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Category Archives: NPSL

QCFC Eagles Host Blau-Weiss Wiehre FC

The home opener for the Quad Cities Football Club NPSL team will take on historic significance as they host the Blau-Weiss Wiehre Football Club from Freiburg, Germany, at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, at the Davenport Soccer Complex, 8991 North Division Street, Davenport, Iowa.

Tickets are available on the Quad City Eagles website or at the game. Ticket prices are $7 for Adults, $5 for kids 10-14 and children 9 and under are free with a parent.

This is an unprecedented event as is believed to be the first time the Quad Cities has hosted an international soccer match at this level, according to Eagles General Manager Jeff Varner.

Blau-Weiss Wiehre FC is currently second in their division standings and is trying to gain promotion to the next higher level in the German soccer system.

Promotion is a scenario that many American sports fans are unfamiliar with. In Europe and many other countries, teams have the ability to be promoted to higher level levels by finishing at or near the top of their league. It would be like the River Bandits making it to Double A, Triple A, or even the Major Leagues.

The Freiburg contingent is being hosted by a number of Quad City area families and members of the German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa. The German American Heritage Center highlights the proud German heritage in the Quad Cities and features many exhibits and displays showcasing the plight and triumphant quest of German immigrants to the early QC area.

NPSL Today – May 15, 2013

Kehoe Named National Player of the Week

Photo Credit: Dario Cruz

The National Premier Soccer League is proud to announce its fifth National Player of the Week for the 2013 regular season.

The winner, for the week ending May 5th, is Real San Jose midfielder Jesse Kehoe.

Kehoe is currently one of the league’s top scorers with 5 goals on the season. He has spent the past three seasons in San Jose.

The Dublin, Ireland native has a wealth of experience, including time spent with Hartlepool United FC, Hemel Hempstead Town FC, Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Manchester City FC Youth Academy, and the Shelbourne United FC Reserves.

U.S. Open Cup Play Continues for NPSL Teams

The first round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured plenty of goal scorers with four players recording hat tricks.

Hat trick scorers included Arjgent Duka whose three tallies helped FC Icon to a 4-1 win against Brooklyn Italians. Kwadwo Poku earned the honors of scoring the first hat trick of the 2013 tournament as he helped the Georgia Revolution jump out to a 4-0 lead against Real Colorado Foxes. Colorado made things interesting by scoring three times in the last half hour, but could not find the equalizer, losing 4-3.

One first-round game remains as the Des Moines Menace hosts the Madison 56ers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. CT. The winner of that game will play at Minnesota United FC in second-round action. The venue for that game changed to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. It originally was scheduled for the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn.

Pairings for the tournament’s third round will be announced Wednesday.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS:

Icon FC (USASA) 4, Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 1: Argjent Duka, the brother of Chicago Fire forward Dilly Duka, scored three goals as Icon FC defeated the Brooklyn Italians 4-1. The Italians won the Open Cup in 1979 and 1991, and Icon FC is competing in its first tournament.

Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 2, New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) 0: Markhus Lecroix and Frank Tweneboa were the goal scorers as the Ocean City Nor’easters beat the New York Red Bulls U-23s, 2-0, in Ocean City, N.J. The Nor’easters will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the second round.

Reading United AC (PDL) 2, FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) 0: Darius Madison and Steve Neumann both scored in the second half as Reading United AC defeated FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic 2-0 at Oley Valley High School. Reading will face the Harrisburg City Islanders in the second round.

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 4, Chattanooga FC (NPSL) 4 (Carolina wins 4-1 in PKs): Chattanooga went up 4-3 in the 115th minute, but Carolina equalized in the 117th minute. Eventually, the game would go to penalties where Carolina would win, 4-1. Carolina will face off against the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL in the next round.

Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL) 3, Sacramento Gold (NPSL) 2: After falling behind 2-0 early in the game the Timbers U-23s found their way back in the game with the three straight goals to hold on for a berth in the tournament’s second round.

Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 4, Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) 3: Kwadwo Poku found the back three times to tally the first hat trick of the 2013 tournament and powered the Revs to a 4-0 lead. Georgia then withstood a furious rally from the Foxes but ultimately held on to the 4-3 win.

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 3, FC Hasental (NPSL) 2: Hasental jumped to a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute but the hosts were awarded a penalty kick just one minute later. The visitors saved the PK attempt but surrendered their lead just before the half. The two teams traded goals until late heroics by the Fusion’s Dylan Riley in the 87th minute sent the hosts home 3-2 winners.

Hitchcock to Lead NPSL

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced today that it has entered into a management agreement with Playbook Management International (PMI). As part of the agreement, former Major League Soccer (MLS) club executive and PMI Founding Partner Michael Hitchcock will serve as the league’s new commissioner.

“We are very excited to announce that Michael Hitchcock will serve as the new NPSL Commissioner and feel that with the addition of Michael and his company, the NPSL is on the verge of great times ahead,” NPSL Chairman Andy Zorovich commented.

Hitchcock is a MLS success story, starting as an entry-level sales representative and finishing his 12+ year career in the league as a club president and general manager. His time includes work with D.C. United, the Colorado Rapids, the LA Galaxy, FC Dallas, and the San Antonio Scorpions (NASL).

Hitchcock claimed several accolades in his time with the league, including the MLS Sales Director of the Year, MLS Sales Team of the Year, and the Commissioner’s New Business Leadership Award.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Hitchcock

“Michael Hitchcock is well respected inside soccer circles,” NPSL Secretary and Brooklyn Italians Vice President Joe Barone stated. “Michael will work with the existing teams to further stabilize them and create a model to further understand their unique markets. The growth of the NPSL will be very strategic. Michael will play a critical part in the future of the NPSL.”

PMI, based in Frisco (TX), is one of North America’s most respected sports management companies. They boast a worldwide client list and their executives have a combined 75 years of professional sports management experience. They also maintain offices in Gaithersburg (MD), Atlanta (GA), and Ft. Lauderdale (FL).

“On behalf of PMI, I’m looking forward to working with the leadership of NPSL and the passionate, committed owners in developing a model of sustainability, strategically building the league and growing the beautiful game in every NPSL market,” Hitchcock continued. “I believe in the incredible potential of the NPSL and know that it plays a critical role in the continued growth of the sport of soccer in the United States.”

The NPSL is a national league that operates in the 4 th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, which also includes the Premier Development League (PDL) operated by the United Soccer Leagues (USL). NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The NPSL operates in 60+ markets from across the country and is currently one of the fastest- growing soccer leagues in the U.S. Two MLS clubs, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, operate U-23 squads in the NPSL.

AFC Cleveland Falls to Sparta in Shocker

Photo Credit: Pam Moody/ISNSoccer.com

Jesus Ginez and FC Sparta Michigan spoiled AFC Cleveland’s home opener on Friday night with a sneaky goal in the 89th minute. The goal gave the visiting side a 1-0 victory in their first-ever NPSL game.

It was an even match with both teams having their share of scoring chances. Vinny Bell and Tommy Schmitt were both effective in the attack for the hometown Royals, a squad that held an edge in possession on the night.

Bell would clank a shot off the crossbar late in the first half, while Schmitt constantly tested the Sparta backline as he tried to get behind defenders in the attack.

“I think we just need to get together more,” Schmitt remarked. “We were only together for two weeks. We got unlucky and lost 1-0. We are going to focus on chemistry and getting game fitness back.”

The weather was less than optimal as a day of showers and storms turned Krenzler Field into a fast and slick surface. Fans and supporters from the 6th City Syndicate braved the elements to enjoy the beautiful game in its return to downtown Cleveland.

Photo Credit: Pam Moody/ISNSoccer.com

“It’s nice being down here in a more intimate atmosphere, where you can really hear the noise,” Cleveland head coach Andy Hoggarth commented.

The game seemed to be headed to a draw after a 0-0 score at the end of the first half.

The teams continued to trade chances after the break, including a near miss from Cleveland attacker Ryan Minick in the 74th minute. But it was Ginez that scored the game-winner for the expansion Sparta side with literally moments to spare.

“They played it in,” Ginez said when asked about his goal. “It kind of bounced around there. I just hit it with my right foot.”

“We honestly didn’t know what it was going to be like,” Ginez added. “It felt good out there though.”

The 1-0 win gave the visitors three points to start their inaugural season, while Cleveland must look to road games at Detroit and Zanesville to advance up the league table.

“Possession is great, but possession with no purpose to it really isn’t great,” Hoggarth added. “We didn’t test their goalkeeper enough.”

Subside Sports Man of the Match: Tommy Schmitt, AFC Cleveland

Event Photos

2013 NPSL Great Lakes Conference Preview

FC Sparta Michigan will play their home matches at Hurley Field in Berkeley, MI.  The team is led by CEO Eric Kallis, Director of Operations James Babb, and Head Coach George Kallis.

“Fans should know that our club is not only instilling the concept of winning in the minds of our players but the concept that hard work will lead to success,” Eric Kallis stated.

Sparta joins a vibrant soccer market with great tradition and talent, something the organization has embraced in preparation for their inaugural season.

“The greatest feeling in the world is when you step out onto the pitch knowing that you will succeed because you take a look around and see your 10 best friends playing next to you,” Eric Kallis added.

Detroit City FC had success in their first season, on and off the pitch.  They return to their fortress at Cass Technical High School in downtown Detroit.  DCFC prides themselves in strong attendance numbers, a large supporters’ group, and their charitable work in the community.

They are led on the pitch by 2012 captain and defender Josh Rogers.

Photo Credit: DCFC/Jon DeBoer

Attacker Adam Bedell is a Livonia product that stars at the University of Detroit Mercy. He is expected to pack some scoring punch as he did at the collegiate level, leading the Horizon League with 11 goals and 27 points.

Knox Cameron is a former Columbus Crew striker, who played in 30 games and scored 4 goals for the MLS side.

“No matter what way you enter the match, you must keep the ball,” DCFC Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “The best teams in the world keep the ball. We have special players on this team and the fans deserve to see their special flair.”

FC Buffalo returns to 4,000 seat Robert E. Rich All High Stadium in 2013, a stadium that was opened in 1926 and designed after the European soccer stadiums of the time.

Defenders Jake Rinow (Cornell) and Adam Lauko (Wisconsin), midfielder Andrew Bednarsky (St. Lawrence University), and goalkeeper Kareem Gray (Canisius) are all expected to be impact players for the 2013 FCB squad.

COO Scott Frauenhofer, GM Nick Mendola, and Director of Partnerships Brent Garner all lead Buffalo’s front office.

FC Buffalo is very excited about the direction they are heading in 2013. The addition of new head coach Brendan Murphy has seen the club undergo a change in culture. The club believes that Coach Murphy is a perfect conduit for player development as FC Buffalo seeks to become a destination for the top U.S. and international players in the NPSL.

“We’ve had seven players move on to sign professional contracts in our first three seasons,” Frauenhofer remarked. “Our dedication this year is to winning and we know we have to do it in a very difficult conference, but we are up to the challenge.”

The Erie Admirals play their home games at Cathedral Prep Events Center, a facility that seats 2,500 and features an artificial turf surface.  Goalkeeper Dan Mudd and forward Afrim Latifi are two players that have been with the Admirals for five seasons. The team is counting on their ability and leadership to make sure there is continuity year after year.

John Melody has been the head coach since the club’s inception and purchased the team two years ago, while Neil Brown is entering his third season as associate head coach. Colleen Dixon and Debbie Boniminio are key members of Erie’s front office.

“We have a tremendously strong conference and our goal is to compete week in week out,” Melody commented. “I do think in the not too distant future that the winners of our conference will also win a national championship.”

Zanesville Athletic FC is the other newcomer to the Great Lakes. They will play their home matches at Maysville Athletic Complex, a state of the art facility that features an artificial turf surface.

Tyler Drumm (IUPUI), Smart Osadolor (Tiffin), and John Barr (Muskingum) are being counted on as key contributors to the 2013 ZAFC squad.

The team is led by Head Coach Brenton Dawson, GM Lou Cancasci, and President Josh Stocker.

“ZAFC is going to be competitive in every match,” Stocker said. “It is our goal to win all of our home matches, challenge for the conference title, help our players improve, all while playing an attractive brand of soccer.”

Photo Credit: Cleveland State University

AFC Cleveland marks the return of top-flight soccer to downtown Cleveland with their move to Krenzler Field on the Cleveland State University campus.

Forward Tommy Schmitt (Akron) and defensive midfielder Carter Poe (Duquesne) return for the Royals, anchoring the attack and the defense. Dan O’Callaghan (Hiram) is a newcomer that is expected to have an impact on the Cleveland backline.

Cleveland’s coaching staff includes head coach Andy Hoggarth with Aaron McGuiness, Chris Limle, and Marquis Walker all serving as assistants. Director of Player Personnel and Scouting David Schmac leads the front office.

“It is a privilege to play in the Great Lakes Conference, one of the most competitive regions in the NPSL,” CEO Terry Lawriw stated. “It is going to be a great season for our players, staff, and supporters.”

Erie came out on top in 2012, claiming the Great Lakes Conference title in the regular season.  Cleveland won the Rust Belt Cup and advanced through the conference playoffs before falling to the Madison 56ers, just missing out on a berth in the national championship series.