NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues defeated the Long Island Rough Riders behind a Whitney Palmer hat trick on Sunday to stay undefeated and atop the W-League Northeast Division.

Long Island (5-5-1, 16 pts.) opened the scoring in the 5th minute when Erin Pardini put the visitors ahead.

The lead, however, did not last very long. Just seconds later, still in the 5th minute, Lady Blues forward Angelika Johansson leveled the game at 1-1 after breaking through the Long Island defense following the kickoff.

“That’s this team,” Head Coach Jesse Kolmel said. “Within five seconds of them scoring on us we turn around and get one back, so I love the character of this team.”

Palmer then went on to score three goals for the Hudson Valley (7-0-1, 22 pts.) in the 4-2 victory. That gives her six goals and one assist for 13 pts. this season. Her strike partner, Angelika Johansson, leads the league with 21 pts. off of nine goals and three assists.

“I’ve never played with anybody like her,” Palmer said about Johansson. “It feels great to play with somebody who I can work with and we have good chemistry on and off of the field.”

Lady Blues Hit the Road
After enjoying a nice run of home games in front of some of the best crowds in the W-League this season, the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues will play five of their final six games on the road.

The first of which could be the makeup game of Friday’s rainout against the New Jersey Wildcats. Details have not been set on the match, but it will be made up between now and the next scheduled game for the Quickstrike Lady Blues, which is July 8th at Long Island.

The Hudson Valley then plays at Connecticut on July 12 before returning home to host New Jersey on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. for the final home game of the season.

After that, the Hudson Valley hits the road the next day, July 16, to take on the Washington Freedom in a game that also had to be rescheduled due to weather, and ends the regular season on July 19 at the New York Magic.

Youngster Abby Carr Joins Lady Blues
The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues have added forward/midfielder Abby Carr to the roster. She currently resides in Miami Springs, FL, and plays club soccer with Team Boca out of Boca Raton, FL.

Carr becomes the youngest player on the team at just sixteen years of age, but has already committed to play at national powerhouse Florida State University, where Lady Blues midfielder Amanda DaCosta and goalkeeper Erin McNulty also play. She will begin playing there next spring after she graduates from high school in December of 2009.

She joined the team late last week and already played 15 minutes on Sunday against Long Island. Carr said that she is excited to get involved with the Quickstrike Lady Blues at such a high level.

“It is an experience that will benefit me in every way possible,” she said. “I have been excited about it ever since it became a possibility. I can think of no better way to prepare for college.”

DaCosta, Taylor Selected to USWNT U-23 Camp
Quickstrike Lady Blues midfielder Amanda DaCosta and midfielder/defender Brittany Taylor have been selected to take part in the United States U-23 Women’s National Team Training Camp in England. The team will take part in various friendly matches throughout July.

Olympic Gold Medalist Heather O’Reilly to Appear at Quickstrike FC Camp
US Women’s National Team star midfielder Heather O’Reilly will be appearing at the Quickstrike FC Soccer Camp at Mt. Airy Sports Complex next week.

O’Reilly has won two Olympic gold medals and is co-captain of Sky Blue FC, the professional affiliate of the Quickstrike Lady Blues. Further details on her appearance will be released shortly.

The camp is the first of several Quickstrike FC camps this summer, and will take place daily, July 6-10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to boys and girls ages 7 – 14. For more information or to register, log on to www.quickstrikefc.com.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

WOODBRIDGE, VA -- The Northern Virginia Majestics fell in a narrow 1-0 decision Saturday evening against the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks.

The goalkeeper gloves are always within reach. Mary Casey never knows when she might need them, so she keeps a pair tucked away in a corner of her equipment bag just in case.

On most game nights, Casey doesn’t ever pull them out. She’s spent virtually the entire travel season with the Northern Virginia Majestics U-23 soccer squad playing defense — a position she’s excelled at for three seasons at the University of Maryland.

And Majestics coach Jac Cicala would love to keep her there. The best team he can put on the field this summer would have Casey anchoring the defense and West Virginia University star Kerri Butler in goal.

Only Butler has a back injury that will likely keep her off the field until she returns to school in the fall, so Cicala has instituted a three-goalie rotation of Olivia Brown, Jackie DesJardin and Casey to take her place.

On Saturday it was Casey’s turn.

Her first start of the season coincided with the arrival of the best team in the United Soccer’s League’s Atlantic Division — the Atlanta Silverbacks — and, while the Majestics lost 1-0, the rising senior showed why Maryland coach Brian Pensky promoted her to starting goalie midway through the 2008 campaign.

“My whole career I’ve been playing half and half. I’ve actually played three different positions,” Casey said. “I think it’s always good to learn something new.”

She adopted that philosophy early in her career, moving effortlessly from forward to keeper as an all-state performer at Chantilly, where Casey was also the MVP of the Chargers’ indoor track sprint team.

“This is pretty similar to the ACC, pretty athletic and pretty competitive,” said Casey, who spent three seasons playing in the Washington Freedom player development program prior to enrolling at Maryland.“It’s a great opportunity for me to stay sharp in the summer.”

The first five games of the season have been a learning experience for a young Majestics squad that is comprised mostly of collegiate underclassmen. Many of their best players just completed their freshman or sophomore seasons so a program that is looking to contend for a postseason berth in 2010 made significant progress with a 2-1 victory over Richmond last week and Saturday’s loss to the Silverbacks.

“We’ve been getting better every game. I think this was our best game,” Casey said. “We played them hard and made them look like they aren’t the best team.”

Playing without sophomore Stephanie Hylton, who had a summer camp commitment at Virginia Tech this weekend, the Majestics (1-4-0) challenged the division’s only undefeated team from the opening minute.

Radford’s Ashley Johnson and George Mason’s Kimmy Moss combined for six of the team’s eight shots on goal and Atlanta keeper Michelle Betos had to make several acrobatic stops to preserve her team’s fifth shutout victory.

“We’ve really started coming together as a team. We’ve created so many opportunities,” Moss said. “In the first minute we were right in front of the goal. The chemistry is clicking finally.”

Casey was a big part of that chemistry on Saturday by coming up with six saves and limiting the Silverbacks (6-0) to their lowest goal total of the season.

Atlanta’s only goal came on a free kick in the 44th minute from 17-year-old phenom Alexa Newfield, a University of Georgia recruit and rising senior star of a St. Pius High School team that captured Georgia’s Class AAA state championship and was ranked No. 9 in the nation.

“It’s exciting to get all those opportunities and to play as well as we did, but it’s about winning,” Moss said. “It’s frustrating that in the end they still had us, but we feel good about how we played.

“I’m an optimistic person so I’d like to think that we could win every game the rest of the season. So I’m hoping for that.”

The Majestics hit the road next weekend for a Friday night meeting with the Charlotte Eagles followed by a Saturday night rematch with Atlanta. Northern Virginia returns home in two weeks on Saturday, June 27th, to face Charlotte at Hellwig Memorial Field in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is scheduled for 6:00PM.
 

LOVELAND - Motivation is never difficult to muster when rivals Colorado Force FC and the Real Colorado Cougars take to the pitch in their Front Range rivalry. But expect the intensity to escalate this week when the two sides play a home-and-home set, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday with Hawaiian shirt night on the Force home field at Loveland Sports Park followed by a return match at 1 p.m. Sunday in Highlands Ranch when the Force travels to Shea Stadium.

Both teams will be seeking to bounce back from disappointing losses in their home openers last week to the Seattle Sounders. In each case Seattle escaped with a 1-0 victory.

The upcoming matches will provide Front Range fans with an opportunity to see some of the emerging stars of the women’s game in the United States. The Force is led by Nikki Marshall, a star on the U.S. Women’s National Under-20 side that won the U-20 World Cup in 2008. Marshall and Force defender Carly Peetz are also both part of the U-23 National Team roster. The Cougars feature U-20 National Team midfielder Beth West, U-17 National Team goalkeeper Taylor Vancil, and four U-23 players: Kristin Arnold, Kendra Chandhoke, Keelin Winters and Bri Young. Winters played with Marshall on the U-20 World Championship side.

After last week’s loss, the Force (0-1) can make a significant stride toward playoff contention if it can sweep the back-to-back matches.

“We showed positive signs against Seattle – we controlled possession and we were solid on defense except for one mistake,” Force coach Craig Deacon said of his team’s the opening match. “It’s important for us to build on that performance, finish on our scoring chances, and show the kind of talent that I know we have.”

Similarly, Real Colorado (2-2) is already one-third of the way through its W-League schedule and needs a sweep to be position itself for a playoff run.

“When we are done on Sunday, we’re half way through our season,” said Cougars General Manager Mark Mais. “We need both ‘Ws.’ But certainly one would be appealing.”

The Cougars opened the season on a three-game road trip in Southern California in mid May, winning 3-1 over the Ventura County Fusion and 1-0 over the Los Angeles Legends, while losing 2-0 to defending W-League champion Pali Blues. This will be the second game of the young season for the Force.

Game Notes

• The Force and Cougars played two rugged matches last year, with the Cougars winning 2-1 on its home field, followed by a 1-1 tie at Loveland Sports Park. The Cougars scored in the closing moments to earn the tie.

• While the Force did not score in its opener against Seattle, the team applied pressure with nine shots, including four from midfielder Monica Dolinsky and two from forward Shay Powell. After four matches, the Cougars are led in shots by Beth West and Brittney McDonald, each with six.

• Both the Force and the Cougars are stocked with former club and high school stars from Colorado. The Force roster includes Marshall and her younger sister Shaye, both from Mead; Estelle Johnson, Maggie Doe, and Alex Cousins, all from Fort Collins; Lisa Kosena of Greenwood Village and Meredith Smith from Denver. Among the Cougars many players from Colorado are West, Winters, Young, Nicole Lukens, Vanessa Mais, Marissa McBride and Elle Sweeney.

• The Force roster features some international flavor this season. Defender Zoe Avner, who started and played 65 minutes in the opener, hails from Paris, France. Backup goalkeeper Maria Del Guercio is from London, Ontario.

• As of June 1, Seattle held the early lead in the W-League’s Western Conference with a 2-0-1 record and seven points. Pali Blues sits in second at 2-0 (six points), followed by Real Colorado, 2-2 (six points), the Vancouver Whitecaps, 0-0-1 (one point); Colorado Force, 0-1 (zero points); Ventura County Fusion, 0-1 (zero points), and Los Angeles Legends, 0-2 (zero points)

• The Cougars’ top goal scorer after four matches is former Metro State star Becca Mays, who has two goals.

• After the back-to-back games against the Cougars, the Force starts a stretch of three consecutive home matches at Loveland Sports Park, including a match on June 14 against defending W-League champs Pali Blues.

• For ticket information, visit www.forcesoccer.org. Tickets are available at the gate on game days: $5 youth, $7 adult. A Flex Pass is just $79, and a VIP Flex Pass is $149. The VIP Flex Pass includes VIP parking, and gourmet food and beverages during each match.
 

Saturday, May 23, 2009

HUDSON VALLEY, NJ -- The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues opened their home schedule at Newburgh Free Academy with a 6-0 win over the New York Magic in front of a rowdy crowd of 1,075 fans.

Forward Angelika Johansson led the way for the Lady Blues with four goals. She opened the scoring in the twelfth minute and added her second goal in the 32nd minute. Johansson completed the hat trick in the 68th minute on a penalty kick and added her fourth goal in stoppage time to complete the 6-0 rout.

Midfielder Kristen Edmonds also scored for the Lady Blues in the 40th minute on a beautiful run up the heart of New York’s defense, and Sophie Rieser’s 29th minute shot forced an own goal off of a deflection.

The Lady Blues (2-0-0, 6 pts.) now enter next Sunday’s critical Northeast Division showdown with the Washington Freedom with an unbeaten record. Last Saturday, the Hudson Valley opened the season with a dominating 3-1 win over the Western Mass Lady Pioneers in Massachusetts.

The crowd of 1,075 people played a huge factor in the win for the Lady Blues.

“Sitting on the bench after we came out you couldn’t hear anything,” said Campbell Hall, NY native and co-captain Brittany Taylor. “You couldn’t hear the whistle blow. It just feels really good to have so much support from the whole community.”

The Lady Blues hope the passion will continue next week when the reigning Northeast Division champion Washington Freedom come to town for a pivotal early season matchup. The game is on Sunday, May 31st at Academy Field on the campus of Newburgh Free Academy. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.
 

Friday, June 12, 2009

WEST WINDSOR, NJ -- It was an evening of remembrance and celebration at Mercer County Community College tonight, with the New Jersey Wildcats (4-2-0) taking a 2-1 victory in a battle with the Western Mass Lady Pioneers (0-7-0).

In addition to 90 minutes of spectacular soccer, the Wildcats honored the memory of Graeme Preston with the foundation that was started by his family after his untimely passing last year while also bringing 275 members of their dedicated fan base to the field at halftime to set the New Jersey state record for most people juggling a soccer ball at one time.

"We started a little slow, but it didn't take long for the girls to start heating up," Wildcats head coach Dave Barbour commented. "We were pretty effective once things started coming together. The fans got to see a good one tonight, that's for sure."

Another thing that was evident tonight is that Barbour and his staff did a great job of focusing on tactical development this past week at training, and their team put on a tactical display during this match. The whole Wildcat roster displayed great vision and created multiple opportunities tonight by unselfishly one-touching a ball either to space or an open teammate throughout the entire contest, and their strong efforts were rewarded with three points.

While New Jersey maintained control of possession during the majority of the first half of action, the Lady Pioneers did well to keep the slate clean for most of the opening 45. With three minutes left until stoppage time in the opening half, the Wildcats would make the right connection when defender Ali Kliment found forward Jess Fuccello to give the home team a 1-0 advantage. That count would stand until intermission.

After the record breaker at halftime, New Jersey came out on the attack as soon as the whistle sounded to start the second half. In the 46th minute, the forever-hustling Alli D'Amico hooked up with defender Marguerite Ferrell to stretch the gap to 2-0. Midfielder Shanna Musser brought the Lady Pioneers back into the game with a tally seven minutes later, but a tight-knit Wildcat defense buckled down to eventually send the fans home with smiles on their faces.

Taking the win in net tonight for New Jersey was goalkeeper Robyn Jones.

The Wildcats have little time to enjoy this win, as the team heads to Brooklyn tomorrow to face the New York Magic (1-3-1) at 4:00 p.m. The Wildcats will return home to Mercer County Community College on Friday, June 26th, to host a pair in two days. They will play the Hudson Valley Quickstrike (5-0-0) that Friday evening before hosting the Long Island Rough Riders the next night at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Rough Riders women started off on the wrong foot as four minutes into the start of the match, they found themselves down 1-0. Meghan Lenczyck pounced on a misplayed ball by Rough Riders goalkeeper Kim Yacenda to give the Freedom the early lead.

Early in the second half, Washington extended their lead with two goals in five minutes. Kimmy Germain would tally in the 52nd minute and Jenn Parsons would add the third goal of the night for Washington, putting her shot just over Yacenda’s fingertips and into the back of the net.

Just two minutes later, the Rough Riders tried to claw their way back as Brooke DeRosa headed home a Kerri McCabe cross to cut the lead to two. Freedom goalkeeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan would make six saves on the night to give Washington the victory.

The women’s team falls to 2-2-1 (7 pts.) and in a tie with the Boston Renegades for first-place in the Northeast Division.

Goals were aplenty in the men’s 7-1 win over Rhode Island in the nightcap. Goals from Danny Kramer, John Pardini and Ben Arikian would give the Rough Riders a commanding 3-1 lead heading into halftime. If not for two tremendous saves by Stingrays goalkeeper Jonathan Nydell, the Rough Riders could have added to their first half total.

After coming in as a substitute for Adam Himeno at halftime, Mike Todd didn’t waste much time making his presence known on the Cy Donnelly Stadium pitch.

Todd netted his first goal of the evening in the 55th minute and then adding a firecracker from 25 yards out four minutes later to put the Rough Riders up 5-1.

John Pardini would add his second of the night in the 74th minute and Alex Ayala would score the final goal of the night in the 86th minute.

Goalkeeper Ryan Meara made four saves on the night for his third win of the season.

The win put the Rough Riders men at 5-1-0 and keeps them atop the Northeast Division standings as they prepare for a road game on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Knights.

The Rough Riders next home doubleheader is Saturday, June 6th when the women’s team hosts the Western Mass Lady Pioneers at 5PM and the men take on the New Jersey Rangers at 7:30PM. For more information the Rough Riders 2009 schedule or to purchase tickets, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

Friday, June 12, 2009

VANCOUVER, BC -- Vancouver Whitecaps FC women played to a disappointing scoreless draw at home to Los Angeles Legends in W-League play. It was Vancouver's fourth straight draw to start the season, leaving the team well off the pace needed to make the playoffs.

Sophie Schmidt returned to the line-up, slotting into the middle of a 4-4-2 formation, sending young Monica-Lam Feist to the bench. Otherwise Coach Alan Koch went with the same starters who had performed so well against Pali Blues last Sunday.

Vancouver had the majority of the play in the first half, but poor finishing meant that visiting goalkeeper Alicia Lugo was rarely tested. Rachel Pelat volleyed a shot over the bar just three minutes in, then Amy Vermeulen sent a poor effort wide on 9'.

At the other end on 11', Legends forward Jamie Bell hit a hard shot from a sharp angle to the right, which Whitecaps goalkeeper Sian Bagshawe had to tip over the bar,

A quarter-hour in Vermeulen hit a powerful first-timer on a high dropping ball at the edge of the area, but it was straight at the keeper. Vancouver continued to have the run of play, but for the most part could only generate half-chances.

On 27', Jodi-Ann Robinson played a nice give and go with striking partner Kirsteen Buchan to break in on goal from the left, but Robinson's shot from a very sharp angle in close was blocked by the keeper. A minute later Robinson did well on left wing to beat her marker and cross for a wide open Pelat in the box, but she first-timed it well over the bar.

The visitors tested goalkeeper Bagshawe with another speculative blast on 37', as Marlene Sandoval went for goal on a free kick instead of crossing. Bagshawe stopped it, but then struggled to hold the rebound, causing an anxious moment.

The final chances of the half fell to Robinson, as she hit the side-netting with a 22-yard blast, then headed over on 44' after a cross from substitute Paige Adams.

There was controversy early in the second half. On 56' from an LA corner kick on the left, Erin Brunelle's header was stopped on the line by defender Katie Thorlakson, with it not obvious if she fairly blocked it with her shoulder, or unfairly with her upper arm. Legends then came close again a minute later, as a casual back pass from Adams went straight to Bell, with Bagshawe stranded, but the LA striker fired wide trying to chip the keeper.

On 69' a good cross from Katie Thorlakson on the right found Vermeulen in front, but she put it wide. Three minutes later Monica Lam-Feist picked up the ball in the box and turned well, but the Lugo was off her line quickly to block the shot. And a minute after that, Robinson got the ball in the six yard box, but hit the side netting while going for the top corner.

The final chances fell to Los Angeles. On 88', a long throw in from Jenae Gibbens caused problems for Bagshawe who couldn't hold it under pressure from Bell, with the two going down in a tussle, amid Legends appeals for a penalty. Finally in the 90th minute, a shot from Bell was partially blocked and ran to Charney Burk alone in front, but defender Eden Hingwing came across quickly to block the shot.

It ended 0-0, with the single point doing neither team much good, with both now winless after four games. Whitecaps are 0-0-4, while Legends are 0-2-2.

Sian Bagshawe made two saves on nine shots for the shutout, while her opposite number Alicia Lugo faced 16 shots, making five saves.

"It was incredibly frustrating today," explained Coach Koch after the game. "Our intensity was nowhere near good enough."

Koch also lamented his team's lack of composure in front of net, before observing, "if you don't score goals you don't win games."

These same two teams play again in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 18, as Vancouver kick off a three-games-in-six-nights California road trip.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

VAUGHAN, ON -- Despite outshooting their guests by a 28-9 margin, the Lady Lynx could only manage a 1-1 draw with the London Gryphons in their 2009 W-League home opener at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan Saturday evening.

Rookie Giselle Mangal scored her first-ever goal for the Lady Lynx in the draw. Toronto improves to 1-1-0 on the season (4 points) and remains atop the Great Lakes Division, while London (0-1-0, 1 point) claims third place in the division with the result.

Toronto turned on the jets from the opening whistle, and took the attack to the Gryphons.
Their hard work was rewarded early, when in the 24th minute, Mangal and fellow rookie Victoria Frederick teamed up to open the scoring. Frederick fed a through ball into the box onto the foot of Mangal, and the Mississauga native slotted the ball back across the face of the goal and just inside the post for a 1-0 Toronto lead.

The tenacious Gryphons refused to be intimidated by the early strike, and fought their way back into the match.

Nine minutes into the second frame, Devon Beach levelled the match for the visitors. The Gryphons forward, who had a number of first-half chances called back on offside calls, finally was sent through on a breakaway, and she put the ball past ‘keeper Justine Bernier to tie the match at 1-1.

The Lady Lynx rebounded strongly following the goal, and launched wave after wave of attacks on the Gryphons net. Despite numerous chances, the young Toronto team could not beat Jenn Wolbert in the London net in their search for the winning goal. Forward Tiffany Cameron was denied by Wolbert on a breakaway midway through the half, and Frederick rattled a cannonading shot off the crossbar as time ran down, and the game ended even at one.

The Lady Lynx controlled play for the majority of the match, but were unable to convert their many opportunities or beat the tough Gryphons defense.

The Lady Lynx travel to London for rematch against the Gryphons this coming Wednesday afternoon in a matinee match at 1:00 PM.

The team then returns home next Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 PM versus the Rochester Ravens at Oshawa Civic Stadium on Celebrating Durham Women in Soccer Day.

Tickets for the match may be purchased by calling the Lynx ticket hotline at 416-251-4625 x 31, or at the Oshawa Civic Stadium box office one hour prior to kickoff. Tickets can also be purchased through the Pickering Soccer Club and the Durham Region Soccer Association.
 

The Fury dominated control throughout the first half with Evans, Hearn, Hance, Romagnuolo and Bethke all getting chances on goal. Despite their efforts the Fury were unable top Ravens keeper Jessica Dulski. When Hearn did, deep into injury time, Dulski’s defense was there to clear it off the line keeping the game scoreless through 45 minutes.

Expecting more from themselves the Fury continued to press to open the second half and were reward inside the first two minutes when Amber Hearn scored her fifth of the season in the 47th minute after Katie Bethke redirected a Jennifer Hance cross right into Hearn’s path. Five minutes later the Kiwi connection struck again as Hearn notched her second of the game off a well-placed cross from fellow New Zealander Ria Percival.

The Fury continued to press but Romagnuolo, Raber and Percival were unable to convert. Hearn changed their luck placing a Michelle Evans cross to secure the hattrick. With their passes connecting and the Ravens having no answer for the Fury’s speed and control, Tina Romagnuolo tallied her first in Fury colours to make it 4-0 with Katie Bethke collecting her second assist of the afternoon.

Fury Youth graduate Riley Filion made her Fury W-League debut as did Fury newcomer Amanda Robinson. Yewande Balogun made her first start of the season and collected the shutout.

With the win the Fury now move to first place in the Great Lakes Division as the only unbeaten team in the division.

The Fury return home to face the Quebec City Amiral (5-1-0) on Thursday night at 7pm at the Algonquin College Sports Complex.

HUDSON VALLEY - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues remain undefeated this season after defeating the Boston Renegades 2-1 Saturday in front of 1,956 fans at Newburgh Free Academy. Boston (2-2-1, 7 pts.) caught the Lady Blues on their heels and opened the scoring early. In just the second minute, Katie Vogel found the back of the net to put the Renegades up 1-0.

Minutes later, the Lady Blues (4-0-0, 12 pts.) were able to counter through the speed of forwards Whitney Palmer and Angelika Johannson.

In the eight minute, Palmer broke through the Boston defense and was in alone on a breakaway against Boston goalkeeper Laurel Peak. She fired a shot over Peak to the upper corner and leveled the game at 1-1 for the Lady Blues.

From there, the game got physical. Both teams were guilty of numerous fouls off of the ball that only added to the tension between the Northeast Division’s top two teams.

“It was definitely physical – some questionable hits,” head coach Jesse Kolmel said. “But, that’s soccer at this level. We don’t expect people to come in and be nice to us and we’re not going out there to make friends.”

Angelika Johannson had two quick chances in the 22nd and 23rd minutes that Peak stopped from point-blank range. Both times she found herself in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper after working hard to steal the ball in a threatening area.

Lady Blues goalkeeper Ashley Thompson was also busy on the evening. She was called into action on several occasions in the first half, including the 28th minute when she saved a well-struck shot from Victoria Huster.

After two early goals, the teams entered halftime level at 1-1.

The game got even more physical in the second half as both teams pushed on for the game-winning goal. Finally, the breakthrough came for the Hudson Valley in the 79th minute.

Ashleigh Gunning stepped up to take a free kick from 40 yards out and found defender and co-captain Erica Campanelli at the back post. Campanelli redirected the ball back across the mouth of the goal, where Angelika Johannson out-muscled a pack of Boston defenders to head the ball into the back of the net.

The goal was the seventh of the season for Johannson, who leads the W-League in scoring. Although she has now tallied at least a goal in every game thus far, Johannson was quick to credit the team effort put forth on the evening.

“It was just a really physical game,” she said. “But I think we showed once again that we are a team that just keeps fighting. We are a strong team and we play as a team and we pick each other up.”

Next up for the Lady Blues is a rematch with the Washington Freedom in Maryland on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. They return home to Newburgh Free Academy on Friday, June 12 at 7:30 against the Connecticut Passion.

Goal Scoring Summary:

2nd Minute – Hudson Valley 0 – 1 Boston: Goal: Katie Vogel (Assist: Corie Halasz)
8th Minute – Hudson Valley 1 – 1 Boston: Goal: Whitney Palmer (Assist: Angelika Johannson)
79th Minute – Hudson Valley 2 – 1 Boston: Goal: Angelika Johannson (Assists: Erica Campanelli, Ashleigh Gunning)
 

“Today was a great effort,” said New York Magic Captain Kanae Haneishi. “We were a little more confident than we have been. We defended well, created chances, and played more as a team. New players are coming together. Our goal for the future is to finish our chances.”

Not only did the Magic play a solid all-around game, they created opportunities that tested the Wildcats’ defense. Towards the end of the first half the rain subsided, though the field was still wet. However, captain Robin McCullough found a way to use the wet field to her advantage. She sent a ball that skidded by two defenders, and landed on the feet of Noelle Meeke, a former Magic player back for her first game. Meeke dribbled towards the goal, but the defenders were up for the challenge, forcing Meeke to blast the ball just wide of the net.

The Magic continued to penetrate. McCullough’s ability to control the ball left the defenders with no choice but to foul her in the middle of the field. This foul led to a free kick, giving fullback Courtney Lane a chance to whip out her wicked left foot. The ball sailed onto the head of Diane Hare, who flicked it back to Nicole Doran for a dangerous header near the net. The Wildcats’ goalie met the challenge by tapping Doran’s header to the side. Not long afterwards, the ref’s whistle blew, ending the first half scoreless.

The Magic kept up their energy at the beginning of the second half, however, the Wildcats had energy of their own. Both teams traded challenges. The Wildcats made runs and combined passes to get open for a shot on goal, but the Magic defense held off the passes. Led by Emma Howes and Brittany Saissein, the Magic defense ran down the Wildcats’ offense, making it difficult for them to get a good shot. In the few instances when the Wildcats were able to get a decent shot off, Magic goalkeeper Alicia DeFino made quick saves, putting the ball in safe possession of the Magic.

Not only did the Magic defense hold off the attack of the Wildcats, they also cleared the ball out, allowing their offense to generate an attack of their own. In the 56th minute, Diane Hare sent a precise ball to Courtney McMahon, who blasted up the field. McMahon then fed the ball to Amanda Santos, who fired a bullet just wide. Captain Kanae Haneishi read the play beautifully, and fought for the ball to draw a corner kick. McCullough took the corner, setting up Meeke for a good shot on goal. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper stopped Meeke’s good shot.

“We put a lot of effort into today’s game,” said Magic Head Coach Nino DePasquali. “We have to remember that two years ago the Wildcats won the [North American Finals]. We have got good legs, and we hustled. We are starting to come together as a team.”

It appears as if the Magic responded to the challenges of playing a team that is ranked higher in the standings. They tied this game, but they are hoping to come together and do better in the future.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

BURNABY, BC -- Vancouver Whitecaps FC women battled to a well-earned 1-1 draw against the defending W-League champions Pali Blues, Sunday afternoon at Swangard Stadium. Forward Kirsteen Buchan gave Vancouver a first-half lead, before Pali equalized early in the second half. It was only the second game in their history that Pali had failed to win.

With Sophie Schmidt unavailable, Coach Alan Koch switched Amy Vermeulen back into midfield in a 4-4-2 formation. New signing Carmelina Moscato slotted into central defence alongside Randee Hermus, while Katie Thorlakson remained at left fullback. Shannon Woeller returned to the starting eleven at right fullback, as Rachel Pelat was pushed up into midfield. Jodi-Ann Robinson and Kirsteen Buchan started up front for the second game in a row.

Vancouver started very well and had most of the opening play. Just two minute in, young midfielder Chelsea Stewart hit a good left-footer from the top of the box which Pali goalkeeper Kristin Olsen did well to punch over the bar.

At the other end, Pali's best chances came from US international forward Lauren Cheney, who fired a couple of efforts over the bar, inside the first quarter hour.

Whitecaps opened scoring on 28'. A good tackle from Carmelina Moscato in midfield won the ball for Amy Vermeulen who fired it ahead to Kirsteen Buchan on the edge of the area. Buchan took one touch with her right foot then quickly volleyed the ball with her left, sending it past the keeper just inside the left post. It was the first time in three meetings that Vancouver had scored on Pali.

The visitors had few good opportunities in the opening 45, with the best being carved out by Cheney. On 38', the 2008 Olympic gold medallist got the better of Shannon Woeller to the left of goal, then moved in, and from the sharpest of angles fired the ball across the face of goal dangerously.

Vancouver hit straight back on the counter-attack, with Jodi-Ann Robinson leading a two-on-two. She was forced to stop, but then slipped a great ball to Buchan breaking on the right. Buchan got to the ball 15-yards out, and hit a crisp shot to the far top corner that whistled just over the bar with the goalkeeper beaten.

Vancouver led 1-0 at halftime.

Pali, a second-year team who had never lost a game or been shut out in their history, turned up the pressure in the second half. Two minutes after the restart, a corner kick from Mexican international Iris Mora on the left was missed by Whitecaps keeper Sian Bagshawe and bounced around in front of goal. Cheney though couldn't get a decisive touch in a scramble before Jodi-Ann Robinson cleared the ball.

On 53' at the other end, Amy Vermeulen tested Olsen with a powerful free kick from 25-yards, which was well held by the keeper.

Speedy substitute Nikki Washington was causing all sorts of problems for Vancouver down the right wing, and on 54' she set up the equalizer. Washington's waist-high diagonal ball into the box found Iris Mora and her marker Shannon Woeller, and deflected off one of them into the goal. It was credited to Mora, rather than an own goal, as video replay indicated that the Blues midfielder got a knee to it.

With Whitecaps on their heels, Pali now went in search of a winner. On 60' the ball broke to Cheney wide open 15-yard out to the right of goal, but Bagshawe came up with a huge save to keep it level at 1-1.

On 63', Vancouver brought on young striker Nikki Wright, the super-sub goal scorer against Seattle in the Whitecaps home-opener. Wright came close to repeating her heroics, as on 76' she chased down a ball on the right, then volleyed it just wide of the far post.

Though Blues continued to look dangerous, Whitecaps were generally able to contain the threat, aside from a few anxious moments. Vancouver even generated the final scoring chance; in stoppage time Moscato's well-delivered cross from a free kick was headed on goal by Randee Hermus, but not with enough on it to beat Olsen.

It finished a draw, Vancouver's third straight 1-1 scoreline. It was also the third straight game against top-flight opposition for Vancouver, as Coach Alan Koch has not had the easiest indoctrination into the W-League. Vancouver's 0-0-3 record leaves them in fourth place in the Western Conference, while Pali at 2-0-2 sit second.

"I was very happy with the first half," Koch said after the game, "but a little disappointed with the second half. If we had played the same way in the second half as we did in the first, I think we could have won today. But the nature of the game is that you have to play for 90 minutes, and we didn't."

The coach also remarked with a smile, "we're the 1-1 draw specialists, so hopefully we'll get a win soon." Vancouver will have that chance soon enough, as on Friday June 12 they host Los Angeles Legends in a 5:00 p.m start at Swangard Stadium, with Whitecaps men taking on Miami FC Blues at 8:00 p.m. PDT.
 

Thursday, June 18, 2009

OTTAWA, ON -- The Ottawa Fury (6-0-0) continued their winning ways with a 2-0 victory over the Quebec City Amirals (5-2-0) en route to their 17th straight regular season victory with goals from Jennifer Hance and Amber Hearn.

For the second straight home game the Ottawa Fury came out of the gate sloppy with the Amirals controlling the midfield and limiting the Fury's possession-based attack. Ottawa proved their dominance on set plays in the 21st minute when Jennifer Hance headed home a Ria Percival corner putting the Fury out in front on her third goal of the season.

Hance's goal seem to spark the Fury who quickly rebounded from a slow start. Playing with much better control the Fury created more chance but were unable to add a second. The Amirals pushed in the final ten minutes of the half looking to draw ever but Fury keeper Jasmine Phillips looked strong collecting her fifth win and third shutout of the season.

Vowing to play better, the Fury came out much stronger in the second half. Courtney Wetzel saw her first minutes with the Fury subbing on inside the first ten minutes of the half. After Ria Percival was fouled along the goal linein the 60th minute Michelle Evans picked out Amber Hearn inside the six yard box who converted for her league-leading 8th of the season giving her side a much welcomed two-goal lead.

Ottawa's second goal took the wind out of the Amiral attack and the Fury came close to adding a third with great chances from Hearn, Romagnuolo and Urbas.

The victory gives Ottawa sole possession of first place in the Great Lakes Division. The Fury now have a week-long break before the travel to Laval on June 26 followed by a rematch against Quebec City the next day.
 

Saturday, May 23, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -- The Silverbacks improved to 2-0 to kick off the 2009 season as they dispatched the Hampton Roads Piranhas 2-1 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park with goals from newcomers Alexa Newfield and Megan Tomlinson.

The Silverbacks came out strong in the opening 45 minutes and dominated possession throughout the half. Things looked grim in the 24th minute as the Piranhas nearly took an early lead. Piranhas forward Darnelle Mascalle got a fast break and pushed the ball past Silverbacks keeper Mollie Patton, but the relentless Silverbacks defense recovered to prevent the Piranhas from taking the early advantage and finishing the opportunity.

The Silverbacks continued to pressure and their hard work paid off with a goal in the 28th minute by midfielder Alexa Newfield. Newfield was assisted by Carrie Patterson and Megan Tomlinson, after a combination and cross to the far post. Tomlinson’s assist was her 3rd in the first two games of the season.

The Silverbacks were threatened soon after as the Piranhas countered in the 32nd minute. A foul 25 yards away from the Silverbacks goal set up a free kick opportunity for the Piranhas. A shot by midfielder Wendy Wadell was deflected by keeper Melanie Patton and ricocheted off the crossbar. Luckily for the Silverbacks, offsides was called after the ricochet, ending the threat.

A light rain greeted the stadium as play began in the second half. The rain would continue on and off for the duration of the game. In the 55th minute a foul inside the box resulted in a penalty kick for the visitors. Melanie Cobb put the shot past Patton to even the score at 1-1.

The game would not stay tied for long. In the 67th minute, Tomlinson took a pass from Michelle Buskey, who entered the game in the 64th minute, and chipped it over Piranhas keeper Vicky Johnson to give the Silverbacks the 2-1 advantage. This was the second game in a row that Buskey entered as a second half substitute and contributed immediately. She scored the second goal in the Silverbacks 2-0 victory last week against Tampa Bay. The second goal would prove to be the winning goal as the Silverbacks held off the Piranhas in a rain soaked night in Atlanta.

The Silverbacks next home game is Saturday May 30th against the Richmond Kickers at 7:30pm. The Silverbacks will be hosting a BLACK OUT night – asking all fans to wear black and the first 500 fans will receive Frisbee flyers.
 

Sunday, June 7, 2009

WOODBRIDGE, VA -- The Northern Virginia Majestics topped the visiting Richmond Kickers Destiny Sunday 2-1.

Stephanie Hylton surveyed the field in front of her and calculated how far the soccer ball had to travel in the air to reach the back of the net.

She is very meticulous that way.

The Northern Virginia Majestics midfielder has a certain knack for placing a pass in just the right spot.

Hylton’s entire career has been built around creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.

But with the Majestics trailing on Sunday night and the team’s season-opening scoreless streak having surpassed 330 minutes, she settled the ball for a direct kick and then angled a shot across the goal box and inside the left post to spark a 2-1 comeback victory over Richmond Kickers Destiny at Hellwig Memorial Stadium.

“I just wanted to finish it. I was definitely shooting it. I just tried to keep it a little low — low and hard with a little spin on it,” said Hylton, who led Lake Braddock to the 2006 Group AAA state championship before starring last fall as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech.

“I’m not really accustomed to scoring. I’m usually the girl who assists a lot,” she said. “I like to give balls to forwards running on, but it was nice to get a shot off.”

In her first collegiate season, Hylton helped Virginia Tech reach the ACC championship game and earn an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, she provided the morale boost a young attack line so desperately needed with a 61st minute goal and then speedy reserve forward Jasmine Riley clinched the Majestics’ first victory of the club season with a breakaway in the 84th minute.

“All we talked about was trying to get a goal,” Riley said. “This is the fourth game and we’re starting to get to know each other a little bit so to kill two birds with one stone — get the win and a couple of goals in the back of the net — feels pretty nice.”

Blessed with more pure quickness than perhaps any player on the Majestics’ U23 squad, Riley is known throughout the soccer world as a finisher.

A one or two-step advantage is all she needs to create a scoring opportunity and, after entering the game in the 67th minute, she quickly punched two shots just over the crossbar before taking a pass from Mary Casey and converting it into the game-winner with nine minutes remaining.

“I thought I was going to get called for offsides. I looked at the defender and I was right there beside her. But I didn’t see the flag go up and everybody was yelling, ‘go, go.’ So I just turned it on,” said Riley, a Wakefield High School grad who played two seasons at Division II Mars Hill before finishing her collegiate career at Virginia Commonwealth University last fall.

The Majestics (1-3-0) dominated play from the opening possession, when Radford University’s Ashley Johnson pinged a shot off the left post. They combined for 15 shots with Hylton, Riley and George Mason University’s Kimmy Moss providing three each, but trailed 1-0 at halftime thanks to a quick strike from Richmond’s Jess Varela at the 43 minute mark on the Kickers’ second shot of the day.

“At halftime I told the team to be patient, that we were going to get one,” Hylton said. “We had a lot of great opportunities and we finished two important ones.”

Heading into their second home game of the season, the Majestics had been outscored 6-0 in losses to Hampton Roads, Tampa Bay and Cary. They put the scoreless streak and the winless streak behind them on Sunday with a promising performance that also featured 90 minutes of terrific defense from University of Maryland teammates Megan Watson and Colleen Deegan as well as VCU’s Brittain Maas and Casey, who starts in goal for the Terrapins during the fall.

“I think there is so much potential here,” Hylton said, still calculating odds after the match. “Once we get to know each other and how we play we can really make things happen.”

The Majestics return home next Saturday, June 13th, to face the Atlanta Silverbacks at Hellwig Memorial Field in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is scheduled for 6:00PM.
 

ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Silverbacks remained undefeated after a three-game road swing June 11, 12 and 13 of last week. The first-place club returns home this Saturday, June 20 when they will take on the Northern Virginia Majestics at 7:30 pm. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive Koozies.

The Silverbacks beat Hampton Roads with a 2-0 win after only a half of play. The contest was called early due to lightning and inclement weather. The Silverbacks first goal came from Megan Tomlinson with an assist from Cortni Joyner. Joyner headed the ball down just inside the 18 yard box and Tomlinson was able to get a first time finish at the near post. The second goal came just minutes later when Ronda Brooks played a ball into Alexa Newfield who was able to turn on her defender and finish at the far post.

The Silverbacks continued their road swing to Northern Virginia and were able to pull off a 1-0 win after a tough contest. The sole goal of the game came from a free kick by newcomer Alexa Newfield. When the Silverbacks earned a free kick from a foul just outside the 18-yard box, Newfield finished the opportunity with a shot straight to the upper-90.

The Silverbacks finished their road swing in Richmond with a decisive 4-0 win on Sunday night. The scoring started with Brooks, who picked up a deflected cross at the top of the box and was able to put the ball just inside the far post.

Tomlinson, who has been named to the W-league Team of the Week twice this season, crossed a ball that deflected off the post where Candace West was able to finish the opportunity. The Silverbacks third goal came from a bent ball played by Kylie Hopper into Lauren McCalla, who was able to beat the keeper at the far post.

The final goal of the trip came from Michele Buskey who crossed a ball from the right side, where Rebecca Hall at the back post who was able to finish a ball on a header.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

PLAINVIEW, NY -- The Rough Riders men and women were both victorious on Saturday night away from home. Both teams won their games by a 2-0 score and have one more road game before they return home next Saturday.

The Rough Riders men (3-1-0, 9 pts.) traveled to McKenna Field in Westchester (1-1-2, 5 pts.) with their U.S Open Cup hopes still alive and came out 2-0 victors thanks to goals from Mike Palacios (62nd minute) and Michael Todd (74th minute) twelve minutes apart in the second half.

Flames goalkeeper Brendan Dunn was busy on Saturday night facing 33 shots and having to make 15 saves to keep the game close. Hasley Thorne was solid in net for the Rough Riders, making five saves for his second win of the year.

Despite the victory, the Rough Riders were eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup race due to the Ocean City Barons defeating Rhode Island and finishing with more points than Long Island through the first four qualifying games. The Barons will now represent the Northeast Division in the prestigious tournament.

The Rough Riders men will travel to Newark on Wednesday night for a return engagement with the Ironbound Express at 8PM and come back home for a tilt with the Rhode Island Stingrays on Saturday, May 30th at 7:30PM.

In Western Massachusetts, the Rough Riders women (1-1-1, 4 pts.) visited the Lady Pioneers (0-3-0, -3 pts.) and took home their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory.

Beginning the first half with tremendous pressure on the Western Mass defense, the Rough Riders hard work eventually paid about midway through the opening frame.

In the 18th minute, Liz Speck played a ball into the penalty box which Erin Pardini redirected to C.J. Ludemann. From about 25 yards out, Ludemann drilled a rocket of a shot into the top corner for an early 1-0 lead.

Just six minutes later, Amanda Pasciolla received a pass in the penalty box, turned on her defender and blasted home a low shot to the corner to give the Rough Riders the insurance marker.

The second half saw Western Mass come out desperate to get back into the game, but after the Rough Riders survived the storm, they were able to control the pace of the game and hang on for the victory.

Rough Riders goalkeeper Kim Yacenda has only surrendered one goal through three games and claimed her second consecutive clean sheet on Saturday night.

The Rough Riders women will travel to Connecticut on Sunday and take on the Passion at 3PM. Their next home game will be Saturday, May 30th at 5PM against the Washington Freedom.
For more information on the Rough Riders, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

Sunday, May 24, 2009

NEW HAVEN, CT -- The day after a strong 2-0 win against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers, the Rough Riders women (2-1-1, 7 pts) capped off an undefeated weekend with a convincing 4-1 victory against the Connecticut Passion (0-1-1, 1 pt.).

Captain Kerri McCabe was prominent on the scoresheet, factoring in three of the four goals on the afternoon scoring two goals and adding an assist.

Early on, the Rough Riders didn’t waste time grabbing the lead as just five minute into the match Brooke DeRosa scored her first goal of the season. Newly added Mollie Dreska assisted on the opening goal.

In the 20th minute, it was DeRosa netting her second goal of the afternoon and receving a well played long-ball into the penalty box from McCabe.

Eleven minutes later, McCabe scored her first goal of the year, thanks in part to poor defending from Connecticut. McCabe’s corner kick went directly into the net to extend the Rough Riders lead to three.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Rough Riders took a commanding 4-0 lead when Vaila Barsley hammered home a McCabe corner kick for her first tally of the season.

Connecticut would take advantage of a lapse in the Rough Riders defense in the 59th minute and cut the lead to three, but Long Island would hold on for a 4-1 victory, their second win of the season.

"I’m very happy with the way the team is coming together," said Rough Riders head coach John Fitzgerald after the victory. "We gave a good all-around, two-way effort today and I’m eager to see us continue to progress."

"Every match we’re playing cleaner and cleaner soccer."

The Rough Riders men and women will return home for their third doubleheader of the season on Saturday, May 30th. The games begin at 5PM when the women host the Washington Freedom and continue at 7:30PM as the men take on the Rhode Island Stingrays.

Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900 or at the ticket booth at Cy Donnelly Stadium. Adult tickets are $10, Youth 16 and under are $8, and groups of 12 or more are $6 each. One ticket is good for both games.

To see the 2009 Rough Riders men’s and women’s team schedules and stats, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

Saturday, May 30, 2009

MANASSAS, VA -- For the third week in a row, the Northern Virginia Majestics failed to find the net, falling 1-0 to the Cary Lady Clarets Saturday evening at Hellwig Memorial Field in Manassas, VA.

Claret forward Lindsey Vera stung the Majestics in the 83rd minute, lifting Cary to the victory.

Unlike the previous two weeks, Northern Virginia seemed to find their flow early and established a solid attack throughout the first half.

Several chances for Northern Virginia to score were created early, the most dangerous in the 20th minute when a through ball found Majestic Ashley Johnson a step ahead of the defense and racing at the goal. Johnson cut slightly right before firing her shot, a move that allowed Claret keeper Kelsey Kearney a good angle to collect the save and deny the Majestics.

The second half saw the visiting Clarets slowly build offensive pressure of their own.

Cary’s game-winner in the final seven minutes began when a Northern Virginia clearance inadvertently fell into the middle of the defensive third, catching the Majestic defense out of position. Claret Molly Skinner collected the errant header and slotted the ball over to Vera, who cut around Majestic keeper Jackie DesJardin and calmly passed the ball into the net.

The loss drops the Majestics into the Atlantic Division cellar with a record of 0-3-0. Northern Virginia has yet to score a goal this season.

The Majestics return home next Sunday, June 7th, to face the Richmond Destiny at Hellwig Memorial Field in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is scheduled for 6:00PM.
 

Friday, June 5, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -- The Atlanta Silverbacks remained undefeated at home after beating the Cary Lady Clarets 3-0 on Friday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks improved to 4-0-0 on the season, and ended their four-game home stand with a perfect record.

The Silverbacks were able to outscore their opponents 11-1, including three shutouts,in the four contests, giving up only one goal on a controversial penalty kick call.

Silverbacks forward Cortni Joyner celebrated her birthday in style, scoring the first goal of the night in the opening seconds of the match. Joyner put the deflected cross of midfielder Megan Tomlinson past Clarets keeper, Kelsey Kearney, just 22 seconds into the match.

That quick goal would prove to be all the Silverbacks would need to defeat the Clarets.

In the 21st minute, Tomlinson was able to score a goal of her own by converting a pass from Rhonda Brooks. The ball was crossed, and Brooks at that back post was able to volley the ball back to Tomlinson.

In the 84th minute, Tomlinson again found the net as she netted her own blocked shot. Tomlinson’s second goal of the night was her third of the season to move her ahead of Michelle Buskey for the team point leader. Tomlinson also has four assists on the season.

Silverbacks’ keeper, Michelle Betos, made two saves and recorded her third shutout of the season.

The Silverbacks look to continue their winning ways as they head to Virginia for a three game road swing June 11th, 12th and 13th. The Silverbacks next home game will be Saturday, June 20th against the Northern Virginia Majestics at 7:30 pm – they will be giving away Koozies at the gate.

SILVERBACKS HOST FIRST CLUB NIGHT WITH GSA – June 20th
The Silverbacks will be hosting their second 'Club Pride' night, at the next home game Friday on June 20th when the backs host the Northern Virginia Majestics. The players from the GSA soccer club are able to get in free by wearing their red GSA club jersey.
 

Previous ‘Wambach 100’ profile [+]

Should one or both of the duo fail to find the back of the net Monday in their first meeting in Canada in eight years, they will have two more head-to-head opportunities to do so as they will meet again July 19 at Rochester Rhinos Stadium, the home of the Rochester Ravens, and July 22 in at Blackbaud Stadium, the home of the Charleston Battery.

NEWBURGH, NY – The last ten days have been very busy for the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues. After opening the season with a 3-1 win over Western Mass on the road last Saturday, May 16, the Lady Blues kicked off their home schedule with a bang on Saturday, beating the New York Magic 6-0.

Swedish forward Angelika Johansson scored four goals in the game, giving her five on the season, and helped lead the Hudson Valley (2-0-0, 6 pts.) to the resounding victory. Midfielder Kristen Edmonds also scored a goal, and the sixth goal was accounted for with an own goal off of a New York Magic defender.

The game was the home opener for the Lady Blues, who began a three game homes stand at Academy Field at Newburgh Free Academy in front of 1,075 fans. The crowd was the third largest of the season thus far in the W-League.

On Sunday, May 31, the Lady Blues will host defending W-League Northeast Division champion Washington Freedom. The game kicks off at 5 p.m. at Academy Field.

New York Magic Match Report - CLICK HERE [+]

New York Magic Match Statistics - CLICK HERE [+]

Gunning Honored
Defender Ashleigh Gunning was named to the W-League Team of the Week for her performance in the 3-1 win over Western Mass. Gunning helped anchor the backline that kept Western Mass in check all night, and scored a beautiful goal from 25 yards out on an overlapping run.

“I am sure that there were not too many other goals scored that were better than Gunning’s goal, but more importantly I am pleased with her accomplishments because she was able to follow our directions at halftime,” Head Coach Jesse Kolmel said. “We wanted her to get up and support the attack and be our playmaker.”

Lady Blues to Hit Airwaves this Week
The Lady Blues will be hitting the airwaves this week in an effort to continue to involve themselves in the community and promote Sunday’s critical matchup with the Washington Freedom.

On Wednesday, Ashleigh Gunning will appear on Good Morning Hudson Valley with host Bruce Owens at 6:20 a.m. The show airs simultaneously on 1260 WBNR and WLNA 1420. On Friday, several members of the team will appear on K104’s morning show, Woodman in the Morning with Woodman, Tory Grace and Bill Beale. The Lady Blues will be on the region’s premier radio destination at 8 a.m. Fans can tune in at frequency 104.7 FM.

Also, fans can check out highlights of Saturday night’s game on the Cable 6 news at 5:30 p.m.

90 Seconds with…Angelika Johansson: The following feature ran in Saturday’s game day program and media guide. Each week, a different Lady Blue will be profiled.

Angelika Johansson, Forward, Franklin Pierce University, Falkenberg, Sweden

Favorite Food: Pasta
Worst Food: Liver
Favorite Player: Thierry Henry
Favorite Team: Arsenal

Favorite Childhood Memory: One time when me and my sister went down to the beach for the first time by ourselves and we were just running around. It was so big.

Embarrassing Moment: The first day I came to my school at Franklin Pierce. Our first practice I was so sure that I was on the orange team but I was actually on the green team so I just took the ball and went to score on the wrong goal. Everyone was just standing and laughing in my first practice in the United States.

What got you into soccer: My dad played soccer and I got my first soccer ball when I was five years old and I did everything to play.
What brought you over from Sweden: My coach played for Franklin Pierce before so she recommended me.
What is the fan culture like in Sweden: Here soccer seems like both the men’s and women’s games. In Europe I would say it is the men’s game. I feel like you get more response here.

How are you liking the adjustment: It is very different in the system we play. It’s more physical here than in Sweden. It fits how I play better.
 

WEST WINDSOR -- The effort was strong today by the host New Jersey Wildcats (3-2-0) in their 2009 home opener, but the Boston Renegades (3-2-1) would be the eventual winners at Mercer County Community College, 2-0. Nevertheless, a vibrant crowd was treated to an exciting match that would be a hard-fought battle for the entirety of the 90 minutes that were played.

"Our girls fought hard out there today and did everything they could against a very good Boston team," Wildcats head coach Dave Barbour commented. "Unfortunately, Boston was the better team today, but I am pleased with the effort. The girls never stopped fighting."

Goalkeeper Robyn Jones was very solid in net for the Wildcats, making five athletic saves on the day. She was tested early in this contest, turning away a 1v1 situation in just the second minute of the game. Boston netminder Laurel Peak recorded only one save in this match, but it was a critical one. In the 16th minute, New Jersey was awarded a penalty kick after a takedown in the box. Forward Kristin Hextall struck a well-placed ball to the right side of the frame, but Peak chose correctly and stopped the attempt.

The first notch of the evening came in 28th minute when Renegade midfielder Tori Huster scored a Katie Vogel feed to give the visiting side a 1-0 advantage, and that score would stand when the whistle was blown for halftime.

The second half of this contest was filled with high energy action from the opening kick, and the Wildcats fought hard to find an equalizer. New Jersey did make some nice runs and created opportunities for themselves, but they would unfortunately see their shot attempts just miss their target. Boston would eventually gain a little breathing room on a Marissa Kazbar goal in the 73rd minute, and the Renegades held on to secure the victory.

The Wildcats will hit the field again this Friday when they will host the Western Mass Lady Pioneers at 7:00 p.m. and will attempt to set the New Jersey state juggling record at halftime of that game. More information regarding the Wildcats can be found on the web at www.njwildcats.com.
 

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

LONDON, ON - This is the year the London Gryphons hope to make major gains as a competitive women’s team.

The Gryphons are in their fifth year in the USL W-League. Each season begins with great hope and optimism. In their first year, they finished one point out of a playoff spot. The last three years have ended disappointingly.

But coach Aaron Lauterbach believes the foundation laid over the four years is beginning to bear fruit. And, just to make sure, he’s giving everything just a little push.

The Gryphons earned two points in their first three games on a pair of draws against the division-leading Toronto Lynx. They lost 3-1 to Ottawa, which has won the Great Lakes Division the last seven years.

"We’re happy with that," Lauterbach said. "Toronto has been a playoff team the first four years in this league and certainly to get those results, especially at the beginning of a campaign, speaks volumes about the personnel we have this year."

The cause for this happiness is two-fold.

"We finally made a conscious effort two years ago to start an academy system," Lauterbach says. "We’ve got two players who have started for us, played 90 minutes in a couple of games, and they have come out of our academy system."

Those two are Kelsie Roberts, 16, and Krystal Shaw, 17. The Gryphons run under-14 and under-17 teams in the USL Super-Y League.

"The other thing is that our real strength this year comes from our recruitment effort," Lauterbach continued. "We have a lot of Americans this year. We have upwards of nine Americans that are playing for us. That’s been a big advantage for us."

The Gryphons have recruited heavily in U.S. colleges and have five players from Central Michigan, three from South Florida and two from Indiana. Part of the goal was to bring in players familiar with each other.

"It’s such a short season; you hope chemistry comes sooner rather than later," the coach said.

The Gryphons haven’t lost sight of the bigger picture, which is giving talented, local women a chance to play at a highly competitive level. But Lauterbach says he needed to go outside the local area to find enough good talent to compete.

"In our division, if we want to be a competitive middle-of-the-pack team, we could have drawn on more local talent," he said. "Long term, that’s our agenda. We want to develop that. Next year if I could find six or seven players that come out of our academy, then we are doing a good job.

"But we’ve gone through three losing seasons in a row and we want to bring in a team that’s competitive now, not later on. It costs us a little more, but if we want to achieve our goal of making the playoffs, you have to crank up the finances a little bit."

Lauterbach likes the combination of players he has found for the Gryphons.

"We have a nice blend of very technical players, combined with nitty-gritty, the ones who aren’t afraid to get dirty, and we have a lot of speed," he said. "We have a complement of what’s needed to compete at that level."

The short-term success of this team will be determined by how well the players come together. The long-term success will come from how well the Gryphons can develop local players. Any team that is able to keep good players coming back year-in and year-out will have a huge advantage in this league.

"We feel we are on the right path," Lauterbach said. "It’s been a long trip. We’ve had our speed bumps along the way. But certainly we feel the infrastructure from the youth side is what’s going to be important to our future success."

"Sarah is a strong personality with leadership qualities," said Lines. "She distributes well and I'm looking for her to be a key part of the team."

Erika Sutton is a versatile wide player who can play either side of defense or midfield. As well as WPSL experience, she has also helped the Colorado Rush to three consecutive state cups and offers options in a variety of positions.

"Erika is a versatile player, with two great feet and a good shot," said Lines. "This year she should prove herself to be a fine W-League player."

The Flash are currently 2-0 having won their inaugural franchise match, and home opener 4-2 versus Quebec City Amiral, before defeating local rivals Rochester Ravens 6-0 in the first road trip of the season, last Friday.

The next Buffalo Flash game is this Friday, 7pm at Orchard Park High School, also against the Ravens.
 

Thursday, May 28, 2009

TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Lady Lynx and the London Gryphons battled to their second consecutive 1-all draw this afternoon at North London Stadium in London. Bryana McCarthy scored early for the Lady Lynx to give the team a quick 1-0 lead, but the team again was unable to hold the lead. A second-half strike by the Gryphons evened the match and the two squads split the points. Toronto remains atop the Great Lakes division with 5 points (1-0-2), while the Gryphons improve to 0-0-2 (2 points) on the season, and remain in third place. The two teams split their season series with a pair of ties in their two meetings.

For the second time in three games, McCarthy scored in the first minute of the match to give Toronto an early 1-0 lead. Kayla Afonso started the play with a long run down the far touch line, and crossed the ball into the box. McCarthy met the ball in full stride and slammed it into the top corner for her second goal of the young season. The Lady Lynx continued to press throughout the first half, but could not convert their chances on the wet pitch and took their one-goal into the locker room at the break.

As was the case on Saturday evening in Toronto, London levelled the match shortly after the start of the second half. Devon Beach again found the net to draw the Gryphons even at one in the 56th minute when she walked into the box and shot the ball into the top corner past Justine Bernier in the Lady Lynx goal.

Neither team was able to generate much offense throughout the remainder of the frame, with both squads unable to create many chances and establish a flow to the game. The hosts pressed forward as time ran down, but the strong Lady Lynx defense was able to hold and the game ended deadlocked at one.

The Lady Lynx return home next Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 PM versus the Rochester Ravens at Oshawa Civic Stadium on Celebrating Durham Women in Soccer Day. Tickets for the match may be purchased by calling the Lynx ticket hotline at 416-251-4625 x 31, or at the Oshawa Civic Stadium box office one hour prior to kickoff. Tickets can also be purchased through the Pickering Soccer Club and the Durham Region Soccer Association.

 

Thursday, May 28, 2009
 
Pacific Palisades, Calif.  - The defending USL W-League champion Pali Blues Soccer Club bolstered its roster today when it became official that U.S. National Team midfielder Tobin Heath is joining the team for the 2009 season. Heath was the youngest member on the U.S. squad when they brought home Olympic Gold last summer, and she joins striker Lauren Cheney as the second player on the Blues roster that brought home a Gold Medal.

"Tobin is one of the best take on artists in the women's game," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo commented. "Her clever movements off the ball and ability to play in and out of pressure are world class, and she will be a treat for our fans."

This marks the second time that Naimo and Heath have linked up for W-League action as the duo was together for three seasons with the New Jersey Wildcats. Naimo was the head coach of the Wildcats for the duration of those three years while Heath was a student at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Together, they reached the W-League championship in 2004 and won the crown in 2006.

Heath has earned 14 caps with the U.S. Women's Full National Team after earning herself a spot on the squad in 2007. Before joining the full team, she spent time with the U-16, U-17 and U-20 sides of the U.S. National Team.

After winning Olympic Gold last summer, Heath returned to Chapel Hill last fall for her junior year at the University of North Carolina. In 26 matches, she tallied 24 points on a well-balanced eight goals and eight assists to earn All-ACC First Team and NSCAA/adidas All-America Second Team accolades while helping the Tar Heels to their second NCAA national championship in three years. She arrived at UNC in 2006 and made an immediate impression, recording 17 points on four knocks and nine helpers. She earned numerous honors for her efforts, including her being selected to the All-ACC Second Team, NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team, Soccer Buzz All-America Second Team, Soccer Buzz Freshmen All-America First Team, Top Drawer Freshmen All-America Second Team, NSCAA All-Southeast Region Team, Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Team, and she was additionally named the Soccer Buzz Southeast Region Freshman of the Year. She followed up that debut season with an accomplished sophomore campaign, registering nine points on a pair of knocks and five assists. The All-ACC First Team selection was a finalist for both the U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year Award and Soccer Buzz Player of the Year Award, and she was also a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy. She was additionally named to the NSCAA All-America First Team, Soccer Buzz All-America Team, as well as the Top Drawer Soccer All-America Second Team.

A graduate of Ridge High School in northern New Jersey, Heath was a decorated youth player. She was named the 2005 Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year while receiving Parade All-America and Star-Ledger All-State First Team honors. While playing club soccer for the PDA Wildcats, she was a key figure in their winning a national championship in 2003.

The Blues are currently hitting the road for their next four games before returning to the Stadium by the Sea for a 7:00 p.m. pairing with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday, June 23rd. Heath is slated to make her season debut on Friday, June 5th, when the Blues play the Seattle Sounders.
 

Friday, May 29, 2009

QUEBEC CITY, QC - The Quebec City Amiral SC, a W-League expansion team, has their home debut this Sunday, May 31 following two games on the road in Rochester and Buffalo last weekend.

The long anticipated home opener in the team's inaugural season promises to be quite an exciting match as the new team faces their provincial rivals: the Laval Comets. Both lineups have players with experience in both the W-League and at the international level, but what makes this game even more interesting is the fact that several members of the Quebec City Amiral SC were once members of the Laval squad.

Friday, May 29, 2009

BLAINE, MN -- The Minnesota Lightning start of off the 2009 campaign with a 1-1 draw with FC Indiana Lionesses. The Lightning is the only team in the USL W-League to get points from Indiana in the past two years.

Minnesota struck first with the help of Indiana as it was an own goal. It was not until late in the first half that Indiana responded in kind with a goal of their own. The game ended with the score of 1-1 and both teams walked away with a point. Minnesota is gearing up to face West Michigan Firewomen on Sunday May 31 at 2:35 p.m.

The ladies opened the season with a bang. The Lightning had control of the ball in the fifth minute deep in Indiana's territory with the intent on scoring. Their ferocity made Indiana lose control of the ball and the play ended in an own goal as Minnesota took an early lead.

Indiana did not let the early goal diminish their attempts at evening up the score. In the 10th minute, Laura Del Rio was fed a cross that threaded the Minnesota defenders. Del Rio accepted the ball and wasted no time in putting pressure of Anne Gleason by heading the pass but to her dismay it found the clutches of Gleason.

Del Rio had another chance to even up the score in the 14th minute. She had the ball at the top of the box with a little window of opportunity. She did not hesitate and ending up shooting on goal but Gleason prevented this advance.

Minnesota Keeper Gleason set up her brick wall in the 15th minute. Indiana really wanted the equalizer by peppering Gleason but she did not let a ball through. A series of diving saves and some help from the defenders made it possible for the Lightning to keep the lead.

Sarah Johnson for Minnesota wanted to add to the lead in the 29th minute. Due to a foul the Johnson found herself behind the ball on a free kick. She was ten yards outside of the box and she went for it all. Her shot curled around the defenders but was inches too high and it sailed over the net.

In the 35th minute, Indiana evened the score thanks to Del Rio. She was in position when Amara Wilson gave her a well placed short pass. It was a small chip shot that just went over Gleason's head for the equalizer.

In the 41st minute, tempers raged between the officials and an Indiana's assistant coach. There was a hard tackle and a call that could have gone either way but when the call favored Minnesota he took matters into his own hands. He showed his frustration by stepping onto the field and hurling a water bottle. This stunt resulted in his expulsion from the game.

Both teams left the field at halftime on even ground and hungry for the go ahead goal.

In the 60th minute, FC Indiana tried to rope-a-dope the Lightning on a free kick. Del Rio was ready to take the free kick but instead kicking it she ran over the ball but went into position. Robyn Gayle took the kick and passed it to Del Rio who flicked it back to Veronica Phewa where she took a shot but Gleason was there to make the stop.

In the 85th minute, Gleason single handedly stopped a solid try by Indiana. FC sent in a mediocre corner that the Lightning had no problem clearing but the ball went right to Indiana who slipped a shot past everyone except a fully out stretched Gleason. Gleason's effort saved the Lightning from losing the game.

Indiana forward Monica Ocampo had a last minute chance in the 88th minute. She took control of the ball near the top of the box and ripped a shot. Gleason was all over it and had no problem making the save.

Indiana clearly had the momentum in the second half as the ball was played mainly in the Lightning's end. Minnesota did not let that get to them and they walked off the field with a draw for their season opener.

"It was a battle," said Lightning defender/midfielder Amanda Clark. "Everyone worked hard out there. You could really tell that everyone gave 110% effort and left everything out on the field. It was a good result for us today."

The Lightning are home again for a double header with their brother team, the Minnesota Thunder, on Sunday May 31. The Lightning game starts at 2:35 p.m. against the West Michigan Firewomen. Immediately following that game is the Thunder vs. the Puerto Rico Islanders at 5:05 p.m. One ticket gets fans into both games.
 

Saturday, May 30, 2009

LONDON, ON -- The Ottawa Fury W-League team began their 2009 season with a 3-1 win over the London Gryphons (0-2-0) Saturday afternoon at North London Stadium in London, Ontario. Goals from Michelle Evans, Amber Hearn and Sari Raber gave Ottawa the three points after London had taken the lead on a goal by Melissa Smith.

Both teams battled for control in the early stages, but it was the Fury that held a majority of the possession and began create soem early chances. Katie Bethke and Pacheco featured prominently early on but it was the Gryphons who would take the lead in the 23rd minute. After some uncharacteristic "early season" defending by the Fury defence, Melissa Smith placed her shot from close range past Fury keeper Jasmine Phillips.

The Fury continued to hold the majority of possession and impressed with some fine passing movements. The Gryphons held off the Fury at the back and Smith and Devon Beech gave the Fury back line some scares whenever the Gryphons pushed forward. It was not until just before half time (in the 44th minute) before the Fury equalized when a clever interchange between Katie Bethke and Gina Pacheco resulted in Bethke crossing for Michelle Evans to volley home from close range.

The Fury raised their passing game in the second half and began to stretch the Gryphons defence. Once again however they failed to capitalize on their possession. Gryphons keeper Jeny Wolbert kept the Fury at bay as chances fell to Pacheco, Jennifer Hance and Hearn for the Fury. At the other end, it took a fine save by keeper Phillips to keep Ottawa on level terms after the Gryphnos almost scored on a breakaway.

The close miss seemed to spur the Fury further forward and they began to place sustained pressure on the London defence. With both Ria Percival and Katie Bethke joining the attack on the flanks, a goal became ever more likely. The go ahead goal arrived in the 74th minute when Hearn met a free kick from Evans with a glancing header.

It was all Fury at this point and in the 82nd minute Evans turned her defender in the penalty box and placed a cross shot against the far post where Sari Raber slotted in the rebound to give the Fury a two goal lead. The Fury played possession soccer for the remainder of the game but there was still time for substitute and former Fury youth player Julia Hajjar to almost score on her senior team debut. The Fury outshot the Gryphons 25 to 7.

The Fury Women (1-0-0) now head to Hamilton (0-0-0) where they will face the Avalanche Sunday afternoon at 3 PM at Ivor Wynne Stadium
 

Sunday, May 31, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY -- The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues went to 3-0-0 on the season Sunday after defeating defending W-League Northeast Division Champion Washington Freedom in front of 2,115 fans at Newburgh Free Academy.

Washington started off strong and claimed most of the possession.  The Freedom’s Brittany Tegeler opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a looping shot that beat goalkeeper Ashley Thompson.

However, the Lady Blues responded immediately.  After the ball pinged around in the box, Whitney Palmer’s header found forward Angelika Johannson, who slotted the ball home for the 30th minute equalizer.

Then, Campbell Hall, NY, native Brittany Taylor put the home side ahead on the stroke of halftime.  Her 45th minute volley from 25 yards out was a laser that Freedom goalkeeper Alyssa Pont could only watch sail into the upper corner of the goal.

Head coach Jesse Kolmel was extremely impressed with the goal, as was the entire crowd.

“You can’t say enough about her,” he said.  “That is one of our marquee players stepping up to the challenge and executing.”

That goal gave the Lady Blues a 2-1 lead going into halftime.

The Lady Blues started the half the way that they ended it when Whitney Palmer made a run in behind the Freedom defense.  Pont came out to challenge Palmer, who tapped the ball around her and walked it into the net to give the Hudson Valley a 3-1 lead.

Palmer was a menace all night and wreaked havoc on the Washington defense, which could not keep up with her speed.

“Stepping out on the field tonight I think everybody went in with the mentality that we were going to win and we could get out there and work hard the entire game,” Palmer said.  “So, I think our mentality was really good.”

Tegeler did pull one back for the Freedom.  Her 75th minute chip shot beat Lady Blues goalkeeper Erin McNulty, who was a halftime substitute.  That cut the Lady Blues lead to 3-2.

Unfortunately for Washington, Palmer’s speed was too much.  She broke through the Freedom defense again in the 88th minute.  When Pont came out to challenge her, Palmer tapped the ball around the Freedom goalkeeper and walked it into the net to ice the game and give the Lady Blues a 4-2 victory.

Kolmel was happy with the result, but realizes it is only one win.  Washington was also playing its second game in less than 24 hours after beating the Long Island Lady Rough Riders 3-1 Saturday.

“There’s nothing to celebrate right now,” he said.  “Our goal is not to beat the Freedom.  Our goal is to move on to the playoffs so we have some work to do.”

Next up for the Lady Blues (3-0-0, 9 pts.) is the final game of a three game home stand against the Boston Renegades on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
 

Saturday, May 30, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -- On a 'blackout' themed night, the Silverbacks played lights out to defeat the Richmond Kickers 4-0. The Silverbacks, as well as many of their fans, were decked out in all black to celebrate the theme.

The Kickers didn't start the game in all black, but certainly finished black and blue as the Silverbacks dominated the match from start to finish.

The Silverbacks came out strong tonight as they took an early 2-0 lead heading into halftime. If it weren't for a few unfortunate offsides calls, the Silverbacks could have held a 4-0 lead at the half. Goals in the 26th and 38th minute were called back due to offsides.

The Silverbacks got on the board in the 18th minute as Megan Tomlinson assisted Alexa Newfield to give the Silverbacks an early 1-0 lead.

The Silverbacks would add onto their lead in the 45th minute as Cortni Joyner staked the Silverbacks to a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Joyner's goal came off a deflection after Richmond keeper Allie Allbright made a save on Tomlinson's breakaway.

In the 58th minute, Michelle Buskey came in as a substitute and immediately made her presence felt. In the 61st minute, Buskey buried the deflection from Newfield's shot to give the Silverbacks the 3-0 advantage.

Buskey would strike again in the 73rd minute to cap off the scoring for the Silverbacks at 4 goals. Her 2nd goal of the night was assisted by Rebecca Hall. In three games entering as a substitute, Buskey has accumulated 3 goals and an assist. She leads the team in goals despite playing less than 45 minutes in every game.

On a night that saw many close calls and missed opportunities, the Silverbacks have to be pleased with the final score. The Silverbacks were able to match their total goals scored in the first two games by just the 73rd minute of the game.

The Silverbacks are now 3-0 on the season and look to continue their good fortunes at home as they take on the Cary Lady Cadets, Friday June 5th at home. For the first time the Silverbacks will be sporting their ALL WHITE kit at home - fans can continue the streak and show their support by wearing all white next week and making some noise - the Silverbacks will be giving away noise horns

SILVERBACKS HOST FIRST CLUB NIGHT WITH ASA June 5th

The Silverbacks will be hosting their first ever 'Club Pride' night, next Friday on June 5th. The players from the ASA soccer club are able to get in free by wearing their white ASA club jersey.

"This will be something a bit different from in years past. We are going to try this out for one game this season, with the hopes that next year we can have a club a night for each game. We reached out to a number of local clubs and ASA was the first club willing to spearhead this with the team," commented Silverbacks GM Laura Fedrigo.
 

Monday, June 1, 2009

OSHAWA, ON - The Toronto Lady Lynx returned to the win column in style Sunday, posting a 7-0 whitewashing of the visiting Rochester Ravens at Oshawa Civic Stadium. Tiffany Cameron, Adrienne Ruhe Lischke and Stefania Morra each netted a pair of goals in the victory, while Clair Rustad added her first goal as a Lady Lynx to round out the scoring. Justine Bernier earned the clean sheet for Toronto between the posts.

The win vaults the Lady Lynx back atop the Great Lakes Division with a 2-0-2 (8 points) record, while the Ravens drop to 0-4-0 on the young season. Toronto swept the season series between the two clubs, having defeated the Ravens 4-0 in Rochester on opening night two weeks ago.

Toronto took the attack to their visitors from the opening whistle onward, and potted three first-half goals despite playing into a fierce northerly wind. Rustad opened the scoring in the 5th minute, converting a Lexi Marton feed to put the Lady Lynx up 1-0 early.

The rookie Cameron then took over the match, scoring twice in six minutes to give Toronto a formidable 3-0 lead going into the break. Rustad sent the forward in alone on the keeper in the 27th minute, and Cameron converted for her second of the year. Cameron then slotted home a solo effort in the 33rd minute, and the Lady Lynx never looked back.

The second frame saw two half-time substitutes star. Morra and Ruhe Lischke both making their season debuts, each scored twice to pace the Lady Lynx to their second victory of the year. Ruhe Lischke notched goals in the 64th and 82nd minute, while Morra found the net in the 75th and 79th minutes, making the final 7-0 for the hosts. Toronto outshot the Ravens 37-9 on the afternoon, a new team high.

The Lady Lynx victory capped off a busy day of soccer action at the Oshawa Civic Stadium. The W-League game was the feature event of Celebrating Durham Women in Soccer Day, which also featured a 4v4 tournament and a youth skills clinic earlier in the afternoon. Proceeds from the day benefitted the YWCA of Durham.

The Lady Lynx hit the road for their next four matches, with stops this weekend in Ottawa and Quebec City. The team will return home on Sunday, June 21 at 4:00 PM versus the expansion Buffalo Flash at Centennial Park Stadium. The Flash have jumped out to a torrid 2-0-0 start to the season and look poised to challenge the Lady Lynx and the Ottawa Fury for supremacy in the Great Lakes Division. Tickets for the match may be purchased by calling the Lynx ticket hotline at 416-251-4625 x 31, or at the Centennial Park Stadium box office one hour prior to kickoff.

Final Score: Toronto 7 (3) Rochester 0 (0)

Lineups:

Toronto: Bernier, Marton, Henderson (Brown, 78), Chapman, Afonso (Schroter, 45), Szwed (Lagonia, 45), Rustad, Mangal (Morra, 45), McCarthy (Dimitrakopoulos, 68), Fredrick, Cameron (Ruhe Lischke, 59)

Rochester: Debole, Cristofori, Petrole, Magee (Kelly, 83), Godin, Zimny (Heist, 70), O’Sullivan (Ellis, 73), Hojnocki, Barrett (Simiele, 57), Shufelt (Kinmond, 69), Hughes (Allport, 44)

Officials:
Referee: Lisa MacNeil
Referee’s Assistants: Patricia Peebles, Alexis Vaughan
4th Official: Sharon Welsby

Cautions:
Toronto: 0

Rochester: 0

Ejections:
Toronto: 0

Rochester: 0

Shots: Toronto 37 Rochester 9

Saves: Toronto 6 Rochester 10

Fouls: Toronto 12 Rochester 8

Offsides: Toronto 12 Rochester 4

Corners: Toronto 8 Rochester 2

Scorers:
Toronto:
5’ Rustad (Marton)
27’ Cameron (Rustad)
33’ Cameron
64’ Ruhe Lischke (Chapman)
75’ Morra (Chapman)
79’ Morra (Ruhe Lischke)
82’ Ruhe Lischke (Marton)
 

NEWBURGH, NY - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues played the Boston Renegades to a 1-1 draw at Harvard Stadium on Wednesday.

Quickstrike Lady Blues midfielder Mercede Koning opened the scoring in just the 9th minute. Koning overlapped Kristen Edmonds and sent a cross toward forward Angelika Johansson.

Boston goalkeeper Laurel Peak came out to play the ball and was thrown off by Johansson’s run and misplayed it. Koning’s service then skipped over Peak and into the back of the net to give the visitor’s a 1-0 advantage.

The visitor’s almost doubled their advantage in the 17th minute when Kristen Edmonds collected an Ashleigh Gunning cross and fired it just over the bar.

Johansson and Alicia Tirelli then both had point-blank shots saved by Peak on the stroke of halftime. Johansson’s chance was the better of the two. She collected a flick-on from Whitney Palmer and tried to chip Peak, who got a finger tip on the ball and kept the game at 1-0 entering halftime.

Boston did not register a single shot on goal in the first half. The second half, however, was a much different story.

The Renegades scored a goal on their first shot on goal of the game when Brooke Knowlton scored for the home side to tie the game at 1-1.

Boston’s Melanie Booth then sent in a corner kick that skimmed off of the crossbar in the 69th minute to put a collective scare into the Quickstrike Lady Blues. Boston then dominated most of the second half against a tired Quickstrike Lady Blues team but could not find the go-ahead goal.

The Quickstrike Lady Blues now remain unbeaten and atop the W-League Northeast Division with a record of 5-0-1 (16 pts.). They return home on Saturday to face the Western Mass Lady Pioneers, a team that the Hudson Valley beat 3-1 on May 16.

Sky Blue FC players and coaches will be on hand to take in the game and sign autographs. The Quickstrike Lady Blues are the W-League affiliate of Sky Blue FC, which plays in Women’s Professional Soccer.

Scoring Summary:
HV 1 – 0 Boston, 9th minute: Goal: Mercede Koning (Assist: Kristen Edmonds)
HV 1 – 1 Boston, 64th minute: Goal: Brooke Knowlton

Team Records:
Hudson Valley: 5-0-1, 16 pts.; 1st place W-League Northeast Division
Boston: 4-2-2, 14 pts.; 2nd place W-League Northeast Division

Please direct all media inquiries to Jeff Kassouf, Director of Communications for the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues.
 

Friday, June 5th, 2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA-- The W-League Piranhas (2-0-2) travel to Richmond on Saturday June 6th to battle the Richmond Kickers Destiny (0-2-1) for the 2009 James River Cup. Kickoff at University of Richmond Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.

This is the first of two games in the quest for the Cup. The Piranhas currently hold the Cup after last year’s competition which included both the W-League and PDL sides of both teams. The James River Cup rivalry started in 1996 between the Hampton Roads Mariners and the Richmond Kickers A-League teams and has continued between Hampton Roads and Richmond through 12 seasons.

The Piranhas and Destiny will only play twice this season so each game is of utmost importance in determining the winner of this year’s derby. If the two-game series ends in a tie, the James River Cup winner will be determined by four tiebreakers: goal differential, total number of points in all regular season league games to date, and total number of goals scored in all league games to date. If a winner is still not determined, the Cup will remain with the previous year’s winner.

The Piranhas return home on Friday June 12th to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks at 8 p.m. The red and white are undefeated at home this year and look to continue their dominance. The W-League home match will be the second half of a doubleheader with the PDL Piranhas who will take on the Virginia Legacy at 5:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the Hampton Roads Piranhas please  visit www.hrpiranhas.com.

Friday, June 5, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues will host the Boston Renegades on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Academy Field on the campus of Newburgh Free Academy.

The Lady Blues (3-0-0, 9 pts.) are currently on top of the Northeast Division with a perfect record, while the Boston Renegades (2-1-1, 7 pts.) come to town as the second-place team in the division. In three games, the Lady Blues have allowed just three goals while scoring 13.

The game marks the final match of a three game home stand for the Lady Blues, who are fresh off of a 4-2 victory over the defending Northeast Division champion Washington Freedom.

Whitney Palmer led the game with two goals and an assist, while Brittany Taylor and Angelika Johannson had the other two goals for the Hudson Valley.

Johannson also added an assist on both of Palmer’s goals. For her efforts, Johannson was named to the W-League Team of the Week for the second straight week on Wednesday. She currently leads the league in points with 14.

Currently, Boston is on a three game unbeaten streak. Last Saturday, the Renegades defeated the New Jersey Wildcats 3-2. The only blemish on their record is a 1-0 loss to the Washington Freedom on May 9 in the season opener.

The match will be the first of a tough week for the Lady Blues. The Hudson Valley travels to the nation’s capital on Wednesday night for a rematch with the Washington Freedom and then plays its third game in seven days when the team returns home Friday, June 12 against the Connecticut Passion.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

TUKWILA, WA -- Vancouver Whitecaps FC women recorded a 1-1 draw on the road against the W-League's Western Conference-leading Seattle Sounders women on Wednesday evening.

Striker Jodi-Ann Robinson scored on a breakaway early in the second half to give the Whitecaps the lead. The Sounders equalized a quarter of an hour later on a Lyndsey Patterson breakaway.

It was the second straight 1-1 result between the two Pacific Northwest clubs following their May 16 meeting in Vancouver's home opener at Swangard Stadium.

Coach Alan Koch opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, with several changes to the starting eleven from the previous match. Sophie Schmidt was moved back to her normal midfield spot, changing places with Amy Vermeulen, who went up front alongside with Robinson and Kirsteen Buchan, who received her first start of the season. Young midfielder Chelsea Stewart and Monica Lam-Feist flanked Schmidt, while on defence, Katie Thorlakson - who is more accustomed to an attacking role - got the start at fullback. Rachael Pelat, who had come off the substitutes' bench in the home opener to set up Vancouver's goal, also started at fullback.

Seattle were the better team in the first half, as Vancouver came out flat, even though neither side created many chances. The 'Caps had trouble getting shots on target, while the Sounders could not find a way past veteran Whitecaps goalkeeper Sian Bagshawe, who was looking for a team-record 28th career win.

The first half finished scoreless.

To start the second half, the Whitecaps brought on young striker Nikki Wright, the goalscoring hero in the previous encounter. Unfortunately, Wright had to leave the game just ten minutes later after receiving a blow to the head. Preliminary reports are that the injury is not serious.

Wright's addition proved to be a good omen, however, as the Whitecaps found the net almost as soon as she stepped on the pitch. On 46 minutes, veteran defender Randee Hermus threaded a great pass to Robinson, who got in behind the Seattle defence before chipping the ball over Sounders goalkeeper Kati Hultin to give the visitors the lead.

Vancouver played much better in the second half, taking the game to the home side, and ultimately pulling even in final shots at nine apiece.

On 62 minutes, however, Seattle leveled the score on a similar play to the Whitecaps goal. The Whitecaps defence was caught square, as substitute Erin Redwine played the ball ahead to the speedy Patterson. She went in one-on-one against Bagshawe and beat the 'Caps keeper with a well-placed shot to the bottom corner. The forward also scored Seattle's goal in Vancouver last month.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the late stages. With ten minutes left, Patterson had a shot in close, but was stopped by Bagshawe. At the other end minutes later, Vancouver substitute Kate Qually fired over the crossbar from six yards out.

90 FULL MINUTES

The result leaves Vancouver in fourth place in the W-League Western Conference with a 0W-0L-2D record, while Seattle remains top of the standings at 2W-0L-2D.

The Whitecaps next match is this Sunday, June 7, against reigning W-League champions Pali Blues at Swangard Stadium. Sunday's match is the first game of a Whitecaps doubleheader, with the women set to kick off at 4 p.m. PDT, while the men's team battle Canadian rivals Montreal Impact in USL First Division action at 7 p.m. PDT
 

Thursday, June 4, 2009

BLAINE, MN -- The Lightning have risen to the top of the W-League Midwest Division with a 5-1 win over the Fort Wayne Fever. Caroline Smith had another impressive performance and the rest of the Lightning played just as well.

Next up for Minnesota are two road games taking on the Chicago Red Eleven and FC Indiana. They are back at the NSC in Blaine on Saturday, June 27 at 5:05 p.m. facing the Cleveland Internationals in a double header with the Thunder.

The Lightning took an early lead in the fourth minute of play. They found themselves with a corner kick opportunity but their initial try came to no prevail. The first attempt came from a header off but Fever keeper, Libby Hake, blocked the try. She could not hold onto her rebound and Kelsey Hans passed the ball over to Kylie Kallman. Kallman took advantage of an open net and scored the first goal of the game.

Fever answered back in the 13th minute with a goal off of a free kick eight yards outside the box. Clair Ward stepped behind the ball and crushed a shot past the Lightning aiming for the top corner on the far side of the goal. Gleason tried but could not reach the ball and the Fever evened up the score at 1-1.

Minnesota reclaimed the lead in 17th minute. Caroline Smith advanced deep into Fever territory looking for her first goal of the game. Instead of ripping a shot from the top of the penalty box, Smith decided to take it in for a closer try. Hake came out to address the play but Smith worked the ball around her and gave the Lightning the second lead of the game.

Hans took a shot in the 26th minute that made Hake think twice about coming out of the goal. Hans came in from the right side looking for her first goal of the season. She gave a powerful shot but Hake was there to stop it. Hake stopped the ball with her face instead of her hands and kept the game at 2-1.

Caroline Smith struck again late in the half at the 43 minute mark. Kylie Kallman took a free kick and sent it to the middle of the box into a sea of players. It looked like the Fever were going to clear the ball when Smith got her foot on it and put it in to the back of the net.

Before one minute went by, the Lightning scored again. This goal was the result of a series of give-and-gos. Rosie Malone-Polvony accepted a pass on on the right side of the field and she dumped it off to Emily Redberg who was on the other side of the net. Redberg had a wide open shot and gave the Lightning a commanding 4-1 lead.

At the end of the first half, Minnesota was up 4-1 and holding onto all of the momentum of the game.

Lightning scored again in the 52nd minute and continued to build the wall that the Fever has to climb to get back into the game. Hake was getting peppered when she make a diving save but before she could get up Josie Solie chipped it over her for the fifth and final goal for Minnesota.

The final whistle blew and the Lightning won the game with a powerful lead of 5-1. They improve their record to 2-0-1 thus driving Minnesota into first place in the W-League Midwest Division.

"It was good to get a win," said Lightning forward Kelsey Hans. "But we didn't possess the ball as well as we would have liked against this team. We are definitely going to have to pick it up if we are going to contend for the playoff spot."

The Lightning is on the road for a two game road trip before they are back at the National Sports Center. Minnesota will travel to Chicago to take on the Red Eleven and then they are off to face FC Indiana. On June 27, the Lightning will return home host the Cleveland Internationals in double header with the Thunder when they take on the Rochester Rhinos.
 

Friday, June 5, 2009

PLAINVIEW, NY – This Saturday, the Long Island Rough Riders women's team will welcome back a vital member of their defense from the past two seasons. Meghan Frey will return to the team and start in goal. The men's team looks to extend their winning streak to five games in the second part of the doubleheader.

Frey was the last line of defense a year ago as the Rough Riders women marched their way to the USL's Eastern Conference Final Four. She'll be starting in goal as the Rough Riders women (2-2-1, 7 pts.) host the Western Mass Lady Pioneers (0-4-0, 0 pts.) at 5PM. It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. Back on May 23rd, the Rough Riders defeated the Lady Pioneers 2-0 to earn their first victory of the season. The women will be looking to get back on track after a loss this past Saturday to Washington and move up in the Northeast Division standings, which at the moment is very crowded at the top.

Currently sitting atop the Northeast Division, the Rough Riders men's team (6-1-0, 18 pts) welcomes the New Jersey Rangers (1-3-1, 4 pts) on Saturday night at 7:30 PM. The men come into the match riding a five game win streak with top goal scorers Mike Palacio (five) and Mike Todd (three) leading the way up front. The two sides will meet against next weekend in New Jersey as part of a two-game road trip for the Rough Riders.

Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900 or at the ticket booth at Cy Donnelly Stadium. Adult tickets are $10, Youth 16 and under are $8, and groups of 12 or more are $6 each. Season tickets and group ticket packages are also available.

To see the Rough Riders 2009 men's and women's schedules or to purchase tickets please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

And for a while it looked like the television cameras had dried up the hosts' goals. After her nine-save heroics last week in preventing the Flash posting double figures, Ravens goalkeeper Jessica Dulski would again prove to be Buffalo's nemesis this week. The diminutive keeper, whose agility, bravery and positional sense belies her small stature, pulled off another wonder save in the first half to deny a Jacquelyn Lacek left-footed shot, from sailing into the top corner. All in all, Dulski would end up equalling her previous week's total of nine saves.

However, despite facing a much more organised Rochester outfit than they had the previous week, in the second half, the Flash - reeling from a half time rocket by Head Coach Aaran Lines - proved that they were not camera shy after all.

Within two minutes of the break, Tantillo had latched onto a Brooke Barbuto (making her first Flash start) pass, to amble towards the Ravens net, and slip the ball nonchalantly under the advancing Dulski, who was this time helpless to prevent the goal. The home team's celebrations were borne more of relief than delight.

In the 66th minute, Buffalo doubled their lead, and what a fine goal it was. Lacek's persistence forced the ball out wide right to Abdullah, who arced a left footed cross into the box, to find the head of a diving Ruiz, who in turn glanced her header into the bottom left of the net, for a fine finish.

Now Buffalo were firing, and three minutes later, substitute DeSaverio would score off the bench for the second week running. It was a bizarre goal, as for once the Ravens' offside trap failed them (they did, however, catch Buffalo offside 13 times during the game). The compact striker broke free, as fans looked on bewildered as to why the whole Ravens backline had stopped playing. The linesmen's flag had remained down, and it was a huge lesson to the visitors in playing to the whistle. Only Dulski - unsurprisingly - remained on her toes, but even she, diving at the goalscorer's feet, was unable to prevent DeSaverio from forcing the ball into the top corner from close range.

Five minutes later, vice captain O'Rourke - dropped to the bench for the first time this season - became the second substitute to score, and reacted perfectly to her demotion. She picked up the ball on the half way line, beat what seemed like a parting Ravens defence, ran half the length of the field, and slotted the ball away with her left foot, for yet another excellent Flash finish.

Strong wing performances from Abdullah and Lacek combined with an excellent showing from all of Buffalo's substitutes, including the lively Jamie Craft and Shaylyn Lawrence, meant that the second half showed the class gulf between the teams. Rochester's showing this week was far more disciplined, brave and organised than the previous week's game between the teams, but in the end, Buffalo's superior ability and fitness shone through.

With five minutes remaining DeSaverio bagged her second of the night, and it was to be another comical goal. Tantillo chested and then thighed the ball, before sending an overhead kick from the right flank looping high into the air towards the back post, where the oncoming DeSaverio met the ball with her face from half a yard and somehow forced it into the net.

The game was done and dusted, but the Flash will be hoping that with their toughest two league opponents coming to town for a double header on Friday and Sunday, they produce their second half showing, straight from the off next time.

The televised game will be aired on Time Warner Cable Sports (TWCS-channel 13) at 1.30pm on Monday June 8 and at 4pm on Tuesday June 9.

Goals Summary:
BUF: Tantillo (Barbuto) 47
BUF: Ruiz (Abdullah) 66
BUF: DeSaverio (Abdullah) 69
BUF: O'Rourke 74
BUF: DeSaverio (Tantillo) 85

Box Score - http://www.uslsoccer.com/stats/2009/1026041.html

Ottawa:
24’ Evans
27’ Evans (Raber)
67’ A. Hearn (Evans)
69’ A. Hearn
79’ Urbas
 

After only nine minutes of play, the home team gave the fans what they came to see: some high-class soccer followed by a stunning goal. Josée Belanger exploited the right wing beating her defender with speed and agility, finding herself in a position to shoot. She then unselfishly laid a perfect pass back to her teammate, Genevieve Marcotte, who was waiting in front of the net. She made no mistake as she cracked a powerful shot pass goalkeeper Justine Bernier and gave her team an early 1-0 lead.

The home team did not stop there. Only six minutes later they doubled their lead with another fantastic display of ability and team play. A nice ball in behind the defenders sent Melissa Lesage alone against the goalie. Thinking she had the neat-minder beat, she took a shot. The goalie came up with a fantastic save, but was not prepared for the subsequent, rebound shot from Josee Belanger and after only 15 minutes of play the Quebec City Amiral were up 2-0.

As the first half went on, the Quebec City Amiral were not to be intimidated by the size or physicality of their opponents. The two teams fought hard and refused to be dominated; sometimes the referee seemed to think that it was getting out of hand. Indeed, in the 38th minutes, Melissa Lesage, once again, used her abilities to find herself in front of the net, this time accompanied by two Lady Lynx players who pounced on her simultaneously. The referee whistled the play and gave the home team a penalty shot, trying to set send a message about the level of physicality for the rest of the game. Catherine Scott converted the spot-shot and gave her team a familiar 3-0 lead before half time.

In the second half, the Toronto squad increased the pressure and made several changes to their formation trying to break through the Amiral defense. Throughout the second half, the home team demonstrated that their defense was just as note-worthy as their offence as they kept a clean sheet for the rest of the game.

Coach Fabien Cottin was very happy with the result; “this was an important thee points,” said the Frenchman.

Indeed, the Quebec City Amiral is happy to be winning its home-games, giving a show for their fans and gaining the desired point for the league standing early in the season. Coach Cottin was glad that his team was able to put the ball at the back of the net right away, giving the Amiral an early lead, and a chance to rest some of his players for the up-coming games.

The next two weeks will see the Quebec City Amiral in action five times, the first of which is the much-anticipated rematch against their provincial rivals the Laval Comets this Wednesday, June 10, in Laval. The team will then return home Saturday, June 13 for a game against the London Gryphons, tickets and information are available on the team website at www.amiraldequebec.com. 

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Hellenic traveled to North Carolina for back-to-back games last weekend and brought home a tie and a win. The first game was Saturday, June 6 in Charlotte to meet their opponents from just one week earlier, the Charlotte Lady Eagles.

In this game, as opposed to a week before, it was Charlotte who took the early lead on a goal by Hailey Beam. Charlotte held the lead with a 1-0 score for the majority of the game until second half sub Jo Dragotta tied it up for the Hellenic late in the second half. The 1-1 score held and the two teams tied for the second week in a row.

The Hellenic then traveled to Raleigh, NC for another afternoon game against the Cary Lady Clarets on Sunday, June 7. The two teams fought an evenly matched game throughout the first half and entered halftime with a score of 0-0.

Coach George Fotopoulos made some subs at half time, putting in fresh legs up top for the Hellenic, which forced the Cary Lady Clarets to their heels for the majority of the second half.

Shameka Gordon got behind the defense several times before connecting with Tricia Townsend for the first goal of the match and putting the Hellenic into the lead. The Hellenic continued to get opportunities and were rewarded again with a beautiful setup from Rachel Fell to Sonia Curvelo, who blasted a shot to the near post from just outside the box, bringing the score to 2-0 in favor of the Hellenic.

Wednesday June 17, 2009

DENVER. CO. – The Real Colorado Cougars continue to struggle putting shots in the goal in two matches, at home, versus two L. A. sides, the Pali Blues and the Ventura County Fusion.

Real’s first match was against the defending 2008 W-League champion, the Pali Blues. The champs, in their first year in the league, turned in a dominating performance; winning all their regular season matches, receiving a bye in the first round of the playoffs (as the league champion), and winning both of their playoff matches to run the table to the W-League championship.

Head coach, Brian Haynes indicated, “Pali was the team to beat last year and due to their success, many of their players were drafted into the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. Charlie Naimo has done an excellent job of rebuilding the team with quality players for 2009.”

The match was held on an unsettled Colorado evening with thunderstorms and tornadoes in the area. In minute 9, Kristy Yallop, found a rebound that was pinging around the Cougars goal and buried a shot in the back of goalkeeper Taylor Vancil’s net.

In minute 19, the thunderstorms finally caught up with the match and the game was delayed 47 minutes due to a severe lightning storm in the area.

The first half statistics were tilted towards the Blues with six shots on goal to three for the home side, along with two corner kicks for Pali to just one for the Cougars. Blues goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris had one save to four for the Cougars U. S. U17 National team keeper Taylor Vancil.

During the second half stanza, head coach Brian Haynes made substitutions to put an attacking press on Pali and was successful with an improved shot count as the Cougars had four shots on goal in the second half to just one for the Blues. Unfortunately, none of the shots found the back of the net and Yallop’s goal stood as the game winner as the final count stood, Blues one, Cougars zero.

The second home game for the Cougars was against the Ventura County Fusion. Real had beaten the Fusion in their first match in L.A., 3-1. On a warm Colorado summer evening, the Cougars shooting woes continued, however.

In minute 35, the Fusion’s Fabiane Nascimento drilled a free kick from just outside the 18 which hit goalkeeper Brianna Shultz’s crossbar. The rebound was loose inside the six and it found the foot of Fusion midfielder Randi Johns. Johns proceeded to push the carom into the back of Shultz’s net. The goal proved to be the game winner in a final count of Fusion one, Real Colorado zero.

Again, Haynes pushed several attacking substitutions into the match and outshot the Fusion eleven to three, but the Cougars could not convert any of the shots to goals.

Real Colorado now has four crucial matches left in the season in their drive to the playoffs including a road trip to take on perennial Western Conference powers the Vancouver Whitecaps and 2008 W League semi-finalist the Seattle Sounders. These matches occur over the July 4th weekend. The Cougars also have two more home games including a visit by the L.A. Legends on Tuesday June 23rd at 6:30 PM at Shea Stadium where the Cougars are featuring a special “U5-U7 club night” for all Real Colorado club teams in that age bracket.

Several of these young teams are featured at halftime of the game. The Cougars final regular season match of the campaign is Sunday afternoon July 19th at 1:00 P.M. versus the Whitecaps. The Cougars will be introducing a new “Cougars Den” beer garden at Shea Stadium for the final match of the season. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.cougars.realcolorado.net or by calling 303-324-1281.

Friday, June 12, 2009

PLAINVIEW, NY  – Coming off important wins this past weekend, the Long Island Rough Riders men’s and women’s teams will take to the road looking to pick up vital points in their chase for the USL playoffs.

After an impressive 6-0 victory over the Western Mass Lady Pioneers, the Rough Riders women (3-2-1, 10 pts.) are currently tied for second place in the W-League’s Northeast Division with the Boston Renegades (3-2-1, 10 pts.). The two teams will meet on Sunday afternoon at Harvard Stadium for the second time this season. Back on May 16th they played to a scoreless draw at Cy Donnelly Stadium. W-League Player of the Week Leigh-Anne Cummings will look to follow up on her hat-trick against Western Mass and Meghan Frey, who returned to the Rough Riders net for the first time this season on Saturday, will try to keep the Renegades scoreless at home.

Currently riding a five-game winning streak, the first-place Rough Riders men’s team (7-1-0, 21 pts.) will travel to

Rhode Island (2-4-1, 7 pts.) on Saturday night and New Jersey (1-4-1, 4 pts.) on Sunday afternoon in two key Northeast Division matches. At the midway point of the PDL season, the men sit five points ahead of the second place Ocean City Barons and are a victory away from matching their 2008 win total. Forward Michael Todd and midfield Ben Arikian have three goals in their last three games.

The Rough Riders men and women will return home on Saturday, June 20th for their next doubleheader at Cy Donnelly Stadium located at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, N.Y. The women will host the Connecticut Passion at 5PM and the men will face off with the Ottawa Fury at 7:30PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900.

To see the Rough Riders men’s and women’s schedules as well as the 2009 ticket packages, please visit www.liroughriders.com.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues persevered to pull out a 1-0 victory over the Connecticut Passion on Friday night at Academy Field on the campus of Newburgh Free Academy.

Brittany Taylor scored the game’s only goal in the 56th minute when she settled an Ashleigh Gunning corner kick and placed the ball into the upper netting of the goal. The goal helped extend the Hudson Valley’s perfect start to the season to 5-0-0 (15 pts.).

Connecticut dominated possession throughout the first half and caught a flat Hudson Valley team on its heels. Forward Kerry Scalora found space behind the Quickstrike Lady Blues’ defense throughout the first half and provided threatening shots for the visitors in the 17th and 18th minutes.

She also gave the Quickstrike Lady Blues a scare on the stroke of halftime when another shot of hers went just wide. That ended a half in which the home side struggled to create opportunities.

“This is the professional level,” head coach Jesse Kolmel said. “You are not always going to play perfect every game. The big adjustment was tempo.”

The best chance of the first half for the Quickstrike Lady Blues came in the 38th minute when Mercede Koning crossed the ball to Ashleigh Gunning, who had her point-blank shot blocked by a sliding Connecticut defender.

Fortunately for the Quickstrike Lady Blues, the direction of the game changed in the second half when the home team played more like they have been this season.

“In the second half the main thing we wanted to do was change the intensity and change the tempo of the game,” goal scorer Brittany Taylor said. “That created a lot more opportunities. The tempo itself opened things up.”

Forward Angelika Johansson, the W-League’s leading scorer and reigning Player of the Week, started things off in the 47th minute with a shot that went just wide of the goal.

Koning then had a good look at goal just seconds before Taylor scored the game’s only goal in the 56th minute, which officially shifted the momentum toward the home side.

Two minutes later, forward Whitney Palmer utilized her speed to intercept the ball in the final third of the field but could not convert on a breakaway to double the lead.

Ashleigh Gunning also sent a free kick just wide in the 79th minute that could have sealed the game for the Quickstrike Lady Blues.

Connecticut and the Hudson Valley exchanged several physical challenges that resulted in a very rough game. It began when Lady Blues forward Kristen Edmonds was taken down in the box in 29th minute. No call was made by referee Ryan Dos Reis, although Edmonds did lay on the turf for several minutes with an apparent injury.

She would be alright, but the incident began what would be a very physical game. There were four yellow cards given out, three of which went to Connecticut.

“It was a very different game from what we have played before. It was physical and it wasn’t high pressure,” Taylor said.

The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues (5-0-0, 15 pts.) next travel to Boston on Wednesday to take on the Boston Renegades, a team the Lady Blues beat 2-1 on June 6. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. and is the first game of a doubleheader at Harvard Stadium. The second match will be between Women’s Professional Soccer teams FC Gold Pride and the Boston Breakers.

The Quickstrike Lady Blues return home on Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 PM against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers. Coaches and players from Sky Blue FC, the professional affiliate of the Quickstrike Lady Blues, will be in attendance to take in the game and sign autographs for fans. In recognition of Father’s Day, all dads will get in free.
 

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

ORCHARD PARK, NY - Bryanna McCarthy’s two goals helped the Lady Lynx snap their two-game losing streak Sunday afternoon with a wildly entertaining 3-1 victory on the road over the expansion Buffalo Flash.

Erica Henderson rounded out the scoring for the Lady Lynx, who see their record jump to 3-2-2 (11 points) on the season, and past Buffalo back in third place in the Great Lakes Division of the W-League. The Flash posted their second loss in a row and fall to 3-2-0 (9 points) on the year.

The Lady Lynx once again got off to their traditional torrid start, opening the scoring in the third minute. Victoria Frederick battled through traffic at the top of the penalty area, turned and fed McCarthy just inside the six-yard box. Flash goalie Amanda Becker got her hand on the rookie’s ensuing shot but could not stop it, and it trickled over the line to put Toronto up 1-0.

Toronto doubled their lead twenty-three minutes later on Henderson’s first goal of the season. The W-League veteran headed home McCarthy’s corner kick past a helpless Becker in the 26th minute for a 2-0 lead, stunning their hosts.

The Flash rebounded instantly though, cutting the deficit in half one minute later. Maria Ruiz slammed home an Alex Sahlen pass for her fifth of the year, and Buffalo was back in the match. The teams traded chances back and forth for the remainder of the period, but the defences held and the teams went into the break with the Lady Lynx ahead 2-1.

Buffalo pressed forward following the intermission, but were constantly rebuffed by the Lady Lynx. Justine Bernier made numerous key saves and preserved the Toronto lead as the second half progressed. The young Lady Lynx began to take back control of the match in the final third of the period, and were able to create a number of scoring chances in their effort to extend their lead.

The team’s tenacity was rewarded in the 87th minute when McCarthy iced the match with her second of the afternoon. The Ajax native forced a turnover off of Katarina Tarr of the Flash, and calmly blasted a right foot rocket into the netting for her fourth score of the season and a 3-1 Lady Lynx lead. Buffalo pressed to get back into the match in the final three minutes, but Bernier again came up with a number of quality stops to sew up the victory for the Lady Lynx. Coach Danny Stewart credited a total team effort by his squad to earn the club’s third win of the year.

The Lady Lynx head to Hamilton on Wednesday evening for a 7:30 match against the Lady Avalanche to wrap up their four-game road swing. They then return home on Sunday afternoon, June 21, at 4:00 PM for a highly anticipated rematch against the Flash at Centennial Park Stadium. Tickets for the match may be purchased by calling the Lynx ticket hotline at 416-251-4625 x 31, or at the Centennial Park Stadium box office one hour prior to kickoff.

 

Erin Redwine, Chalise Baysa and Kelli Smith tallied goals for the Sounders Women while Lyndsey Patterson, Zahra Lechak and Michelle French assisted the goals. The Sounders moved into the lead in the USL W-League Western Conference thanks to the goals scored tie breaker over the Pali Blues who drew against Colorado FC earlier in the day. The teams are level on points and both sport a plus four goal differential, but the Sounders have scored nine goals on the season while the Blues have tallied only eight.

Redwine continued to make a strong case for a regular spot in the Sounders starting line up by opening the scoring on a far post header from a Lyndsey Patterson corner kick in the 32nd minute. Chalise Baysa found herself the recipient of a Zahra Lechak cross at the far post in the 53rd minute to make the score 2-0 Sounders.

Los Angeles quickly struck to bring the match back into reach with a deft 23 yard strike from Charney Burk that found the upper corner of the goal just out of reach of a diving Katie Hultin in goal for Seattle. A minute later, Sounders defender Kelli Smith, who played more of a right midfield role in today's match, set up to cross a ball into the 18 with several players making a far post run, but instead drove a ball past Alicia Lugo's near post and made the score 3-1.

Next up for the Sounders is a home match on Friday June 26 against Colorado FC. It is the first of three more home matches for the Sounders, who could potentially clinch a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs before taking a season ending trip to California in July.

NEWBURGH, NY – For the past week, Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues midfielder Amanda DaCosta has been training with the United States U-23 National Team in Lorain, Ohio, a Northeast Ohio town that is home to the Premier Soccer Academies.

Training camp is going well for the team thus far. It defeated FC Indiana, one of the top W-League teams, 2-1 in one of the team’s camp friendlies. And while DaCosta has been to such training camps before, her recent experiences with the Quicktrike Lady Blues only helped elevate her game.

She is part of a player pool for the U.S. U-23 National Team that includes Quickstrike Lady Blues teammate Brittany Taylor, both of whom are Hudson Valley natives and developed through the Quickstrike FC youth system.

Now, the two compete at the highest level of the Quickstrike FC program with the Lady Blues, and are being rewarded for their stellar play in one of the country’s toughest divisions. The high level of the Quickstrike Lady Blues (5-0-1, 16 pts, first in the Northeast Division) has helped prepare them for the international level.

“The intensity of our training sessions at Quickstrike has really aided me in the transition,” DaCosta said of her experience at training camp. “It’s hard for a lot of people when they go away on summer teams to keep that level and speed of play, so that was good that I have that.”

Taylor also feels that the Quickstrike Lady Blues as well as her time with Quickstrike FC youth teams has helped her in preparing for the national team. She was not at training camp in Ohio, but serves as the team’s captain.

“Being here, it definitely prepares myself and other players like Amanda to be in the same environment,” Taylor said. “It gives us the same professional environment – the level of training, different type of training, tactical sessions – basically the same breakdown of what goes on, even down to having team meals.”

Quickstrike Lady Blues Head Coach Jesse Kolmel said that the team’s model is based off of various different professional systems, including Sky Blue FC, the Hudson Valley’s parent team.

“At the end of the day, it is all about professionalism,” Kolmel said.

However, there is one key difference between the two situations. Now, two of the Hudson Valley’s best players can compete in front of their hometown crowd and get involved in the community.

“I think the only thing that is different, because we have time, is being able to reach out to the community,” Taylor said.

“I know if I were a young girl in the area I would be pretty inspired by that,” DaCosta said. “It’s a big role to take on. You have to know that you are always being watched and that you are always going to be a role model.”

Kolmel could not agree more and said that he could not think of two better role models for the Quickstrike Lady Blues.

“It’s easy as a coach to say ‘be like that player,’ but now they have this touchable force in front of them,” he said. “Most importantly, it is a female role model for these players.”

So, DaCosta knows that a lot will be expected of her when she returns home to the first-place Lady Blues. Meanwhile, she has the opportunity to be one of the youngest players on the U.S. U-23 National Team at the young age of 19.

Should she perform well enough, she could find herself alongside Taylor in London in July for a U-23 friendly tournament that will culminate the work of the team this spring. No matter where her or any Quickstrike Lady Blues player travels, they will always be appreciated at home.

“Personally, I am very honored to work with such focused individuals such as them and it’s exciting to have them on the roster,” Kolmel said.

Undefeated Quickstrike Lady Blues Host Western Mass Saturday

NEWBURGH, NY - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues return home Saturday night to take on the Western Mass Lady pioneers at 7 p.m. at Academy Field on the campus of Newburgh Free Academy.

The Quickstrike Lady Blues (5-0-1, 16 pts) remain unbeaten and in first place in the W-League Northeast Division after tying the Boston Renegades 1-1 at Harvard Stadium on Wednesday night.

Mercede Koning put the Hudson Valley ahead in the 9th minute, but Boston’s Brooke Knowlton tied the game in the 64th minute and the top two teams in the division shared the points on the evening.

Now, the Quickstrike Lady Blues will look to stay unbeaten when they take on Western Mass on Saturday night. The Quickstrike Lady Blues hope that the friendly confines of Academy Field will help them continue their winning ways. The Hudson Valley is averaging 1,471 fans per game thus far.

Fans in attendance can also enjoy several activities off of the field. As the official W-League affiliate of professional team Sky Blue FC, the Quickstrike Lady Blues have a great working relationship with Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer.

Players, coaches and staff members from Sky Blue FC are scheduled to appear at Saturday’s game and will be signing autographs at halftime. Players scheduled to appear include Karen Bardsley, Lauren Sesselmann, Julianne Sitch and co-captain Keeley Dowling (players subject to change).

They will be signing autographs at halftime, but fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to further interact with our special guests.

New York City soul and indie band Ivry, led by Henry Ivry, will be performing live music throughout the night. Henry will be signing the national anthem and the band will then be hosting a postgame concert on the field immediately following the game.

In honor of Father’s Day, which is the day after the match, all fathers will get into the match free. Fans can purchase tickets for the game at www.quickstrikefc.com or at the box office at Academy Field. The match kicks off at 7 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early to interact with members of Sky Blue FC and take in music from Ivry.

Most recently, the Destiny suffered a pair of losses to W-League powerhouses Charlotte Lady Eagles and Atlanta Silverbacks last weekend with a 3-1 defeat on the road to the Lady Eagles followed by a 4-0 decision against the undefeated Silverbacks two days later. Destiny player/coach Jen Woodie notched the team’s loan goal of the weekend to avoid the shutout in Charlotte.

Following this weekend’s match, the Destiny host the Northern Virginia Majestics on Thursday, June 25th, at Sports Backers Stadium, before traveling to the Tampa Bay Hellenic on Friday, July 3.

A Pro-Am league comprised of 37 teams, the W-League provides the most complete women’s player pool in the world and is recognized as North America’s best women’s developmental organization. The W-League offers the best local college and club players the opportunity to play alongside established international players while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.

Red IX Feature Artcile [+]
By Rob Wollenzien for The Naperville Sun

Friday, June 19

Thursday night’s Chicago Red Eleven versus Minnesota Lightning game provided one of the best showcases of talent for W-League Midwest Division fans. Continue [+]

To see the Rough Riders men’s and women’s schedules as well as the 2009 ticket packages, please visit www.liroughriders.com.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - The W-League Piranhas are half way through their 2009 season and have put themselves in great position to move forward. The Piranhas are 3-3-0 so far and are ranked third in the W-League's Atlantic Division. Piranhas' forward Shaneka Gordon leads the team in goals with three as well as points and shots on goal. Emily Kittleson leads the team in assists with three and is one of the top distributors in the league.

The Piranhas will host the Cary Lady Clarets (2-3-1) for the first time this season Sunday, June 21 at Trinder Center/Foster Field at Virginia Wesleyan College in the first match of a doubleheader with the Hampton Roads PDL squad. The Clarets are led in scoring by forward Lindsay Vera with four goals. The match kicksoff at 5:30 P.M.

The Piranhas shot out of the gate at the beginning of the season winning their first two games against the Charlotte Lady Eagles and the Northern Virginia Majestics. The team followed with a three game road trip to Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Richmond in a matter of 15 days. The Piranhas dropped the first road game against the Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 in a hard fought match played in a thunderstorm. The Piranhas then traveled to Tampa Bay where they just could not find a rhythm and lost 3-0 to the Tampa Bay Hellenic.

The side finished off their road trip against the Richmond Kickers Destiny which was the first game in the battle for the James River Cup, dominating the match from the first to the last whistle. Hampton Roads scorched the Destiny 5-0 getting goals from four different players. The win put the Piranhas in great position to claim the cup for the second straight year.

The Piranhas returned home June 12 to play the Atlanta Silverbacks for the second time. Both teams had their chances to score early in the game but neither could capitalize. The Silverbacks though were able to score two quick goals right before the half. The game was then delayed for two hours due to severe weather and was eventually called due to lightning with the Silverbacks getting the 2-0 win after just 45 minutes of play.

The Piranhas' final six games give them a great opportunity to move up in the Division with four of their final six regular season games being at home. Matches to look forward to are on July 10when the Piranhas host the Tampa Bay Hellenic in a rematch. Right now the two teams are second and third in the Atlantic Division and the game could determine which team makes the playoffs. On July 15, the red and white will again face the Richmond Kickers Destiny in a match that will determine the winner of the James River Cup.

For more information about the Hampton Roads Piranhas please call 757-641-4460 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.

Friday, June 19, 2009

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Northern Virginia Majestics once again came up empty on the road, failing to score in a 1-0 loss to the Charlotte Lady Eagles Friday night. The solo goal of the night came from Lady Eagle veteran Christy Rife, earning the home side their third win of the season.

Both teams seemed eager to get on the scoreboard early as the opening twenty minutes of the match saw the majority of the night’s shots. Majestic forward Ashley Johnson nearly gave Northern Virginia the lead in the 10th minute on a glancing header to the upper corner, but Charlotte keeper Katherine Forbis made the acrobatic save to keep things even.

Both defenses settled in the latter part of the first half, and the match turned in to a battle for control in the center of the field. Although physical at times, the remainder of the half played out fairly even and ended scoreless.

Charlotte grabbed the lead fairly early in the second half when Eagle midfielder Hailey Beam broke free down the left side and drilled a shot to the near post of the Majestic goal. Northern Virginia keeper Olivia Brown (four saves on the night) made a spectacular save, but the ball rebounded into the Majestic six yard box. The racing Rife buried it home for the ultimate game-winner in the 54th minute.

Northern Virginia nearly leveled the match late when substitute Jasmine Riley blasted a low shot at the left corner of the Eagle goal, but Forbis once again was up to the challenge. Her diving save took the wind out of Northern Virginia’s attack and solidified the 1-0 Charlotte victory.

The loss drops the Majestics to an Atlantic Division record of 1-5-0. Northern Virginia has yet to score a goal on the road this season.

Northern Virginia completes their southern road trip on Saturday night, facing off against the first place Atlanta Silverbacks. The Majestics return home on Saturday, June 27th, for a rematch with Charlotte at Hellwig Memorial Field in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is scheduled for 6:00PM.
 

Thursday, May 21, 2009

WEST WINDSOR, NJ- The New Jersey Wildcats formally announced today that they will attempt to set the state record for most people juggling a soccer ball at one time during halftime of their June 12th hosting of the Western Mass Lady Pioneers. The club also made public today that they are partnering with the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life (GPFL), and half of the proceeds from ticket sales on June 12th will go to the GPFL.
 
"I am extremely excited about setting the New Jersey juggling record!" Wildcats President Kevin McDermott exclaimed. "Something of this magnitude has not been done in New Jersey before. More importantly, I am thrilled about the excitement it is causing in the soccer community, and moreover, a portion of the money we raise will go to the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life! Go New Jersey, let’s do it! We will set the New Jersey record and are striving to maybe one day set a new world record."

At the current time, there is no known record in the state of New Jersey for most people juggling a soccer ball at one time, so all participants would be taking part in a historical event. All Wildcat home games are played at Mercer County Community College, and this Friday night match is slated for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Everyone that wants to partake in the halftime juggling event is asked to bring their own soccer ball, and more information on the record attempt can be acquired by calling the Wildcats office at 973-963-9769 or emailing NJWCjugglingrec@aol.com. Tickets are $10 at the gate or $8 beforehand, and teams of 10 or more players can purchase tickets for this historical evening for $5. Tailgating for the game will also begin an hour before kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Earlier this W-League season, the Pali Blues Soccer Club took a shot at the world record of 652 jugglers, but they came up just short.

Half of the money raised on June 12 will go to benefit the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life. The GPFL was established to honor the memory of Graeme Preston, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 12-years old on March 3, 2008, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Sam Areman, Assistant General Manager of the Wildcats, is related to the Preston family, so this partnership is something that is very close to her.

"The New Jersey Wildcats are honored to pair with the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life for our second home game," Areman said. "Together, we can help spread Graeme’s message of generosity, kindness, and helping people in time of need. As a member of both organizations, I personally can’t wait to see the community come out and support one of Graeme’s greatest passions."

The GPFL was founded by Graeme’s family in 2008, and they offer scholarships in addition to helping local families that have suffered an unexpected loss or hardship as they did.

Another of the ways that young Graeme is remembered is through an annual soccer marathon, the first of which occurred last year and was arranged by a young classmate of his, Mia O’Brien. While the 16-year-old O’Brien may be young in years, she has a vision and drive that far exceeds her years. She is currently a top travel goalkeeper in her age group, as well as being a top prospect for her high school varsity squad. She recalls Graeme, the son of her soccer coach, as being a "true soccer player- determined to win, but also humble enough to lose."

Seeking a way to honor the life of Graeme Preston, Mia developed the marathon concept as her Girl Scout Silver Award Project, which is the second highest honor for Girl Scouts. The soccer marathon is a "sunrise-to-sunset" event that is non-competitive and played on the short-side of the soccer field with teams composed of seven field players and a goalkeeper. Juggling contests, penalty kick shootouts and other raffles also highlight this day of remembrance. The second marathon has been scheduled for August 8th. For more information regarding the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life, visit the official website at http://www.graemeprestonfoundation.org/.

The Wildcats will play their next three contests on the road before their home opener on Sunday, June 7th, when they host the Boston Renegades at 4:00 p.m. For all of the latest information on the Wildcats, visit them on the web at www.njwildcats.com.
 

Friday, May 22, 2009

PLAINVIEW, NY - As the 2009 United Soccer Leagues season rolls on, the Rough Riders men and women will each play two road games over the next week before their next home doubleheader on Saturday, May 30. 

On Saturday, the men will travel to New Rochelle High School in Westchester to take on the Flames (1-0-2, 5 pts.) at McKenna Field. With their U.S. Open Cup hopes still alive, the Rough Riders (2-1-0, 6 pts.) will need a victory against Westchester, coupled with an Ocean City tie or loss in one of their two games this weekend to qualify for the prestigious tournament, which they last qualified for in 2007.

Next Wednesday, May 27, the men will travel to Newark for a return engagement with the Ironbound Express (3-2-0, 9 pts), whom the Rough Riders defeated last Saturday 3-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Mike Palacio.

The Rough Riders women will make their first road trip of the season on Saturday when they visit the Western Mass Lady Pioneers (1-1-0, 3 pts.). After losing the season opener 1-0 to New Jersey and tying Boston this past Saturday, the women will be looking for their first win of the 2009 campaign.  

Sunday afternoon they will leave Massachusetts and travel south to take on the Connecticut Passion (0-0-1, 1 pt.).  

The Rough Riders men and women will return home for their third doubleheader of the season on Saturday, May 30. The games begin at 5:00 PM when the women host the Washington Freedom and continue at 7:30 PM as the men take on the Rhode Island Stingrays. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900 or at the ticket booth at Cy Donnelly Stadium. Adult tickets are $10, Youth (16 and under) are $8, and groups of 12 or more are $6 each. One ticket is good for both games.

To see the 2009 Rough Riders men’s and women’s team schedules and stats, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.

LOVELAND, CO - With a side that’s largely intact from last summer, the Colorado Force FC kicks off the W-League season against traditional league power Seattle Sounders at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Loveland Sports Park. This home opener honors all men and women in uniform who serve our country in various capacities.

Continuity is the watchword for the Force, which enters its 13th season. The team is led once again by head coach Craig Deacon, back for his fifth season on the sidelines. It’s also the second straight season for home matches under the lights at Loveland Sports Park. Furthermore, familiar faces can be found up and down the lineup, including midfielder-forward Nikki Marshall, who led the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team to a U-20 World Cup championship in November. In fact, returning starters are back at 10 positions, though all 13 of the returning players were starters at one time.

Due to injury, notably absent from last year’s regular lineup is Katie Eriksson, who led the team in goals last season. Starting in her place will be Shay Powell, who was the University of Nebraska's leading scorer last fall, and was a member of the W-League's Ottawa Fury in 2008. Powell was also named to the W-League National Team. "Shay Powell is a proven scorer and was an impact player for Nebraska and Ottawa. I'm confident she'll be a solid scorer for our side”, said Force Head Coach Craig Deacon.

While the Force has the advantage of familiarity, Seattle comes into the match with a mixture of veterans and newcomers, said Sounders coach Teddy Mitalas. “We’re a little younger this year,” Mitalas said. In its opener, a 1-1 tie on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 16, the Sounders took five new players who had never traveled with the team, Mitalas said.

The experience deficit could even be greater for the two-match trip to Colorado – Seattle also plays the Real Colorado Cougars on Friday night in Highlands Ranch. Mitalas said several of his players will stay home for college and high school graduation ceremonies. In their place, the Sounders have brought in a handful of new players that have been practicing with the team over the past week.

“We won’t have our strongest team there, but I think we will have a good team,” he said. The strength of the side is “cohesiveness in the midfield” and a veteran defensive core, he added.

Seattle will benefit from the stabilizing presence of veteran Michelle French, a 32-year-old midfielder-defender who played on the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team that won a silver medal in the 2000 Sidney games. Other returning veterans for Seattle include defenders Shannon Lovejoy and Kathryn Warner. Two key players who will miss the trip are defender Kathleen Deines and forward Veronica Perez.
Mitalas expressed concern for how his team will deal with the altitude in Colorado, and the possibility of warm weather in Colorado. “We’ve been training in the rain this spring,” he said.

The Force has been on a pre-season tour of Costa Rica and returns to the U.S. on Saturday night.

Game Notes
• The Force features four former local high school standouts, including Emmalie Pfankuch (Fort Collins), Estelle Johnson (Rocky Mountain), Maggie Doe (Poudre) and Alex Cousins (Fort Collins).

• The Force features a sister act this year. Shay Marshall, Nikki’s younger sister, joined the side this season. Shay, like Nikki a graduate of Skyline High School in Longmont, will also be joining Nikki on the University of Colorado team this fall.

• Two Force players, Nikki Marshall and defender Carly Peetz, have been invited to the pool of potential players for U.S. Women’s Under-23 National Team.

• No matter what she does on the soccer pitch, Seattle’s Michelle French is someone to cheer for. French is coming back this season after beating lymphoma, a form of cancer, in the offseason.

• Midfielder Cayla Deacon is in her eighth season with the Force, making her the longest tenured member of the side. After Deacon, the player with the most service for the Force is Julie Williford, back for her fourth season.

• Seattle goalkeeper Katie Hultin is a former high school star at Thomas Jefferson in Denver. She will miss the Sounders match against the Force, due to work obligations, but is expected to play for the Sounders against Real Colorado on May 29.

• Watch for Seattle forward Lindsey Patterson to provide offensive punch. Patterson got off five shots against Vancouver, including the Sounders’ only goal of the match.

• The Force-Sounders match will be a very Cornhusker evening. Each side features three players from the University of Nebraska. The Nebraska contingent on the Force includes defensive ace Carly Peetz, as well as newcomers Shay Powell – the Cornhuskers leading scorer last fall – and Molly Thomas. Seattle’s Cornhuskers include defender Blair Slapper and midfielders Jaclyn White and Alexis Cardona.

• Seattle is attempting to maintain an impressive streak. The Sounders have reached the semifinals of the W-League playoffs in each of the last three seasons. Under the W-League’s playoff format this season, the top two finishers in the Western Conference will advance to the playoffs.

• The Force will recognize all people in uniform with “Honor Our Service Men and Women Night,” featuring a halftime ceremony. All service men and women can attend the match for free.

• For ticket information, visit www.forcesoccer.org. Tickets are available at the gate on game days: $5 youth, $7 adult.

• Loveland Sports Park is located at 950 N. Boyd Lake Ave. It is just west of the intersection of Interstate 25 and south of U.S. Highway 34. Information about the park and directions to the pitch can be found at www.forcesoccer.org/force/team.asp

Friday, May 22, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues open their inaugural season at Newburgh Free Academy on Saturday at 7:00 PM against the New York Magic.

Fans are encouraged to get their early as pregame events will be setup by team sponsors in order to celebrate this historic event. Those who arrive early enough will receive a 5" x 7" team photograph which can be used for autographs after the game, and kids will also have the opportunity to take pictures as if they were a professional player and have it put in a frame for free thanks to New York Life Insurance.

Additionally, local legend and Hall of Fame member Tony Martelli will be honored at halftime.

The Lady Blues (1-0-0, 3 pts.) opened the season on the road against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers last Saturday with a 3-1 win. Angelika Johansson, Alicia Tirelli and Ashleigh Gunning all scored for the Lady Blues in the dominating win.

For her efforts, Gunning, a team co-captain, was named to the W-League Team of the Week. Her 87th minute goal was beautifully placed into the upper 90 of the goal from 25 yards out.

“I am sure that there were not too many other goals scored that were better than Gunning’s goal, but more importantly I am pleased with her accomplishments because she was able to follow our directions at halftime,” head coach Jesse Kolmel said. “We wanted her to get up and support the attack and be our playmaker.”

Now, Hudson Valley turns its attention to New York for the home opener, which is the start of a three game home stand. The Magic (0-2-1, 1 pt.) enter the game winless after losing 3-0 to Boston on Sunday. It will be New York’s first game on the road after opening the season with three home games.

Kolmel said he is most concerned with improving the team’s speed of play and is confident that the Lady Blues can compete with anybody. He also realizes the significance of the home opener.

“It’s our home opener and we want to make sure that we are good ambassadors of the female game and making sure that we put a good show on for our fans,” he said.

With all of the team now in camp and released from collegiate and national team duty, Kolmel is excited about the depth that he has on the squad. Campbell Hall, NY, native Brittany Taylor returned from Ireland with the U.S. U-23 National Team at the beginning of the week along with teammate Sophie Reiser, adding even more depth.

The Lady Blues will look to replicate last weekend’s win against New York this Saturday to setup a marquee showdown at home with the Washington Freedom next Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM

RICHMOND, VA –  The Richmond Kickers Destiny open their sixth season in the USL W-League this weekend with a back-to-back series slated for Friday and Saturday.

First, the Destiny travel to Cary to take on the expansion Lady Clarets on Friday, May 22, before kicking off the home season on Saturday, May 23, when they host the Charlotte Lady Eagles. Saturday’s match doubles as the first leg of a doubleheader with the Richmond Kickers pro team who kick off at 7:00 p.m. against Crystal Palace Baltimore.

Looking to improve upon an overall record of 36-31-4, the Destiny take the field this weekend under the guidance of new head coach, Jen Woodie. After opening the 2008 season 1-7-0, the Destiny posted a 5-1-0 comeback to conclude the season mid-table in the Atlantic Division standings. Despite the late-season comeback, the Destiny narrowly missed postseason qualification for the first time in three seasons.

The Cary Lady Clarets and Charlotte Lady Eagles met last weekend, when the Lady Clarets came away with a 3-1 home opening victory over the perennial powerhouse Lady Eagles. NC State’s Lindsey Vera and University of North Carolina’s Casey Nogueira combined for all three goals. Vera led the attack with a pair of goals and an assist. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 0-2-0 to start the season, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Hampton Roads Piranhas to open the season.

Following Saturday’s match-up at the University of Richmond Stadium, the Destiny head to Atlanta to face the Silverbacks on Saturday, May 30. The Destiny return to Richmond one week later to host the Hampton Roads Piranhas on Saturday, June 6.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – The Pali Blues Soccer Club (2-0-0) were tested by a quality Real Colorado Cougars (1-1-0) side on Sunday afternoon, but the defending USL W-League champions persevered to take a 2-0 result at the Stadium by the Sea.

After opening the season with a pair of home victories, the Blues will now hit the road to play their next four contests before returning to the Palisades on Tuesday, June 23rd, to host the Vancouver Whitecaps (0-0-1).

"Once again, it was not the prettiest match," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo commented. "For a while, there we were putting passes together and we came out of our first two matches 2-0, which was the goal/challenge knowing we would not be full strength until June."

While every game in the W-League is a battle, Naimo took special note of the aggressive play on Sunday afternoon.

"It was one of the most physical matches I have ever been a part of, and it took a while for us to find the right system to secure the win," he reflected.

The Blues edged Real Colorado with an 11-7 shot advantage, but it would not be until the 35th minute that they would put a ball into the back of the net. Mexican National Team forward Iris Mora made a great run through the center of the Cougar defense onto a perfectly timed feed from New Zealand National Team midfielder Kirsty Yallop. It appeared that Mora was being pulled down from behind, but she managed to shake loose and slip a ball into the Real Colorado goal.

With the adrenalin of that knock still flowing through the Blues attack, Canadian National Team midfielder Kara Lang rose above a group of Cougar defenders to head in a 40-yard driven free kick from Mora just two minutes later, giving her club a 2-0 advantage.

The Blues then buckled down the rest of the way to secure the 2-0 result with goalkeeper Joslyn Slovek taking the shutout.

The Blues will now take to the road for their next four games before returning to the Stadium by the Sea for a 7:00 p.m. pairing with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday, June 23rd. Tickets for that match-up can be purchased today by calling (310) 264-4649.
 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, May 17, 2009 — Shek Borkowski believes FC Indiana have "made a statement of intent" in W-League Midwest Division with a victory over Chicago Red Eleven.

Laura Del Rio’s hattrick and Mizuho Sakaguchi’s follower gave FC Indiana a 4-0 win at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis Sunday night. Borkowski admitted his side were not at their best and stated that fans can expect even more from his team.

"We are not playing as well as we are capable, too many players still are not playing up to their potential and its my job to get more out of this team," said Borkowski. "And I will, but we won, which was the objective before the game. The more important part of it was that we were defending well. The back four were quick to advance on to their opponents, and that made a big difference."

Scoring Summary
21’ Del Rio (Sakaguchi)
40’ Del Rio (Leyva)
62’ Del Rio (Prado)
72’ Sakaguchi (Leyva)

Shots: FCI 10, CRE 5
SOG: FCI 8, CRE 4
Saves: FCI 2, CRE 4
Corners: FCI 4, CRE 3

FC INDIANA: Lynn, Nonen, Gayle, Moore, Luik, Carmichael (Ocampo 46’), Leyva, Sakaguchi, Del Rio, Woods (Andrews 60’), Lyons (Prado 46’)
CHICAGO: Carstens, Nault, Zurer, Jeffers, Gonzalez, Brown, Yamamoto (Laufenberg 46’), Franklin (Ford 46’), Fisher, Lundin (Pulse 65’), O’Brien
 

Saturday, May 16, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -- Opening night started on a good note for the Atlanta Silverbacks Women, with a 2-0 win over visiting Tampa Hellenic.

The Silverbacks took a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute on a goal from forward Carrie Patterson. Patterson took a pass from midfielder Megan Tomlinson in the penalty box and put a shot under the Tampa Bay Hellenic goalkeeper into the bottom left corner of the net.

The Hellenic regrouped and mounted a counterattack on the following kickoff. After a foul just outside of the penalty box, the Hellenic had a great opportunity to equalize the score. The Silverbacks, however, were not ready to relinquish their early lead. The wall did their job to perfection, deflecting the shot wide and ending the Hellenic's threat.

Great defense was once again evident as Silverbacks goalkeeper, Michelle Betos, came off her line in the 34th minute to foil a breakaway by the Hellenic. The Silverbacks again made a defensive stand just before halftime as they turned away a scoring chance, off of a Hellenic cornerkick in the 43rd minute.

The Silverbacks kept up the intensity throughout the first half, aggressively attacking the goal, netting six shots in the opening minutes to the Hellenic's four. The Silverbacks also racked up seven fouls to the Hellenic's one.

Both teams made halftime adjustments, but it was the change made by the Silverbacks that paid off. Michelle Buskey, a second half substitute who entered for Luara McCalla, put the Silverbacks up 2-0 off a pass from Megan Tomlinson. Tomlinson's second assist of the game was the last action of the night at Silverbacks Park.

Shortly after the Buskey goal, the stadium lights again went off. Play resumed about 15 minutes later when the lights came back on, but it was not to be for long. In the 54th minute, the power went out for good. After a long delay, the game was called.

The issue with the facility lights was an unforeseen obstacle due to a theft at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Friday. The thieves stole all the copper wiring, a group that authorities allege have stolen the copper from various other local soccer parks and facilities. Although a crew worked around the clock to get the stadium up and running, a short somewhere along the lines brought the power to a hault.

Although everyone was disappointed in the manner in which the game ended, everyone was thrilled with the result, as the Silverbacks were able to claim victory in this opening night matchup. The Silverbacks face Hampton Roads in their next match this Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30.
 

Thursday, May 14, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN— FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski believes the winners of FC Indiana's crucial clash with Chicago Red Eleven on Sunday (7:00 PM CT) could go on to lift the W-League Midwest Division title. The stakes will be high as 2008 W-League Central Conference Champions, FC Indiana host Chicago Red Eleven at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis in a duel that could determine the fate of this season’s Midwest Division championship.

For FC Indiana it is the second tough game inside seven days, having defeated Chicago Red Stars 3-2 last Saturday. A similar result would probably suit Borkowski fine but he knows that Red Eleven represent a big challenge.

“Chicago has international experience in forwards Michelle O’Brien (Ireland) and Therese Lundin (Sweden) and will be difficult to play against,” said Borkowski. “Defensively, Chicago will rely on Mexican Women’s National Team center back Monica Gonzalez.”

FC Indiana have lost only once at home in four years, with 33 wins and four draws. Last season, in the corresponding fixture, FC Indiana won 3-0 with Laura Del Rio, Fatima Leyva and Lauren Sesselmann scoring.

Sesselmann is gone now, replaced by Lisa-Marie Woods who scored against both WPS opponents - Sky Blue (1-2) FC and Chicago Red Stars the last two weekends. Del Rio continues where she left off last season by scoring two goals against the Red Stars.

"The team is beginning to play well and for our confidence it is very good. We play a very good team on Sunday and we have to win,” said Borkowski.

Red Stars coach Tony Anglin, who joined Chicago from Atlanta Silverbacks, has to do without Canadian WNT defenders Emily Zurer and Marie-Eve Nault, both at national team camp in Toronto.
 

Friday, May 8, 2009

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Charlotte Lady Eagles opened up the 2009 season at home Friday with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to divisional rival Hampton Roads Piranhas.

The match started brightly for the Lady Eagles as the bulk of the early chances and possession went to the home team.

As the first half progressed towards its midpoint, Charlotte was able to create several early chances, none of which resulted in a shot on goal until in the 33rd minute. Charlotte native Jordan Edwards played a perfectly weighted through ball for new Lady Eagles' player Samantha Hire to run onto and finish underneath the Piranhas goalkeeper Victoria Johnson.

The goal seemed to spur the Piranhas on as they began to battle back in the match and concluded the first half by putting a rasping shot off of the Lady Eagles crossbar. Despite the fact that the match featured a significant amount of open, attacking play, the number of quality chances was limited as both teams sought to create better quality chances on goal.

The second half began with a rush as both teams sought to impose their will on the match. It was a back and forth affair until the 60th minute, when a deflected Piranhas cross fell to the feet of Merci Akide-Udoh and she made no mistake, spinning and firing her first goal of the new season to tie the score at one goal each.

The game continued to be finely poised as both teams attacked and traded punches. The turning point came in the 82nd minute when Kimmy Francis scored on a direct free kick from 25 yards out following a Lady Eagles foul. The shot was driven perfectly under the crossbar, and the Lady Eagles were facing their first deficit of the new season.

Lady Eagles goalscorer Hire almost leveled the score just minutes later as she took a deflected ball out of the air with a first time volley on frame that the Piranhas goalkeeper smothered gratefully.

As the game wound down, the Lady Eagles had several good chances to even the scoreline but the Hampton Roads back line held firm and denied all goal scoring opportunities to start the season off with a win.

The shots in the match finished up 11 to 7 in favor of Hampton Roads, with the Eagles GK Katie Forbis being called into action to make 3 saves.

The Lady Eagles next match will be on Friday, May 15th on the road against the Cary Lady Clarets. For more information on the Lady Eagles, the 2009 schedule, or ticket information, go to www.charlotteeagles.com.
 

Saturday, May 16, 2009

VANCOUVER, BC -- The Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off a new season of USL W-League play under first-year coach Alan Koch, while facing an old and familiar adversary in Seattle Sounders. This was the team that knocked Vancouver out of last season's playoffs with a 1-0 win at Swangard Stadium, and for the longest time, it looked like that scoreline would be repeated in this match. However, a dramatic injury-time equalizer by young Vancouver striker Nikki Wright earned the home side their first point of the season, in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Koch fielded a 4-3-3 formation, with Canadian international Sophie Schmidt, normally a midfielder, playing up front alongside Jodi-Ann Robinson and young Monica Lam-Feist. The midfield saw the return of Ashley McGhee, after a two-year absence, along with young Chelsea Stewart and Canadian international Amy Vermeulen. Player-assistant coach Randee Hermus anchored the backline, along with new signing Kim McMullen, with U-20 internationals Shannon Woeller and Eden Hingwing in the fullback positions. Veteran Sian Bagshawe got her club record 37th match between the posts.

Vancouver had some chances in the opening moments, with Vermeulen heading into the side-netting, and Hermus getting a header on goal on seven minutes, but not seriously troubling Sounders goalkeeper Katie Hultin.

Seattle, though, soon started to gain the upper hand, with strikers Veronica Perez and Lyndsey Patterson causing all sorts of problems for the Whitecaps back four. On 13 minutes, Patterson found space on the left and tried to chip Bagshawe, who had come out to the edge of her box, but the veteran Whitecaps keeper did well to swat the ball out of the air. Five minutes later, Patterson unleashed a good shot from the top of the Whitecaps box, forcing a superb diving save from Bagshawe. A minute after that, Perez on the right sent a great cross to Shannon Lovejoy at the far post, and she volleyed the ball square off the post.

The Seattle pressure continued, as on 22 minutes, Patterson found a seam at the top of the box and fired a low shot that Bagshawe dove to push wide.

The Whitecaps had been riding their luck to this point, but their luck suddenly ran out. On 24 minutes, Perez attacked on the left, played the ball inside for Patterson at the top of the box and she turned superbly before burying a shot into the bottom left corner, to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.

Two minutes later, Seattle were knocking on the door again as a clever free kick found Perez in the box, but Bagshawe was out quickly to challenge and make the save.

Chances were few for either side as the half wore on, with the 'Caps gradually starting to see more of the play. The home side came agonizingly close two minutes before the break, as a loose ball fell to Hermus 15 yards out and she slammed her shot off the crossbar, with Stewart heading the rebound just wide. It remained 1-0 Seattle at the halftime break.

With the line-up unchanged to start the second half, Vancouver came out with a greater sense of urgency, and created an early opportunity, as Vermeulen fired a hard 24-yard shot, which Hultin pushed over the crossbar.

Koch then turned to his bench, throwing more and more fresh legs and attacking options into the mix, as the half wore on. The first was Katie Thorlakson on 57 minutes, seeing her first W-League action since 2005, following two devastating knee injuries. She had a good chance almost immediately, as she got open in the box but fired a rising shot wide.

On 73 minutes, Schmidt on the left sent a great diagonal ball to Vermeulen breaking into the box, and while her shot from in close beat Hultin, Sounders defender Beth Drollinger was able to clear it off the goal line.

With less than ten minutes remaining, Koch went for broke, pulling off defender McMullen and putting on striker Rosalyn Hicks. "It was 1-0, so 2-0 wouldn't have made any difference, you need to get the point," Koch explained after the match. "So we changed things tactically to a 3-4-3 to push forward."

The change resulted in a great chance moments later. After good Vancouver pressure won a corner kick, the resulting set piece was headed past Hultin by Hicks, but only to be cleared off the goal line by Seattle defender Kelli Smith, who played a strong game. Then on 89 minutes, Hicks fired a rising shot in a scramble, which Hultin did well to parry, with substitute Kirsteen Buchan unable to force the ball over the line, as it bounced past the post.

Finally, with two minutes gone in stoppage time, the substitutes connected for a goal. Hicks in the right corner dropped the ball back to Rachael Pelat, who had just entered the game minutes earlier. Her high cross was misplayed by Hultin, whose punch skimmed off her glove and fell for Wright at the far post. The youngster reacted quickly to stick out a leg and stab the ball over the goal line between two Seattle defenders and earn her side a valuable point.

90 FULL MINUTES

Wright, a star striker with Trinity Western University and a product of the Whitecaps Prospects program, was playing only her second game for the team, and was quick to credit her teammates for creating the goal. "It was a great ball in, and Randee Hermus got up in front of the keeper and the ball just slipped through. It was a nice little tap in for me to be there at the right time."

The Whitecaps now have two-and-a-half weeks to prepare for their next match, which is a return engagement in Seattle. Koch knows that his young side will have to work harder on keeping their shape, as their failure to do so in the first half proved costly. However, he was pleased with the way the team battled back on Saturday. "We raised the intensity level in the second half; the players showed their desire which is great to see," he said. "We created chances to score and thankfully, one of them went in."
 

TORONTO, ON -- The Toronto Lady Lynx kick off their 2009 W-League season with two matches this week, and will look to a 2008 Beijing Olympics star to lead them to their fifth consecutive playoff berth. Defender Clare Rustad joins a stellar Lady Lynx roster which will vie for the Great Lakes Division crown against annual rivals Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Rochester and Laval, and newcomers in Buffalo and Quebec City. Toronto kicks off their campaign with their annual School Day match-up Friday morning at 11:00 AM at Varsity Centre in a pre-season clash against the London Gryphons before heading across Lake Ontario for their regular season opener on Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 PM against the newly-rebranded Rochester Ravens.

National team veteran Rustad comes to Toronto after a number of seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and will join fellow national team defender Lexi Marton (Aurora) to form a formidable central defense. Fan favorite and 2006 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Justine Bernier (Oakville) joins Marton in returning from a one-season sabbatical in Vancouver with the Whitecaps and the National U-20 squad. 2007 U-19 W-League Player of the Year and Lady Lynx MVP Adrienne Ruhe Lischke (Kitchener) returns to the fold in 2009 as well, after spending the 2008 season with the Ottawa Fury. Coach Danny Stewart will look to these experienced veterans to provide solid leadership for his young squad.

The Lady Lynx return a solid core of players from their record-setting 2008 squad, including midfielder and National U20 player Allysha Chapman (Courtice) ; U17 National Team players Alyscha Mottershead (M, Brampton) and Kayla Afonso (D, Toronto); midfielder Hayley MacDonald (St. Catharines); forwards Oni Bernard (Toronto) and Tessa Dimitrakopoulos (Richmond Hill) and goalkeeper Aurelea Gumiela (Mississauga).

National U17 Captain Bryana McCarthy (F, Ajax) leads an impressive cast of newcomers with the Lady Lynx, which includes fellow U17 teammates Tiffany Cameron (F, Mississauga) and Caroline Szwed (M, Oakville); forwards Giselle Mangal (Mississauga), Nicole O’Donnell (Winnipeg) and Victoria Frederick (Huntsville, Alabama); and defender Jamie Schroter (Mississauga). Veteran W-League defender Erica Henderson comes to the Lady Lynx from Rochester to provide even more leadership and depth at the back for Toronto.

Full schedule details and ticket information are available at www.lynxsoccer.com as well as details of the 2009 Toronto Lady Lynx Summer Camps and Lynx and Lady Lynx news and features.

Tickets for Friday's School Day matinee and all Lady Lynx home games can also be purchased through the Lynx box office at 416-251-4625 x 31 or at the stadium one hour prior to kick off.

Monday May 18, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — FC Indiana was recently named the world’s sixth-ranked team according to WomensWorldFootball.com ratings, which were released on Friday, May 15.

UEFA Women’s Cup finalists FCR 2001 Duisburg (GER) remained atop the latest rankings for a fourth consecutive month, ahead of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) heavyweights LA Sol (USA) and Chicago Red Stars (USA). Boston Breakers (USA), Zvezda 2005 Perm (RUS), FC Indiana (USA), Olympic Lyon (FRA), Arsenal (ENG), FFC Frankfurt (GER) and FC Golden Pride (USA) round out the top 10.

Stabaek (NOR) has moved up two places in the latest rankings while Umea IK (SWE) which has lost five key players, moved out of top 20, going down nine places to 21st in the world.

“It’s always nice to be recognized, but I’m more concerned about where we finish the season and the process that it takes to get there,” FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski said.

The www.WomensWorldFootball.com club rankings take account of matches played over the last 12 months, with more recent results given greater weight. The next monthly www.WomensWorldFootball.com club ranking will be published on Wednesday, June 3.

World Club Rankings
1. FCR 2001 Duisburg - Germany
2. LA Sol - USA
3. Chicago Red Stars - USA
4. Boston Breakers - USA
5. Zvezda 2005 Perm - Russia
6. FC Indiana - USA
7. Olympic Lyon - France
8. Arsenal - England
9. FFC Frankfurt - Germany
10. FC Gold Pride - USA
11. Stabak - Norway
12. Malmo - Sweden
13. Djurgarden - Sweden
14. Brondby - Denmark
15. FC Nippon Beleza - Japan
16. Washington Freedom - USA
17. Sky Blue FC - USA
18. Fortuna Hjorring - Denmark
19. Saint Louis Athletica - USA
20. Montpellier - France

About FC Indiana
Based in Lafayette, Indiana and playing home matches at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, FC Indiana is the world’s leading women’s professional soccer club. FC Indiana is the most successful women’s professional soccer organization in the United States. FC Indiana is two-time Women’s Premier League Champions (2005 and 2007) and winners of the USASA Open Cup (2005 and 2008).
For more information, visit www.fcindiana.com

About the W-League
In operation since 1995, the W-League features 36 teams for the 2009 season ranging all over the United States and Canada. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing elite competition for women’s players while providing affordable family entertainment. For more information, visit www.wleague.uslsoccer.com.

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - In their 2009 home opener, the Long Island Rough Riders earned a split decision in front of a packed Cy Donnelly Stadium Saturday night. In the first match of the night, the Rough Riders Women's Team allowed a late goal en route a 1-0 loss at the hands of the New Jersey Wildcats. In the nightcap, the Rough Riders Men's Team dispatched the New Hampshire Phantoms 1-0.

As part of “Junior Rough Rider Night”, players in the Rough Riders youth program were honored in a pre-game parade, half time mini game, and served as ball kids. The boys and girls ranging from ages 8-16 were all dressed in Rough Riders blue as they cheered on the home sides.

The Rough Riders Women's Team took it to the Wildcats early in the first half, but were unable to tally a goal. Newly signed midfielder Gina DiMartino and Brooke DeRosa applied pressure early and often on New Jersey goalkeeper Robyn Jones. The Rough Riders best chance in the first half came during a scramble in the box, but as the ball was played to forward Kerri McCabe, she was found to be in an offside position, negating any opportunity.

In the second half, the Rough Riders kept the pressure one and almost capitalized on their best scoring opportunity of the match. DeRosa’s shot from inside the penalty area hit off the inside of the post and away from the goal line, must to the dismay of the 651 fans in attendance.

New Jersey took advantage of the missed opportunity and in the 76th minute, Brianna Salvia sprung Kristin Hextall who put the ball past Rough Riders goalkeeper Kim Yascenda to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

In the second half of Saturday's double header, the Rough Riders Men's Team opened their 2009 PDL campaign against the New Hampshire Phantoms. Despite some new faces in the lineup, the Rough Riders controlled the play early on and kept Phantoms goalkeeper Tim Murray on his toes with four first half shots and five corner kicks.

It was in the 40th minute that the Rough Riders grabbed the lead when Adam Himeno slipped on past Murray to give Long Island a 1-0 lead.

The game got a little chippy in the second half as four yellow cards were given. New Hampshire was only able to manage one shot in the second half and the Rough Riders were able to hold on and give goalkeeper Ryan Meara a clean sheet in his debut.

The Rough Riders next home doubleheader is Saturday, May 16th when the women’s team takes on the Boston Renegades at 7:30PM in a rematch of the 2008 W-League Eastern Conference quarterfinal, which Long Island was victorious 1-0. The Rough Riders men will host the Newark Ironbound Express at 5PM. To see the 2009 Rough Riders schedules and ticket packages, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

Saturday, May 9, 2009

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA -- The Pali Blues started the 2009 season right where they left off 2008, in front on a spirited crowd of 902 fans at the Stadium By The Sea with a 2-1 victory over the L.A. Legends.

It was a very even match throughout with each team holding the run of play in a half. In the end, it was the Legends that held the edge in shots 11-10.

“I have to say that I am very impressed with the Legends," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. “Twila and her staff did an amazing job putting the team together, as well as coaching it. That group would have been a top 3 team last season, and we are looking forward to our second match with them late in the season.”

The game was played at a very fast pace from the start as neither team could discourage the other from pressing.

The Blues opened the scoring in the 14th minute as Jodie Taylor made a clever run out of the midfield and ran onto a well weighted through pass from Emily Wynne to slot the ball into the side netting for a 1-0 lead.

The second half also started with blazing pace, and it was not long before Lauren Welch out jumped a Blues defender to nail a header from Amelia Mathis into the bottom corner of the goal to bring the game level at 1-1 in the 48th minute.

It wasn’t long until the Blues bulled the goal back and took the lead for good. In the 51st minute, Emily Wynne headed home a corner from Iris Mora for the final goal of the match and a 2-1 win for the Blues.

“On one hand, I am disappointed with our performance because we did very little of what we discussed, but I have to be happy that some of our experienced players knew how to find a way to win, one of which that had not even train with the team yet,” Naimo said. “But I also want to credit the Legends once again for making us look unorganized and showing us where we need to improve.”

The Blues are home again at 3:00 p.m. next Sunday, May 17th, for the last time until late June.
 

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski saw Corie Moore for the first time in February of 2007. He was in Detroit watching an indoor co-ed tournament when he spotted her.

“I talked to her about FC Indiana and asked her to play with us,” said Borkowski.

Borkowski, who makes it a habit of looking for players where other coaches do not, said he liked Moore’s athleticism and attitude.

“Corie has no fear of names and reputations,” said Borkowski. “She simply competes for 90 minutes.”

Since that Detroit weekend in 2007, Moore helped FC Indiana to WPSL league title, US Open Cup title and a second place finish in United Soccer Leagues W-League last year. Along the way, she helped the club beat New Zealand’s Women’s National Team, 1-0 and in the last two weekends she helped stop Heather O’Reilly and Sarah Walsh. Not bad for a player who was not recruited coming out of high school and ended up playing at the University of Findlay.

Borkowski describes Moore as a late bloomer.

"With the late developers - my philosophy is to have them playing men’s soccer from November through March,” said Borkowski. “They come back with bloody noses sometimes, but they learn the physical side, plus they get genuine criticism from male players and be under more realistic pressure. Many times going straight from college to our team is just too vast a distance."

Borkowski describes Moore as a good athlete who had to learn a lot.

“When she first came to us she was pretty raw, but now she knows when to go tight and when to drop off and the art of defending is all about reading the situation,” said Borkowski.

In her third season in Indiana, Moore feels like there is more for her to achieve.

“Graduating from Findlay, I thought I was done with soccer,” Moore said. “Now, the last two seasons increased my ambition.”

Thursday, May 14, 2009

PLAINVIEW, NY – The Long Island Rough Riders men’s and women’s teams will continue their 2009 campaigns at home this Saturday, May 16 with their second doubleheader of the season.

All fans are encouraged to bring a friend down to Cy Donnelly Stadium located at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington for the doubleheader to take advantage of a "Buy One Get One Free" ticket offer. One ticket is good for both games. The free ticket must be of equal or lesser value and only valid on individual game tickets. Not to be combined with other offers.

The Rough Riders men’s team (1-0-0) will kick off the action at 5:00 PM, facing off with the Newark Ironbound Express (2-1-0). A week after Adam Himeno’s (St. John’s University) goal and Ryan Meara’s (Fordham University) stellar goalkeeping led the team to a 1-0 victory over the New Hampshire Phantoms, the Rough Riders will look to continue to remain undefeated.

In a rematch of last season’s Northeast Division quarterfinal, the Rough Riders women’s team (0-1-0) will battle the Boston Renegades (0-1-0) at 7:30 PM. The teams met last July with a spot on the line in the Eastern Conference Final Four. Brooke DeRosa’s goal in the 83rd minute gave the Rough Riders a 1-0 victory.

Last Saturday, the women lost their opening match of the 2009 season to the New Jersey Wildcats 1-0. With just over a minute remaining in the game, the Rough Riders had their best opportunity when DeRosa had a shot go off the inside of the goalpost and bounce out. This Saturday, they’ll look to earn their first win of the season.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900 or by visiting the ticket booth at Cy Donnelly Stadium. Adult tickets are $10, Youth 16 and under are $8, and groups of 12 or more are $6 each. Season tickets and group ticket packages are also available.

The "Buy One Get One Free" offer is only valid on individual game tickets. Not to be combined with other offers.
To see the Rough Riders men’s and women’s schedules as well as the 2009 ticket packages, please visit www.liroughriders.com. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call (516) 622-3900.
 

Friday, May 15, 2009

TORONTO – The Toronto Lady Lynx kicked off their 2009 W-League campaign with a 1-0 preseason victory over the visiting London Gryphons in front of a large School Day crowd at Varsity Centre in downtown Toronto this afternoon.

Rookie Tiffany Cameron scored in her Lady Lynx debut to give Toronto the win in their one and only tune-up match prior to their regular season opener on Saturday evening in Rochester. Keepers Justine Bernier and Aurelea Gumiela split the shut-out in between the posts for the Lady Lynx.

The first half was an even affair played on a wet field with steady drizzle throughout the frame. Neither team was able to break through and find the scoresheet and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

The sun broke through the clouds as the teams took the pitch to start the second half, and Toronto saw their fortunes change in the ensuing sunshine. In the 60th minute, newcomer Victoria Frederick broke on a long run down the far side of the field, and fed a brilliant cross into the box to Cameron, who headed the ball home to give the Lady Lynx the lead.

The Gryphons rattled a shot off the post five minutes later, but were unable to crack a strong Toronto defense led by Olympian Clare Rustad in her Lady Lynx debut. Toronto controlled the play throughout the remainder of the game, and claimed their first victory of the year.

The Lady Lynx now head to Rochester to battle the newly-rebranded Ravens on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at Rochester Rhinos Stadium in their regular-season opener. Toronto then returns home for their home opener next Saturday, May 23 evening at 7:30 PM at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan for a re-match with the Gryphons. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Toronto Lynx ticket office at 416-251-4625 x 31 or at the stadium gate one hour prior to kick-off.
 

Friday May 15, 2009

LUDLOW, MA - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues will travel to Massachusetts to take on the Western Mass Lady Pioneers in the team’s inaugural W-League match Saturday. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA.

Western Mass (1-0-0) opened its season last week with a 1-0 win on the road against the New York Magic. Laura Guigli scored the goal for the visitors.

“It will be a good opportunity for us to hopefully start in the right direction,” Head Coach Jesse Kolmel said.

The Lady Blues will be looking to open their season with a win, and the task will not be easy with a downsized roster. Brittany Taylor and Sophie Reiser are away on duty with the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team, and some players are still yet to arrive in the Hudson Valley.

“I think that with the recruiting depth that we have taken the time to put together we should be ok,” Kolmel said of the match.

After one game, Western Mass is tied atop the Northeast Division with the New Jersey Wildcats and the Washington Freedom, all three of which won their opening matchups last weekend.

Next week, the Hudson Valley will officially be introduced to the Lady Blues. They will play the New York Magic in their home opener Saturday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Newburgh Free Academy.

Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues Press Release - www.quickstrikefc.com

Saturday, May 16, 2009

LUDLOW, MA - The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues kicked off their inaugural match with a 3-1 win on the road against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers Saturday night at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass. The Lady Blues dominated the first half of play. They outshot Western Mass 7 – 2 in the first half and forced eight corner kicks.

Alicia Tirelli started things off early for the Hudson Valley when her shot in the 11th minute beat Western Mass goalkeeper Amanda Schwartz but was cleared from the goal mouth by defender Brooke Johns.

Mercede Koning was also active throughout the first half. Her 16th minute shot went just wide and she continued to wreak havoc down the left flank. In the 36th minute her cross from the left side found a sliding Angelika Johansson to give the Lady Blues a 1-0 advantage.

Two minutes later, Koning’s shot from twelve yards out hit off of the outside of the post.

Defender Ashleigh Gunning ended the half with a free kick that went just wide of the far post from 20 yards out. After dominating the first half, the Lady Blues had to settle for a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

The second half was more of the same for the visitors, who were rarely threatened on the evening.

Kristen Edwards took the ball to the end line and sent a low driven cross into teammate Alicia Tirelli who redirected it into the net to give Hudson Valley a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute.

Western Mass was able to make the game more interesting in the second half. Ashlee Burt’s mistimed tackle in the 69th minute drew a penalty kick for the home side. Kacey Richards stepped up for Western Mass to cut the deficit in half to 2-1.

Nicole Hanewich then put a shot over the crossbar from three yards out in the 75th minute, which would have tied the game. Frustration continued to build for the Lady Blues as the Western Mass Lady Pioneers gained momentum.

However, the game was secured when defender Ashleigh Gunning fired a shot from 25 yards out that found the upper 90 of the goal frame and gave the Lady Blues a 3-1 victory.

Fans can follow play-by-play action of every Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues game on www.twitter.com/QuickstrikeFC

“It’s our first game and we have a lot of pieces to put together, but I’m excited about where we started,” said Gunning. “It’s a good starting point.”

Box Score:

Hudson Valley 3 – 1 Western Mass

Goals:
36th minute HV GOAL– Angelika Johansson (Assist: Mercede Koning)
55th minute HV GOAL– Alicia Tirelli (Assist: Kristen Edmonds)
69th minute WM GOAL – Kacey Richards (PK)
87th minute HV GOAL – Ashleigh Gunning (Assist: Elise Fugowski)
 

Despite threatening weather throughout most of the day, game time was met with clear skies and cool temperatures. The first half of play featured some quality play for both sides, yet neither team could make a notch on the scoreboard. The Majestics best chance of the half came when newcomer Katya Arruda gathered a loose ball deep in Piranha territory and spun uncontested at the Hampton Roads net. The alertness of Piranha goalkeeper Vicki Johnson kept the home-side safe when she bolted forward and smothered the ball at the feet of Arruda.

The Piranhas nearly scored late in the half when veteran Mercy Akide fired a rocket into the upper corner of the Majestic goal from twenty five yards out. Northern Virginia keeper Kerri Butler made a spectacular save, tipping the shot just wide of the net and keeping the game scoreless at the half.

The game was decided midway through the second half by Hampton Roads substitute Gordon. Piranha midfielder Wendy Waddell fed a ball to Gordon, who lifted it over Northern Virginia keeper Butler for the first tally of the night in the 74th minute. Gordon capped the scoring in the 79th minute, calmly tucking the ball into the net from teammate Emily Kittleson for the 2-0 victory.

Northern Virginia continues on the road next weekend, traveling to face the Tampa Bay Hellenic next Saturday, May 23rd. The Majestics return home the following week on Saturday, May 30th, to face the Cary Clarets at Hellwig Field in Manassas, Virginia. The Majestics are hosting a Pink Out event to raise money for the Mary Kay Ash foundation. Match time is set for 6:00PM.
 

Saturday, May 16, 2009

South Huntington, N.Y. – Coming off a split decision last week in their opening night doubleheader, the Long Island Rough Riders men’s and women’s teams bounced back in their final home games before hitting the road. In the doubleheader opener, the Rough Riders men’s team defeated the Newark Ironbound Express 3-1 and the women’s team played to a 0-0 tie with the Boston Renegades.

On a dreary, overcast night, the Rough Riders men did not take long to get the crowd of 535 at Cy Donnelly Stadium on their feet. In the eighth minute, Mike Palacio drilled a beautiful left-footed shot just outside of the penalty area and into the upper left-hand corner passed Newark goalkeeper Troy Hernandez for an early 1-0 lead. Just ten minutes later, Palacio would add to a memorable night when he stuffed home a pass from Moussa Keita to put the Rough Riders up two.

Newark would claw back in the 60th minute when Edison Bilbao headed home a cross from Chris Karcz, cutting the lead in half. It was in the 72nd when the Rough Riders would add an insurance tally and give Palacio his third goal of the night off a cross from Ben Arikian.

Man of the match Palacio was given a big ovation when he was replaced in the 76th minute by Chris Cox.

The victory puts the Rough Riders men (2-0-0) in a tie for first place in the Northeast Division with Newark. Long Island has two games in hand.

The men travel to Ocean City, N.J. today for a meeting with the Barons (0-0-1) with their hopes of qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup still alive.

In the second game, the Rough Riders women’s team could not capitalize on their two best chances of the game and held on for a scoreless draw with the Boston Renegades.

Goalkeeper Kim Yascenda made 14 saves, staving off a ferocious Renegades attack in the first half.

In the second half, it was the Rough Riders turn to carry the attack and it almost paid off twice. A Brooke DeRosa volley caromed off the cross-bar and then a Kerri McCabe shot was denied by the inside of the goalpost, the same post that denied DeRosa a goal a week ago.

The draw leaves Boston (0-1-1) and the Rough Riders (0-1-1) in a four-way tie at the bottom of the Northeast Division through two games at the moment. Next week, the Rough Riders women will travel to Western Massachusetts and Connecticut for two key Northeast Division fixtures.

The Rough Riders next home doubleheader is Saturday, May 30th when the women’s team takes on the Washington Freedom at 5PM and the men will host the Rhode Island Stingrays at 7:30PM. For more information the Rough Riders 2009 schedule or to purchase tickets, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.
 

Friday, May 8, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues announced today the signing of Elise Fugowski, Amanda DaCosta, and Meghan Taylor, all three of whom have previous experience with Quickstrike FC.

All three are local players who participated in Quickstrike FC’s program previously and continue to stay involved with the club as both players and youth coaches.

“That’s what we are trying to build – players being able to play in the system and then come back to play at the next level,” said Head Coach Jesse Kolmel. “So, I think this is a true sign of the direction that we to go in.”

DaCosta joins the team after enjoying another successful season with Florida State University. The Katonah, NY native helped Florida State make a run all the way to the NCAA National Championship match in 2007, her freshman year.

As a U.S. youth international player, DaCosta provides great experience to any team she plays for. Now, she will bring her versatile and dynamic midfield play back to the Hudson Valley with the Lady Blues.

“She is one of the most technical players that I have seen at the college level,” Kolmel said.

Fugowski comes over from the University of Connecticut, where Lady Blues’ teammate Brittany Taylor also plays. Fugowski played in all 22 games for the Huskies last year, starting 17 of them, and is an exciting addition to the squad.

“Elise is a spark plug,” Kolmel said. “She is extremely athletic. She keeps running and she will create things off of her work rate and athleticism.”

Capable of playing as a forward or in the midfield, Fugowski also provides versatility to a Hudson Valley team that is still taking shape.

Finally, Meghan Taylor has signed with the Lady Blues and will play alongside younger sister Brittany. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to what will be a young team, something Kolmel is looking forward to.

“Meghan is a true defender,” he said. “She is one of our older players, so hopefully she brings her poise and calmness to the back that we need.”

Taylor also serves as coach of Quickstrike FC’s U-12 girls’ team.

The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues will begin their inaugural season in the Northeast Division of the W-League on the road against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers on Saturday, May 16. The Lady Blues play the New York Magic in their home opener Saturday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Newburgh Free Academy.
 

"We are excited to have these elite college players join our club,” Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra said. “We believe that they will have a good experience here with the Freedom. Our goal is to return them to their respective colleges as better players and help them develop into professionals after they are finished with college.”

Bennett-Hattan was part of the 2008 Washington Freedom W-League team that won the Northeast Division and Eastern Conference titles. She holds the record for career shutouts in Syracuse women’s soccer history. In 2006, Bennett-Hattan set the Syracuse single-season records for goals against average (0.94) and save percentage (.862).

Cords previously played for the Freestate Shooters, an affiliate team of the Freedom, under current W-League assistant coach Win Puffer. In 2008, Cords earned America East All-Conference First Team honors. As a freshman in 2007, she was named to the America East All-Rookie Team, named to the Soccer Buzz All-Northeast All-Freshman Team, was the team’s Rookie of the Year, and was the only freshman to start all 21 games.

Grant has played for the Washington Freedom’s U-20 and W-League squads. She was a U-20 All-Tournament Team selection from the Freedom in 2008. Grant was a member of the McLean Freedom, which was a regional finalist squad in 2008. In high school, Grant earned 2007 Second Team All-Met honors.

Miskel started in all 23 games for Virginia in 2007 and was second on the team in assists (6), three of which came on game-winning goals. In 2006, Miskel was named to the Soccer Buzz Freshman All-Mid Atlantic Region team. During high school, she was an NSCAA All-American, as well as a two-time Gatorade Florida Player of the Year.

Pont garnered First-Team All-Ivy League honors in 2008. She led the conference in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (.862). Pont’s goals against average ranked 9th nationally and her save percentage ranked 13th.

Toulouse appeared in 20 games for Virginia in 2007. In high school she was named to the NSCAA All-Region team and was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection. Toulouse has also trained in Sao Paulo, Brazil on various occasions.

Watson has played for both the Washington Freedom U-20 and W-League teams. She first attended Marshall where she led the Thundering Herd in goals (6), assists (4) and points (15). She transferred to ODU after her freshman year where she became their first ever Scholar All-American. She ranks among ODU's all-time best players, tied for 7th in career points (42), 9th in career goals (14), and 3rd in career assists (14).

Wolfe played for Damascus Spirit of Freedom, a youth team the Washington Freedom provided coaching support to. Wolfe was also a 2004 Washington Freedom reserve player. At Richmond, Wolfe led her team in shots, assists, goals, and points. She received All-Rookie, All-Conference, All-Tournament and All-State honors.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues announced today the official signing of alumna Brittany Taylor. The University of Connecticut star is the first official signing for the Lady Blues, who will compete in their first season of the United Soccer League’s W-League this summer.

A native of Campbell Hall, NY, Taylor is a familiar name to locals. The Washingtonville High School graduate garnered numerous awards throughout high school, including New York State Player of the Year in her senior campaign.

Taylor has previous experience with Quickstrike FC’s youth program, having played for the club before. She was an Eastern New York State Cup finalist for the U-19 squad, and was part of the Super-20 team that made it to the national finals.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to come home to a club that has been working hard to provide female athletes a great opportunity to be able to play professionally in the future,” Taylor said. “And, to be able to come back to an area where I grew up in and have a lot of people looking up to me – it’s a great opportunity to have in the Hudson Valley.”

Taylor is versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, giving the Lady Blues several options entering the season. In her freshman year, she led the Huskies in goals with eight and was tied for first on the team in her sophomore year with seven.

Showing her versatility, Taylor made the switch to defender in 2007, her junior year, leading the Huskies to their best defensive season ever. This, combined with her experience, makes Taylor a very valuable asset to Head Coach Jesse Kolmel and the Lady Blues.

“Versatility and leadership are the two things that I am demanding out of Brittany,” Kolmel said. “If you need to score a goal she is more than willing to go up top and make that happen, but obviously if you need to shut things down defensively, she can do that as well -- from a coaching position it is great to have somebody like Brittany.”

Taylor will be a red-shirt senior at UConn in the fall, and also has experience with the United States Youth National Teams.

The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues will begin their inaugural season in the Northeast Division of the W-League on the road against the Western Mass Lady Pioneers on Saturday, May 16. The Lady Blues play the New York Magic in their home opener Saturday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Newburgh Free Academy.
 

Thursday, May 7, 2009
 
PLAINVIEW, NY – The Long Island Rough Riders men’s and women’s teams will kick off the franchises 16th season this Saturday, May 9th at Cy Donnelly Stadium located at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington.

With their new home, the Rough Riders schedule will feature six doubleheaders among the nine home dates between the men’s and women’s teams. The season will kick off this Saturday with the Rough Riders women facing the New Jersey Wildcats at 5:00 PM and then at 7:30 PM, the Rough Riders men will take on the New Hampshire Phantoms.

The 2009 Rough Riders men’s team will feature a couple of local college standouts. Joel Gustafsson and Tadeu Terra (St. John’s University), Josh Cruz (NYIT), and Richard Martinez (Hofstra) will all feature this season alongside former MLS players Chris Aloisi, Gary Flood, Mike Palacios, and Chris Megaloudis. A season after missing the playoffs by one victory, the Rough Riders men will look to make their mark in the United Soccer League’s Northeast Division, which features the Brooklyn Knights and Westchster Flames as local rivals.

A year after qualifying for the USL’s Eastern Conference Final Four, the Rough Riders women will have a handful of familar faces in their 2009 lineup. Veterans Kerri McCabe and Brooke DeRosa will attempt to lead the side back to the W-League playoffs for a second consecutive year. Joining them in their efforts will be United States Under-20 National Team player Gina DiMartino as well as Courtney Curby and Jenna McKeon, who will be returning for their second season with the Rough Riders.

Tickets are available for the Rough Riders home opener on Saturday, May 9th at Cy Donnelly Stadium located at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington. Individual tickets will be available at the main gate. Adult tickets are $10, Youth 16 and under are $8, and groups of 12 or more are $6 each. Season tickets and group ticket packages are also available by calling the Rough Riders at (516) 622-3900.

To see the Rough Riders men’s and women’s schedules as well as the 2009 ticket packages, please visit www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900. 
 

Thursday, May 7, 2009

 NAPERVILLE, IL – The Chicago Red Eleven has announced that former Olympian and veteran women’s soccer player Emi Yamamoto has agreed to play for the club for the 2009 W-League season. The Red Eleven is the exclusive amateur affiliate of the Chicago Red Stars (of the Women’s Professional Soccer league), as well as the team’s exclusive W-League affiliate in the state of Illinois.

Yamamoto was a member of Japan’s National Team in 2003-04 and participated in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. She was also a representative on the Japanese team in the 2003 Asian Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003 (played in the United States). In all, Yamamoto has a total of 22 international caps to her credit.

She has also been a member of the Tasaki Perule Football Club in Japan from 2000-08. Yamamoto was the top rookie in the L-League in 2000 and her teams have won three All-Japan championships in 2003, 2004 and 2007.

Prior to bursting onto Japan’s national – and the international – soccer scene in 2000, Yamamoto earned a name for herself as a stand-out high school and youth player. She began her soccer career by playing on her elementary school’s boys soccer club team in 1988. By 1997, she was a member of her youth soccer team that placed third in the All-Japan Junior championships. In 1998, her team won the Japanese Youth Soccer Championship and Yamamoto earned the tournament’s “MVP” award. She followed that with an All-Japan High School championship in 1999.

“Emi will be a great addition for the Chicago Red Eleven,” said team owner and CEO Ted Gradel. “She is very charismatic and an exciting player to watch. She will also add to the ‘international’ flavor of our team’s roster for this inaugural season for our organization.”

The Red Eleven open W-League play on May 17 at FC Indiana. The team’s first home game is May 27 in Lisle, Ill.
 

Wednesday, May 7, 2009

FORT COLLINS, CO - Stocked with 13 returning starters from last season, the Colorado Force FC will kick off its 2009 W-League campaign on May 27 with a home match against the Seattle Sounders.

The Force FC roster features two national standouts Nikki Marshall and Carly Peetz, both recently invited to the pool of potential players for the U.S. Women’s Under-23 National Team. Marshall, a midfielder for the Force last summer, was among the top performers last fall for the U.S. Under-20 side’s World Cup title in Chile. Marshall anchored the U.S. team’s defense, and was named Woman of the Match in the championship game against North Korea. Marshall plays collegiately for the University of Colorado, and was a high school standout at Skyline High School in Longmont.

"I’m very excited Nikki Marshall will be consistently available to play with us and not have her U.S. National team training obligations," said Force Head Coach Craig Deacon, who is back for his fifth straight season. Marshall was forced to miss several games in the 2008 season while the U.S. U-20 team was involved in World Cup qualifying play.

Carly Peetz, one of the W-League’s top central defenders in 2008, returns to the Force after achieving All-Big 12 honors for the University of Nebraska. Peetz, from Lincoln, Neb., has also previously played for the U-20 and U-21 national teams. Two of Peetz’ Nebraska teammates who will be joining the Force, Shay Powell and Molly Thomas, could also be instrumental for the team’s success. Powell was Nebraska’s leading scorer last fall, and was a member of the W-League’s Ottawa Fury in 2008 while also being named to the W-League All-League Team.

"Shay Powell is a proven scorer and was an impact player for Nebraska and Ottawa. I’m confident she’ll treat Force fans to some spectacular goals," said Deacon.

As a freshman, Thomas made the Big 12’s all-newcomer team and was second to Powell in scoring for the Cornhuskers.

Other returning regulars from the 2008 season include: Sara Campbell, Sally Cole, Emmalie Pfankuch, Alex Cousins, Cayla Deacon, Maggie Doe, Estelle Johnson, Lisa Kosena, Kara Linder, Mo Smunt and Julie Williford. Cousins (Colorado), Doe (Loyola, Chicago), Johnson (Kansas) and Pfankuch (North Carolina) are all Fort Collins-area high school stars who currently playing Division I college soccer.

"One of the most exciting things is that we’ll be bringing nucleus of team back together," Deacon said. "Previously, we’ve only had a handful of returning core players. It’s huge to not have to rebuild that nucleus. That said, the depth of the team is likely the biggest change between this team and last years. In 2008, we had 10 good starters, but will now have depth to push us through the deep part of season."
 

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

BRIDGEVIEW, ILL. – The Chicago Red Stars of Women’s Professional Soccer and the Chicago Red Eleven, playing its inaugural season as a member of the W-League, have announced an affiliation agreement between the two organizations. With the agreement, the Red Eleven becomes the exclusive amateur affiliate of the Red Stars, as well as the team’s exclusive W-League affiliate in the state of Illinois.

The affiliation agreement will not only involve player personnel development, but also strives to build a strong tie that fosters the growth of women’s soccer in the Chicagoland area and the entire state of Illinois. Among the two organizations’ synergies will be cross promotions involving signage at both teams’ home games, merchandise sales, player appearances, web site links and participation in youth camps and clinics.

Another component of the agreement will be an exhibition game between the Red Stars and Red Eleven, tentatively scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30 at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., the Red Eleven’s home match venue.

The affiliation agreement is a winning proposition for all concerned, according to Red Stars General Manager Marcia McDermott.

“The Chicago Red Stars are happy to partner with the Red Eleven,” McDermott said. “This agreement provides a fantastic opportunity to help expand the reach of women’s soccer in Illinois. We look forward to working with the club and its fans to increase awareness and participation in our sport.”

Red Eleven owner Ted Gradel echoed McDermott’s sentiments about the agreement.

"The Red Eleven is proud and excited about our affiliation with the Red Stars," said Gradel. "They are a first-class organization and are committed to doing things the right way. I believe this will be great for women’s soccer in this region and for the fan base of both organizations. There will be lots of mutually beneficial opportunities for fans and the community, thanks to this affiliation agreement."

The Red Stars open their season this Saturday on the road against St. Louis Athletica. Space is still available on a fan bus headed for St. Louis – transportation and game tickets can be purchased through The Globe pub at 773-871-3757. The Red Stars will play their historic game-opener at TOYOTA PARK in Bridgeview, Ill., on Sunday, April 19th against Sky Blue FC. Season tickets, starting at only $120 for 10 regular season games plus two bonus games, are on sale now. Call (866) WPS-2009 or log on to www.chicagoredstars.com to reserve your seats.

The Red Eleven kick off its 2009 campaign on May 17 at FC Indiana in Indianapolis.

Wednesday, April 21, 2009

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA – The Pali Blues Soccer Club made two key acquisitions to their 2009 roster recently, bringing on board a pair of standouts from the University of North Carolina. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Whitney Engen were announced as the two newest members of the Blues, who will begin their USL W-League title defense at home on Saturday, May 9, when they host the Los Angeles Legends.

"These additions are critical to the team,” Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo said. “We have had considerable success building up our attacking options thus far, but adding Whitney and Ashlyn brings us closer to matching the defensive crew we had last year."

Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris has played between the pipes for UNC since her freshman season. Heading into her senior year this fall, Harris already has a pair of NCAA championships backstopping the Tar Heels on her college resume. Prior to heading to Chapel Hill, the Florida native had a stellar career playing at Satellite High School on the eastern coast of the Sunshine State. After four outstanding seasons, Harris became the first four-time Parade Magazine All-American in women’s high school soccer history, and she secured NSCAA All-America honors all four years as well. She led the Scorpions to a pair of state championships (2002, 2003), and she capped off her 2004 senior year with Gatorade and Parade Magazine National Player of the Year accolades.

Harris has also played significant minutes with the U.S. National Team at virtually every level, and she is a current member of the U-23 squad. She has already reached major heights during her time suiting up for her country, winning the inaugural FIFA U-19 World Championship as a member of the United States side.

"I have been speaking with Ashlyn for years to join my team, and now she is finally available,” Naimo said. “She is one of the best keepers in the nation. She is acrobatic, amazing with her feet and knows how to lead. Ashlyn is also no stranger to winning. She was part of the first-ever U-19 Gold Medal team and has two national championships in the past three years at UNC.”

Whitney Engen brings three years of experience as a starter at UNC, playing in front of Harris as both a forward and a defender. The California native also has a pair of NCAA titles to her credit, notching 57 points on 18 goals and 21 assists in her first two collegiate seasons before unselfishly moving to the Tar Heel backline for her junior campaign last fall. Engen started all 28 games for the national champions, contributing three assists to the UNC attack. The Palos Verdes Peninsula High School graduate played nine years of club soccer, logging the last four years with Slammers FC. While playing for Newport Beach club, she helped her team to back-to-back state and regional championships (2004, 2005).

"Whitney is a rare athlete with a winning pedigree as well,” Naimo remarked. “Before UNC she was a part of the Slammers club that is a championship machine, and she has since has gone on to win two national titles with the Tar Heels. What is unique about Whit is that she was a leading scorer at UNC as a freshman and this past season was one of the best backs in the country while leading the Heels to another trophy."

With the latest acquisitions of Harris and Engen, the Blues have built another top-flight roster after sending 15 players from their 2008 W-League championship team to Women’s Professional Soccer. The team will open their league title defense against the Los Angeles Legends at the Stadium by the Sea on Saturday, May 9, at 6:00 PM, attempting to set a world record for most people juggling a soccer ball at one time during halftime of the season opener. For more information about that world record attempt or to purchase tickets, fans are encouraged to call Blues General Manager Jason Lemire at (310) 264-4649 or by logging onto www.bluessoccerclub.com.
 

Thursday, April 2, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Legends FC Soccer Club recently announced that Charney Burk and Kylie Doniak are joining the Legends FC W-League team for the 2009 season.

“Charney and Kylie exemplify the direction we are headed with Legends FC,” said LA Legends General Manager Ramon Reid. “Both are talented on the field, great students in the classroom, but more importantly, both are phenomenal young women.”

Burk, a native of Tustin, California, recently completed her freshman season at Portland University in the fall. She made an immediate impact, starting 20 games and totaling 11 points for the 20-2 and fifth ranked Pilots. Awards following the season included WCC All Freshman as well as Honorable Mention All WCC.

Prior to arriving at Portland, Charney was a youth U.S. Club National Champion, as well as a USYSA National Champion. She was also a 2007 NSCAA Youth All American as well as 2008 Parade Magazine All American. Her 2006 Cal South ODP team captured the U.S. National Championship.

Charney comes to Legends FC with U.S. National Team credentials as well. She is a current member of the U18 U.S. National Team. She has been a member of the U.S. U15, U16, and U17 National Teams in recent years. She also has represented the U.S. in Holland, Spain and Italy.

“Charney is an incredible play-making midfielder,” said Reid. “She brings international experience and creativity to our team. We are looking forward to the personality and passion she brings on and off the field.”

Doniak, a native of Chino Hills, California, finished her freshmen season at the University of Texas this past fall. She is a midfielder and started all 20 matches in which she played for the 18th ranked Longhorns. Following the season, she was named to the Soccer Buzz All Central Region Freshman Team.

She was also a member a two Cal South National Cup Championships as well as a World Youth Cup Championship in Sweden. Last summer she participated in the 2008 USYSA National Championships in Arkansas.

Kylie has been a member of the U.S. National Team from 2006-2008. She recently was called to the U18 National Team that participated in France and Denmark. While in Europe, Kylie was able to show her versatility in playing central defender.

“Kylie is a big time player,” said Reid. “She has the ability to do it all on the field – attacking, defending and set pieces. Like a lot of our players, she is a wonderful young lady with a bright future.”

L.A. Legends open the 2009 USL W-League season against the defending league champion Pali Blues. The game will be played at Stadium By The Sea on Saturday, May 9. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM.

Monday, May 4, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — United Soccer Leagues W-League side FC Indiana managed to do what no other team has, beat the Chicago Red Stars and score three goals in the process. Still, Head Coach Shek Borkowski was critical of his midfield play after his side’s 3-2 win in Indianapolis on Saturday night.

"The result is important but the performance was not good enough," said Borkowski. “Our midfield performance over 90 minutes must improve. We were too careless in possession, defended too deep in the last 15 minutes and our fitness still is not where it should be.”

While Borkowski’s "never good enough" attitude may have merit, debutant forward Lisa-Marie Woods was impressive and winger Laura Del Rio looked a constant threat going forward, while Mizuho Sakaguchi and Fatima Leyva bossed the midfield.

The Spanish Del Rio was ruthless yet mesmerizing in the way she finished with a clinical 40th minute first goal, and propelled FC Indiana into fifth gear, which the Lionesses maintained throughout the night, battering their WPS opponents for two more goals in the last 45 minutes. The first was a composed finish by Woods after she dispossessed Dieke in the 55 minute and another Del Rio goal in the 70 was the game-winner.

FC INDIANA: Lynn, Nonen, Gayle, Moore, Sakaguchi (Andrews 52), Leyva, Moscato, Woods, Luik, Lyons (Wilson 60), Del Rio.
Goals: Del Rio 40, 70, Woods 55

CHICAGO RED STARS: Williams, Dieke, Spilger (Young 60), Wenino (Ostberg 46), Igwe, Lloyd, Carney, Oaks, Cristiane, Rapinoe, Masar
Goals: Lloyd 22, Spilger 34

SHOTS: FCI 12, CRS 7
SOG: FCI 8, CRS 4
Saves: FCI 1, CRS 1
Corners: FCI 8, CRS 5

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN— The FC Indiana women’s soccer team will host a game against Sky Blue FC of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league on Tuesday, April 21, at Kuntz Soccer Stadium. Game time is slated for 7 PM.

FC Indiana, who posted a 22-1-1 record in 2008, will welcome three 2008 Olympic gold medal winners currently on the U.S. national team roster – Captain Christie Rampone, Heather O’Reilly and Natasha Kai. Australian WNT stars Collette McCallum and Sarah Walsh will also travel to Indianapolis. The Sky Blue FC is led by Head Coach Ian Sawyers.

Information on ticket packages as well as the promotions also can be found at www.FCIndiana.com or fci-widget.eventbrite.com. Full season tickets, mini plans and group tickets are available at Kuntz Stadium, by visiting www.fci-widget.eventbrite.com or by calling 765-337-7251.

About FC Indiana
Based in Lafayette, Indiana and playing home matches at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, FC Indiana is the world’s leading women’s professional soccer club. FC Indiana is the most successful women’s professional soccer organization in the United States. FC Indiana is two-time Women’s Premier League Champions (2005 and 2007) and winners of the USASA Open Cup (2005 and 2008). For more information, visit www.fcindiana.com.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – With opening day a little over a month away, the Pali Blues Soccer Club announced today the addition of University of Connecticut product Karyn Riviere and Florida State freshman Ella Stephan. The duo looks to make immediate contributions to the Blues, who begin their USL W-League title defense on Saturday, May 9, against the Los Angeles Legends at the Stadium by the Sea.

"We are pleased to add another pair of great players from two fantastic college programs," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. “Karyn will give us depth in our attack as she brings quality Big East experience to the table, while Ella could make an easy adjustment to our style and contribute in a holding midfield or role in the back line. We are excited to have both of these wonderful players call Pali home this season."

Riviere has spent time playing both an attacking and defending role over her soccer career, and she had four years of success while playing at UConn. She tallied a total of 44 points during the time she suited up for the Huskies, notching 16 goals and 12 assists. Following her senior season, she was named the Connecticut College Player of the Year and got the nod to the All-New England Second Team. The versatile Riviere spent the past two years playing with the New England Mutiny of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, mainly protecting the Mutiny back line over the past two seasons.

Ella Stephan, a multifaceted player, will head back to Tallahassee this fall to play her sophomore campaign at Florida State University, but she will first bring her decorated resume to the Blues. The dual role player was a member of the U.S. U-17 National Team and most recently played with the U.S. U-20 National Team at the Four Nations Tournament in LaSerena, Chile. A 2007 and 2008 Parade All-American, Stephan started for six seasons at Satellite High School on the eastern coast of Florida. During her senior year, she captained her high school side to a 2007 state championship and garnered many individual accolades for her efforts. She was selected the All-Space Coast Player of the Year, NSCAA/adidas High School Player of the Year, Wendy’s High School Heisman Award winner, and she was additionally named the Gatorade Player of the Year. This past fall, she started 21 contests for the Seminoles, playing the fourth most minutes on the team.

“How do you defend a National Championship," Blues General Manager Jason Lemire asked. "You need a combination of youth and experience. Charlie is putting together another fantastic team, and we are excited to have Karyn and Ella aboard."

The USL W-League played its inaugural season in 1995, and it is recognized as the premiere development league for female players in North America. The Pali Blues Soccer Club was the winner of the 2008 W-League championship in just its first season of play, and the team will open their second season against the Los Angeles Legends at the Stadium by the Sea on Saturday, May 9th, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased today by calling (310) 264-4649.
 

Monday, April 20, 2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - The Hampton Roads Piranhas organization announced that it will partner with the WPL's Washington Freedom for the 2009 season. The Piranhas' women's team will join the Freedom as a local affiliate, and the teams will help identify players for each team's player pools. The Piranhas will also set up exhibition, preseason and postseason matches for the Freedom.

"We are proud to announce an affiliation agreement with the Hampton Roads Piranhas," said Jim Gabarra, the Freedom's Head Coach. "This formalizes a long standing working relationship between two quality soccer organizations. This relationship will continue to evolve into one that will benefit both clubs in broad age group player development, brand awareness and cross promotional efforts."

The Hampton Roads Piranhas will celebrate their 15th season in 2009. Kicking off in 1995 with only a women's squad, the club now fields a Professional Development League men's side and has developed into one of the most respected USL organizations.

The Piranhas' W-League side, led by former Piranhas standout defender Wendy Kotwas Waddell, will open on Friday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Charlotte. Waddell is returning for her second season at the helm.

The PDL team, under the guidance of former PDL Coach of the Year Jon Hall, will open it's 2009 season on May 9 at home vs. the Virginia Legacy at 7 p.m. Hall marks his third season leading the PDL squad.

Season tickets are available now through the Piranhas' new fan-friendly website, www.hrpiranhas.com or by calling 757-641-4460.
 

Monday, April 27, 2009

OTTAWA, ONT –The Ottawa Fury are pleased to announce that New Zealand Internationals Ria Percival and Amber Hearn will be joining the Fury for the 10th Anniversary season. The Ottawa Fury have often found tremendous success when dipping into the International talent pool and are confident that they will once against find success with these additions.

Both Percival and Hearn have experience on the International stage - most recently representing New Zealand at the Cyprus Cup.

"It is always tremendous to add players with International experience to any team's roster," said Fury W-League Assistant Coach Dom Oliveri. "We are extremely excited to have players of their caliber added to our roster and we are looking for them to make an immediate impact on our squad."

Ria Percival, 19, is a tenacious defender that split her 2008 season between FC Indiana of the W-League and Auckand's Lynn Avon United while also representing New Zealand at the 2008 Summer Olympics games and the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Percival made her International debut with the Football Ferns in 2006 and went on to represent New Zealand at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Amber Hearn, 24, is an experienced striker who returned to her home town-club, Lynn Avon AFC, to play in 2008 after spending time with Arsenal and Doncaster in England. As a teenager in 2004, Hearn joined Arsenal who captured both the FA Women's Premier League and League Cup and reached the semifinals of the UEFA Women's Champions League. Hearn represented New Zealand in the 2008 Summer Olympic games, starting in each of their group games where she scored on a penalty in a 2-2 draw with Japan. She has also represented New Zealand at the U-17 and U-20 level.

With Hearn and Percival having played together at both the International level and the Club level (with Lynn-Avon) the Fury hope that this dynamic Kiwi-duo will play a crucial role in helping the Fury in their quest for a W-League championship having been finalists in 2005 and 2006.

For more information on this or any other story please contact Graeme Ivory, Communication & Program Coordinator with the Ottawa Fury at 613.235.3879 or graeme.ivory@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 7, 2009

ATLANTA, GA - The Silverbacks W-League announced today their first annual Disability Awareness Event to fundraise for four local charities. The Silverbacks, in conjunction with Heavenly Wheels, have improved the accessibility for handicapped and disabled Atlantans and will also be donating half of all the ticket proceeds to four local charity groups.

"There are a number of amazing charity organizations that are working to improve the lives of individuals right here in our community. We are proud to be able to provide a fun and entertaining evening, while raising both awareness and money to help them further their cause," commented Atlanta Silverbacks Women’s General Manager, Laura Fedrigo.

The four local charity groups, BLAZE4Life, Hi-Hope Service Center, Dream House and the Fernando Foundation will all have representation at the event. BLAZE4Life and one of the Fernando Foundation Power Chair Soccer Teams will also have demonstrations at halftime.

Fans can purchase tickets at the game for $10 (cash only at the gate) or can pre-purchase tickets: by calling the Atlanta Silverbacks 404-969-4900 or Heavenly Wheels 404-284-4905, email laura.fedrigo@atlantasilverbacks.com, or can pick tickets up at the Quin Group Office on Jimmy Carter in Norcross or at the Heavenly Wheels Store at Discovery Mills in Duluth.

"Heavenly Wheels was founded to help individuals with disabilities live life to the fullest. We are honored to be able to partner with the Silverbacks to improve the accessibility to this awesome facility and at the same time provide funds to local organizations dedicated to serving and improving the lives of individuals and their families dealing with disabilities and medical needs," said Heavenly Wheel’s President and Founder, John Glee.

BLAZE4Life is an organization that strengthens families by providing violence prevention education to youth-at risk, adults with developmental disabilities and other individuals in need of Violence Prevention Training through Health Promotion Programs and Martial Arts.

Hi-Hope Service Center supports adults with developmental disabilities through employment, leisure, residential, private home care, health, and advocacy services. This comprehensive array of supports is intended to increase and sustain independence through training, skill building, community service and lifelong learning opportunities.

Dream House is a 501(c)3 children’s charity teaching families and communities how to help kids with very complex health issues live at home. The ground-breaking, hospital-to-home Dream House Family for Keepsâ„¢ Transition Care Program is setting the standard for the home care of Georgia’s medically fragile children.

The Fernando Foundation exists to support and promote disabled athletics worldwide. Focusing specifically on the sport of Power Soccer, the FF partners with the US Power Soccer Association to launch new powerchair soccer teams, to host regional and national tournaments, and to support the Southeastern Power Soccer League and their local teams, the Atlanta Synergy and Tigers.

BUFFALO , NEW YORK —The Buffalo Flash of United Soccer Leagues W-League continue to bolster their impressive roster as they recently announced that they have signed Ameera Abdullah, an NSCAA All-American from the University of Florida, and Jessica O’Rourke, a North Carolina State alum who was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars as the 58th pick.

Abdullah, who was drafted by the FC Gold Pride of the WPS, comes off a stand out career as a Gator where she played in 83 games, scoring 25 goals and registering 18 assists. During her career, Abdullah was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) first team twice and All SEC second team once, while making the All SEC Tournament team three times. In her junior season, Abdullah was named to the MAC Hermann trophy watch and has been named a NSCAA all American twice during her career.

"Ameera is a very, very exciting player,” said Flash Head Coach Aaran Lines. “She will bring another dimension to our team with her pace down the flank and ability to take players on in a one-on-one situation. She is a dangerous player and I will look for her to be extremely productive in our attack."

The Denver, Colorado native also brings international experience to the squad as she played on the U-16, U-17 U.S. National Teams and attended the U.S. National U-20 Camp, and most recently appeared with the U.S. U-23 National Team. Abdullah has five appearances and one assist with the US Youth National Teams.

O’Rourke comes to the city of good neighbors after appearing in 70 games for NC State, hitting the back of the net 10 times, and assisting on 10 other goals. O’Rourke had a breakout year as a junior in the one of the nation’s most competitive collegiate conferences, leading her team in scoring and being named to the ACC team of the week.

O’Rourke is no stranger to the W-League. Last season she appeared in the W-League Championship in Virginia Beach, where she scored FC Indiana’s only goal in the championship game. She was named to the W-League Championship All Tournament Team for her all around tireless effort, defensively and offensively. O’Rourke also has experience playing with the New Jersey Wildcats for two seasons prior to her tenure with FCI.

“I was very impressed with Jessica’s play at the W-League Championship,” said Lines. “She showed great versatility and demonstrated that she can not only defend, but be an offensive threat. She has a tireless work rate and comes to our squad with intangible experience in appearing in the championship weekend.”

Abdullah and O’Rourke are the second and third players to have signed with Buffalo after being drafted by the WPS.

“It is clear that the Buffalo Flash is the place to be for all women’s elite players looking to reach the next level,” said Lines. “We are spearheading a platform here in Buffalo for women to work on their game with no cost associated to elevate them to their ultimate goal, WPS. We are the gateway to women’s professional soccer.”

The Buffalo Flash opens their schedule against the Quebec City Arsenal on Sunday, May 24 in Orchard Park, New York. To order season tickets, visit www.buffaloflashsoccer.com or call 716-655-7529.

Monday, April 13, 2009

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – With their 2009 W-League opener less than a month away, the New Jersey Wildcats announce today two key acquisitions for the upcoming season. 2007 W-League Eastern Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Robin Jones and La Salle University graduate Kristin Hextall have made official their intentions to join the Wildcats for their 14th year of play.

“Robin has tremendous hands to go with great technical ability,” Wildcats head coach Dave Barbour stated. “She reads the game very well, and from what I’ve seen of her so far, it is clear that she has the ability to play at the next level.”

A native of Roseburg, Oregon, Jones attended The Pennington School and finished her high school career with a cumulative 66-9-8 record, posting a school best 50 shutouts during her time with the Hawks. The former Trentonian Prep Player of the Year enjoyed a 37-game unbeaten streak that stretched from her junior to senior season and headed to Rutgers University after high school commencement. In the two years she suited up for the Scarlet Knights, Jones missed only two contests and received a handful of individual accolades along the way.

Despite being between the pipes for only a pair of seasons, Jones is currently seventh all-time in program history in saves (117), eighth in save percentage (.760), fifth in GAA (0.87), fifth in minutes (3826) and fourth in clean slates (16). Jones finished out her college career at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, registering 13 shutouts and a 1.01 GAA for the Diplomats. For the past two seasons, she has played in the W-League, being selected the 2007 Eastern Conference Goalkeeper of the Year after her rookie season with the Wildcats.

Joining Jones and the Wildcats this year is La Salle University product Kristen Hextall, someone who has been on Wildcat headman Dave Barbour’s scope since she was playing youth soccer.

“When she was younger, I coached against Kristin, and she was a phenomenal athlete even then,” he commented. “She is a strong player with sound technical ability and has progressed her talents with each year she has played. Based off what I have seen and know of her, Kristin is another player that deserves an opportunity at the next level.”

Hextall currently serves as a student assistant coach at La Salle after a well accomplished playing career there. She quickly made an impression upon the Explorers and was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team and Rookie Team after her freshman season. After an outstanding junior year that saw her lead La Salle in goals (7), assists (6) and points (20), she had her best collegiate season during her senior campaign. She tallied 36 points on 15 goals and six assists, being named to the Atlantic 10 First Team, Soccer Buzz All-Mid Atlantic Region Third Team and NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Third Team for her efforts. 

Following her four-year career, Hextall finished second all-time in goals (33), points (83) and games played (78), while finishing first in shots (234), fifth in assists (17) and sixth in games started (71). Before heading to the college ranks, Hextall had a great high school career at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, New Jersey. She won a pair of South Jersey championships (2002, 2003) and scored the game-winning goal in the 2002 state championship game. She also won a handful of club championships while playing for the Voorhees Lazers.

After debuting in March, Women’s Professional Soccer now offers the opportunity for talented W-Leaguers to play at the next level here in the United States, something that Wildcats front man Dave Barbour feels can serve as a motivator for players in the W-League.

“WPS can serve as a great motivator for players that aspire to play at the highest level,” he said. “From what I have been seeing at training, we have players here that I feel will get that opportunity.”

Already in the WPS are 14 players that suited up for the Wildcats in the past. Among the Wildcat alumnae is Kendall Fletcher (Los Angeles Sol), Bonnie Young (Chicago Red Star), Formiga (FC Gold Pride), Manya Makoski (Sol), Denise Reddy (Red Star assistant coach), Karina LeBlanc (Sol), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom), Christine Latham (Boston Breakers), Kelly Smith (Breakers), Lindsay Tarpley (Red Star), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Rebecca Moros (Freedom), Carli Lloyd (Red Star) and Maggie Tomecka (Breakers).

Don’t miss your chance to see the WPS stars of tomorrow this season with the Wildcats this year! After opening the 2009 season with four consecutive road contests, the Wildcats will make their home debut at Mercer County Community College on Sunday, June 7th, when they host the Boston Renegades at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for that opener are available now by calling 732-963-9769.

ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY WILDCATS
The New Jersey Wildcats played their debut season in the W-League in 1996 and have competed every season since. Under the guidance of then-head coach Charlie Naimo, the Wildcats compiled a 41-1 regular season record from 2004-06, winning regular season titles in 2004 and 2006 while taking the W-League championship in 2005. Following the 2005 season, the Wildcats were named the USL Franchise of the Year.

Tuesday, April 27, 2009

DENVER, COLORADO – Real Colorado is one of the largest youth sports organizations in Colorado with over 5500 players, 400+ teams, and 20 full and part time staff. The club is primarily based in the Douglas County Area, but has over 290 players that have played collegiate soccer for Colleges and Universities all over the country. Because of this, the club’s reach is far beyond its local Colorado borders.

Brianne (Bri) Young is one of the players that came directly from the Real Colorado youth ranks (and Chaparral High School as well) and in fact plays major college soccer at Texas A&M University and also has US National team experience with both the U20 and U23 teams.
Young has garnered a plethora of awards as a youth player including Region IV ODP player, USYS National Champion (in 2006), and has won a U23 USASA National championship as well.

As a collegiate player at A&M, Brianne continues her stellar soccer career as she was named Soccer Buzz third team All-American and first team freshman All-American. As a central defender, the 5’10” Young, led the team in Big 12 goals with 5 in 2008.

Interestingly enough, as a youth player, Young had to make a name for herself as she did not start on her U11, U12 or U13 Real Colorado youth teams. She persevered and earned her starting assignment with Real in conjunction with the team’s USYS National championship with in 2006.

“My biggest challenge to overcome was building confidence in myself,” said Young.

She attributes much of her success to Real Colorado coaches Neil Payne (pictured with Young above) and Lorne Donaldson and their taking a personal interest in her as a player and person. When she was made captain of her team, she shouldered the responsibility of bringing out the best in others as well as herself.

Young’s short term goal is to make the Senior US National team as well as complete her degree at Texas A&M in Sports Psychology. She is fortunate to have four other Colorado players at A&M with her and these five players represent the core of the team’s roster. A&M players, Kristin Arnold, Beth West, Jennifer Kmezich, and Rebecca Herrera are also products of the Real Colorado system.

Brianne will return to Douglas County this summer to play for the Real Colorado Cougars USL W-League team. The Cougars’ first match is on Friday, May 29h at 5:00 PM at Shea Stadium versus the Seattle Sounders. The match is part of a United Soccer League doubleheader that features the Real Colorado Foxes men’s Premier Development League team at 7:30 PM versus the defending PDL champion Thunder Bay Chill.

The doubleheader is also a benefit for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation as a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Cougars’ media guide and pre-game barbeque (that starts at 4:30) will go to the foundation. For more information, please call 303-324-1281 or e-mail markm@realcolorado.net.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

HAMDEN, CT - Coming off of a fifth place finish in the hotly contested nine-team Northeast Division of United Soccer Leagues W-League in the team’s inaugral season, the CFC Passion is close to finalizing it’s roster for the 2009 season. The 32 player pool will feature a cross section of players, most of whom have come up through the CFC Youth Program - one of the top 20 programs of it’s kind in the country.

Currently, 11 players play with CFC’s 17 and 18 year old teams. Four players in the pool are recent college graduates, and the remainder are currently playing in college. With an average age of just 19.6 years, the Passion remains the youngest team in the league.

"We believe our youth program will be an excellent feeding program for our W-League team," said Passion Head Coach Matt Micros. "Each year we will continue to gain experience and depth."

Micros, Scott McBride (University of Bridgeport) and Joe Mingachos (Western Connecticut State University) take over the team this year from Dave Clarke (Quinnipiac) and Brendan Faherty (University of New Haven), who guided the Passion through it’s exibition season in 2007 and it’s first season in the W-League in 2008.  Last year, CFC finished 7-5-2, including a six game winning streak in the middle of the season as they remained in contention for a playoff spot going into the final week of the season.

"Dave and Brendan did a great job establishing the franchise," Micros added.  "They, along with Steve (W-League President, Coxon) and Steve (General Manager, Risser) built the team from the ground up. The club owes them a great thank you for giving up two years of their offseasons to coach the team."

Although there may be a few changes prior to the team’s opening game in May, the roster is close to being set. The Passion open the 2009 campaign with an away contest at the New York Magic on Saturday, May 16, before returning to Connecticut for it’s home opener on Sunday, May 24, when they host the Long Island Rough Riders at Yale University’s Reece Stadium in a 4:00 PM start.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

TEPOZTLAN, MEXICO – Craig Smith’s passion for the game has him working for bananas.

Roughly 2,655 miles southwest of Ottawa, where Smith coaches the United Soccer Leagues W-League side Ottawa Fury, is the Tashirat Nouvel Age Orphanage. Located in south-central Mexico, just below Mexico City, Mexico, the orphanage is a permanent home to 15 children and serves as a school to numerous others that live on the streets of Tepoztlan.

On Friday, March 6 Smith boarded a plane heading to Tepoztlan, Mexico. He was set to assist the orphanage’s efforts to build a soccer program and to aid in the day-to-day needs of the orphanage, but due to funding deficiencies, the soccer program remains limited to playing and practicing on a concrete pitch as opposed to the orphanage’s desire to build a grass field for the kids. Despite the lack of a field, Smith’s efforts are paying off as the majority of the school children are taking part in the soccer program, even those who previously had no interest in the game.

Plying his trade for the betterment of the community, Smith has even gone so far as to start coaching a men’s team in Tepozlan in exchange for bananas to feed the children at the orphanage.

“Many of the children Craig is working with come from poverty stricken families and from abusive situations,” said Kira Bissinger, Principal of the Tashirat Nouvel Age School. “This opportunity has only enhanced the children’s daily retreat to school, giving them motivation and something to look forward to each day. For most of the children, attending the school is their only sanctuary and Craig’s soccer program has only enhanced their experience.”

The high school dropout age for these children begins as soon as they are able to work, usually between sixth and ninth grade, emphasizing the importance of providing the children with the opportunity to continue their education. To counteract this, a goal of the Tashirat Orphanage is to build a high school by 2010 so the children have somewhere to prolong their education after elementary school.

The school is free to attend which is not the norm in Mexico, where everything has a cost. The Tashirat Nouvel Age Orphanage is hoping to raise an estimated $30,000 US to cover the cost of the high school, as no government funding is available. More information on the Tashirat Nouvel Age Orphanage is available by clicking here. Those wishing to make donations to assist with the building of the school and the grass pitch can do so by clicking here.

FC Indiana Press Release –

Thursday, April 29, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — United Soccer Leagues W-League side, FC Indiana are hoping to pull off the shock of the season when they host Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) powerhouse Chicago Red Stars at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis this Saturday, May 2. Kick off time for the match is 7:00 PM ET.

FC Indiana coach Shek Borkowski and his squad relish the tag of underdogs as they head into Saturday night's clash.

"It will be a really good game,” Borkowski said. “They are the best team in WPS right now. But the pressure is on them. They are the WPS team, and they are expected to win."

Chicago will arrive in Indianapolis sitting second in WPS standings, just two points behind the leaders, Los Angeles Sol. The Sol demolished Tony DiCicco’s Boston Breaker 4-0 on Saturday, April 25.

"We demonstrated why we are one of the best attacking teams in the league," said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes after the win.

Offensively the Red Stars are led by Lindsey Tarpley, Karen Carney, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Brittany Klein. In goal Swedish goalkeeper Carolina Jonsson, protected by back four of Marian Dalmy (USA), Ifeoma Dieke (Scotland), Nicky Krzysik (USA) and Frida Ostberg (Sweden), has three clean sheets.

The match against the Red Eleven will be FC Indiana’s second game against WPS competition in less than 11 days. They lost a hard-fought 2-1 decision to Sky Blue FC on Tuesday, April 21.

FC Indiana opens W-League play on Sunday, May 17. That match is set for a 7:00 PM kickoff from the Lionesses’ Kuntz Memorial Stadium.

BUFFALO, NY — She had to see it to believe it. And once she saw it, she wanted to be a part of it. The Buffalo Flash of United Soccer Leagues (USL) W-League announced today that Ashley Nick, a product of the University of Southern California, has signed with the Buffalo Flash.

Nick, who was drafted by the Boston Breakers of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) as the 56th overall pick, was flown into Buffalo, New York to view the setup of the franchise and was immediately sold on the professionalism of the club.

“From the moment I met Ashley, I knew she would be a player that would go to battle for us," Buffalo Head Coach Aaran Lines said. “Her ability to distribute the ball and link the team, combined with her aggression in the air, will make her a huge force in the midfield.”

Nick comes to the Buffalo Flash after a storied career at USC, where she captained her team in her junior and senior seasons and led the team to a National Championship in 2007. Nick was one of USC's six NSCAA All-Americans that season as she was named to the Second Team after starting 25 games and scoring the game-winner in double overtime against Missouri in the NCAA Tournament’s Second Round.

“I am so eager to begin working with Ashley,” added Lines. “Her signing reinforces [the fact that the] Buffalo Flash are on to challenge for the W-League Championship,” added Lines.

Nick also brings international experience to Buffalo as she spent time with the U17 and U20 U.S National Team. Nick most recently appeared with the U.S. U23 National Team in the La Manga Tournament in Spain in 2008. There, the U.S. faced off against England, Germany and Norway.

The Buffalo Flash opens their schedule on Sunday, May 24 when they face fellow expansion side, Quebec City Arsenal. Tickets are available on the Buffalo Flash website, www.buffaloflashsoccer.com, or at Sahlen Sports Park in Elma, NY.

Thursday April 16, 2009

ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Silverbacks USL W-League team announced today that Premiere Global Services will be the club’s presenting sponsor for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. Premiere, who has been the presenting sponsor for the Silverbacks Men, will be on the front of the women’s jersey and the main sponsor for the next three seasons.

“We are looking forward to continuing the partnership between the Atlanta Silverbacks and Premiere Global Services,” said Atlanta Silverbacks Women’s General Manager, Laura Fedrigo. “They have been a strong partner for the men and we appreciate their support of the women’s program and women’s game.”

With Premiere signed on for the next three years, the Silverbacks are continuing to add to their list of sponsors for the 2009 season including: Joma, Marca Personal, Holiday Inn Select at Peachtree Corners, Cooper Atlanta, and Neurosport Physical Therapy.

WOMEN ADD TO ROSTER
The Silverbacks Women also added to their roster with the announcement today of returning players Cortni Joyner (UGA), Cici Marrero (UWF), Jenny Meyer (UAB), Jill Porto (UAB) and Candace West (Vanderbilt) – the Silverbacks continue to build an impressive squad for the 2009 season.

“We will to continue to build our team over the coming weeks and hope to balance some of the new talent we are bringing in, with the experience and talent of our returning players,” Atlanta Silverbacks Women’s Head Coach, Chris Adams said.

Joyner, Marreo, Meyer and Porto will all be competing in their second season will the Silverbacks. All four joined the team last season after completing their eligibility at their respective colleges. West, will be returning for her third season with the Silverbacks after joining the team as a “rising star” while still in high school.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

IRELAND — Republic of Ireland Senior Women’s Manager, Noel King has announced that his team has received permission from the FAI International Committee to begin preparations for the FIFA 2011 World Cup with an 11 week football residency camp in the United States which will be hosted by United Soccer Leagues W-League side FC Indiana.

The trip to Indiana will also include a number of friendly games against some of the top teams in American football including FC Indiana, Chicago Red Stars and LA Sol, home to FIFA Footballer of the Year, Marta Vieira da Silva.

King will use the trip as part of his side’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers where Ireland will meet Russia, Switzerland, Israel and Kazakhstan in Group Six of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which gets underway with an away match against Switzerland on Saturday, September 19.

Watch Noel King Interview on USLlive [+]

“This camp has the potential to be a milestone for the development of women’s football in Ireland,” King said. “Over the past eight years, we have been making huge strides on the international front and it is obvious that this type of preparation is the next step if we are to compete with the top teams in the world, who are all full-time professionals.”

“The process started when FC Indiana manager, Shek Borkowski issued an invitation to our team to use their facilities for the duration,” added King. “Since then, we have been on a long consultation process with the stakeholders involving many presentations. We have also been examining the various logistics, insurance and budgets and I would like to thank everyone involved in this process including clubs, leagues, WFAI and FAI representatives.”

Ireland has made huge strides in their last three competitive campaigns. After earning promotion to the top tier of 20 European nations in 2005, they managed to retain their place amongst the Elite group a year later by claiming fourth place and went one better last time out with a third-place finish in the 2009 UEFA Championship qualifiers. That feat qualified Ireland for a play-off, where they missed out on a place in this summer’s final by losing over two legs against Iceland. But it has also made Ireland an unprecedented second seed in their World Cup Qualifying Group.

“This training camp is a very innovative move and one I hope will justify the huge level of support we have received for it,” said King. “The camp will include players from Ireland, the UK and indeed the USA and I thank them for their commitment for coming with us for the duration of the 11 weeks. Ideally, this will be a massive help for our team to develop further and push hard for qualification but while there are never any guarantees in football, I am sure that this is the right thing to do for the development of the game.”
 

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN – The Kalamazoo Outrage of United Soccer Leagues W-League recently announced the signing of seven players to their 2009 squad. These seven players include USL veterans, local West Michigan talent and young, up-and-coming players including: Sarah Burns, Erin Carlson, Jen Kohn, Chelsea Peterson, Nicole Dulyea, Sarah Onderlinde and Sloane Levin.

A former Central Michigan University standout, Burns was a two time All-Mid American Conference selection for the Chips. A defensive specialist, she played the 2008 W-League season with the Michigan Hawks.

Carlson was a Big-10 Ten goalkeeper at Michigan State University from 2001 to 2005 as well was a former Portage Central star. Carlson returns to the Outrage after a stellar 2008 season with the team. She also serves as a coach for the Outrage’s parent organization, TKO Premier Soccer Club and is the goalkeeping coach at Kalamazoo College.

Kohn, formerly Gaylor, is a veteran of the W-League. She returns to the Outrage for the 2009 season. A former Ferris State player, Kohn spent time with the Detroit Jaguars and the Minnesota Lightning before joining the Outrage for the 2008 W-League season.

Peterson is a well-known high school talent from East Grand Rapids. She joins the 2009 Outrage team before taking her talents to Michigan State University in the fall. Peterson had a decorated club and high school career including being named a three-time regional ODP player and attending the prestigious Adidas ESP program.

Dulyea, a Western Michigan University talent, returns to the Outrage for the 2009 campaign. Dulyea won a National Championship in 2007 with the Bloomfield Force and was a Michigan High School Dream Team selection.

Onderlinde, formerly Weesies, joins the Outrage in 2009 after a brief break from competitive soccer. The former Kalamazoo Christian standout was an All-MIAA selection at Calvin College and also serves as a coach and conditioning trainer for the Outrage parent organization TKO Premier Soccer Club.

A Michigan native, Levin will join the Outrage after attending the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s school in Minnesota. She will attend Virginia Tech in the fall after a decorated prep career.

All Outrage home games are scheduled to be played at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School soccer stadium with tickets available at the gate. Links to the complete schedules as well as other Outrage information are available at www.kalamazoooutrage.com. For more information contact pwpwsoccer@aol.com or call 269-343-6945.
 

Friday, April 17, 2009

NAPERVILLE, IL – Four former Chicago Gaels, the predecessor team to what is now the Chicago Red Eleven W-League women’s soccer club, are currently on Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) rosters for 2009. The quartet includes Jenny Hammond and Jen Buczkowski with Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY), as well as Erin Walter and Erin Kane with St. Louis Athletica.

The Chicago Gaels ceased operation as a W-League team after the 2008 season and were reorganized as the Chicago Red Eleven in 2009. The Red Eleven is the exclusive amateur affiliate of the Chicago Red Stars of the WPS league, as well as the team's exclusive W-League affiliate in the state of Illinois

“We are obviously very proud of the ‘heritage’ of the Red Eleven as we begin competition in the W-League in 2009,” said team owner and general manager Ted Gradel. “These young women were key players for the Chicago Gaels and now have taken that next step. We will hold them up as an example to our players that they can indeed develop on our team and get ready for that next level. While these players may not have worn the Red Eleven uniform, they are certainly viewed as a part of the franchise’s ‘family’, so to speak. We will eagerly follow their professional careers in the WPS league and wish them all the success in the world.”

Hammond is a defender from Mission Viejo, California. The Gaels were her fourth W-League team. Hammond played college soccer at Clemson, where she led the Tigers to the NCAA tournament all four seasons. She is currently an assistant coach for the Eastern Illinois University women’s soccer team.

Buczkowski, a midfielder from Elk Grove Village, Ill., spent four seasons with the Chicago Gaels and was voted All-Central Conference honors in both 2006 and 2008. She also played for the Chicago Cobras in 2004. She has an impressive international resume, as well, as a member o