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Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today issued the following statement regarding the status of the San Jose Earthquakes: "At the recent MLS Board of Governors meeting in Frisco, Texas, the Anschutz Entertainment Group was granted approval by the Board to move the San Jose Earthquakes to a number of potential cities, including Houston, Texas. "In order to ensure that the team will have the appropriate time to prepare for the 2006 season, a final decision on the location of the team will be reached within the next 30 days." The 10th season of Major League Soccer concluded on Sunday, November
13 with the Los Angeles Galaxy capturing a dramatic 1-0 victory over the
New England Revolution in MLS Cup 2005. MLS clubs will now begin preparations
for the League's 11th season, which kicks off on April 1, 2006. The first
Waiver Draft of the offseason takes place this Wednesday, November 16,
2005. Top of PageD.C. United Wins MLS Reserve Title D.C. United won the first Major League Soccer Reserve Division championship by defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1 on the RFK Stadium auxiliary field before a raucous capacity crowd of 350. United, the defending MLS Cup champion, took home a $20,000 prize for winning the reserve league. "These guys worked hard all season," United Reserve coach Tommy Soehn said. "They deserve this." United received an early goal from striker Jamil Walker, went ahead 2-0 on another from forward Jason Thompson after intermission, and then withstood a Crew rally ignited by a tally from striker Knox Cameron midway through the second half. United finished in first place in the Reserve Division with an 8-4 record for 24 points. The MetroStars (5-3-3), New England Revolution (5-3-4) and FC Dallas (6-5-1) each had 19 points, followed by four teams -- the Colorado Rapids, Chicago Fire, Kansas City Wizards and San Jose Earthquakes -- who were all 5-4-3 with 18 points. With his tally, Walker won the Reserve Division goal-scoring crown with nine, one ahead of Chad Barrett of the Chicago Fire and Dante Washington of Real Salt Lake (4-6-2, 14). "It was a good season. It was a bit up-and-down, but we felt we were the best team out there," Walker said. "The support from the fans was great -- I don't think we lost at home. This shows what we can do. We knew we had to win or draw and we got the result we wanted." "The reserve division was great, because it allowed players who wouldn't normally get games to further develop themselves," United assistant coach Mark Simpson said. "Throughout the league, it's important for guys to get time on the field." Teenager Freddy Adu, who started the game, and Walker
had to be replaced in the second half because they had played the previous
night for United's first team in the 2-2 draw with the Crew. League rules
do not allow players to total more than 90 minutes in the league game
and then the reserve match, which is played the next day. Lineups: D.C. United - Troy Perkins, Stephen deRoux, Bobby Boswell, John Wilson, Jason Thompson Shawn Kuykendall, Clyde Simms, Freddy Adu (Roland Aguilara 70), Nick Van Sicklen, Nana Kuffour, Jamil Walker (Tim Merritt 46). Columbus - Bill Gaudette, Derek Smith, Glen Sullivan, Chris Brunt, Steve Armstrong (Jonah Long 65), Freddy Juarez, Jeff Matteo, Luis Gallardo, Marcus Storey (Noah Braun 77), Knox Cameron, John Wolyniec. Scoring: Top of PageReal Salt Lake striker and Major League Soccer's all-time leading scorer will miss the remainder of the MLS season after partially tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament. Kreis, who played collegiate soccer at Duke University, originally tore his left ACL on August 13, 2003, when he was a member of the Dallas Burn, now FC Dallas. He re-injured the knee last week in a Real practice session. RSL placed Kreis, 32, on the season-ending injury reserve list. Kreis, who played during MLS's first nine seasons in Dallas, became this year the first player in league history to reach the milestone of scoring 100 goals. After finding net a team-leading nine times this season and adding four assists, Kreis has career totals of 100 goals and 69 assists for 238 points "I fully expect to come back for the 2006 MLS season quicker and stronger than ever," Kreis was quoted in a RSL press release. "I expect to meet with (the) U.S. Soccer (Federation's) top surgeon, Dr. Bert Mandelbaum the week of September 26 to determine my medical course of action." Mandelbaum is a world-renowned surgeon based in Los Angeles who has operated on a many top professional male and female U.S. soccer players. "Jason's injury is an unfortunate setback to our captain and leading scorer," said RSL general manager Steve Pastorino in the club's release. "But if anyone can find the strength within himself to come back stronger in 2006 from an injury like this, it's Jason." Kreis' record 100th and last goal came August 13 in a 402 home loss to
the Kansas City Wizards. Top of PageFreddy Adu Nominated For Award Washington, D.C. (August 23, 2005) - D.C. United’s Freddy Adu, has been nominated for the highly prestigious FIFPro “Young Player of the Year” award. Adu, the only American player nominated, will join such big names as Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Chelsea FC), Christiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), and Brazilian star, Robinho, who plays for Real Madrid. The remaining seven players nominated include: Javier Alejandro Mascherano (Sport Club Corinthians), Bastian Schweinsteiger (F.C. Bayern Munchen), Dong Fangzou (Manchester United), Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Rio Antonio Mavuba (Bordeaux), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), and Obafemi Martins (Inter). “This is a tremendous honor for Freddy,” said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. “As a young player, we are proud of his development and continued determination to be a great player. Freddy and D.C. United both aspire to succeed on the world stage and this is another step toward that goal.” Adu is likely to return to action tomorrow night having recovered from an MCL sprain to his right knee, an injury that has left him sidelined for two weeks. The injury occurred in the first half of United’s 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday, August 6. Adu practiced with the team both today and yesterday and is listed as probable for United’s Open Cup match against FC Dallas on Wednesday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, Md. The FIFPro World Players XI Awards will take place on September 19, 2005 at London’s Wembley Conference and Exhibition Center. The award ceremony will also announce prestigious awards such as World Player of the Year and the World XI Legend. The winner of the “Young Player of the Year” award will be chosen by fans from all over the world and announced in front of a global audience of over 150 million viewers. FIFPro, the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Assocations, is the world’s first and only international player-voted football awards ever staged and broadcasted globally. Scottish, French, Italian, Dutch, and English players’ associations, for the purpose of representing players and associations and uniting soccer on the world stage, established the international organization in 1965. Today, FIFPro includes 40 players’ associations throughout the world. Top of PageMLS Select Fall 5-0 To Real Madrid When given the opportunity to send a select team to play Real Madrid, Major League Soccer jumped at the chance to take another step on the world stage. It might have actually been a misstep. The collection of MLS players, certainly not the best the league had to offer, made the mid-week trip to Spain and came away with a 5-0 loss in the 16th Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu. The game was Real Madrid’s final tuneup before opening league play. Whatever respect MLS gained with a 4-1 win over England’s Fulham
FC of the Premier League, was compromised with the overwhelming loss in
this meaningless exhibition game. David Beckham opened the scoring with a freekick 22 minutes into the game. Ronaldo had two goals and Buti and Raúl added to the rout in front of a crowd of 60,000, who saw just about what they expected from the MLS side. Moreno, injured on the play that gave Beckham the free kick, would go out of the game two minutes later. The selection of the MLS squad was somewhat based on the mid-week U.S. Open Cup schedule back home. Only one player was selected from each of the six MLS teams still in that competition, while two were taken from each team that had already been eliminated. Thus, the best 18 were not selected. One, Chad Marshall of the Columbus Crew, missed the trip when he couldn’t locate his passport, leaving the team with a 17-man roster. For a number of the MLS players, particularly Los Angeles Galaxy and U.S. MNT forward Landon Donovan, the game was just another in a long season that has included World Cup qualifiers, exhibition games, MLS regular season games, and U.S. Open Cup matches. Only this trip to Spain took these players halfway around the world for yet another exhibition. At least one news report from Madrid cited the MLS team as “not a real threat, and when they got close to the penalty area, there was Ivan Helguera to clear any danger.” The score actually could have been greater had goalkeeper Matt Reis not made several outstanding saves.
Scoring Summary: REAL MADRID: Diego López; Michel Salgado (Carlos Diogo 85), Iván Helguera (Jonathan Woodgate 86) , Francisco Pavón (Álvaro Mejía 87), Roberto Carlos (Raúl Bravo 87); Thomas Gravesen (Pablo García 68), Zinedine Zidane (Guti 63), David Beckham, Baptista (Michael Owen 80); Raúl, Ronaldo (Javier Portillo 87). MLS SELECT: Matt Reis (Nick Rimando 88); Frankie Hejduk,
Pablo Mastroeni (Douglas Sequeira 74), Jimmy Conrad, Jose Burciaga (Ricardo
Clark 86); Shalrie Joseph, Ronnie O'Brien, Justin Mapp (Jeff Cunningham
45), Clint Dempsey (Jason Kreis 69); Landon Donovan (Youri Djorkaeff 61),
Jaime Moreno (Amado Guevara 24). Top of PageHammerheads Go Up 1-0 In Playoffs The Wilmington Hammerheads passed its first test on the road to a second United Soccer Leagues Second Division championship by defeating the Western Mass Pioneers 1-0 in front of 1,237 soggy fans at Legion Stadium. The Hammers travel to Western Mass Saturday and must tie or win to move on to the championship game, to be played at Legion Stadium August 27 if the Hammers advance. On May 6, Wilmington tied the Pioneers 2-2 at Western Mass. In a foul-plagued game played on a sticky evening after a major downpour, it was the physical play on both sides that suggested that the regular season is over. In all, the referee handed out seven yellow cards, four to Wilmington. It was the ejection of Pioneer goalkeeper David Mahoney in the 41st minute that turned the game in favor of the Hammers. Mahoney was tossed after swatting Hammerhead forward Ryan Miller when both battled for a loose ball. Miller received a caution on the play. “They’re a big, physical side,” said Wilmington Coach David Irving, who was incensed in the first 10 minutes after several flagrant fouls. Still, Irving is happy with the result. “The first part of our leg is done. It’ll be a hostile crowd up there, but we’re playing to win.” The Hammers scored in the 57th minute when Kenny Bundy executed a pretty lead pass to striker Chris Bagley, who calmly turned and kicked a roller past substitute Western Mass keeper Bryan O’Quinn. While Wilmington played more than half the game with a man advantage, the Pioneers did not roll over and in fact had several decent chances to tie. A free kick from 25 yards out by forward Everson Maciel hit the crossbar and was corralled by Hammerhead keeper Bart Creasman, who earlier saved a point blank shot by speedy left-winger Omar McFarlane. Creasman made a nifty diving save on another free kick 5 minutes before the final whistle. Wilmington had 11 shots to Western Mass’s seven. “From their standpoint, this is not a bad result,” admitted Coach Irving. “It was a weird night. I think we could’ve had a few more goals.” HAMMERHEADS-UP: Defensive MVP Brady Bryant sat out the game after a bout with food poisoning landed him in the hospital. Top of PageReddick, Horton Honored By W-League The United Soccer Leagues have announced the selection of former UNC All-America Catherine Reddick as the W-League’s Defender of the Year, and Charlotte Lady Eagles head coach Lee Horton as its Coach of the Year. Melissa Dobbyn, who played for the Detroit Jaguars this summer, was the league’s MVP as well as the U19 Player of the Year. Defender of the Year – Cat Reddick (New Jersey Wildcats)
Coach of the Year - Lee Horton (Charlotte Lady Eagles) Top of PageHe was hard to miss. At first glance, it was a short bleached blond hair, but then you appreciated the quick and skillful touches on the ball. And the kid had confidence. You had to give him that. Ross Paule was a junior midfielder at Creighton and when his team was eliminated from the 1996 NCAA Division I College Cup semifinals in Richmond, the Cordova native had played his last collegiate game for the Blue Jays. He was headed to Major League Soccer. He played in MLS for eight seasons, making the all-star game 2 times. He played for three teams, the last of which was the Columbus Crew. He took his last jog around the field with his teammates in Crew practice gear for the last time on April 26. His teammates were getting ready for the upcoming game with the Chicago Fire, Paule, the Crew’s MVP in 2003, was getting ready to retire at the age of 29! When the others began other exercises, Paule stepped aside. It was a symbolic jesture and the end of a career cut short by a series of concussions. He is being forced to retire because of post-concussion syndrome. It was a decision that had been in the making for several weeks, ever since he sustained the latests injury during the Carolinas Cup preseason tournament in Charleston, S.C. “I’m very disappointed for Ross,” coach Greg Andrulis said. “He’s in the prime of his career. He’s such a great person and player.” Paule, who began his pro career in Denver with the Colorado Rapids,
had been examined twice this season by Dr. Jim Kelly
in Denver. Neither Kelly or Crew team physician Pete Edwards
would clear Paule to return to the field. “This is not what I want but it is what it is,” Paule said. “I am doing everything I can do to take care of my health and well-being of my family by obtaining the best medical advice from the best to make sure the decision is right for me. “This is all very hard for me because I love to play but most of all I love to play and make a difference and I know I still could for many more years.” His problems began last summer. On Aug. 7, after taking a free kick in the face during a match at New England, he suffered his third concussion of the season. He was back on the field for the next match wearing protective headgear. However, a blow to the head in a game on Sept. 25 sidelined him again and he sat out the final four games of the regular season with post-concussion syndrome. He returned for two playoff games. He had been cleared to play during the preseason without headgear and was doing well until being knocked woozy during a March 19 exhibition in Charleston, Paule was cleared to play this preseason without headgear and was OK until being knocked woozy during a match March 19 in Charleston, S.C., when he simultaneously was elbowed in the back of the head and hit in the face with the ball. He had not played since. His retirment brought to a close an eight-yer career with 31 goals and 41 assists in 192 regular-season games. finishes an eight-year career with 31 goals and 41 assists in 192 regular-season matches. He was drafted by Colorado in 1997 and had a career-high 10 goals in ‘98. He had 10 assists, a career high, in 2001 before being traded to the MetroStars late in the season. He went to Columbus in 2003. In 25 starts with the Crew, Paule had 15 points (four goals and seven assists). He had seven goals and two assists in 25 games last season. He’s not totally stepping away from soccer and from the Crew.
Andrulis said Paule would assist the coaching staff for the rest of the
season, paying particular attention to the reserve team. Top of PageBalboa, Harkes, and Ramos Elected to Hall Of Fame Three U.S. Men's National Team stars and Major League Soccer pioneers, Tab Ramos, Marcelo Balboa and John Harkes have been elected for induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The official induction will take place on August 29 in Oneonta, NY. “What a glorious Class of 2005!” President/CEO Will Lunn said. “These are players who have truly made a difference to soccer in America, most notably on the field, but they have been so very important in the growth of the game on all levels. We look forward to welcoming them to their new home in Oneonta.” All three began their professional careers outside of the United States, including stints in Europe, before returning to careers in Major League Soccer. Ramos and Balboa led the balloting, each receiving 108 votes, while Harkes was only one behind with 107. The next highest total was 72, earned by Thomas Dooley, followed by Hugo Perez (62), Peter Vermes (57), Carlos Valderrama (54), Bruce Murray (42), Peter Nowak (32) and Roy Wegerle (31). Ramos and Harkes played their collegiate soccer in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Ramos at N.C. State and Harkes at the University of Virginia. Balboa played at San Diego State. "Major League Soccer is proud to congratulate three of the League's founders on their election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "Hall of Fames are built for players like Tab, Marcelo and John. As members of the first Hall of Fame class comprised entirely of former MLS players, they have left a lasting legacy for our League and the sport of soccer in our country.” Upon being notified of his selection, Balboa remarked,”This (was) the best telephone call of my professional life. This is something yo8u dream about, beginning as a young player, but when the call comes, your first reaction is ‘Holy Cow!’” Ramos said his reaction was “Oh God! I have to sit down!” “You can never be prepared for a moment like this. I am extremely honored to be one of the soccer names that will live forever and I say that with great respect for the Hall of Famers who preceded me,” said Ramos. “I received the call on my cell phone while driving and I had to pull the car over,” remarked Harkes. “I am overwhelmed with the honor. It is not an everyday event that you get to be honored by the people that are knowledgeable in the game. I could not be more proud.” Bob Gansler, coach of the U.S. National Team in 1990 when all three made their first appearnce in the World Cup, offered that “these are truly deserving players. They have at every level, youth, Olympic, World Cup and in the professional leagues, at home and overseas, showed their quality. “These players set a high standard for the players to follow. Tab by going to Spain and showing the confidence and perseverance to go through the second division and on to LaLiga; John in his play in England, and certainly, Celo making his mark in Mexico.” All three players were clear choices in their first year of eligibility for election to the Hall of Fame and form the first all-MLS Hall of Fame class ever. A total of 123 votes were cast, and increase of 51 votes over the 2004 election. Election rules state that the top three will be elected if each receives more than 80% of the votes cast, as each one did. Top of PageTiger Leaves Atlanta For Salt Lake Leslie “Tiger” Fitzpatrick, one of the Atlanta Silverbacks’ top players, has been signed to a Major League Soccer contract by Real Salt Lake. He will join fellow Trinidad & Tobago national teammate Marlon Rojas with that club. He had been with the Silverbacks for one season. National midfielder Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick has moved up the professional ranks, having signed a contract with American Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. He is expected to be available to play this weekend against the Colorado Rapids at Rice Eccles Stadium. "It's a good move for me, particularly at this stage of my career. It's a step up for me from the A-League, but it's not one where I should have much adjustments to make because I've played here since my days at Columbia University and then at Atlanta. It's a challenge that I'm really looking forward to," the 26-year-old Fitzpatrick told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes yesterday. The New York/New Jersey MetroStars had also been eyeing "Tiger", who they invited to train with them during their recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago. But the former St Mary's College standout said he was comfortable with the move to Salt Lake, whose roster also includes Jamaican captain Andy Williams, Americans Clint Mathis, Jason Kreis and Eddie Pope, and Botswana international Dipsy Selolwane. "In the end I think the deal was the right one. With Marlon also being here makes it good because it gives us a chance to play and train together on a regular basis, which should serve well for when we have to play for the national team in the rest of qualifying matches to come," said Fitzpatrick. He also expressed keen anticipation about working under recently-appointed T&T coach Leo Beenhakker. "I was able to meet him briefly last week and I think it's obviously a step in the right direction to have a coach of his caliber in charge of the team now. We know that our chances of making it through are still very good, despite the fact we have only one point to show from three games, but I'm pretty confident we can pick up a momentum and go through with it, starting from the next game against Panama." Stilian Shishkov, Executive Director of the Atlanta Silverbacks, pointed out that while it was a difficult decision to lose such an impact player, the deal was viewed as a good decision by all parties. "Real Salt Lake approached us about Leslie, we had no intentions
of moving him, but we reached an agreement that I believe was in the best
interest of everyone concerned,” said Shishkov. “He was an
important part of our organization, we appreciate his contributions to
the Club and we wish him every success both in the MLS and on the international
stage." He scored two goals in 28 games for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the A
League last season. Top of PageUnited Knocked Out Of Champion’s Cup D.C. United’s quest for a CONCACAF Champion’s Cup title disappeared in Mexico City as the MLS team was shutout by Mexico’s UNAM Pumas in the second leg of their semifinal matchup. The two teams had drawn 1-1 last week in Washington, D.C. Bolivian Joaquin Botero scored twice to lead the Pumas in the win, and the game was never close as they broke the game open with a four-goal second half. Pumas will now meet Saprissa of Costa Rica in the final. Saprissa, which eliminated the Kansas City Wizards in the quarterfinals, won 5-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 semifinal tie at Monterrey. Argentine Bruno Marioni headed a rebound past United goaltender Nick Rimando in the 12th minute. Botero stretched the lead to two goals three minutes after halftime when he broke free from the left side, drew Rimando out of the net and easily knocked the ball home. United defender Mike Petke was expelled after being earning his second yellow card and the hosts used the man advantage to turn the game into a mismatch. Botero made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute, controlling the ball at midfield before launching a long shot from the right that got past Rimando. David Toledo put a shot in from the left 13 minutes later and Jaime Lozano got the fifth goal by heading in a pass from Botero in the 88th. Top of PageLandon Donovan Headed Back To MLS Landon Donovan’s professional soccer journey to Germany lasted only about 10 weeks. The 23-year-old forward is apparently headed back to Major League Soccer after playing very little with Bayer Leverkusen. He had expressed frustration over a lack of playing time and made the decision while with the U.S. National Team in Mexico over the weekend. "I think several things came together," Bayer Leverkusen spokesman Uli Dost said in an Associated Press article on Tuesday. "He had the possibility built into his contract to leave if he wanted. This is the logical consequence. He will join a MLS team, whichever one." The Los Angeles Times has reported that the Los Angeles Galaxy were close to sending Guatemalan forward Carlos Ruiz to Dallas so they could acquire Donovan. Galaxy general manager Doug Hamilton has refused comment. Donovan, according to Dost, told Leverkusen coach Klaus Augenthaler that he didn't want to return during a telephone call from Mexico City, where the United States lost to Mexico 2-1 Sunday in a World Cup qualifier. "The coach said, `OK, you can leave,'" Dost said. MLS officials have not commented on Donovan’s return to the league, but it is widely known that he would be welcomed back with open arms. Donovan left MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes in January. He had signed a contract with Leverkusen in 1999 when he was 17 years old, but didn’t get in a game, became homesick and returned home to play with the Earthquakes. He was a standout for the U.S. in the 2002 World Cup, and his Germany club expressed interest at that time in his return to fulfill that contract. Donovan said Monday he wouldn't make a decision on his club future until after Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at Birmingham, Ala. He has made just two starts since rejoining Bayer Leverkusen in January. While he got into another seven games as a substitute, it was mostly in the waning minutes. He was criticized for not playing well in a Champions League game against Liverpool on March 7, when he was taken out after 52 minutes in a 3-1 loss, and he hasn't played since. Donovan signed with Leverkusen in 1999, when he was 17, but didn't get
into a game and was sent to the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS two years
later. Donovan starred for the United States at the 2002 World Cup. Top of Page2005 MLS Opener Set For Home Depot The 2005 Major League Soccer season gets underway on Saturday, April 2 when expansion Club Deportivo Chivas USA plays host to MLS Cup champion D.C. United at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m., ET and the game will be televised live on ABC. Chivas USA is one of two expansion franchises this season, the other being Real Salt Lake. The addition of those two teams brings the league to 12 teams for 2005. D.C. United will return a veteran lineup that includes Alecko Escandarian, Jaimie Moreno and teenager Freddy Adu. The defending champions will be looking to fill some gaps in the starting lineup created when Earnie Stewart returns to Holland at the end of last season, and defender Ryan Nelsen signed with the Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League. ABC’s telecase of Major League Soccer this year will feature several
new production elements, including the first ever use of SkyCam in a MLS
telecast, as well as “Side-by-Side”, a split screen of the
game and commercials that allows viewers to see uninterrupted game action. Top of PageD.C. United got the game-winner in the 64th minute from Joshua Gros to beat Harbour View FC from Jamaica in the first leg of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup quarterfinals. Alecko Eskandarian opening the scoring for D.C. United in the fifth minute, but the Jamaicans equalized in the 23rd minute of play on a goal by Luton Shelton. D.C. United played its game at the SoccerPlex in Germanton, MD. The Kansas City Wizards, the other Major League Soccer tewam in the tournament, played to a scoreless tie against visiting Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica in the QF 4 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. CF Monterrey (Mex) beat CSD Municipal 2-1 in QF 3, while Pumas UNAM (Mex) held the host CD Olimpia (Hon) to a 1-1 draw in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The second leg in each matchup will take place on March 16-17 at the reverse venues. CD Olímpia visits Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Ciudad de México on 16 March, while Harbour View FC greets D.C. United at the Harbour View Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica and then CSD Municipal host CF Monterrey at the Estadio Mateo Flores in Ciudad de Guatemala. Quarterfinals conclude on 17 March with Kansas City Wizards traveling to face Deportivo Saprissa at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San José, Costa Rica. All the matches of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup will be broadcast on television by one of the FoxSports International regional programming channels (Fox Soccer Channel – USA; FoxSports Español – USA; Fox North Cone – Caribbean, Central America & Mexico). The winner of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup will qualify to the FIFA Club World Championship to be held in Japan from 11-18 December. The CONCACAF Champions’ Cup is the longest running international
club competition in the region and has crowned the champion club of the
Confederation since its inception in 1962. Top of Page It had been rumored that the MLS MetroStars were shopping
veteran centerback Eddie Pope, High Point, NC native
and former standout with UNC and D.C. United, to other MLS clubs. Top of Page30 PDL players taken in MLS 2005 SuperDraft BALTIMORE, MD – At the Major League Soccer 2005 SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland Friday, 30 players with Premier Development League experience, including eight players from the unbeaten 2004 Chicago Fire Reserves were selected. The Fire Reserves have become a leader in player development in the PDL by doubling last year’s four draft picks with eight in 2005, including three in the First Round. The first three PDL players selected in the First Round all hailed from the Fire Reserves with six PDL players in total going in the First Round. The Fire Reserves’ Brad Guzan, the 2004 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year, was the first PDL player taken in the draft, going as the second pick to expansion Chivas USA out of Los Angeles. Two selections later, Fire Reserves midfielder Danny O’Rourke was taken as the fourth overall pick by the San Jose Earthquakes. FC Dallas jumped into the mix with the sixth pick by taking defender Drew Moor, who helped lead Guzan to a league-low seven goals allowed in the 18-game season. Former Texas Spur Hunter Freeman (7th, Colorado Rapids), Bradenton Academic Michael Parkhurst (9th, New England Revolution) and Indiana Invader Jack Stewart (10th, Chicago Fire) were also taken in the First Round. Other Fire Reserve selections were Chris Rolfe (29th, Chicago), CJ Klaas (32nd, San Jose), Thabiso Khumalo (36th, Chicago), Luke Kreamalmeyer (37th, Real Salt Lake) and Julian Nash (40th, DC United), who led the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in scoring in 2004 with four goals and two assists. PDL 2004 semifinalist Carolina Dynamo saw four players taken in the draft with Marcus Storey and James Riley going back-to-back as the 20th and 21st selections to the Columbus Crew and Revolution, respectively, in the Second Round. Amir Lowery and Tim Merritt were drafted 45th and 48th by Colorado and DC in the Fourth Round. Storey finished tied for eighth in the PDL goal scoring (15) in 2004 with forward Cameron Knox, who was one of three former Michigan Bucks taken in the draft. He was joined by John Minigawa-Webster (47th, Kansas City Wizards) and Khumalo, who played three seasons with the Bucks before joining the Fire Reserves last year. Twenty of the players drafted played more than one season in the PDL with the 30 draftees averaging just over two seasons worth of experience. Top of PageSampson Named Galaxy Head Coach Former United States Men's National Team Coach Steve Sampson has been named the new head coach of Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy. He replaces Sigi Schmid, who was the coach for three of the Galaxy's four MLS Cup appearances. Schmid was fired after going winless in his team's last five games. "To finally be here as the head coach of what I consider the best
club in the country is a privilege," he said. "I don't take
the responsibility lightly. We obviously have an enormous responsibility
here, and that is to win the MLS championship." Top of PageThe Los Angeles Galaxy has fired coach Sigi Schmid
although the club had the best record in Major League Soccer. He is expected
to be replaced by former U.S. Men's National Coach Steve Sampson. Top of PageBattery To Meet Chicago Fire In U. S. Open Cup Semifinals The defending champion Chicago Fire are two wins away from the September 22 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game for the fifth time in the team’s seven year history as they topped the Richmond Kickers 1-0 on Wednesday night in Richmond, Va. Forward Dipsy Selowane scored the game’s only goal in the 56th minute on a cross from Orlando Perez. The Fire (MLS) will now host the Charleston Battery (A-League) on Aug. 25 at Benedetti-Wehrle (formerly Cardinal) Stadium in Naperville, Ill. at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Battery upset the Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) 1-0 at Frontier Field in Rochester, N.Y. on a seventh minute goal by Gabe Valencia. Although they are the defending A-League Champion, Charleston is the most unlikely team to appear in this foursome. The Battery’s win tonight gave them three wins in the 2004 Open Cup, matching their total of three wins in 21 A-League matches as they sit in last place in the Eastern Conference. In the other semifinal bracket, the Minnesota Thunder (A-League) took the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) to overtime, before falling 5-4 in penalty kicks. Melvin Tarley scored for the Thunder in the first five minutes, but San Jose would eventually go ahead on goals by Brian Ching (24th minute) and Landon Donovan (64th minute). Minnesota forced overtime with a Dustin Branan goal in the 77th minute, but were denied as the match went to spot kicks after 30 minutes of scoreless overtime. The Earthquakes will now face the Kansas City Wizards, who blew out MLS rival Dallas Burn 4-0 on Wednesday. Chris Klein, Davy Arnaud, Justin Detter and Alex Zotinca all tallied for the Wizards. The Wizards will host their semifinal at the Blue Valley Athletic Complex in Overland Park, Kan., on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Both San Jose and Kansas City are seeking their first apperance in the U.S. Open Cup final. With the win tonight, the Chicago Fire now have 17 wins in U.S. Open Cup play, more than any other team since 1996 when MLS teams first participated. Second to the Fire since 1999 are the Rochester Raging Rhinos and Columbus Crew with 14 wins each. The Rhinos and Crew have been eligible to compete in the Open Cup for each of the last nine years, while the Fire were not founded until 1998. In addition to their 2003 crown, the Fire also had their name engraved on the Dewar Trophy in 1998 and 2000. The Battery are the first A-League team in the semifinals since 1999, when Charleston and their opponent Wednesday night, the Rhinos, both qualified for the semifinals. That year was also the last time and the only time since MLS joined the competition that an A-League team won the Open Cup when Rochester took the crown. At stake in the tournament is $180,000 in prize money broken down as follows: $100,000 to the champion, $50,000 to the runner up and $10,000 to the team which advances deepest in the tournament from each of the Division II, Division III and amateur levels. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. U.S. Open Cup Schedule/Results Semifinals Top of PageKickers Celebrate Upset Of D.C. United The Richmond Kickers treated a home crowd of 8,776, believed to the the largest in team history, to a 2-1 victory over D.C. United in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. The Kickers pulled off the upset with back-to-back goals by rookie McColm Cephas. The Kickers now advance to the quarterfinals against defending Cup champion MLS Chicago Fire on Aug. 4 at University of Richmond Stadium The first year striker from Virginia Commonwealth University, who didn't get a look from Major League Soccer before signing with the A-League Kickers, got his first goal in the 33rd minute, and then stretched the advantage to 2-0 in the 64th minute with an assist from Joey Worthan. In the 33rd minute, Cephas outmaneuvered veteran defender Mike Petke - 6-2 to Cephas' 5-5 - on a booming kick by Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Petke tried to use his size advantage to shield the ball from the Liberian national and was made to look foolish when Cephas darted around him, collected the ball and knocked it by onrushing United goalie Nick Rimando. Freddy Adu, expected to start the game for D.C. United, came into the game in the second half and helped lift the MLS club's intensity. The 15-year old fired a shot off the crossbar in the 68th minute, then beat the defense to put teammate Dema Kovalenko through for a shot that was deflected by Pascale. Adu gave United much-needed energy, not to mention a consistent threat. His work ethic finally paid off in the 82nd minute, sending a ball into the box that was headed in by 19-year-old - and fellow native of Ghana - Nana Kuffour, making his first appearance for the red and black. "This was a huge win because they're in a league above us," said Worthen, the former USC Gamecock, "but we have so many players capable of being there, and I think we could beat these guys on a regular basis." Also advancing to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals from the A-League were Charleston, Rochester and Minnesota. D.C. United ------------------------- 0 1 - 1 Richmond ------------------------- 1 1 - 2 Scoring: 1, Richmond, Cephas, 33rd minute; 2, Richmond, Cephas (Worthen), 64th; 3, United, Kuffour (Adu), 82nd. Shots: United 8-7 Saves: Rimando (United), 1; Pascale (Rich), 2 Corner kicks: United 6-4 Offsides: United 4-2 Fouls: Richmond 14-11 Yellow cards: Kovalenko, United, 42nd; R. Williams, Rich, 42nd; Prideaux, United, 45th; Jeffrey, Rich, 45th; Gros, United, 45th; Adu, United, 90th Referee: Hector Tobon Attendance: 8,776 Top of PageCharleston Beats MetroStars, Atlanta Loses To Wizards CHICAGO (July 20, 2004) - The A-League rolled through the
fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night with three
wins in four matches against Major League Soccer that saw the Charleston
Battery, Minnesota Thunder and Rochester Raging Rhinos advance to the
tournament quarterfinals. Those three join four MLS teams in the final
eight, with the Chicago Fire, Dallas Burn and Kansas City Wizards all
advancing with wins on Tuesday (joining the San Jose Earthquakes, who
advanced with a win last week). The eighth and final quarterfinal spot
will be settled Wednesday night in another MLS vs. A-League showdown with
the Richmond Kickers hosting D.C. United. Their last loss was a 3-2 setback against New England on June 2. The
Wizards' next challenge in the U.S. Open Cup is against Dallas in the
Aug. 4 quarterfinals. The Silverbacks had an 11-game unbeaten streak going
into the game against the Wizards In the night's most thrilling match-up, the 1999 Open Cup champion Rochester
Raging Rhinos scored a second-half goal on the road in Massachusetts,
and eventually eliminated New England on penalty kicks with a 3-1 advantage
following their 1-1 draw. In the one of two MLS match-ups on the night, the Dallas Burn easily dispatched the Colorado Rapids with a 3-0 win at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Burn were led by two goals from Eddie Johnson and a Ronnie O'Brien strike. In the other MLS vs. MLS meeting, the Chicago Fire came from behind on the road to down the Columbus Crew 2-1 in overtime on the strength of two Damani Ralph goals. At stake in the tournament is $180,000 in prize money broken down as follows: $100,000 to the champion, $50,000 to the runner up and $10,000 to the team which advances deepest in the tournament from each of the Division II, Division III and amateur levels. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Championship, is an annual competition dating back to 1914 that is open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. Round 4 Results Round 4 Schedule Log on to ussoccer.com for a complete schedule, news,
results and statistics. Top of PageMAJOR
LEAGUE SOCCER AWARDS UTAH Checketts-operated, Salt Lake-based Organization Chosen for League’s 12th Team NEW YORK / SALT LAKE CITY (Wednesday, July 14, 2004) – Utah's professional sports landscape changed forever today, with the historic announcement by Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber that Salt Lake City is home to the nine-year old League’s 12th team, becoming the second major league organization in state history. Utah Soccer LLC will be owned and operated by long-time sports entrepreneur David W. Checketts and associates, representing Sports Capital Partners. Salt Lake City’s MLS team will begin play in 2005, along with the already announced “Chivas USA” organization owned and operated by Mexican businessman Jorge Vergara, who will soon unveil the location of that team. The 2005 MLS regular season, the League’s tenth campaign, kicks off next Spring. “The Salt Lake City bid for a 2005 kickoff emerged from a crowded
pack due to the experience and savvy of Dave Checketts and his group,“
said Commissioner Garber today at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles
Stadium, where the team will play its first few seasons. “The Checketts-run
team will make an immediate impact in this diverse and emerging soccer
community and in the League. We are proud to now call Salt Lake City home
to Major League Soccer.” The dramatic news further establishes Salt Lake City in particular and Utah in general as a progressive, growing climate for major league sports and similar events. The state has been home to the Utah Jazz of the NBA since 1979, and has played host to multiple NBA playoffs and an NBA All-Star game during that period. Utah was also the host of the enormously successful 2002 Olympic Winter Games, which brought it positive attention from sponsors, athletes and media around the world. "I truly believe that Major League Soccer is the sports league of the future, and I want more than anything for Utah to be a part of it," said Checketts at today’s event, attended by many of Utah’s top government, youth soccer, business and community leaders. "Salt Lake's success on the international stage with the Olympics was part of what went into making this decision. We fought long and hard to bring this team to Utah. We faced serious competition from other cities and people who desperately wanted this team, including Seattle. We showed MLS that Salt Lake City was the place for the League’s next team.” “This team will become much more than just another team to root for,” Checketts continued. “Soccer, the great unifier, ensures that our team will become a rallying point for every different segment of the community and bridge divides between our ever-diversified communities." Utah’s unique demographics make it particularly appealing to MLS. Boasting a significant soccer fan base already, Utah has the highest per-capita participation in organized soccer (estimated at more than 200,000 players), a rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino population, as well as a significant Eastern European population. Beyond just the sports entertainment value, Salt Lake’s MLS team will bring significant socio-economic benefits to the state. Figures on the team’s estimated economic benefit to the state are currently being studied and will be released soon. "This is a great day for MLS as we are adding a world class person in Dave Checketts to the ownership of the League and a world-class sports city in Salt Lake City," said New England Revolution Investor-Operator Jonathan Kraft. “Dave and his group have done an incredible thing for Utah,”
said Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City. “This
team will bring immeasurable benefits to our city and state for years
to come.” Dean Howes, a partner in Sports Capital Partners, will serve as the Chief Executive of Utah Soccer LLC. Howes began his career with Bristol-Myers Squibb, spending 19 years in key executive positions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In 1997, he became CEO, President, and Founding Executive of Professional Teams Physicians, a company that aggregated physicians representing professional teams in the NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS and NHL. The last two years, Dean has focused his efforts with Checketts looking at sports teams and media investments. Salt Lake's team name, logo and colors will be unveiled in August. A general manager, coaching staff and additional key staff will be added in early fall in preparation for the MLS Expansion Draft in November, following MLS Cup 2004, and the annual MLS SuperDraft in January, 2005. Fans desiring more information on the new Salt Lake City Major League Soccer team or season ticket availability should visit www.iloveutahsoccer.com or the League’s Official Website, www.MLSnet.com. About Major League Soccer: About Sports Capital Partners: -- www.MLSnet.com -- Top of PageIt was no surprise that 14-year old Freddy Adu was taken #1 in the MLS Superdraft by D.C. United. That was the deal he signed with MLS, which will allow him to live at home in Potomac, MD, with his mother and brother. Adu, a member of the U.S. Under-17 Residential Program in Bradenton, FL, has already signed a $1 million contract with Nike and is reportedly getting. According to a list of MLS salaries released in early January by Soccer America, Adu will receive a half million dollars for signing with MLS, including a base salary of $300,000. He will be the youngest, and highest-paid, player in the league. Chad Marshall, a defender from Stanford, was the #2 pick, taken by the Columbus Crew. The Los Angeles Galaxy took Coastal Carolina forward Joseph Ngwenya with the third pick. A native of Zimbabwe, Ngwenya is young enough to qualify as a junior international, and not count against the roster limite of international players. Defender Clarence Goodson was the first of four University of Maryland players drafted. Goodson went to Dallas with the #7 pick of the first round. Teammates Scott Buete, chosen by Chicago in the first round (#9 overall) and Seth Stammler, another defender, were taken by the MetroStars in the second round with the #18 overall pick. Midfielder Sumed Ibrahim was chosen by Chicago with the #20 pick. Two Wake Forest players were drafted. Senior goalkeeper William Hesmer send to Kansas City in the second round (#17 overall) and forward Jeremiah White, the ACC Player of the Year, was chosen in the third round by New England (#23 overall). Furman midfielder Clint Dempsey, who left school early as a Project-40 player, went in the first round to New England with the #8 overall selection. It marked the second consecutive year that Furman had a player leave early for the draft. Ricardo Clark was taken in the 2003 first round by the MetroStars. William & Mary defender Phil Hucles was selected in the fourth round by Chicago and FIU midfielder John Pulido went to Colorado in the sixth round. An interesting selection was Michael Bradley in the fourth round by the MetroStars, who took him with the #36 overall pick. Bradley, 16, is a member of the U.S. U-17 Residential Program, and is the son of MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley. FIRST ROUND SECOND ROUND THIRD ROUND FOURTH ROUND FIFTH ROUND SIXTH ROUND Top of PageEight Collegiates Turn Professional Major League Soccer has unveiled eight Nike Project-40 signings
ahead of the League's 2004 season. Announced by MLS Senior Vice President
Todd Durbin, the signings bring some of the brightest
young stars in college and U.S. National Team soccer to MLS. All eight
players will be available for selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft presented
by adidas on January 16 at 10:00 a.m. (ET) at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention
Center.
NIKE PROJECT-40 ROSTER - January
8, 2004 Top of PageDonovan Leads San Jose To MLS Cup Title Midfielder Ronnie Ekelund nailed an early free kick
while striker Landon Donovan scored |
