Friday, February 3, 2012

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Santa Clarita Blue Heat FC has announced the signing of three new players for the 2012 W-League season, including two members of the current 2012 Mexican National Team.

Dinora Garza, 23, and Marlene Sandoval, 27, competed for Mexico in the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament last month.

A starting midfielder for her national team, Dinora played in the 2011 World Cup in Germany, the 2011 Pan American Games (Bronze Medal) and the 2008 U-20 World Cup in Chile. For the last year, Garza has also been a member of the Tigres de la UNAL club; her hometown is near the Texas border in Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico.

Born in Southern California, Marlene Sandoval is a solid defender for Mexico. Her playing experience with the National team includes the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the 2003 U-19 World Cup and the Pan American Games in the same year. Marlene graduated from California State University, Fullerton and was awarded the 2005 Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Wake Forest sophomore standout Rachel Nuzzolese, will also join the Blue Heat in 2012. A starting forward from Upper Brookville, New York, Rachel ranked in the top-five goal and point scoring for the Atlantic Coast Conference and was named to the conference All-Tournament Team. She has seen extensive time with the United States Youth National Teams, playing with the U-15, U-17 and U-18 squads.

Santa Clarita franchise owner Carlos Marroquin is thrilled with the addition of all three players to the Blue Heat. “The depth of talent that each of these athletes will bring to the team will be important to the Blue Heat’s ongoing development and with that, we are hopeful for another positive season.”

Thursday, January 2, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. – The Ottawa Fury have been selected as hosts of the 2012 USL W-League Championship presented by UMBRO, it was announced today. Ottawa will welcome the three W-League conference champions July 27-29 to the Algonquin College Soccer Complex for the semifinals and final featuring some of the world’s top amateur, international and professional women’s soccer stars.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the Ottawa Fury hosting the 2012 W-League Championship,” W-League Senior Director Amanda Duffy said. “As they have demonstrated in hosting all rounds of playoff tournaments during the past decade, the Fury will undoubtedly provide all the necessary components of a successful championship. With the support of the Ottawa community and mass of soccer fans in Canada who continue to be great supporters of the women’s game, we look forward to an exciting and extremely competitive final four.”

As hosts of the W-League Championship, the Fury receive a bye into the semifinals. The 18th W-League season will feature 30 teams in three regional conferences that will see 11 teams advance to the postseason with one champion advancing from each conference. The three conference champions will join the Fury in Ottawa in a ‘final four’ format championship. The semifinals will be played on Friday, July 27 with the winners meeting for the 2012 W-League Championship on Sunday, July 29.

"The Ottawa Fury are proud to partner with the W-League in hosting the 2012 W-League Championships presented by UMBRO," Fury owner and CEO John Pugh said. "Canada’s capital has proved itself time and time again a great city in which to stage major soccer events. We were thrilled to host in 2004 and are excited to have the opportunity to once again provide a great experience for the teams and fans alike."

UMBRO is serving as presenting sponsor of the W-League Championship for the third consecutive season. Last season, the Seattle Sounders Women hosted the event, which saw the Atlanta Silverbacks claim their first W-League Championship against the regular season champion Fury.

The 2011 W-League Championship had the second-highest viewership for all USL FOX Soccer broadcasts in 2011 with more than 27,000 fans tuned in. The 2012 W-League Championship Final will also be televised across North America on FOX Soccer.

Ottawa previously hosted the W-League Championship in 2004, with the Vancouver Whitecaps taking the crown. Since joining the W-League in 2000, the Fury have amassed a record of 116-23-16 collecting eight division titles, five conference championships, six final four appearances and three appearances in the championship final. Having not lost at home in more than three years (23-0-2), the Fury are hopeful that home-field advantage will help lead them to their first W-League title.

The Algonquin College Soccer Complex is the year-round home of the Ottawa Fury. The $5.4 million soccer-specific facility has all of the amenities for both players and fans. The facility provides an intimate environment for fans and offers tremendous visibility for sponsors.

The W-League is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America. The caliber of W-League talent was well represented in the recent CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers where all 20 Canadian National team members and 15 of the 20 U.S. National team members boasted W-League experience including 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year Sydney Leroux and Ottawa Fury Youth Program graduate and W-League striker Christina Julien.
 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

PASADENA, Calif. - Ashley Cabrera is one of the Strikers newest players for the 2012 season. Ashley grew up in Ontario, California and went on to play soccer at Cal State San Bernardino. As we gear up for the 2012 season we hope you will enjoy getting to know the new roster. Here is what Ashley has to say about her experiences on and off the field.

Hometown: Ontario, California

College Attended: Cal State San Bernardino

What is your favorite soccer memory?

My first collegiate goal my freshman year of college. I scored off a corner kick and my team went on to win 1-0.

How old were you when you started playing soccer?

I was about 6 years old.

What turned you on to the sport?

My stepdad pushed me to play soccer when I was younger, and to this day I cannot thank him enough.

Who do you admire (not necessarily soccer related)?

I most admire my Mother Gina Eguia. She has always been my role model growing up and that will never change. She has overcome every single obstacle that she has been faced with and I hope that I can be something like her when I decide to have children. She is strong, independent, compassionate, and loving. I see her now with my younger brothers and sisters and I know they will admire her just as I have my entire life. She will always be my Bestfriend and role model.

What goals do you hope to achieve this season playing for the Strikers?

During this season playing for the LA Strikers, I hope to make an impact on the team in training sessions and in match settings. I hope to be a benefit in the defensive line and raise the expectations for this team as a whole.

What advice do you have for young players who aspire to play soccer in college and beyond?

Never give up! You can achieve almost anything you put your mind to. Never take no for an answer and always push yourself to your limits. You are your own obstacle.

What is your favorite thing to do (other than playing soccer of course)?

Other than playing soccer: I love to snowboard, workout, and spend time with my family and friends.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women today announce dates and details for the club’s Open Tryouts in preparation for the 2012 W-League season.

Sounders Women Open Tryouts will be held March 3 and 4 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. Sessions on both days will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sounders Women head coach Michelle French and staff will be on hand to evaluate trialists.

The tryouts are free. Please come prepared to pay for parking. Wear shoes appropriate for a Field Turf surface. Players are asked to check in outside the stadium field before the sessions begin.

“Because we are in the early stages of solidifying the roster, the tryouts will essentially be a starting point to officially identify and select a pool of talented players who will compete for roster spots on the 2012 Sounders Women’s team,” says Coach French. “Tryouts will be a great opportunity to see where potential players are at both physically and mentally. As a staff, we will be sure to educate players on the standards and expectations that will come along with being a member of the Sounders Women’s team. Our goal is to come away from the weekend having selected an initial group of players who will help to make the Sounders Women successful this coming summer.”

The Sounders Women feature high-level amateur players in a professional setting. Watch for updates via the club’s social media sites at www.Facebook.com/SoundersWomen and www.Twitter.com/SoundersWomen. The W-League season kicks off in May.

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Canadian Soccer Association announced on Monday that both Canada’s U-17 and U-20 women’s national teams will hold training camps over the next month. Five Whitecaps FC Girls Elite players have been named to Canada’s U-17 women’s training camp roster, while four Whitecaps FC women’s players have been named to Canada’s U-20 women’s squad.

Included in head coach Bryan Rosenfeld’s Canadian U-17 team are Girls Elite defender Aman Shergill, midfielders Jamine Dhanda, Jasmine Mander and Elissa Neff, and striker Kajal Parmar. Rosenfeld’s squad will take part in a 10-day training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 31 until February 9. As part of the camp, Canada will face Germany in a Women's U-17 international match this coming Saturday, February 4.

Rosenfeld will use the camp to prepare his team for the coming 2012 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship, which will run from May 2 to 13 in Ciudad, Guatemala. Canada is the reigning CONCACAF Under-17 champions, having won the last biennial tournament in 2010. The eight-team championship will qualify three teams to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup later this year. The U-17 tournaments feature players born 1995 or later.

"We are getting closer to our CONCACAF qualifiers and we are confident that our squad is working in the right direction," said Rosenfeld, who called in 22 players for the February camp. "We have a good core group of players, but we will still have at least one more camp to look at some players."

On Canada’s U-20 women’s team, newly-appointed head coach Andrew Olivieri has included four players from the 2011 Whitecaps FC women’s team: defender Nicole Setterlund, midfielders Jaclyn Sawicki and Erin Uchacz, and striker Jenna Richardson. Olivieri’s squad will begin its preparations on February 13 for the upcoming 2012 CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship from March 1 to 11 in Panama City, Panama. The team will hold an extended camp in San José, Costa Rica before heading to Panama two weeks later on February 27. As part of the preparations, Canada will face Costa Rica's "B" side as well as club champions Arsenal Coronado. (Costa Rica did not qualify for this year's Under-20 competition).

"It will be exciting to see the future of our women's program as we work towards the Women's Under-20 World Cup Qualification," said coach Olivieri. "This is the type of highly competitive environment our players must perform in if they wish to earn regular caps for our senior women's team". 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

TUKWILA, Wash. - The Seattle Sounders Women today reveal their new logo representing the club’s affiliation with Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer.

The circular crest features the familiar Seattle Sounders FC brand circled in Rave Green and sporting “W-League” at the head and “Sounders Women” at the base. It is now displayed on the club’s social media sites at www.Facebook.com/SoundersWomen and www.Twitter.com/SoundersWomen.

Sounders Women General Manager Amy Carnell says the choice to work more closely with the MLS Sounders was an easy one to make. “Although our ownership group is separate, partnering with one of the most recognizable MLS teams in history is a no-brainer. Sounders FC continue to be supportive of the Women’s game and its growth.

“Our new logo represents a strong partnership and a new era for Women’s Soccer in Seattle.”

The Sounders Women were purchased in November 2011 by Lane Smith and Cliff McElroy. The pair also own the Sounders U23s of the PDL. The W-League season begins in May.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

RIO MAIOR, Portugal - VisionPro Sports Institute (VSI) announced on Tuesday the launch of its new soccer academy in the town of Rio Maior in central Portugal. The project will also incorporate the formation of VSI Rio Maior FC, which will serve as an outlet for its young players to develop and play in Portugal’s competitive soccer structure. VSI recently partnered with the Brandon Flames to create a similar academy in Tampa, Fla., with teams set to compete in the USL PDL, W-League and Super-20 League in 2012 and USL PRO in 2013.

"After three excellent months at the La Manga Club in Spain we are very happy to have relocated our European Headquarters Academy to the wonderful town of Rio Maior, Portugal," VSI CEO Simon Crane said. "If we were to draw the perfect location for the ideal academy with the most perfect facilities, it would be Rio Maior. Our students are already commenting on how impressive all the facilities are, how friendly the staff and townspeople are and how impressive the educational offering is. We are all very impressed with the environment and are looking forward to a long and productive relationship with the town and its people."

The Rio Maior project represents a transition from an Academy development program which VSI began in September 2011 in La Manga, Spain and which will now be based permanently in Portugal. USL Director of International Development Francisco Marcos will be a director of VSI in Portugal and serve as President of Rio Maior FC.

"This is a particularly gratifying development for me, personally and professionally, as I bring together an international project in my native country, but also further develop the links between USL and programs around the world," Marcos said "I expect the VSI projects, in Tampa and Rio Maior, to have significant interplay for everyone’s benefit."

Accompanying Marcos in a senior role in Portugal will be Hugo Ribeiro, who will be a director of VSI Portugal and a general manager of the VSI Soccer Academy. Ribeiro worked in the USL system, having spent a year with the Boston-based MPS organization, and has previously worked in the youth coaching and scouting departments at SL Benfica.

VSI is a English-based soccer development group which counts among its investors and mentors people such as Ian Wright (Arsenal and England), Mark Hughes (former Barcelona, Manchester United and Wales, current Queen’s Park Rangers manager), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Queen’s Park Rangers and England), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea and Nigeria), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa and England) and Danny Collins (Stoke City).

The Rio Maior academy project began on January 16 with 20 players from England, Spain and Hungary and during the next few weeks will see those players come together as a team which will play a series of friendly matches against appropriate opposing Portuguese teams. In the long-term, the club will endeavor to join the appropriate district of the Santarém league system for the 2012-13 season.

The academy will use the excellent facilities at Centro de Estágios de Rio Maior. The center includes three soccer fields, a full stadium with 8,000-seat capacity, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, two Olympic swimming pools and an outstanding indoor arena. The complex is normally used by the Portuguese F.A. for its youth teams as well as many professional clubs and Olympic teams from various federations and countries.
The VSI Soccer Academy has the full approval of the English Premier League Academy System and as a result the Rio Maior-based players will attend the University level Instituto Superior Desporto de Rio Maior, where a specially-designed academic program will cater to their needs.

An announcement on the coaching staff is expected shortly, with at least two members of the technical staff being Portuguese.
 

Monday, January 23, 2012

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Jesse Symons has been named new head coach of the club’s women’s team and Girls Elite program. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse back to the club,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, president, Whitecaps FC. “We are thoroughly committed to the long-term development of Canadian talent through our girls and women’s programs, and Jesse fits that philosophy. He has an excellent record of youth development, he’s passionate, and he has a well-defined vision for the program.”

Symons, 30, returns to Whitecaps FC after previously serving as head coach of the Whitecaps FC Prospects program from 2006 to 2010. Under Symons’ guidance, the U-18 Prospects team - now known as Girls Elite - won two Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) Women’s Premier Division championships, including an undefeated 16W-0L-0D record during his final season in charge. Also in 2010, Symons helped as an assistant coach during the women’s first team undefeated regular season and their run to the W-League final.

Among the players to have been coached by Symons in the Whitecaps FC Prospects program are striker Chelsea Buckland and defender Shannon Woeller, who are currently playing for Canada’s women’s national team at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament at BC Place.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to come back to Whitecaps FC and build on the club’s great tradition with their women’s programs,” said Symons. “The most important thing is to continue to build that connection from our youth teams to the first team, and to give players the tools to progress to the highest level.”

The North Vancouver, BC, native most recently coached the Mountain United FC U-15 and U-16 girls’ squads during the inaugural mini-season of the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League. With Symons leadership, Mountain United won the U-16 girls league championship, posting an undefeated record. Additionally, his U-16 girls squad also won the inaugural adidas Champions Cup at the U-18 level.

“Jesse has done a fantastic job in leading our U-15 and U-16 girls programs,” said Frank Ciaccia, technical director, Mountain United FC. “He came to us with a tremendous reputation and he imparted a vast amount of soccer knowledge along to us here at Mountain United FC. Whitecaps FC are not only getting a great coach, they’re getting an even better person, and that should make for a winning combination. We are delighted for Jesse and his family.”

Prior to joining Mountain United FC, Symons held the position of technical director for North Shore District Girls Metro. Other accomplishments include leading the Team BC girls squad to a gold medal at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island, as well as coaching BC Soccer Provincial Teams at the U-13 girls level and U-12 and U-13 boys levels. Since 2005, Symons has also been the head instructor of the Sentinel Soccer Academy. His credentials include a Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) National ’B’ license, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Teaching Certificate from the Professional Development Program at Simon Fraser University.

Jesse Symons – Whitecaps FC women’s head coach

– Five successful seasons as Whitecaps FC Girls Prospects head coach (2006-2010), including two PCSL titles (2009 & 2010)
– Whitecaps FC women’s assistant coach (2010)
– Coached Mountain United FC to 2011 EA SPORTS BCSPL U-16 girls league title
– Coached Team BC to gold at 2009 Canada Games

Monday, January 16, 2012

Less than a week after being selected with the No. 1 pick of the Women’s Professional Soccer draft, former Vancouver Whitecaps Women standout and 2011 USL W-League Rookie of the Year Sydney Leroux has been called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team squad to play at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament.

For Leroux, it will be a return to the Pacific Northwest with the tournament being played at Vancouver’s B.C. Place, home of Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps. While Leroux and her teammates toured British Columbia throughout the 2011 season, the UCLA All-American scoring 11 goals in 11 games as she also took All-League honors, it will be a chance for her fans from Vancouver to get a chance to see her in action again before she heads to join the Atlanta Beat for the Women’s Professional Soccer season.

“Vancouver, here we come!” Leroux tweeted upon the announcement. “So excited to be coming home :)”

Born in Surrey, B.C., and a prodigious talent growing up, Leroux briefly played for the Whitecaps Women when she was just 15 years old before she moved to Arizona to pursue her soccer career. Eligible to play for the United States thanks to her American father, she was the leading scorer at the 2010 U20 World Cup and made her first appearance for the full women’s national team last January against Sweden.

She returned to the Whitecaps Women this past summer to train before her senior season at UCLA, and played a key role as the side reached the W-League Championship Weekend, having a goal and assist in the Western Conference Championship victory against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.

Leroux will have a number of fellow W-League alums accompanying her in the squad, with perennial standouts Abby Wambach (Rochester Ravens), Christie Rampone (New Jersey Lady Stallions), Heather O’Reilly (New Jersey Wildcats) leading the squad. In addition to Leroux, however, there is also a new wave of young talent that includes 2011 WPS No. 1 selection Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Lauren Cheney, all of whom played for the Pali Blues.

“The players made it hard for us to choose the 20 for Canada,” Coach Pia Sundhage in a U.S. Soccer press release. “We had a great camp in December and this past week in Los Angeles. I’m excited that we have a new player in the mix who wasn’t in the World Cup [Sydney Leroux] and that will change the environment a bit in a positive way. As always, we are excited to play the next game and we will be prepared.”

Leroux may also end up facing a number of her former teammates in Vancouver, should the U.S. and Canada meet. Current Whitecaps Melanie Booth, Kaylyn Kyle and Robyn Gayle have all been named to the Canadian squad, three of the 14 former Whitecaps who will compete for a place at the London Olympics. Led by ex-Vancouver standouts Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi, Sophie Schmidt and Erin McLeod, Canada is considered the other favorite to advance to the Olympics along with the U.S., with the two finalists moving on to this summer’s event.

With players such as Wambach, Morgan, Cheney and Amy Rodriguez likely ahead of Leroux in the forward pecking order, the possibility remains the 21-year-old might not see too much playing time this go-around. But if her goal-scoring record is any indicator, this will likely be the first of many tournaments she will see in a U.S. Women’s National Team uniform. 

Friday, January 13, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. - Led by former Vancouver Whitecaps Women standout Sydney Leroux, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Beat, the USL W-League saw another strong contingent of players selected in Friday’s 2012 Women’s Professional Soccer Draft, held in Kansas City, Mo. Eleven of the 23 players selected had previously played in the W-League.

Leroux, who was the 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year and an All-League selection, was the third consecutive W-League alumna taken with the first pick of the WPS Draft, following the Pali Blues duo of Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan. Leroux tied for second in the league with 24 points in 11 games, recording a goal and assist as the Whitecaps won the Western Conference title with a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.

Leroux will be joined in Atlanta by former Atlanta Silverbacks standout Katy Frierson, who was selected with the No. 10 pick overall, and former Seattle Sounders Women standout Kate Deines, who was selected with the No. 23 pick.

Former Pali Blues standout Camille Levin, who helped Stanford win its first NCAA National Championship last month, was the other W-League alum taken in the first round, being selected by Sky Blue FC with the fourth pick. Sky Blue FC also selected former New Jersey Rangers player Ingrid Wells with the No. 9 selection and Laura Heyboer with the No. 19 selection.

A pair of former Colorado Rush standouts were also selected, with Tori Huster being taken by the Western New York Flash with the No. 8 pick and Danielle Foxhoven being taken by the Philadelphia Independence with the No. 17 pick.

Other alums included Toni Pressley, taken by the Independence with the No. 13 selection, Tahnai Annis, taken by the Flash with the No. 18 selection and former Rochester Ravens standout Erica Henderson, who was taken by the Flash with the No. 22 selection. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

What: The U.S. Soccer Foundation, with the support of D.C. United Women, will set up an interactive area at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo to get children active using the sport of soccer. At the Expo, children will have the opportunity to play soccer, meet players from the D.C. United Women’s team, participate in arts and crafts and enter a raffle to win a special prize from the Foundation.

Who: The U.S. Soccer Foundation and D.C. United Women, W-League team.

Why: According to the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, one out of every three children between the ages of 2 -19 are overweight or obese. Soccer is unique because it engages participants at a high level of constant activity and helps provide children with the recommended amount of physical activity, as outlined by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s mission is to grow the sport of soccer at the youth level as well enact social change and positive youth development through soccer. This interactive space will allow children and their families to be exposed to the great game of soccer and its benefits as well as showcase the Foundation’s initiatives and impact.

When & Where: The U.S. Soccer Foundation and D.C. United Women will be at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo at the Washington Convention Center on January 14-15, 2012 from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States. Established in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has invested more than $55 million in all 50 states. The U.S. Soccer Foundation supports programs and field building projects that provide underserved youth in urban communities with opportunities that promote positive behavior, healthy lifestyles, self-confidence and positive alternatives to drugs, crime and other at-risk behaviors.
Media Request: When referring to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, please refer to the organization only as the U.S. Soccer Foundation or the Foundation, and never as USSF or US/U.S. Soccer. We appreciate your cooperation.

About D.C. United Women

Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. region and playing home matches at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md., D.C. United Women is a member of the United Soccer Leagues’ W-League and 2011 Rookie Franchise of the Year. The first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, the W-League is USL’s highest level of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America. Licensed by D.C. United, the W-League team is independently owned and operated by Washington Soccer Properties, LLC. Visit http://www.dcunitedwomen.com for more information. Follow the team on Twitter @dcuwomen.

Monday, January 9, 2012

TUKWILA, Wash. - The Seattle Sounders Women of the W-League today announce their new head coach. Kent Washington native Michelle French has signed a two-year contract with the club. French is one of the most storied players in the history of women’s soccer from the state of Washington. “Frenchie,” a Sounders Women alum, has accumulated an impressive coaching resume to compliment her success on the pitch.

"I’m looking forward to working with everyone involved in the Seattle Sounders Women’s organization,” French says, “to continue the tradition of building a team of talented and driven athletes who not only love the game, but also take to heart the role they will play in our soccer community here in the Northwest."

Sounders Women General Manager Amy Carnell is pleased with her new hire.“Michelle embodies all the qualities we are looking for in a head coach,” Carnell explains. “Aside from her impressive resume, Michelle truly believes in the potential of women’s soccer in Seattle. Connected at every level of the game, I’m confident Michelle will aid in signing some of the top collegiate players in the country.”

New Sounders Women owner Lane Smith is excited to have Michelle on board. "When Amy let me know we had an opportunity to sign Michelle French as our head coach I was thrilled. From Olympic medalist as a player, to her national coaching experience, Michelle is a perfect fit for the job. “Frenchie” is a great ambassador and role model for women’s soccer and we are looking forward to a very exciting season with her at the helm.”

French already has a game plan to keep the Sounders in a competitive position. "Identifying and signing highly competitive and committed athletes, whether local or located across the country, who display an unwavering passion for the game, will be key to our success moving forward,” the new coach says. “Giving the players a consistent, positive, and challenging environment on a weekly basis will hopefully inspire them to not only play well during our Seattle Sounders Women’s season, but in their respective college and future professional careers."

Michelle seeks to add her mark to the history of fine coaches who have guided the Sounders from the sidelines on match days. "I know firsthand what a great job previous Seattle Sounders Women’s coaches such as Chance Fry, Dick McCormick, Teddy Mitalis, and most recently, Leighton O’Brien, have done in developing a program rich in tradition and excellence. My goal is to put the team in a position to be just as successful,” she says.

More on Michelle:

A 1995 graduate of Burien’s John F. Kennedy High School, French went on to play for the University of Portland Pilots, the United States U-21 National Team and World Cup Residency Camp, the United States Olympics National Team, in the WUSA, and over four seasons with the Sounders Women.

French carries a USSF “A” coaching license and has gained coaching experience through assistant work with the University of Washington and UCLA. Michelle has also been a head coach at the youth level with Eastside FC and others and acted as a coach and scout for US Youth National Teams.

About the Sounders Women

The Seattle Sounders Women are an independent soccer club established in 2001. The club plays its home matches at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. The Sounders have proven to be annual playoff contenders and have seen players advance to the highest levels of women’s soccer. In winter 2011 the Sounders were sold to a new ownership group, ensuring the club would continue its tradition of high quality, elite-level soccer. The Sounders Women can be found online at www.SoundersWomen.com and www.Facebook.com/SoundersWomen.

Monday, January 9, 2012

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Following a successful initial turnout, the Northern Virginia Majestics will host an additional winter tryout session for the 2012 USL W-League and USL Super 20 Womens season. Tryouts will continue on Saturday, January 14th at Manassas Sports Soccer and Training indoor facility in Manassas, Virginia. Tryouts are open, however new participants must fill out registration prior to attending.

Interested players must bring their completed registration form and payment on the day of tryouts unless previously submitted prior to the initial session.

Tryouts at Manassas Sports Soccer and Training are scheduled to run from 12:30PM to 2:00PM. Players are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in, warm-up, and stretching, but must check in no later than 12:15PM. No cleats are permitted at the facility.

Tryouts are open, but female athletes with professional, collegiate, or other high level soccer experience are encouraged to attend.

Interested players must complete the online tryout registration along with one-time t$50 registration fee in order to be eligible to participate. Players are also encouraged to bring a completed and signed copy of the Majestics Tryout Registration form and W-league Registration form together with a copy of their valid birth certificate or passport. Copies of this form are available under the Forms section of the web site and will also be available at the tryout site. Players needing time to complete paperwork are asked to arrive thirty minutes prior to tryout start time. Players must also confirm their attendance via email RSVP to majesticsyleague@novafc.org.

Players who do not submit completed registration form and payment will not be allowed to participate. If player is unable to attend winter tryout, please fax or mail form for consideration and future tryout.

Additional tryouts will be scheduled during the first part of May 2012.

Additional Tryout Schedule:

Saturday January 14th
12:30PM - 2:00PM
Manassas Sports and Soccer Training
6966 Wellington Road
Building #2
Manassas, Virginia 20109

From Route 66 and Points East or West:
Take Exit #44 for the Prince William Parkway (Route 234). Take the first RIGHT onto Balls Ford Road. Take a LEFT on Wellington Road. The warehouse complex is approximately 1/4 mile on the RIGHT. Use the first door on Building #2 in the complex.

From Route 28 and Points South:
Take Route 28 to the Prince William Parkway (Route 234) towards Interstate 66. Take a LEFT on Wellington Road. Follow Wellington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. The warehouse complex is on the LEFT before the Merrifield Garden Center. Use the first door on Building #2 in the complex.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women have named Amy Carnell as the team’s general manager, it was announced recently.

Carnell, the Sounders FC Director of Youth Programs since 2008, has helped build the largest youth camp system in Major League Soccer with over 6,000 campers in 2011.

“We are extremely excited to have Amy as our new general manager,” said Lane Smith, owner of the Sounders Women. “Amy represents a perfect match of both business skills and a true ambassador of women’s soccer. Her great success and continued role as Sounders FC Director of Youth Programs speaks to her business acumen.”

An All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year at UNC-Greensboro, Carnell played for the Sounders Women from 2002-06.

“I’ve been fortunate to work for a first class organization that continues to set the bar for Soccer in America,” said Carnell. “To walk the halls with Adrian Hanauer and the brilliant staff who make up Sounders FC is a truly unique experience. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that same passion and excellence to the women’s game.”

The Seattle Sounders Women was founded in 2001 and is now competing in their 12th season. The team made the USL W-League Semifinals five times in the past eight years (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011). The Sounders Women consists of elite level collegiate players and graduates from around the nation. Past players include former US Women’s National Team, WUSA and WPS talent Michelle French, Tina Ellertson, Justi Baumgardt-Yamada, Lisa Sari, Cori Alexander and Lyndsey Patterson.

“Amy has a refreshed optimism of the USL W-League and its future,” said co-owner Mike Jennings. “I was excited to hear that she wants to knock off the Vancouver Whitecaps women as the number one attended USL W-League team for the 2012 season.”

Although the Sounders FC does not have any direct relationship or ownership with the Sounders Women, Sounders FC will continue to help promote the W-League by providing promotional messaging on stadium video boards and during radio and television broadcasts.
The W-League consists of 30 teams nationally. Seattle competes in the Western Conference against teams from Canada, California, and Colorado.

Sounders Women will open the 2012 campaign at home vs. the Colorado Rush at 1 pm May 20th at Starfire Sports Complex. For up to date ticket information visit www.SoundersWomen.com.

Monday, December 26, 2011

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Northern Virginia Majestics will host tryouts for the 2012 USL W-League and Super-20 Women’s season during the latter part of the Christmas holiday. Tryouts will be held on Saturday, January 7 at Manassas Sports Soccer and Training indoor facility in Manassas, Virginia. Tryouts are open; however participants must fill out registration prior to participating. Interested players must bring their completed registration form and payment on the day of tryouts.

Tryouts at Manassas Sports Soccer and Training are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Players are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in, warm-up, and stretching, but must check in no later than 10:45 a.m. No cleats are permitted at the facility.

Tryouts are open, but female athletes with professional, collegiate, or other high level soccer experience are encouraged to attend.

Interested players must complete the online tryout registration along with one-time $50 registration fee in order to be eligible to participate. Players are also encouraged to bring a completed and signed copy of the Majestics Tryout Registration form and W-league Registration form together with a copy of their valid birth certificate or passport. Copies of this form are available under the Forms section of the web site and will also be available at the tryout site. Players needing time to complete paperwork are asked to arrive thirty minutes prior to tryout start time. Players must also confirm their attendance via email RSVP to majesticsyleague@novafc.org.

Players who do not submit completed registration form and payment will not be allowed to participate. If player is unable to attend winter tryout, please fax or mail form for consideration and future tryout.

Additional tryouts will be scheduled during the first part of May 2012.

Tryout Schedule:
Saturday January 7th
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Manassas Sports and Soccer Training
6966 Wellington Road
Building #2
Manassas, Virginia 20109

From Route 66 and Points East or West:
Take Exit #44 for the Prince William Parkway (Route 234). Take the first RIGHT onto Balls Ford Road. Take a LEFT on Wellington Road. The warehouse complex is approximately 1/4 mile on the RIGHT. Use the first door on Building #2 in the complex.

From Route 28 and Points South:
Take Route 28 to the Prince William Parkway (Route 234) towards Interstate 66. Take a LEFT on Wellington Road. Follow Wellington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. The warehouse complex is on the LEFT before the Merrifield Garden Center. Use the first door on Building #2 in the complex.

December 21, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – USL today unveiled the W-League’s dynamic new modern logo, ushering in a new era of exciting competitive opportunities for female soccer athletes.

The logo was developed by USL to create a dynamic brand that provides the W-League with a modern identity as it aspires to reach new levels.

“This rebranding captures the W-League’s mission to inspire and nurture the female soccer player to reach her soccer potential,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “The W-League aspires to be recognized as the most respected and competitive women’s soccer league in North America, while providing future opportunities on both the amateur and professional levels.”

The new W-League brand will be immediately incorporated on team websites, in marketing, PR and sales materials, on stadium signage, etc.

“We are extremely pleased with the new W-League logo,” W-League Senior Director Amanda Duffy said. “As we have expressed during the past year, collectively this league is moving in an upward direction that will require increased levels of commitment, resources and sophistication.”

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- The Canadian Soccer Association announced today the roster for the upcoming 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver, BC. Head coach John Herdman has selected 20 players that will compete in the eight-team competition from January 19-29, with all matches to be played at BC Place. Only the top two teams from the continental championship will qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

"The team is very excited to show Canada what they can do in Vancouver,” said Herdman. “The players have been training for this chance to represent Canada and they are fully deserving of their selection.”

Among the 20 players selected by Herdman are 14 former members of Vancouver Whitecaps FC. They include goalkeeper Erin McLeod; defenders Melanie Booth, Candace Chapman, Robyn Gayle, Brittany Timko and Shannon Woeller; midfielders Kaylyn Kyle, Carmelina Moscato, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott and Chelsea Stewart; and strikers Chelsea Buckland, Christine Sinclair and Melissa Tancredi.

Captain Sinclair, who joined the national team in 2000, is the program’s all-time leader in both appearances (168) and goals (120).

Group stage matches will be held from January 19-24 with Canada facing Haiti (January 19), Cuba (January 21) and Costa Rica (January 23) in Group A. The top two teams from the four-team group advance to the semi-final stage. Teams competing in the opposite group are Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico and defending champion USA.

The semi-final matches on January 27 will determine next year’s London 2012 Olympic participants. The finalists then advance to the CONCACAF championship match on January 29.

At the last CONCACAF championship just over a year ago, the top four finishers were Canada, Mexico, USA and Costa Rica.

Canada will open camp in early January in California. The team then arrives in Vancouver on January 14 before the opening match on January 19. All CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament matches will be broadcast by Sportsnet. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

GERMANTOWN, Md. - D.C. United Women hosted forty talented players from across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond for a winter break tryout session at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Sunday, highlighting the W-League club’s rich potential as it prepares for its second season of existence.

Ranging in age from 16 to 28, tryout participants hailed from a who’s who list of top NCAA programs like Duke, Florida, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, Maryland, Loyola (Md.) and many others, while standouts from several elite youth clubs like Freestate Soccer Alliance, FC Virginia, Virginia Soccer Association and Bethesda Soccer Club also took part.

The new faces were joined by several key returning players from United Women’s 2011 squad like Marisa Abegg from Sanford University and former Maryland Terrapins star Danielle Malagari, both of whom are eager to take part in another season after helping the Black-and-Red notch a 5-3-2 record in the W-League’s Northeast Division last summer.

"We’re pleased with both the quality and quantity of players who came out to participate, and I thank all of them for their time and effort on a cold December day," said head coach Mike Jorden. "These tryouts proved yet again that our region produces some of the world’s best women’s soccer talent and our staff is excited about building a championship-caliber team for 2012."

Gathering under cloudy skies on one of the SoccerPlex’s all-weather synthetic turf fields, tryout participants were evaluated on technical skills and athleticism in a morning workout conducted by Jorden and assistant coach Cindi Harkes, with the assistance of guest coach Ted Childs.

The players broke for lunch, then returned at 2 p.m. for warm ups and an hour-long, full-sided scrimmage watched by United Women general manager Chris Hummer, who returned from the United Soccer Leagues’ Annual General Meeting in Florida - where the Black-and-Red won the W-League Rookie Franchise of the Year award - just in time to catch the action. Hummer and Childs actually pulled double duty, running the touchlines as assistant referees while evaluating the talent on the field.

"The season is still months away but we’re eager to get started," said Hummer, who congratulated coaches and returning players on the club’s Rookie Franchise of the Year award before explaining the club’s long-term plans to the entire tryout group. "I’m confident that Sunday’s event will result in several important signings for our team as we look to grow and improve this season."

Monday, December 19, 2011

LEXINGTON, S.C. - The sound of soccer balls flying into the goal could be heard Saturday, Dec. 17 as the Central SC Cobras held tryouts to determine the roster for the upcoming 2012 W-League season.

Talent and skill was demonstrated as these women from all over South Carolina tied their laces and kicked their way onto the Lexington Soccer Complex fields looking to impress Coach Sandy Burris and her team of coaches to fight for a spot on the 2012 team roster.

The tryouts were set up to see player agility, energy and skill as the morning tryout began. Opening with a simple stretch warm-up and transitioning into ladder drills involving a volley pass and quick sprints. “The team motto is fitness with the ball”, Coach Burris said during the drill. She also stated that an included focus for the 2012 season is to also enhance overall fitness without the ball, improving areas of performance such as more agility and would big focus of the training for the upcoming season.

A new team means bonding and new experiences for new and returning players who will become a part of the Cobras. “We are looking for players who are committed and dedicated to the sport,” veteran Cobras player Sofia Hernandez said; “Those who will come out and play to win. She Continued, “Another part of our responsibility as a returning player is to help the newer/younger player transition their previous level of play to this new atmosphere of competitive soccer, it is our job to guide and help them.”

Situational drills, passing drills, small sided games a flurry of other activities filled the tryout time as coaches and spectators looked on. The workout concluded with full sided games of two 25 minute halves, allowing the coaches to see player chemistry and decision making in a game situation.

Veteran player Jessica Workman, recovering from an injury said that the level of play she was observing is a great thing for the team to have and experience for the New Year. “No doubt I will be able to make a comeback.” Workman said, hoping to rejoin play once she is fit again.

Heather Hale, 20 of Lexington was trying out for a goalkeeper position on the team. “I came out to try and make a competitive team,” Hale said. “I came out because I want to develop better goalkeeping skills and to make new friends.”

Within 72 hours of the tryout, the players should know who has made the roster for the 2012 season which starts in May.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

HAMILTON, Ont. – Hamilton FC announced today that it has reached agreement with McMaster Athletics and Recreation to run its operations at McMaster University beginning with the 2012 season. This agreement will see both Hamilton FC women’s W-League and men’s PDL teams train and play their home games at McMaster. Home games will be played at the impressive Ron Joyce Stadium.

“This is an important step forward for Hamilton FC,” said HFC Technical Director, Brett Mosen. “The stadium is top quality and this arrangement gives us access to Mac’s training facilities and game day infrastructure.”

Hamilton FC is entering its second season of competition in USL and this arrangement will help build on a successful first season of operations in 2011.

“We are delighted to have Hamilton FC base its operations with us at McMaster,” commented Jeff Giles, Director of Athletics and Recreation at McMaster. “Not only are we committed to working with Brett and his colleagues to help raise the profile of Hamilton FC’s programs, but our own as well.” 

Monday, December 12, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – USL will honor the teams and executives that set a standard for excellence during the 2011 USL PRO, PDL and W-League seasons at the 2011 USL Hall of Fame Banquet this Friday, December 16, on Clearwater Beach. The event, part of the 2011 USL Annual General Meeting, will also feature the inductions of nine new members of the USL Hall of Fame.

The USL AGM runs Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18 at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.

2011 USL Organizational Awards Finalists

Rookie Franchise of the Year

USL PRO
Antigua Barracuda
Dayton Dutch Lions
Wilmington Hammerheads
W-League
D.C. United Women
Dayton Dutch Lions
Fredericksburg Impact
PDL
Fredericksburg Hotspur
Hamilton FC
WSA Winnipeg

Marketing Award

USL PRO
Charleston Battery
Orlando City
Rochester Rhinos
W-League
Charlotte Lady Eagles
D.C. United Women
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Virginia Beach Piranhas
PDL
Des Moines Menace
Fresno Fuego
Reading United AC

Progress Award

USL PRO
Charlotte Eagles
Harrisburg City Islanders
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
W-League
Colorado Rush
Rochester Ravens
Santa Clarita Blue Heat
PDL
Central Florida Kraze
El Paso Patriots
Victoria Highlanders

Media Award

USL PRO
Charleston Battery
Harrisburg City Islanders
Wilmington Hammerheads
W-League
D.C. United Women
Ottawa Fury
Pali Blues
Santa Clarita Blue Heat
Virginia Beach Piranhas
PDL
Michigan Bucks
Portland Timbers U23s
Reading United AC

Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award

USL PRO
Alli D’Amico, Los Angeles Blues
Alex Wolf, Orlando City
Whitney Woods, Charleston Battery
W-League
Rita Ostin, Colorado Force
Rachel Singer, Santa Clarita Blue Heat
Diane Voice, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Remy DuCote, NoVa Majestics & D.C. United Women
PDL
Fabricio Codeceira, Fresno Fuego
Bev Houle, New Hampshire Phantoms
Carol Senechal, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Adam Small, Des Moines Menace
Scott Taylor, Mississippi Brilla

Executive of the Year

USL PRO
Phil Rawlins, Orlando City
Bill Rudisill, Wilmington Hammerheads
Shelley Sowers, Richmond Kickers
W-League
Jeremy Auyer, Charlotte Lady Eagles
John Pugh, Ottawa Fury
Tim Schweitzer, NoVa Majestics & D.C. United Women
PDL
John Marrello, Thunder Bay Chill
Todd Meiners, Des Moines Menace
Alex Silva, North Sound SeaWolves
Jeff Von Holle, West Texas United Sockers
Scott Zapko, Carolina Dynamo

Organization of the Year

USL PRO
Orlando City
Richmond Kickers
Wilmington Hammerheads
W-League
Charlotte Lady Eagles
Ottawa Fury
Santa Clarita Blue Heat
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
PDL
Fresno Fuego
Kitsap Pumas
Laredo Heat
Thunder Bay Chill

Monday, December 12, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Central South Carolina Cobras of the W-League have announced the coaching staff for the their inaugural season.  The inaugural-season staff will be comprised of Head Coach Sandy Burris, along with assistants Cally Morrill and Debbie Smith, who will also be on the roster. The club has also announced its first open tryouts, set for December 17.

Sandy Burris
Head Coach
Home Town: Gastonia, North Carolina
College: North Carolina State University

An accomplished assistant on the collegiate level with a history of leadership at the ODP level in South Carolina, Burris holds the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "D" and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) "Advanced National Diploma". Most importantly, Burris has an unquestioned history of success everywhere she has been. Burris is a leader and understands what it takes to begin and build an organization/team.

Cally Morrill
Assistant Coach/Player
Home Town: Sarasota, Florida
College: University of Alabama

Morrill is in her second season as the head women’s soccer coach at Lees-McRae University in North Carolina. The University of Alabama graduate made an immediate impact in her first season, leading the Bobcats to a 14-6 finish, which marks the program’s best record since the 2000. Along with experience as both an assistant and head coach, Morrill also brings experience as a player at the W-League level which will be invaluable to the organization as it moves forward.

Debbie Smith
Assistant Coach/Player
Home Town: Benfleet, England
College: University of South Carolina

Smith has lived in Columbia South Carolina since 1999 and currently works as an educator. Her coaching career includes being an assistant at South Carolina State and several years in the South Carolina Olympic Development Program. She brings a great deal of experience as a player and is a founding member of the team and instrumental to the organization’s beginning.

Morril and Smith, former players at the University of Alabama and the University of South Carolina, respectively, will also provide their talent to the team as players.

"We are excited to add the unique experience of all three of these women to our organization and know that their passion for the sport and the competitive spirit they possess will be instrumental in the building and success of the team and organization," Central SC owner Ewell Gordon said.

The team will hold its first open tryouts on Saturday December 17. Players who would like the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills for the Cobras coaching staff should be at Lexington Soccer Complex fields 9 and 10. Sign-in will begin at 9 a.m. and the workout will begin at 9:30. The morning session will consist of technical and situational drills while the afternoon will include full-sided games.
The tryout will take place regardless of weather conditions barring serious storm conditions, in which case further announcements will be made.

To register: and for additional information on the location interested players can visit: http://www.centralsccobras.com/Open_Tryout.html

For more information contact Head Coach Sandy Burris at headcoach@centralsccobras.com.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

GERMANTOWN, Md. - Eager to get a jump on their second W-League season, D.C. United Women have announced a "winter break" tryout designed to get an early look at the region's top college players before they return to classes and spring campaigns with their teams.

Head Coach Mike Jorden and staff will lead two 90-minute tryout sessions on Sunday, December 18 at the Maryland SoccerPlex synthetic turf fields (#18) in Germantown, Md. The first session at 10 a.m. will be open to the first 50 players registering in an "open" tryout format. From there, Jorden will invite certain players to return at 2 p.m., when they will join with invitees and returning 2011 team members for a second 90-minute session.

Though scheduled to coincide with official breaks from college and university, the tryout is also open to any player of any age wishing to compete for a spot on the 2012 team. There is no minimum age limit to W-League play, as proven with last year's mid-season addition of then-16-year-old striker Ashley Herndon.

The Stonebridge High School (Ashburn, Va.) junior, who has since committed to play for James Madison University, appeared in five games for the Black-and-Red in 2011, registering a goal and 15 shots in 309 total minutes of play.

The young Herndon was outscored only by three of United's leading stars. Former Santa Clara product and current Georgetown assistant coach Haley Siegel contributed two goals, former U.S. Women's National Team star Christie Welsh hit three and current Penn State and U.S. Women's National team star Christine Nairn chipped in three goals and an assist in just five games.

"These tryouts are just the first step in building a 2012 edition of the team that we know will be among the strongest in any league," said Chris Hummer, D.C. United Women's General Manager. "As a brand-new team last season, we got a late start on putting things together, and weren't able to even begin looking at college players until our season was nearly underway. We hope this tryout will really get those active college players on our radar early for 2012."

United Women will return to play at the Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium again in 2012, with a minimum of eight home games, plus potential playoffs and additional friendly matches planned. Season tickets go on sale later today, with home schedule dates expected to be announced in January.

Interested players should register immediately on the team website at www.dcunitedwomen.com in order to secure a spot in the tryout. The tryout will take place regardless of weather conditions barring serious winter storm activity, in the event of which further announcements will be made.

Interested players should fill out the form here. Only the first 50 will be accepted: http://www.dcunitedwomen.com/Team/Tryouts/

For more information on the location of SoccerPlex field #18, visit the layout page on the facility's official website: http://www.mdsoccerplex.org/soccerplex/layout/index_E.html

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

PASADENA, Calif. - Stevenson is a SoCal native. He began coaching competitively in Los Angeles over 10 years ago working at many different levels throughout his career. In addition to his new position with the Strikers he was recently named the technical director for FC Man United and boasts the tutelage of UEFA Champion’s League player and MLS star, Maurice Edu. “Reaching out to local youth programs is very important to us and Matt Stevenson has very extensive experience with both youth and top level players,” stated general manager Rebecca Neuren. The Strikers have committed to provide camps and clinics throughout the year that will focus on the development of girl’s soccer in Los Angeles. Training programs will be designed and directed by Demian Brown and Matt Stevenson.

As Demian Brown’s top choice for an assistant Stevenson promises to bring a lot of important technical coaching experience to the team. The two have known each other for several years, complimenting each other’s style both on and off the field. “Demian and I have similar tactical approaches to the game and I think our defensive styles will compliment each other well,” Stevenson commented about his future with the Strikers. ” Demian brought me aboard knowing that my commitment to the team, my competitive experience, and my commitment to organizational growth will benefit the LA Strikers organization,” he said.

The Strikers faced a tough opening season in 2011 with a mid season coaching change and a change of ownership at the end of the season. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of stability throughout the season, “Having the opportunity this year to work with the team from the start of training camp through the end of season will allow our players to have a better understanding of what we expect from them. It will also allow the ladies to get a clear understanding of our tactical team style and the style of each other as teammates. The coaching and team stability this season will allow our players to train and play with no added distractions.”

With more stability, competitive recruiting, and the addition of a top level coaching staff the franchise is looking forward to competing in the W-League’s toughest conference. The Pali Blues continue to boast an impressive line up and the Seattle Sounders have made some game changing plays for the upcoming season with new ownership and coaching staff as well.

There is a lot of excitement brewing this year for the Strikers. “We have a lot of respect for the other teams in our conference, there is a lot of great talent out there and we look forward to taking on the high level of competition here on the West Coast and becoming a part of the the legacy of great teams here in Los Angeles,” Neuren added.

“I look forward to building off last year’s inaugural season. Both Demian and I are committed to fielding a competitive group of players to compete for the 2012 W-League Championship,” said Stevenson,”We have no doubt that we can challenge to be atop the conference at seasons end. The LA Strikers have made a clear commitment to recruitment and success.”

Saturday, December 10, 2011

TORONTO, Ont. - The Toronto Lynx Soccer Club announced today, the details of their oprn tryouts for PDL, W League and both Super-20 teams for the 2012 Season. Doors will be open during the upcoming holidays and interested players are invited to apply for an open tryout alongside the returning NCAA and Canadian University players, in an effort to compliment and strengthen all Lynx teams for the upcoming USL season.

Interested players should apply online at www.torontolynxsoccerclub.com where full details are provided on the home page under the "OPEN TRYOUT" registration heading, for the sessions being presented on Wednesday December 28, at the Wild Water Kingdom Soccer Dome facility located at HWY 427 and Finch Ave.

The Lynx search is on once again, for quality players from around the GTA that have the ambition of playing at the very highest level. All Toronto Lynx teams will once again compete in the United Soccer Leagues during the summer of 2012 and we look forward to identifying more quality players for another exciting season ahead.

Further details and information is also available from
Club Head Coach Duncan Wilde at dwilde@torontolynxsoccerclub.com
or at the Lynx Academy Office (905) 469 8783.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Lady Eagles, members of the USL W-League, will be hosting their open tryouts for the 2012 season on January 7th, 2012.

The tryouts are an opportunity for any player 18 and up to try and play in one of the longest running women's soccer league in the US. The players attending tryouts will be assessed by the Lady Eagles coaching staff led by Hall of Fame coach Lee Horton.

There will be a $25 non-refundable registration fee, which will cover the cost of the event, lunch as well as a tryout shirt. The fee will increase to $50 for any walkup players who do not register beforehand. If a player should make the team the registration fee will be reimbursed.

Formed in 2000, the Charlotte Lady Eagles are entering their 13th season as a USL club. The Charlotte Eagles have made it to the post season 11 out of 12 seasons, been in the USL final four 3 times, winning the Championship in 2001.

The Charlotte Lady Eagles are owned and operated by Missionary Athletes International, an evangelical Christian organization that has a mission to communicate the message of Jesus Christ through the environment of soccer.

Interested candidates should visit www.charlotteeagles.com to register. Please refer questions to Lady Eagles GM - Jeremy Auyer at jauyer@charlotteeagles.com.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – It was less than four months ago that the Pali Blues finished their 2011 season with a heartbreaking 0-0 tie against Santa Clarita that saw the W-League standout side fall one win short of reaching the playoffs. Now current men’s Head Coach Charlie Naimo is announcing his decision to personally take charge of returning the Blues women to their championship-winning ways from the 2008 and 2009 campaigns. Back then they were also coached by Naimo, who took this year off to fully focus on the men’s inaugural season in USL PRO.

Pali missed out on the 2011 W-League postseason despite a strong campaign that saw the team finish with a 7-1-6 record.

“It was really tough watching them play without being directly involved,” New Jersey-native Naimo said. “It’s because of Pali that I first came to California, and their success means a lot to me. They had some really good players this year and were very close to having a much more successful season.

“I felt that all it would have taken is a tad more professionalism from top to bottom, in terms of all the little things that are done on a daily basis. I want the girls who play for us to experience a truly professional environment. The coaching staff did a good job, but I’d like to smoothen out the little details and hopefully push us over the edge again.”

Naimo is among the most accomplished coaches in North American women’s soccer. Between 2004 and 2010, he won three W-League Championships and three Regular Season Championships while earning an accumulated regular season record of 89-10-10 across his stints with the New Jersey Wildcats, Sky Blue FC and Pali. During the same period, teams coached by Naimo never once failed to qualify for the playoffs.

In 2005, Naimo was awarded Field Turf Coach of the Year honors for his 15-1 season with the Wildcats. Under the New Jersey-native, the Pali Blues posted a perfect regular season record of 14-0 in 2008 and finished the campaign as champions in the first year of the franchise’s existence. They successfully defended their title the following season, making them one of only two teams in W-League history to win back-to-back trophies.

Naimo had a previous two-and-a-half-year stint in the W-League in the 1990s that saw him earn his first Coach of the Year award. Between the two stints, he has registered well over 100 wins in regular season play.

The current Head Coach of the Los Angeles Blues and Pali Blues is not afraid of the doubled responsibilities. In his work with both teams, he will be assisted by long-time sideline companion and 2011 men’s Associate Head Coach Shayon Jalayer.

“My success with the men and the women really depends on who I surround myself with,” Naimo said. “As long as everyone in the coaching staff and the front office is working hard and helping create a professional environment, I can be effective as a coach for both teams. It starts with [Shayon], who is the best person anyone could ever ask to have on their side. He and I are working to determine how exactly we’re going to deal with potential conflicts.

“We’ll make sure there are very few conflicts when it comes to the two teams’ training sessions, but aside from that it may not always be avoidable. That’s why we’re also looking to create an environment where the two teams are extremely connected and supportive of each other. When it comes to signing players for the men and the women, my priority this year is to find good personalities first. I need players who really want to be part of the Blues and help the entire club succeed.”

While the men’s USL PRO season extends from about March to September, the women’s campaign only runs from May to July due to the W-League’s important role as a developing ground for highly touted out-of-season college prospects.

“If there should ever be a conflict between the two teams, we can’t have players getting upset,” Naimo stressed in continuing to explain the significance of choosing the right personnel for both rosters. “We need them to trust that we make all decisions for the good of the entire organization and that I’ll leave them in great hands if I’m ever not here. We’re currently looking to bring in one more assistant coach on the women’s side to be better prepared for potential scheduling conflicts. That should help tremendously.”

When asked about his objectives for the women’s 2012 campaign, Naimo set his sights firmly on reconquering the W-League title as well as on helping kickstart professional careers. In light of recent rumors about a possible West Coach expansion of the WPS, the highest level of women’s soccer in North America, the Pali Blues Head Coach is sensing opportunity for young prospects all over Southern California.

Over 50 players from Naimo’s W-League teams have moved on to earn roster spots in the WPS or its predecessor, WUSA. More than 25 even earned the highest honor the soccer world has to offer by being selected to compete in this past summer’s FIFA World Cup in Germany with their respective countries.

“I’m excited about a lot of the young players at the different schools here in Southern California,” the highly accomplished coach said. “Given the potential expansion in WPS, I want to bring in as many of the top college players as possible and create the kind of competitive environment that can contribute to getting them ready to play professionally. I’d like to think it’s not a coincidence that we have an excellent track record of players who have been with us getting to the next level.”

The New Jersey-native is very much familiar with that level. He served as the General Manager for the Los Angeles Sol in 2009, the year that team won the WPS Regular Season Championship, and took on the role of Technical Adviser with the Chicago Red Stars WPS franchise during the 2010 season.

Naimo closed by providing a final taste of two major reasons he is not shying away from the challenging task ahead – his tremendous passion for the game and an unswerving confidence in his ability to build mutually enriching player-coach relationships.

“I’m already as inspired and motivated for next year as I’ve ever been,” he said. “Some of the players we have a chance of signing are the kind of people who make you want to come to work everyday and do whatever you can to help them win. The right players will bring that out in me. They have the power to lift me up and make me work even harder for their success. When you have players who you know will leave it all on the field, you owe it to them to be at the top of your coaching game all the time.”