Minor League Soccer - Division II

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Stars announce April 7 home opener at the HHH Metrodome



BLAINE, Minn. (Dec. 12, 2011) — The Minnesota Stars will kick off the 2012 season indoors in a match that pits the 2011 North American Soccer League champions against the league’s 2011 regular season champions, the Carolina RailHawks. The teams will square off in downtown Minneapolis at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2012

The Stars’ home opener pits them against a RailHawks team with whom they’ve developed a competitive rivalry over the past two seasons. The RailHawks knocked the Stars out of the playoffs in 2010, and the Stars returned the favor by beating Carolina in the 2011 NASL semifinals


http://mnstarsfc.com/2011/12/stars-a...-at-metrodome/

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COSMOS TALKING TO NASL


There has always been the idea among fans that the USL or NASL could act as a stop gap for the New York Cosmos while they try to get an MLS sized stadium built in the city.

Recently, on Miami Ultras Live, a supporter run podcast based around the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers, NASL Commissioner David Downs admitted to speaking with the Cosmos about potential expansion.

“As a general rule were not looking to go into MLS markets to compete head to head with MLS teams. New York is somewhat of an exception and the exception would be strictly for the Cosmos.”

“If the Cosmos were to come up with a plan to play in NASL for 2 or 3 years on the way to MLS, while building a stadium in the 5 Boroughs, that would make a lot of sense for us.”

“Were very much in discussions with them and we are very eager for them to join under the right circumstances”


http://thisiscosmoscountry.com/?p=1590

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WHAT ABOUT SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONSE THERE THE DIVISION 2 LEADERS RIGHT NOW AND ARE IN FIRST PLACE. AND PLAY IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THE RAILHAWKS.



WWW.SANANTONIOSCORPIONS.COM/

STADIUM PLANS IN DIVISION 2

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NASL Commissioner Downs Says League Expansion is Delayed but Still on Track



St. Louis had been targeted for expansion by 2014. “The NASL is currently seeking a qualified owner to enter a team representing St. Louis into our league, and would hope to have an agreement in place in time for the 2014 season. We strongly believe that the size of the city, coupled with its passion and history for the sport, makes it a perfect location for a successful NASL team.”

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/0...till-on-track/

On further Canadian expansion:
“We have definitely been engaged with several potential markets.”
But Downs said, because all discussions are in the preliminary stages, that he wouldn’t want to divulge exactly which Canadian markets at which the league is looking.
“I wouldn’t say Canada is a number-one priority,” said Downs. “For us, the number-one priority is the west coast of the United States and filling out the Midwest. But, with the success Montreal and Edmonton have had in our league, it is clear Canada is a fertile ground for professional soccer, and we would be remiss not to look at other opportunities there.”

And those American markets?
Downs cofirmed that NASL’s sights are set on San Diego, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Sacramento and the greater Los Angeles area (Anaheim, Riverside).

http://the11.ca/2012/04/17/nasl-comm...ian-expansion/

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Atlanta Names Eric Wynalda Interim Head Coach
Three-time World Cup veteran steps in to make all team-related decisions for Silverbacks


ATLANTA, GA. (July 2, 2012) – The Atlanta Silverbacks have appointed former U.S. Men’s National Team star Eric Wynalda as the team’s interim head coach and team advisor, the club announced Monday.

Wynalda, 43, will handle all team-related decisions effective immediately, and that will include finding a permanent head coach for the club. He will take over the roles previously filled by Silverbacks Director of Soccer Rodrigo Rios and Head Coach Alex Pineda Chacón.

“We’re extremely excited to have Eric join our organization as an interim head coach and team advisor,” said Silverbacks Chairman Boris Jerkunica. “Hiring Eric is another big step in our continued quest to add more experience and professionalism to our franchise.”

A native of Westlake Village, Calif., Wynalda is one of the most decorated players in the history of American soccer. He has scored the second-most goals (34) in U.S. Men’s National Team history, and is tied for the seventh-most caps, having made 106 total appearances. The 2004 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee represented the U.S. in three FIFA World Cups, and was the first American-born player to play in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top soccer division.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=2694

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IT'S OFFICIAL

Cosmos to play in NASL for 2013 season

The North American Soccer League announced on Thursday that the Cosmos have joined the league and will begin league play in the 2013 season.
The NASL Board of Governors unanimously approved the Cosmos’ membership during its meetings this week.

It has been nearly 30 years since the Cosmos have played in a professional league, last performing in the original NASL in 1984.

It was not immediately known as to whether the club's NASL presence will open up possibilities of playing in Major League Soccer.

It is not immediately known whether performing in the NASL was a prelude play in Major League Soccer, which is gung-ho on adding a 20th franchise, an expansion team in New York City. The league is hopeful of building a new stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.

http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/articl...ticle_id=30806

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San Antonio Add MLS All-Time Leading Goal Scorer Jeff Cunningham

Scorpions bolster offense with two-time MLS Golden Boot winner

SAN ANTONIO, TX ( July 23, 2012) ̶ The San Antonio Scorpions have announced the signing of Major League Soccer's all-time leading goal scorer Jeff Cunningham.

Cunningham, 35, scored 134 goals in 14 seasons in MLS. The Jamaican-born striker played with the Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC and FC Dallas in his MLS career and also made appearances for the United States men's national team.

Cunningham most recently played for C.S.D. Communicaciones in Guatemala's top division, making 12 appearances and scoring four goals in 2012.

"This is a great opportunity to be a part of a new organization that's having a great run," Cunningham said. "I'm grateful to Coach Hankinson and the organization for this opportunity and I'm excited to be a part of it."

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=2897

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Islanders Fall in CONCACAF Champions League Opener

Isidro Metapan Defeat Islanders 3-1 After Needham Red Card

The NASL's Puerto Rico Islanders tasted defeat in their opening 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League group stage match, falling 3-1 to Isidro Metapán at the Estadio Jorge Calero Suárez in Metapán, El Salvador. Nicholas Addlery opened the scoring for the Islanders with his ninth career Champions League goal, but Los Caleros mounted a comeback to win comfortably by a two-goal margin. Nicolas Munoz scored all three Metapán goals.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=2956

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Ten Islanders Called Up for Puerto Rico's Match Against "La Roja"


The Puerto Rico Islanders announced today that ten of its players have been called up for the August 15th match against the World Champion Spanish National team. “La Roja” will square off against the Puerto Rico National Team on August 15th at the newly remodeled Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium.

“Any time a player gets called up for their country, that's fantastic news. It is good for the player and it is good for the Club. It is an honor for any player to represent their country and is a reflection of the kind of players we have on the football team. In this case, having my players square off against the World Champions is even more exciting.” said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread.

Ten players have been called to the Puerto Rico National Team for the exhibition match against the 2012 Euro Cup Champions and the 2010 World Cup Champions Spanish National Team on August 15th at “La Islandera” . Richard Martínez, Anthony Vázquez, Joshua Hansen, Andrés Pérez , Hector "Pito" Ramos , Joseph “Jackie” Marrero, Tyler Wilson, Alexis Rivera , Noah Delgado and Marco Velez will join the Puerto Rico National Team on August 7th for training camp.

http://www.prislandersfc.com/index.p...53&newsid=2952

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Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe, F , Argtotis (GRE)

The former Tampa Bay winger recorded two goals and two assists in 19 league appearances for Greek second division club Argtotis last campaign. His side is currently gearing up for the 2012-13 Football League season.

Paulo Jr., F, Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Paulo Jr. briefly returned to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on a short-term loan from Real Salt Lake in mid-July, picking up a goal and an assist in three matches. For Salt Lake, he has featured in fifteen games this season, providing a goal and two assists.

Etienne Barbara, F, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

2011 NASL Golden Ball Winner returned from injury to make his first start for Vancouver on Wednesday May 9th in the Amway Canadian Championship semi-final versus FC Edmonton. Barbara drew a penalty in the 3-1 Whitecaps win. He has since made just one additional cup and MLS appearance. Barbara has also spent time with the Whitecaps U-23s.

Evan Bush, GK, Montreal Impact (MLS)

The 2011 NASL Golden Glove winner with Montreal has made just one appearance for his club since stepping up to MLS. Bush made his MLS debut for the Impact on June 30, a 3-0 loss to DC United.

Hassoun Camara, D, Montreal Impact (MLS)

2011 NASL Best XI selection has become a regular in the starting 11 for the Impact since July. Camara has featured 14 times for Montreal, starting 13, and has recorded a goal and an assist.

Jun Marques Davidson, M, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Former Carolina RailHawks midfielder followed Martin Rennie to the Whitecaps for a second spell in North America, having returned to Japan for the 2011 season. Davidson has been a staple for the Whitecaps this season, making 20 appearances, all of them starts..

Logan Emory, D, Toronto FC (MLS)

Former Puerto Rico Islanders defender has started the last nine consecutive MLS matches for Toronto FC. In total, he has made 14 appearances in the league, and won the Canadian Championship in his first season with Toronto.

Josh Gardner, M, Montreal Impact (MLS)

The Carolina RailHawks 2010 MVP has started five games for the Montreal Impact in MLS play this season, playing the full 90 minutes in each appearance. Gardner hasn’t made an MLS appearance since April 4.

Bill Gaudette, GK, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Former Puerto Rico Islanders and Montreal Impact goalkeeper has started three consecutive games for the LA Galaxy this season before moving to the New York Red Bulls. He has since played six games for the Red Bulls.

Tom Heinemann, F, Columbus Crew (MLS)

Former Railhawks forward played once this season for Columbus. He has been placed on the season ending injury list while he recovers from knee surgery.

Omar Jarun, D, R. Charleroi S.C. (BEL)

The former Tampa Bay defender signed for Belgian Second Division Champions Charleroi on July 26. Last season Jarun played every minute of the 20 league matches he has featured in for Polish top flight side Arka. Charleroi are currently 11th in the Belgian Pro League after three matches played.

Grant Kerr, D/M, FK Tonsberg (NOR)

Kerr signed in April with FK Tonsberg of the Norwegian Second Division. Kerr played for both Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale during the 2011 NASL season.

Brad Knighton, GK, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

2011 NASL Best XI selection with Carolina has made three MLS appearances and two in the Amway Canadian Championship for Vancouver this season. On July 27th, Knighton made his second appearance off the bench in 2012 after Joe Cannon was sent off. Knighton started the Whitecaps’ next match, his first MLS start since October 16, 2012 with the Philadelphia Union.

Jimmy Maurer , GK, Univerisdad de Concepciόn (CHI)

Maurer, formerly of the Atlanta Ailverbacks, signed with Univerisdad de Concepciόn in the Chilean Primera Division. On March 23, down by two goals in a match against Santiago Wanderers, Maurer made his debut as a substitute after starting goalkeeper Cristian Brítez was sent off in the 22nd minute.

Johnny Menyongar, M/F, Shillonjg Lajong (IND)

Former Minnesota Stars captain has played fifteen games for Indian side Shillonjg Lajong scoring four goals.

Pascal Millien, M, Sligo Rovers (IRE)

The former Tampa Bay midfielder made his full league debut for the Sligo Rovers of Ireland’s Premier League on April 20th. Millien has featured nine times in 2012, scoring a single goal.

Miguel Montaño, M, Montreal Impact (MLS)

Retained by Impact for the move the MLS, Montaño has featured three times for Montreal in MLS action this season. He is currently on loan with Deportivo Cali of the Colombian top flight.

Daniel Paladini, M, Chicago Fire (MLS)

Former Carolina midfielder is a regular on the team sheet for the Fire, but has played just seven times this season, making one start and providing one assist.

Caleb Patterson-Sewell, GK, Vitória F.C. (POR)

The longtime D2 goalkeeper left Carolina last summer to join Athlético CP of Portugal’s Liga De Honra. Patterson-Sewell kept 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances last season, and has since moved up a division to Vitória F.C. of the Primiera Liga.

Brad Rusin, D , HB Køge (DEN)

Rusin, the former Carolina RailHawks captain, was been a regular for HB Køge, featuring in 23 Danish Superliga games, scoring twice. His side are currently 9th in the Danish 1st Division, following relegation from the top flight.

Tyler Ruthven, D, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

The former Silverbacks’ defender has started four games for the Red Bulls who occupy second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Eduardo Sebrango, F, Montreal Impact (MLS)

Has made one start and five substitute appearance in MLS play, and has featured once in the Amway Canadian Championship. Sebrango is the all-time leading goal scorer in North American second division history.

Jonny Steele, M, Real Salt Lake (MLS)

The former second division MVP (in 2009) who tied for the NASL lead in assists last season while playing for the Carolina RailHawks has been a regular for Real Salt Lake since making the jump to MLS. Steele has played in 22 games for RSL scoring twice and assisting a further two.

Greg Sutton, GK, Montreal Impact (MLS)

Canadian goalkeeper Sutton has made one substitute appearance for the Impact this season.

Long Tan, F, DC United (MLS)

FC Tampa Bay product featured four times this season for Vancouver in regular season play, and once in the Amway Canadian Championship. He was traded to DC United on June 28, and has played in three matches for his new club.

Sinisa Ubiparipovic, M, Montreal Impact (MLS)

Midfielder who won Impact newcomer of the year in the 2011 NASL Season has played ten matches this season in MLS, scoring two goals. He has made two additional appearances in the Amway Canadian Championship.

Matt Watson, M, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

A 2011 NASL Best XI selection while with the Carolina RailHawks, Watson has started six games in the MLS season, coming off the bench in two others for a total of eight appearances. He has also made one appearance for the Whitecaps in the Amway Canadain Championship.

Aaron Wheeler, F, FC KooTeePee (FIN)

Wheeler, who played six games for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2011, now suits up for Finnish second-division side, FC KooTeePee. He has started fourteen matches in 2012, scoring twice.

Daniel Woolard, D, DC United (MLS)

Former Carolina RailHawks defender has been a staple at the back for DC United, starting 20 games this season, scoring one goal, and setting up two others.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3042

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NASL Announces Split-Season Format for 2013

Summer Break Allows for Increased Alignment with International Calendar

The first, or spring, championship will kick off in late March or early April and will culminate on Thursday, July 4. NASL member teams will then have roughly one month before the start of the second championship and each team is free during that period to prepare for that competition as they see fit, including touring or scheduling exhibition matches. The break will occur during the international transfer window that is open throughout much of Europe, Latin America and North America.

The second, or fall, championship will commence late July or early August and run through November 2. Following the conclusion of the fall championship the winner of the spring championship will host the winner of the fall championship (or, in the event the same team wins both competitions, the team with the second-best record for the full year’s games) to determine which team will be inscribed on the Soccer Bowl as the NASL’s annual champion.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3173

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This upcoming weekend's NASL Quarterfinal Round will be a single game while the Semifinal and Final Rounds will each be a 2-game series with each team playing at home once and the team with the greater number of aggregate goals in both games winning each series. If the Quartfinal games are tied after 90 minutes, In we will progress to a 30-minute extra time period (the goldengoal rule will not be in effect). If the teams are still locked in a draw following the extra time period, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout.

All players will start the NASL playoffs with a zero yellow card total. A player receiving three (3) yellow cards in separate games during the course of the playoffs will be suspended for his team’s next game. Any suspension for yellow cards received in a player’s last playoff game will not carry over into the next NASL regular season.


http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3322

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New York Cosmos Return to Roots at Hofstra University

Storied Club to Resume Play at James M. Shuart Stadium

NEW YORK (Sept 25, 2012) ̶ The New York Cosmos, retracing their historic journey to the top of North American soccer, will return to the field in 2013 at their historic home, Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, L.I. The Cosmos, who announced in July that they had joined the North American Soccer League (NASL), first played at Hofstra in the earlier NASL in their second and third years of existence -- 1972 and 1973. James M. Shuart Stadium boasts a seating capacity of more than 13,000.

“Hofstra is the perfect place for us to return to the pitch,” said Cosmos Chairman Seamus O’Brien. “The stadium is part of Cosmos history and lore, and is located in the heartland of our great fan base on Long Island.”


http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3333

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O'Brien wanted to name a coach and general manager by late October. "We're in final stages of negotiations with parties," he said.

The Cosmos hope to release schedule and ticket information then.

They will compete in a split-season format featuring two round-robin competitions. The winners will meet in Soccer Bowl for the league title. The spring season will kick off in late March or early April and end July 4. The fall part will start in late July or early August and run through Nov. 2.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/soccer...stra-1.4037171

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As you most likely know by now, the NASL has announced a change in the season format for 2013. The league will split their season into two parts, an opening and closing season much like some leagues in Latin America.

In an effort to imagine the effect of the new system, we decided to take this season’s results and put them into Apertura and Clausura tables.

First, the Apertura:


Unsurprisingly, early-season colossus San Antonio wins the Apertura. They are now assured a place in the single-game post-season championship. Puerto Rico, with a four-point edge over third-place Tampa Bay, is in the driver's seat for staking a claim to the best overall record should San Antonio also win the Clausura.

Here’s the Clausura, updated through last weekend’s results:


Although there are some risks associated with the new season and championship format, we are optimistic that these changes will be beneficial. Greater emphasis will be placed on the regular season, and most teams will likely be playing consequential games up to the end.

And NASL, if you’re reading this, how about calling the two seasons “Apertura” and “Clausura?” These words are more interesting than “spring season” and “fall season” or “first half” and “second half.” They would also help underscore the fact that these two competitions are, in fact, separate seasons, not halves of a single season. (A further benefit of these words: They might be useful in reaching out to Latino communities.)

The champions of the two halves would play each other for the Soccer Bowl trophy



http://www.indyweek.com/triangleoffe...ke-this-season

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/

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NASL:
US 2nd flight set for postseason after banner year


The rising tide of North American soccer has lifted all boats, as the old saying goes. We see it every week with sold out MLS stadiums, new stars - foreign and domestic - and a level of passion in the fanbase that rivals any league in the world.

There's been a palpable knock-on effect, experienced by both the US and Canadian national teams as well as the second and third flights of professional soccer on these shores. With that in mind, we at MLSsoccer.com are expanding our coverage of the lower tiers, beginning with this piece on the eve of the NASL's postseason.

The North American Soccer League’s second regular season has come to a close, and the playoffs are set to begin. There have been plenty of talking points around the NASL this year, ranging from the groundbreaking of a new, Toyota-sponsored stadium in San Antonio to an icon of American soccer injecting life into a confidence-starved Atlanta side.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...er-banner-year

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Stars Advance to Semifinals with 2-1 Win in Puerto Rico
Defending NASL Champions Eliminate Islanders

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3368



RailHawks Advance to Semifinals With 3-1 Win
Fort Lauderdale Eliminated From Playoffs

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3366

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Forwards

Mark Anderson, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

TheStrikers’ forward recorded 11 goals and 3 assists in 1788 minutes of action during the 2012 season. A native of Durham, England, Anderson joined the Strikers in 2012 after a successful career at Barry University where he was named the Daktronics DII Player of the Year for 2011. Anderson is renowned for his spectacular long distance efforts on goal.

Pablo Campos, San Antonio Scorpions

The native of Rio De Janiero, Brazil was the recipient of the 2012 NASL Golden Boot as the leading scorer in the league. Campos scored 20 goals this season, after recording 12 last season with the Carolina RailHawks. Campos is the now the leading goal scorer in NASL history with 37 in all competitions. The 29-year-old forward won NASL Offensive Player of the Week five times this season, leading the league in this honor.

Midfielders

Luke Mulholland, Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Rowdies’ midfielder recorded five goals and five assists this season. From Preston, England, Mulholland played a pivotal role in the playoff run last year of the 2011 NASL Champion Minnesota Stars. Mulholland provides a steady presence on the ball for Rowdies as well as excellent off ball runs to provide outlets for his teammates in the final third.

Walter Ramirez, San Antonio Scorpions

Ramirez, a Honduran international, has two goals and six assists on the season. Playing wide on the left side of San Antonio’s midfield Ramirez’s pace and dribbling skills were vital as the Scorpions claimed the NASL Regular Season Championship.

Walter Restrepo, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Restrepo, a San Diego, California native, suffered a torn ACL late in the season for the Strikers and missed the final six games of the season. Despite this injury, Restrepo still tied for the league lead in assists with eight and contributed six goals while energizing the Fort Lauderdale offense from his role as the club’s attacking midfielder.

Nick Zimmerman, Carolina RailHawks

Zimmerman led the RailHawks with 15 goals this season. The Tampa, Florida native is the second all-time leading goal scorer in NASL history with 21 across all competitions, and is the second leading scorer in club history. Zimmerman played centrally, out wide and up front this season for RailHawks excelling in each role.

Defenders

Kyle Altman, Minnesota Stars FC

Captaining the Stars to a second successive playoff appearance, Altman logged 1700 minutes for the team this season. Last season, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native helped the Stars to the NASL Championship. The 26-year-old is known for his steady play at the back acting as a stopper in front of the Stars goalkeeper.

Ryan Cochrane, San Antonio Scorpions

Cochrane, a two-time MLS Cup Champion with the Houston Dynamo logged 2,276 minutes this season in defense for NASL Regular Season Champion Scorpions. The Portland, Oregon native scored a goal and added three assists during the season. Cochrane anchored a backline that conceded just 27 goals this season, the lowest total in the league.

Paul Hamilton, FC Edmonton

The Calgary, Alberta native led his club in minutes played with 2,024.The rugged 24-year-old center back helped organize the “Eddies” backline this season. Hamilton was named NASL Defensive Player of the Week on May 14th.

Takuya Yamada, Tampa Bay Rowdies

Yamada, a Japanese international was the only field player in the NASL to play every minute this season. Yamada, the last remaining player from the Tampa Bay’s 2010 inaugural season was a member of Japan’s 2004 Asian Cup winning squad. The 38-year-old won NASL Defensive Player of the Week on September 10th.

Goalkeeper

Jeff Attinella, Tampa Bay Rowdies

Attinella led the NASL in saves this season with 118 saves and boasted a stellar 1.07 goals-against-average. The Clearwater, Florida, native has started over 50 games for his hometown club over the past two seasons. The 24-year-old won NASL Defensive Player of the Week five times this season, which led the league.


http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3405

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Sat 10/20 8:30 pm EDT
Playoff - leg one
Minnesota Stars FC vs Tampa Bay Rowdies
NSC Stadium

Sat 10/27 7:30 pm EDT
Playoff - leg two
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Minnesota Stars FC
Al Lang Stadium

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Playoff - leg one
Minnesota Stars FC 2:0 Tampa Bay Rowdies
NSC Stadium

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3453


Sat 10/27 7:30 pm EDT
Playoff - leg two
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Minnesota Stars FC
Al Lang Stadium

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEmn...layer_embedded

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NASL:
Rowdies rally to give the Soccer Bowl a new home


A red card slowed them down, overtime sapped their strength and a shootout tested their nerves, but none of those challenges were enough to keep the Tampa Bay Rowdies from wresting the NASL Championship from the defending champion Minnesota Stars.

Entering the second leg of the 2012 final on Saturday with a two-goal deficit, Tampa Bay fought back to even matters with a 3-1 victory that prompted a decisive penalty-kick shootout. On the back of three massive saves from Best XI goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, the Rowdies laid claim to the Soccer Bowl, the highest honor of the American and Canadian second division.

A back-and-forth first leg set the bar high and what followed at Al Lang Stadium was one of the most intense matches in the league’s two-year history, as aggregate scores flip-flopped, regulation produced four goals and a sell-out crowd of 6,208 in St. Petersburg, Fla., provided a fitting atmosphere.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-bowl-new-home

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NASL Announces Virginia Team to Begin Play in 2014

VIP Sports & Entertainment to Bring Professional Soccer to Loudoun County

ASHBURN, VA – November 5, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional sports and entertainment options to Northern Virginia, VIP Sports & Entertainment announces that it is partnering with Loudoun Professional Soccer, LLC (LPS), who have been awarded a franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The franchise will debut in 2014 playing its home games at the future Ballpark located at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3496

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Erik Stover Named NY Cosmos Chief Operating Officer


NEW YORK (Nov 8, 2012) ̶ The New York Cosmos today named Erik Stover as the franchise’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all facets of the operation on and off the field. Stover is a 16-year veteran of the sports and entertainment industry having held senior management positions with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (Giants Stadium and IZOD Center) and Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Red Bull New York, a flagship team in Major League Soccer.

http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=3505

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Cosmos name Metro icon Gio Savarese coach


The New York Cosmos named MetroStar legend Giovanni “Gio” Savarese head coach today, further stoking the fires of a potential rivalry with the Red Bulls.

“I know how much the New York Cosmos mean to the local soccer community, understand my great responsibility and am excited about the challenges ahead,’’ said Savarese. “I’m thrilled and appreciative for the opportunity and look forward to putting together a competitive team.”

Savarese – who earned six caps for Venezuela and was the MetroStars all-time leading scorer - most recently served as director of the Cosmos Academy and manager of the Cosmos U-23 team that played in the USL Premier Development League. Savarese also is a soccer commentator on ESPN Deportes.


Read more: Cosmos name Metro icon Gio Savarese coach http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/soccer...#ixzz2Ch3DbPfv