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Post by epjr on Jan 10, 2013 22:38:29 GMT -6
USL PRO Combine Participants Named
Seventh Edition, presented by Umbro, set for January 24-27 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 uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/687141.html
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Post by epjr on Jan 23, 2013 18:04:27 GMT -6
USL PRO & MLS Announce Partnership
MLS Reserve teams to compete in interleague playWednesday, 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. uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html
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Post by epjr on Jan 24, 2013 12:38:56 GMT -6
USL PRO 2013 Schedule Announced Interleague games against MLS Reserve teams featured 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. uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690631.html
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Post by epjr on Jan 25, 2013 16:07:30 GMT -6
USL PRO Combine Rosters Announced
Squads set as players convene at IMG Academy 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. www.uslsoccer.com/docs/2013%20USL%20PRO%20Combine%20--%20Team%20Rosters.pdf
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Post by epjr on Jan 26, 2013 10:00:09 GMT -6
Top 10 prospect list from the 2012 USL PRO seasonWith 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. www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/Top10prospectlistfromthe2012USLPROseason.aspx
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Post by epjr on Feb 11, 2013 20:47:07 GMT -6
Orlando Adds Tan To Squad Lions also re-sign Ustruck for third season with clubOrlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.comWednesday, 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.” uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/694055.html
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Post by epjr on Feb 20, 2013 22:50:15 GMT -6
USL PRO Announces Academy Rules Teams able to carry as many as 5 academy playersTAMPA, 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. uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/697017.html
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Post by epjr on Feb 25, 2013 0:08:05 GMT -6
Lions Take Victory Against Rowdies
Watson, Chin get goalsOrlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.comSaturday, 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 uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/697850.html
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Post by epjr on Feb 25, 2013 12:23:37 GMT -6
Orlando To Host Fluminense
Brazilian giant to visit Citrus Bowl on June 22Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.comMonday, February 25, 2013 ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC, in cooperation with Fluminense Football Club, is proud to announce an international friendly between the two teams on Saturday, June 22, at the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The announcement comes off the heels of new Brazilian Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva making a significant investment in Orlando City last week, exhibiting the Lion’s strong new ties with the country of Brazil. “We are delighted to be hosting the reigning Brazilian Champions, Fluminense,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “They are one of the very best teams in all of Brazil and have a host of world-class players in their squad. I’m sure it will be a great spectacle for our fans.” uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/698159.html
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Post by epjr on Mar 12, 2013 12:20:35 GMT -6
Orlando Defeats Tampa Bay
Earn 3-2 victory in opening game of 'I-4 Derby'Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.comSaturday, March 9, 2013 ORLANDO, Fla. — Despite being down a goal at halftime, Orlando City rallied back to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 in the first leg of the I-4 Derby sponsored by United World Soccer at the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday night. The Lions scored in the 49th, 58th and 70th minutes and withstood a late score by the Rowdies to complete the comeback victory. uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/701746.html
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Post by epjr on Apr 20, 2013 17:22:14 GMT -6
Orlando mayor confirms purchase of downtown land for soccer-specific stadium ORLANDO’S MAYOR OFFICIALLY UNVEILS SOCCER STADIUM PLANS: Huge news coming out of Orlando, as Mayor Buddy Dyer confirmed the City has spent $8.2 million on purchasing land to give to Orlando City Soccer Club for a new soccer-specific stadium. The plot of land sits in a prime downtown location, and Dyer believes the lure of MLS and the redevelopment of that area made his decision an easy one. "That's the perfect location," said Dyer. “That block is where we put the soccer stadium.” According to the report from WFTV Orlando, Orlando City will spend between $80-100 million to build the stadium and construction could start as early as December 2013. A huge breakthrough, it seems, in the club's aim to make it as an MLS expansion franchise. www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/04/18/kick-mayor-orlando-confirms-city-has-purchased-prime-plot-downtown-land-socc
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Post by epjr on May 2, 2013 12:16:08 GMT -6
Sacramento To Host Norwich City
EPL club to be part of Sacramento Soccer Day on July 18Day event, taking place July 18, 2013. Multiple exhibition matches will be played during Sacramento Soccer Day, one of which will feature Norwich City Football Club, part of the English Premier League. This will mark the first time in history that an EPL team has played in Sacramento. During the event Warren Smith, president of Sac Pro Soccer, will be joined by his team to announce the official team name, color palette, shield and scarf of the Sac Pro Soccer team, which are currently being selected during a three-month, three-part naming contest that is involving the Sacramento community and soccer fans. “Sacramento Soccer Day will be a celebration of the rich history and bright future soccer has here in Sacramento,” said Graham Smith, technical director of Sac Pro Soccer. “Having Norwich City join us for the event is very exciting and shows just how great of a place this city is for the soccer community.” uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/715684.html
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Post by epjr on May 2, 2013 14:01:30 GMT -6
USL, TopDrawerSoccer Ink Partnership Agreement includes exchange of content, advertisingThursday, May 2, 2013 TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues has entered into a multi-tiered marketing agreement with TopDrawerSoccer.com that will allow the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues to work closely with the top provider of news, scores and rankings for pre-professional soccer in North America. The relationship will greatly increase USL’s presence on TopDrawerSoccer.com, including weekly USL Olympic Development Program rankings, W-League and PDL Player of the Week awards and identification of current and former USL players within the TDS youth and collegiate player profiles. “Partnering with TopDrawerSoccer.com is a natural fit as we are both focused on the development of soccer throughout North America,” USL President Tim Holt said. “The profile of TopDrawerSoccer.com continues to grow throughout youth and college soccer, and much of their target audience is already part of our system of leagues. We look forward to working with TopDrawerSoccer.com to continue to raise the profile of amateur soccer.” Launching during the 2013 season, the USL ODP rankings will allow top Super Y-League players to track their ODP nominations throughout the season, with a spot at the 2014 SYL ODP National Camps the ultimate goal. The rankings will be hosted on TopDrawerSoccer.com along with regular USL Youth, PDL and W-League content. www.uslsoccer.com/home/715761.html
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Post by epjr on Jun 16, 2013 18:12:26 GMT -6
Deal for new soccer stadium gets closer Stadium deal would include 2 phasesORLANDO, Fla. —After two wins during the U.S. Open Cup, the Orlando City soccer club is close to joining Major League Soccer, a source told WESH 2 News. The source told WESH 2 News sports anchorman Larry Ridley that the team and Orlando officials were close to finalizing a new soccer stadium deal that would include two phases. The plan is expected to be presented before July's All-Star Game in Kansas City. The new soccer stadium would be built near Amway Center. The first phase would cost about $80 million and have no roof overhang for fans in the end zones, as well as less air conditioning than originally planned and three suites instead of four. The stadium would also have 17,500 seats instead of 19,000. Read more: www.wesh.com/news/sports/deal-for-new-soccer-stadium-gets-closer/-/11788256/20583610/-/1eck1k/-/index.html#ixzz2WQZQpgEt
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Post by epjr on Jun 23, 2013 13:52:10 GMT -6
Orlando Edged By Fluminense
Brazilian champion takes 4-3 win in front of 11,127Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.comSaturday, June 22, 2013 ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City fell to Brazil's Fluminense FC 4-3 on Saturday night in front of 11,127 fans at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, an international friendly club record for attendance. The mark was previously set back in July of 2011 against the English Premier League’s Newcastle United with 10,889. uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/731484.html
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