FutbolBoricua

Reunion de apoderados deja saldo muy positivo

2009-11-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

Foto de la presentación del resumen de la Liga

Liga Nacional de Futbol de PR Comunicado de Prensa

El pasado sábado 13 de noviembre en las excelentes facilidades de Logan's Irish Pub en Río Piedras, se llevó a cabo un almuerzo con los apoderados de los clubes de la Liga Nacional de Fútbol.

En la misma se discutieron aspectos relacionados al torneo, Play off, entre otras cosas.

El director del torneo el Sr. Oscar Rosa brindo un detallado informe de lo acontecido en la Liga e indico sentirse muy contento de como se dio la liga y exorto a los clubes a continuar mejorando para el próximo torneo.

Joe Serralta, presidente de la Fedración Puertorriqueña de Fútbol explico donde nace la idea de la Liga Nacional y de la oportunidad que ha tenido Puerto Rico sobre otros paises al ser parte de este programa.

También hizo un breve pero completo resumen del desarrollo de las selecciones de Puerto Rico y la importante mejora que ambas selecciones han hecho desde que comenzó como presidente en la Federación.

Uno de los puntos más importantes que el Sr. Serralta explicó, fue el de los Juveniles Sub 17 que van a entrar en acción el próximo año antes de cada partido de la Liga Nacional de Fútbol.

Para este mes de diciembre se llevará a cabo la copa Navidad para las categorias juveniles como antesala al proximo torneo de la Liga, que promete ser Histórico.

Ya tenemos 5 clasificados.

El Grupo A-Este ya tiene a sus 3 pilares clasificados que son Leones de Maunabo (actual puntero), Bayamon FC y Gallitos UPR.

Queda por difinir en la última fecha quien sera el lider y pasara directamente a las semifinales. Si Leones pierde por más de 3 goles y Bayamón gana, Bayamón pasaria como primero, pero si Maunabo gana, empata o la diferencia entre ambos juegos no le da una ventaja de 3 goles a Bayamón, entonces Maunabo, quien aseguro su pase hace 3 fechas, entonces pasaria como puntero de grupo.

El grupo B-Oeste esta aún más dificil.

Entre Quintana, actual puntero y Yaguez ocurre lo mismo que en el grupo A, aunque con una diferencia de 10 goles a favor de Quintana.

Pero, lo que esta candente es el último pase de ese grupo entre dos de los equipos más competitivos del norte, de echo cuando Huracan de Manati y Fenix de Vega Baja juegan la canchas se llenan, ya que estos equipos son el Clasico del Norte.

Pues ahora estan luchando por lograr la clasificación de la última plaza disponible para los Play off. Manati le lleva 3 puntos a Vega Baja, pero necesita ganar o empatar para asegurar su boleto en los Play Off. Vega Baja esta obligado a ganar y que Manati pierda, porque por diferencia de goles entonces entraria en los elegidos para definir la Liga Nacional.

Vega Baja juega sábado contra el ya eliminado equipo de los Pumas de Guayanilla y Manti se enfrenta al poderoso equipo de Quintana.

Sera un fin de semana espectacular, asique pendiente a la pagina que estaremos actualizando resultados y comentarios en vivo.

USL statement regarding Tampa, Baltimore

2009-11-20T23:03:00.001-05:00

USL News Release

Friday, November 20, 2009

TAMPA – In response to the Team Owner’s Association (TOA) announcement that the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore will be joining a prospective new professional soccer league, United Soccer Leagues (USL) has issued the following statement:

“Both the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore have contractual commitments to USL to play in the 2010 USL First Division (USL-1) season. USL will pursue all actions to protect its interests and those of the USL-1 teams from any breach of contract caused by Tampa and Baltimore.”

“USL further believes TOA is tortuously interfering with USL-1 team owners that are contractually obligated to participate in the 2010 season. TOA has made several misleading statements in a variety of press releases to taint the reputation of USL and its long history of developing the sport of soccer in the United States and Canada. USL will vigorously defend its legal interests against the TOA’s tortuous interference in contractual relationships with its team owners.”

Tampa, Baltimore to join new pro league

2009-11-20T17:09:00.000-05:00

November 20, 2009

Vancouver Whitecaps Press Release

The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore have joined the new professional soccer league announced last week, beginning play in the United States and Canada in April 2010.

The addition of Tampa Bay and Baltimore brings the new league to nine teams, as they join the owners of the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis Soccer United and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

A name for the new league will be announced next week. The new league is also active in its search for a full-time commissioner and will introduce an extensive marketing campaign in the coming months.

"Tampa and Baltimore joining our efforts is a testament to our game plan, our current ownership strength and our promise for the future. The ownership groups of both teams share our vision for soccer in North America and we are thrilled to welcome them to our new league," said Joey Saputo, chairman of the board of governors and president of the Montreal Impact.

"As we start a new team and build a strong franchise in Tampa, it’s important that our group of team owners learn from past mistakes in North American soccer and focus on building a strong league, as well," said Andrew Nestor, owner and president of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. "With this new team-owned and controlled league which consists of some of the most established teams in North American soccer, we are excited about our team and collective future."

"Crystal Palace Baltimore is pleased and honoured to join and be a part of what we see as the future of North American soccer. We are particularly excited about the structure of a team-controlled and owned league, especially when you look at the quality of owners that we have in this league and the impressive history of the clubs," said Pete Medd, co-owner of Crystal Palace Baltimore. "We are proud to be one of the founding members and believe it’s the right league, at the right time for us and for soccer in North America."

TEAM AND OWNERSHIP BACKGROUND:

Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies are owned by TBR Holdings, founded by Andrew Nestor and Hinds Howard. Nestor and Howard are the managing partners of Citrus Ventures, a venture firm and advisory merchant bank with operations in Boston, Houston and Tampa. Citrus Venture’s main portfolio companies are TBR Holdings and Curbstone Group, a unique money management firm. Tampa Bay’s ownership group also includes David Laxer, owner of the legendary Bern’s Steak House, voted number one steak house in the US in 2009 by Rachael Ray Magazine.

Rounding out Tampa’s ownership group is Don Kendall, founder of Houston-based hedge fund Kenmont Investments, and Jeff MacDonald, former professional soccer player and managing director at First Reserve Corporation, a multi-billion dollar private equity firm. The Tampa Bay Rowdies were Tampa’s first professional sports franchise originally founded in 1975 in the North American Soccer League and is recognized internationally as a significant part of soccer’s birth in the US.

Crystal Palace Baltimore
Crystal Palace FC USA was founded in 2006 with the help and guidance of the world-renowned Crystal Palace Football Club in the UK, one of the founding members of the Premier League, the richest sporting league in the world. Crystal Palace USA is the first professional soccer team in the USA with a direct link to a professional English football (soccer) team. Crystal Palace Football Club (UK) is a professional soccer club founded in 1905 in south London. Crystal Palace UK chairman, Simon Jordan, saw an opportunity not only to develop the footprint of Crystal Palace worldwide, but more specifically to tap into the under-appreciated pool of American soccer talent. Several senior and youth players from Crystal Palace USA have spent time training in London with the English team.

Founded in 2007, the club's senior professional team competed under the name Crystal Palace Baltimore in the 10-team Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues. CPFC made the semifinals in just their second year of existence in 2008. It was also 2008 when CPFC reached the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup in just their second year, putting them in the top eight of all soccer teams in America for 2008. Along the way, CPFC USA defeated Major League Soccer’s (MLS) New York Red Bulls (who later went on to finish in second place in MLS) 2-0 and tied MLS champion and league leading New England Revolution 1-1, only to lose a heartbreaking penalty shootout to just miss out on the semifinals.

Crystal Palace USA is owned by:

Randall Medd
Chairman of Crystal Palace USA. Owner of Rafeen Farm Stables, thoroughbred racehorse farm in Maryland. Currently a real estate investor and successful options trader. Randall resides in Delray Beach, Florida.

Pete Medd
Former professional soccer player, Pete has his degree in economics and has been an entrepreneur in real estate, the mortgage industry, and internet marketing. Pete has coached at the senior college, junior college, youth and professional levels for 12 years. Pete was the youngest member of the USL Executive Committee.

Jim Cherneski
Professional soccer player for 10+ years, Jim is the founder of Crystal Palace FC USA. Jim is the head scout for North America for Crystal Palace UK as well as manages the first team in America while overseeing all the youth development for the American side.

Randall, Pete and Jim have teamed up on other soccer tour ventures in the past including bringing Sporting Lisbon and Crystal Palace FC to America.

Return To Whitecaps News

2009 USL SoccerFest kicks off today

2009-11-20T15:32:00.001-05:00

Guide to the annual event in Tampa, FL

USL News Release

Thursday, November 19, 2009

USL SoccerFest Promo

TAMPA, FL -- The 2009 USL SoccerFest featuring the United Soccer Leagues’ Annual General Meeting and Super Y-League North American Finals kicks off today. The gathering of the organization’s professional and amateur league executives and coaches for league meetings will conclude November 22 while the competition for 10 youth championships continues through Tuesday, November 24.

Super Y-League clubs have already begun arriving in Tampa with Abbotsford paying a visit to the Ed Radice Sports complex Wednesday in their annual early arrival from the west coast. Their team managers will join over 100 others in downtown Tampa Thursday evening for the SYL Finals check-in and the USL SoccerFest Kickoff Social.

Additional spotlight functions include the USL Hall of Fame & Awards Dinner Friday evening and the Showcase Match festivities at the Ed Radice Complex Saturday evening. Local teams will also be participating in the USL Five-a-Side Frenzy Saturday and Sunday at Ed Radice.

SYL Finals tournament action includes group play Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Semifinals and consolation fixtures Monday. The 10 champions will be determined Tuesday morning at Ed Radice.

Guide to the USL SoccerFest...

USL AGM [+] RTP to feature USL [+] AGM is international destination [+]

USL Hall of Fame: 10 + Clubs [+] Cowlishaw [+] Conway [+] Schweitzer [+]

Super Y-League North American Finals: Standings/Scores [+] Top Boys Matches [+] Top Girls Matches [+]

Super Y-League North American Finals Previews:

U13B U14B U15B U16B U17B

U13G U14G U15G U16G U17G

The Return of the North American Soccer League?

2009-11-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

Miami FC Registered Two NASL Trademark Claims on 11.16.2009
USLNews.com

According to a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office records, North American Soccer League, LCC in Delaware filed two trademark claims on November 16th, 2009. They claims were marked c/o Miami FC 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 407 Miami FLORIDA 33131

As we know Miami FC is part of the TOA "Breakaway" second division that today was joined by the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore. This is not evidence of anything official but the timing is certainly interesting.

Below are screen shots of the trademark claims that allow North American Soccer League, LLC and details on what the trademarks allow:

Claim #1: G & S: Organizing sporting events, namely, soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production, and distribution of radio and television programs of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production and distribution of CDs, DVDs, and films of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production and distribution of television, radio and internet programs of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions via the Internet; providing a web site featuring information about soccer and soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; publication of printed matter; soccer fan club services; conducting soccer training camps and clinics; ticket reservation and booking services for soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions.

Click to Enlarge Image

Claim #2 G & S: Clothing, namely, hats, headwear, caps, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, jackets, shorts, bottoms, pants, warm up suits, wristbands, gloves, socks, footwear.

Click to Enlarge Image

UPDATE: We've found four additional trademark claims by Miami FC for the name "NASL" They are here, here, here and here.

UPDATE #2: Here is the NASL Trademark Application submitted by North American Soccer League, LLC it includes the old NASL logo...

UPDATE #3: North American Soccer League, LLC was incorporated in the state of Delaware on September 22, 2009

Llegan los Cocodrilos de la UMET por primera vez a las semifinales

2009-11-19T15:55:00.001-05:00

Jueves 19 de noviembre de 2009
Por Edwin R. Jusino/ futbolboricua.net

Mayagüez- Los Cocodrilos de la Universidad Metropolitana, el pasado miércoles 18 de Noviembre, pusieron un fin a la temporada de los Tarzanes del Colegio de Mayagüez al derrotarlos en sus casa 2-1 y en el global 3-1 luego de que la UMET se agenciara una victoria 1-0 en el primer partido de la serie.

Serian los Colegiales, quienes anotarían primero, ya que al minuto 18 de la primera mitad el joven Ramírez anotaría la primera y única diana de los mayagüezanos.

Al 42 el colombiano Jon Ivarguen pondría nuevamente a la UMET a la cabeza de la serie. Luego al minuto 20 de la segunda mitad, Ivarguen sentenciaría la serie al anotar nuevamente. Los colegiales comenzaron a sentir la presión, y la desesperación empezó a jugar con sus mentes. Frustrados pero sin rendirse tuvieron varias oportunidades que fallaron en capitalizar. Igualmente la UMET tuvo sus oportunidades pero jugaban más tranquilos y relajados.

Al minuto 28 de la segunda mitad el jugador de la UMET Carlos Pérez fue expulsado por doble amarilla al cometer una falta que ocasiono una bronca en la cancha.

Con esta victoria, la UMET llega a las semifinales por primera vez en su historia, dejando al subcampeón del 2008 en la carretera.

USL Statement regarding USL-1

2009-11-10T22:45:00.001-05:00

USL News Release

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues issued the following statement regarding the USL First Division in response to the announcement of an application before the United States Soccer Federation for a new Division II Men’s Outdoor Professional League submitted, in part, by former USL-1 franchises.

Statement:

United Soccer Leagues, founded in 1986, continues to be the only organization with Division II and III Men’s Outdoor Professional Leagues sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, providing over 20 years of professional league management experience to its member clubs at all levels of the game.

The new ownership of NuRock Soccer Holdings has made a significant investment in United Soccer Leagues through its acquisition of the business and the retaining of strategic business partners such as Nike, Inc. and Premier Partnerships, which is led by the highly-respected duo of Alan Rothenberg and Randy Bernstein.

While USL does not oppose the right of an entity to affiliate with USSF per the governing organization’s bylaws, it does oppose the current application before the Federation on the grounds that there is misrepresentation, interference with USL business operations and substantial debt amongst the membership of the parties applying for certification.

Although USL is currently working with USL-1 member teams on reforming the structure of league management, USL’s ownership structure and franchise system has been, and will continue to be, in compliance with all USSF and FIFA statutes since its membership as a professional league with the USSF began in 1993.

There is no FIFA regulation stipulating that member leagues be owned by their respective clubs, and in many cases around the world, leagues consist of individual clubs that play in league competitions managed by the respective Federation such as the English leagues (excluding the Premiership), Bundesliga (Germany), La Liga (Spain) and Mexican Primera Division. While some management systems are similar, the models of ownership structure vary greatly throughout FIFA based on each country’s business regulations as well as respective regional confederation and federation guidelines and principles. While there are universal principles woven throughout FIFA, league ownership models are among concepts such as promotion/relegation and the prohibition of two equal-tiered leagues that are not mandated and not necessarily applicable for every federation, such as is the case in the United States. Every league in every federation has its own nuances that make it unique.

The ownership structure of United Soccer Leagues has played a crucial role in maintaining a stable foundation while advancing the sport over decades of growth through both prosperous and difficult financial times. This structure has allowed USL to support and maintain the operation of member clubs such as Montreal and Vancouver during times when the then ownership of the clubs were unable to continue operating, which would have had detrimental affects on both the competition and on all respective markets across the league. With continued financial difficulties being experienced by clubs all around the world as well franchises and leagues in various United States sports entities, USL believes its model, with upcoming reforms to better serve its teams, is an important aspect to a successful future in the USL First Division.

Addlery, el refuerzo jamaiquino

2009-11-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Águila

Addlery ha jugado en la MLS y con la Selección de Jamaica. Ya llegó a Águila. FOTO EDH / ARCHIVO

Franklin Ponce / Varinia Escalante
Elsalvador.com

Jueves, 5 de Noviembre de 2009

Tal y como se esperaba, Águila tiene nuevo fichaje. El delantero Nicholas Addlery, de origen jamaiquino, llegó ayer en horas del mediodía al país y se convierte en el nuevo elemento emplumado.

Proveniente del Islanders de Puerto Rico, donde militó el salvadoreño Edwin Miranda, y con 27 años, este auténtico 9 se convierte en el sustituto de Leonel "Apache" Guevara, y firmó por un año, según confirmó Will Salgado, pope migueleño.

"Esperamos que sea nuestra solución en el ataque. Mañana (hoy) haremos los trámites para poder inscribirlo, pero no creemos que esté el fin de semana, sino para miércoles", dijo Amílcar Mijangos, gerente del equipo.

La lesión de Guevara, una contractura en el muslo derecho, lo deja fuera del torneo de uno a tres meses. Addlery sería inscrito por el brasileño Allison Batista.

Equipo Femenino Mayaguez 2010 comienza seleccion de jugadoras

2009-11-10T17:11:00.002-05:00

Comunicado de Prensa: Federacion Puertoriquena de Futbol

Salinas, PR.- En el Abergue Olimpico en Salinas comenzaron los "try outs" para comenzar el proceso de preparar el equipo Nacional que nos representaran en la Categoria Femenina en Mayaguez 2010. El Director del Albergue, Gino Guerra, siempre en total apoyo a nuestras Selecciones Nacionales. El campo impecable.

Oscar Rosa, DT y su Grupo de Trabajo, asesorado por el DT Nacional Richie Romano, llevaron a cabo el inicio del proceso el cual sera por "try outs" y por convocatoria, ya que a diferencia de los varones, la categoria es abierta sin limitacion de edad.

El presidente de la Federacion Joe Serralta le dio las gracias a los padres y jugadoras`por el apoyo al proceso. Serralta explico que las olimpiadas al igual que los Pan- Americanos la categoria femenina es abierta, los Centro Americanos y del Caribe tienen que ser igual ya que la justificacion deportiva asi lo requiere. Tambien comunico que es la primera vez que se jugara la categoria femenina en los CAC, esfuerzo de la FPF para que se incluyera. "Estamos solicitado que la competicion sea oficial y no de excibicion a la ODECABE. Esperamos tener el endoso oficial", aseguro Oscar Rosa.

"Nos soprendimos de la calidad de las destrezas de las jovenes", indico Serralta, el progreso ha sido tremendo en comparacion a la primera Seleccion Mayor para la Copa de las Antillas 2005 en Dominicana, ha pesar de la poca tecnica individual, el trabajo colectivo, establecido por Oscar Rosa, empato con Haiti (0-0), se impuso sobre la 2nda Seleccion Dominicana (3-1) y se perdio solamente con la primera Seleccion Dominicana (con un trabajo de 8 meses) apenas (1-0) con un Gol anulado en perjuico de nuestro quipo.

Vancouver Whitecaps look to join breakaway soccer league

2009-11-10T17:03:00.001-05:00

Bill Beacon THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL–The Vancouver Whitecaps want to go ahead with a new league that would break away from the United Soccer Leagues First Division, but the Montreal Impact have yet to decide whether to join.

Seven clubs, including Vancouver and Montreal, who are unhappy with how USL-1 is owned and managed have applied to the U.S. Soccer Federation for sanctioning as a Division II league. They will apply shortly to the Canadian Soccer Association as a Division I circuit to begin play in April.

But while Impact president Joey Saputo was named chairman of the new league's board of governors and was quoted speaking enthusiastically about it in a statement released Tuesday, he issued his own statement later saying he was still negotiating with USL-1 and hasn't ruled out staying put next season.

The Impact defeated Vancouver in the USL-1 final last month for its third championship since 1994.

"I wish to reiterate that there are still ongoing talks between the Montreal Impact and the USL," Saputo said. "We continue working on different options for the 2010 season, including the possibility that the Impact take part in USL-1 or in a new league."

A team spokesman said he was told a decision would be made within a week to 10 days.

Clubs needed to get their application in to the U.S. federation as soon as possible to keep the option of starting a new league open, Saputo added.

The USSF is expected to rule on the application at a meeting following the Major League Soccer final on Nov. 22.

For now, the new league would have Montreal, Vancouver, the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina Railhawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder and a new team, St. Louis Soccer United. They are looking at other teams and organizations that have expressed interest in joining, said St. Louis principal owner Jeff Cooper, who was named spokesman for the league. They include international organizations looking to establish a presence in North America.

Tampa, which had been part of the dissident group called the Team Owners Association, dropped out last week.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi would not comment on the mixed messages in Saputo's statements. But he said his club favours going ahead with the new league.

"Our position is that we're going to see the TOA position through to its conclusion," said Lenarduzzi. "We are not in negotiations with the USL.

"As far as Vancouver is concerned, we're forging ahead. That's our objective – to help that league get off the ground."

He added that the Whitecaps are not at war with the USL. The organization will maintain a women's team and squads in development leagues that are also run by the USL.

"Our only is in dispute is with USL-1," he said.

The Whitecaps and another USL-1 team, the Portland Timbers, have only one more season to play before they join Major League Soccer in 2011. But Lenarduzzi said it is still important to his club that there is a strong Division II league to aid in developing the sport in North America.

Team owners were unhappy when Nike/Umbro rejected their bid to buy the league and instead sold to a private owner, NuRock Soccer Holdings, on Aug. 27. They threatened to start their own league unless they were given more say in how USL-1 is run. The owners believe only a league that is owned by its teams can be properly managed.

While the level of play of the top USL-1 teams is close, the league remains far behind MLS in its marketing, its playing venues and overall credibility.

Lenarduzzi said details such as finding a name for the new league, hiring a commissioner and drawing up a schedule are still to be worked out. They are also at work on a marketing plan.

The new league's statement, which was released to the media by the Whitecaps but not by the Impact, had Saputo sounding gung-ho to go ahead with the new league.

"This is not your typical new league," it quoted Saputo as saying. "Most of our teams have existed for years.

"We have united some of the best owners, teams and markets around a new vision for a professional soccer league in North America."

The Impact are also looking to get into MLS either in 2011 or 2012.

NuRock broke off talks with the TOA last month, but said it would continue to negotiate with individual clubs. It also issued a statement praising the rise of soccer in Canada and announcing the USL would soon open a full-service office north of the border. Ottawa has applied to join USL-1 in 2012.

The other USL-1 clubs – Portland, the Puerto Rico Islanders, Charleston Battery, Rochester Rhinos, Austin Aztecs and Cleveland City Stars – did not join the breakaway league.

Selección Mayagüez 2010 comienza proceso de escoger jugadores

2009-11-08T14:33:00.003-05:00

Domingo 8 de noviembre de 2009
Por Edwin R. Jusino/ futbolboricua.net

Condado- En el estadio de Ocean Park en Condado, desde el pasado sábado 9 de noviembre se comenzó los trabajos de la Selección 2010. A su cargo, Modesto Montero, con su equipo de trabajo, que ahora incluye a Ricardo Romano, quien estará asesorando a ambas selecciones por su vasta experiencia, examinaron aproximadamente unos 55 jugadores que se dieron cita a la convocatora.

El presidente de la federación de futbol de Puerto Rico hizo acto de presencia durante la mañana de hoy, y observó a los jóvenes de las edades de 20, 19, y 18 años que practicaban en el campo. Luego de la práctica, el presidente de la federación aprovecho la oportunidad para hablarle al grupo de jóvenes y técnicos que estaban allí.

Serralta resalto que Puerto Rico ah crecido mucho en el área de CONCACAF, e hizo referencia a un comentario de un alto ejecutivo de la Federación Mexicana: “Los equipo mexicanos no quieren venir a Puerto Rico por qué no salen con victorias”. Serralta hizo referencias a la era dorada del futbol puertorriqueño. “Esta en ustedes mantener el progreso que se ha hecho, y de llevarlo mas allá.”

El ejecutivo aprovecho para comentar que la propuesta del Proyecto Gol fue aprobada en el Senado, pero en la Cámara de Representantes se ha estancado. Esperan lograr impulsar el proyecto en la Cámara para poder comenzar a ejecutar el mismo.

Comienza la Copa de Fútbol Juvenil Puerto Rico TV

Los equipos de Guaynabo Conquistadores, Gallitos UPR, Indios Mayagüez y San Juan Bosco comenzaron ayer sábado 7 de noviembre, a jugar en la Copa Puerto Rico TV. La misma estará siendo transmitida por el canal del gobierno en vivo; narrando las incidencias esta Sergio Castro, quien firmo un contrato con Puerto Rico TV para ser el narrador oficial de dicha televisora para los eventos de futbol.

Los Indios de Mayagüez comenzaron con una victoria 1-0 sobre los Gallitos de la UPR, y Conquistadores de Guaynabo terminaron empatados 1-1. La copa continuara el próximo fin de semana, en los predios del parque Baldrich.

Rowdies Invite Only Combine Review

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

11/03/2009 12:17 PM

Tampa Bay Rowdies Press Release

The Tampa Bay Rowdies took another step forward toward the 2010 season as they hosted their first invitation only combines in Tampa, FL. Spectators had the chance to see the first batch of Rowdies hopefuls, as 44 players were invited out to the Ed Radice Sports Complex for a three day try-out Oct.27th through the 29th. Rowdies Technical Director, Perry Van Der Beck, and Owner and President Andrew Nestor assessed the players with the aide of many former professionals from the NASL and MLS.

The players came from far and wide, representing 4 continents, for a chance at playing for the Rowdies. The invitees all have played at a high level including national teams, MLS and USL teams. Seven familiar faces to the Tampa Bay area were on the pitch as well, including former MLS first round draft picks USF alum Jordan Seabrook, and UT alum Ryan Maxwell.

“Forty players plus four goalkeepers were invited,” Van Der Beck remarked. “I wanted to get a look at some of the local players, players that had played in the USL Div 1 or comparable to it and also some international players.”

The players were put through five separate training sessions during the combine. “The first morning on Tuesday we did some Technical work and then about a half hour of Possession, then finished up with some shooting on the keepers. Tuesday night we played 11v11 with 30 min. halves,” Van Der Beck recalled. “Wednesday morning we ran a few drills and played 7v7 with keepers for 35 min. That night we played 11v11 again and it was a good level. On Thursday morning we played 2 games, 30 min halves.”

The Florida weather played an interesting role throughout the combine as players were put through morning skills sessions in record highs and eight full matches that included a lightning storm. The heat took its toll on some players not familiar with this climate, but they battled through for their chance to showoff their skills. “The heat and humidity was an issue and we knew going in that most would not be match fit. But it’s all about opportunity,” said Van Der Beck. “The longer the players can stay on the field the more opportunity I have to evaluate for our 2010 team.”

The invitees all fought for a chance to shine and impress Rowdies staff and scouts. “I’m very pleased with the quality of players that we had at our first combine. It’s not easy for players to come in on short notice, be in match shape and perform well over a 3-day period, alongside players they don’t know,” said Nestor. “You can start to see character come through when you’re asking these players to train for two mornings and play three games in three days with the heat and rain mixed in.”

Van Der Beck was also impressed with the performance out on the pitch, “overall the tryout was competitive. I saw a couple of players that in my opinion can play at the next level. I will submit their names to the head coach and we will have to make some decisions down the road.”

For the 2010 inaugural season, the Rowdies’ roster will consist of twenty-two players, which can include as many as seven international players. The Rowdies will be holding the next combine in London during November and have plans for two more combines, including another in Tampa. In addition to the combines, the Rowdies will also be evaluating free agents from the MLS and USL to form the roster.

Owners meetings update: ‘Sweeping reforms’ business-wise in USL

2009-11-04T21:05:00.001-05:00

Posted by Jeff Di Veronica • Devo's Direct Kicks • November 4, 2009 •

Rhinos owner Rob Clark left Monday for a USL owner’s meeting in Portland, Ore., to discuss league matters with the USL’s new owners, NuRock Soccer. Clark said this morning much of the discussion has NOT been TOA-related or about the teams who have not committed to the USL First Division for 2010.

“Sweeping reforms in the league,” is how he described the talks, mostly from a business aspect for clubs. On-the-field matters, along with follow-up to what has been discussed the past few days, will be a bigger topic at the USL’s annual meetings in Tampa later this month. “There will be a new board of directors of the USL which will consist approximately five individuals (four team owners and NuRock rep),” Clark said. “We’re all partners, not individuals. We’ve discussed greater transparency among the ownership groups. The player component is one of those. Ticket sales, corporate sponsor sales is another.”

Teams represented in Portland: Rochester, Portland, Tampa Bay, Puerto Rico, FC New York, Cleveland and Austin. Charleston officials couldn’t make it, but “don’t read into that,” Clark said, “they had prior commitments.” There also were four expansion candidates. So, that’s at least an eight-team USL next year but Clark said it could be as many as 14 teams and certainly “the possibility of Montreal and Vancouver staying in the league is not being ruled out.”

SPENCERPORT’S NEW STADIUM: Got my first glimpse at Spencerport High School’s new soccer stadium last night and what a great job they did giving the facility a facelift. It’s certainly some place the Rhinos should look at to have a preseason match next spring if they want to move some out of their own park and have a more intimate atmosphere (instead of so many empty seats). I know area soccer fans appreciate things when they’re done FOR soccer and Spencerport has a truly soccer-specific field, meaning right now there are only soccer lines on the pitch. (Unfortunately, there will be lacrosse lines in the spring because it’s a multi-sport facility).

Even if a preseason match doesn’t happen, the place is worth a look. There will be some high-quality girls games in Spencerport tonight and the boys take over on Thursday and Friday. If you’re an area soccer fan craving some live games and we catch a decent night weather-wise, tickets are $4, parking is free and near the field — come take a look.

I’m sad sectional soccer isn’t at Rhinos Stadium this fall, but right now Section V football has the prime dates and I get that because they’ll draw more fans. The videoboard also was never used for soccer (it is for football), and I thought that was a disservice to the soccer kids. Also at Rhinos Stadium, fans had to pay for parking. Not at Spencerport. We have other area schools with turf fields — and that’s key because this time of year fields get wet and muddy and organizers don’t like to see a slip or wet ball determine a championship — like Aquinas, East Rochester, Irondequoit, etc. … but Spencerport looks to be the jewel.

With the additional bleachers athletic director John Pelin brought in for Section V tournament, seating capacity is about 1,300 and with standing room that could push 1,800. Should be a great atmosphere on Friday for the championship doubleheader.

COACHING SEARCH: Who will the next Rhinos’ coach be? If you saw my article off last week’s press conference announcing Pat Ercoli as the new GM, he made it clear Rochester has found its man but a deal was not done. Ercoli sure looked confident, though. Two names fans are centered on: ex-Rhinos star Scott Schweitzer, who coached Carolina in 2007-08 with a playoff berth in only his rookie season, and former Hershey (1997-2001), Montreal (2002-03) and Vancouver (2005-07) coach Bob Lilley, whose resume as a winner in this A-League/USL culminated with the 2006 title with the Whitecaps (who embarrassed the Rhinos, 3-0, in the ‘06 title game at then-PAETEC Park).

They have very different personalities and coaching styles. Schweitzer is fiery and brash. Lilley is more reserved (but we all saw him get hot, ironically because of Schweitzer’s antics, during a playoff game when Lilley was with Hershey). Who will it be?

Steve Guppy, player/assistant coach with the Rhinos in 2008 under Darren Tilley, is another man fans have speculated about but would he leave being an MLS assistant in Colorado to come back to Rochester?

Will Ercoli choose a former defender who was largely the emotional leader of Rochester’s title teams from 1998-01 or a former rival coach like Lilley, who Ercoli always seemed to get the best of when the matches mattered most (except, of course, the 2001 U.S. Open Cup when Hershey beat the Rhinos at Frontier Field)?

Stay tuned.

Montero será el dirigente

2009-11-04T16:13:00.002-05:00

En los Juegos de Mayagüez 2010

Por Luis Santiago Arce / larce@elnuevodia.com
endi.com

El fútbol boricua nunca ha ganado medalla en Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe (JCAC), pero ahora tendrá de frente una valiosa oportunidad en casa y con nuevo director técnico: Modesto Montero.

Nacido en República Dominicana, pero criado y desarrollado desde niño en la Isla, Montero ha sido designado director técnico de la selección boricua para el fútbol masculino de los Juegos Mayagüez 2010, que se jugará en categoría Sub 21. También ocupó ese cargo para la eliminatoria hacia los Juegos Cartagena 2006, pero tuvo que renunciar por complicaciones de trabajo, y jugó con el seleccionado boricua en 1979.

“Hace tiempo que estamos haciendo letra en ese asunto... y estoy muy entusiasmado”, dijo Montero ayer a El Nuevo Día. “Vamos a estar en un torneo bien exigente, y en casa. Sabemos que hay que trabajar bien duro”, agregó el técnico empleado del Departamento de Recreación y Deportes (DRD).

Consciente del complicado reto, tendrá a su cargo este fin de semana una sesión de pruebas en el Parque Barbosa de la urbanización Ocean Park en Santurce, sábado a las 8:00 a.m. y domingo a las 9:30, para jugadores nacidos de 1989 en adelante. Dentro de la potencial selección se anticipa la presencia de Andrés Cabrero, Antonio Cabrero y el maunabeño Héctor 'Pito' Ramos, entre otros.

“Hay que ir preparando y organizando un plan para ir trabajando con el tiempo que tenemos y cubrir todos los espacios, considerando el presupuesto, jugadores y fechas de torneos”, precisó Montero, quien llevará una misión clara a Mayagüez. “Si ganamos la clasificación (en la primera ronda), vamos a entrar al medallero. No es tan lejos esa posibilidad”.

Trascendió, además, que la Selección Femenina de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez 2010, categoría abierta, estará a cargo de Oscar Rosa, quien también realizará sesiones de prueba los próximos dos sábados, 7 y 14 de noviembre, a las 10:00 en el Albergue Olímpico en Salinas.

Plata escolar en México

La selección de fútbol femenino del Albergue Olímpico, bajo la dirección de Ricardo 'Richie' Romano, le dio a Puerto Rico medalla de plata en los recientes Juegos Escolares Centroamericanos y del Caribe en Puebla, México.

Los varones, representados por Maunabo, llegó en cuarta posición.

DCU: Looking Back and Ahead

2009-11-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Steven Goff | Soccer Insider

D.C. United midfielder-forward Santino Quaranta, on the departure of Coach Tom Soehn: "I will always have a special place for Tommy because he helped me so much when I came back to the team. I've got a lot of respect for him. ... Late in the season, you could tell what this year was doing to him. He had been through so such and he was tired. ... In the end, it wasn't Tommy that was playing. You could see how inconsistent we were. We had so many chances to get it right and we couldn't do it. How much of that was Tommy? I'm not sure. Everyone on our team can put their hand up and say that they let him down."

Defender Bryan Namoff: "I was under the impression that he was coming back. I'm a little surprised. ... It's a difficult transition for the players when you bring in a new coach. You have to re-prove yourself. You're on trial in a way and you don't know whether you fit into the new coach's plans. I hope they don't try to break up this team."

So what now for DCU?

The list of potential candidates is likely to include.....

Richie Williams: Former DCU midfielder, currently New York's interim coach. If the Red Bulls don't offer him the full-time gig, will United make a move?

Curt Onalfo: Former DCU player and assistant, Virginia graduate, worked for Arena on the national team staff, coached Kansas City for 2 1/2 seasons before being let go this year, speaks Spanish fluently.

John Spencer: Fourth year as top assistant at Houston. Name mentioned regularly for openings. Scotland native, strong European ties.

Dave Sarachan: Former assistant with DCU and the 2002 U.S. World Cup squad, guided Chicago to MLS Cup in 2003, currently an assistant at Los Angeles. He doesn't have the top job with the Galaxy, but is well-compensated, works with longtime colleague Bruce Arena and living in sunny SoCal.

Preki: Chivas USA head coach might be available after the season. Two-time MLS most valuable player, fierce competitor as player and coach.

Sasho Cirovski: In his 17th season at the University of Maryland, has won two national championships the past four years and guided the Terps to six final fours. No pro or USSF experience, holds essentially a job-for-life in College Park.

Colin Clarke: Mediocre results in three full seasons at Dallas but has had league and international success with the second-division Puerto Rico Islanders.

Algunos ya garantizan un lugar en los "Play Off"

2009-10-31T16:20:00.000-04:00

Noticias LNFPR

El triunfo de los Leones de Maunabo sobre Sevilla FC por 2 a 0, no solo significo un triunfo más a su lista, también les dio el pase a los play off a tres fechas de acabar el campeonato.

El Grupo Este parece ahora tener otra lucha aparte entre Gallitos UPR, Gladiadores y Yabucoa, quienes se estarán jugando el todo por el todo para las otras 2 plazas disponibles en este grupo.

En tanto el grupo Oeste aún no tiene nada totalmente definido, aunque Quintana y Dep. Yaguez parecen estar asegurando su lugar en los Play Off en este o la próxima fecha.

El tercer lugar de este grupo esta que arde, ya que Indios, Huracan y Fenix se están jugando la vida en estos últimos 12 puntos que quedan por jugar.

Pero si los lideres de la tabla del grupo Oeste se duermen, podria haber sorpresas en la última fecha.

Esta semana estaremos brindando información sobre los Play Off de la Liga, que serán históricos.

Resultados de la 12ma. fecha - Inter Grupos

*Academia Quinta vs Caguas Criollos*	*Sáb. 24*	*Quintana*	*3 - 1 Final*
*Vega Baja Feix vs Gladiadores EFBR*	*Sáb. 24*	*Quintana*	*2 - 1 Final*
*Guayanilla Pumas vs Gallitos UPR*	*Sab. 24*	*Guayanilla*	*0 - 2 Final*
*Sevilla FC vs Maunabo Leones*	*Sáb. 24*	*Guayanilla*	*0 - 2 Final*
*Mayaguez Yaguez vsYabucoa Boriken*	*Dom. 25*	*Aguada*	*3 - 3 Final*
*Manati Huracan vs San Juan United*	*Dom. 25*	*Aguada*	*4 - 1 Final*
*Mayaguez Indios vs High Performanc*	*Dom. 25*	*Quintana*	3 - 0 Final
*Aguadilla Spartans vs Bayamon FC*	*Dom. 25*		*Suspendid*

Colorín, colorado, esta temporada…

2009-10-31T13:07:00.001-04:00

viernes, 30 de octubre de 2009

Esteban Pagan |Saque de Puerta

Todo tiene su final, nada dura para siempre. Ésa es la sensación que envuelve en estos días a los Islanders de Puerto Rico. Tras terminar su temporada hace casi dos semanas, todo apunta a que ha llegado a su final una era del fútbol puertorriqueño. Un grupo de jugadores que puso a Puerto Rico en el mapa del fútbol, y estuvieron tan cerca de tocar la gloria en varias ocasiones, dice adiós.

Son muchos los agentes libres en la plantilla de los Islanders: Cristian Arrieta, Bill Gaudette, Jonathan Steele, Nigel Henry, Fabrice Noel, Marco Vélez, James Marcelin, entre otros. Algunos de ellos podrían volver, pero todo apunta a que la mayoría no volverá a vestir el naranja. Sin duda, será una temporada muerta muy activa para la gerencia del club boricua. Para presentar mi análisis, esperé un par de semanas para dejar que se enfríe el asunto y poder dar una opinión con la visión más objetiva posible. Aquí se los dejo.

-Razones para sonreír

De primera instancia, parece que no se logró nada. Después de todo, lo único que podía hacer esta temporada una fructífera era un campeonato, el cual no se alcanzó. Pero créanme, los naranja sí lograron mucho.

1. Con otra aparición en las semifinales, los Islanders se siguen consolidando entre la elite de la United Soccer Leagues. Por tercer año consecutivo, se colocaron entre los mejores cuatro de la liga, pero sencillamente, el Impact de Montreal fue mejor. Recuerden que lo escribí en mi análisis pretemporada: el Impact iba a retar a los Islanders por el título de la USL.

2. En la Liga de Campeones, todos nos salivamos con la posibilidad de pasar a cuartos de final en el Grupo de la Muerte. Pero este año, los balones no rodaron hacia nuestro lado. El Cruz Azul, el Crew de Columbus y el Deportivo Saprissa resultaron ser huesos difíciles de roer, tal como se esperaba. Aunque la Tropa no pasó a los cuartos, a mi entender, sí pudieron demostrar que lo que hicieron en el 2008 no fue mera casualidad. Eliminaron a un talentoso equipo de Toronto FC en la ronda preliminar, y la realidad es que se debieron haber llevado nueve puntos en casa. Pero la suerte no los acompañó. Y como si fuera poco, fue el único equipo que le sacó un punto al poderoso Cruz Azul.

3. Por otro lado, por segunda temporada corrida, el Jugador Más Valioso de la USL viste el naranja. Arrieta se llevó el premio, y eso demuestra la calidad de jugadores que pasan por la Tropa Naranja. Eso, para el 2010, puede influenciar en potenciales firmas de agentes libres.

-Lo negativo y las razones para sufrir

Por dónde empezar…

1. Pues por lo más obvio. No se alcanzó NINGÚN título de tres posibles, y todo ello siendo favoritos en dos de ellos (USL y la Copa de la Unión del Caribe). Eso es un gran paso hacia atrás de la franquicia, que había crecido en cuanto a resultados se refiere año tras año desde su fundación en el 2004. ¿Cómo reaccionará la gerencia para el 2010? Eso queda por ver.

2. Las lesiones plagaron sin misericordia a la plantilla. Aquí es importante destacar el error que se cometió al dejar ir al preparador físico Francisco Llanos quien, aparte de responder a las necesidades físicas de los jugadores, hacía una excelente labor en el trabajo de prevención. Además, tenía una gran relación con todos los jugadores, y eso hacía que muchos de ellos se sintieran más cómodos con su trabajo.

3. La asistencia empeoró drásticamente, un 25%, en los juegos de la temporada regular comparados con el año pasado. Fue muy triste ver a solamente 400 personas en el último partido ante el Crew de Columbus.

4. Se sigue perdiendo la identidad latina, algo que indirectamente pudo haber afectado la asistencia. Andrés Cabrero abandonó el equipo en las últimas semanas de la temporada por descontento con el equipo, y Alexis Rivera está buscando otras opciones ya que también ha visto reducido su tiempo de juego. Por otro lado, la prioridad de Marco Vélez es regresar a la MLS. Por primera vez, los Islanders pueden entrar a una temporada sin ningún boricua. Eso NO puede pasar, eso aleja a los fanáticos de las gradas.

-Lo que debe cambiar

1. Las tácticas de Colin Clarke. Su plan de juego puramente defensivo en los partidos fuera del estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel ya es conocido por los rivales, quienes se están aprovechando de ello. Además, volvió a fracasar en la postemporada, algo que siempre ha arrastrado en su carrera como técnico. Es un excelente piloto en la temporada regular, pero no en la postemporada. ¿Se ganará algún campeonato con él frente al equipo? En mi opinión, merece una oportunidad más. La realidad es que tiene un ojo para talento increíble, y desde que él llegó, el club se ha elevado a niveles inimaginables.

2. Claro, la crisis económica tuvo su efecto en la poca asistencia al Loubriel, pero el trabajo de mercadeo por parte del club fue PÉSIMO. Se tiene que ser más creativo a la hora de atraer el fanático a la cancha. Y ya la gerencia lo sabe, y según expresó el presidente de la Junta de Directores, Andrés Guillermard, el cambio viene para el 2010. Crucemos los dedos.

Todo lo anterior son recomendaciones hechas desde mi punto de vista, pero claro, a mi no me pagan por asesorar. Pero lo hago por el bien del fútbol puertorriqueño, para que no se eche a perder todo el adelanto realizado por el Deporte Rey en la Isla. Así que hacia adelante.

El papelón del Real Madrid

Los que me conocen personalmente, deben saber que estoy de plácemes con la derrota del Real Madrid ante el Alcorcón el pasado martes, un club de la tercera división de España, en la Copa del Rey.

Desde que el club merengue empezó a tirar millones para fichar a los Ronaldo y Kaká de la vida, siempre expresé que cualquier copa ganada sería una comprada, y que nunca se iba a poder comparar con el triplete obtenido por el Barcelona en la temporada 2008-2009. Y que conste, que no soy hincha de ninguno de los dos clubes.

El pasado martes, el modesto Alcarcón le enseñó al mundo que el dinero no compra victorias. El corazón, la fe en uno mismo y las ganas de jugar buen fútbol es el mejor aliado que puede tener un club, y así lo demostró este equipo que tiene un estadio de 3,000 personas, pero que fue remozado para un millar más en el partido ante el Real Madrid. ¡Hasta el Loubriel tiene el triple de capacidad!

Uno podría estar toda una semana pensando en ese partido y las razones por las cuales el todopoderoso Madrid perdió 4-0. Los comentarios de que los jugadores blancos le estaban haciendo la ‘camita’ a Manuel Pellegrini fueron los primeros, y la realidad es que son los más obvios. Pero el único dato que tenemos es ese 4-0.

Ronaldo el cantante (¿?)

Un colega en la sección de deportes me envió el siguiente enlace. Si se quieren reír, échenle un vistazo. A las chicas, tengan cuidado, que después de escucharlo, se pueden desilusionar.

¿Me excusan?

Bueno, amigos lectores, todos necesitamos un descanso y, afortunadamente, el mío llegó. Ésta será mi última entrada en aproximadamente un mes, ya que el sábado 31 de octubre empiezo mis vacaciones. Estaré fuera hasta diciembre, por lo que les pido disculpas, y sobre todo, ¡comprensión!

Pero les cuento que, aunque esté de vacaciones, estaré pensando en material nuevo para traerles. Como parte de mi tiempo libre, estaré visitando varias ciudades de Europa, por lo que espero asistir a un par de partidos de fútbol. Así que esperen cuentos y anécdotas del mejor fútbol del mundo. De igual manera, recuerden que me pueden seguir por Twitter, y cada vez que pueda estaré dejándoles saber de mi recorrido.

Será hasta la próxima, un abrazo a todos.

Recuerda que puedes seguir mi blog, comentarios y noticias del deporte en general a través de Twitter. También, me puedes escribir a epagan@primerahora.com

Wellman: RailHawks and TOA to submit new league application “as soon as tomorrow”; updates on Richardson, Paladini; next year’s friendlies may include

2009-10-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

David Fellerath |IndyWeekBlogs| 29 Oct 2009, 7:22 PM

Can Gregory Richardson, shown here scooting past USL-1 player of the year Cristian Arrieta of the Puerto Rico Islanders, lead the RailHawks into a successful new league? (Photo by Jeremy M. Lange)

In an interview Thursday afternoon, Carolina RailHawks president Brian Wellman confirmed that the dissident group of USL-1 club owners known as the Team Owners Association (TOA) would be submitting an application to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to form a new league.

“We’ll be submitting application to USSF for new league as soon as tomorrow,” Wellman said in a phone interview from Charleston, S.C., where he was meeting with Andrew Bell, president of the USL-1 Charleston Battery, to coordinate the scheduling of friendlies next season.

“Nothing’s changed as far as the teams go,” Wellman said of the composition of the proposed new league. The TOA consists of five former USL-1 clubs (Minnesota , Miami FC, Montreal, Vancouver and Carolina) and three ownership groups (in Atlanta, Tampa Bay and St. Louis).

Wellman suggested that the TOA has other member prospects, as well. “We have at least one conversation a day with people representing new markets. Even without media coverage [of the dispute], there’s a lot of interest in the league.”

Furthermore, Wellman left open the possibility that the new league might follow the FIFA calendar, playing during the winter months.

If the TOA settles on a winter schedule, Wellman said, “It wouldn’t be this winter. It would start sometime in the summer, and prorate as our fiscal year went along.”

Wellman acknowledged the challenge of going up against the entrenched fall-to-spring sports of football and basketball, but cited the upside: “Going on the world calendar opens up opportunities for players to move more freely. There’s a long list of benefits.”

Wellman also said that a new league would continue to press for greater access to the CONCACAF Champions League, the annual club championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. To the longstanding chagrin of US-based USL clubs, the Champions League is all but impossible to get into. “The US Open Cup winner goes to the Champions League, but let’s face it, chances [a USL team winning it] are slim,” Wellman said, noting that the 1999 Rochester Rhinos squad was the last USL team to win the Open Cup.

“The USL-1 champion should have an automatic spot in CONCACAF,” Wellman said.

While Wellman didn’t explicitly say that the RailHawks will definitely be playing in a new league as opposed to reconciling with the USL, he said little to contradict the remarks of league CEO Alec Papadakis, who was quoted yesterday by a Montreal radio station as saying that negotiations with the TOA were finished and that the two Canadian members of the TOA, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Montreal Impact, would not be playing in the USL next year. (Montreal and Vancouver are the two most valuable clubs at stake, and the movements of both have been closely watched ever since their season-ending matches in the USL playoffs. For a hint of the importance of Canadian clubs to the USL and TOA, see this effusive press release issued today by the USL that extols the power of Canuck footy.)

Later in the day yesterday, the USL issued a clarification that seemed intended to walk back the finality of Papadakis’ remarks.

Wellman expressed surprise that Papadakis had characterized the communications between the league and the TOA as “negotiations.”

“Unfortunately, there’s never been a negotiation,” Wellman said. “The TOA requested a meeting that would get everyone together.” But the USL declined to hold a group meeting, Wellman said, preferring to meet with clubs individually.

“When six to nine franchises are looking to do something else, the logical thing is to talk to them,” Wellman continued. “We wanted to be patient, to find time to negotiate. It never happened. We were hoping to have third-party mediation to find something that would make [USL league owner] NuRock happy, that would make the TOA happy, a two- to four-year plan. It never happened.”

“We have a strong group of owners. Keep in mind, the [TOA] owners have record of success inside and outside of sports. We’re not a bunch of rogue outsiders with pie-in-the-sky dreams. It’s a monumental task to keep a pro team alive.”

In other RailHawks news:

Wellman said that winger Gregory Richardson, the midseason signing from Guyana, “signed with the RailHawks two and a half weeks ago. His P-1 work visa was renewed today.” Wellman confirmed reports that Richardson is heading for trials with Scottish clubs. If there’s interest in the services of the RailHawks’ offensive player of the year, a transfer fee will be required. “[Head coach Martin] Rennie believes in giving opportunities for our players for higher level play. There’s a stipulation in our contracts that if higher-division play is an option, we allow them to go,” Wellman said.
Midfielder Daniel Paladini, who was voted team MVP and was selected to the USL All-League first team, is a free agent who has obvious market value after a stellar season. “We clearly want Daniel Paladini back,” Wellman said. “We talk to him a couple times a week…. He was the point guard, the motor of the team.”
Wellman offered few other details of the makeup of next year’s lineup. “We sent a letter to all of our players under option that we’re interested in having them back. After that, we’ll start looking for three to four extra guys. Nothing [else] has been determined. We’re trying to keep the team as intact as possible.”
Wellman said that the RailHawks will play a friendly in March against the New England Revolution (the two teams played last year, and the RailHawks won, 1-0). Negotiations are also under way for mid-summer training visits and friendlies against a “high-level English Premier League team” and at least one Mexican first-division team (”at least one, and hopefully two”). The RailHawks and the Charleston Battery may end up sharing the expenses for the English and Mexican squads’ visits, Wellman said.
And, in other North Carolina club soccer news, WECT in Wilmington reported last week that a white knight may be in the offing for the recently shuttered USL-2 Wilmington Hammerheads.

MLS Coaching Status

2009-10-29T18:36:00.000-04:00

Steven Goff | SoccerInsider

We're waiting for D.C. United's decision on Tom Soehn and for the New York Red Bulls to do the right thing by retaining Richie Williams instead of importing a European leader. We're anticipating Peter Vermes (3-6-3 as the interim) to hire himself for the full-time gig in Kansas City and for Chicago to determine Denis Hamlett's future.

Meantime, Toronto has begun contacting candidates to replace Chris Cummins, who was let go this week after serving as the interim coach in place of John Carver. And the buzz in the soccer community is that, regardless of what unfolds this postseason, Preki and Chivas USA are likely going their separate ways after three years. The club holds the option on the final year (2010) of his contract.

Perhaps Chivas wants to forge a stronger Latin identity and hire a Mexican coach? Preki in Toronto, perhaps?

And has Gary Smith done enough in Colorado?

Portland and Vancouver, entering MLS in 2011, will also begin assessing their coaching options soon.

Among the names mentioned for current and possible openings are Los Angeles assistants Dave Sarachan and Trevor James, former Kansas City coach Curt Onalfo, Houston assistant John Spencer, Puerto Rico Coach Colin Clarke and Columbus technical director Brian Bliss. If Preki and Williams are liberated, they'll undoubtedly join this group. And if Soehn is let go, Williams would become a prime candidate for DCU, where he spent six years as a player. Onalfo's ties to DCU as a player and assistant, his fluency in Spanish and national team tutelage under maestro Bruce Arena are beneficial.

There's also been speculation about the University of Maryland's Sasho Cirovski, but he has no experience beyond the college game and, even if he were offered an MLS position, he would probably find it very difficult to walk away from what is essentially a well-compensated job for life at a premier program that has refined numerous pro prospects. There's also the issue of control. Last winter, Cirovski told the Insider: "It would have to be the perfect opportunity. I am a hands-on person, and I would want to have a lot of control and power. A lot of people probably wouldn't want to give me that."

Whitecaps, Impact in USL limbo for 2010

2009-10-29T00:56:00.000-04:00

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | 9:35 PM ET

By John F. Molinaro, CBC Sports

Less than two weeks ago, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact were fighting it out for bragging rights in the United Soccer Leagues First Divisions championship game.

Today, the future of both clubs is unclear.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi told CBCSports.ca Wednesday evening that his club "is in limbo" with regards to its participation in the USL in 2010 after negotiations ended between the team and the league's new owners.

Lenarduzzi originally confirmed to CBCSports.ca Wednesday afternoon that both the Whitecaps and the Impact would not compete in the USL next year. The Whitecaps president clarified his comments in a second conversation with CBCSports.ca Wednesday evening, saying that the "door hasn't been shut" on Vancouver possibly returning to the USL next year but that it is actively pursuing other options, including forming its own league with other USL teams.

Impact president Joey Saputo issued a press release after CBCSports.ca’s original story was published, stating that there are still ongoing talks between his club and the USL.

"The negotiations are not over. We continue to work on various options, including the possibility of seeing the Impact in the USL in 2010," Saputo said.

Lenarduzzi said that the Team Owners Association (TOA), a group of USL franchises that includes the Whitecaps and the Impact, would actively try to start up a breakaway league. The TOA would first need permission from the United States Soccer Federation, soccer's governing body in the U.S., before it could form its own league.

"We're still pursuing the new league alternative, and by the end of the week, we should have our application into the USSF for them to grant us that status," said Lenarduzzi, who was a member of the Canadian national team the competed at the 1986 World Cup.

The other USL clubs in the TOA are the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, St. Louis Soccer United and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Lenarduzzi declined to elaborate on what the key issues were in the negotiations with the league owners, merely saying that there wasn't "enough common ground" in the long-standing talks about restructuring the USL between the two sides.

"Our belief is that in order for soccer to grow in Canada and the United States, you need viable, professional leagues," Lenarduzzi stated. "The reason we're going the route we're going is because we think that with like-minded owners, we can achieve that, and that would be good for the sport in general."

Vancouver and Montreal are two of the most successful teams in the USL, which is one level below Major League Soccer, the top pro soccer league in the U.S. and Canada.

The two clubs met for the USL championship earlier this month, with the Impact winning the two-game, total-goals series 6-3 on aggregate. It was the league's first all-Canadian final, and the third league title for the Impact, who also won the crown in 1994 and 2004.

Any new league would be a temporary home for the Whitecaps, who are scheduled to join MLS in 2011. The future of the Impact isn't quite so clear if they don't end up returning to the USL.

Part of the confusion surrounding the future of the two clubs began earlier in the day when Alec Papadakis, one of the new owners of the USL, told Montreal radio station CKAC that the Whitecaps and Impact would not play in the league next year.

However, the USL issued a clarifying statement later in the day, stating that while negotiations between the league and the TOA had broken off, the door was still open for the Whitecaps and Impact to return in 2010.

Lenarduzzi stressed to CBCSports.ca that regardless of what happens with the USL, the Whitecaps won’t be taking next year off.

“One way or another we’ll be playing soccer in a league next season,” he said.

PasionFutbol Colegial por Radio Colegial

2009-10-29T00:10:00.001-04:00

Por FutbolBoricua.net
Miércoles 28 de Octubre de 2009

FutbolBoricua, en conjunto con la emisora radial de internet Radio Colegial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez, estarán juntándose para traerles a los hinchas del futbol puertorriqueño el programa PasionFutbol Colegial. Este programa es una versión radial universitaria del programa de FBTV, PasionFutbol, conducido por los profesores Sergio Castro y Alejandro Laín.

PasionFutbol Colegial consistirá de un formato similar a su homologo de entrevistas, análisis y críticas sobre el futbol actual, Selección Mayagüez 2010, noticias sobre las diferentes ligas, con un énfasis a la LAI, Liga Nacional de Futbol, USL, PRSL, el futbol femenino, futbol de ligas inferiores, en fin, todo lo que sea fútbol. En especial, el programa también tendrá un enfoque técnico a explicar las reglas y enseñar mas sobre el deporte rey. PasionFutbol Colegial será conducido por el editor de www.futbolboricua.net Edwin R. Jusino, entre otros conductores invitados.

Inclusive se está trabajando para que PasionFutbol Colegial tenga más participación del público mediante el programa de internet Skype, donde las personas podrán llamar al programa y salir al aire mediante el uso de sus webcams personales y participar del mismo.

Radio Colegial es una radio emisora hecha y producida por estudiantes del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez. Su programación varía entre música, programas de economía, programas de salud, deportes, cultura, etc. Es enhorabuena que se ha formado esta relación de trabajo entre estos proyectos jóvenes, impulsados por jóvenes puertorriqueños.

El programa PasionFutbol por el momento está parado dado a conflictos de tiempo para los conductores del mismo, y la falta de un local estable. La administración de FutbolBoricua continúa trabajando para llegar a un acuerdo con alguna otra entidad que desee a portar y tenga el equipo y las facilidades necesarias para poder llevar un programa con la seriedad de PasionFutbol. FutbolBoricua siempre desea traer lo mejor y tiene un compromiso de seguir mejorando para poder brindarles el mejor futbol de Puerto Rico.

Los invitamos a que sean participes de la programación de Radio Colegial, (www.radiocolegial.com), y sintonicen por radio internet y por FBTV, PasionFutbol Colegial todos los martes de 6:00 PM a 7:00 PM.

REPORT: WHITECAPS, IMPACT WILL NOT RETURN TO USL IN 2010

2009-10-28T18:28:00.001-04:00

TSN.CA STAFF

10/28/2009

Although the Montreal Impact defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in this past month's USL final, it appears as though neither team will be in the league next season according to one of the league's two owners, Alek Papadakis.

In an interview with Montreal radio station CKAC, Papadakis confirmed that neither of the Canadian based clubs would be part of the USL for the 2010 season after the two sides failed to reach an agreement for continuing play next season and that the T.O.A (Team Owner's Association) was ready to move in another direction.

"The negotiations are finished," Papadakis told CKAC. "We decided to continue our preparation for the season 2010 with the teams which wished to remain with us."
Papadakis also stated that there were no hard feelings on either side.

"I would like to thank the two Canadian teams, the WhiteCaps and the Impact, for all that contributed to the USL for the past few years," Papadakis told CKAC. "They were excellent for our League and I have much admiration for them. Now, I wish them good luck in their future plans. "

While Papadakis is stating that the Impact and Whitecaps time in the USL is done, no one from either team has made an announcement on the subject. As of the time of publishing the Impact were still selling season tickets to the 2010 USL season on their website.

While the Whitecaps are scheduled to join the MLS in time for 2011 season the potential loss of the Impact could be devastating for professional soccer in Montreal.

CKAC is reporting that the Impact have one of two options, either attempting to create a rival circuit with other rogue league owners or potentially wait and join MLS Division II which is being discussed as potentially launching next year.

Bill Gaudette habla sobre su futuro

2009-10-26T21:38:00.001-04:00

lunes, 26 de octubre de 2009

Esteban Pagan | Saque de Puerta

El portero Bill Gaudette llegó a Puerto Rico con la intención de reencontrarse como futbolista y mejorar su juego.

Sin duda, el arquero de los Islanders cumplió con su cometido, y más. Su presencia entre los tres postes fue una de las principales razones del despunte del club boricua en los últimos dos años, lo que le ganó reconocimiento internacional.

Ahora, tras concluir la temporada de la Tropa Naranja el pasado martes, Gaudette es agente libre, y las ofertas no han tardado en llegar. Clubes de la Major League Soccer y hasta de Europa le han expresado su interés en ficharlo, lo que haría que cualquier jugador no lo pensara dos veces a la hora de hacer las maletas. Pero no Gaudette.

“Ya me han contactado algunos equipos, pero ésa no es mi prioridad ahora. Cada vez que vengo de un club, le doy a ese equipo la primera prioridad. Quiero a este equipo (Islanders) sobre cualquier otra cosa, este club y yo hemos crecido mucho juntos, sin ellos no sería nada”, expresó un emotivo Gaudette en una entrevista reciente con Saque de Puerta.

“Me encantaría estar aquí de vuelta el año que viene, espero que podamos negociar algo. Le dejaré la negociación a mi agente y a la Junta de Directores de los Islanders, ojalá podamos lograr algún acuerdo”, añadió Gaudette.

Desde que llegó a Puerto Rico, el estadounidense se convirtió en un favorito de la fanaticada. Incluso, tras el partido del pasado 20 de octubre ante el Crew de Columbus, la hinchada de la Tropa Naranja le hizo un reconocimiento al galardonarlo como el Jugador Más Valioso del equipo en el 2009. Todo ello, junto con su amor a Puerto Rico, incrementa su deseo de permanecer con los Islanders.

“Me encanta aquí. No tan sólo los fanáticos, a los cuales adoro, todos saben eso, pero me encanta levantarme todas las mañanas en una isla hermosa, y disfrutarme la gran cultura que tenemos en Puerto Rico”, expresó.

El próximo paso inmediato para Gaudette será someterse a una cirugía artroscópica en su hombro izquierdo, tras sufrir una lesión que le impidió jugar en el último partido ante Columbus. Sin embargo, aseguró que la operación es menor y no será obstáculo a la hora de buscar un nuevo contrato.

Ya hay técnico para Mayagüez 2010

La página cibernética Fútbol Boricua reportó el lunes que la Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol nombró al boricua Modesto Montero como el director técnico de la Selección Nacional Sub-21 que verá acción en los Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe de Mayagüez 2010.

Montero fue técnico de la Selección Nacional adulta en el 2006, tras la salida de Ricardo Romano. Además, el pasado 22 de octubre, el diario El Nuevo Día reseñó que Montero se estaba desempeñando como director técnico del programa Soccer Elite.

Sus asistentes para la importante justa regional serán el costarricense Sergio Castro, técnico de los Islanders U-17, y el uruguayo Alejadro Laín, también de las categorías menores de la Tropa Naranja.

¡Mucho éxito a todos!

Recuerda que puedes seguir mi blog, comentarios y noticias del deporte en general a través de Twitter. También, me puedes escribir a epagan@primerahora.com

Selección Mayagüez 2010 ya tiene cuerpo técnico.

2009-10-26T19:49:00.001-04:00

Lunes, 26 de octubre de 2009
Por Edwin R. Jusino/ futbolboricua.net

San Juan- La Federación Puertorriqueña de Futbol ya termino la búsqueda del comandante en jefe de la selección sub21 que representara a Puerto Rico en los juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe Mayagüez 2010. El puertorriqueño, Modesto Montero, será la cabeza de la selección nacional, siendo escogido 8 meses previo al comienzo de las justa olímpica.

El profesor Montero será asistido por los profesores Sergio Castro, costarricense y técnico de la U17 de Puerto Rico Islanders, y Alejandro Laín, uruguayo también técnico de varias categorías inferiores de Puerto Rico Islanders. Como gerente general de la selección, estará encargada la puertorriqueña María Larracuente. Como utilero estará José Hernández.

Modesto Montero, el también técnico del equipo U17 Soccer Elite, contesto varias preguntas a FútbolBoricua. “Había trabajado con varias selecciones anteriores. Fui elegido por mi posición y capacidad” relato el técnico. Montero especifico varias expectativas que tiene con esta selección. La primera es la de conformar un equipo de trabajo de excelencia, y la segunda trabajar con un grupo de boricuas con la esperanza de que hayan nativos con la calidad necesaria para ganar medallas. “Queremos tener el grueso de locales. Las generaciones han dado jugadores con frutos que se han ido a Estados Unidos. Parte de nuestro grupo está jugando en la Liga Nacional de Futbol” comento el entrenador.

En cuanto a los jugadores profesionales, Montero explico que pueden existir complicaciones, y se tendrán que evaluar caso a caso. “La PRSL provee una dispensa para que puedan participar de la LAI. No todos tienen contratos (profesionales), hay que ir caso por caso. Vamos a estar consultando a la Federación en cuanto a la elegibilidad de los profesionales”.

“No tengo preferidos, queremos permitirle a todos los que vayan a las pruebas la oportunidad de representar a Puerto Rico, no importa de dónde sean” se expreso el técnico a preguntas sobre si tenía ya algunos jugadores en mente. También nos adelanto que no habrá refuerzos sub23, ya que los estos son solamente usados en las Olimpiadas.

“Se está planificando juegos con los equipos profesionales locales, y los campeones de la LAI” aseguro Montero sobre el plan de trabajo para preparar la selección. También tienen planes de ir a hacer fogueos con equipos profesionales de Costa Rica, Estados Unidos, entre otros, los cuales dependerán del presupuesto obtenido. “Queremos poder subir los niveles de juego, y necesitamos trabajar en dirección a la meta. Estamos tarde pero queremos poder solidificar el grupo en 8 meses. Todo dependerá de la acoplación de los nativos a los no nativos”.

Montero también adelanto que se está trabajando en una estrategia comercial para mercadear la selección nacional.

Las pruebas para el Equipo Nacional sub21, representantes de Puerto Rico en los Centroamericanos, tienen como fecha tentativa los días 7 y 8 de Noviembre en el Albergue Olímpico. Las pruebas originalmente se tenían pautadas para el Juan Ramón Loubriel, aunque se mantiene como opción B, pero el alcalde anuncio que el estadio estaría empezando hacer remodelado. De no poderse dar en ninguno de estos sitios, se harían en el estadio de Country Club.

Amargo fin de semana en Juncos

2009-10-24T16:37:00.000-04:00

Liga Nacional de Futbol de PR

El 1er partido entre Spartans de Aguadilla y Gladiadores finalizo 2-3 en goles y en tarjetas rojas, porque luego de una trifulca entre varios jugadores, lo que detuvo el re-inicio del juego por poco más de 10 minutos, produjo 5 tarjetas rojas 3 para Aguadilla y 2 para Gladiadores. Luego de unos minutos más de juego el partido finalizó con cierta normalidad.

Ahora bien, poco más tarde comienza el juego entre SJ United y Sevilla FC, quienes matematicamente ya estan eliminados de los playoff. Pero en la cancha parecia debatirse una verdadera final, incluso a los 12 minutos del primer tiempo ambos equipos habian creado varias jugadas peligrosas pero sin encontrar el gol. Entonces ocurrio lo que nadie se esperaba, un jugador agredio fisicamente a su rival (aún no se ha esclarecido por que fue el inicio de la discución). Cuando el jugador expulsado del Sevilla se retira de la cancha comienza una discución con un jugador del banco de SJ United lo que le causo la expulsión del jugador de San Juan.

Luego de una acalorada discución, finalmente parecia que el jugador de San Juan se retiraria del campo cuando sin dar oportunidad a frenarlo ataco por detras al arbitro central y luego continuo con uno de los asistentes al que le propino algunos golpes en la cara. Esto produjo un verdadero sal pa' fuera en la cancha lo que llevó a la determinación de suspender el partido e inmediatamente se presento la policia de Puerto Rico con cerca de 6 patrullas para calmar los animos.

Probablemente esta sea la nota triste de la Liga, la cual esta siendo un exito y sucesos como este no deberian volver a ocurrir nunca, ya que por momentos se olvidan del motivo por el cual estamos aqui, y es disfrutar el mejor deporte del mundo. Fútbol.

Esperamos que esto sirva de ejemplo a jugadores y tecnicos para que eviten sucesos similares.

La Liga continua y estamos en momentos de definición por lo que los clubes estarán buscando la clasificación para los Play-off.