A new team, a new league, a load of new players. Not exactly the easiest situation, but Gordon Kljestan has made the most of his opportunity with FC Tampa Bay. Photo Credit: Matt May Kljestan currently is second on the team with 2 goals. He has appeared in 8 games (6 starts) and logged 490 minutes. He is one of the reasons for Tampa’s early success in the USSF Division II Pro League. FC Tampa Bay now sits at second place in the USL
Bush is now regarded as one of the top keepers in USSF D-II. The Cleveland City Stars lost a great deal of talent when they folded in the fall of 2009. Most fans remember the skillful play of Teteh Bangura, but many will also remember the great potential of local keeper Evan Bush. Bush served as a talented understudy to Hunter Gilstrap, but was called into action on several occassions. He would appear in 7 matches, posting 2 shutouts and a 1.285 GAA.
There was quite the sense of disappointment as we discovered that Mark Blades and Hunter Gilstrap were not making the final cut in Chicago and Toronto respectively. Blades, a St. Ignatius grad, is still being courted by several other MLS clubs despite the early setback. Gilstrap, a former keeper with the City Stars, is searching for options after his trial with Toronto FC ended without a contract. Both have the talent to play professionally, while Blades looks to be the best bet
The Bermuda Hogges and Western Mass Pioneers have announced that they will be playing in the PDL next season. Both played in the USL’s Second Division last season. Perhaps this is the first of many moves caused by the USL/NASL dispute. The good news is that the USL-2 home openers have been announced and there are some exciting matchups.
A source with the USSF says that a definitive answer may not be available until next week, but some are suggesting that it indeed could be after the holidays. The Professional League Task Force is currently gathering and evaluating information from both groups. Another source was able to tell us that one committee has yet to see any documentation or be advised on the situation. This suggests that the process may not be as far as expected. I thnk everyone can agree
First and foremost, the Austin Aztex are truly lucky to have someone the caliber of Adrian Heath leading their organization on the field. The Austin Aztex made news worldwide when they released the bulk of their squad, a total of 14 players. The most notable was Gifton Noel-Williams, who was the franchise’s first major signing. It was a grueling and difficult decision for Heath, but one that should make the club more competitive. Heath believes they can build around midfielder Yordany Alvarez,
We have received information from multiple sources that the Cleveland City Stars have ceased operations and will not return to play professional soccer. This comes as quite a shock as positive news was heard yesterday. There are lot of unanswered questions at this point, but it is safe to say that this is disappointing news for players, staff, and obviously supporters. An official announcement from the City Stars organization is expected early next week. We did not want to publish this information early, but thought
Multiple sources suggest that the sale of the City Stars will be official sometime next week. We were told that it is “now in the hands of the lawyers” and should be wrapped up soon. Officials with the United Soccer Leagues declined to make specific comments on the matter, but did say an important update on the City Stars would be made available next week. Past comments from the club suggest the franchise will remain in the USL in some capacity. The City Stars have
Another team left USL-1 today as the Rhinos chose to join the revived NASL rather than stay in a depleted USL-1. It will be interesting to see what the remaining USL-1 clubs will do.