Division 2 Pro League Soccer

[EPJr]

Texas clubs to square off again in preseason

Austin Aztex News Release - http://www.austinaztex.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

AUSTIN, TX -- The Austin Aztex announced that they will host the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer in a preseason friendly on Sunday, March 14 at Nelson Field.

"We are delighted to be playing Houston again this season,” said Aztex head coach Adrian Heath. “Last year’s game against the Dynamo was one of the highlights of the year. We know we will be playing one of the favorites for the MLS title so it will be a great game for soccer. Fans in Austin can come and watch top level players, some of whom will be playing for the United States in the upcoming World Cup.”

[EPJr]

Former Thunder player Menyongar becomes Stars’ first player



BLAINE, Minn. (February 12, 2010, NSC Minn Start Press release) – NSC Minnesota Stars, the new professional soccer team that will play at the National Sports Center, announced the signing of the first player, and it’s a familiar name to Minnesota soccer fans.

Johnny Menyongar, who was one of the most popular Minnesota Thunder players for six seasons between 2000-2005, signed a one-year contract. Menyongar most recently finished a four-year stint with the Rochester

[EPJr]

Nine players not returning for 2010

PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Timbers have signed defender Quavas Kirk for the 2010 season, it was announced today pending league and USSF approval. A five-year veteran, Kirk marks the Timbers’ first free-agent signing for the upcoming campaign. Kirk, 21, played in 15 matches with the Minnesota Thunder in 2009, and was a two-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection. Prior to joining Minnesota, Kirk spent four seasons in Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy (2005-07) and D.C. United (2008).

“Quavas has all of the attributes we are looking for in a player,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager and head coach. “While he is still learning the trade as a defender, we are excited to work with him and feel he has the necessary tools to help us compete at the highest levels. As a young player, he is extremely versatile and has tremendous experience.”

A native of Aurora, Ill., Kirk began his professional career at the age of 17 when he was drafted in the third round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft by the Galaxy. In three seasons in Los Angeles, he played in 33 matches and logged two assists. Kirk was traded to D.C. United in advance of the 2008 season. He appeared in 10 games for United and aided in the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-championship run.

[EPJr]

Former UNC-Charlotte standout returns to U.S. after two years in Denmark


The Carolina RailHawks today announced the addition of midfielder Floyd Franks, who returns to the U.S. after a two-year run in Denmark's Second Division.

"Floyd's a player I've worked with before. He brought a lot to the team I coached in Cleveland," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "He provides a different element to our midfield than we have at the moment. He covers a lot of ground. He's very strong on the ball, very good at winning the ball back, and he can also time his runs beyond strikers to score goals, and that's an important thing we want to add to our team.

[EPJr]

TAMPA, FL -- Hartlepool United of English League One have terminated the contract of longtime youth striker David Foley, and a move to the Puerto Rico Islanders is expected soon.

"When my agent spoke to me and said there was interest from this team who had watched me a couple of times in the Reserves, I was interested," Foley said on Hartlepool’s official site, in reference to the Islanders. "I hadn’t played this season and so I wasn’t confident of being here next year so I pulled [Director of Sport Chris Turner] and told him about it all."

His career with the Hartlepool First Team got off to a very early start when he made his debut against Port Vale at age 16 years and 44 days, making him the youngest player ever to turn out for the club.

"That’s a nice record to have - I hope it stands for a while at least," Foley said.

"I will always have a thing for Hartlepool now - this is all I have known since I left school. I am leaving the club but not on bad terms by any means, I will look out for the results. I’ve made some very good friends over the years both on and off the pitch and I’ll be keeping in touch with them."

Foley’s most famous strike for the club came in the FA Cup in 2009 when he scored the insurance goal in a 2-0 victory over English Premier League club Stoke City in the Third Round, making him an instant rival of the Austin Aztex, who are directly affiliated with the Potters.

[EPJr]

PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Timbers have signed veteran defender Ian Joy for the 2010 season, it was announced today pending USSF approval. He joins the Timbers after eight seasons in Europe and two with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.

Joy, 28, participated in the Timbers’ mini-camp this week and played in Wednesday’s charity match. He split the 2009 campaign with Real Salt Lake and German club FC Ingolstadt 04.

“The signing of Ian brings us a wealth of experience and leadership,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “He understands our expectations and believes in the direction of the club.”

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/403178.html

[EPJr]

Puerto Rico Islanders News Release - http://www.prislandersfc.com

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

BAYAMON, PR -- Puerto Rican defender Marco Velez re-signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders for 2010’s USSF Division II Pro League, Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championship and CONCACAF Champions League.

In 2001, Velez became the first Puerto Rican to play in Major League Soccer, signing with Toronto FC. He had a great season as starting center back for the Reds and repeated in 2009 until August when we signed with the Islanders for the last couple of months of the USL First Division season.

“I am very happy to be back home with my fans, this time for the entire season, representing my team, the Islanders," Velez said. "I always followed them and supported them while I was away. I am an Islander at heart and no one can take that from me. This year I will give it all to win the first championship for the Islanders.”

The Puerto Rico Islanders have come close to winning their first championship, losing the USL-1 2008 Championship and CFU Championship in their respective Finals, and reaching the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. It is a great motivation for Velez and the Islanders to win the team’s first championship in 2010. He feels committed to the development of soccer in Puerto Rico and will take a big part on this in 2010.

[EPJr]

Netminder returns to US after five years in Norway

Portland Timbers News Release - http://www.portlandtimbers.com

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Timbers have signed veteran goalkeeper Adin Brown for the 2010 season, it was announced today pending USSF approval. A former member of the U.S. National Team, Brown has played the last five seasons for Norway’s Aalesund FK.

Brown, 31, returns to the United States, where he started his career in 2000, to join the Timbers.

“Adin is a tremendous goalkeeper, and while he is coming off surgery, the opportunity to sign him was too good to pass up,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “His ability and mentality have never been questioned, and when he is healthy he is one of the best goalkeepers in North America. We both feel this is an opportunity for him to focus on getting fit and healthy and reach those heights again. ”

Brown, who underwent successful foot surgery earlier this month, is scheduled to join the club in mid-March and begin rehabilitation with Sports Medicine Oregon. He is expected to be available for selection starting in mid-June.

[EPJr]

Austin re-signs Johnson, Bernard
Key players sign new two-year deals

Austin Aztex News Release - www.austinaztex.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010

AUSTIN, TX -- The Austin Aztex announced that forward Eddie Johnson and defender Kieron Bernard have each signed new two-year contracts with the club, pending USSF approval. Both players were standout players in the Aztex first professional season in 2009.

Fans can see both players take to the field when the Aztex host the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer on Sunday, March 14 at Nelson Field.



Johnson joined the Aztex in 2009 after a successful start to his career in England which included stints on the U16-U20 English national teams as well as his first professional job with Manchester United in 2001 at the age of 17.

Johnson has also had stints with Royal Antwerp in Belgium and Coventry City in England. The 25 year old Englishman scored in his Coventry City debut which was a 2-0 victory against Sunderland.

Bernard was an original member of the Austin Aztex U23 team in the Premier Development League in 2008.Prior to coming to Austin, Bernard spent time Portmore United of the Jamaican National Premier League. The 6-1 Jamaican left his home country in 2007 to attend San Jacinto College in Houston. He was named a 2007 Second Team NJCAA All-American and in 2008 helped San Jacinto to the semifinals of the NJCAA National Championship.

[EPJr]

[EPJr]

Impact beat Portuguese Club 5-1

FREAMUNDE, Portugal - The Montreal Impact won 5-1 (halftime 2-1) against Sport Clube Freamunde, a second division Portuguese club playing in the League of Honour, Wednesday in Freamunde, in the first of three exhibition matches in Portugal, played under heavy rain conditions and wind squalls of more than 70 km/h. "Even if the score doesn't truly reflect the game, the victory is fully deserved because the Impact was the best team on the field. The result is really fair," declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "Maybe Freamunde didn't approach the game in the best manner, while we came here with the same attitude than during a league match. I think we surprised them."

http://www.nasl.com/news.php?id=77

[EPJr]

Timbers sign landmark SolarWorld deal
Renewable energy company to feature on jerseys

Portland Timbers News Release - http://www.portlandtimbers.com

Thursday, February 25, 2010


PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Timbers and SolarWorld, the largest solar manufacturer in America, today announced a new landmark partnership, making SolarWorld the team’s official jersey sponsor for the 2010 season and the first renewable-energy company to become a jersey partner of a professional soccer franchise in the United States.

SolarWorld, which is connected to the game of soccer on three continents, is one of the largest and most experienced manufacturers of solar technology in the world. It has three plants on the West Coast, including a vertically integrated 500 megawatt manufacturing plant located in Hillsboro, Ore.

“I am delighted to partner with SolarWorld on the 2010 Timbers jersey rights,” said Timbers president Merritt Paulson. “We pride ourselves on being a green organization – not just our colors – and partnering with a preeminent sustainable company like SolarWorld is a no-brainer.”

[slycat]

Interesting kits.........

[EPJr]

Platter has spent the last five seasons with Minnesota



CARY, N.C. (March 1, 2010) – The Carolina RailHawks today announced the signing of goalkeeper Nic Platter.

“It was just a fantastic opportunity to come to the RailHawks,” Platter said. “I’m coming to a great organization with a very good coach, and it’s a good opportunity for me to get better as a goalkeeper. I want to win a championship, and I think this organization has shown it’s dedicated to doing that.”

http://www.naslnews.com/

[EPJr]

Miami FC Announces its Home for 2010 Season
The Blues confirm Lockhart Stadium


MIAMI, February 28, 2010 - After splitting its home games between Lockhart Stadium and FIU's stadium in 2009, Miami FC announced today that Lockhart Stadium will be the Blues’ home venue for 2010.

“There have been many great memories at Lockhart Stadium over the years, and we are looking forward to giving fans new memories this season, adding to Lockhart’s great legacy for soccer,” said Miami FC president Aaron Davidson. “Since Lockhart is still considered one of the best facilities for soccer in the United States, we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to play there. After playing at two stadiums last season in order to give fans the opportunity to see Miami FC play closer to their respective homes, we now feel it is best and most effective to establish one home stadium for the team, the fans and the community.”

[EPJr]

Seattle Sounders FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC
March 6, 2010
Venue: Swangard Stadium
Match Type: Pre-season
Match Number: 4
Kickoff (PDT): 4:00 PM


Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1W-2L-0D in pre-season) host Major League Soccer (MLS) club Seattle Sounders FC (3W-1L-0D in pre-season) in a pre-season friendly match on Saturday afternoon.

In what will be the first match of the club's final season at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC, Teitur Thordarson's side continue their buildup towards the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season by hosting the Sounders for the first time in British Columbia since their move to MLS last year. Saturday's match is also the second meeting between these two Interstate 5 rivals this pre-season. On February 11 in Casa Grande, Arizona, Seattle came from two goals down to defeat the Blue and White 3-2 at the Grande Sports World facility. Their first encounter came on February 22, 2009, as the MLS Sounders defeated the 'Caps 4-0 in a closed-door friendly match at Seattle's Qwest Field.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/men/schedule ... rs_FC.aspx

[EPJr]

MBUTA RETURNS TO CRYSTAL PALACE BALTIMORE
Fan Favorite Spent Past 18 Months With New York Red Bulls


March 2nd 2010 - Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore have signed 24-year old playmaker Mathew Mbuta, pending USSF approval. The former New York Red Bulls player returns to Palace after plying his trade in Major League Soccer for the past year and a half.

Palace Baltimore President and Co-Head Coach, Pete Medd, remarked: "We feel very fortunate to get Mathew back. He is a very special player and has unique and dangerous qualities; things you can not teach. He has tremendous pace and a great leaping ability. During the 18 months he spent in the MLS, he has refined his game even further and we will continue to work on his end product; but we feel he should have a major impact in our league this year"


http://www.naslnews.com/

[EPJr]

Timbers Add Three From Mini-Camp
Portland adds DeMartin, Gaudet and Pyzdrowski


Portland Timbers News Release - http://www.portlandtimbers.com

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Timbers announced the signing of forward Doug DeMartin, midfielder Derek Gaudet and goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski for the 2010 season, pending USSF approval.

All three were part of the Timbers recent mini-camp and were featured in the club’s charity match against the University of Portland. They are scheduled to report on Monday for the start of preseason training camp.

DeMartin, 23, played his collegiate career at Michigan State University and led the Big Ten Conference in goals scored in each of his final two seasons on campus. A native of Mason, Mich., DeMartin had a breakout senior season in 2008, scoring 17 goals and leading the Spartans to a Big Ten title. Named an All-American, he was also a candidate for two national player of the year awards, including the Hermann Trophy. In total, DeMartin recorded 38 goals and nine assists in 76 career games at Michigan State. He was a second-round pick of the Kansas City Wizards in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

[appmaj]

Did the Wilmington, NC team fold?

[DukeJack]

Did the Wilmington, NC team fold?

Hammerheads? Yeah they folded after the 09 season.

[EPJr]

Pro soccer is coming to Orlando — in 2011

http://www.orlandoprosoccer.com


ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sports fans can add soccer to the list of professional teams making their way to Orlando.

The owners of the Orlando Titans professional lacrosse team announced Thursday that they will bring a United Soccer League team to the city. The new soccer team will compete in premier domestic and international tournaments and exhibitions.

No word yet on where they will play.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/o ... 4425.story

[EPJr]

Aztex tie Houston in preseason opener

Austin Aztex News Release - http://www.austinaztex.com

Monday, March 8, 2010

HOUSTON, TX -- The Austin Aztex struck a draw with the MLS’ Houston Dynamo, 1-1, in their first preseason scrimmage on Sunday at Carl Lewis Track Stadium in Houston, Texas. An own goal by Bobby Boswell in the 74th minute allowed the Aztex to gain the 1-0 advantage in the scrimmage, but an unassisted goal by the Dynamo’s Erik Ustruck 12 minutes later led to the draw.

“I’m very pleased with the result considering we’ve only had five days training together. I thought their fitness was good, but we got tired in the last five or 10 minutes,” Aztex Coach Adrian Heath said. “Considering who we were playing, I was pleased with everything that went on and I thought there were one or two very encouraging performances.”

VS
03/14/2010 5:00 PM
@ Nelson Field

[EPJr]

AC St Louis to Face Kansas City Wizards


AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, announced that it will be playing the Kansas City Wizards from Major League Soccer in two exhibition matches. The cross state clubs will meet on Saturday March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in Kansas City at the Wizard's Swope Park training facility, and again on Saturday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. for the return match at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park.

"This is a perfect way for us to introduce our new team to the fans here in St. Louis," said player/assistant coach Steve Ralston. "For us it will be a good test against an established MLS team in Kansas City. Plus it will be nice to build up a little rivalry with the Wizards by playing this home and away series each year."

http://www.nasl.com/news.php?id=85

[EPJr]

Stars new website


http://www.nscminnesota.org/

[EPJr]

Islanders begin CFU journey in April

Tuesday, March 9, 2010


TAMPA, FL – The Puerto Rico Islanders will begin their quest to reach the CONCACAF Champions League tournament for a third consecutive time when they enter the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Championship tournament as a seeded team in the Second Round April 13. The regional tournament kicks off with First Round group play March 16 in four locations.

The 2010 edition of the CFU Club Championship features three rounds of group play to determine a champion. The top three clubs in the Final Round will advance to the CONCACAF Champions League


http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/CFU-2010T ... racket.pdf