Division 2 Pro League Soccer

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NEW YORK -- Former Tulsa Roughneck Don O'Riordan was named coach and technical director of F.C. New York Wednesday.

O'Riordan will start putting together a team for the United Soccer League First Division expansion team, which won't play until the 2011 season.


http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/sections/ ... e_id=22839

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Timbers top Sounders 1-0
Portland grabs preseason victory over rivals in Seattle

Portland Timbers News Release - http://www.portlandtimbers.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Friday, March 12, 2010

SEATTLE, WA -- With a first-half goal, the Portland Timbers defeated Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 Thursday in a preseason match before 18,606 at Qwest Field. Trialist forward O.J. Obatola tallied for the Timbers.

Just 11 days into preseason training camp, Portland visited its Northwest rival for Sounders FC’s inaugural Community Shield, a charity event benefitting several Northwest organizations.

Escaping close chances by Seattle, who plays its MLS regular-season opener on March 25, early on, the Timbers broke through in the 44th minute. After penetrating the box, forward George Josten slipped a through ball between Sounders FC defenders to the foot of Obatola. The trialist then poked the ball by Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller for the strike.

Portland goalkeeper Steve Cronin earned the shutout and recorded two key saves in the first half. In the 16th minute, he turned away a close-range shot by midfielder Steve Zakuani that nearly crossed the goal line. Minutes later, he punched away a free kick by forward Freddie Ljungberg taken from the top right corner of the box aimed at the top corner of the frame.

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/409402.html

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Late Cameron goal gives Dynamo win

Houston downs Austin in final preseason friendly in Texas

AUSTIN, TX -- The Houston Dynamo used an 84th-minute goal from Geoff Cameron to earn a 1-0 preseason win over the Austin Aztex of the United States Soccer Federation Division II Pro League Sunday night at Nelson Field. Cameron knocked in a loose ball after a Corey Ashe corner kick to net the only goal of the game.
Playing on just two days' rest from a scrimmage against MLS club Chicago Fire on Thursday, the Dynamo used a lineup that included only two of Thursday's starters: Mike Chabala and Cam Weaver. Sunday's lineup included Adrian Serioux, a recently re-acquired member of the Dynamo's 2006 championship team, at center back and forward Luis Landín up front. Youngsters Sammy Appiah, Danny Cruz, and Francisco Navas Cobo joined Chabala in the midfield. The back line included Serioux, Erik Ustruck, and veterans Craig Waibel and Wade Barrett in front of goalkeeper Tally Hall.


http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_new ... &team=t200

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The Rowdies gave a glimpse to what this season will hold last night, March 12th, at Pepin Stadium. Just two weeks in to training, the Rowdies had their first match against an MLS club, FC Dallas. Against a strong FC Dallas squad, the Rowdies fought hard and played to a 2-2 draw in front of an excited crowd who braved the elements to root on their team.

http://fctampabay.com/news/teamnews/ind ... le_id=9172" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Miami FC Inks Five Players from Brazil


The Blues confirm five players from Desportivo Brasil, including returning forward Paulo Jr



Miami, March 15, 2010- Miami FC announced today new signings coming from its sister club, Desportivo Brasil. Five players will join the ranks of the Blues including one of Miami's best forwards from last season, Paulo Araujo Jr. Terms of the signings were not disclosed.

Joining Paulo Jr are four other up-and-coming players: Ariel Germiniani, Lennon Celestino, Euzebio Neto, and Paulinho Le Petit. All five will join the team in the upcoming weeks. Euzebio Neto plays right back and comes to Miami after spending time playing for one of Miami FC's sister clubs, Estoril of Liga Vitalis in Portugal. Ariel Germiniani, Paulinho Le Petit and Lennon Celestino will contribute to a potent midfield that already features Jarryd Goldberg and Bryan Perez.

Miami FC will open the 2010 season on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium against the visiting Rochester Rhinos.
For real time updates you can follow Miami FC on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/miamifc.

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Supporter Scarf Design Winner
The winning scarf for supporters was created by Erik Erickson of Blaine. This scarf is part of the supporters season ticket package and will be exclusive to this group.

The name of the supporters group for the Stars will evolve during this historic first season. Check back here often for news from the supporters.

http://www.nscminnesota.org/fan_zone/su ... dex_E.html

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STARS KIT REVEALED
BLAINE, Minn. (March 18, 2010) –
The NSC Minnesota Stars are pleased to present the final design of the 2010 home and away uniforms.



The Stars will wear a blue kit with white trim for all home matches. The jerseys bear a Schwan’s emblem to recognize the Marshall-based foodservice company that is the team’s largest sponsor. The all-yellow road uniform carries the Schwan’s USA Cup logo to promote the National Sports Center’s largest soccer tournament in out-of-state markets. Both jerseys recognize Coerver Coaching -- the Stars’ youth camp partner -- with a small patch on the right sleeve.

http://www.nscminnesota.org/news/press_ ... 10997.html

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All USSF D-II Matches Will Be Available Online, TV & Website News


Good news for fans of 2nd Division soccer in the United States. Every USSD2 match will be available via online stream for free. The system will be similar to USLLive.com last season and will controlled by the US Soccer Federation. An announcement is expected next week as the USSF is currently working to finalize a media partner and to secure advertisers to help offset cost.

http://www.naslnews.com/2010/03/all-uss ... lable.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League Season Preview

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/03/3 ... sl-soccer/

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FC New York coach reaching out... O'Riordan quickly connecting with local coaches


O’Riordan has been invited to visit with collegiate coaches Carlo Aquista of Adelphi University, Richard Nuttall of Hofstra, Dan Fisher of Nassau Community College, Tony Elmore of Yeshiva University and Enda Crehan of Averett University. Emails were sent to almost 40 area college coaches, laying the groundwork for future relationships.

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/414193.html

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

Thursday, April 1, 2010

BAYAMON, PR -- The Puerto Rico Islanders are happy to report that William “Bill” Gaudette is in Puerto Rico and had his first practice with the team Wednesday. Gaudette re-signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders for the upcoming 2010 USSF Division-II Pro League season, pending league approval.

This will be Gaudette’s third season with the Puerto Rico Islanders as the team’s starting goalkeeper after arriving in 2008. In just two seasons with the Islanders, Gaudette has become one of the best goalkeepers in the league, winning the USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year ward in 2008. He was also recently featured in the USL First Division Top 25 Players of the Decade list (17th) on the USLsoccer.com blog Free Kicks.


http://www.uslsoccer.com/imgs/pr-040110-gaudette.jpg

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U.S. Soccer announces live streaming partnership

CHICAGO (April 8, 2010) – U.S. Soccer, in conjunction with Ooyala, a leading provider of end-to-end video platform applications and services, has announced that all 180 D-2 Pro League matches will be available to watch via streaming video free of charge. The live match video will be broadcast via each club’s website, giving fans access to watch every game of the season at no cost. For local television coverage, fans and media should visit the participating team websites for a broadcast schedule.

Fans need only to go their club's website to watch games. The video player will be in embedded on each team's site, so no registration will be required

http://www.nasl.com/article/u-s-soccer- ... artnership



Opening Weekend Matches (all times ET)

April 10, 2010
AC St. Louis at Carolina RailHawks; 7 p.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Streaming Video: http://www.carolinarailhawks.com and http://www.ac-stlouis.com

Rochester Rhinos at Miami FC; 7:30 p.m.
Lockhart Stadium; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Streaming Video: http://www.miamifc.com and http://www.rhinossoccer.com

April 11, 2010
Montreal Impact at Austin Aztex; 7 p.m.
House Park; Austin, Texas
Streaming Video: http://www.austinaztex.com and http://www.montrealimpact.com

NSC Minnesota Stars at Vancouver Whitecaps; 7 p.m.
Swangard Stadium; Vancouver, British Columbia
Streaming Video: http://www.whitecapsfc.com and http://www.nscminnesota.org

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Nearly 3,000 people turned out the night before Easter for a sneak preview of St. Louis’ first professional outdoor soccer team in over three decades as AC St. Louis hosted the MLS Kansas City Wizards in an exhibition match. The game was the one and only public look at the new St. Louis squad before their official league home opener on Saturday night, April 17

AC St. Louis has seven groups supporting it; United Knights, DayPints, Ead’s Brigade, Laclede’s Army, River City Saints, Verde, and the STL Ultras. While all the groups began the match sitting in their specified areas by the beginning of the second half they migrated to each other, forming one cohesive group.

http://www.nasl.com/article/st-louis-ce ... nal-soccer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Impact to host AC Milan and Fiorentina

MONTREAL (AP)—The Montreal Impact will host AC Milan on June 2 in an exhibition at Olympic Stadium, part of a North American tour that will have the Italian club play D.C. United on May 26 at Washington’s RFK Stadium.

The Impact also will play Italy’s Fiorentina on May 23 at Saputo Stadium.

The Italian teams will be missing players who will be with national teams preparing for the World Cup.

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slu ... lan-impact

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http://www.nasl.com/photo_gallery/gallery/id/139" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Aztex to Play Haiti in Friendly April 28
Central Texas serving as temporary home to national team

Austin Aztex News Release - http://www.austinaztex.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Monday, April 19, 2010

AUSTIN, TX -- At about 5 p.m. on January 12, the nation of Haiti shook to its very core – literally. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the island nation, decimating it and all its inhabitants.

Victimized along with the loss of more than 230,000 people and three million displaced residents was the Haitian Football Association, whose building collapsed in the quake, killing 32 of its members – including two coaches.

Since then, the Haitian Men’s National Team has been searching for a permanent home as thousands of Haiti’s residents are living in their stadium and on their pitch. For two weeks, Central Texas serves to fill that void.

Through a church group connection, the Haitian National Team finds themselves in Texas for training and a series of friendly matches.

At 7:30 p.m. on April 28, House Park and the Aztex play host to the squad.

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/420422.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Fans who visit the National Sports Center this season for NSC Minnesota Stars action are in for a pleasant surprise. A new scoreboard and clock are among the increased amenities offerred this season as part of the matchday experience at the NSC.

The following report comes to us courtesy of Inside Minnesota Soccer writer Brian Quarstad:

http://www.nasl.com/article/national-sp ... lease-fans" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Impact Tie Italian Giants


The Montreal Impact and Italian Serie A club Fiorentina played to a 1-1 draw, Sunday, in an international friendly at Saputo Stadium. Impact rookie forward Reda Agourram opened the scoring at the 8th minute of play. Fiorentina defender Felipe slipped, leaving Agourram one-on-one with defender Cesare Natali. He got past Cesara and unloaded a low shot that beat goalkeeper Sébastien Frey to his left.

Fiorentina scored the tying goal in the 63rd minute. Forward Stevan Jovetic back-heeled the ball behind the Montreal defense, right to forward Harris Seferovic, who beat goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic with a powerful shot to the top of the net.

http://www.nasl.com/article/impact-tie-italian-giants

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Timbers Capture 3-2 Win Against Boca

Lopez Scores Late Game-Winner in Exhibition

Portland Timbers Press Release - http://www.portlandtimbers.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

PORTLAND, Ore. – Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez provided a key assist and then scored the game-winning goal as the Portland Timbers defeated Argentina side Boca Juniors 3-2 in an international exhibition match Saturday at PGE Park before 14,106.

Down by a goal, Lopez made an immediate impact upon entering the match as a sub in the second half. He assisted the Timbers’ equalizing goal by defender Stephen Keel in the 74th minute, which leveled the score at 2-2. On a free kick in second-half stoppage time, Lopez then found the go-ahead goal to lift the Timbers to victory.

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/434710.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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[LEFT]
Exhibition Game Schedule 2010
June 16 Montreal Impact 7:35pm
July 6 Ottawa Fury 7:35pm
August 11 Victoria Highlanders 7:35pm
August 15 Spokane Spiders 2:05pm
August 28 Miami FC 7:35pm



FC Edmonton will host Chilean giant Colo-Colo on June 20th at Commonwealth Stadium, Brazil’s Vitória of Brazil’s premier division on June 27th at Foote Field and finally Portsmouth FC formerly of the English Premier League on July 21st at Commonwealth Stadium for the 2010 Edmonton Cup.

•June 20 — Colo Colo (Commonwealth Stadium)
•June 27 — Vitória (Foote Field)
•July 21 — Portsmouth (Commonwealth Stadium)[/LEFT]

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2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
May 31 Qualifying Deadline
June 15 First Round: 32 lower division teams enter tournament
June 22 Second Round: 16 First Round winners face off
June 29 Third Round: Round 2 winners face eight MLS teams
July 6-7 Quarterfinals: Round 3 winners
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Semifinals: Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 5 Final: Semifinal winners

2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Official Pairings for First Round
1. N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA) at Long Island Rough Riders (PDL)
Cy Donnelly Stadium; South Huntington, N.Y.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. ET

2. Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club (USASA) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. ET

3. Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) at Reading United A.C. (PDL)
Don Thomas Stadium; Reading, Pa.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. ET

4. Crystal Palace Baltimore (D2) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. ET

5. Capital Area Soccer League Elite (USASA) at Charleston Battery (USL-2)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. ET

6. Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) at Carolina RailHawks (D2)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:05 p.m. ET

7. Dayton Dutch Lions FC (PDL) at Rochester Rhinos (D2)
Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:05 p.m. ET

8. Detroit United Soccer Club (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2)
Chartiers Valley High School; Bridgeville, Pa.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. ET

9. Kansas City Athletics (USASA) at NSC Minnesota Stars (D2)
National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. CT

10. AC St. Louis (D2) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium; West Des Moines, Iowa
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. CT

11. Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Miami FC (D2)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. ET

12. FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (D2) at Legends FC (USASA)
Richland Stadium; Dallas, Texas
Tuesday, June 15; 8:00 p.m. CT

13. Dallas-Fort Worth Tornados (PDL) at Austin Aztex (D2)
House Park; Austin, Texas
Tuesday, June 15; 7:30 p.m. CT

14. Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College; Ventura, Calif.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:05 p.m. PT

15. Sonoma County Sol (USASA) at Portland Timbers (D2)
PGE Park; Portland, Ore.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. PT

16. Bay Area Ambassadors FC (USASA) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)
Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.
Tuesday, June 15; 7:00 p.m. PT

Official Pairings for Second Round
(Venues, dates and times TBD)
17. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
18. Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
19. Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6
20. Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8
21. Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10
22. Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12
23. Winner Game 13 vs. Winner Game 14

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FC New York Gains PDL Affiliate

Lancaster Rattlers becomes feeder club for FC New York

FC New York Press Release - http://www.fcnewyorksoccer.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

NEW YORK, NY - FC New York recently announced its first USL Premier Development League affiliate will be the Lancaster Rattlers, based in Lancaster, California. The two clubs will exchange best practices, while Lancaster will act as a feeder club for F.C. New York.

“Gerry Brunner and the Rattlers have been great," FC New York President Doug Petersen said. "They truly understand what we can achieve. We believe in the partnership and their area of geographic influence.”

For players in the Southern California region, being with the Rattlers potentially brings them only a step away from the professional ranks of F.C. New York.

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F.C NY’s O’Riordan Speaks Out
Q&A with FC New York Technical Director Don O’Riordan

http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/439048.html

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Balls kicked in anger in Alberta



Canada's fourth fully pro team, with a salary budget of a million dollars apparently, got things started last night with a 3-0 win over the Montreal Impact reserves.

http://www.24thminute.com/2010/06/balls ... berta.html

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USSF D2 Update; New Standards Set for League, Current and Future Owners



The much anticipated USSF D2 meeting on Monday took place in New York without much fanfare or negotiations according to sources involved with teams that participated. The meeting was in general amicable and US Soccer did allow discourse.

Those attending the meeting from the federation were Sunil Gulati, Dan Flynn, and Brian Remedi. Team owners attending were: Austin Aztex owner Phil Rawlins, Carolina Railhawks owner’s Bob Young and Selby Wellman and his son Brian, Crystal Palace Baltimore’s Pete Med, FC Edmonton owner Tom Faph, Miami FC/Traffic US president Aaron Davidson, Montreal Impact owner Joey Saputo, NSC Stars GM Kris Bjerkness, Rochester Rhinos owner Rob Clark, FC Tampa Bay majority owner Andrew Nestor and Vancouver Whitecaps president Greg Kerfoot and USL owner Rob Hoskins. Those not present were Jeff Cooper of AC St. Louis, representatives from Puerto Rico who were said to be frustrated and felt that they most likely will not meet the new USSF standards and the Portland Timbers who will be moving on to MLS next season. Vancouver and Montreal have been actively involved with these discussion because the Whitecaps and the Impact would like to discuss the possibility of keeping a team in the D2 league for developmental purposes. Atlanta’s Silverbacks Boris Jerkunica was not in attendance either which may be telling with his involvement with the league in the near future.

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/