Category: Premier Development League (PDL)
Texas Premier Development League (PDL) Week 7 Recap
The Mid-South Division of the USL PDL is approximately 50% of the way through the 14-game regular season, which ends on Sunday July 16. OKC Energy U23 has played two more matches (9 total) than all division teams except Texas United who has played 8 to this point. The PDL Playoffs will begin with play-in matches on July 18, while the PDL Championship will take place on Aug. 5.
Energy U23, who are undefeated and on 27 points (impressive +21 goal differential too), are virtually guaranteed to win the division, barring a hard to imagine meltdown. It just completed a two game road trip in Texas where the team won both, outscoring Houston FC and Brazos Valley FC 10-2. The race for second place, and if the 2016 PDL playoff format is repeated this year, a place in the playoffs, is still within reach for all Texas clubs. Mississippi Brilla, who along with Energy U23 are the only returning clubs in the division from last year, are 6 points clear of the Texas teams, though it does have a daunting road trip to Oklahoma where Brilla play two straight against Energy U23 during this upcoming week.
In the competition for the best first year Texas PDL team, Brazos Valley Cavalry, on a points per game basis, has a small lead over Texas United, only because it has played one fewer match. One factor in the Cavalry’s favor is that it plays OKC one less time than the other teams and has finished the season series with Energy U23.
Texas PDL news:
The USL PDL website published a profile of Houston FC head coach Bruce Talbot last week. Talbot was quoted in the article talking about opportunities the club is presenting for soccer players in Houston:
“We have been in the Houston area for three years now and think there is a great opportunity to unite a segment of soccer in Houston not in competition but complementing the MLS franchise,” Talbot told USLPDL.com. “Soccer is all over the city. You cannot drive five minutes without seeing a pitch. We believe that with the network we have in Houston, we can help shape the culture to one that helps benefit the youth of our community and give youth players in Houston another example and goal to reach in playing for our club and move them on to the next level.”
http://www.uslpdl.com/news_article/show/804505?referrer_id=2242498
Week 7 Game Results:
Thursday, June 15
Texas United-1 Brazos Valley Cavalry FC-2
First half goals, both on penalties, by Rimario Gordon and Emmanuel Usen (his third of the year) allowed the Cavalry to weather a furious late comeback by Texas United Thursday evening in Grand Prairie. Gordon, who was named to the PDL Top Prospects list for the first time last week, scored his 4th goal of the season. Flavio Guzman scored a late goal off a well taken free-kick for United in the 90th minute, but it was too little, too late and the Cavalry was able to hold on.
Texas United starting lineup from its Twitter feed:
Houston FC-1 OKC Energy U23-4
The bad news is that OKC Energy U23 scored three time in the second half to blow open the match against Houston FC, played at Strake Jesuit High School, Houston FC’s second home. The good news is that the Bayou City club doesn’t have to play the undefeated (8-0-0) Energy U23 anymore this season. Houston FC weathered the storm in the first half and went into the locker room only trailing 1-0. Unfortunately, the quality of the Oklahoma side showed in the second half and Julio Moncada (who now has 5 goals on the season) scored twice for the Energy youth side in the space of 8 minutes to seal the victory. Christian Okeke chipped in with 3 assists in 74 minutes for OKC. Daltyn Knutson was able to pull one back for Houston when he headed in a Ismaiel Alkayali corner kick in the 83rd minute. The Energy U23 domination was also demonstrated by the 22-8 shots on goal advantage during the evening.
Saturday, June 17
Texas United-3 Houston FC-0
Texas United defeated Houston FC 3-0 in Grand Prairie last night. Houston FC, who had played a difficult match against OKC Energy Thursday night and then had to make the long journey from South to North Texas on short rest, were outshot 14-7 and unable to muster much offense. Jackson Crawford opened the Texas United scoring with his first of the season in the 14th minute which forced Houston to chase the match in the June Texas heat. United’s Alan Rivera scored in the 62nd minute and Patricio Botello completed the scoring in the 78th with his second of the year. United goalkeeper Charles Schober kept the shutout with 4 saves.
Texas United goal scorers and Emmanuel Kiwele in front who was welcomed back to AirHog Stadium (Texas United Twitter)
Mississippi Brilla-5 FC Cleburne-0
FC Cleburne made the long trip to Mississippi and it turned out to be a tough payback for Cleburne’s home win over Brilla last weekend. Brilla didn’t wait long to send a message, taking advantage of a defensive mistake when Badreddine Boulajoul was left unmarked in front of the goal and finished a nice cross. After a methodical build-up Boulajoul scored his second of the night and the season in the 35th minute, when he was again given too much space at the back post. Three second half goals finished up a rough night for FC Cleburne and, I suspect, made for a long trip back to Texas. There will be no rest as Cleburne plays again on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Brazos Valley Cavalry FC-1 OKC Energy U23-6
Unfortunately, the Cavalry were also on the back end of a battering, losing 6-1 to an undefeated and very talented OKC Energy side 6-1 last night in Bryan. Noah Keats scored twice and four different Energy players scored the others, 3 in each half. Energy U23 had 19 shots on goal and Cavalry goalkeeper James Fetterly needed to make a staggering 14 saves, including a penalty kick stop, showing that the scoreline could have been a lot worse. Forward Elochukwu Ozumba scored his first goal of the season and the only goal of the night for Brazos Valley off an assist by Rimario Gordon. The Cavalry played the last 20 minutes a man down after defender Stuart Close picked up his second yellow and was ejected from the match. In the game story on Brazos Valley Sports by David Campbell (@ScoopSports), Cavalry star Rimario Gordon was quoted discussing the team performance and the teams 11 shots:
“That just means we have to finish our chances. We did good. They’re a very good team, obviously first for a reason. We have to go back to the drawing board, regroup and come again.”
Cavalry Starting Lineup (Brazos Valley Cavalry Twitter)
STANDINGS:
Southern Conference
| Team | GP | W | L | T | PTS | GF | GA | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OKC Energy U23 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 28 | 7 | 21 |
| Mississippi Brilla FC | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 13 | 6 | 7 |
| Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C. | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 11 | 17 | -6 |
| Texas United | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 14 | 13 | 1 |
| FC Cleburne | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 19 | -10 |
| Houston FC | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 18 | -11 |
Week 8 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Monday, June 19
FC Cleburne vs. Houston FC
Wednesday, June 21
FC Cleburne vs. Texas United
Thursday, June 22
Brazos Valley Cavalry vs. Houston FC
Saturday, June 24
Brazos Valley Cavalry vs. Texas United
NPSL logos courtesy of ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
Texas Premier Development League (PDL) Recap-Week 6
Texas PDL news:
The first PDL player from a Texas team, midfielder Rimario Gordon of Brazos Valley FC, was named to the USL PDL Top-50 Prospects list, entering this week at #41. Gordon comes to the Cavalry FC from Marshall University. Gordon, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, was named to the All-Conference USA second team last season.
Week 6 Game Results:
Monday, June 5
Brazos Valley Cavalry-4 Texas United-3
The Cavalry scored 3 of the 5 total goals scored in the second half to win an exciting first ever home game at Nutrabolt Stadium in Brazos Monday night. Emmanuel Usen scored the historic first goal at the stadium and the most highly regarded youth player in the Dynamo Academy, 16 year old Marcelo Palomino, scored twice on his debut with the Cavalry. Texas United goals came from a brace by Miguel Velasquez and Nenad Markovic
Friday the horse joins Diesel and Toro as part of the Dynamo family. (Cavalry Twitter page)
Thursday, June 8
Brazos Valley Cavalry-2 Houston FC-0
Out-shooting Houston FC 21-4 on the night, the Cavalry were able to score twice to win their second consecutive game in Bryan Thursday night. Rimario Gordon was involved in both goals-scoring the first and assisting on the second by Josue Palomino , started by Gordon with one of the 12 corner kicks generated by Brazos Valley. In the game article by Brad Cox in the Bryan Eagle, Cavalry head coach and Dynamo Academy Director James Clarkson talked about the challenges of playing 3 games in 6 days:
“I think the scoreline flatters the other team a little bit,” Cavalry FC coach James Clarkson said. “We’ve got to be more clinical in front of the goal because if we could have put the game away earlier, I could have given them some more rest and it would have put us in better shape for Saturday. I’m really happy with the win but a bit little disappointed with our finishing and the wasted chances in front of the goal.”
Cavalry starting lineup (Brazos Valley Twitter page)
Friday, June 9
FC Cleburne-2 Mississippi Brilla-0
Goals by Stefan Lukic (on his PDL debut) and the second goal of the season, by Chris Escalera, led FC Cleburne to its second win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Mississippi Brilla on the first of its two-game weekend road trip to Texas. Esclara’s goal in the 82nd minute was a penalty that put the game away (below). Goalkeeper Casey Tilley was busy on the evening and had to make 5 saves to keep the clean sheet.
More fan photos from The Depot in Cleburne (FC Cleburne Facebook page)
Photo of The Depot in Cleburne (Brilla Twitter page)
Saturday, June 10
OKC Energy U23-3 Brazos Valley Cavalry-0
Three games in six days was too much for the Cavalry in Oklahoma Saturday afternoon. Going deep in it’s roster (only 5 played the entire game), the Cavalry were able to hold off the undefeated Energy U23 for close to an hour before conceding. The final two goals from the Energy came after the 80th minute.
Below is a link to the Energy U23 game review:
http://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/802251?referrer_id=2614758
Sunday, June 11
Texas United-0 Mississippi Brilla-1
Texas United suffered a tough 1-0 defeat to Brilla yesterday afternoon in Grand Prairie. A 26th minute red card to the team’s 2017 leading goal scorer Miguel Velasquez for a dangerous tackle forced United to play a man down for slightly less than an hour. Despite the challenge, United was only beaten by a strike from Brilla midfielder Thibaut Bourrier late in the first half. United goalkeeper Adam Zehme saved 5 of the 7 Brilla shots, keeping the team in the game until the end.
Texas United starting lineup (Texas United Twitter page)
Texas United starting lineup (Texas United Twitter page)
STANDINGS:
Southern Conference-Mid South Division
| Team | GP | W | L | T | PTS | GF | GA | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OKC Energy U23 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 18 | 5 | 13 |
| Mississippi Brilla FC | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Texas United | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 11 | -1 |
| Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C. | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 10 | -2 |
| FC Cleburne | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 14 | -5 |
| Houston FC | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 11 | -5 |
Week 7 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Thursday, June 15
Texas United vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry FC
Houston FC vs. OKC Energy U23
Saturday, June 17
Houston FC vs. Texas United
Mississippi Brilla vs. FC Cleburne
Brazos Valley Cavalry FC vs. OKC Energy U23
NPSL logos courtesy of ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
Texas NPSL, PDL Recap-Week 5
A light week of action, especially in the PDL, during Week 5 in the Texas high level amateur soccer leagues.
Week 5 Game Results:
Saturday, June 3
Dutch Lions FC-4 Houston Regals SCA-1
Dutch Lions secured a 4-1 victory in their home opener and took a commanding lead after the first leg in the Houston city NPSL Derby. A 19th minute goal by Yinka Lawa and a penalty by Jose Pablo Cova in first half stoppage time allowed Dutch Lions to take a 2-0 lead into the locker room at the half. Dylan Armstrong finished off the scoring with a second half brace in the 80th and 82nd minutes to ice the match and leave the Regals with an uphill battle in the second leg later in the season. Picture of game action from the Dutch Lions Twitter Feed below.
Ozark FC-0 Dallas City FC-4
A 6th minute goal by Papa Abdoualaye Faly opened scoring and Dallas City FC never looked back, winning 4-0 in Northwest Arkansas. Goals by Zachary Adler in the 49th, Sergio Lara in the 60th and Luiz DeSousa in the 66th completed the rout.
Ft. Worth Vaqueros-2 Midland-Odessa FC-1
Ft. Worth, behind two second half goals, came from behind to beat the Sockers 2-1 last night at Fort Worth Arlington Heights High School. Martin Field, Ft. Worth’s normal facility was flooded and a last day change of venue was required. Ricardo Palomino’s 37th minute goal put the Sockers in the lead before the break. In the second half, midfielder Jamie Lovegrove took over for the Vaqueros, assisting on Harris Partain’s 70th minute goal and then scoring the game winning penalty himself in the 86th minute.
Tyler FC-0 Shreveport Rafters FC-2
Goals by forwards Lucas Pereira in the 13 minute, Leandro Cid Fernandez in the 34th and Jacob Cunningham in the 80th led the Rafters to a 3-0 victory in Tyler against the winless Kings Saturday night.
STANDINGS:
| Rank | Lonestar Conference Division | GP | W | L | T | Pts | GF | GA | GD | Pts/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Worth Vaqueros | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 2.4 |
| 2 | Midland-Odessa FC | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 2.25 |
| 3 | Houston Regals SCA | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1.3333 |
| 4 | Shreveport Rafters FC | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 0.75 |
| 5 | Dutch Lions FC | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0.5 |
| 6 | Tyler FC | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 0.5 |
| Rank | Heartland Conference Division | GP | W | L | T | Pts | GF | GA | GD | Pts/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Wichita | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 2 | Little Rock Rangers | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 1.8 |
| 3 | Tulsa Athletic | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 4 | Dallas City FC | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 5 | Demize NPSL | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Ozark FC | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | -15 | 0 |
Week 6 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Thursday, June 8
Tyler FC vs. Midland-Odessa FC
Saturday, June 10
Dallas City FC vs. Demize NPSL
Dutch Lions FC vs. Ft. Worth Vaqueros
Houston Regals SCA vs. Tyler FC
Shreveport Rafters FC vs. Midland-Odessa FC
Week 5 Game Results:
Friday, June 2
Houston FC-0 OKC Energy U23-3
Three goals in the final 30 minutes by the Energy U23’s secured a convincing 3-0 win over Houston FC at Rice University in Houston Friday evening. OKC Energy only outshot Houston 13-11, but made the best of their opportunities. Pictures and lineup from the Houston FC Twitter page.
STANDINGS:
Mid South Division
| Team | GP | W | L | T | PTS | GF | GA | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OKC Energy U23 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 13 | 4 | 9 |
| Mississippi Brilla FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Texas United | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Houston FC | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 |
| FC Cleburne | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 14 | -7 |
| Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C. | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -2 |
Week 6 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Monday, June 5
Brazos Valley Cavalry vs. Texas United
Thursday, June 8
Brazos Valley Cavalry vs. Houston FC
Friday, June 9
FC Cleburne vs. Mississippi Brilla
Saturday, June 10
OKC Energy U23 vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry
Sunday, June 11
Texas United vs. Mississippi Brilla
NPSL, PDL logos provided by ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
Texas NPSL, PDL Recap-Week 4
With the completion of Week 4 and the opener for Brazos Valley, all Texas teams have now begun 2017 play in both leagues.
Week 4 Game Results:
Wednesday, May 24:
Shreveport Rafters-1 Ft. Worth Vaqueros-2
Ft. Worth defeated Shreveport Rafters 2-1 in Louisiana behind two goals by Vaqueros left winger Marco Ortiz. The first goal was scored in the 22nd minute on a scissors-kick off an assist from Zack Stavrou. Ortiz then scored again in the 55th minute. Shreveport pulled a goal back in the 67th, but the Vaqueros held on for the road victory. On the Vaqueros website, Ortiz commented on the victory:
“The team performed well. It’s always hard to get a W away from home, away from our supporters,” Ortiz said. “For me to get on the scoresheet is even better. It’s a testament to how hard all seventeen players who traveled today put me in good spots to finish today. I’m glad I could help the team like that.”
Friday, May 26:
Little Rock Rangers vs. Dallas City FC
Dallas City FC dropped a 2-1 decision to Little Rock in the Rangers first home game of the season. Leonardo Ferri scored in the 39th minute, but Little Rock equalized five minutes later. A Dallas City own-goal right before the end of the first half was the game winner for the Rangers.
Saturday, May 27
Midland-Odessa FC Sockers-2 Ft. Worth Vaqueros-1
Midland-Odessa continued its perfect record, all at home, in 2017, by defeating Ft. Worth 2-1 Saturday night. Ricardo Palomino and Memo Diaz scored in the 29th and 49th minute respectively to secure the victory. Palomino’s first half goal came off a redirection of a free-kick and Diaz scored on a long range shot. After substitutions in the last 20 minutes, the Vaqueros put more of a stamp on the game. A 90th minute goal by Liren Halle made it closer, but it was not enough to stop the Sockers from improving to 3-0 on the season. This game was billed as the NPSL National Game of the Week, between two undefeated sides.
Below is a link to a player profile on Sockers midfielder Alex VonHolle, who is the GM’s son, in the Odessa American from Eric Blum, (https://twitter.com/EricBlumOA) published before last nights match.
http://www.oaoa.com/oavarsity/boys/article_5a8e1b18-4286-11e7-a526-e785844e1401.html
Tyler FC Kings-2 Dutch Lions FC-2
A 90th minute goal by substitute Enoch Shipman saved a home draw for Tyler FC Saturday night against Dutch Lions FC. Tony Bravo scored for Tyler in the 34th minute to take a lead into halftime. Two second half goals by substitute Carlos Acevedo and midfielder Jorge Contreras had put Dutch Lions into the lead before Shipman’s late goal saved a point for the Kings.
Sunday, May 28
Demize NPSL vs. Dallas City FC
Dallas City was able to secure a 3-2 victory over Demize NPSL in Joplin, MO in the second game of the short weekend road trip. Luiz DeSousa opened the scoring for the Texas side in the 3rd minute and Jorge Deleon scored twice in the second half, with the game winner coming in the 86th minute.
STANDINGS:
Heartland Conference
| Team | Games | Wins | Losses | Ties | Pts | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Rangers | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| FC Wichita | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| Tulsa Athletic | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 5 |
| Dallas City FC | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Demize NPSL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Ozark FC | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 16 |
Lonestar Conference
| Team | Games | Wins | Losses | Ties | Pts | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland-Odessa FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| Fort Worth Vaqueros | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 3 |
| Houston Regals SCA | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Tyler FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Dutch Lions FC | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Shreveport Rafters FC | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
Week 5 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Saturday, June 3
Dutch Lions FC vs. Houston Regals SCA
Ozark FC vs. Dallas City FC
Ft. Worth Vaqueros vs. Midland-Odessa FC
Tyler FC vs. Shreveport Rafters FC
Week 4 Game Results:
Monday, May 22
Houston FC-4 FC Cleburne-2
A brace by Joshua Bronstorph led Houston FC to a 4-2 home win over FC Cleburne at Rice University Stadium. After Jordan Simon scored an early goal in the 5th minute, Bronstorph added the second in the 21st and the game winner in the 84th. Substitute Luis Sanchez then put the game away in the 89th minute. FC Cleburne goal scorers were Chris Escalera and Ross Ross Fitzpatrick. Cleburne outshot Houston 18-8 on the night.
Tuesday, May 23
OKC Energy U23-2 Texas United-1
Despite gaining an early 19th minute lead off a Giovanni MontesDeoca goal, Texas United fell 2-1 to OKC Energy in Oklahoma City. Two minutes of madness late in the first half was United’s undoing, as OKC Energy scored twice and then held on to secure their third victory of the season.
Thursday, May 25
Mississippi Brilla-1 Brazos Valley Cavalry-0
An early second half goal by Thomas Vancaeyezeele led Mississippi Brilla to a 1-0 win over Brazos Valley in the first of two games that were played by the Cavalry in Clinton over the weekend. The goal was scored from directly in front of the goal off a nice cross. A poor giveaway in the midfield directly led to the quick build-up that resulted in the game winner. This was the inaugural match for Brazos Valley, who are a hybrid-affiliate of the Houston Dynamo. The Cavalry ran out a 4-3-3, similar to the Dynamo’s preferred formation:
Friday, May 26
Houston FC-0 Texas United-1
The second goal of the season by Miguel Velasquez of Texas United in the 34th minute secured a 1-0 road victory over Houston FC.
Saturday, May 27
FC Cleburne-1 OKC Energy U23-2
An unfortunate 90th minute own goal by Evan Bozman allowed OKC Energy U23 to escape with a 2-1 win in their first away match of the year in Cleburne. A 66th minute penalty by Anthony Powell had pulled Cleburne level shortly after OKC had taken the lead. Pictures from last nights action on the Cleburne Twitter feed:
Mississippi Brilla-3 Brazos Valley Cavalry-2
The Cavalry lost the second game of the Mississippi trip 3-2 Saturday night. After falling behind in the 18th minute, Rimario Gordon and Emmanuel Usen allowed the Cavalry to take the lead. Brazos Valley’s first ever goal, by Gordon, was scored after his corner kick had been cleared to midfield. Huntley Munn played a nice diagonal ball back to Gordon for a clinical finish. The second goal was scored by Usen immediately after he came on the field in the 56th minute as a substitute, also off a corner by Rimario Gordon. Unfortunately, poor defending on two late corner kicks allowed the game to slip away from Brazos Valley. I suspect set-piece defending will be worked on extensively in practice this week. That aside, two one-goal losses in the first ever games against a strong Brilla side gives hope for the future. The excellent Brilla video feed allowed this game to be the PDL featured Game of the Week.
STANDINGS:
Mid-South Division
| Team | GP | W | L | T | PTS | GF | GA | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OKC Energy U23 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Mississippi Brilla FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Texas United | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Houston FC | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| FC Cleburne | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 14 | -7 |
| Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C. | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -2 |
Week 5 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Friday, June 2
Houston FC vs. OKC Energy U23
NPSL, PDL logos provided by ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
Weekly Soccer Notes-Saturday, May 27
Other news of interest in Texas Soccer this week:
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL):
- The Houston Dash lost to Sky Blue FC in New Jersey last Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 on a goal just minutes from the end of the game. Midfielder Andressinha scored the Dash goal, converting a rebound after her initial shot hit the post in the 40th minute. The Dash are now 2-4-0 and sit in 9th place (in a 10 team league), 6 points behind league leaders North Carolina. The Dash return home to face Seattle today at BBVA Compass Stadium at 3 pm. (houstondynamo.com)
- Four Dash midfielders have been called up to their national teams for games early next month. Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd, who currently is playing on loan in England, for the United States, Denise O’Sullivan for Ireland and Andressinha for Brazil. (houstondynamo.com)
National Premier Soccer League (NPSL):
An article by Nipun Chopra (https://twitter.com/NipunChopra7) on the upper-Midwestern based Soc Takes website discussed the potential of a new Oklahoma City/Norman NPSL team to begin play next year. In the article he spoke with the potential team’s lead owner, Dustin Hooker, who was previously involved in the set up of OKC Energy’s Premier Development League (PDL) side. Hooker stated that the ownership group were in the process of filing a franchise application with NPSL. They currently have a trial team that is playing against other amateur sides in the Midwest and Texas. In the article he alluded to the potential of other new NPSL teams in Texas in the future. Here is a link to the article that provides additional details on stadium locations and the team name:
https://www.soctakes.com/2017/05/23/potential-south-oklahoma-city-applying-npsl/
Premier Development League (PDL):
Part of the mission for the PDL is to bring top players in their league to the attention of USL, MLS and other professional soccer leagues. As a reflection of this mission, one of their brands is “Path-to-Pro”. The league has enlisted the help of 24 scouts across North America, including coaching directors, technical directors and head coaches, to provide the PDL with valuable insight on the top Under-23 performers in the league throughout the season. This feedback forms the basis of a Top Prospects List, which serves as a resource for professional clubs who are interested in identifying and scouting high-level players, ranks players based on their performance within the PDL, their technical and tactical qualities and their potential to play at the professional level. The league published the first Top Prospects List this week (link below of the Top 50 prospects). No players on our Texas based PDL teams were identified on this first list…not surprising given that the all of these teams are new and the season has just started. (uslpdl.com)
National Soccer Hall of Fame (HOF):
- FC Dallas and U.S. Soccer released new renderings and an updated schedule for the Hall of Fame, currently under construction at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The new timeline projects that the museum will be completed in the Winter of 2018. Other new seating and amenities in the south end of the stadium, which has been closed since construction began last year, will be completed and open next summer. New renderings of the HOF can be found at this link: (fcdallas.com)
- The U.S. Soccer Federation and FC Dallas have hired Djorn Buchholz to serve as the executive director for the National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium. Buchholz has 15 years of experience in MLS, USL (Austin Aztex) and NASL team front offices. He comes to Frisco from Austin, TX where he ran his own soccer consulting firm that provided insight and operational leadership to teams, matches and large-scale tournaments. (fcdallas.com)
- Former Houston Dynamo players Brian Ching and Pat Onstad are among 33 players nominated for the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Ching retired following the 2013 season and is in his first year of eligibility. He is the Dynamo’s all-time leading scorer with 56 goals in the MLS regular season and 69 goals across all competitions. He led the Dynamo do MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007. Onstad holds Dynamo records for shutouts, wins, saves and goals against average. (chron.com)
Youth Soccer Development:
A 64-player roster has been called to Carson, Calif. for U.S. Soccer’s first Boys’ National Team Futures Camp of 2017. The training camp, which consists of players who were born in 2002 and 2003, runs from May 26-30 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. This is a very intriguing camp, designed to identify the most talented players in the ’02 and ’03 birth years who appear to be on a later physical development path and/or are born in the second half of the year. Such parameters serve to reduce the impact of physical maturity and relative age effect on identification and evaluation of talent, according to the US Soccer website. Four North-Texas youth players, two each from the 2002 and 2003 classes and also from the Solar Chelsea and FC Dallas Academy clubs were selected to participate. (ussoccer.com)
International Soccer in Texas:
The MoneyGram SocioMX Tour will come to both Houston and Dallas this summer. LigaMX sides Cruz Azul and CF Monterrey will play in Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday, July 2 at 7 p.m. CF Monterrey will then play Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul will play Toluca in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, July 8 at 6 p.m. (Match organizer press releases)
Texas NPSL, PDL Recap-Week 3
After Week 3 action all Texas teams have opened their seasons in both leagues except for PDL side Brazos Valley Cavalry…who play there first ever match this Thursday in Clinton, Mississippi.
Week 3 Game Results:
Thursday, May 18, 2017:
Midland-Odessa FC (MOFC)-2 Houston Regals FCA-0
Midland-Odessa won its opener 2-0 despite lacking a full roster and not holding a preseason camp or true team training session according to reports by Eric Blum on oaoa.com. MOFC’s first goal was scored by forward Ricardo Palomino in the 23rd minute and Darius Strambler scored the second in the 37th. Goalkeeper and team captain Braulio Linares-Ortiz had the shutout and four saves. Here is a link to the Odessa American game report: http://www.oaoa.com/oavarsity/boys/article_e32dad84-3c47-11e7-84f2-0701df95526e.html
Friday, May 19:
Dallas City FC-0 FC Wichita-2
Second half goals by Deri Corfe in the 65th and 70th minute led to Dallas City’s first loss of the season at the Greenhill School Stadium in Dallas. The closest Dallas FC came to scoring is when forward Luis Sosa had a ball cleared off the line after he had beaten the goalkeeper. This was the third consecutive victory for Wichita over Dallas City dating back to 2015. Here is a link to the FC Wichita game story: http://www.fcwichita.com/2017/05/fc-wichita-men-score-big-road-victory/
Saturday, May 20
Ft. Worth Vaqueros-3 Dutch Lions FC-0
After a midweek loss to San Antonio FC eliminated Houston Dutch Lions from the U.S. Open Cup, they traveled to Ft. Worth and lost 3-0 to the Vaqueros. Goals by Jesse Miralrio 20 seconds into the game, a penalty by Jamie Lovegrove in the 52nd and Marco Ortiz in the 78th allowed the Vaqueros to win their second match of the season. Here is a link to the game story on the Vaqueros site: http://www.fortworthvaqueros.com/news_article/show/795090?referrer_id=3277387
This was the Dutch Lions starting eleven:
Tyler FC-0 Houston Regals SCA-0
In a feisty match that included eight yellow cards and two players sent off, neither team was able to score. Tyler Kings Giovanni Sosa was red carded along with the Houston Regals SCA goalkeeper in the 85th minute due to an altercation. This was Tyler FC’s first ever match. Here is a link to the Tyler FC game story: http://www.tylerfootballclub.com/news/tfc-tie-the-houston-regals-at-their-first-home-game
Sunday, May 21
Midland-Odessa FC-3 Shreveport Rafters-0
Midland Odessa won its second game of the opening week. The first goal was scored in the first minute by Ricardo Palomino, his second of the young season. Forward Darius Strambler also scored his second in the 46th minute. The final goal was scored by midfielder Maliq Cooper off an assist by Strambler. Goalkeeper Braulio Linares-Ortiz had his second consecutive shutout with five saves. Here is a link to the game report from the Odessa American’s Eric Blum: http://www.oaoa.com/sports/local/article_d3593332-3e9b-11e7-adaa-c3b68ee417bc.html
Week 4 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Wednesday, May 24:
Shreveport Rafters vs. Ft. Worth Vaqueros
Friday, May 26:
Little Rock Rangers vs. Dallas City FC
Saturday, May 27
Midland-Odessa FC vs. Ft. Worth Vaqueros
Tyler FC vs. Dutch Lions FC
Sunday, May 28
Demize NPSL vs. Dallas City FC
Week 3 Game Results:
Wednesday, May 17
Texas United-4 FC Cleburne-2
Four different Texas United players scored, two in each half, to beat FC Cleburne 4-2 in Grand Prairie. Flavio Guzman and Miguel Velasquez scored in the first and Nenad Markovic and Malik Shaheed netted in the second to seal the victory in the first ever game for both sides. Gerber Chavez and Kwabena Sapon-Omoah scored for FC Cleburne in the second half to keep the game close.
Saturday, May 20
OKC Energy U23-3 Houston FC-2
Completing a three goal comeback after falling behind 2-0, a stoppage time goal by substitute Eric Leonard led OKC Energy’s U23 side to a 3-2 victory over Houston FC in Oklahoma City. Houston built the 2-0 lead off first half goals by Frederico Mattioli in the 26th minute and Thomas Menke in the 32nd. This was Houston FC’s first ever PDL match.
FC Cleburne vs. Texas United
FC Cleburne returned the favor in the second game of the back-to-back with Texas United by winning 2-1 in Cleburne. A 56th minute goal by Gerber Chavez, his second of the season, was the ultimate game winner. Goals by Kwabena Sapon-Omoah (his second too) for FC Cleburne and Patricio Botello led to a 1-1 score at the halftime break. FC Cleburne controlled the action out-shooting Texas United 18-10 on the day.
Week 4 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Monday, May 22
Houston FC vs. FC Cleburne
Tuesday, May 23
OKC Energy U23 vs. Texas United
Thursday, May 25
Mississippi Brilla vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry
Friday, May 26
Houston FC vs. Texas United
Saturday, May 27
FC Cleburne vs. OKC Energy U23
Mississippi Brilla vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry
NPSL, PDL logos provided by ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
Texas NPSL, PDL Recap-Week 2
After only one high-level amateur game was played in Texas in both the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) and USL Premier Development League (PDL) last weekend, Week 2 kicked-off with additional Texas teams opening their seasons in both leagues.
Week 2 Game Results:
Saturday, May 13, 2017:
Ft. Worth Vaqueros-1 Tyler FC-0
Nick Rochowski scored an 88th minute goal off of a Jamie Lovegrove free-kick to lead the Vaqueros to a 1-0 victory over Tyler FC, who were playing their inaugural NPSL match.
Houston Regals FCA-3 Shreveport Rafters-2
Coming back from a two goal deficit, the Houston Regals SCA opened their season at KIPP High School in Houston with a 3-2 victory over Shreveport Rafters. After a scoreless first half, Jackson Darnell netted in the 49th and 55th minute to take the lead for the Rafters. The Regals then pulled a goal back when Brayan Gomez scored in the 64th minute. Shortly thereafter Ricardo Caliman tied up the match. Substitute Jorge Encinas Sicre scored the game winner in the 82nd minute to complete the comeback.
Week 3 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Thursday, May 18:
Midland-Odessa FC vs. Houston Regals FCA
Friday, May 19:
Dallas City FC vs. FC Wichita
Saturday, May 20
Ft. Worth Vaqueros vs. Dutch Lions FC
Tyler FC vs. Houston Regals SCA
Sunday, May 21
Midland-Odessa FC vs. Shreveport Rafters
Game Results:
Saturday, May 13
OKC Energy U23-3 FC Cleburne-0
After a scoreless first half, OKC Energy’s U23 squad scored three second half goals in a 14 minute span, including a brace by Noah Keats, to spoil FC Cleburne’s inaugural PDL match at the University of Central Oklahoma. Cleburne was outshot 20-9 and goalkeeper Taylor Lampe was forced to make 8 saves on the afternoon. Below was the opening night starting lineup for Cleburne.
Week 3 Game Schedule: (Home Team Listed First)
Wednesday, May 17
Texas United vs. FC Cleburne
Saturday, May 20
OKC Energy U23 vs. Houston FC
Texas United vs. FC Cleburne
NPSL, PDL logos provided by ChrisCreamer’sSportsLogos.Net
