Monday, August 31, 2009

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

start: 0000-00-00 end: 0000-00-00

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."

Monday, August 24, 2009

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

Sunday, August 16, 2009

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









__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

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



Sent from my iPhone

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






US Club Soccer · 716 8th Avenue North · Myrtle Beach · SC · 29577

Forward email

SafeUnsubscribe(TM)
This email was sent to soccerstlouismagazine@yahoo.com, by US Club Soccer.
Update your profile |Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

Email Marketing by
Constant Contact


Monday, August 10, 2009

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.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

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.


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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 -

****************************************************************
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
****************************************************************

Monday, May 25, 2009

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.



Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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 55th 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 57th 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 88th 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

Monday, May 11, 2009

Newcomers help St. Louis Lions Defeat Rochester Thunder in Home Opener


Newcomers help St. Louis Lions Defeat Rochester Thunder in Home Opener

St. Louis, Mo. (May 11, 2009)- Newcomers scored both goals for St. Louis as the Lions defeated the Rochester Thunder 2-1 on Sunday night in their home opener at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville, Mo.

St. Louis came out and pressured Rochester early, earning four corner kicks in the first six minutes of the match. The sustained pressure paid off when the Lions got on the board first with a header from newcomer and midfielder Stuart Wark that came off a cross from Olly Dyson.

Following the goal, the pressure from St. Louis continued and the Lions scored again in the 36th minute on their 10th shot of the half when forward Steven Beattie set-up newcomer Stephen Brocks to make it 2-0 in favor of St. Louis.

"We're counting on a lot of new players (Wark, Beattie & Brocks) to play key roles on the team this year and I'm very pleased with they way they stepped up today," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin.

Rochester added a goal off a corner kick in the 47th minute when, but it was their only score of the match and St. Louis went on to win the match 2-1.

With the victory, the Lions improve to 1-0-0 on the season and in U.S. Open Cup qualifying. Meanwhile, the Thunder, who are in their first season in the Premier Development League, fall to 0-2-0. The Lions' next match will be Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield, Mo. against the Springfield Demize.

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

The St. Louis Lions are set to begin 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

(314)505-5285

colin.pennington@brightonusa.com

Sunday, April 26, 2009

U.S. U-17 Men's National Team Clinches Top Spot in Group A with 3-0 Victory Against Honduras

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

U.S. U-17 MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM CLINCHES TOP SPOT IN GROUP A WITH 3-0 VICTORY AGAINST HONDURAS

  • Palodichuck Scores Twice While McInerney Adds Fifth Goal In Three Games of the Tournament
  • U.S. Defense Earns Second Shutout, Finishes Group Play With Only Two Goals Allowed
  • Honduras Also Advances to FIFA U-17 World Cup With Canada's Improbable Loss to Cuba
  • U.S. Will Learn Semifinal Opponent When Group B Concludes on Sunday Afternoon



  • TIJUANA, Mexico (April 25, 2009) – The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team defeated Honduras 3-0 to take the top place in Group A of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. The win gave Wilmer Cabrera's team a perfect three wins from three games. Nicholas Palodichuck, who had not played in either of the first two games, scored the first and third goals for the U.S. Jack McInerney added a goal in the 28th minute, bringing his total to a tournament-high five goals in three games.

    With a berth to the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria locked up on Thursday, Cabrera was able to change his lineup and six new starters took the field against Honduras. With Dustin Corea and Emilio Orozco both entering the game at the start of the second half, all 20 players on the U.S. roster saw action during the group phase.

    "It was a pretty match," said Cabrera. "We had six players play who were not starters and with the other five players, we confronted a Honduran team who knew they had qualified already and that probably changed their perspective of the game."

    "Our first objective was to qualify for the World Cup. Our second objective was to play the greatest number of players possible. We have accomplished our tasks and we have done it by winning." (More Quotes)

    Honduras sealed its place in Nigeria before even taking the field, as Canada's loss to Cuba was enough to give the Central American nation one of the top two places in Group A. Despite both teams' assured progression to the next round, the two sides had much to play for. The winner would take the group title and play the second place finisher from Group B in the semifinals on Wednesday, April 29.

    Palodichuk's first goal came in the 28th minute after a good buildup from the American attack. The ball started in the back line before moving to Juan Agudelo and eventually Joseph Gyau in the box. Gyau, who scored in the team's win against Canada on Thursday, hit a hard shot that skipped to Honduras goalkeeper Jesus Rivera. Rivera did well to make the save, but he gave up a big rebound. Palodichuk timed his run perfectly to pounce on the rebound and made sure his effort would go in, firing it high into the net from close range.

    Eight minutes later, McInerney doubled the U.S. lead. He received the ball from Gyau on the left side of the penalty area, took two touches to get inside the box and curled his shot around Rivera and inside the far post. The strike brought McInerney's impressive scoring rate to five in the past three games and nine in six international games in 2009.

    Honduras coach Eugenio Umanzor was ejected from the sideline for calling a team meeting following McInerney's goal, leaving Honduras' assistant coaches at the helm of the team's comeback attempt. Umanzor will also miss his squad's semifinal match while serving a one-game suspension.

    Palodichuk struck again in stoppage time of the first half. The U.S. had moved upfield quickly, with McInerney receiving the ball in the center of the field. He brought the ball down as Palodichuk was coming toward him, and with two defenders closing in, Palodichuk struck the ball with the outside of his left foot. He caught both the defenders and the Honduras 'keeper off guard, curling the ball nicely inside the far post from 25 yards out.

    The Battleground, Wash. native became the sixth different goalscorer for the U.S. in the team's first three games. He is also the third player to score more than one goal, joining McInerney and Sebastian Lletget (2).

    Perry Kitchen and Tyler Polak were once again stalwarts on the back line, going the full 90 minutes for the third-straight game. Kitchen and Polak are the only players on any team at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship to have played all 270 minutes of the tournament so far. Goalkeeper Spencer Richey got his first start of the event, picking up the shutout by making three saves.

    The U.S. brought its perfect record against Honduras at the U-17 level to 6-0-0, dating back to the regional championship in 1983.

    Cabrera's young side will learn its semifinal opponent on Sunday when Group B concludes play. Hosts Mexico and Costa Rica are battling for the top place in Group B with the winner of that game taking the group crown and the right to meet Honduras in the semifinal. Guatemala has a chance to advance to the World Cup with a win against Trinidad & Tobago and a Costa Rica loss.

    Honduras became the 12th team to qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria from Oct. 24-Nov. 15. They joined the U.S. and Mexico in representing CONCACAF, with one bid from the region still outstanding. New Zealand won the Oceania bid on Friday afternoon. Nigeria has an automatic bid as host of the tournament, joining Algeria, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Malawi in representing Africa. Asia has also completed qualifying with Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan slated to represent the continent in Nigeria. The South American tournament is currently underway in Inquique, Chile.

    Match: U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team vs. Honduras
    Date: April 25, 2009
    Competition: CONCACAF Under-17 Championship
    Venue: Estadio Caliente; Tijuana, Mexico
    Kickoff: 4 p.m. PT
    Weather: 70 degrees, clear

    Scoring Summary:      1   2    F
    USA                            3    0    0
    HON                           0    0    0

    USA – Nicholas Palodichuk (Joseph Gyau)          28th minute
    USA – Jack McInerney (Joseph Gyau)                    36
    USA – Nicholas Palodichuk (Jack McInerney)      45+

    Lineups:
    USA: 18-Spencer Richey; 3-Tyler Polak, 2-Eriq Zavaleta (12-Emilio Orozco, 46), 14-Zachary Herold, 4-Perry Kitchen (capt.); 15-Carlos Martinez, 5-Marlon Duran (7-Stefan Jerome, 65), 17-Juan Agudelo, 16-Nicholas Palodichuk; 9-Jack McInerney (11-Dustin Corea, 46), 13-Joseph Gyau
    Subs not used: 1-Earl Edwards, 20-Sebastian Lletget, 10-Luis Gil, 19-Andrew Craven
    Subs not available: 8-Alex Shinksy, 6-Jared Watts
    Head Coach: Wilmer Cabrera


    HON: 1-Jesus Rivera Coto; 3-John Rivera Reyes, 4-Ever Alvarado, 5-Helder Martinez Reyes, 7-Wilmer Fuentes (9-Diego Rodriguez, 66), 10-Alexander Agustin Lopez, 11-Antony Lozano Colon (capt.) (17-Jose Sanchez Paz, 80), 13-Jose Tobias Chavez, 14-Allan Rivas Flores, 16-Jair Aragon Castellon (8-Roberto Lopez Mejia, 46), 18-Nestor Martinez
    Subs not used: 6-Allan Gutierrez, 12-Harold Fonseca, 15-Rosendo Gonzalez, 19-Hector Matute Lopez
    Subs not available: 2-Nixon Duarte Duarte
    Head Coach: Eugenio Umanzor


    Stats Summary: USA / HON
    Shots: 12 / 4
    Shots on Goal: 7 / 3
    Saves: 3 / 4
    Corner Kicks: 2 / 2

    Misconduct Summary:
    HON – Antony Lozano Colon (caution)          33rd minute

    Officials:
    Referee: Stanley Lancaster (GUY)
    Assistant Referee 1: Dieon Neil (TRI)
    Assistant Referee 2: William Rocha (NIC)
    Fourth Official: Raymond Bogle (JAM)

    ussoccer.com Man of the Match:
    Nicholas Palodichuk


    - ussoccer.com -
    ****************************************************************
    U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
    ****************************************************************

    Monday, April 20, 2009

    UPWARD SOCCER

    Registration now open

    Pre-k (4s & 5s) - 6th grade [2009-2010 school year]

    Players - Coaches - Referees

    Have fun and improve your soccer skills!




    For more details Call 314-292-8300 ext. 3125
    or email roger@gracestl.org
    Gracekids Children's Ministry
    GRACE CHURCH ST. LOUIS
    2695 Creve Coeur Mill Rd
    Maryland Heights MO 63043
    www.gracestl.org

    Friday, April 17, 2009

    Soccer Mom, Lynne Thompson, on Weekend Magazine with Dr. Bill Meier

    Don't miss Weekend Magazine with Dr. Bill Meier in the month of May. Soccer Mom, Lynne Thompson, will be featured each weekend. Check your station for times or listen on the web at Family.org

    author of
    The Official Soccer Mom Devotional (Regal Books)
    Website: SoccerMomBook.com
    Check out Lynne on Tangle.com
    Purchase your copy today! Click Here

    Monday, April 13, 2009

    St. Louis Lions forward Tommy Heinemann signs professional contract with the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division

     

    Former St. Louis Lions forward Tommy Heinemann signs professional contract

    With the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division

     

    St. Louis, Mo. (April 13, 2009) – The St. Louis Lions Soccer Club announced Monday that former forward and franchise all-time leading scorer Tommy Heinemann has signed a professional contract with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division.  The contract is a one-year deal with a club option for a second.

     

    Heinemann, a St. Louis native and graduate of CBC High School, played parts of three seasons with the Lions.  Over the course of those three seasons Heinemann became the club's all-time leading scorer with 35 goals and four assists in 36 games played.  Additionally, Heinemann played his collegiate soccer at Rockhurst University where he earned NSCAA Second Team All-America honors.

     

    "I'm just thankful for God and my family for all of their support.  Without them none of my success in soccer would be possible," said Heinemann.  "Right now I'm living a dream and am really looking forward to contributing in Charleston."

     

    Heinemann joins former Lion midfielders Jarius 'Juice' Holmes and Kyle Patterson as the third member from the club's 2008 roster to enter the professional ranks.  Currently, Holmes in under contract with the Austin Aztex, also of the USL First Division and Patterson is under contract with the LA Galaxy of the MLS.

     

    "Tommy is a great athlete and an even better young man," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin.  "Tommy will certainly be missed this season but he's worked very hard to make it to the professional level and I couldn't be happier for him.

     

    The St. Louis Lions Soccer Club will begin its fourth season in the USL Premier Development League (PDL) on Sunday, May 10, 2009 when it hosts the Rochester Thunder in a 5:00 p.m. match at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville, Mo.

     

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

     

    Photo By Bill Barrett

     

    The St. Louis Lions are set to begin 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 four former players playing professional soccer. 

     

    ###

     

    CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This e-mail message and any attachments are for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, distribution or other use of this e-mail message or attachments is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail message in error, please delete and notify the sender immediately. Thank you.

    Media Contact:

    Colin Pennington

    (314)505-5285

    colin.pennington@brightonusa.com