International Soccer Network

The Road to Canada 2015 Begins

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:47:12 -0400

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Qualifiers are underway in Europe with the earliest preliminary matches played in Vilnius, Lithuania and Ta’Qali, Malta this Thursday, April 4th. Eight teams divided into two groups will play three matches each over the next six days,with the top two teams from each group advancing to Europe’s 42-team qualifying group stage that begins in September 2013.

The eight teams competing in Europe’s preliminary phase are Albania, Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta in one group (based in Malta) and Faroe Islands, Georgia, Lithuania and Montenegro in the other group (based in Lithuania). Following this preliminary phase, the European draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Also over the next six days, a number of national teams will compete during the reserved dates for women’s international football on FIFA’s coordinated match calendar. Of note, Canada will play France on April 4th and England on April 7th while former FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Germany and USA will face each other on April 5th.

ISN will be reviewing these great titles in the very near...

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:52:00 -0400

ISN will be reviewing these great titles in the very near future. Stay tuned to www.isnsoccer.com for more information.

Revolution signs Diego Fagundez to Multi-Year Extension

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:08:37 -0400

The New England Revolution has signed 18-year-old Diego Fagundez, the team’s first-ever Homegrown player, to a multiple-year contract extension. Further terms of the deal are not being released.

“We’re pleased that Diego has made the commitment to remain in New England,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. “While he’s only 18, we believe he has a very bright future with our club and in Major League Soccer.”

Fagundez became the third-youngest player (15 years, 273 days) to sign an MLS contract when he inked a Homegrown deal with the Revolution on November 15, 2010. The Leominster, Mass., product came to the Revs’ first team through the Revolution Academy following a stellar two-year career with the Revs’ Under-16 team. Fagundez was born in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Fagundez made his MLS debut on Aug. 6, 2011, when he came on as a substitute against Chivas USA at Gillette Stadium. He later scored his first career goal in that game, becoming the second-youngest player to score a goal in MLS history (16 years, 173 days).

Since debuting in 2011, Fagundez has made 27 appearances (including 11 starts). He has scored four goals and added three assists. In 2012, he made 20 appearances – including eight starts – scoring two goals and adding two assists.

Carolinas Dominate NSCAA/TopDrawerSoccer.com High School Player of the Week Awards

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:04:30 -0400

Bria Dixon, a senior forward at Cary High School (Cary, N.C.) and Tyler Brazell, a junior midfielder at Brookland-Cayce High School (Cayce, S.C.) have been selected as the NSCAA/TopDrawerSoccer.com High School Players of the Week.

Dixon was crucial in Cary’s last three victories. The senior forward scored a goal in a 2-0 victory over Fuquay-Varina High School, both goals in a 2-0 victory over Middle Creek High School, and capped off her week by tallying a goal and an assist in a 5-0 rout of Garner High School.

Cary High is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and Dixon is playing a pivotal role in leading her team to a 4-0-1 record this season. Dixon has signed a letter of intent to play for Virginia Tech University in the fall.

Brazell tied Brookland-Cayce’s single-game assists record with five in a 10-0 trashing of county rival Batesburg-Leesville. Brazell also scored two goals in the season opener. Last season the junior midfielder registered 18 points with five goals and eight assists.

Decorated Duo Named NSCAA Players of the Week

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:56:14 -0500

Nicole Newton, a senior midfielder at Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge, La.) and Dan Glascock a senior midfielder at Acalanes High School (Lafayette, Calif.) have been selected as the NSCAA High School Players of the Week.

Newton scored five goals in her first two playoff games, leading her team to consecutive 8-0 victories. The three-time All-State midfielder finished the regular season with 36 goals and 19 assists. Newton committed to Birmingham-Southern College (Birmingham, Ala.) last week.

Glascock capped off an undefeated season with the Acalanes Dons by winning a third consecutive Diablo Foothill Athletic League (DFAL) Championship. The senior midfielder scored a goal and produced four assists in his last three games.

Glascock was also named the DFAL Player of the Year and will begin the sectional round of the playoffs tonight. The Acalanes Dons are ranked as the top seed in the North Coast Section (NFS) Division II region.

Other male finalists included Mason Wilson from St. Thomas High School (Houston, Texas) and Lumi Kaba from Robert E. Lee High School (Tyler, Texas).

The NSCAA High School Player of the Week program is designed to highlight the future stars of the game. Anyone can nominate a player, however only players whose coach is a current NSCAA member are eligible for selection. Honorees will be announced on Wednesdays.

Crew Soccer Foundation Unveils Inaugural Kirk Urso Memorial Match

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:20:00 -0500

The Columbus Crew and its charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation, today unveiled plans for the inaugural Kirk Urso Memorial Match.

The Black & Gold will play a preseason exhibition game against the University of North Carolina on February 24, with all proceeds benefitting the Crew Soccer Foundation’s Kirk Urso Memorial Fund. The Urso Fund was launched in late 2012 to support heart health research and programming in memory of the Crew midfielder who passed away at the age of 22 from a congenital heart defect last August.

“When we announced the Kirk Urso Memorial Fund it was intended to honor Kirk’s legacy by funding research initiatives focused on congenital heart defects and sudden cardiac death in youth,” said Crew President and General Manager Mark McCullers. “The inaugural Urso Memorial Match provides a valuable opportunity to once again draw attention to this goal and garner support through the sport of soccer. Both the Crew and University of North Carolina are humbled to be involved with the match, and we look forward to raising awareness and driving proceeds for the Urso Fund.”

Urso was originally selected by the Crew in the first round (No.10 overall) in the 2012 Supplemental Draft, and appeared in six games (five starts) with one assist last season before being sidelined by injury. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he made four consecutive NCAA Men’s College Cup Final Four appearances and captained the team to the 2011 NCAA National Championship. Urso was admired for his unwavering work ethic and steadfast character both on and off the field.

“Working with the Columbus Crew to support the Kirk Urso Memorial Fund is an honor. We at the University of North Carolina love Kirk and his family and hope to be involved for many years to come,” said University of North Carolina Head Coach Carlos Somoano. “UNC and the Columbus Crew were dear to Kirk and hopefully the teams he loved, through the game he loved, will raise dollars, awareness and intentions for the Memorial Fund.”

The match pits the Crew against Urso’s college alma mater at Macpherson Stadium in Browns Summit, N.C. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on game day (the student price on game day will remain $10). Standard seating and lawn seating are both available, with all tickets serving as general admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling (336) 669-0841 or by visiting TheCrew.com/UrsoFund, with donations for the Urso Fund accepted via the same URL. Additionally, there will be auction items at the match benefitting the Urso Fund, including: 2013 Columbus Crew team-signed items, UNC men’s basketball tickets, a signed ball from U.S. Women’s National Team legend Mia Hamm and more.

The Urso Memorial Match caps the Black & Gold’s preseason camp following an 18-day trip to Orlando, Fla. for the Disney Pro Classic. The Crew begins the 2013 MLS regular season on March 2 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. against Chivas USA.

Another Zip Goes Pro as Yedlin Joins Sounders FC

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:20:00 -0500

Seattle Sounders FC has signed defender DeAndre Yedlin, the club announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Yedlin is the first Homegrown Player signed by Sounders FC in franchise history.

“We are thrilled to sign DeAndre as our first Homegrown Player,” said Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “Darren Sawatzky and Dick McCormick deserve much of the credit, as they have developed a top academy program for Sounders FC. Hopefully DeAndre is the first of many local players who will come through our system and wear the rave green at the professional level.”

Yedlin, 19, played for the University of Akron the past two seasons after graduating from the Sounders FC Academy system following the 2010-11 season. Yedlin, a Seattle native who attended O’Dea High School, was honored on the All-MAC First Team in his two seasons with the Zips and was named a College Soccer News Freshman All-American in 2011.

“It’s amazing to start my professional career in a place where I started playing soccer in the first place,” said Yedlin. “I’m excited to be able to perform in front of all the fans. It’s the best place to play in the United States-one of the best in the world I think. It’s very exciting for me.”

Yedlin appeared in all 45 games for Akron over the past two seasons, making 41 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 12 assists, including six assists last season, ranking third on the team. The right back served four assists during a five-match stretch in 2012 and recorded four game-winning assists in his freshman season.

Prior to his collegiate career, Yedlin was a starter for Seattle’s O’Dea High School and the Sounders FC Academy team. He led O’Dea to three Washington State championships in 2005, 2008 and 2009. Yedlin was invited to the U.S. Soccer U18 Men’s National training camp and the 2010 SuperElite International Showcase. He participated on the ODP state team from 2006-09 and was named to the USSDA 93 Academy Select Team in 2009 and 2010. Yedlin was ranked seventh in the nation among all 2011 recruits by Top Drawer Soccer and was ranked 12^th by College Soccer News.

Brendon McAdam named 2012 Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:31:00 -0500

The Canadian Soccer Association has announced that Brendon McAdam is the 2012 Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year. McAdam was honoured by selection from the Canada Para Soccer coaching staff.

“Brendon played a very strong role in our entire 2012 year,” said Canadian Para Soccer coach Drew Ferguson. “He provides leadership on the field with fierce work rate and commitment.”

The 22-year old midfielder from Victoria, BC is in his third year with the Canadian Para Soccer program. In June, he helped Canada win the 7-a-side Tournament in Spain with a perfect record of four wins in four matches. McAdam scored four goals, including a hat trick in the final against host Catalonia.

McAdam is the first-ever winner of the Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year award. The introduction of the award coincides with the 20th year of the Canada Soccer Player Awards as well as the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Soccer Association.

“Topping of his year with a hat trick - all in the first half and all with his head - is feat at any level of international soccer. Brendon is a very deserving selection for the first Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year.”

The Canadian Para Soccer announcement was made on December 7. In the coming week, the Canadian Soccer Association will announce the Canadian U-17 Players of the Year on December 9, the Canadian U-20 Players of the Year on December 10, and the BMO Canadian Players of the Year on December 11 (female) and December 12 (male).

U.S. MNT Closes out 2012 with 2-2 Draw Against Ninth-Ranked Russia

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:36:29 -0500

The U.S. Men’s National Team came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against No. 9-ranked Russia in Wednesday’s international friendly match at Kuban Stadium.

Second-half substitute Mix Diskerud, playing in his third match with the U.S. senior team, scored the game-tying goal nearly three minutes into second-half stoppage time. Midfielder Michael Bradley also contributed a 76th-minute equalizer to tie the score at 1-1 and goalkeeper Tim Howard made six saves, several of the spectacular variety.

The USA finishes the 2012 campaign with a 9-2-3 record and a .750 winning percentage, which matches the all-time record for the top winning percentage of the modern era that was set in 2005 when the team went 13-3-4.

“We saw a very entertaining game,” said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “Russia proved why they are one of the best teams in Europe, and we wanted to see how good we are against such a strong team. The way our team fought back twice after being down a goal was great and it showed a lot of character. This is a young team, and a team that is growing. We are pleased with the game overall, and to score in the last minute was great.”

Diskerud’s game-tying goal came in the waning seconds of stoppage time after Michael Bradley sent a long ball toward the penalty area from just in front of the midfield line near the left sideline. Russia defender Sergei Ignashevich tried to clear, but his header bounced to the top of the penalty box where Diskerud struck a first-time shot that clipped a Russian defender and looped over the stranded goalkeeper into the net.

Russia has not allowed a goal during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Russia got on the board in just the ninth minute, making the USA pay for an early mistake when a Danny Williams short free kick was intercepted by Russia’s Alexander Kerzhakov, who rushed toward goal before dishing with the outside of his right foot to Fedor Smolov who was making a run into the right side of the penalty area. Smolov easily rolled his uncontested shot past Howard and inside the near post from 12 yards out for the 1-0 lead.

Smolov’s Russia senior team debut was short-lived as he was injured on the play and was soon replaced by Maxim Grigoriev in the 11th minute.

The U.S. overcame a short outing from central defender Carlos Bocanegra whose 110th career appearance came to an abrupt halt when he strained his left hamstring in the 15th minute. Clarence Goodson replaced the U.S. captain with Howard donning the armband.

Bradley’s equalizer, which came in the 76th minute, was a superb volley that showed both skill and power. Two second-half substitutes combined to create the goal as midfielder Maurice Edu chipped a pass to the forward line into Juan Agudelo who was making a run toward the top of the box. Agudelo headed the ball back to Bradley, who smashed his 20-yard volley off the lower part of the left post and in for his 11th career international goal and second of 2012.

Russia retook the lead in the 84th minute through a Roman Shirokov penalty kick. Goodson picked up a yellow card for fouling Russia’s Artem Dzyuba in the penalty box and Shirokov converted for a 2-1 lead.

Diskerud’s goal was the USA’s second stoppage-time score of the year. The other stoppage-time tally was Ricardo Clark’s 97th-minute goal to open 2012 with a 1-0 victory against Venezuela on Jan. 21.

The U.S. will now look ahead to the resumption of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying when the Hexagonal kicks off Feb. 6, 2013, on the road against Honduras. The USA is competing to qualify for its seventh straight FIFA World Cup.

CONCACAF Statement on 2016 Copa America

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:11:36 -0400

Following yesterday’s announcement from CONMEBOL that the 2016 Copa America will be held in the United States and include the participation of six national teams from CONCACAF, Confederation officials confirmed today that they are conducting talks on this matter and further negotiations are required before a final agreement has been reached.

“Even though playing the 2016 Copa America in the CONCACAF region with our teams and those from CONMEBOL would be a wonderful experience for all fans, we are still in the midst of talks and negotiations between all parties involved in this decision,” said CONCACAF General Secretary, Enrique Sanz. “This is an idea we are hoping to materialize but we are still evaluating and discussing before it becomes official but the intention is definitely there.”

In July, CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb, met with Executive Committee members of CONMEBOL in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to explore the potential for collaborative opportunities between the two confederations. Among the items discussed was the staging of a special Copa America in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of CONMEBOL that would involve CONCACAF’s partnership and participation.

PASL Announces Slate, Alignment for Fifth Season

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:32:00 -0400

The Professional Arena Soccer League today formally announced its 2012/13 schedule and alignment for its fifth anniversary season.

A record 19 teams will play a 16-game season beginning November 1 in Las Vegas and ending February 23 in Dallas, followed by the Ron Newman Cup playoffs in late February and early March.
For the first time the PASL will be divided into four divisions, the Eastern, Central, Southwestern, and Pacific.

The returning Cincinnati Kings, Detroit Waza, Ohio Vortex, and Illinois Piasa will be joined by the Harrisburg Heat in the Eastern Division.

The Dallas Sidekicks return to arena soccer will be accompanied by the Texas Strikers, Rio Grande Valley Flash, Rockford Rampage, and Chicago Mustangs in the Central Division.

The Southwestern Division will be comprised of the Las Vegas Legends and Real Phoenix, and the returning Arizona Storm, and Toros Mexico, who were known as Revolucion Tijuana last season.

The San Diego Sockers headline a Pacific Division that also features the Anaheim Splash, Tacoma Stars, Turlock Express and the expansion Sacramento Surge.

The Kansas Magic ceased operations and the Louisville Lightning have decided to suspend play for the 2012/13 season. In all the PASL will see 10 returning teams and nine expansion teams take the field this season.

“Fans can look forward to more rivalries, star players, and story lines than ever before,” said PASL Commissioner Kevin Milliken. “Arena soccer is once again gaining a foothold in the US and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”

The PASL will also broadcast more games than ever thanks to their new deal with America One.

In the coming weeks the league will make further announcements about broadcasting as well as this year’s playoff format. The entire regular season schedule can be found on the Schedule tab at the league’s official website at www.paslsoccer.com.

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:07:45 -0400

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Rampage Announce Open Tryouts

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:50:21 -0400

The Rockford Rampage, entering their first season in the Professional Arena Soccer League, have announced open tryouts have been scheduled for September 22 at Victory Sports Complex.

The tryouts will run from 12:00pm til 2:00pm and aspiring players should arrive at 11:00am to register.

Victory Sports Complex is located on 7003 North Alpine Road in Loves Park.

Registration forms will be available on the Rampage’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RockfordRampageSoccer or at Victory Sports Complex.

The cost is $40 per player and includes a Rampage tryout t-shirt. Lunch will be provided as well.

“The Rampage will be a team that represents the Rockford metro area,” said Rampage Head Coach Jeff Kraft. “We’re looking for local talent that can compete at the professional level and help us win games.”

CONCACAF Announces New Integrity Committee

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:30:03 -0400

After its Executive Committee Meeting held today in Mexico City, CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) announced the members of their new Integrity Committee, who will have the task of ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance among the CONCACAF Congress and member countries.

The new body was presented with CONCACAF’s Terms of Reference and will have oversight of all investigations pertaining to past practices from the previous leadership in order to ensure clarity regarding all pending issues within the newly reformed confederation. This initiative plays a pivotal role in the confederation’s reform while establishing a clear roadmap for its future.

“At CONCACAF we are working tirelessly towards setting up solid foundations that will allow our confederation to concentrate on one thing: managing, developing and promoting the game,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. ”We have invited the most qualified and reputable individuals in their fields to assist us in the fulfillment of our vision; building a powerful structure of integrity, transparency and accountability to allow our region to grow.”

The Integrity Committee members consist of Chairman Sir David Anthony Cathcart Simmons, Ernesto E. Hempe and Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina, their bios follow. The members will supervise all CONCACAF practices to ensure utmost integrity among all processes and initiatives. These highly-regarded members have been carefully selected for their respectable and impeccable legacies in their respective fields of work.

Sir David Anthony Cathcart Simmons
Sir David Anthony Cathcart Simmons, K.A., B.C.H., Q.C., LL.M. (Lond.), Hon’y. LL.D (Lond.) was born on April 28, 1940, in Barbados, where he has had a prominent career as a lawyer and government official. Most recently, Sir David served as the 12th Chief Justice of Barbados between January 1st, 2002 and April 28th, 2010.

Prior to that, he served in the Parliament of Barbados from 1976 through 2001. Appointed twice as Attorney General (1985 -1986, and 1994 -2001), Sir David reformed and modernized the laws of his country in several areas and represented the country at numerous regional and international forums.

As Attorney General, Sir David presided over key leadership roles including Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (1997/98); Chairman of the EU/Caribbean Conference which developed the “Barbados Plan of Action” (1996); Chairman of the Joint US/Caribbean Sub-Committee which developed a Plan of Action on Justice and Security issues, signed by President Clinton and Caribbean Heads (1997); Chairman of the Regional Committee for the establishment of a Maritime Cooperation Against the Traffic in Illicit Narcotic Drugs in the Caribbean project (1999-2002); Chairman of the Preparatory Committee to establish the Caribbean Court of Justice (1999-2001); first Chairman of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (2003-2004); and Chairman of the High Level Task Force to supervise the inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (2004-2005).

In 1984, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in shorter time than any other lawyer in the legal history of Barbados. Sir David also acted as Prime Minister of Barbados for 316 days between 1994 and 2000. To further honor his contribution to public service, law and politics, in 2001 was awarded the Barbados Centennial Honour (B.C.H.), and Barbados’ highest national honour, Knight of St. Andrew (K.A.).

As part of his academic achievements, Mr. Simmons earned an LL.B. degree in 1963 from the London School of Economics and Political Science and he was awarded a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 1965. Sir David has also lectured law in London until 1970. Furthermore, between 1970 and 1974, he was a part-time lecturer in law at the University of the West Indies. In 2003, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the U.W.I. and was also awarded the Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) by the University of London - the first Caribbean person to be accorded this high distinction by this University.

Ernesto E. Hempe
Ernesto E. Hempe is a retired partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Hempe has over 30 years of experience in the coordination and management of auditing, corporate finance and tax projects in different countries. He has had a prominent career as an international consultant and is recognized for his ethics and leadership roles in many regional firms and institutions.

Since April 2011, Mr. Hempe serves as General Coordinator of four projects financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) aimed at strengthening the Superintendency of Banks of Panama, including New Trust Law, Human Resources, IFRS Training and Risk-based Supervision. He is also an advisor to the Superintendent of Banks in complex accounting problems and other matters.

Prior to taking up his role with IDB, he was Managing Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Interamerica in their San Salvador office from 2005 to 2008. During his years as Managing Partner, Mr. Hempe supervised diverse areas including audit and tax practices, administration, accounting, human resources and IT support. He was also Partner-in-Charge of Risk Management and Ethics in Central America.

Throughout his successful career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Interamerica, he conducted audits for several local and multinational clients. First, from 1998 to 2005, while serving as Managing Partner of the San Jose office in Costa Rica, and between 1994-1998, as partner for the San Salvador office.

Mr. Hempe’s extensive experience serving large multinational clients in a variety of industries includes responsibilities in the audit of Guinness, the largest client of the European office. He became partner of Price Waterhouse Europe in Madrid (1989-1993) and relocated to its Seville, Spain office (1993-1994).

In his early years at Price Waterhouse USA (1985-1987), he provided audit management services for important clients such as Thomas Lipton and Ingersoll Rand, among others. Between 1978-1985, the executive joined the office in Bogota, Colombia, where he was in-charge auditor of multinational clients including IBM, Exxon, Roche and Shell.

Mr. Hempe has provided advisory services for the British Ambassador to Costa Rica (2003-2005) and the General Secretary of the Andean Parliament in Bogota, Colombia (1985). In 2008, he also participated in the official mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of El Salvador to the Republic of Colombia.

A Public Accountant graduate of Buenos Aires University in 1976, Mr. Hempe also received a Business degree (BBA) from the Buenos Aires University in 1975.

Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina
Born in 1946 in New York City, Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina (Ret.) served 18 years as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia where he issued well over 1,000 memorandum opinions and settled cases before trial by coordinating his efforts with those of magistrate judges.

He has had an outstanding record of public service and has been recognized for his significant contributions to law, academia and to society. Most recently, Judge Urbina joined JAMS, the largest private alternative dispute resolution provider in the world.

Previously he worked for 31 years at the District of Columbia federal and superior courts. Judge Urbina also He began establishing his reputation as an attorney in the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia from 1970 to 1972, and in private practice specializing in commercial litigation from 1973 to 1981. Furthermore, during that period Judge Urbina served as an associate professor at Howard University School of Law.

During his years of service as Judge, he was appointed to several distinguished positions. In April 1981, he became the first Latino ever appointed to the bench in the District of Columbia. During his 13 years on the Superior Court, Judge Urbina garnered distinction for his handling of complex civil and criminal litigations. He handled complex civil litigation calendars and headed the court’s Family Division. Additionally, in 1994, Judge Urbina was nominated by President Bill Clinton for the U.S. District Court of Columbia.

His contributions have been recognized repeatedly, with honorary degrees and awards including the Lifetime Leadership Award, Hispanic National Bar Foundation and the Honorable William J. Brennan, Jr. Award for outstanding service to the Trial Advocacy Institute and to the legal profession from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2011. Washingtonian magazine has also selected Judge Urbina as the Washingtonian of the Year in 1986 and one of the region’s most influential leaders in 2007.

This prominent Judge is a 1967 honors graduate of Georgetown University and a 1970 Juris Doctor graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center.

U.S. vs. Jamaica from Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio September 11,...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:31:15 -0400

U.S. vs. Jamaica from Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

September 11, 2012

Photo Credit: Rob Ivory/ISNSoccer.com

U.S. vs. Jamaica from Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio September 11,...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:26:52 -0400

U.S. vs. Jamaica from Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

September 11, 2012

Photo Credit: Rob Ivory/ISNSoccer.com

PPL Park to Host Army-Navy Soccer Match

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:32:18 -0400

Army/Navy will commemorate the 79th meeting of the two soccer teams when the rivalry continues as they converge at PPL Park in Chester, PA, Sunday, September 30, 2 p.m.

“The Army-Navy rivalry is one of the most storied traditions in all of college sports, and for us to have the privilege to compete in one of the newest and most exiting Major League Soccer stadiums will be a thrill for our players. To play in front of some the most dedicated sports fans in country will truly make this event a memorable experience for our cadet-athletes. It will also be a tremendous showcase for college soccer. I’d like to thank everyone at the Philadelphia Union for helping to organize this event,” said Army Head Coach Russell Payne

Army posted a 7-10-1 overall record and finished sixth in the Patriot League with a 2-4-1 mark in 2011. Army will look to improve on one of their strongest seasons with a deep and talented class of 2013 incoming freshmen.

“The Navy men’s soccer program is thrilled to be able to play Army this year at PPL Park. Both programs have come miles these last few seasons and I’m sure are looking forward to showing their overall quality and level at such an excellent venue. The game certainly promises to be highly competitive and a great advertisement for Patriot League men’s soccer,” said Navy Head Coach Dave Brandt.

Navy owns a 38-27-13 series advantage against Army. The Midshipmen have won three games in a row in the series, all coming by 1-0 scores. Last year’s Navy squad went 7-7-5 overall on the season. Head Coach Dave Brandt will return 17 letter winners and nine starters from that squad.

“We’re excited to bring another world class event to PPL Park,” said Nick Sakiewicz, Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner. “Not only are we able to continue the storied history of Army-Navy sporting events in the Greater Philadelphia Region, but we are part of a new tradition in soccer that we look forward to having fans enjoy for years to come, in the beautiful setting of PPL Park.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 3 and exclusively online through ComcastTIX.com. Tickets for general admission are $18, which includes parking. Reserved seats, located in sections 126-128, are $28, which includes parking. Tickets can be purchased online at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the PPL park box office.

Gillette Stadium to Host First-Ever Boxing Match

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:54:11 -0400

The New England Revolution, in association with by Warrior Boxing and DiBella Entertainment, will present a unique double-header on Sunday, August 12, featuring Gillette Stadium’s first-ever boxing match.

Following the Revolution’s 7 p.m. game against the Montreal Impact, Framingham, Mass. native “Irish” Danny O’Connor will headline a live professional boxing card at the stadium. The boxing event will commence after the final whistle of the Revolution match at approximately 9 p.m.

“We’re excited to host the first-ever professional boxing match at Gillette Stadium and even more excited to have proud Revs fan and Framingham’s own Danny O’Connor headlining the card,” said Revolution President Brian Bilello. “This will be a unique event that will add value for our fans. We think we’ll convert some boxing fans to Revolution soccer and vice versa.”

At 17-1, O’Connor, an avid Revolution fan, is on the brink of stardom. He is a former two-time national amateur champion and was an alternate for the US Olympic Boxing Team in 2008. Now managed by Dropkick Murphys front man Ken Casey, O’Connor is building a strong home fan base with his exciting fighting style. He sold out Boston’s House of Blues in May.

“I’m honored and proud to be able to fight in front of the New England Revolution supporters. They are the epitome of loyal fans and I’m proud to be part of the Revs family,” said O’Connor.

Also appearing on the three-bout card will be Boston Police Officer and former New England Golden Gloves champ Billy Traft, who will face Hull’s mixed martial arts standout John Downey in Traft’s second pro fight. An additional four-round bout is yet to be announced.

“This event is an amazing opportunity for Danny and great for the sport of boxing,” said Casey. “You don’t see cross promotions and partnerships like this very often in boxing, so it’s exciting. It’s also a great value for the fan to be able to see a professional sporting event and then watch the first three boxing matches to ever take place at Gillette Stadium.”

Preferred boxing seating for the unique soccer-boxing double header go on sale Friday, July 27 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-GET REVS. The ring will be located in the stadium’s south end zone, with boxing seating inclusive of the Revolution game:

Ringside - $100 (on field)

Premium - $60 (first five rows of sections 120 and 121)

General - $40 (near ring)

Stoke City head coach Tony Pulis talks about the Potters’...

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:12:38 -0400

Stoke City head coach Tony Pulis talks about the Potters’ 2-1 loss at the hands of the Columbus Crew of MLS.

Lucid Appeal Launches Anaheim Bolts Mobile App

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:10:29 -0400

Lucid Appeal, a Los Angeles-based mobile app development agency, announced today that they have released a new application for the newest professional sports team in Southern California, the Anaheim Bolts. The company said the app for the Bolts provides news, push notifications, image gallery, team schedule, roster, local support, social media, mobile offers, GPS enabled directions, user profiles, event dates, and more.

Having joined the Professional Arena Soccer League in 2011, the Anaheim Bolts brought indoor soccer back to Anaheim for the first time since 1997. With one year in the league under their belt, the Bolts are ready to compete for the PASL’s highest honors and look to make the sports community of Anaheim proud! The Bolts have now partnered with Lucid Appeal to develop a complete mobile strategy that helps the club grow while connecting with fans & community through an engaging & dynamic app.

Anaheim Bolts Founder/Managing Partner Bernie Lilavois said, “We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Lucid Appeal and developing an Anaheim Bolts mobile app for all our fans, supporters and soccer enthusiasts to enjoy and stay connected to the team. We are continuing to work extremely hard during our offseason to make our second year an entertaining, exciting and memorable one for our fans and this mobile app is just the beginning.”

“We look forward to our new partnership with such an up and coming organization within the PASL. Soccer in the United States continues to grow at such a fast pace and mobile is revolutionizing the way that teams & brands interact with their fans. With all the youth soccer teams and local soccer supporters in the Orange County area as well as their fans around the world, the Bolts will now be available to their fans 24-7, on the go. We are very excited for this initial launch and everything to come with our new partner the Anaheim Bolts,” said Michael Zerah, Founder/CEO, Lucid Appeal.