Chad Severs Assists On First Riverhounds Goal of 2011

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds squared off against the Richmond Kickers in the Riverhounds' first game of the 2011 USLPRO season.  The Kickers played the opening weekending, earning a win against the Orlando City Lions.  Traveling to Richmond Stadium, the Riverhounds relied upon a mixture of young talent and veteran leadership, and the veterans did not disappoint.


Trailing 1-0, after an Gerson Dos Santos strike, the Riverhounds counter, getting the ball to striker Chad Severs in the 72nd minute.  "Severs beat Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to a ball in the box and laid the ball off to Ben Horner on the penalty spot. Horner capitalized on the opportunity to tie the score."


Severs's effort was not enough, however, as Matthew Delicate, volleyed in off of the post in the 78th minute for the game-winner.  '“It was a battle and could have gone either way,” Pittsburgh coach Justin Evans said. “Unfortunately, we came out behind.”'


Congratulations to Chad Severs for his first point of the season and good luck to both the Riverhounds and the Kickers in the 2011 USLPRO season.

Chase Harrison At Home On The Island

A great article on Chase Harrison by Michael Bullock of the Patriot-News:

"Chase Harrison has been through the process ... a number of times. 

Trudge into training camp with the promise that you’ll get a lengthy look and have an opportunity to claim the starting job. Bust your backside for several weeks during practice sessions, dueling with other hopefuls for prized minutes in some exhibition game. Sweat out cuts before landing a contract. 

For several springs, this was Harrison’s life as a professional soccer player. 

So when the opportunity to spend the spring and summer in a friendly yet familiar locale was extended Harrison’s way — along with the likelihood of receiving plenty of playing time in a higher-level league — the 27-year-old goalkeeper thought long and hard about  retracing his steps. 

Since Harrison performed extremely well during his first experience with the Harrisburg City Islanders, he thought, ‘They know my game. Things went well when I was there before. They’ve already offered me a deal. They’re moving into this new league, which should be good competition. Let’s do it.’ 

And he did. 

“It is a different situation,” admitted the well-traveled Harrison, who arrived at camp nearly three weeks ago. “Now I’m a little bit more established and by playing here two years ago, they have a better idea of what type of player I am. So the part of having to prove myself is over. 

“At the same time, consistency is a big part in professional sports. So, over the next few weeks, they’re going to want to see that as well. Nothing’s set in stone, but [it’s good to be] getting out of the new player stage,” added Harrison, the Virginia Tech product who began his pro career in 2006. 

“So it’s kind of nice to come into a preseason where you’re known, and the coaches have an idea of what you’re going to bring to the table.” 

And they do. 

A second-team all-league selection two seasons ago — when the City Islanders were still playing in USL-2 and not the higher USL PRO circuit in place today — the 6-3, 185-pounder performed splendidly for a Harrisburg side that qualified for playoffs and made a deep Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run. 

In 16 regular-season appearances, Harrison (8-4-4) pitched eight shutouts and piled up 54 saves while fashioning a league-best 0.812 goals-against average. He also posted a 3-1-0 record and 1.000 GAA in four Open Cup outings, leading the City Islanders to the quarterfinal round. 

Harrison also sparkled in the playoffs, turning aside a remarkable 15 shots as the City Islanders dropped a 1-0 decision (overtime) to Richmond in the USL-2 semis. 

“We’ve been very fortunate to have good goalkeepers here on this club, pretty much from the beginning,” City Islanders head coach Bill Becher said. 

“We were excited when Chase agreed to terms with us. He’s a guy that when he left here, we told him that we’d always like to have him back — even though he had other opportunities at a higher level. ... But we’re at a higher level now, so this is a good match to get him back.” 

Back now after stints with Crystal Palace Baltimore, Richmond and two Major League Soccer franchises (D.C. United and Columbus), Harrison has had the chance to reunite with Harrisburg defensive fixtures such as Dustin Bixler, Anthony Calvano and Geoff Bloes. 

Plug in center back Andrew Marshall and fullback Stephen Basso, defenders Harrison played alongside in Baltimore, and the City Islanders should sport a cohesive back line. 

Heading into a higher-level league, they’ll need it. 

And Harrison, bolstered by the strong likelihood that’ll he’ll begin the season as the City Islanders’ No. 1 netminder and sporting even more experience, is hoping to play at a higher level as well. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Harrison said. “Every year, I feel like if I’m not getting better, that’s the time to retire. 

“I’m hoping to bring an even better aspect to my game this season, so hopefully we’ll continue to have the success we had that year and put together a good squad that will have another good year.”

Troy Cole and FC New York To Honor Japan Disaster Victims

Troy Cole and FC New York are playing their home opener to honor Japan and raise money to relieve the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.


"The club announced today that it will wear a special kit for its opening USL PRO match at Orlando City this Saturday night in an effort to raise money for those victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The team will raise money for the Red Cross Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund."


Cole (2nd from the left) and the team will "wear a special kit with the Red Cross featured prominently on the chest. The club hopes to raise funds for the victims in three ways: first, by raising awareness of the plight of the people of Japan by having the Japanese Red Cross proudly displayed for all fans to see and to direct them to quick and easy ways to donate funds. Fans can text REDCROSS to #90999 to make a $10 donation. Secondly, for each F.C. New York goal scored against Orlando City, F.C. New York donates $100 to the relief effort. Finally, the club will auction off each player’s jersey after the match and the player whose jersey brings the highest price will add an additional $100 to the total."

Troy Singles Out For Leadership on FC New York

In previewing the expansion side, F.C. New York, the USLPRO took the time to highlight former A.C. St. Louis midfielder, Troy Cole.  Matt Weston, the head coach for F.C. New York singled Cole out, along with captain Paul Shaw, stating: "Cole, who played in 29 games for AC St. Louis a season ago and before that played in the USL Premier Development League for the Atlanta Blackhawks, will likely be an important figure for his new club this season."

We are all looking forward to big things from the new club and from Troy Cole in particular.  Good luck on the 2011 USLPRO season!

Lucas Rodriguez is the MISL Rookie of the Year

The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced today that Missouri Comets’ midfielder, Luca Rodriguez has been named the 2010-2011 MISL Rookie of the Year. Rodriquez, a 25-year-old midfielder, recorded six goals and seven assists (19 points) in 17 games this season.  Rodriguez was also named to the league's All-Rookie 1st Team.

The announcements follow a formal voting process that polled members of the media, as well as MISL coaches and general managers. Voters were asked to select three forwards/midfielders, two defenders and one goalkeeper.

 

When told that Rodriguez been named MISL Rookie of the Year, Head Coach, Kim Roentved sounded like a proud papa. “I honestly couldn’t be more proud of Lucas,” the coach said. “His confidence escalated throughout the season after he got his first goal. He has tremendous skills with unlimited potential, and it was a pleasure watching him progress as the year went on.”

Rodriguez was a bolt of energy for the Comets all season long. Rodriguez brought speed and ankle-breaking ball movement to each game, and was key to opening up defenses and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Lucas Rodriguez profiled and interviewed by Dos Mundos Newspaper.

Dos Mundos Newspaper recently caught up with Missouri Comets rookie of the year candidate and NSC Minnesota Stars midfielder Lucas Rodriguez and had the chance to talk with him about playing for his hometown team in the MISL.

Playing professionally for the Missouri Comets, his hometown indoor team, gives Rodriguez an emotional boost, he said, because of the responsibilities involved.

“You want to win for your family, your friends, the people (in the stands), the city, the community,” Rodriguez explained. “I have a lot of people that … look up to me and support everything I do. I … have … tons of friends and people I play soccer with that I know … would give anything they had in order to be able to represent Kansas City.”

Because of those responsibilities, Rodriguez tries to do everything possible to help the Comets win when he plays, he said. Through the Comets’ first 15 games, what Rodriguez had done was play in 12 games and contribute 22 shots; 10 points (three 3-point goals and four assists); and nine blocks.

Comets coach Kim Roentved believes Rodriguez will have a bigger impact on the team as he gains professional indoor soccer experience.   It’s clear to Roentved that Rodriguez “has lots of talent.” “He just needs to use it at the right places,” Roentved commented. “And that’s what we’ve been working on since he came into (training) camp.”

Mike Ambersley Highlighted by the St. Petersburg Times

The St. Petersburg Times took a moment to breakdown FC Tampa Bay, as the club is half-way finished with its pre-season schedule and spoke to the team's new forward, Mike Ambersley, about the new coach, Ricky Hill.


"Hill, a Rowdies player/coach in the early 1990s, is in his first American Division 2 head coaching job. He promises to offer a style of play that will be "very pleasing to the eye."


"Also, Hill's mild-mannered approach is endearing him to players. "Ricky is a great motivator," forward Mike Ambersley said. "He's really positive. You know if you make a mistake, he's not going to dog you. He's a calming influence."


Ambersley was also highlighted as one of the three newcomers to watch this season, stating: 


"The 5-foot-9 forward, who scored 11 goals last year for hometown team St. Louis, will be fun to watch. He is quick, creative with the ball at his feet and moves well without it. His style is a good fit for Hill's system, so he should get plenty of opportunities to score."

Chase Harrison Returns to the City Islanders

The Harrisburg City Islanders are proud to announce the signing of goalkeeper Chase Harrison, pending USSF approval.


Harrison rejoins the City Islanders after a one-year tour of stints with different clubs in the USL and MLS. After signing with Crystal Palace Baltimore, Harrison was sent on loan to the Richmond Kickers, starting in two games, allowing two goals and making five saves. In September, he was called up to Major League Soccer's D.C. United to back up starter Troy Perkins. In October, he signed with the Columbus Crew for their playoff run.


As a City Islander in 2009, Harrison started in sixteen games recording an impressive 8-4-4 record. With a 0.812 GAA (goals against average) and ten shutouts, he was the 2009 USL-2 GAA Champion and All-League Second Team goalkeeper. Harrison also saved 54 shots and allowed just 13 goals.

Lucas Rodriguez Scores Twice, Leads Comets In Rout Over Chicago

Fighting for their playoff lives, the Missouri Comets squared off against the Chicago Riot on Sunday night, and they did not disappoint. Trailing by 2 points in the second quarter, Lucas Rodriguez dribbled through three defenders and put a shot past the Chicago keeper to equalize the score. Rodriguez opened up some space with some crossover moves against Riot defender Marco Sullo, shot to the lower right side of the net and slotted the ball past Keeper Richey.


Rodriguez found his second goal of the match on a power play at 6:02 in the third period. This was the first multi-goal game for the rookie.


The rout was capped by a rare goal from Comets' goalkeeper Danny Waltman, when he threw the ball the length of the field into an open net.

“Good teams win when the pressure is on. This is the team we knew we had at the beginning of the season,” said team captain Byron Alvarez, “The training Coach Kim puts us through helped us to be able to play at a high level on back to back nights, we’ll feel this on Monday though.”

The Comets next game is back at the Independence Events Center on March 6 at 3:10pm when the Riot come for a visit. The Comets are currently tied with Omaha for the final position in the playoffs and another win against the Riot would help to solidify their chances for postseason play.

Troy Cole and Chris Salvaggione Find New Pro Contracts

Former AC St. Louis midfielder Troy Cole has signed with the new FC New York franchise of USL PRO. Also, it was announced recently that Cole’s former ACSTL teammate, midfielder Chris Salvaggione, has signed with USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles.


Cole, who will turn 25 in April, played in 28 of AC St. Louis’ 30 USSF D2 games in 2010. Cole played his college ball at Mars Hill College in North Carolina, where he was captain his senior year and worked in 2009 as an assistant. Cole played in 2009 for the PDL Atlanta Blackhawks.

One of the highlights of Cole’s rookie season was playing a U.S. Open Cup match against the LA Galaxy in his hometown. Having about fifty friends and family members cheering him on, and playing against the red-hot Galaxy, was a huge thrill. AC St. Louis held the Galaxy scoreless for seventy minutes before succumbing 2-0.

Troy stopped in St. Louis on his trek east to join FC New York. He told IMS, “I couldn’t be more excited and thrilled to be joining FC New York,” said the Californian. But the young midfielder didn’t forget the fans in St. Louis from ACSTL’s star-crossed 2010 season. “I want to give a shout out to the all the AC St.Louis fans from last year, and especially the St. Louligans supporters group, who stood behind the players all year long despite what was going on off the field.”

Chris Salvaggione

Cole’s 2010 teammate, Chris Salvaggione, has signed with the Charlotte Eagles. It will be a homecoming for the Colorado native, as he finished his college career at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Salvaggione, a 5’10″ midfielder/forward, is pumped about playing in Charlotte. “I am excited to play for the Eagles and return to Charlotte,” Salvaggione said. “The University and the city were incredibly supportive while I was in college, and I am ready to show that my game has progressed, and that I can be an impact player for the Eagles. The expanded schedule and the inclusion of so many great teams is going to make for a competitive season, and I am confident that between the coaching staff, the players’ dedication, and the incredible community support, that the Eagles can be one of the league’s top teams.”

Brad Stisser and Will Traynor Highlighted on the Radio, Stisser Interviewed

Soccer Sam highlights Brad Stisser and Will Traynor on Rochester Radio, including an interview with Brad Stisser.

You can hear the interview at S&E Entertainment's Website and hear the full interview at Soccer Sam's Kick This Archive.

Fojo Trials With Orlando City, Plays 70 Minutes Against Toronto in Upset

On trial with Orlando City of the USLPRO League, Justin Fojo started and played 70 minutes for the Lions against Toronto FC (MLS) in the 3rd place game of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. The College of Charleston star played an integral part in the upset, as Orlando City defeated the MLS side 1-0. 


The Lions’ goal came after a Max Griffin grabbed hold of a long pass and made a run at the box. Ian Fuller followed in the right channel, resulting in a give-and-go that sprung him into the penalty area. TFC goalkeeper Milos Kocic came out to try and claim the through-ball, but Fuller beat Kocic to the ball, rounding the 'keeper and bent a low shot into the open net to give City a late lead they would not relinquish. 

Chris Salvaggione Signs With Charlotte Eagles

S&E Entertainment client Chris Salvaggione has signed a professional contract to play with the Charlotte Eagles of the USLPRO league in 2011.

Blessed with an incredible technical ability and a student's love of the game, Salvaggione returns to Charlotte after playing collegiately at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. While at UNC Charlotte he was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team and the NSCAA/Adidas All-Mid-Atlantic second team as a junior, and was the A-10 Offensive Player of the Year, an NSCAA Second Team All-American, and a Hermann Trophy semi-finalist as a senior.

Salvaggione also played in the USL Premier Development League for the Real Colorado Foxes and the Colorado Rapids Reserve Team.

"We are very excited for Chris to be signing with the Charlotte Eagles," Jeremy Gunn, Salvaggione's former college coach. "He will be returning to the city where he had a standout collegiate career and made such a great impression culminating on him being a Hermann Trophy Candidate and an NSCAA All-American.
"I have seen Chris develop as a high school, collegiate, and professional player while also seeing him mature into a fine young man. His former teammates will now get to look forward to playing him a few months time in an exhibition game! We really enjoy working with the Eagles, most recently hosting their exhibition matches against the New England Revolution of the MLS, and Bolton Wanderers FC of the English Premier League.
"We benefit greatly from having such a fine organization on our doorstep that continues to strengthen the soccer community of Charlotte. We wish Chris and his new team the best of luck this year."

Following school, Salvaggione was drafted in the third round (38th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution and trialed with several clubs in Germany, including FC Saarbrucken, FSV Frankfurt and KSV Klein-Karben. Turning down contract offers in Germany, the Fort Collins, Colorado native signed his first professional contract with A.C. St. Louis of USSF Division 2 in 2010, and nearly helped the expansion club secure a playoff berth.

"I am excited to play for the Eagles and return to Charlotte," Salvaggione said. "The University and the city were incredibly supportive while I was in college, and I am ready to show that my game has progressed, and that I can be an impact player for the Eagles. The expanded schedule and the inclusion of so many great teams is going to make for a competitive season, and I am confident that between the coaching staff, the players' dedication, and the incredible community support, that the Eagles can be one of the league's top teams."

Brad Stisser and Will Traynor Sign with Rochester Rhinos

S&E Entertainment clients Brad Stisser and Will Traynor have signed professional contracts to play with the Rochester Rhinos in the 2011 season.

Stisser, a 24-year old native of Colorado, played with A.C. St. Louis in 2010 where he scored five goals in 24 appearances.  Prior to joining St. Louis, Stisser played collegiate soccer at Loyola Marymount after transferring as a sophomore from Coastal Carolina in 2006.  While in college, he was a member of the Colorado Rapids U-23’s (2007-08) and the Real Colorado Rapids (2009) of the Premier Development League (USL).

Will Traynor is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where played four seasons with the Gamecocks.  The 6’2” defender was a Sports and Entertainment major and was a four-time Conference USA Academic All-Star while at South Carolina.  He was awarded the conference’s Commissioner’s Academic Medal awarded to student athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.

“Will is a player that started all four years at South Carolina and has good size and good athleticism” said Rhinos' Head Coach Bob Lilley.  ‘He has very good feet playing out of the back and reads the game very well.  He will also add a physical dimension on the back.”

Chase Harrison Seeing More Time for D.C. United

Goalkeeper Chase Harrison is seeing more playing time with D.C. United during pre-season, seeing the field in two recent exhibition matches and is making a strong case for a roster spot.  

Harrison started in goal and played the first half for D.C. against the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 National Team squad. Chase and United went on to win that match 4-0.

Harrison also played in the second half of D.C. United's 3-1 victory over the Ventura County Fusion (PDL). Chase (in yellow goalkeeper jersey) made multiple saves in the contest and you can even see video footage of some of those saves below.  The second half footage begins at the 6:00 mark in the video.

Andres Cuero Signs with Wilmington Hammerheads

S&E Entertainment client Andres Cuero has signed a professional contract with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USLPRO league.

An Austin, Texas native, Cuero is currently a senior standout for the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. In 2009, Cuero finished tied for second place in the Atlantic 10 with a career-high of seven assists. He assisted on the 49ers first goal against No.3 Wake Forest, and is one of five 49ers with at least 30 shots on goal. He played in 17 games, 13 of which he started.

In 2008, Cuero was named third-team NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region Honors and earned all-tournament honors in the Davidson/Adidas Classic, the UNCW/Courtyard Marriot Classic, and the Charlotte Nike Invitational. He also scored the game-winning goal with 51 seconds left that secured the Charlotte Nike Invitational Title.


Cuero has also spent time playing with the USL Premier Development League team, the Austin Aztex. The Aztex enjoyed a promising first season, winning six of seven games, including a 4-0 win against the DFW Tornados where Cuero scored a hat trick.

Chase Harrison in Pre-Season with D.C. United

Chase Harrison is training once again with D.C. United during their MLS pre-season, looking to secure a roster spot for the 2011 season. 

Chase Harrison was a busy man in 2010. He started the season in the NASL with Crystal Palace Baltimore. He then joined the Richmond Kickers. After the USL-2 season ended he trained with D.C. United. Following that, he then joined the Columbus Crew during their run in the playoffs. 

Harrison played 60 minutes in D.C. United's exhibition match against Florida Internatioanal University on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. He played the first 30 minutes half in the net for D.C. and played the second half for FIU. The match ended 4-0 in favor of D.C. United.

Rodriguez Scores Again in Comets' Loss

Lucas Rodriguez continued his excellent form, scoring a goal and adding an assist and creating another goal in the Missouri Comets' loss to the Milwaukee Wave in MISL league action on Saturday night.

Early in the first period, Rodriguez played a penetrating ball to Byron Alvarez who smashed the ball off the wall into the center of the box for Leo Gibson to stroke home.  Rodriguez turned goalscorer in the third period, slotting home a loose ball after a scramble in front of Milwaukee's net.  Minutes later, Rodriguez raced down the outside of the pitch and found Alvarez for goal, giving the Comets a 14-9 lead.  Unfortunately, the Comets could not hold the lead and eventually fell to the Wave 17-16.


On Sunday night, Lucas Rodriguez continued his strong play by drawing a yellow card and penalty shot against the Omaha Vipers' goaltender after some fancy footwork put Rodriguez one-on-one to goal.  Byron Alvarez stepped up to convert the penalty shot.

Rodriguez Scores in Comets' Comeback

Lucas Rodriguez scored his second goal of the weekend in dramatic fashion.  Trailing the Omaha Vipers in MISL league play, the Missouri Comets needed a spark, having already lost a heart-breaker to the Baltimore Blast on Saturday night.  Lucas Rodriguez and his Comets teammates delivered, as Rodriguez scored a fantastic diving goal past the Omaha goalkeeper in the third period.

The Comets continued to battle and completed the comeback victory, winning 21-20.

Rodriguez and Perez Score First Goals

Congratulations to S&E Entertainment clients Lucas Rodriguez and Bryan Perez, who scored their first goals of the 2011 MISL indoor season for the Missouri Comets.

Playing against MISL power the Baltimore Blast, Rodriguez scored an unassisted goal in the second period.  He added an assist in the fourth period, finding Jamar Beasley with a nice pass.

Perez notched his first goal of the campaign in the fourth period with a tremendous headed effort.  Unfortunately, his heroics could not salvage the win, as the Comets fell 15-13

Mike Utley Leads Piasa to #8 Power Ranking

Playing in his first season as a professional indoor player, Mike Utley has lead the Illinois Piasa to a #8 spot in the latest PASL power rankings.

Utley solidified the expansion team's defensive line, helping the Piasa to a 10-3 victory against the Ohio Vortex and the #8 spot.

Lucas Rodriguez Tallies Assist in MISL Action

Lucas Rodriguez tallied an assist for the Missouri Comets against the Omaha Vipers in MISL action. After the Comets pulled their goalkeeper in favor of an extra attacker, Rodriguez found Leo Gibson with 1:50 left in the match.  Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough and the Vipers beat the Comets by a final score of 6-4.

Lucas Rodriguez is playing with the Missouri Comets in his first season as a professional in the MISL, having recently finished his first outdoor professional season with the Minnesota Stars of the NASL.

Mike Ambersley Signs with FC Tampa Bay

FC Tampa Bay announces the signing of forward Mike Ambersley, who previously played for A.C. St. Louis during the 2010 season in the USSF D-2 Pro League. Ambersley, a St. Louis native, signed a one-year deal for 2011 with a one-year club option for 2012.

While with St. Louis, Ambersley received top honors, including USSF D-2 Player of the Month in July and A.C. St. Louis Offensive Player of the Year. Ambersley ended the 2010 season ranked sixth in USSF D-2 for goals scored with 11. 

“Mike is a talented and hard-working player, which we witnessed firsthand during our 2010 season,” said Executive Vice President, Technical Director and Director of Player Development Perry Van Der Beck. “We look forward to having a player of his caliber join our organization.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a quality and professional organization,” said Ambersley. “I’m looking forward to being a part of this historical club and working towards winning the 2011 NASL title with FC Tampa Bay.