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USL PRO Awards Winners Announced

Orlando, Rochester, Charleston take individual awards


Friday, September 7, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO honored its top performers of the season today, announcing the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year from the 2012 season. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina, site of Saturday’s USL PRO Championship Game featuring the Charleston Battery and Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud Stadium.

Voting for the awards was conducted by league coaches and managers.

Most Valuable Player – Kevin Molino, Orlando City
The Trinidad and Tobago international claimed MVP honors after a standout season that saw him act as a catalyst for an Orlando side that led USL PRO with 50 goals, an average of more than 2.5 per game. Molino himself finished second in the league with seven assists, adding three goals, but in addition his ability to stretch the field against opposing defenses made him the key figure for the Lions’ attack all season.

Rookie of the Year – Jose Cuevas, Charleston Battery
A season after starring in the PDL for the Fresno Fuego, Cuevas brought creativity and versatility to the Battery’s attack throughout the season. Playing as both a forward, and at times an attacking midfielder, Cuevas led all rookies with 18 points, scoring seven goals and adding four assists, as he helped the Battery finish third in the USL PRO regular season.

Coach of the Year – Adrian Heath, Orlando City
Named Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, Heath’s ability to motivate and get the most out of his roster led to the Lions falling just once in the USL PRO regular season. Orlando has now gone undefeated at the Florida Citrus Bowl in the past two regular seasons, with Heath also helping fulfill the potential of the league’s leading scorer Dennis Chin in his second professional season.

Defender of the Year – Troy Roberts, Rochester Rhinos
Calm and in control at the heart of the Rhinos’ defense, Troy Roberts had another exceptional season in 2012. Named to the USL PRO All-League defense for the second consecutive season, Roberts played every minute of every game as the Rhinos conceded an average of less than a goal per game.

Goalkeeper of the Year – Kristian Nicht, Rochester Rhinos
In his first season in North America, the German standout put in a remarkable run to open the USL PRO season, recording six consecutive shutouts. Nicht continued his outstanding play throughout the remainder of the season, finishing the season with the league lead in shutouts (11), second in goals-against average (0.909) and fourth in total saves (86).

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/661366.html

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The Charleston Battery kept their perfect record in championship games intact on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium, capturing the 2012 USL PRO Championship with a 1-0 win against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Game MVP Jose Cuevas created the only goal the Battery would need to send the crowd of 4,963 home happy, threading a pass through the Wilmington defense in the 74th minute to Mike Azira, who hit a first-time left-footed shot into the far corner from the left side of the penalty area, giving Wilmington keeper Alex Horwath no chance.

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Phoenix FC Announces First Signing

Former Aberdeen forward Darren Mackie joins Wolves

Phoenix FC News Release -- www.phoenixcitysoccer.com

Friday, September 28, 2012

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Phoenix FC, Arizona’s premier professional soccer franchise, is proud to announce that it has signed its first professional player to a one-year contract for the team’s upcoming inaugural season, former Aberdeen FC forward Darren Mackie.

A renowned Scottish Premier League veteran, Mackie has competed in 364 total matches over 14 years with Aberdeen FC, and has scored 69 goals in his career.

"We are thrilled to come to an agreement with Darren knowing that he possesses outstanding qualities on and off the field," said Phoenix FC Head Coach David Robertson. "With Darren’s leadership and experience, Phoenix FC is positioned to immediately compete for a USL PRO Championship."


http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/667415.html

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Sacramento to Join USL PRO in 2014

League’s westward expansion gains steam

Monday, December 3, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced today that an expansion franchise in Sacramento, California will join the league for the 2014 season. The announcement was made at a news conference in Sacramento. Warren Smith, SVP of Business Development for Clean World Partners and co-founder of the Sacramento Rivercats (MILB), will lead the new franchise.

“USL PRO is thrilled to expand into Sacramento for the 2014 season,” USL President Tim Holt said. “With Phoenix FC Wolves joining the league in 2013 and the Los Angeles Blues having already developed a successful presence in Southern California, Sacramento represents yet another significant step towards our objective of achieving a regionalized competition approach in the West. This remains a fundamental aspect of a USL PRO business model which is resonating with prospective team owners as the most sustainable for professional soccer at levels which support MLS. Warren Smith is a widely-respected and highly-accomplished figure in the Sacramento sports community and has presented a very impressive vision for professional soccer in Sacramento. By partnering with him we know USL PRO will be successful in Sacramento for many years to come.”

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/681094.html

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Challenge Cup Schedule Announced


Battery to host Fire, Dynamo, Whitecaps


Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

2013 Carolina Challenge Cup
Saturday, February 16
Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20
Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 23
Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Houston Dynamo, 7:15 p.m.

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VSI Announces Open Tryouts
Two sessions scheduled for December, January
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. -- With the club's inaugural USL PRO season on the horizon, VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to announce two open tryouts for eligible college seniors, qualified free agents and talented amateur players that are seeking a professional contract. Each open tryout has limited space. Participants in the trials will showcase their talents in small-sided games and 11v11 games.

The first tryout will take place on December 22, 2012. The cost for this tryout is $75 if you register before December 10, 2012 and $100 after December 10, 2012. The second tryout will take place on January 12-13, 2013. The cost is $125 if you register before December 19, 2012 and $150 after December 19, 2012.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/681694.html

VSI Tampa Names Weston As Coach

Will lead club's USL PRO side for inaugural season


VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. - VSI Tampa Bay FC announced today the appointment of Matt Weston as head coach of its USL PRO team.

Weston, a former professional player in the UK with Ipswich Town, moved to the U.S. in 2006 to pursue a player/coaching career and has quickly established himself as one of the brightest, young, up-and-coming coaches. Last season Weston led the Ocala Stampede to the PDL Southeast Division title in the club’s inaugural season, and impressed the VSI management with his team performances and entertaining style of play.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/679332.html

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Orlando City To Face AS Roma

USL PRO side to host Italian giants on January 2

Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City SC announced a friendly against Italian club A.S. Roma on January 2 at Rollins College and showed fans early renderings of a proposed multi-purpose stadium that would serve as City’s Major League Soccer facility Tuesday night. More than 250 supporters packed Harry Buffalo in downtown Orlando for updates on the franchise as it continues its journey to bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to Central Florida.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/683068.html

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TAMPA, Fla. – USL today announced the initial list of participants for the 2013 USL PRO Combine, with a number of familiar names in the group set to train and compete at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy from January 24-27, 2013. Now in its seventh year, the USL PRO Combine provides an opportunity for elite men’s soccer players to showcase their talents for both domestic and international scouts and professional coaches.

Among those selected are former Los Angeles Galaxy player Dustin McCarty. A former standout at the University of North Carolina and the PDL’s Carolina Dynamo, the younger brother of U.S. international Dax McCarty leads the group of defenders that also include former Des Moines Menace standout Logan McDaniel, a former MLS supplemental draft pick of the Portland Timbers and two-time All-West Coast Conference selection, and Real Maryland’s Josh Danza

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/687141.html

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USL PRO & MLS Announce Partnership

MLS Reserve teams to compete in interleague play

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – Major League Soccer and USL PRO announced today a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership that will enhance the development of professional players in North America, strengthen the competition in both leagues, and establish a solid foundation for future collaboration.

For 2013, the partnership will include interleague play between USL PRO and MLS Reserve League teams, and the establishment of several exclusive team affiliations. These initial programs will immediately improve professional player development in the United States and Canada. Additional technical and commercial initiatives between the two leagues will be announced as they are finalized in the coming months.


http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html

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TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its 2013 regular season format and schedule today, with each of its 13 clubs playing a 26-game schedule as the league embarks on a groundbreaking partnership with MLS that features interleague games vs. MLS Reserve teams.

The interleague schedule gets underway on Sunday, April 7, when the Los Angeles Galaxy Reserves travel across town to face the Los Angeles Blues at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium and the Portland Timbers Reserves travel to face VSI Tampa Bay FC.

Other interleague matchups:
Antigua Barracuda FC vs. FC Dallas & San Jose Earthquakes
Charleston Battery vs. Houston Dynamo
Charlotte Eagles vs. Chicago Fire
Dayton Dutch Lions vs. Columbus Crew
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Colorado Rapids
Orlando City vs. Seattle Sounders FC
Phoenix FC vs. Real Salt Lake
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Toronto FC
Richmond Kickers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Rochester Rhinos vs. Montreal Impact
Wilmington Hammerheads vs. New York Red Bulls

All USL PRO games, as well as all USL PRO vs. MLS Reserve interleague games played at USL PRO venues from the 2013 season will be available live online through USLnation.com. USLnation.com’s mobile technology also allows fans the ability to follow USL PRO from anywhere.

The strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men’s professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field, USL PRO features six teams with more than a decade of operational experience, and more than 100 years of combined operational experience.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690631.html

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – The finalized rosters for the 2013 USL PRO Combine presented by Umbro were released today as players began to arrive for a weekend of training, testing and competition at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy. Through injuries, and pre-combine signings, some new names have been added, with players aiming to impress the coaches and scouts assembled.

http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/2013%2...%20Rosters.pdf

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Top 10 prospect list from the 2012 USL PRO season


With the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in the books, top flight football in Canada and the United states is well underway as pre season training has either started or will begin in the next week. Below MLS there are two more leagues that serve as a viable option for professional players to either continue their careers, or use it as a ground to get noticed for the potential to elevate themselves to Major League Soccer.

Right on the heels of the deal between MLS and USL PRO, in this two part series, I'll list my top 10 prospects from the two divisions below MLS as players to watch out for and consider going into the 2013 season.

Below are my picks from the 2012 USL PRO season.
http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articl...PROseason.aspx

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Orlando Adds Tan To Squad
Lions also re-sign Ustruck for third season with club


Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City announced Wednesday the signing of forward Long Tan and the re-signing of defender Erik Ustruck, pending USSF approval. Tan, who was last with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, is a native of Dalian, China, and brings depth and experience to the Lions’ frontline while Ustruck continues to solidify Orlando’s defense heading into the 2013 season.

“We’re delighted that we brought Erik [Ustruck] back to the club,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We’re also excited to what Tan can bring to Orlando. He’s already forming a chemistry up top with Dennis [Chin] and it’s exciting.”

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/694055.html

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USL PRO Announces Academy Rules
Teams able to carry as many as 5 academy players


TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced it is expanding its roster sizes today to allow teams to carry as many as five academy players on their rosters in USL PRO competition. USL PRO teams currently have a roster size of 26 players, and will now be able provide important exposure to a professional environment to up-and-coming talent. Additionally, MLS teams affiliated with USL PRO clubs will be able to use the academy player slots for their own academy players.

Players must meet several requirements in order to qualify for an academy player slot: they must be younger than 21 at the start of the current season; they can’t have competed collegiately; they must never have signed as a professional. Additionally, the player must either be from a club’s region, an affiliate youth team or from an MLS affiliate.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/697017.html

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Lions Take Victory Against Rowdies

Watson, Chin get goals


Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com

Saturday, February 23, 2013

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A first-half penalty conversion by midfielder Jamie Watson and second half strike by forward Dennis Chin was all Orlando needed on Saturday night, with the Lions topping cross-state rival the Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-0 in the conclusion of the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic. In a prelude to the inaugural “I-4 Derby” held on March 9 and 30, Orlando got the best of the Tampa Bay, finishing seventh overall in the tournament.

Despite the 2-0 win, Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath still sees room for improvement moving forward for his club.

“The two-nil win is always nice because it pleases our supporters, but it was not an enjoyable 90 minutes to watch,” said Heath. “I don’t say that very often

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/697850.html