Here to Stay

WPS all-stars overcome slow start to knock off Swedish champions; prove that start-up league is among world’s best

By Ron Clements



If the whole soccer thing doesn’t work out, Lori Chalupny could have a career as a fortuneteller.

Selected as an all-star for Sunday’s Women’s Professional Soccer all-star game at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, the St. Louis native said the league’s best players could get off to a slow start against the Umea IK, the champions of Sweden’s pro league.
“It’s going to take us a little bit into the game to kind of get all on the same page,” Chalupny said during Saturday morning’s press conference. “I don’t think it will take too long, because a lot of us have played together at high levels, and on the national team. We’re pretty comfortable with each other.”

How right she was. But after falling down 2-0 early, the WPS all-stars stormed back with four unanswered goals to defeat the Swedish champs 4-2.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we wanted to win,” Chalupny said after the match. “But at the same time, we wanted to put on a display for the fans. We wanted to be in positions where we could excel and do all of the things that make us special players.”

Chalupny added that one advantage Umea IK had was that “they were experienced playing with one another” while the WPS all-stars had one practice Saturday afternoon to get adapted to each other’s style of play.
Umea’s advantage was evident early as it jumped out to a two-goal advantage within the first 17 minutes.

Mami Yamaguchi sent a pass toward Madelaine Edlund, who found the back of the net in the second minute. In the 17th minute, after WPS goalie Karina Leblanc was unable to corral a shot, Sofia Jakobsson deflected the rebound off the left post and into the net.

“We know each other so well,” said Umea coach Mika Sankala. “That was an advantage early, of course.”

The WPS all-stars finally got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute when Marta’s cross was passed up by Cristiane and went to Kristine Lilly. The Boston Breakers midfielder sent a low shot to the left corner, beating Umea keeper Carola Soberg.

Marta, who squandered a pair of first-half scoring opportunities, got the equalizer in the 36th minute. The three-time FIFA player of the year, and 2009 WPS MVP, took a feed from Cristiane before blasting a shot past Soberg.
“We didn’t have too much time to practice, but we know the talent of all the players,” said Marta, who referred to the match as “a party game.” “We started out slow, but as the game goes by, we started organizing ourselves better, and kept going.” Chalupny said playing with Marta was an unforgettable experience.

“It was nice playing with her instead of trying to chase her down,” Chalupny said. “She’s a phenomenal player.”

The Nerinx Hall graduate and Crestwood native added that Marta’s goal made the halftime adjustments easier.

“It was nice that we went into halftime tied,” Chalupny said. “It would have been tough down a goal, and feeling like you had to come out and get one back right away in the second half.”

It didn’t take long for the WPS stars to take control in the final 45. Just over a minute into the half, Marta dribbled free down the left side before dumping the ball to Christine Sinclair, who then knocked it in from five yards out. Sinclair, a member of the Canadian national team and FC Gold Pride, notched another goal three minutes later. She got behind the Umea defense and beat Soberg to the right corner.
Sinclair nearly completed a hat trick after taking a pass from Washington’s Abby Wambach, but her centerfield blast caromed off the crossbar.

“We’ve all played together for so long, so we know what to expect,” Sinclair said. “I’ve played against Abby and Shannon Boxx, and with Kristine Lilly for seven years, it’s like, ‘Well, I know what they like to do.’”

WPS coach Abner Rogers, the league’s coach of the year from the Los Angeles Sol, mocked Sinclair’s hat trick attempt.

“I don’t know what Sinclair was trying to do when she smashed the ball to death off the crossbar,” Rogers joked. “It’s such a great feeling when you hit it so perfect, but unfortunately that one didn’t go in.”

Sinclair countered the Los Angeles coach’s comment with a laugh.

“As a forward, you score two goals, but all you think about is the one you missed,” Sinclair said. “Being an all-star game, it would have been nice, but oh well.”

Rogers added that having Sinclair and Wambach coming off the bench was a nice luxury.

“To have Christine, and Abby as targets is a dream,” Rogers said. “They can both hold onto the ball, get to the goal and play off each other. They’re smart players. It really helped us to have two players like that.”
Umea, champions of the Damallsvenskan, were without seven players, including star forward Ramona Bachmann, who woke up Sunday morning with a fever. With a short bench, Sankala said fatigue played a factor in the second half.

“In the first half, we showed what kind of football we can play,” said Sankala, who proposed a league champions tournament. “In the second half, the U.S. team sent in seven new players, and we have only one substitution. That was a big difference.
“We were happy to be here, and I’m so proud of my team. We showed that, although we were missing many players, we have a very good Swedish team.”
Chalupny was one of just a handful of WPS players to remain on the field for all 90 minutes. She said the setting allowed for things fans normally don’t see, like a bicycle kick in the second half from Megan Rapinoe.

“The way we created scoring opportunities was exciting, and it was unpredictable,” Chalupny said. “There were fun performances from a lot of different players.”
The victory proved that the WPS was legit and here to stay.

“There’s this on-going battle over which league is the best,” Chalupny said. “The Swedish league is very good, the German league is good, the league in England is really good. There are leagues all over, but in order for us to get the best players in the world in this league, we have to prove that we’re the best league.”

Marta and Sinclair both agreed that Sunday’s performance should help the league grow.

“I think it shows that we have a lot of the best players in the world,” Sinclair said. “For us to be able to come together shows the level of play we have. This league still has a ways to go to reach the longevity of the European leagues.”

Washington University in St. Louis Men’s Soccer Remains Unbeaten Following 2-0 Win Over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday

Granville, Ohio, September 5, 2009 – The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team defeated Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon at the Denison University Invitational in Granville, Ohio. With the win the Bears improve to 1-0-1 on the year.         Washington University registered what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 30th minute of the first half as senior Nat Zenner converted a penalty kick to give the Red and Green a 1-0 lead. Junior Cody Costakis provided the insurance goal less than two minutes into the second half. Costakis took a free kick from 20-yards out, and managed to bend his shot around a wall of four defenders and register his first goal in a Washington University uniform. The game marked the second-straight shutout for Washington U., who tied Illinois Wesleyan, 0-0, in its season-opener on Sept. 1. Senior John Smelcer manned the nets for WU, recording three saves and picking up his 22nd-career shutout. The Bears tallied 12 shots against Rose-Hulman, three of which came on goal. WU held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks and were whistled for 13 fouls compared to eight for Rose-Hulman. Washington U. returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 6, when it will take on tournament host Denison University in Granville, Ohio, at 5:30 p.m. (ET). Bear Notebook: Saturday's win was No. 140 for head coach Joe Clarke at Washington University … Zenner's game-winning goal was the fourth of his career and his 12th-career overall score. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington University Women’s Soccer Falls at No. 6 Johns Hopkins, 1-0

Baltimore, Md., September 5, 2009 — The No. 8 ranked Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team suffered its second-consecutive 1-0 defeat in a loss at No. 6 Johns Hopkins University on Saturday afternoon in Baltimore, Md.       Senior Natalie Held, the twin sister of Washington University senior back Libby Held, converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute for the game-winning goal. After a scoreless first half, sophomore Alyssa Marulli was called for a foul in the box after she went to clear the ball with her left foot. Held converted the penalty kick past WU freshman goalkeeper Clara Jaques for the lone goal of the game. Johns Hopkins outshot Washington U., 13-10, and had a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. The Bears were also called for 17 fouls in the loss. Washington University (0-2) continues its east coast trip on Sunday, Sept. 6, against No. 4 ranked William Smith College. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. (ET) in Baltimore. Bear Notebook: Head coach Jim Conlon received a red card late in the second half and will not be on the sidelines for Sunday's game against William Smith … The Bears have not scored a goal in 407 minutes dating back to last season, a span of over four games. Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Tembunkiart’s Goal in Final Minute Leads No. 8 Washington University Women’s Soccer to 2-1 Upset Win Over No. 4 William Smith

Baltimore, Md., September 6, 2009 — Junior Julie Tembunkiart scored the game-winning goal on a rebound with 38 seconds left to lead the No. 8 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team to a 2-1 upset victory over No. 4 William Smith College on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, Md. William Smith goalkeeper Amanda Davis smothered the first shot by sophomore Lee Ann Felder five yards off the line, but couldn't control the rebound and Tembunkiart poked it just inside the near post from seven yards out. The goal for Tembunkiart was the second of her career.         Washington University outshot William Smith, 3-0, in the first 45 minutes, but the early part of the second half was a different story. The Herons had six shots in the first 10 minutes of the second half, and took the 1-0 lead on a goal by Renee Jensen at the 54:14 mark. The Bears answered right back for their first goal of the season. Senior Caryn Rosoff dribbled down the side and crossed into the box to sophomore Emma Brown, who's shot to the near post found the back of the net. The goal for Brown was the second of her career, while the assist for Rosoff was the 16th of her career, moving her into sole possession of eighth on the all-time list. Freshman Clara Jaques picked up her first collegeiate victory in goal making five saves. Jaques had allowed just three goals in 251 minutes in her rookie campaign with a 1.07 goals against average. William Smith (1-2) outshot Washington U., 11-9, while the Bears had a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks. Brown and senior Becca Heymann led the Bears with two shots apiece in the victory. Washington University (1-2) hosts the four-team Washington University Classic on Friday-Sunday, Sept. 11-13, at Francis Field. The Bears take on No. 23 ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Friday at 7 p.m. and Grinnell College on Saturday at 7 p.m. Bear Notebook: Head coach Jim Conlon was not on the sidelines for Sunday's game against William Smith after receiving a red card against Johns Hopkins on Saturday … This was the first meeting between the two teams … Brown ended Washington U.'s streak of 463 minutes without a goal dating back to last season. Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington University in St. Louis Men’s Soccer Ties Denison University, 1-1, on Sunday Afternoon at Denison University Invitational

Granville, Ohio, September 6, 2009 – Senior Nat Zenner scored a goal less than two minutes into the game but it was not enough for the Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team to hold off Denison University as the Bears tied the Big Red, 1-1, on Sunday afternoon at the Denison University Invitational in Granville, Ohio. Junior Cody Costakis executed a corner kick just 1:52 into Sunday's game that found Zenner on the right side of the box, allowing him to head home is second score in as many days. The two teams played to a stalemate for the next 80 minutes before Denison's Lenny Mills fielded a ball off a Washinton U. defender and sent a shot past senior John Smelcer in the upper right corner of the net. The goal was the first for any opponent against Smelcer and WU in 2009. With neither team able to post another score in the overtime periods, the Bears were forced to settle for their second tie of the week. An aggressive Denison squad out-shot Washington University 19-11 over the course of 110 minutes of play, but the Big Red were also whistled for 20 fouls and issued four yellow cards. Smelcer finished the game with five saves and holds a 0.29 goals against average through the first three games of the season. Zenner and Costakis have accounted for all of the WU offense so far this year. Both registered unassisted scores in a 2-0 win over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday. Washington U. (1-0-2) will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 10, when the Bears hit the road once again to take on Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. Bear Notebook: With two goals in three games in 2009, Zenner has already matched his scoring output from last season … Zenner also scored in back-to-back games for the second time in his career and the first time since he accomplished the feat against Carnegie Mellon University and Fontbonne University on Sept. 29, and Oct. 4, of 2007 … Washington U. already has two ties in 2009 and the team has not recorded more than two ties in a season since 2005. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington U. Women’s Soccer Drops Season Opener to Illinois Wesleyan, 1-0

The No. 8 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team dropped its season opener in a 1-0 loss to Illinois Wesleyan University on Tuesday night at Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo. IWU's Emily Hinchman scored the game-winning goal with under nine minutes left in the contest as she took a pass from Tori Samson and beat WU freshman goalkeeper Clara Jacques with a shot to the far corner. Illinois Wesleyan (1-0) controlled the play the first 25 minutes of the game, and had four corner kicks in the first half. Senior Libby Held gave Washington U. its best opportunity to score in the first 45 minutes after her shot from 50 yards out deflected off the cross bar at the 26:02 mark. The Bears had just two shots in the first half, and were outshot 3-2. The Bears controlled early play in the second half, and had a golden opportunity to tie it up but a shot from senior Caryn Rosoff was snagged by Alli Novak to keep the game knotted at 0-0. Washington U. outshot IWU, 8-4, in the second half and 10-7 for the game. The Bears also had an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks, including 7-0 in the second half. Jacques made one save and picked up the loss in her first career start. Novak recorded the win for Illinois Wesleyan in goal making four saves and picking up the shutout. Washington University (0-1) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 5, against No. 6 ranked Johns Hopkins University at the John Hopkins Tournament in Baltimore, Md. The game is scheduled to begin at Noon (ET). Bear Notebook: All 11 meetings between Washington University and Illinois Wesleyan series have been a one goal or fewer differential … Illinois Wesleyan leads the all-time series, 4-3-4 … The Bears have been shutout three-consecutive games dating back to last season. Christopher MitchellDirector, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email)http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington University Men’s Soccer Opens 2009 Season With 0-0 Double Overtime With Illinois Wesleyan

Senior goalkeeper John Smelcer tied his career-high with 10 saves as the Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team posted a 0-0 double overtime tie at home against Illinois Wesleyan University on Tuesday night at Francis Field in both team's season opener. Smelcer and Illinois Wesleyan starting goalkeeper Win Fisher each played all 110 minutes in the contest. Fisher finished the game with nine saves. Washington U. outshot Illinois Wesleyan 20-16, and had a 10-4 advantage on corner kicks. Washington University (0-0-1) returns to action on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 5-6, at the Denison University Invitational in Granville, Ohio. The Bears take on Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday at 3 p.m. (ET), and the host Denison on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (ET). Bear Notebook: Head coach Joe Clarke will take his second shot at career win number 140 at Washington University against Rose-Hulman on Saturday. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

UMSL Men's Soccer Falls to Truman State, 2-0, In Season Opener

The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's soccer team opened the 2009 campaign with a 2-0 loss at Truman State Sunday evening. The Bulldogs scored in each period to even their record at 1-1 on the season. The Tritons were out-shot, 19-7, in the contest, including 5-0 in shots on goal. Truman State notched its first goal four minutes into play when Bobby Larkin put the ball in past sophomore keeper Tim Boruff. The Bulldogs then scored again in the 68th minute. Boruff finished with three saves. Senior Chris Clarkin fired a team-best two shots for UMSL. The Tritons return to action next Sunday, traveling to Indianapolis in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener in a 6:00 p.m. (EST) contest. Mary Ann Mitchell Director of Sports Information University of Missouri-St. Louis 225 Mark Twain Building St. Louis, MO 63121 Phone: 314-516-5660 Fax: 314-516-5635 E-mail: tierneym@umsl.edu

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Soccer St. Louis Magazine Welcomes Ron Clements

Ron Clements is a 10-year veteran sports journalist, and has covered everything from the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, college and pro soccer, Divison I football, baseball and basketball, all the way down to the myriad of high school sports.

Ron has worked in North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois and, most recently for the Suburban Journals of St. Louis. He is a Wisconsin native, and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in broadcast journalism.

All-star game recap

WPS prevails in inaugural all-star game

By Ron Clements

The best of the best from women's soccer settled in St. Louis on Sunday.

The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton was home to the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer all-star game, pitting the best players from WPS against the Swedish League champions.

Lori Chalupny said before Sunday's match that one advantage Umea IK had was that "they were experienced playing with one another" while the WPS all-stars had one practice Saturday afternoon to get adapted to each other's style of play.

Umea's advantage was evident early as it jumped out to a 2-0 lead within the first 16 minutes.

Mami Yamaguchi sent a pass toward Madelaine Edlund, who found the back of the net in the second minute. In the 17th minute, after WPS goalie Karina Leblanc was unable to corral a shot, Sofia Jakobsson deflected the rebound off the left post and into the net.

"We know each other so well," said Umea coach Mika Sankala. "That was an advantage early, of course."

The WPS all-stars finally got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute when Marta's cross was passed up by Cristiane and went to Kristine Lilly. The Boston Breakers midfielder sent a low shot to the left corner, beating Umea keeper Carola Soberg.

Marta, who squandered a pair of first-half scoring opportunities, got the equalizer in the 36th minute.

The three-time FIFA player of the year, and 2009 WPS MVP, took a feed from Cristiane before blasting a shot past Soberg.

"We didn't have too much time to practice, but we know the talent of all the players," said Marta, who referred to the match as "a party game." "We started out slow, but as the game goes by, we started organizing ourselves better, and kept going."

Chalupny said Marta's goal made the halftime adjustments easier.

"It was nice that we went into halftime tied," Chalupny said. "It would have been tough down a goal, and feeling like you had to come out and get one back right away in the second half."

It didn't take long for the WPS stars to take control.

Just over a minute into the half, Marta dribbled free down the left side before dumping the ball to Christine Sinclair, who then knocked it in from five yards out. Sinclair, a member of the Canadian national team and FC Gold Pride, notched another goal three minutes later. She got behind the Umea defense and beat Soberg to the right corner.

Sinclair nearly completed a hat trick after taking a pass from Washington's Abby Wambach, but her centerfield blast caromed off the crossbar.

"We've all played together for so long, so we know what to expect," Sinclair said. "I've played against Abby and Shannon Boxx, and with Kristine Lilly for seven years, it's like, 'Well, I know what they like to do.'"

WPS coach Abner Rogers, the league's coach of the year from the Los Angeles Sol, mocked Sinclair's hat trick attempt.

"I don't know what Sinclair was trying to do when she smashed the ball to death off the crossbar," Rogers joked. "It's such a great feeling when you hit it so perfect, but unfortunately that one didn't go in."

Sinclair countered the Los Angeles coach's comment with a laugh.

"As a forward, you score two goals, but all you think about is the one you missed," Sinclair said. "Being an all-star game, it would have been nice, but oh well."

Umea, champions of the Damallsvenskan, were without seven players, including star forward Ramona Bachmann, who woke up Sunday morning with a fever. With a short bench, Sankala said fatigue played a factor in the second half.

"In the first half, we showed what kind of football we can play," Sankala said. "In the second half, the U.S. team sent in seven new players, and we have only one substitution. That was a big difference."

Washington University Women’s Soccer Picked Second in UAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, Men Chosen Fourth

Washington University in St. Louis' women's soccer team was picked second and the men's team was chosen fourth in the 2009 University Athletic Association (UAA) Preseason Conference Coaches' Polls, as announced Monday by the conference office.         Washington University, ranked No. 8 in the NSCAA preseason women's poll, has won three-straight UAA titles and five of the last six. Washington U. and Emory University were co-champions a year ago with a 6-1 mark in league play. Second-year head coach Jim Conlon led the Bears to a 15-4-2 overall record in his first season on the Danforth Campus, and guided Washington U. to the NCAA sectional round.         The University of Chicago was selected to win the UAA title for the second-straight season. The Maroons, who picked up four first-place votes, enters the season ranked No. 16. Washington University received the remaining four first-place votes to finish second. The remaining teams in the poll, in order, are the University of Rochester, No. 22 Emory, New York University, Brandeis University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Case Western Reserve University.         The men's team was fourth in the league in 2008 with a 4-3 record, and finished the season with a 12-5-1 overall record. Head coach Joe Clarke has guided Washington University to a 139-67-23 (.657) record in 12 seasons.         Rochester, who shared the UAA title a year ago with Emory, is the preseason favorite to claim the men's championship. The Yellowjackets received four first-place votes and enter the season ranked No. 18.         Carnegie Mellon, ranked No. 21 in the preseason poll, garnered two first-place votes and was picked second. Defending UAA champion and preseason No. 9 Emory garnered the other two first-place votes and was chosen third. Washington U. was picked fourth, while Case Western Reserve, New York, Chicago and Brandeis rounded out the poll. Both teams take the field for their 2009 season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at home against Illinois Wesleyan University. The women's game will start at 5:30 p.m., with the men's game set to begin at 8 p.m. --------------------------------- Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington University in St. Louis Women’s Soccer Ranked No. 8 in NSCAA Preseason Top-25 Poll

Washington University in St. Louis Women's Soccer Ranked No. 8 in NSCAA Preseason Top-25 Poll
St. Louis, Mo., August 13, 2009 — Washington University's women's soccer team is ranked No. 8 in the NSCAA/adidas preseason top-25 poll, as announced Thursday by the Web site.
       
Head coach Jim Conlon led the Bears to a 15-4-2 overall record and a third-straight University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in his first season on the Danforth Campus. The Bears also qualified for the NCAA tournament and advanced to the NCAA sectional round.
       
Washington U. returns 18 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad, which posted a seventh-straight winning season. Senior Libby Held, a first-team All-America and all-UAA honoree in 2008, started 20 games for the Bears in the center backfield. She was part of the Bears' defense that allowed just 19 goals all season, posting eight shutouts.
       
Also returning for Washington U. is senior forward Caryn Rosoff, a first-team all-central region and all-UAA selection. Rosoff led the Bears with nine goals and 22 points. Joining her up front is sophomore Lee Ann Felder, an honorable-mention all-UAA honoree who scored six goals in her rookie year.
       
Senior Becca Heymann, a member of the all-Region second-team and the all-UAA first team, played in all 21 games for the Bears at midfield. Heymann's seven assists led the team and combined with a pair of goals, gave her 11 points for the year. Senior midfielder Elyse Hanly started 17 games in the midfield a year ago, while senior forward Carter Schwarberg picked up honorable-mention all-UAA after appearing in all 21 games for the Bears.
       
Defending NCAA champion Messiah (Pa.) was the preseason No. 1 selection, while University Athletic Association (UAA) members University of Chicago (No. 16) and Emory University (No. 22) also were in the top-25.
       
Washington University takes the field for its 2009 season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m., against Illinois Wesleyan University at home.

---------------------------------
Christopher Mitchell
Director, Sports Information
Washington University in St. Louis
(314) 935-5077 (Office)
(618) 560-9280 (Cell)
(314) 935-4600 (Fax)
mitchell@wustl.edu (Email)
http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Fwd: Eight clubs to take part in inaugural ECNL event, Aug. 14-16 in suburban Chicago; Web site to launch soon

Aug. 13, 2009    Eight clubs to take part in inaugural ECNL event, Aug. 14-16 in suburban Chicago; Web site to launch soon   www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com CHARLESTON, S.C. (Aug. 13, 2009) - Twenty-four teams from eight clubs will participate in the Chicago ECNL Showcase hosted by Eclipse Select Soccer Club, Aug. 14-16, 2009, at the Libertyville Township Soccer Complex. In conjunction with the event, the new ECNL Web site will soon be launched at http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com. The Chicago ECNL Showcase marks the league's inaugural event and is the first of five 2009- 10 ECNL regular-season tournaments. Member clubs must select three of the five events to attend in advance of the 2009-10 ECNL National Championship, scheduled for July 15-18, 2010, in Seattle. The eight participating clubs in the Chicago ECNL Showcase are: Birmingham United (Ala.), Colorado Rush (Colo.), Eclipse Select SC (Ill.), FC Milwaukee (Wis.), Irvine Strikers (Calif.), SC Del Sol (Ariz.), St. Louis Scott Gallagher (Mo.) and Virginia Rush (Va.). Attending clubs will bring a U-15, U-16 and U-17 team to Chicago, with each squad playing one game on each of the event's three days. "This inaugural ECNL event will serve as the foundation for what will be a highly-successful, competitive league that follows the appropriate framework for elite girls' player development," said US Club Soccer Executive Director Bill Sage. "Our staff is very much looking forward to contributing to this significant development." "Everyone is tremendously excited to finally kick-off the ECNL season," said ECNL President Christian Lavers. "Over the past months it has become very clear that the member clubs are committed to making the ECNL a vehicle for positive change in female youth soccer. This weekend will showcase some very talented players, competing in some great games, and we look forward to it." A complete schedule, as well as additional league information, will soon be available on the new ECNL Web site: http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com. Those interested will also be able to follow the action at the Chicago ECNL Showcase with daily updates and highlights at the Chicago ECNL Showcase event page. About the ECNL: The ECNL is a non-profit national youth soccer league founded in 2009 to provide the best possible developmental environment for American female youth soccer players through the creation of the highest level of national competition and an identification and development program to provide an avenue for players to participate in U.S. Soccer's National Teams. The 2009-10 season is the ECNL's inaugural season. Each of the 40 member clubs in 2009-10 will have a team in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age groups, each competing for the ECNL National Championship, the ECNL National Club Championship, and promotion and relegation between flights. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer. About US Club Soccer: US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. A member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, US Club Soccer has grown to include member clubs and leagues in 49 states. In addition to sanctioning and administering tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup and the National Collegiate Showcase. US Club Soccer also directs its own player identification and development program - id2. Company Website: http://www.usclubsoccer.org

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Fwd: Eight clubs to take part in inaugural ECNL event, Aug. 14-16 in suburban Chicago; Web site to launch soon

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Begin forwarded message:

From: ECNL / US Club Soccer <info@usclubsoccer.org>
Date: August 13, 2009 7:22:32 PM CDT
To: soccerstlouismagazine@yahoo.com
Subject: Eight clubs to take part in inaugural ECNL event, Aug. 14-16 in suburban Chicago; Web site to launch soon
Reply-To: info@usclubsoccer.org

Aug. 13, 2009    Eight clubs to take part in inaugural ECNL event, Aug. 14-16 in suburban Chicago; Web site to launch soon   www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com CHARLESTON, S.C. (Aug. 13, 2009) - Twenty-four teams from eight clubs will participate in the Chicago ECNL Showcase hosted by Eclipse Select Soccer Club, Aug. 14-16, 2009, at the Libertyville Township Soccer Complex. In conjunction with the event, the new ECNL Web site will soon be launched at http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com. The Chicago ECNL Showcase marks the league's inaugural event and is the first of five 2009- 10 ECNL regular-season tournaments. Member clubs must select three of the five events to attend in advance of the 2009-10 ECNL National Championship, scheduled for July 15-18, 2010, in Seattle. The eight participating clubs in the Chicago ECNL Showcase are: Birmingham United (Ala.), Colorado Rush (Colo.), Eclipse Select SC (Ill.), FC Milwaukee (Wis.), Irvine Strikers (Calif.), SC Del Sol (Ariz.), St. Louis Scott Gallagher (Mo.) and Virginia Rush (Va.). Attending clubs will bring a U-15, U-16 and U-17 team to Chicago, with each squad playing one game on each of the event's three days. "This inaugural ECNL event will serve as the foundation for what will be a highly-successful, competitive league that follows the appropriate framework for elite girls' player development," said US Club Soccer Executive Director Bill Sage. "Our staff is very much looking forward to contributing to this significant development." "Everyone is tremendously excited to finally kick-off the ECNL season," said ECNL President Christian Lavers. "Over the past months it has become very clear that the member clubs are committed to making the ECNL a vehicle for positive change in female youth soccer. This weekend will showcase some very talented players, competing in some great games, and we look forward to it." A complete schedule, as well as additional league information, will soon be available on the new ECNL Web site: http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com. Those interested will also be able to follow the action at the Chicago ECNL Showcase with daily updates and highlights at the Chicago ECNL Showcase event page. About the ECNL: The ECNL is a non-profit national youth soccer league founded in 2009 to provide the best possible developmental environment for American female youth soccer players through the creation of the highest level of national competition and an identification and development program to provide an avenue for players to participate in U.S. Soccer's National Teams. The 2009-10 season is the ECNL's inaugural season. Each of the 40 member clubs in 2009-10 will have a team in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age groups, each competing for the ECNL National Championship, the ECNL National Club Championship, and promotion and relegation between flights. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer. About US Club Soccer: US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. A member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, US Club Soccer has grown to include member clubs and leagues in 49 states. In addition to sanctioning and administering tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup and the National Collegiate Showcase. US Club Soccer also directs its own player identification and development program - id2. Company Website: http://www.usclubsoccer.org

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Fw: St. Louis Lions take the first of two against Real Colorado

Subject: St. Louis Lions take the first of two against Real Colorado

NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Colin Pennington
Colin.pennington@brightonusa.com
(314)505-5285

St. Louis Lions take the first of two against Real Colorado

St. Louis, Mo. (June 6, 2009) – The St. Louis Lions improved to 4-1-2 on the
season on Saturday night by defeating the Real Colorado Foxes 2-0 in the
first of two matches this weekend at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in
Cottleville, Mo.

"I think that's the best we've played all season," said Lions Head Coach
Tony Glavin after the match. "The guys looked good on both sides of the
ball and I was very pleased."

St Louis got on the board first in the 10th minute when forward Stuart Wark
found fellow forward Stephen Brocks who blasted a shot through the hands of
Colorado goalkeeper Joe Willis for his sixth goal of the season making it
1-0 Lions.

The Lions continued to get most of the chances in the first half and in the
35th minute put another tally on the board. This time Wark headed a cross
from midfielder Ross Hopkins over the head of the Colorado keeper to give
St. Louis a 2-0 lead it would never relinquish. The play was started by a
long, precision pass off the foot of midfielder Nestor Hernandez. The goal
was Wark's third of the season.

"That might be a candidate goal of the year so far," said Glavin. "The two
(Wark and Hopkins) communicated beautifully on the play, their execution on
the play could not have been better and the diagonal from Nestor (Hernandez)
that started it was phenomanal."

St. Louis goalkeepers Brenton Saylor and Brett Borm combined for the Lions'
second shutout of the season after Saylor, the St. Louis starter, was issued
a red card in the 74th minute for an attempted tackle outside of the box.
Borm was tested multiple times, but made every save, including two diving
stops in the closing minutes as the shorthanded Lions worked to hold off a
late Colorado surge.

"Brett (Borm) has showed a lot of patience this season as Brenton's (Saylor)
backup and I was very pleased with the way he was able to come in off the
bench an perform in such a key situation," said Glavin.

Borm will get the start on Sunday for the Lions while Saylor serves his
suspension for Saturday's red card.

"I was very pleased with the team defensively tonight," said Glavin, who
made several substitutions in the second half in an attempt to keep his
squad fresh for tomorrow's match. "We really didn't allow them any chances
until late in the game when we were down a man, and even then it was more of
Colorado making good plays than it was us making mistakes."

The victory brings St. Louis within two points of first place in the
Heartland Division which is currently held by Colroado.

The two clubs will face each other again on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Tony
Glavin Soccer Complex. Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased at the
gate.

For more information please visit www.stllions.com.

The St. Louis Lions are in their fourth season as a member of the United
Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) where players have
the ability to compete throughout the summer months in a professionalized
setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the
proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the
game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.
The PDL consistently sends players into the professional ranks with several
playing in the USL First and Second Professional Divisions as well as 39
players with PDL experience chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer
SuperDraft. In just three prior seasons the Lions have competed in the U.S.
Open Cup(2008), PDL playoffs(2007), won the Rookie Franchise of the Year
Award(2006) and currently have five former players playing professional
soccer.

St. Louis Lions travel north for weekend matches in Des Moines and Rochester

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:

Colin Pennington

(314)505-5285

colin.pennington@brightonusa.com

 

St. Louis Lions travel north for weekend matches in Des Moines and Rochester

 

St. Louis, Mo. (May 27, 2009)-  After playing the Des Moines Menace to a 2-2 draw this past Saturday and earning a spot in the 2009 U.S. Open Cup, the St. Louis Lions will travel to Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, May 30 for a 6:30 p.m. match at Valley Stadium against the Menace and then to Rochester, Minn. for a 6:00 p.m. match Sunday against the Rochester Thunder.

 

Saturday's match against Des Moines will be the second of three meetings between the Lions and Menace this season with the first having ended in a 2-2 draw on Saturday, May 23 in St. Louis.  St. Louis leads the all-time series against Des Moines 3-1-4 and the Menace have not beat the Lions since their first ever meeting on May 13, 2006, but the last three matches dating back to last season have all ended in a draw.

 

"So many of our matches against Des Moines have been so close that we've really built up a great rivalry," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin.  "Casey (Mann) always has his guys ready to play and we have no reason to believe that won't be the case again this weekend."

 

Both clubs have a record of 3-0-1 on the season and are tied for second in the Heartland Division behind Real Colorado, who has played two more games than St. Louis and Des Moines so far.  The Lions are lead by forwards Steven Beattie and Stephen Brocks who have nine points each through four matches this season and are tied for fourth in the league lead in that category.  Meanwhile, Des Moines will look to get another solid performance from goalkeeper Sean Molony who is 3-0-1 on the season with a 1.00 GAA.

 

"If there's been one constant on both sides in all our meetings with Des Moines it has been goaltending," said Glavin.  "We've done a great job so far this season creating chances offensively and we need to continue to get better at capitalizing on those chances.  Additionally, we need Brenton (Saylor) to continue his solid play in net."

 

After leaving Des Moines, St. Louis will make its first ever trip to Rochester, Minn. for a 6:00 p.m. match against the Rochester Thunder on Sunday, May 31 at Rochester Community Technical College.  The match will be the final of two meetings between the two clubs this season with St. Louis winning the first meeting 2-1 on May 10 in St. Louis. 

 

Rochester is 2-2-0 thus far in its inaugural season and is coming off a 2-0 shutout victory at home against the Kansas City Brass last Saturday.  Rochester is 2-0-0 on its home field so far this season, while St. Louis is 2-0-0 on the road.

 

Following the current road trip, St. Louis will return home to play six of its next seven matches at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex.

 

For more information about the Lions and upcoming matches, visit www.stllions.com.

 

The St. Louis Lions are playing their fourth season as a member of the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) where players have the ability to compete throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.  The PDL consistently sends players into the professional ranks with several playing in the USL First and Second Professional Divisions as well as 39 players with PDL experience chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.  In just three prior seasons the Lions have competed in the U.S. Open Cup(2008), PDL playoffs(2007), won the Rookie Franchise of the Year Award(2006) and currently have five former players playing professional soccer.

U.S. Women Score Twice in Each Half to Defeat Canada 4-0 at BMO Field in Toronto

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

U.S. WOMEN SCORE TWICE IN EACH HALF TO DEFEAT CANADA 4-0
AT BMO FIELD IN TORONTO

• Boxx Opens Scoring 93 Seconds Into Match
• Rapinoe, Tapley and Cheney Add Goals
• Nairn Earns First WNT Cap

TORONTO, Canada (May 25, 2009) – The U.S. Women's National Team scored twice in each half, getting goals from four different players to defeat Canada 4-0 in front of 10,255 fans at BMO Field. It was the USA's first match in Canada since 2001.

Midfielder Shannon Boxx opened the scoring just 93 seconds into the match and midfielder Megan Rapinoe added a second just before the halftime. The USA put two more in the net during a four-minute span late in the game. Both second-half goals came from substitutes, as Lindsay Tarpley scored her 30th career goal in the 77th minute and 21-year-old Lauren Cheney knocked in a fantastic header in the 80th minute.

The USA dominated possession in a match played on the artificial surface at BMO Field and put together some excellent attacking soccer while out-shooting its northern neighbor by a 19-6 margin.

"I am happy about the performance and I am happy that we scored a goal on a corner kick," said U.S. WNT head coach Pia Sundhage. "That's something we are starting to work on and I believe that come 2011, when the games are so tight, that set plays will be very, very important. So, four nice goals and a pretty good game on turf."

Boxx's strike, which was the USA's first shot of the game, was her second goal of the year after scoring just once in 2008 and it came against her club teammate on the Los Angeles Sol in Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc. It was also Boxx's 20th international goal as she became the 16th female player in U.S. history to score 20 or more goals in her career.

The goal was created on the USA's first piece of possession as right back Heather Mitts played a penetrating pass forward to Boxx from the right side of the field. Boxx dribbled hard toward the edge of the penalty area, and when no Canadian defender stepped up to challenge, unleashed a 20-yard shot from 10 yards right of the penalty arc that skidded into the lower left side netting.

Canada's only good chance of the first half came in the 43rd minute on a long free kick from Kara Lang, but the shot flew wide right of Hope Solo's goal.

The USA got a huge score just seconds before the halftime whistle after Heather O'Reilly fed Rapinoe above the penalty area on the left side. Rapinoe collected and dribbled toward her defender before cutting hard inside, losing Canadian back Brittany Timko. The nifty dribble created a sliver of space for her bending 16-yard shot that actually curved around Abby Wambach and her defender, who were screening LeBlanc, and then spun perfectly into the lower right corner. It was Rapinoe's fourth international goal in just nine career caps.

The USA struggled to find its rhythm early in the second half as Canada picked up the pressure, but settled down and regained control before putting the match away in the 77th minute after Wambach earned a corner kick on the right side. It was Wambach who jumped over two defenders to get a head on the ball, sending it powerfully toward goal. The ball hit Canadian captain Christine Sinclair near the goal line, but Tarpley pounced on the loose ball to force it over the line and into the open net.

Wambach, who came into the match with 99 goals, will now have the chance to bag her historic 100th goal in her hometown of Rochester, N.Y., where the USA will play Canada in its next match on July 19. Canadian forward Christine Sinclair, who also came into the game with 99 goals, failed to hit the century mark as the U.S. defense did a fine job of keeping the star striker out of dangerous positions.

The final goal came after O'Reilly ran down a long pass on the right flank and struck a hard cross from the wing that deflected off a Canadian defender's foot, but it had enough steam on it to sail towards the near post. Cheney was making a hard near post run and deftly re-directed the ball with a superbly angled header into the upper right corner from about five yards outside the post. It was Cheney's fourth international goal in 17 career caps.

Amy LePeilbet got the start in the center defense with team captain Christie Rampone and played an excellent first half in her first cap since Sept. 13, 2006. She was replaced at halftime by Rachel Buehler, who also played an extremely solid 45 minutes, highlighted by a thunderous tackle on Canadian Melissa Tancredi in the waning minutes.

Canada's best chance of the second half came in the 54th minute as the USA lost a ball in the back, but the Maple Leafs couldn't capitalize as Jodi-Ann Robinson launched her shot over the goal from 25 yards out.

Besides the header off the corner kick that led to Tarpley's goal, Wambach didn't get too many clear chances for her 100th goal, but she did take a good swipe at a loose ball in the 62nd minute that fell close to her after a long free kick.

The USA hit a flurry of shots in the second half, highlighted by an O'Reilly blast from the top of the penalty area on the right side, but couldn't bust through until Tarpley's 77th minute score effectively put the game away.

U.S. goalkeepers Solo and Nicole Barnhart split the match, with Solo hitting some booming punts in the first half that caused some danger for the Canadian backline. Barnhart had a bit more to do in the second half in tidying up her penalty area, but was not forced to make a save.

Eighteen-year-old midfielder Christine Nairn became the first member of the USA's 2008 U-20 Women's World Cup championship team to earn a senior team cap, coming on for Angela Hucles in the 83rd minute. Nairn was the eighth player to be given her first cap by U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage.

The U.S. players now head back to join their WPS clubs and will not coming together against until mid-July for two more matches against Canada, on Sunday, July 19, at Rochester Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., and then again three days later on Wednesday, July 22, at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. These will be the USA's first domestic matches of the year after playing the first five on the road and compiling a record of 4-0-1.

The game in Rochester kicks off at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. The match in Charleston kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español. Both matches will be available online via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.

Match: U.S. Women's National Team vs. Canada
Date: May 25, 2009
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: BMO Field; Toronto, Canada
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Attendance: 10,255
Weather: 61 degrees, breezy, party cloudy

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA                            2 2 4
CAN                            0 0 0

USA – Shannon Boxx (Heather Mitts)              2nd minute
USA – Megan Rapinoe (Heather O'Reilly)     46
USA – Lindsay Tarpley                                       77
USA – Lauren Cheney (Heather O'Reilly)      80

Lineups:
USA: 1-Hope Solo (18-Nicole Barnhart, 46); 2-Heather Mitts (19-Marian Dalmy, 61), 3-Christie Rampone – Capt., 6-Amy LePeilbet (4-Rachel Buehler, 46), 17-Lori Chalupny, 9-Heather O'Reilly, 16-Angela Hucles (13-Christine Nairn, 83), 7-Shannon Boxx, 15-Megan Rapinoe (5-Lindsay Tarpley, 61), 8-Amy Rodriguez (12-Lauren Cheney, 77), 20-Abby Wambach
Subs not used: 11-Casey Nogueira, 14-Brittany Bock, 24-Kelsey Davis
Injured: 10-Carli Lloyd
Head Coach: Pia Sundhage

CAN: 1-Karina LeBlanc; 3-Melanie Booth (14-Melissa Tancredi, 46), 9-Candace Chapman (23-Carmelina Moscato 84), 10-Martina Franko, 17-Brittany Timko (20-Marie-Eve Nault, 64); 15-Kara Lang, 19-Kelly Parker, 8-Diana Matheson, 7-Rhian Wilkinson, 21-Jodi-Ann Robinson (4-Alyssa Lagonia, 83), 12-Christine Sinclair – Capt.
Subs not used: 2-Emily Zurrer, 5-Chelsea Stewart, 6-Kaylyn Kyle, 11-Christina Julien, 16-Jonelle Filigno, 22-Stephanie Labbé
Head Coach: Carolina Morace

Statistical Summary: USA / CAN
Shots: 19 / 6
Shots on Goal: 7 / 1
Saves: 1 / 3
Corner Kicks: 8 / 3
Fouls: 6 / 10
Offside: 1 / 5

Misconduct Summary:
CAN – Candace Chapman (caution)       57th minute

Official:
Referee: Darci Kruse (CAN)
Asst. Referee: Suzanne Morisset (CAN)
Asst. Referee: Shauna Poirer (CAN)
Fourth Official: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)

ussoccer.com Woman of the Match:
Shannon Boxx

- ussoccer.com -

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St. Louis Lions qualify for 2009 US Open Cup with 2-2 draw against Menace

NEWS RELEASE Media Contact: Colin Pennington Colin.pennington@brightonusa.com (314)505-5285 St. Louis Lions qualify for 2009 US Open Cup with 2-2 draw against Menace St. Louis, Mo. (May 25, 2009) – The St. Louis Lions continued their unbeaten ways in 2009 with a 2-2 draw against the Des Moines Menace on Saturday night. The draw also secured a spot for the Lions in the 2009 US Open Cup. This is the second consecutive year that the Lions have qualified for the Open Cup. St Louis was first to get on the board in the 17th minute with a goal by forward Stephen Brocks. The Lions were slowly working the ball out of the backfield deep in their own end when midfielder Stuart Wark spotted a an opening in the Des Moines defense and rifled a ball to a streaking Brocks who settled the ball, pushed it to the right side of the diving Menace keeper then placing the ball into the back of the net. The goal was the fourth of the season for Brocks. Des Moines tied the game in the 68th minute on a one-timer from Darryl Odom who drilled one in off the post. The Menace then took the lead in the 69th minute on an unassisted head ball goal from Jack Pearson. As with any St Louis and Des Moines rivalry game, the two teams don't quit and St Louis charged back and tied the game on a corner. David Mueller served up a cross that found Olly Dyson on the far side of the box who drove the ball into the back of the net to tie the game and send the Lions into the US open Cup. "Our first goal of the season was to qualify for the cup. We have done that and now we must wait to see who we will face in the first round on June 9th," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin. "Our next goal is to stay at the top of the tables and we have to go to Des Moines next Saturday and play this same team. It is never an easy game against them." The Lions will find out later this week who their first round opponent will be in the US Open Cup. The first round match is to be played on June 9th with the site and opponent to be determined. Next up for the Lions is a trip to Des Moines to play the Menace on the return leg Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Stadium in Des Moines. The Lions will continue the road trip with a game the following day when they take on the Rochester Thunder. For more information please visit www.stllions.com. Photo: Lions defender David Mueller battles with Menace player Brian Beckford late in Saturday's match. The St. Louis Lions are in their fourth season as a member of the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) where players have the ability to compete throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city. The PDL consistently sends players into the professional ranks with several playing in the USL First and Second Professional Divisions as well as 39 players with PDL experience chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. In just three prior seasons the Lions have competed in the U.S. Open Cup(2008), PDL playoffs(2007), won the Rookie Franchise of the Year Award(2006) and currently have five former players playing professional soccer.

St. Louis Lions earn weekend victories on the road in Springfield and Kansas City: Lions improve to 3-0-0 and move within one victory of the 2009 U.S. Open Cup

 

 

St. Louis Lions earn weekend victories on the road in Springfield and Kansas City

Lions improve to 3-0-0 and move within one victory of the 2009 U.S. Open Cup

 

St. Louis, Mo. (May 19, 2009) – The St. Louis Lions cruised to 5-0 and 4-2 victories on the road against the Springfield Demize and Kansas City Brass this weekend to improve to 3-0-0 on the season and move within one victory of qualifying for the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

 

St. Louis got its two-game road trip off to a fast start Friday night in Springfield, netting two goals in the first eight minutes of the match in route to a 5-0 victory over the Springfield Demize.  Forward Steven Beattie led the Lions on offense with two goals and an assist while teammate Stephen Brocks added a goal and an assist.  Additionally, midfielder Martin Clayes and defender Alan Bradaric both scored on penalty kicks for the Lions, who have now defeated Springfield six times in seven all-time meetings.

 

"We played a quality game and had a huge effort from Beattie and Brocks," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin. "The two of them created a lot of havoc in the Springfield defense early which allowed for plays to open up and chances to develop."

 

After Friday's victory, St. Louis traveled to Kansas City on Sunday afternoon for a match against the Kansas City Brass.  In a total reversal of Friday night, St. Louis trailed Kansas City at halftime by a score of 1-0 despite out shooting the Brass 11-6 in the half.  However, the shots eventually turned to goals as the Lions netted four goals in the second half and won the match 4-2.

 

Forward Steven Beattie started the scoring for St. Louis in the 55^th minute with his third goal of the season.  Just one minute later the Lions struck again, this time forward Stephen Brocks netted his third of the season off a pass from Martin Clayes to give the Lions a 2-1 lead.

 

Kansas City tied the match right away in the 57^th minute on a misplay by St. Louis goalkeeper Brenton Saylor.  A Brass player was able to get a piece of the clearing attempt by Saylor and collided with him, resulting in the ball finding the back of the net.

 

Unfazed by the mistake, St. Louis proceeded to control play in the second half and generated numerous chances while wearing down the Brass defense. The effort paid off in the 80th minute when Stephen Beattie sent a cross to the back post to find the head of midfielder Stuart Wark who placed the ball in the near post netting for his second goal of the season making the score 3-2 in favor of St. Louis.

The Lions replaced forwards Steven Beattie and Stephen Brocks in the 86th minute with Mike Utley and Brian Harris in an attempt to keep up the sustained pressure in the final minutes. The two continued the relentless offensive attack and Harris one-timed a great ball to Utley who took the touch and blasted a shot past the diving Kansas City goalkeeper in the 88^th minute to give the Lions a 4-2 lead and the victory.

 

St. Louis is now 3-0-0 on the season and in U.S. Open cup qualifying.  The Lions next match will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville, Mo. against the Des Moines Menace.  The Lions and Menace are tied atop the standings for the division's one U.S. Open Cup berth with St. Louis leading in goal differential.  A win or draw for St. Louis would put the Lions into the Cup for the second consecutive year.

 

For more information please visit www.stllions.com.

 

The St. Louis Lions are in their fourth season as a member of the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) where players have the ability to compete throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.  The PDL consistently sends players into the professional ranks with several playing in the USL First and Second Professional Divisions as well as 39 players with PDL experience chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.  In just three prior seasons the Lions have competed in the U.S. Open Cup(2008), PDL playoffs(2007), won the Rookie Franchise of the Year Award(2006) and currently have five former players playing professional soccer. 

 

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:

Colin Pennington

Colin.pennington@brightonusa.com

(314)505-5285