Yesterday, the Portland Timbers let the U.S. Open Cup Commissioner know they have halted their protest from the LAFC game. The protest was over the number of foreign players deployed by the home team Wed. eve during their quaterfinal matchup.
HC Jita has named the 21 who will wear the colors for the USA Aug. 5-24 in the Brittany region of nortwestern France. There is one local player, Forward Erin Gilroy out of Bellmore playing for Tennessee with 4 games and 2 goals for the team thus far. This decision was reached at the culmination of training camp in Portland and 2 games with Brazil. There are 16 collegiate players and 5 youth club members all entering college this fall. Those 5 were each in the inagural season of the USSDA for the girls.
The week 20 selection was made based upon the stretgth of his getting a goal and assist as the home team overcame the Impact 2-0 in the Bronx and also at home v the Crew where he had a goal. Both goals went to keep the team undefeated at home with a stellar record of 10-0-1.
Seems the trial in June has paid off for both sides as Andreas has returned and now awaits his P-1 Visa. the 23 year old has youth international experience and nearly 100 pro games under his belt, 96. NY Sporting Director, Dennis Hamlett stated, "We are pleased to welcome Andreas. A young, dynamic player with qualities we like." A Germany based pro since the 2013-14 season with his promotion from the U-19's to the first team at Stuggart, he has since been with 4 other teams getting a total of 16 goals and 14 assists.
This tourney kicks off facing Japan, July 26 at the home of Sporting KC. Today camp opens there as HC Jill Ellis is set to name the final 23 player roster for the four nation games. Australia is next up for the home nation on July 29 in East Hatford, hoping to see the soccerroos there with Sam Kerr etal. Toyota Park, home of the FIre will see the marquee matchup with Brazil. the opponent for the US on Aug 2.
The last four standing will be MLS squads for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as it heads to the finals but...Portland or LAFC are not set as the Timbers await their appeal to be heard. The rest of the field is Philly facing the Fire while Houston awaits its' opponent. The issue of foreign players is a big deal with it being the "US" Open Cup and it is clearly stated in the rules. We await an answer from the decision makers within the Cup organization as previoulsy written.
The evening will begin at 6 as the Italian side trains follwed by the La Liga legends at 8. Tickets are to be purchased at newyorkredbulls.com
Portland is protesting the number of foreign players fielded by LAFC as they dropped the game in LA. The US Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel will review this issue and give their decision shortly.
In related news, a player for LAFC made claims well after the game and after the dispute filed by the TImbers of racial abuse. He stated that players from the opponent made such comments, in as much as he did not name them, he will similarly not be named here. This must be dealt with quickly and swiftly as there is no cause for such things and it is not to be tolerated.
Contributed by Steven Torres
Forward Zaire Bartley scored both goals to give New York Cosmos B a 2:0 victory over visiting FC Frederick of Md. in the NPSL’s (National Premier Soccer League) Northeast Region Semifinal on Wednesday evening at Hofstra University Soccer Stadium in Hempstead, Long Island.
Cosmos B, which captured North Atlantic Conference title over the weekend, got on the board just before halftime against Mid Atlantic Conference winner FC Frederick with a tally from Bartley off an assist from Honduran forward Darwin Espinal.
Contributed by Steven Torres
Soccer Long Island Magazine continues its weekly feature as it looks back at some historical events/games, both on and off the field, from the region of North, Central America and Caribbean.
In this week’s edition you have several “1st”: Bert Patenaude registered 1st World Cup Hat-Trick for U.S. in 1930; Cuba became 1st Caribbean team to win a match at men’s tournament at ‘80 Olympic Games; Barbados 1st WC qualifying victory against non-Caribbean opponent in 2000.
