D.C. United Round-Up: Boskovic Returns, United battle PSG, D.C. Sign a Striker

There has been an onlslought of news to report from MLS Eastern Conference leader D.C. United, so enjoy!

The question about whether or not United would be retaining the services of Branko Boskovic has officially been answered today:

Boskovic signs new contract

Boskovic seemed to say all the right things about why he resigned with United:

“I’m staying because this team is really good and we have a chance to be the best in MLS. I want to help the team make the playoffs and win a championship,”

Hopefully the Black-and-Red will be rewarded for their patience in the former 'DP' with some on field production by the Montenegrin.


After news that Juventus dropped out of their summer international friendly broke the wait for a replacement team is now over:

D.C. United vs Paris Saint-Germain on July 28 at RFK Stadium

"PSG is becoming one of the most exciting and news-making clubs in all of European soccer," said D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "We are looking forward to hosting them and continuing our long tradition of playing matches against the world's top clubs for the enjoyment of our supporters."

Order Tickets to see D.C. vs PSG

 
Although the big rumor last week (Rumor has it...United set to sign Shevchenko) was about United possibly being in talks to sign former A.C. Milan and Chelsea striker, Andriy Shevchenko, D.C. did add another striker to their roster yesterday - maybe not the one fans where dreaming of:

Long Tan acquired 

“We’re happy to have Long join our organization and will look forward to him joining the team. He's an interesting prospect and a player we feel has a future upside,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.

In a bit of irony, Long Tan scored his first and only MLS goal against D.C. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHoSuwihuo

Tan played a total of 17 games for Vancouver scoring one goal. Long Tan | Career MLS Stats

2012 ECNL National Finals - Day 1

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) National Finals are wrapping up today in Waukegan, IL. The ECNL Finals run June 24-30 and are a weeklong event aimed at bringing together the nation’s top teams in the Under-14, U-15, U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 age groups to crown the ECNL national champions.

Some of the teams representing Virginia are, FC Virginia ECNL U14, McLean Youth Soccer ECNL U16, FC Virginia ECNL U17 , and McLean Youth Soccer ECNL U17.

List of Champions (as of 6/28)

2012 National Finals: Challenge A - Top 16, Challenge B - Top 16

• U14 Top 16: Arsenal FC ECNL U14
• U15 A Top 16: Colorado Rush ECNL U15
• U15 B Top 8: Washington Premier ECNL U15

For a complete up-to-date list of results and champions go to: eliteclubsnationalleague.com

Fans of United - Episode 14: Somewher in the Middle

Fans of United hosts Devon McTavish, Eric Hunsaker, and Chris Wimmer discuss United's tough loss to Eastern Conference rivals New York, Shevchenko transfer rumors, the amazing season Chris Pontius continues to have, and how the Black-and-Red cannot afford to look past their next oponnents - the Montreal Impact.


 
If you would like to join the Fans of United coed team participating in the Play on the Pitch tournament supporting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America contact us in one of the following ways:

Connect with Fans of United

One and Done, Norfolk SharX to Cease Operations



Norfolk SharX cease operations.

A famous saying that gets a lot of mention lately - "It's the economy, stupid"  may be the perfect way to explain the news today that the Norfolk SharX professional indoor soccer team are now a part of history.
The following is an excerpt from the official statement released today by the SharX organization:

"The decision to cease operations was very difficult," states minority owner,  team founder and president Marcie Laumann . "It became apparent midway through the first season that local support from sponsors, advertisers, season ticket holders and patrons was not driving enough attendance or revenue to carry a pro soccer team. However, our fans and supporters couldn't have been more enthusiastic.  We simply lacked sufficient funding to get the word out that Hampton Roads finally had a Major Indoor Soccer League team. Fans who attended just once were hooked - but getting attendees in the door the first time proved too challenging with limited marketing funds."

In the face of unforeseen expenses and lower than anticipated sales revenue, herculean efforts were made to ensure the team completed its first season. A staff reorganization, streamlining operations and improving the fan's arena experience contained the SharX losses and sparked a surge in attendance through the latter part of the season. As the crowds grew, the first season SharX players starting winning games, leading to even more growth in attendance.

One of the most unfortunate points is that there are still several viable interested investors out there who understand the connection the Norfolk SharX made to their fans in this area, the economic viability of the team and the value that a professional major league team brings to this area, but unfortunately the clock simply appears to have run out on options for continuance without someone writing a check," said Laumann. "If one of the interested investors was able to step forward today or tomorrow, then perhaps there could still be a 2012/13 season, but without such, we have to call everything to a close.

Fans of United Episode 13 - United Flip the Script

Fans of United hosts Devon McTavish, Eric Hunsaker, and Chris Wimmer discuss United's theft of a win on the road in Philly, continued attendance woes at home, and another big Eastern Conference road match in New York for the Black-and-Red.

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Hotspur fall 3-1 to D.C. United U-23 Squad

Fredericksburg shows well against D.C. U23s

By Scott Wyant
For Fredericksburg Hotspur: www.fasahotspur.com


FREDERICKSBURG, Va.—In anything, a year can make quite a difference. For the Fredericksburg Hotspur that may just be an understatement.

On Wednesday night, the Hotspur matched up with Major League Soccer legend Jamie Moreno’s D.C. United Under-23 team, falling 3-1 at the University of Mary Washington’s Battleground soccer stadium. A year ago, Moreno’s team handled the Fredericksburg team 8-1, with the Hotspur scoring their only goal in the 88th minute.

This season, the Hotspur sit in second place of the Premier Development League’s South Atlantic Division. The improvement made in a year was evident very early in the game Wednesday evening.

In the sixth minute, midfielder Ryan Sappington lined up for a free kick with the idea of just getting it into the box.

“I just wanted to put it in space that could give the other guys a chance to put it in,” Sappington said. “We got Dale [Robins-Bailey], we got Grant [Silvester] and some big guys in there [to head it on goal].”

Fortunately for Gene Daniels, Sappington’s placement was a little off and his idea didn’t come to fruition. As the ball fell to his feet, the smaller forward was able to slam it home giving the home team the early 1-0 lead.

“It was just a little bit of luck actually; the ball came through two of their defenders and I didn’t really think I had a play on it,” said Daniels. “When you’re inside the 18 you always have to have the mindset that something could go wrong and the ball could come down to you. Lucky it came through two of their bigger guys and it came down to my feet and I put it away.”

For the most part, Daniels has played a reserve role for the Hotspur, but as the season progresses opportunities for him to perform are increasing.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me, regardless of the way it comes,” said Daniels. “I’ve been given an opportunity here and my mentally is just to make the most of it.”

Newly appointed Hotspur coach Jason Kilby has a great opportunity as well, taking over for a team that is 5-2-2 in PDL play on the year. Though Kilby believes taking over mid-season may be difficult.
“It’s not easy, but I enjoy the challenge,” Kilby said.

The rest of Kilby’s night was a challenge with D.C. United’s pace causing problems the entire night.

That speed would crack the Hotspur defensive line in the 40th minute as a breakdown in communication led to goal from Uwem Etuk.

“I was just staying out wide, Etuk said. “Jamie gives the freedom to go after the defender anytime I get the ball. So, I feel comfortable in that position, getting the ball and going at the defender every time.”

United would score once more before half, taking a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
The speed of D.C. United haunted the Hotspur a year ago when it scored five of its eight goals in the second half. This time, the defense of Fredericksburg was up to the task holding its opponents to just one goal after the intermission, and included a penalty kick save from second-half goalie Colin Newcity.

Now, the Hotspur will place all their focus on their match-up with the Real Maryland Monarchs on Friday.

“That game Friday is huge for us to try to get us back on a winning streak that we can try to carry in to the rest of the season,” Daniels said.

As Sappington put it, Friday is an opportunity to get things rolling again.

“It’s a chance to start the season fresh and build it from here. It’s a new season so we’re gonna see what happens.”

BOX SCORE
D.C. United U23:    2    -    1    -    3
Fredericksburg:        1    -    0    -    1

Scoring Summary:
FRED:  Gene Daniels (Ryan Sappington) 6
DCU:  Uwem Etuk (Rudy Tyler) 40
DCU: Franck Rayou 44
DCU: Mladen Lemez (Liam Collins) 79

Statistics:
Shots:  DCU: 12 (Schillo Tshuma, Franck Tayou, Chris Hegngi 2). FRED: 7 (Gene Daniels 3).
Saves:  DCU: Daniel Withrow (1), Jon Dawson (1). FRED: Ryan Taylor (4), Colin Newcite (3).
Corners:  DCU: 6. FRED: 2.
Fouls:  DCU: 11. FRED: 8.
Offsides:  DCU: 2. FRED: 3.

Piranhas vs. Majestics, weekend W-League action

Piranhas look to remain unbeaten at home when Northern Virginia visits the Sportsplex tomorrow night.

The Virginia Beach Piranhas look to get their offense back on track when they host the Northern Virginia Majestics at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex Wednesday night. The Piranhas were held scoreless for only the second time this season during Saturday's 0-0 tie vs Fredericksburg. Now, with only five games remaining in the 2012 season, the Piranhas will need as many points as possible to make a push for postseason play.

Wednesday's matchup with Northern Virginia (0-5-0) will be a rematch of a June 1st meeting between the two sides. The Piranhas (3-2-2) shutout the Majestics in that game behind Rasheeda Ansari's two goals. Ansari, who leads the Piranhas with 10 points, missed Saturday's match with the Impact. Without Ansari, the Piranhas will rely on the strong play of goalkeeper Marbel Egwuenu and high scorer Esther Anyanwu. Anyanwu's size and speed has proven troublesome for opponents; an advantage the Piranhas hope to capitalize on versus Northern Virginia.  Though the team failed to score in the last game, the Piranhas outshot the Impact, and Anyanwu was thought to have scored in the second half only to have the goal disallowed on an offsides call.

Northern Virginia enters Wednesday's game winless on the season, having only scored two goals in five games. However, the Piranhas are not overlooking their opponent. Virginia Beach currently trails first place D.C. United by seven points in the Atlantic Division. While the two squads will meet twice more this season, the Piranhas need a win versus Northern Virginia to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Majestics, on the other hand, are hungry for their first win and ready to play spoiler tomorrow night.

Wednesday's matchup will mark the end of a three game home stand for Virginia Beach. The Piranhas play their next three games on the road before returning to the Sportsplex for the season finale July 14th.

Juventus Drops Out of Friendly against United

D.C. United statement regarding July 28 match

Washington, D.C. (June 21, 2012) – D.C. United issued the following statement regarding the Herbalife World Football Challenge match with Juventus FC, scheduled for July 28:

“We’ve received word that Juventus FC will no longer be playing in Washington, D.C.  While we’re disappointed with the news, D.C. United is already in discussions with another, major European team to fill that date and will share opponent and ticketing details as a deal is finalized.”

World Football Challenge 2012: D.C. United (MLS) vs. Juventus (ITA) July 28

D.C. United will be host to Italian Champions Juventus on July 28th at RFK Stadium. The international friendly is part of the 2012 World Football Challenge.

Be sure to be a part of this surely once-in-a-lifetime event right here in Washington, D.C.

BUY TICKETS HERE

WFC: D.C. United to host Juventus on July 28 at RFK

Hotspur Recap, Weekend matches vs Royals and Piranhas

Hotspur vs Royals

Fredericksburg drop pair of games over weekend

By Tom Leiss
For Fredericksburg Hotspur: www.fasahotspur.com


FREDERICKSBURG, Va.—The Fredericksburg Hotspur Premier Development League team got off to a quick start this season, going undefeated in the team’s first seven games.

Unfortunately, the side has hit a dry spell that resulted in the team’s first two loses of the season over the weekend. On Sunday, Fredericksburg fell 1-0 to the Northern Virginia Royals at the University of Mary Washington. That followed a 3-1 setback against the Virginia Beach Piranhas the day before at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

The Hotspur (5-2-2) created an abundance of chances both days, but were unable to get the key goal when needed as they came away with their first two loses of the season.

“I think we are playing well; we have the chances, we just can’t finish now,” Fredericksburg captain Karel Manrau said after Sunday’s game. “So, I think it’s a matter of going back to practice and doing some finishing this week.

“I’m not worried in the sense of we are putting the effort into the game. You can have like 90 percent of the possession; you can have like 50 shots on goal; at the end, you just have to have one goal more than the opponent. So, there’s not a lot of mystery about why we don’t perform lately, we just need to score goals. I’m confident we can come back.”

Coach Keith Marine echoed Manrau’s thoughts and added that the rigors of the seasons may also have caught up with the team a bit. The team only had three field players available as substitutes for Sunday’s game due to injuries and players that were unable to be at the game due to prior commitments.

“We’re playing great soccer, we’re just not finishing,” Marine said. “Sometimes you go through a stretch like that where the goal seems like it’s a Pug goal—2-feet wide, 2-feet tall—and you try too hard and eventually it just comes. Then the goals come a little easier and then you don’t think about it so much, but now it’s on our minds.”

NORTHERN VIRGINIA AT FREDERICKSBURG
Sunday’s game against Fredericksburg’s northern Virginia rivals started out well for the Hotspur. The home side linked together some good passing plays offensively and the defense held firm, allowing only a couple long shots from the Royals.

Despite Fredericksburg controlling possession early, it was Northern Virginia (3-3-2) that would break through first.

In the 33rd minute, A.J. Sheta sent a pass through the right side of the defense to Seth Rudolph. The forward took a touch before slipping a shot past Hotspur goalie Colin Newcity to give the Royals a 1-0 advantage.

Northern Virginia would create the best chances the rest of the half, but the Hotspurs were up to the task. Manrau slide at the last second to block another opportunity in the 37th minute and Newcity came up with a huge point-blank save in added time to keep the Fredericksburg within one at the half.

The Royals’ best opportunity to double their lead after the intermission came only 90 seconds after the restart. Speedy forward Stan Kaweesi broke in free, but was once again denied by a last-second slide tackle from Manrau.

Later, Fredericksburg’s Tishan Hanley got off a 10-yard shot that was saved in the 51st minute and substitute Demar Stephenson continually created havoc for the Royals’ defense.

The Hotspur looked to have leveled the match in the 77th minute when fellow substitute Gene Daniels flicked a nifty pass to Todd Wharton. The midfielder put the ball past Northern Virginia goalie Joel Helmick and into the net, but it was all for naught as the play was waived off due to an offside call by the assistant referee.

Wharton had one last chance in the 80th minute, but tired legs after two hard-fought games in 24 hours took over and his 15-yard shot sailed over the crossbar and the Royals were able to hold on for the win.

Manrau said the losses are tough, but that he thinks the team will be able to recover.

“We’re trying not to panic, trying to come back at the beginning of the week working hard, practicing hard and it’s going to come back” the defender said. “We know we are good enough to be a top team in this division.

“I think if you never have to fight during a season, the first time you’re in trouble, you don’t really know how to react. So, I think it’s good to experience—also the fact that we have a lot of young players; it’s different to experience being in a more negative situation. We’re going to get better after that and going to trust our kids to play hard and win the next game.”

FREDERICKSBURG AT VIRGINIA BEACH
On Saturday, Fredericksburg’s possession game was running on all cylinders and the Hotspur looked dangerous the entire game.

However, outshooting and out-possessing a team doesn’t always earn you a win. The Piranhas (2-6-2) were outshot 16-5 by their guests, but took better advantage of their opportunities to get a victory on their home field.

In the 31st minute, Earl Floyd got around Manrau, who had slipped on the Sportsplex’s turf field. The forward then crossed a ball in front that Jerjer Gibson headed home before Hotspur goalie Ryan Taylor could corral it.

Fredericksburg was not deterred and continued to create chances, the best of which came in the 43rd minute when defender Nick Rich rang a 22-yard free kick off the left post.

The Piranhas doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Floyd cut across the top of the goal area from the left and slipped a pass to the right where Devin Pierce one-timed a shot past Taylor to make it 2-0 at the break.

Fredericksburg’s Ryan Sappington said if the missed opportunities had gone the other way; it could have gone a long toward changing how the game played out.

“It’s unfortunate, but it would have been a completely different game,” Sappington said. “ We’ve gotta jump on teams early and when we get the chances, we’ve got to put them away because once we get down we put ourselves in bad spots, we put ourselves in a hole that we have to dig out of.”

Fredericksburg came out pressing after the intermission, and putting more of its shots on target than in the opening 45 minutes. But Virginia Beach goalie Tyler Benham repeatedly came up with big saves to keep them off the scoreboard.

However, Sappington’s hustling play finally paid off for the Hotspur in the 68th minute.

The midfielder ripped a close-range shot from the left that Benham dived to block once again. But Sappington outworked everybody to get to the rebound first and put it away at the right post to bring Fredericksburg within 2-1.

Marine said the play was just a typical example of how Sappington has played all season.

“Ryan always plays with energy. He’s always a positive influence on the other players,” Marine said. “You always know what you’re going to get with Ryan Sappington; you don’t have to worry about that.”

Two minutes later, Hanley broke in free behind the Virginia Beach defense and was taken down in the penalty area by a late slide tackle from a Piranhas’ defender. But instead of awarding a penalty kick opportunity that could have tied the game, the referee showed the Hotspur forward a yellow card for diving.

Marine said the controversial call was a major factor in the final outcome of the game.

“I totally disagree with the yellow card on Tishan,” the coach said. “I think that was a big change in momentum of the game. If that’s a PK instead of a yellow card on a flop, it totally changes it because after that Tishan changed. His game was different.”

Minutes later, Virginia Beach retook its two-goal advantage. After a miscommunication between Taylor and one of his defenders, Gibson raced in and put the loose ball away giving the Piranhas a 3-1 lead with 14 minutes to play.

The Hotspur continued to press, but were continually unable to capitalize, often being denied by Benham (seven saves) as Virginia Beach held on for the win.

Marine said he thought his team outplayed the Piranhas, but that’s not always the deciding factor in a game.

“I just felt we played a really good game and the game can be cruel sometimes and unfortunately we were on one of those today,” he said. “We deserved that victory … we deserved those three points by the way we played.”

Sappington was thinking along the same lines and added: “We just had a few mental lapses that led the breakdowns and goals. I just think it wasn’t our night. We’ve been undefeated up till this, but every team has setbacks and it’s going to be important to see how we bounce back.”

Fredericksburg is back in action on Wednesday with an exhibition game against the D.C. United U-23 team, at 6 p.m., at UMW. The Hotspur return to PDL play on Friday when they host the Real Maryland Monarchs (4-3-2) in a key South Atlantic Division showdown at 6 p.m.

Ever dream of playing in an MLS stadium?

Have you ever dreamed of playin soccer inside an actual MLS stadium? Here is your chance.

Play on the Pitch, a coed 5v5 adult soccer tournament will take place Saturday, Sept 15th in Falls Church at Congressional Schools of Virginia.  The tournament  finals take place Sunday, Sept 23rd on RFK’s stadium after D.C. United’s match against Chivas USA.

Updated: EVENT DETAILS

Each team, consisting of 5-10 players, will raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate. Awards will be given to the winning team, as well as top fundraising team.

Register Your Team Today!

Final
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012
RFK Stadium

Tournament
Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012
Congressional Schools of Virginia (Falls Church)

Preview: Kickers vs. Eagles at Home Saturday

KICKERS HOST CHARLOTTE SATURDAY

Veteran Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale Named USL PRO Player of the Week

RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, June 6, 2012) – The Richmond Kickers return to City Stadium this Saturday, June 9 to host the Charlotte Eagles at 7 p.m. 

The Kickers claimed four points on the road last weekend during a two-game trip to Harrisburg and Rochester.  Defender Shane Johnson notched his first professional goal in the 1-1 draw against the City Islanders before Luke Vercollone registered the Kickers lone tally against the Rhinos the following day.  Veteran goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale posted 19 saves on the weekend to preserve his second shutout of the season, taking USL PRO Player of the Week honors.

“We really need to continue the positive momentum into the Charlotte weekend,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer.  “We still need to treat every game as a cup final if we are to qualify for the playoffs.  Charlotte's position in the league standings is very misleading and by all accounts they are a very accomplished team this season.”

Despite posting a 2-7-2 record and eight points during the regular season, the Eagles are coming off a remarkable 2-1 overtime win against the San Antonio Scorpions in last night’s U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round game.  Knocking off Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas one week earlier, the Eagles advanced to the Quarterfinals for the first time in franchise history when Mauricio Salles converted a 116^th minute penalty kick to oust the NASL team from this year’s tournament.  One of three USL PRO teams to make it through to the next round, the Eagles will travel to The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA to take on Chivas USA on June 26.     

The Kickers and the Eagles meet for the first time this season, having exchanged 2-1 victories during the 2011 campaign.  After suffering a loss during a rain-soaked marathon in Richmond, the Kickers sought revenge 24 hours later in Charlotte.  The dramatic back-to-back weekend ended when Kickers midfielders Luke Vercollone and Edson Elcock registered in the second half before Charlotte midfielder Darren Toby pulled a goal back in the final minute of regulation. 

With an all-time series advantage of 19-9-9 over the Eagles, the Kickers’ extensive rivalry dates back to the club’s inception in 1993.  In addition to heated regular season matches, the perennial Championship contenders have a long history of battling in high stakes games.  The two clubs met in the 2007 USL-2 Semifinals when the Kickers came away with a 2-1 overtime win, boosting Richmond to their third consecutive appearance in the finals.  In 2006, the Kickers hosted Charlotte in the Championship when the same scoreline fell to the home side in regulation, granting the Kickers their third league title in franchise history.  Three years later, the rivals met again in the title match, when the Kickers rallied from a one goal deficit to reclaim the USL-2 crown, 3-1, over the Eagles in 2009.

Following Saturday’s contest, the Kickers swap home field advantage with the Eagles when they travel to Charlotte Christian Stadium on Saturday, June 16.  Next month, the two teams face off in back-to-back matches on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, to conclude the season’s four-game series.

Players to Watch

Kickers:  Stalwart defender Shane Johnson (#3) has played every minute of every game during the 2012 campaign, netting his first goal with the Kickers against the Harrisburg City Islanders last Friday, earning USL PRO Team of the Week honors.  Integral on both sides of the ball, the Longwood University product contributed to the Kickers second shutout of the season against the Rochester Rhinos 24 hours later.  Midfielder Nozomi Hiroyama (#9) made his first start of the season against Rochester, setting up the lone goal of the night inside the first five minutes.  With professional experience extending to four continents, Hiroyama unleashed a 20-yard curler to the far post that was destined for goal but instead rattled the crossbar, allowing Luke Vercollone (#4) to finish the rebound with a diving header.  A former New England Revolution midfielder, Vercollone has played all but three minutes during the 2012 campaign and reached his 100^th appearance with the Kickers against the Chicago Fire during last year’s U.S. Open Cup Semifinals.

Eagles:  Late heroics by Mauricio Salles (#27) boosted the Eagles through to the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals this week when he converted a 116^th minute penalty kick to upset the San Antonio Scorpions, 2-1.  The experienced forward has added one goal during the regular season, to avoid a shutout in the Eagles 2-1 loss to Harrisburg in April.  Colombian midfielder Jorge Herrera (#10) led the Eagles in 2011 with four goals and seven assists for 15 points on the season.  Picking up where he left off, he has registered two goals and an assist during the 2012 campaign, most recently notching the game-winning goal against Harrisburg last month. In his tenth season with the Eagles, Josh Rife (#29) continues to anchor the defense, which shutout Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round last week.  The veteran defender has received All-League honors multiple times, and was named USL-2 Defender of the Year in 2005.

UVA Alumni and Hall of Fame Inductee, Tony Meola to play in Cinco De Jimi Cup

EL JIMADOR ANNOUNCES THE ‘DREAM TEAM’ ROSTER

FOR THE FIRST CINCO DE JIMI CUP

Lucky 10 will participate in the ultimate soccer experience as they play alongside their favorite players

LOUISVILLE, KY. (June 6, 2012) – el Jimador, 100 percent blue agave tequila, today announced the soccer legends from the U.S. and Mexican National teams and the 10 contest winners who will participate in the inaugural “Cinco de Jimi Cup” on July 10, 2012 at Casa Herradura’s Hacienda San José del Refugio in Amatitan, Jalisco. Part of el Jimador’s commitment to create once in a lifetime experiences for soccer fans, the Cinco de Jimi Cup is a friendly soccer game between former players from the U.S. and Mexican National teams.

A record-breaking number of adults 21 and older participated in the “What’s Your 100%” contest through el Jimador’s Facebook tab at www.Facebook.com/elJimador, by creating a list of characteristics that define them in percentages, adding up to 100 in alignment with the brand’s 100% blue agave attribute. Shane Evans of Goal.com, The Original Winger founder Benjamin Hooper, and two el Jimador executives, reviewed the entries and selected 10 winners based on originality, personality and use of the el Jimador brand.

The player roster for the “Cinco de Jimi Cup” includes:

U.S. National Team

·         Alexi Lalas (captain): el Jimador brand ambassador, National Soccer Hall of Famer and ex defender of the U.S. National team

·         Cobi Jones: National Soccer Hall of Famer and All-time leader in caps with U.S. Men's National Team

·         Tony Meola: recently named National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee and former goal keeper of the U.S. National team

Mexican National Team

·         Luis Roberto ‘Zague’ Alves (captain): former striker of the Mexican National Team and record- holding CONCACAF top scorer

·         Jorge Campos: former goal keeper and striker of the Mexican National team

·         Luis ‘El Matador’ Hernandez: former striker that holds the record for the Mexican National Team as the top scorer in the World Cup

The following ten lucky contest winners will be divided between both teams to play alongside and against their soccer idols:

• Cassandra Byerly (Green Bay, WI)
• Maria Cisneros (Millville, NJ)
• Walker Corl (Kannapolis, NC)
• Adam Gonzales (Bronx, NY)
• Sheridan Hurd (Tigard, OR)
• Baldo Romnel Ibarra (Denver, CO)
• Lucas Perry (Portland, ME)
• Anthony Rossi (Salt Lake City, UT)
• Edith Rodiguez Salazar (Crystal Lake, IL)
• Jacob Szopinski (Buffalo, NY)
  
  

“Ten soccer fans will have the chance to play with soccer legends that are true artists with the soccer ball and embark on the first of once-in-a-lifetime soccer experiences organized by el Jimador,” said Jesus Ostos, Brown-Forman tequilas brand marketing group manager. “Just like soccer is more than a game for passionate soccer fans, handcrafting tequila is a way of life and truly an art form for el Jimador.” 

In addition to participation in the match alongside soccer legends, the contest prize also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and local transportation for all winners and a guest.

Preview: D.C. United Women at Fredericks​burg Impact

Fredericksburg, VA. - This Saturday D.C. United Women travel to Fredericksburg, VA to face the Impact in W-League action. United feature Forward Mikaela Howell who was named to the Team of the Week after notching three assists in her last match.

See game information below:

UVA Women Release 2012 Schedule

Virginia Women’s Soccer Announces 2012 Schedule

Cavaliers play 11 games at Klöckner Stadium

CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia women’s soccer team announced its 2012 schedule today, which includes 11 home games at Klöckner Stadium and 10 contests against 2011 NCAA Tournament teams.

"As always, we have a challenging schedule ahead which should give our fans plenty to be excited about this fall,” said head coach Steve Swanson. “The ACC has such a strong field of teams, so we know how competitive the conference will be, but we are equally excited about our non-conference games which include some perennial top teams. This year’s schedule also includes five in-state teams whom we have built up some great rivalries with over the years. Overall, we are confident this schedule will help bring out the best in what feel can be an exciting, highly entertaining and fun team to watch this fall at Klockner Stadium.”
Of the 10 NCAA Tournament teams on the schedule, eight reached at least the round of 16, including College Cup participants Duke, Florida State and Wake Forest.

Virginia will open the regular season with a four-game homestand, beginning with the season opener on Aug. 17 against Penn State. That is followed with games against Radford, Liberty and UNC-Wilmington. The Cavaliers’ lone non-conference road trip comes Aug. 31-Sept 2 when they travel to Austin for the Longhorn Invitational to meet host Texas along with SMU. Virginia returns home to host the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic Sept. 7-9 as it welcomes in-state foes George Mason and James Madison.

The ACC schedule opens with a pair of home matches against NC State (Sept. 13) and North Carolina (Sept. 16). The Cavaliers conclude September with visits to Clemson and Maryland before hosting NCAA runner-up Duke on Sept. 30. Virginia hosts Wake Forest on Oct. 5 before a three-game road trip to Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers conclude the regular season on Oct. 25 by hosting Boston College.

The ACC Tournament will be played in the same format that debuted last season. It begins on Oct. 28 as the top four seeds host quarterfinal games. Those winners will travel to Cary, N.C., for the semifinals and final the following weekend at the WakeMed Soccer Park. The NCAA Tournament begins on Nov. 9 and runs through the College Cup in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 30 and Dec. 2.

Prior to the season, the Cavaliers play a pair of exhibition games. They will play at Notre Dame on Aug. 10 before returning home to host Georgetown Aug. 12.

Virginia returns seven starters among 20 returning letterwinners from last year’s squad that went 17-5-2 and reached the NCAA quarterfinals. The Cavaliers return 90 percent of their goal scoring from 2011, including 10 of their top 11 scorers, headlined by All-Americans Caroline Miller (Rockville, Md.) and Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.).

2012 Virginia Women’s Soccer Schedule

Kickers' Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale USL Pro Player of the Week

USL PRO NEWS RELEASE, TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012

Kickers’ Pascale Named Player of the Week

Standout performance earned Richmond victory against Rochester

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its Team of the Week for the eighth week of the 2012 season today, honoring Richmond Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale as Player of the Week after a standout weekend that saw him record 19 saves in a pair of games as the Kickers took four of a possible six points on the road.



Player of the Week - Ronnie Pascale

Pascale had a standout performance in the Kickers’ Friday-night contest against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Making nine saves in wet and windy conditions, Pascale helped Richmond earn a point in a 1-1 draw. But it was his performance the following night, when the 13-year veteran made 10 stops to shut out the Rochester Rhinos at Sahlen’s Stadium, that saw Pascale at his best.

Watch Replay of Richmond vs. Harrisburg

Pascale made three big saves late in the first half, including denying Tam McManus from a free kick, before a diving stop at full stretch on JC Banks in the second half kept the Rhinos scoreless. The 35-year-old, who has announced his retirement after this season, showed that he is getting ready to leave while still at the top of his game, while helping the Kickers move up to fourth place in the USL PRO standings.

Joining his Kickers teammate on the Team of the Week was defender Shane Johnson, who scored his first professional goal in Richmond’s 1-1 draw against Harrisburg on Friday night. Kickers midfielder Luke Vercollone was also honored after scoring the game-winning goal against the Rhinos while also putting in a strong two-way performance to help the Kickers take victory.

Other top contenders for Player of the Week honors included Wilmington’s Corey Hertzog, whose two goals and assist helped the Hammerheads hand Orlando City its first loss of the season, and Charleston’s Nicki Paterson, who had a pair of goals in the Battery’s 3-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Thursday night. Paterson also took the lead in the USL PRO scoring race with his brace, giving him five goals this season.

Hertzog was joined on the Team of the Week by Hammerheads teammate Mark Briggs, whose perfect first-time pass set up Hertzog’s opening goal before their roles were reversed for what proved to be the game-winner, Briggs volleying home Hertzog’s long throw-in.

In addition to Paterson, Charleston’s Colin Falvey and Dane Kelly were also named to the Team of the Week, with the Irish center back putting in two strong performances as the Battery moved into second place in the standings. Kelly recorded a goal and an assist in the Battery’s two victories to earn his place on the team.