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."