All Professional Soccer in the United States Suspended

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the four American professional leagues have all announced they will be suspending their seasons for at least 30 days.

Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League and United Soccer League Championship and League One all made the announcements throughout the week which comes after the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization both encouraged social distancing.

Both NWSL and USL League One had yet to start their seasons so for Orlando Pride, Fort Lauderdale CF, and Orlando City B will just have their seasons delayed. Presumably those schedules will be retained and just started whenever the season is over. For Fort Lauderdale it is especially disappointing as the club was facing its first season but the club has understood that safety is the first priority.

Inter Miami CF (the parent club of Fort Lauderdale CF) had just started its first season but had yet to have its inaugural home game. That match was scheduled to be against LA Galaxy on the 14th and will now be rescheduled, no doubt with the festivities moved to whichever game becomes the inaugural.

Orlando City SC has also barely started the season, with one draw, a scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake to its name. The rescheduling of the MLS season is still up in the air and won’t be known until the pandemic starts to break and scheduling can be made to make up the fixtures.

Miami FC was continuing the debuts of clubs in southern Florida with the team making its move to the USL Championship this season. Unfortunately the first game hit by the postponement was the hotly anticipated Florida derby against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which would have served as Miami’s inaugural USL Championship home game. The Rowdies one their opener.

Rumors about rescheduling have already started. With the US Open Cup also postponed because of the pandemic. That has led to Jeff Reuter of the Athletic reporting that the USL Championship has requested to not play in the tournament this year, which could be a likely casualty of the schedule condensing.

Nothing is certain around the pandemic and that includes sporting events. Right now the leagues are slated to comeback in early April but with many reports that the WHO expects the virus to peak in June suspect that may be optimistic. With so much uncertainty safety must be the top priority and the leagues are no doubt making the right decision which buys them some time to make a more long term decision.

Orlando City Signs MLS SuperDraft Pick Joey DeZart

Joey DeZart in action for Wake Forest (Photo: Wake Forest)

ORLANDO – After selecting Joey DeZart in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft (31st overall) the club announced on Friday that the youngster had signed a first-team contract for 2020.

“We’ve been extremely pleased with Joey’s progression and skill set shown during the preseason and are very excited to be able to offer him a contract with the First Team. Joey has shown great composure on the ball, vision on the field and we expect him to provide some additional depth and competition in the midfield.”

Orlando City SC EVP of Soccer Oprations, Luiz Muzzi

The midfielder was the first pick of the second round and will add height to the Orlando midfield and despite having been called in to the Jamaica Under 20 national team he was born in New Jersey so won’t count as an international player.

Graphic: Orlando City SC

DeZart comes to Florida having spent his college career with Wake Forest playing 65 times for the Demon Deacons, starting 53 of them over four years. In his last two years in Winston-Salem he finally got on the score sheet, scoring one goal in each season, having played in a more defensive role for the side through his four years.

Getting DeZart is something of a coup for the Lions as he played for the Philadelphia Union academy but with no homegrown claim on him the midfielder comes south. With the signing the OCSC roster now stands at 27 a week away from the start of the MLS season.

Sebastian Dalgaard Completes Rowdies Roster

Sebastian Dalgaard (Photo: Hartford Athletic)

ST. PETERSBURG – The 2020 Tampa Bay Rowdies is now completed with the signing of midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard on Friday.

The announcement of Dalgaard’s signing confirms what has been easy to spot throughout pre-season as he has been on trial with the team and played in three pre-season matches, including last Saturday against Montreal Impact.

Last season the midfielder was at Hartford Athletic, playing 27 matches scoring five goals and laying off two assists.

READ MORE: Rowdies Complete Goalkeeper Stocks With Ian McGrane

Graphic: Tampa Bay Rowdies

By signing Dalgaard continues his stay in USL after one year with Saint Louis FC and two years with OKC Energy FC. Prior to coming to the United States the midfielder played in Denmark for BK Marienlys, Bronshoj BK and Middlefart G&BK.

“We noticed last year that we relied on Leo Fernandes and Malik Johnson heavily in the attacking third and Sebastian will help carry that load. He’s a player that will get the fans out of their seats and I’m excited to see him play for us. He can go past players one on one, plus also assist and score goals as well as play on either side of the field.”

Rowdies Head Coach and Technical Director Neill Collins

The signing brings the Rowdies squad to 22 and the suggestion is that this will complete the roster, at least for now. But the Rowdies specifically worded this as the last “senior signing” for the 2020 season suggesting that a youth player may be coming before the USL Championship season gets started.

Haley Kopmeyer Waived by Orlando Pride

Haley Kopmeyer in action for Orlando Pride (Photo: NWSL)

ORLANDO – With the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League season approaching teams are making roster moves and Orlando Pride made a major one on Tuesday, waiving goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer.

“On behalf of everyone at Orlando Pride, we would like to thank Haley for her contributions throughout her time in Orlando. Haley has given seven years of her life to growing women’s soccer and the NWSL. We respect her decision to explore new opportunities and we wish her the best of luck in her next chapter moving forward.”

Orlando Pride General Manager, Erik Ustruck

The most notable part of Kopmeyer’s stay at Orlando was her five straight NWSL save of the week awards last season. Apparently that wasn’t enough for the Pride to keep her, and she departs having managed 13 appearances in Orlando after joining from Seattle in2018.

Making 13 appearances as a back up goalkeeper is impressive as she took advantage of Ashlyn Harris being away on national duty for much of her two seasons in Florida.

It’s not clear what Kopmeyer’s plans are for 2020 but the statement from Ustruck suggests that it is a career away from soccer after a part of a changing league for the better part of a decade. That said, 2020 is an Olympic Games year so it wouldn’t be surprising if Kopmeyer showed up in the NWSL later this year.

Rowdies Complete Goalkeeper Stocks With Ian McGrane

Ian McGrane (Photo: University of South Carolina)

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rowdies Goalkeeping group is now complete as Ian McGrane has signed a one-year contract to become the Rowdies’ third goalkeeper for the 2020 season.

With Evan Louro and Macklin Robinson ahead of him McGrane will almost certainly be the third choice but with an early cup match against amateur opposition McGrane will have an early chance to impress.

“We’re delighted to add Ian to a goalkeeping group that we feel has a lot of quality in it. The competition between Evan, Macklin and Ian every day will make them all grow as players and benefit the Rowdies as well.”

Rowdies Head Coach, Neill Collins

McGrane graduated from the University of South Carolina last year and played NPSL soccer after graduating with FC Ann Arbor in 2019 before joining Stumptown Athletic in NISA following the NPSL season.

READ MORE: Louis Lomas Joins Rowdies on Loan From Norwich

The young goalkeeper wasn’t heavily featured through his collegiate career, with 22 games between Monroe and South Carolina so he’s used to waiting his turn. Outside of college he’s been used more regularly. McGrane played 14 times for SC United Bantams and last season managed 12 appearances for AFC Ann Arbor, only missing two matches throughout the season.

Graphic: Tampa Bay Rowdies

With the addition of McGrane the Rowdies roster is getting closer and closer to being full, now standing at 20 players.

Miami FC Adds Janos Lobe

Janos Lobe in action for Fordham (Photo: Fordham Rams)

MIAMI – Ahead of its first season in USL Championship Miami FC has boosted its back line, securing the services of German defender Janos Lobe on Tuesday.

Lobe will be making the move from fellow Eastern Conference side New York Red Bulls II where he played his first season of professional soccer in 2019.

Following a successful collegiate career at Fordham along with stints at New York Red Bulls Under 23 side in USL League Two put him on the radar of the Red Bulls. That saw him selected in the 2019 MLS Super Draft picked up in the first round by the side he spent his college years with.

Graphic: Miami FC

Having been drafted and in only his first year Lobe found himself playing with the NYRB II side in USL Championship. That linked him up with another Fordham graduate in Head Coach John Wolyniec.

Typically played on the left wing Lobe made an impact offensively as well as working on defense. As a speedy youngster Lobe managed one goal and seven assists in his rookie season.

“We’re excited to have János join Miami FC. He has the ability to get into attacking positions and has a very good left foot. He will give us depth and tactical flexibility as well.”

Miami Head Coach Nelson Vargas

While at Fordham Lobe managed 26 goals in 79 appearances being a vital link for the Rams from defense to attack.

During the USL League Two seasons in 2017 and 2018 the German Defender played first for KW United and then for the Red Bulls U23 side, but was sparsely used in both teams playing six games and scoring four goals between the two sides.

That would seem to suggest that he wouldn’t be used much when coming to the Championship but he was a regular for the Red Bulls II side, managing 23 appearances which suggests he should prove useful in Florida.

Who else could be joining Miami FC? join the conversation in the comments.

Boy’s High School Soccer Round Up: January 20-26 2020

Florida Soccer Report Boy’s High School Player of the Week: Aitor Castellanos-Neri (King) (Photo: Got Soccer)

The FHSSA rankings saw Doral Academy open the week on top of the rankings at 15-0-0 and that continued this week, moving up to 16 straight wins following a 5-2 win over LaSalle (2-3-7) on Thursday. With a national ranking of fourth on MaxPreps the Firebirds are threatening to push on and make a push for national honors.

Florida’s other undefeated 6A team, Niceville, slipped up on Friday night dropping points for only the second time in the season and keeping Doral at top spot on the rankings. After taking a 3-1 lead the second half was much worse for the Eagles giving up three goals but luckily scoring one to take a 4-4 draw in an entertaining match.

The leaders in 5A, Naples, managed a dramatic 3-2 win over Lely thanks to a stellar performance from senior Luis Baldivieso who scored a hat-trick. Such was Baldivieso’s dominant performance that the Trojans were often forced to fouling to stop the advance, which led to 18 fouls against the hosts on Friday night.

Wiregrass Ranch, out of Wesley Chapel, dominated their match on Wednesday as the Bulls went on parade and ran out 4-0 winners. Junior Justin Amis was dangerous throughout the match, managing four shots on target and finally getting the reward for his hard work, scoring the fourth goal. The star of the match was Alessandro Guzman who only needed 20 minutes to score his goal, getting things started as part of an impressive performance for the Bulls.

Tampa’s Jesuit rounded out the state top five but could well find themselves falling out of it next week following a 3-2 loss to Monteverde Academy on Tuesday night. That loss was the Tiger’s third loss of the season and now leaves them in a threat of dropping out of the top spot in Tampa Bay.

Newsome leads the 7A class but may find that spot under threat shortly following a frustrating match on Tuesday night. The Wolves were held at home by King thanks largely to a stellar goalkeeping display from Freshman Aitor Castellanos-Neri who managed 10 saves for his fifth straight clean-sheet.

Reagan, a second side from Doral in the state top 10 managed a comfortable 2-0 win over Coral Gables on Friday night. Goals from the Amado twins, Mateo and Daniel proved the difference with a strong performance from Sebastian Salgado vital in getting the Bison the win.

Boca Raton had the biggest win of the state top 10 on Friday night, cruising to a 7-1 win over West Boca Raton moving up to 20-0-0. Tallahassee’s Maclay managed another impressive win on Saturday defeating Columbus 5-2 thanks to four second-half goals to come from behind. Junior Mateus Bitencourt starred for the Marauders managing a goal and two assists in the win.

Mandarin of Jacksonville rounded out the FHSAA top 10 but may not be there next week as a big second half saw Mandarin have to settle for a 2-2 draw. Senior Brandon Erdman was the main man for the Mustangs as he scored both goals as part of a man of the match performance.

Player of the Week: Aitor Castellanos-Neri (King)

Managing ten saves to keep a clean-sheet against a significantly higher ranked side, Castellanos-Neri manages the first Florida Soccer Report Boy’s High School Soccer report player of the week reward. Baldivieso is a little hard done by but Castellanos-Neri’s performance coming as the lower ranked side just pushed him above Baldivieso’s match winning performance.

Jordan Doherty makes Rowdies Stay Permanent

Jordan Doherty in action for the Tampa Bay Rowdies (Photo: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies)

ST PETERSBURG – After spending the 2019 season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan, Jordan Doherty is back for 2020 after the Rowdies secured a transfer from Sheffield United in England, making the loan deal permanent.

On loan last season the 19-year-old made 20 appearances and played over 1,200 minutes in all competitions, proving a vital part of the squad. During the 2019 season Doherty made history becoming the youngest player to play for Tampa Bay as an 18-year-old.

“We’re really excited to welcome Jordan back to the Rowdies on a permanent basis, Jordan is a player that really showed his qualities last season despite being the youngest player in the team. We really look forward to watching his development.”

Neil Collins, Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach (in a press release)

Having played for Ireland at Under 19 level, Doherty is experienced despite his age and is still developing his career. By making the loan deal permanent the Rowdies now have the possibility of growing the player and gaining both on and off the field from that development.

Read More: Louis Lomas Joins Rowdies on Loan From Norwich

While nominally a midfielder the Irish youngster is also capable of playing in the back line, adding some vital utility to the Rowdies squad and will prove capable of making an impact off the bench thanks to that utility along with starting in midfield.

Graphic: Tampa Bay Rowdies

“I’m really excited to join the Rowdies again,” Doherty said. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for my whole life. I really enjoyed my time at the Rowdies last season and I feel like being there really improved me as a player. I’m looking forward to working under Neill again. I really feel that in this current stage of my career that this is the best move for me and I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch and giving 100 percent. I’m confident of a really successful season for the club and I’m sure everyone else involved here is looking to improve again on a great season last year. It is going to be a great year.”

The midfield is looking strong at Al Lang Stadium but with only five defenders currently on the 19 man roster there may well be an opening for Doherty in the back line more often but that will largely depend on the other announcements to come.

Palmeiras Comes From Behind to win Florida Cup

Palmeiras and New York City FC in action at the Florida Cup (Photo: Florida Cup)

ORLANDO – Brazilian side Palmeiras has used a 2-1 come-from-behind win over New York City FC to claim the 2020 Florida Cup thanks to Corinthians dropping the nightcap against Atletico National at Explora Stadium on Saturday.

After a first-half goal from Osaze De Rosario Palmeiras came back in the second half thanks to goals through Lucas Lima and Willian to win the tournament at their first attempt.

With the Paulista getting underway this coming weekend the Verdao started a full-strength line-up against New York. While the Major League Soccer season is a little bit further away the match presented NYCFC a chance to play their ideal first choice side for the first time this pre-season.

The full-strength nature of both sides didn’t last very long as both sides lost players early in the match. Palmeiras lost Bruno Herique, replacing him with Ramires before NYC lost Maxi Morales, bringing on Andres Jasson as a substitute.

The Brazilian side started well, with several chances in the first half-hour of the match with Dudu looking especially dangerous. A mixture of narrow misses and some strong goal keeping from Brad Stuver kept the match level which allowed New York City to take the lead late in the half.

After being outplayed for much of the first half the MLS side broke the deadlock as Jasson’s cross bent in perfectly to De Rosario allowing him to head it out of the reach of the keeper and in to the back of the net.

“It was a fantastic goal,” said NYCFC Head Coach Ronny Delia, “Osaze is a talented boy. He still has a lot to learn but he has some skills that are rare. He’s big, very strong, good on the ball, and in the air he’s fantastic, so it’s about a little more to take the level of intensity and discipline, and if he can do that he’ll be a very exciting striker.”

At half-time New York made nine changes, and that lack of stability in the line-up left it vulnerable and just 11 minutes in to the second half Palmeiras had the equalizer.

The first goal was somewhat fortuitous, Lima’s cross was intended for Willian but it took a deflection that saw the ball go past Luis Barraza in the NYC goal.

After the hour the Verdao made a line-change substituting out much of the team, and that proved vital as in the 73rd minute Ze Rafael headed the ball for Willian to poke it home just out of the reach of Barraza to take the lead. It was the cap on a perfect performance from Willian which saw him claim the man of the match award.

Following the win, Palmeiras was in the box seat but had to hope Corinthians would drop the final match of the tournament, which happened as Atletico National claimed the win 2-1 to give Palmeiras the title after they beat AN on penalties in the first match.

Louis Lomas Joins Rowdies on Loan From Norwich

Louis Lomas in action for the Norwich City U23s (Photo: Norwich City)

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed defender Louis Lomas from English Premier League side Norwich City for the duration of the 2020 season.

The signing continues the Rowdies relationship with their fellow green and gold team following on from Caleb Richards who played all but four minutes of the 2019 season. Richards scored one goal in that stint and proved a vital member of the line up but has since not moved up to the first team in Norwich.

“I’m delighted to continue our partnership with Norwich City,” Rowdies Head Coach and Technical Director Neill Collins said in a club press release. “Expectations were certainly raised last year with Caleb, but we believe Louis will come in and add to our squad. He’s young and hungry that wants the opportunity to get first team experience. He’s very versatile in that he can play multiple positions across the back. Most importantly, he’s a very good guy that’s excited to come here.”

The versatility will be something that will help the team push on from a disappointing Playoff exit in 2019. Adding a strong central defender will boost a defensive effort that was sometimes caught out, especially on the road.

Graphic: Tampa Bay Rowdies

That back line is building as formidable with now five defenders in the side for 2020 with more signings to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lomas first came to the Canaries in 2017 and after starting in the Under 17 squad quickly worked his way up the Under 23s where he has been playing in the Premier League 2 ever since.

The 19 year-old has played 20 matches in Premier League 2 in the last two seasons so Al Lang Stadium will be a vital step on his development as he’ll look to develop some more physicality which the USL Championship will definitely require.

Tampa Bay’s new center back will be one of at least 17 players reporting to the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

What do you think of the Rowdies newest signing and what else could they use? Let us know in the comments.

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