USL - UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES - USA

  


Sounders FC 2 Signs Forward Myron Samuel

SEATTLE - Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced the signing of St. Vincent forward Myron Samuel. Samuel, 22, joins countrymen and teammate Oalex Anderson as the second St. Vincent striker on Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s USL side. Per club policy, additional terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Samuel has made 46 appearances for the St. Vincent National Team, scoring 17 goals including one goal in a 4-4 draw against Guyana in FIFA World Cup Qualifying. He has spent the last seven years playing across the Caribbean, beginning his career with System 3 FC in St. Vincent and most recently playing for Rendezvous FC in Barbados. He scored the opening goal of a 3-1 victory while playing for Avenues United FC to help the club advance out of its group in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship in 2010. In 2011, Samuel appeared in one reserve match for Seattle Sounders FC under direction of then Head Coach Hendrickson.

“Myron is a player I have been watching for some time and he has been very good for his National Team,” said S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson, a former St. Vincent National Team Captain. “We think he will be a strong addition to this club and we see a bright future for him in the Sounders organization.”

With six matches left in the 2015 USL Regular Season, Sounders FC 2 (11-8-3, 36 points) currently sits in third place of the Western Conference. The top two clubs in each conference earn a bye through the first round of playoffs as well as the right to host the following round. The Rave Green next face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (12-7-3, 39 points) tomorrow afternoon at Starfire Stadium (1:00 p.m. PT /

Sacramento Announces Personnel Title Changes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento Republic FC has announced that Head Coach Paul Buckle will add the title and duties of club technical director. Graham Smith, the club’s current technical director will assume the new title of director of football. Assistant Coach Chris Malenab will take up a new role with the first team and academy as a video analyst. In addition to his role as video analyst, Malenab will lead the curriculum for Republic FC camps and clinics. The position changes will take place immediately.

“At this critical point of Republic FC’s maturation it is imperative that we give the title of head coach and technical director to Paul because of his vast experience not only as a head coach, but because of his extensive experience as a coaching educator,” said Republic FC President and Co-Founder Warren Smith. “This multifaceted responsibility will enable the Republic FC Academy staff to benefit in every way from his knowledge and coaching philosophy. His ability to form the bridge between the first team and youth is undoubted.”

Buckle was hired by the club following the departure of Preki, the club’s first head coach. He has since led Republic FC to a victory over Premier League side Sunderland AFC and won his first USL match 2-0 over Seattle Sounders FC 2. Buckle began his coaching career at the renowned Exeter City FC Academy before being appointed by Alex Inglethorpe (currently Liverpool FC academy director) as assistant manager for City’s first team. The second division English club’s academy is known for several high-profile signings, including, most recently, Matt Grimes to Swansea City for £1.75 million. In addition to his extensive managerial career in England, Buckle also led the Metropolitan Oval Academy in New York as technical director. Buckle’s extensive experience at all levels of the sport will apply in his new title as he will now oversee all first team roster changes, academy development and call-ups.

Smith was named the club’s first technical director in May 2013. The club’s on-field success is due in large part to Smith’s hiring of Republic FC coaching staff and signing of veteran MLS players Rodrigo Lopez and Justin Braun. Smith will continue many of his current responsibilities as director of football, including overseeing football personnel.

Malenab joined Republic FC as an assistant coach prior to the club’s first season. Malenab will transition to the video analyst position in which he will break down film of Republic FC matches and practices as well as prepare film studies of opponents. In addition to his video analyst role, Malenab will work to enhance Republic FC Camps and Clinics, presented by Raley’s, through the development of curriculum, implementation of club philosophies and creation of environments that allow local youth to have first team experiences.


City Islanders Head To Toronto In Search Of Points

HARRISBURG, Pa. - It might seem too early to begin talking about must-win matches, but when the Harrisburg City Islanders travel to Canada this week to take on Toronto FC II, the side's feeling is it needs to come home with points. Kickoff on Wednesday night is set for 8 p.m. ET at the Ontario Soccer Centre.

Harrisburg currently sits just one spot outside of the USL Eastern Conference playoff positions, four points back of their cross-state rival the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The two will face off on City Island in the last game of the season, which could decide the fate of the final spot.

Toronto came into Skyline Sports Complex towards the beginning of the season during the Islanders' four-game winless streak. The downturn in form for the City Islanders included a 0-0 draw with Toronto.

When the teams meet for the second time, the City Islanders will want put a tough loss to Louisville City FC in their last home match behind them. Harrisburg suffered a 5-1 loss to Louisville, as it missed the influence of key midfielder Yann Ekra and forward Cardel Benbow.

Benbow, along with Jamaican striker Craig Foster, has given the Islanders a lot of speed and skill up front to pressure teams and opposing goalies. Foster has been a rocket since joining the team, recording four points after only four matches with the team.

Although Toronto is sitting second-from bottom in the Eastern Conference, the first-year side has pulled off some big wins at home. TFC II's last two wins have come against Charleston and Richmond, both of which sit in the top four in the conference. Between those games, however, they have lost three consecutive contests.

It has been a down year on offense for Toronto. The side has only scored 16 goals this season, which is less than a goal a game. TFC II's leading scorer Molham Babouli has 11 points this season, with four goals.

The City Islanders continue on the road this weekend when they face the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday at Sahlen's Stadium. The club's next home game is set for Saturday, August 29 when they host FC Montreal at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, Pa. at 7 p.m. ET. That contest is followed by a friendly against the club's MLS partner the Philadelphia Union on Monday, August 31 at 7 p.m.