FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ryan Knapp
Tel: 1-800-504-5517 x 006
Mobile: (716) 998-1711
email: rknapp@nationalpremiersoccerleague.com

EXPERIENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER AT ITS FINEST

The 2009 National Premier Soccer League Final Four Championship Weekend ‘Breezes’ Into Madison, Wisconsin, Friday July 31 – Saturday August 1
BUFFALO, N.Y. (July 27) — The National Premier Soccer League  is proud to announce the four clubs who will vie for the league championship at the NPSL Final Four, Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1 in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Quite simply fans will see the four best teams that the NPSL has to offer.” said NPSL Commissioner Dan Trainor. “They will see great players, an extremely high level of play, and fans will have a chance to experience the finals in an up close and personal way.”

The Sonoma County Sol (9-0-3) represent the West Region after an impressive campaign that took them into the Second Round of the prestigious Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  The Sol have advanced to the Final Four a total of four times (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009) and make this their third consecutive trip to the league marquee event.

Expansion club Erie Admirals SC (9-0-1) represent the Northeast Region in 2009.  Coming out of the tough Keystone Conference, the Admirals were a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.  Erie defeated a very skilled Boston Aztec side 2-0 at home to advance to the NPSL Final Four in their first year of league play.

Out of Huntsville, Alabama, Rocket City United (5-2-1) represent the Southeast Region.  RCU won 5 out of their last 7 matches to advance to Madison as the Southeast Region Regular Season Champions.  Founded in 2008, Rocket City United have a great mix of veteran and youth players and will be a difficult draw this weekend.

St. Paul Twin Stars (5-2-1) represent the Midwest Region and advance to their second consecutive NPSL Final Four.  The club qualified for the Final Four on the last weekend of the regular season.

The Final Four begins at 6:00pm, Friday July 31 when Erie Admirals SC take on Rocket City United to be followed at 8:00pm by Sonoma County Sol playing St. Paul Twin Stars.  The winners play in the 2009 NPSL Championship on Saturday August 1 at 7:00pm.  All matches are at Breese Stevens Field, located at 917 East Miffin Ave, Madison WI 53701.

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) was founded in 2003 and is the highest ranking amateur soccer league in the United States.  The goal of the NPSL is to provide it’s clubs the opportunity to showcase and assist their players to progress onto the professional level, in turn giving fans affordable, high quality entertainment throughout the United States. The NPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body for soccer in the United States and FIFA, the world’s ruling body for soccer.

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For more information on the Final Four, you may visit our Social Media News Release at http://npslinsider.wordpress.com/npsl-final-four-championship-2009/.  Also, you may contact Ryan Knapp, Director of Public Relations, at rknapp@nationalpremiersoccerleague.com or 1-800-504-5517 x 006

Not able to make the trip to Madison, Wisconsin like the rest of us?  Still want to follow your team in the Final Four?  Well look no further.  The league will be offering the following options to chime in and follow all of the action this weekend.

1) The audio for the matches will be broadcast live on the internet via Teamline, a broadcasting service we are utilizing. To listen, click on the following link: http://www.teamline.cc/teampage?teamcode=6775.  There you click on Click here to listen. And you are all set.  This is our first time utilizing teamline, so we will attempt to make it as painless as possible.  We have unlimited streams available to listen, so encourage your fans to chime in.

2)  I will be providing updates on the NPSLinsider blog via my blackberry.  The website is http://npslinsider.wordpress.com.  It will be an ‘open blog’ with my commentary throughout the matches, and will be updated accordingly.  Also, there may be an open live blog on the NPSLInsider site, depending on internet signal at the stadium. I will explore this on Thursday upon my arrival and inform if there are changes.

3) I will also be providing updates via twitter, @npslinsider.  http://www.twitter.com/npslinsider.  This will be real time updates about the match for those who cannot attend or listen on the gamecast.

Any updates will be made here on the blog first.  Match reports will be posted on the official website, http://www.npsl.info and on the blog as well.

If anyone has questions during the weekend, feel free to reach me at 716-998-1711 or via email at rknapp@nationalpremiersoccerleague.com.

See everyone in Madison!!

For three National Premier League Soccer clubs, their dream to hoist the 2009 NPSL Championship trophy remains a reality, as the West, Southeast and Northeast Region crowned their 2009 Regular Season/Playoff Champions and will represent their region at the NPSL Final Four Championship Weekend in Madison, Wis. on July 31-August 1.

The Midwest Regionwill crown their Regular Season winner (and Final Four rep) the weekend of July 25-26.

And the 2009 NPSL Final Four Clubs Are… (minus the Midwest!)..drum roll please.

West Region

The West Region played out as the numbers predicted, as the Sonoma County Sol defeated NorCal LaMorinda United 2-1 at Santa Rosa High School.  The match was not an easy victory for the Sol, as they faced argubly their toughest challenge in the NPSL this season.  (Read Game Recap)

The Sonoma County Sol have advanced to the final four for the third straight year, but so far have no hardware to show from their appearances.  The Sol look to change their fortune this time around.

Southeast Region

Rocket City United left no doubts as to who should represent the Southeast Region, costing to a 3-0 victory over Saturn FC.  RCU entertained plenty during their match with a fantastic display of soccer.

Rocket City United welcomed 150 soldiers from Bravo and Charlie Companies of the 832^nd Ordinance Battalion from the United States Army with free admission and dinner on Military Night at John Hunt Park. Other luminaries in attendance included Brigadier General Genaro Dellarocca and recently-elected Alabama State Senator Paul Sandford.

This is RCU’s first Final Four appearance since the club was founded in 2008.

Northeast Region

First year Erie Admirals SC  joined Sonoma County Sol as the only undefeated teams in the Nation, capping off a dream inaugural season with a 2-0 victory against Atlantic Conference Champions Boston Aztec.  The match was scoreless until the 83rd minute when second half substitute Dan Howell beat Boston’s last defender and slotted home the game winning goal.  (Read recap here)

The Erie Admirals continued their march toward the NPSL Final Four, as they were victorious against the Pocono Snow 2-1 at East Stroudsburg University’s Eiler-Martin Stadium

An 88th minute goal by Luke Holmes of Notre Dame College (Ohio), gave the first-place away Erie Admirals a win over the Pocono Snow Soccer Club.

Holmes’ goal came against the run of play, after the host Snow had swung the momentum in theirfavor following a 75th minute goal by Stroudsburg High School graduate, and current Colgate University player,Alex Weekes. Weekes’ goal nullified a 54th minute Erie Admirals goal by forward Billy Colton.

The Snow were outshot by Erie by a 16-9 margin. Pocono Snow goalkeeper Larry Pokrywa, who also plays for East Stroudsburg University, made four saves in defeat, while Erie goalkeeper Danny Mudd made 1.

Pocono Snow have had a rough inaugural season, now on a 0-8-1 record.  The club is feeling the first year blues, but match reports are promising, noting that Pocono is a much improved club since the beginning of the season, which is welcoming news as a top class NPSL organization.

Keystone Conference Playoff Scenario

With the Erie win, the Keystone Conference Playoff Scenario is as follows:

Erie Admirals advance if…

1) Erie wins one out of their remaining two matches this weekend (FC Reading Revolution and Charm City FC)

2)  Erie loses both matches, and Buffalo City FC does not win both matches this weekend.

Buffalo City FC advance if…

1) Erie Admirals lose both remaining matches, and BCFC wins both remaining matches this weekend.

Based on the first eight weeks of the season, it is looking as if Erie Admirals will pass onto the Northeast Region playoffs the weekend of July 17th.

FC Reading Revolution and Charm City FC cannot be overlooked however, as the Revs are argubly the most improved team in the NPSL since the beginning of the season, while Charm City FC are 2009 Region I US Open Cup finalists, not an laughing matter.

It was only a few weeks ago that Buffalo City FC (5-2-0) looked to have a hold on the Northeast Region/Keystone Conference championship.  Undefeated in 5 matches, Buffalo were on top of the table, having allowed only 1 goal in the first 5 matches.  Buffalo City FC played strong against all comers, but lost their keeper, Bobby Shuttleworth, to the New England Revolution last week.

Fast forward two weeks, and the Keystone Conference race has intensified as Buffalo City FC find themselves in second place, after consecutive losses to Erie Admirals SC (5-0-1).

Erie put the hurt on Buffalo City FC, with a 1-0 victory in Buffalo on June  13th.  To prove the first victory was no fluke, Erie then came back with a 2-0 victory last Saturday to put themselves on top of the table with 16 points, and remain undefeated on the season.

Interesting fact, Afrim Latifi (Erie, PA/Gannon University) Erie’s second goal scorer on the night, tried out for Buffalo City FC this year before making the decision to play locally, and scored against his old side.

There is no room for second place in the Keystone, with the regular season champion advancing to a one game playoff against the Atlantic Conference winner. The victor moves on to represent the Northeast Region at the 2009 NPSL Final Four (July 31-August 1st, Madison, WI). But, there are plenty of games to decide the conference winner. 

An outside shot for the playoffs are 2008 NPSL Champions Pennsylvania Stoners (3-2-1).  The Stoners are currently sitting on 10 points and need plenty of help from the rest of the Keystone Conference to get through to the playoffs.  The Stoners have their work cut out for them as they travel to face Erie and Buffalo in back to back games this weekend, along with fourth place Charm City FC.

Max Ferdinand shines for FC Reading Revolution

FC Reading Revolution (2-5-1) have two wins on the season, and have produced plenty of buzz for midfielder Max Ferdinand (Reading HS) a dazzling player who has the capability to play at the next level.  The Revolution may also have the youngest player in the NPSL, in 10th grader Josh Pacella (Wilson HS), who played all 90 minutes against Erie Admirals at home, holding them to a 2-2 draw, Erie’s only blemish on an otherwise perfect season.  At 16 years old, this kid has some major guts, and if his play this season is any indication, he has a successful career ahead of him. 

Charm City FC (2-2-1) started the season with promise, winning their first two matches.  Since then, they have dropped 4 out of their last 5 and have had some not so helpful road trip events which have cost them on the pitch.

The Region I US Open Cup finalists are still a very talented squad, and can easily play spoiler for either Buffalo or Erie as they play a double bill this weekend, starting in Buffalo, and ending in Erie on Sunday.

Pocono Snow (0-5-1) are still looking for their first win in 2009.  The Snow drew against in-state rivals Penn Stoners, and lost a crazy 4-3 goalfest against FC Reading Revolution after clawing back from a 3 goal defecit in the first half.

As the season moves into the final stretch, the Admirals have a game in hand against Buffalo, and are also ahead of BCFC by one point in the standings.  A tie in points between the two clubs come season’s end sees Erie go through, as Erie lead BCFC on head-to-head matchups this season.

With the season winding down, who is your pick to represent the Keystone Conference in the Region playoff?

13 ‘Lucky’ Games this weekend in the NPSL this weekend with all four regions in action, including the first Midwest Region matchups of the 2009 NPSL season

(Home teams are listed on the right. Please check individual club websites to verify game times and locations)

NPSL GAME OF THE WEEK

Pennsylvania Stoners (1-0-0) v Pocono Snow (0-2-0)
Sunday May 31, 7:00pm, Eiler-Martin Stadium

Coming off a 4-1 victory against FC Reading Revolution, the Penn Stoners will settle for nothing short of a 2009 NPSL Championship. The Pocono Snow had a rough opening weekend, dropping both of their games against Erie and Buffalo City FC. No doubt that the Snow will rebound this weekend. Many of the Snow’s players, including last year’s league MVP Tommy Ehrlich once played for the Stoners, making this game a certain classic.

Friday May 29th
NORTHEAST REGION
Keystone Conference

Charm City FC (1-0-0) v Pocono Snow (0-2-0)
7:00pm, Eiler Martin Stadium

Before hosting the defending NPSL National Champions, the Snow have a equally tough match against Charm City FC. Charm City, fresh off a 4-0 win against FC Reading Revolution, aim to continue their goal-scoring feats this weekend, led by Lou Brunetti, who netted a brace against the Revs. Pocono’s lone bright spot last weekend was Mike Kane’s 58th minute strike which was the first goal in Pocono Snow history. However, the Snow must improve defensively if they wish to reverse the -6 goal differential they picked up last weekend.

SATURDAY MAY 30TH

NORTHEAST REGION
Keystone Conference
FC Reading Revolution (0-3-0) v Buffalo City FC (2-0-0)

The men from Reading, PA travel up north to take on an extremely tough Buffalo City FC club. These two teams faced off in Matchweek 2, with Buffalo City FC taking a 3-0 victory in the inaugural home match for the Revs. After a 5-1 defeat against the Pocono Snow, City coach Mike Share was not complacent, and vowed to work on the team’s tempo during training. FC Reading Revolution have struggled in the back thus far, and hold the leagues worst goal differential at -10. Last game against the Stoners, the Revs were level at 1 into the 60th minute, when they gave up three unanswered goals and lost 4-1. Max Ferdinand is a bright spot up front for the Revolution, and can make a difference in this match.Atlantic Conference

Boston Aztec (1-0-0) at Long Island Academy FC (0-0-0)
7:00pm at Adelphi University’s Competition Field.

Boston’s 4-1 win against Maine Sting seems a entire season ago and now must get ready to face Long Island AFC, who impressed with an 8-1-2 record in 2008. Captain Danny Leon leads the charge for Long Island this weekend. Boston Aztec are led by Ali Kaba, who scored a brace in his first game against Maine Sting two weeks ago.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Chattanooga FC (0-1-0) v Rocket City United (1-1-0)
7:00pm at John Hunt Soccer Stadium

Chattanooga FC certainly pounded the pavement long before their first home match, displaying a sizable fan base of 1,500 plus for a 3-1 home defeat to US Open Cup Qualifier Atlanta FC. Chattanooga travel to Rocket City United who are coming off of a long weekend of Region III qualifying which saw them narrowly miss out on a spot in the Open Cup at the last minute. Undeterred, Rocket City brings it’s A game this weekend with a solid cast of players eying their second win, and a chance to make the NPSL Final Four this season. Chattanooga will not roll over easily, and want to continue the trend of first year NPSL clubs winning the championship (Penn Stoners in 2008).

Saturn FC (2-1-0) v Pumas FC (1-1-0)
7:00pm at UAB Soccer Field

Matchweek 2 was the scene for the only loss by Saturn FC this season,at the hands of Pumas FC. Paolo ‘Pollo’ Vasquez was a one man show, netting a hat-trick and single handedly dismantling Saturn FC at home. Saturn FC had a disappointing weekend at the US National Amateur Cup as they failed to qualify for the national tournament, even with a 9-1 victory in one of the matches. A win for Pumas will dethrone Saturn FC at the top of the table and create a very interesting Southeast Region for this season.

MIDWEST REGION

Madison 56ers (0-0-0) v St. Paul Twin Stars (0-0-0)
7:30pm at Macalester University

With word that Twin Stars’ head coach Yousef Darbaki may be tapped as the next coach for the Liberian National Team, Darbaki and the Twin Stars must remain focused as they open their campaign against the 2009 NPSL Final Four hosts, Madison 56ers. The opening match of the Midwest will be a barometer to the level of play in the region this season.

WESTERN REGION

Sonoma County Sol (2-0-1) v Southern Oregon Fuego (1-3-0)
7:00pm at US Celluar Community Park

It has been a busy week for the Sonoma County Sol, having been drawn against the Orange County Blue Star of the PDL in the US Open Cup First Round, and also having Ross Middlemiss signed to a professional contract in Germany. The club must put all of that aside if they still dream of making it into the Final Four this season. A revitalized Southern Oregon Fuego look to make it two wins in a row after a 1-0 win against Real San Jose last weekend. The Oregon newcomers to the NPSL could catapault into 4th place with a win in Matchweek 5.

SUNDAY MAY 31ST

NORTHEAST REGION
Keystone Conference

FC Reading Revolution (0-3-0) v Erie Admirals SC (1-0-0)
3:00pm at Family First Sports Park

FC Reading Revolution have another large test in front of them as they head down I-90 after their clash with Buffalo City FC to take on Erie Admirals SC. The Admirals won their first match, 2-0 against Pocono Snow, with a brace from Jeremy Deighton and aim to finish sunday with 6 points. The Revolution must improve their defense and need to attack against a untested Erie Admirals backline.
Atlantic Conference

Boston Aztec (1-0-0) v Morris County Colonials (0-0-0)
6:30pm at Dr Keith A. Neigel Stadium at Millburn High School

Morris County Colonials kickoff this weekend, poised to improve on their record from last season, and have a 1-1 draw against Pocono Snow under their belts thus far this season. The Colonials are led by several key returning players, Matt Gnal (GK) and Marco Gaspar (Defense) with Billy Collins and Jonathan Yazo as well. The Colonials hope to have a full house at Dr. Keith A Neigel stadium for their home opener this weekend. Boston will be coming off a game Saturday night against Long Island AFC and need to recoup quick after Saturday’s match.

MIDWEST REGION

Madison 56ers (0-0-0) v Eau Claire Aris FC (0-0-0)
1:00pm at Dorais Field

When Greg Saliaras, founder of Eau Claire Aris FC, wanted to name his newly founded NPSL team, he went for Aris FC representing his Greek heritage, and naming the club after the ancient Greek god of war. The Aris roster includes several recent standouts from Eau Claire North and Eau Claire Memorial and, much like every other NPSL club, wish to give their players a chance to go progress onto professional soccer. Madison 56ers will be coming off the aformentioned match against St. Paul Twin Stars the night before.

Salinas Valley Samba (1-1-2) v NorCal LaMorinda United (2-2-0)
3:20pm at

NorCal LaMorinda United are flying high after a second win over top of the table Bay Area Ambassadors during Memorial Day Weekend thanks to a fourth minute strike from Ricky Dorrego. A win against Salinas Valley Samba and some help from other teams in the region could potentially place United at the top of the table come Sunday night. The Samba drew last with US Open Cup Qualifiers Sonoma County Sol, and also drew with Real San Jose prior. A win could see Samba sitting in second place after this weekend.Bay Area Ambassadors (3-2-0) v Sonoma County Sol (2-0-1)
3:00pm at Ernie Nevers Stadium

Bay Area Ambassadors, coming off their second loss to NorCal LaMorinda United, are top of the table, and need a win to stay that way against Sonoma County Sol. As mentioned, the Sol have had a very busy week, and with a Saturday night tie with Southern Oregon Fuego, fitness may play a factor in this very important Western Region match. The Ambassadors offense needs to turn it up against the Sol who have only conceded 2 goals this season, the fewest in the Western Region this season

After Erie Admirals SC opened up their NPSL season beating Pocono Snow 2-0 on Saturday, they have been receiving plenty of love from the press down in Pennsylvania. 

It is great to see a new NPSL team get the media behind them.  All it takes sometimes is for one reporter to be loyal, and you can gain a great following that way.

With the Admirals already having their own large youth club, plus excellent facilities at Family First Sports Park, they have the ability to make an extremely sustainable NPSL club in their area. 

Check out the articles here

Recap of the 2-0 debut win against the Pocono Snow

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009305239867

Article on the Erie players looking to get a break into professional soccer, thanks to the Admirals and the NPSL

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009305239905

This one is the most interesting, talking about what ‘new challenges’ the league offers, especially for the younger players who are just off to college.

“It’s a huge difference,” said Mack, 17, a Cathedral Prep junior goalkeeper. “It’s so much quicker. The guys are so good. (There is) little room for mistakes. … It’s going to be hard to make the transition.”

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009305219877

Brought to us by none other than  www.bigsoccer.com, here are your Week 2 Northeast Region Power Rankings.

Northeast Power Rankings after week 2 of the Northeast Region Season

1) Buffalo City FC, (last week #1, 1st in Keystone) they stay top of the standings with a 5-1 destruction of the Pocono Snow. The snow featured several members of the Penn Stoner’s last year and BCFC features many of the former Queen City FC players that the Stoner’s took the Northeast title from, so I guess this was a little payback.

2) Charm City FC (last week #3, 2nd in Keystone) took on newcomer FC Reading Revolution and came out on top, unfortunately the next day they had to play in the US Open Cup Qualification match and lost to rival Aegean Hawks 1-nil. Rough weekend for the boys in Baltimore, but for league form the move up in the power rankings

3) Erie Admirals (last week #6, 3rd in Keystone) moved up 3 spots by winning their first match against expansion and Pennsylvania rivals Pocono Snow. Also they move up due to all of the media coverage they get (kidding, but they do get a lot).

4) Boston Aztec (last week #2, 1st in Atlantic) slid down to the #4 spot this week due to inactivity. This week have a double bill vs. rival Long Island Academy FC and New York Athletic Club.

5) Morris County Colonials (last week #4, tied for 2nd in Atlantic) the Atlantic Conference did not play any games over the holiday weekend, so they slid out of the top 4 (sorry Andy, play some games already!).

6) Penn Stoners (last week #6, 4th place Keystone), stay the same with no matches played. They have 2 matches this week, one midweek vs. FC Reading Revs, and this weekend against the Pocono Snow in the derby of all derbies.

7) Long Island Academy FC (last week #8, tied for 2nd in Atlantic) how did they move up when boston and Morris County moved down? Well Because other teams lost so they shouldn’t be ranked ahead of them.
New York Athletic Club (last week #9, tied for 2nd in Atlantic) see above for my reasoning.

9) Pocono Snow (last week #5, 5th place Keystone), travelled across I-86 this week to play Erie then up I-90 to play Buffalo. The road was not nice to them this weekend, getting outscored 7-1 for their efforts. Look to rebound in a derby match vs. the Penn Stoners. Should be fireworks on this one. If you live in Eastern, PA, I’d say go and watch this!!!

10) FC Reading Revolution (last week #11) moved up a spot as they don’t have the worst goals against ration (-3.5). Difficult for the new boys to come in and play 2 established clubs off the mark. Especially one that was doing well in the US Open Cup Qualies and a team that I picked to win the Northeast Region.

11) Maine Sting (last week #10, 5th place Atlantic), they have only played one game but have a worse goals against average (-4) than the #9 & #10 teams in the rankings.

(Released from www.gosnowsoccer.com)

May 21, 2009

POCONO SNOW OPENS UP REGULAR SEASON THIS WEEKEND

Club to trek to Erie and Buffalo for away matches

The Pocono Snow Soccer Club will be making history this weekend – playing their first two matches in team history. This Saturday, May 23rd, the team will face off against the Erie Admirals in a 6:30 pm match. On Sunday the 24th, the club will venture to Buffalo, NY for a 3pm kickoff vs. Buffalo City FC.

In Saturday’s match, both the Snow and the Erie Admirals will be playing in their first ever NationalPremier Soccer League game. The contest will be played at the Family First Sports Park in Erie. The Admirals roster is full of western Pennsylvania university players local to that area – many whom play for collegiate powerhouses Mercyhurst, Gannon, and East Stroudsburg University’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference foe, Slippery Rock University.

On Sunday, the Snow will go to Buffalo to take on Buffalo City FC, a recent 3-0 winner over FC Revolution (of Reading, PA), in Keystone Conference play. The match will be played at the Nichols School Stadium in Buffalo, and will be Buffalo City FC’s home opener. Buffalo’s roster includes Alex Marello, a midfielder from the University of Buffalo, who has represented Canada at the U-20 and U-17 levels.

The Snow will begin their home season next weekend, when the club will host Charm City FC on Friday, May 29th at 7pm. On Sunday, May 31st, the Pennsylvania Stoners will come to town for another 7pm kickoff.

Both matches will be played at Eiler-Martin Stadium, on the campus of East Stroudsburg University.

For more information on the Pocono Snow, check out their official website at: www.gosnowsoccer.com, or contact Pat Mullally, General Manager of the Pocono Snow, at: 570-476-6463 or gosnowsoccer@gmail.com, or Jim Shoopack, Press Officer, at jimshoopack@yahoo.com or 570-350-6210.

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