwenya made a nice run toward the end line to the right of the goal. He went down, was knocked over, but only after the ball was deflected out for a corner. If Ngwenya was able to keep the ball in play, he could have potentially drawn a penalty.

    The Riverhounds failed to convert on the corner and the game ended in a draw.

    In the first half, playing into a strong wind, Riverhounds played well enough to set up three corner kicks and a few set pieces, although they didn't have any clear cut chances, and only one shot on goal.

    "The wind played a factor there in the first half. Not being able to connect on crosses. That seemed to be the theme all night," said Justin Evans, Riverhounds Head Coach.

    "We were putting the ball in dangerous areas, but not able to convert."

    Ngwenya was very active on the ball, along with Joseph Obodai, as both did a nice job providing the Riverhounds with the advantage despite lots of pressure from the Battery midfield throughout much of the match.

    "They were sitting in a 4-5-1, and we were able to get our midfield to keep the ball, and that's what we wanted," said Evans.

    The Battery counter attack created a few chances too.

    Obadai was given a yellow card in the 20th minute after Battery forward Omar Salgado was making a nice run in space. The 5'8" Obodai, caught up to 6'4" Salgado, taking the bigger man down about 35 yards out.

    Charleston's Quinton Griffith's free kick sailed over the bar.

    Riverhounds goalkeeper, Michael Lisch faced three shots in the first half, making one save on Salgado early on from about 30 yards.

    Facing a number of players out of the lineup this week, Evans kept the starting line up in the game for the entire 90 plus minutes.

    "That was difficult, we had to do what we had to do. I thought the guys that went in and played, played very well. We only dressed 17, so we were a little short on the bench. I thought we were doing well enough, that I didn't have to bring in anyone," said Evans.

    Riverhounds were without their leading scorers, Jose Angulo wasn't here due to a death in the family, Collins John was serving the second of his three game suspension, and Jhonny Arteaga, who scored last week, was out with an injury. Brian Ownby had been called up mid-week by the Houston Dynamo.

    Early in a season where the Riverhounds have not been able to come up with a complete performance, Evans felt it was the most complete game they've played this season.

    "We've had bad starts. We've had to change things up in previous games, coming on strong late. But today was our best overall effort for 90 minutes," said Evans.

    The Riverhounds outshot the Battery 7 to 5, and in a game that was played heavily in the midfield, with lots of physical challenges, they were able to draw 13 fouls.

    Lisch made a total of four saves, and Cooper came up with two to keep the game scoreless.

    "Hopefully the next game, we can turn our dominance into chances and goals," said Ngwenya.

    "That's what it's all about at this level."

    ###

    The Battery played the first leg of their weekend road trip north, as they will be taking on the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday at 4 p.m.

    The Riverhounds (0-2-3) will return to action, in the second of a three-game home stand, on Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium, against the defending USL PRO Champions, and MLS-bound, Orlando City Lions SC.

    Press release from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
     
  17. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Orlando City Defeats OKC Energy 2-1

    Continuing its winning ways, Orlando City SC (4-0-2, 14 points) defeated expansion side OKC Energy FC (2-3-0, 6 points) 2-1 at Pribil Stadium on Saturday night. The victory puts City in control of first place in USL PRO, three points clear of LA Galaxy II.
    Saturday night's match marked Oklahoma City Energy FC's inaugural home game, featuring a sell-out crowd. Despite the match being the first ever between the two sides, both Orlando and OKC share a connection, as the Energy is coached by former Sporting Kansas City Captain Jimmy Nielsen, who included former Orlando City players Jon Kempin and Kevin Ellis in the line-up.

    City, on the other hand, was without two of its key players due to Rob Valentino suffering an injury earlier this week against FC Dallas and Darwin Ceren heading back to Orlando for personal matters.

    As a result, the first 15 minutes featured a more direct approach from City, rather than their usual possession-oriented style, and OKC was arguably the better side.

    Energy FC Midfielder Peabo Doue got in behind on two separate occasions, but a well-timed challenge from 18-year-old Defender Tyler Turner and a key save from veteran Miguel Gallardo kept the scoreline level.

    The Lions' first quality chance wouldn't occur until the 23rd minute when the club's first MLS signing employed a bit of trickery to skip past OKC center-halves Gareth Evans and Mark Howard. The Trinidadian International then played a crafty ball to Chin who had his final effort saved by Kempin.

    But, just one minute later Chin would redeem himself by finding the back of the net from a deep ball played by Yordany Alvarez.

    After an initial save from Kempin, the striker pounced on the rebound and tucked away his second goal of the season.

    With the early goal secured, City took control of the game and created a flurry of close chances in the final minutes of the first half.

    The elements played a part in tonight's match as both teams had to adjust to the windy conditions on hand.

    City played with the wind in the first half but was forced to play against strong gusts in the second 45, making it difficult for the Lions to have any sort of aerial play.

    Nevertheless, City would find their groove in the second half and attack relentlessly. In the 56th minute, Molino scored his fourth goal of the season after intercepting a poor back pass from Mark Howard.

    The finish puts Molino's tally to four in as many games, with the midfielder leading the team in goals so far this season. In his three previous seasons with City, Molino has never scored more than two goals in each campaign.

    Deep into stoppage time, OKC scored their first-ever home goal when substitute Stephen Perry was able to get on the scoresheet.

    The Lions will now return back to Orlando and prepare for their home leg of the I-4 Derby, presented by United World Soccer. The match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

    For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com.

    Press release from the Orlando City SC
     
  18. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Harrisburg City Islanders halt winless skid with 2-1 win

    Collecting finishes from Robbie Derschang and Morgan Langley — the latter score arriving in the 52nd minute — the Harrisburg City Islanders halted their season-opening, three-game winless skid by holding off the host Sacramento Republic 2-1 before a sellout crowd of 20,231 Saturday night at Hughes Stadium.

    Read more http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/04/harrisburg_city_islanders_halt.html
     
  19. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    Re: Harrisburg City Islanders halt winless skid with 2-1 win

    Orlando Gets Past Oklahoma City
    Lions spoil Energy FC home opener with 2-1 victory

    [​IMG]

    Saturday, April 26, 2014

    OKLAHOMA CITY – Orlando City took sole possession of first place in the USL PRO standings as it took a 2-1 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday night at Pribil Stadium. Energy FC brought a sellout crowd for its inaugural home opener, but goals by Dennis Chin and Kevin Molino gave the Lions a two-goal lead either side of halftime before a late consolation by Steven Perry for Oklahoma City.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rY28tlEy44g
    http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/804740.html
     
  20. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    Re: Harrisburg City Islanders halt winless skid with 2-1 win

    Seattle Sounders says they're close to forming their own USL PRO squad for 2015

    “We’re somewhere between 95 and 99 percent heading toward a USL PRO team here, certainly to begin with,” Hanauer said following Tuesday’s training session at Starfire Sports Complex. “We’ll remain open to other opportunities. It would require finding a good partner and a good facility situation.”

    Assuming nothing changes, the Sounders would most likely have the team playing at Starfire Sports Stadium, the same venue where the Sounders play most of their US Open Cup matches on the same grounds as the club’s practice facilities. That would allow the two clubs to remain in close contact.

    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...re-close-forming-their-own-usl-pro-squad-2015
     

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