League News

TUCSON (December 3, 2018) – The 2018 season has come to an end for FC Tucson alumni, as two alums fell short of championships this past week.

Defender Aaron Long and the New York Red Bulls had a better showing in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to advance to the MLS Cup.  Long started and played all 90 minutes of New York’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United, but the team lost 3-1 on aggregate. Long finished the season appearing in all 38 games during the regular season and postseason, starting 35 of them.  He had a career-high three goals and three assists this year in addition to being named the MLS Defender of the Year.

Adeola Oke and the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies fell 2-1 to the top-seeded William Carey University in the Round of 16 of the NAIA National Championships last week. The former FC Tucson forward started and played 26 minutes in the loss.  Oke played in 15 games and made seven starts in his freshman season.

A pair of FC Tucson alumni at Colorado Mesa University received honors this past week as well.  Defender James McGhee and goalkeeper Briley Guarneri were both named to the 2018 United Coaches NCAA Division II Men’s All-South Central Regional Team.  McGhee was also named a NCAA Division II Men’s Second Team All-American.

TUCSON (December 3, 2018) – The 2018 season has come to an end for FC Tucson alumni, as two alums fell short of championships this past week.

Defender Aaron Long and the New York Red Bulls had a better showing in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to advance to the MLS Cup.  Long started and played all 90 minutes of New York’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United, but the team lost 3-1 on aggregate. Long finished the season appearing in all 38 games during the regular season and postseason, starting 35 of them.  He had a career-high three goals and three assists this year in addition to being named the MLS Defender of the Year.

Adeola Oke and the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies fell 2-1 to the top-seeded William Carey University in the Round of 16 of the NAIA National Championships last week. The former FC Tucson forward started and played 26 minutes in the loss.  Oke played in 15 games and made seven starts in his freshman season.

A pair of FC Tucson alumni at Colorado Mesa University received honors this past week as well.  Defender James McGhee and goalkeeper Briley Guarneri were both named to the 2018 United Coaches NCAA Division II Men’s All-South Central Regional Team.  McGhee was also named a NCAA Division II Men’s Second Team All-American.

TAMPA, Fla. – On a historic day for the evolution of soccer in North America, the United Soccer League has unveiled a new structure and brand identity for each of its top three leagues ahead of the 2019 season.

“Today’s announcement comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for our sport,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The USL has spent the past eight years transforming our league to meet the evolving needs of our team owners, players, coaches, fans and partners. We have established our place in the U.S. soccer landscape while blazing the trail for professional soccer’s future by introducing a new third division, completing the nation’s professional soccer structure.


 “We are bringing three leagues under one central brand that will uniquely represent the USL’s vision for the future and give rise to local passion in new cities currently without professional soccer. The new brand and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction. They are innovative and modern and tell a story but more importantly, refuse to let others define us. The USL will now be modelled after a tried and respected international structure. One central brand, three leagues: USL Championship – the pinnacle of competition; USL League One – the foundation of professional soccer; and, USL League Two – the Path to Pro. 

“We are repositioning the competition under MLS with a new strategy, new names and logos,” concluded Papadakis. “As we look to the future, the USL is ready to put its fingerprints on U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world, and its pursuit of winning a FIFA Men’s World Cup.” 

The new structure and branding will go into effect in advance of the 2019 season, at which point the USL will also unveil a modernized league website in order to showcase new, engaging digital content and help to better tell the organization’s story as it continues to push the limits of what is possible for professional soccer in North America. 
United Soccer League

USL League One Logo

TAMPA, Fla. – On a historic day for the evolution of soccer in North America, the United Soccer League has unveiled a new structure and brand identity for each of its top three leagues ahead of the 2019 season.

“Today’s announcement comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for our sport,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The USL has spent the past eight years transforming our league to meet the evolving needs of our team owners, players, coaches, fans and partners. We have established our place in the U.S. soccer landscape while blazing the trail for professional soccer’s future by introducing a new third division, completing the nation’s professional soccer structure.


 “We are bringing three leagues under one central brand that will uniquely represent the USL’s vision for the future and give rise to local passion in new cities currently without professional soccer. The new brand and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction. They are innovative and modern and tell a story but more importantly, refuse to let others define us. The USL will now be modelled after a tried and respected international structure. One central brand, three leagues: USL Championship – the pinnacle of competition; USL League One – the foundation of professional soccer; and, USL League Two – the Path to Pro. 

“We are repositioning the competition under MLS with a new strategy, new names and logos,” concluded Papadakis. “As we look to the future, the USL is ready to put its fingerprints on U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world, and its pursuit of winning a FIFA Men’s World Cup.” 

The new structure and branding will go into effect in advance of the 2019 season, at which point the USL will also unveil a modernized league website in order to showcase new, engaging digital content and help to better tell the organization’s story as it continues to push the limits of what is possible for professional soccer in North America. 
United Soccer League

USL League One Logo

The foundation of professional soccer – USL League One makes its mark with a vibrant, colorful identity, as it gears up for its debut in the 2019 season with league leadership and ownership that will forge a unique identity – driven by determination, unity and inspiration. 
League One brings discovery – delivering professional soccer to communities without a team, offering the first chance for new fans to dance and sing for 90 minutes, to fall more in love with the game every single week. League One also provides the opportunity and the first step in the professional ranks for players and coaches yearning to climb and pursue their dreams. 
 

The foundation of professional soccer – USL League One makes its mark with a vibrant, colorful identity, as it gears up for its debut in the 2019 season with league leadership and ownership that will forge a unique identity – driven by determination, unity and inspiration. 
League One brings discovery – delivering professional soccer to communities without a team, offering the first chance for new fans to dance and sing for 90 minutes, to fall more in love with the game every single week. League One also provides the opportunity and the first step in the professional ranks for players and coaches yearning to climb and pursue their dreams. 
 

Why did the USL redesign its brand identity?
Over the past decade, the USL has worked diligently to build a strong professional structure that has not only ushered in a new period of success for our historic clubs but has also brought soccer to new, exciting markets across North America. The redesign comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for the sport. The new brand identity and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction, they are innovative and modern, and tell the league’s story. Most importantly, it defines the leagues’ and organization’s role in the broader U.S. soccer landscape.

How does the new brand identity fit within the broader soccer world?
The USL will be modeled after a recognized and respected international structure – one central brand, three leagues. Looking to the future, the league is ready to strengthen its contribution to U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world and pursuit of winning a World Cup.

Does the new structure mean there will be promotion and relegation within the leagues?
Currently, the United Soccer League is focused on establishing a successful new third division in USL League One to help fill out the professional U.S. soccer structure, which is a necessary precursor to any implementation of a promotion and relegation system. That said, the new structure does lend itself well to some form of promotion and relegation in the future. 

How does the PDL now fit into the professional structure of the USL?
USL League Two will continue the PDL's mission of preparing North America's elite pre-professional players to advance on the Path to Pro.

How does the new structure impact each of the clubs within each league?
Building upon the success of the past decade, the new brand identity and structure will allow the league to maximize synergies and provide resources so that individual clubs can continue to flourish and succeed. In addition, it will create league-wide sponsorship and partnership opportunities that deliver greater resources to the clubs. 

When will the new brand identity be in place?
The transition to the new brand identity will begin in mid-November, following the conclusion of The USL Cup, and will be fully launched in advance of the 2019 seasons. 

Who created the new brand identity?
The development process was primarily driven internally while engaging some exceptional talent from Athletics, an experienced and highly-regarded agency in New York City.

Why did the USL redesign its brand identity?
Over the past decade, the USL has worked diligently to build a strong professional structure that has not only ushered in a new period of success for our historic clubs but has also brought soccer to new, exciting markets across North America. The redesign comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for the sport. The new brand identity and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction, they are innovative and modern, and tell the league’s story. Most importantly, it defines the leagues’ and organization’s role in the broader U.S. soccer landscape.

How does the new brand identity fit within the broader soccer world?
The USL will be modeled after a recognized and respected international structure – one central brand, three leagues. Looking to the future, the league is ready to strengthen its contribution to U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world and pursuit of winning a World Cup.

Does the new structure mean there will be promotion and relegation within the leagues?
Currently, the United Soccer League is focused on establishing a successful new third division in USL League One to help fill out the professional U.S. soccer structure, which is a necessary precursor to any implementation of a promotion and relegation system. That said, the new structure does lend itself well to some form of promotion and relegation in the future. 

How does the PDL now fit into the professional structure of the USL?
USL League Two will continue the PDL’s mission of preparing North America’s elite pre-professional players to advance on the Path to Pro.

How does the new structure impact each of the clubs within each league?
Building upon the success of the past decade, the new brand identity and structure will allow the league to maximize synergies and provide resources so that individual clubs can continue to flourish and succeed. In addition, it will create league-wide sponsorship and partnership opportunities that deliver greater resources to the clubs. 

When will the new brand identity be in place?
The transition to the new brand identity will begin in mid-November, following the conclusion of The USL Cup, and will be fully launched in advance of the 2019 seasons. 

Who created the new brand identity?
The development process was primarily driven internally while engaging some exceptional talent from Athletics, an experienced and highly-regarded agency in New York City.

(September 24, 2018) – This week, FC Tucson alumni were successful all over the country. Both those based in Colorado had an exceptionally good week.

Defender James McGhee and goalkeeper Briley Guarneri helped Colorado Mesa University win both of their games this past week.  

Guarneri picked up a pair of clean sheets, making one save in a 6-0 win against Colorado Christian on Thursday, and three saves in a 1-0 win over Metro State on Sunday.  McGhee started both games, as well, and scored his third goal of the season on Thursday against Colorado Christian.  His three goals are the most McGhee has scored in a single season in his collegiate career.

At the professional level in Colorado, forward Saeed Robinson is continuing his goal scoring streak.  On Saturday, against Phoenix Rising FC, Robinson scored the only goal for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a 2-1 loss.  It was his third goal in his last four games.  Click here to see Robinson’s goal.

One FC Tucson alum appeared in an MLS game this week.  Defender Aaron Long started and played all 90 minutes for New York Red Bulls and helped lead the team to a 2-0 win over Toronto FC on Saturday.  In USL action, defender Justin Bilyeu started a pair of games this week for Swope Park Rangers.  Bilyeu and Swope Park won 2-0 against San Antonio FC on Wednesday and played to a 1-1 draw against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday.

At Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, two FC Tucson alumni played roles in the Maryville Saints winning both of their games this week.  Gavino Carranza started both games, playing a combined 171 minutes in the two matches, assisting on the opening goal of Sunday’s 4-0 win over William Jewell.  Muhammed Sanyang started and played 22 minutes in a 2-1 win over Drury University on Friday, and then appeared as a sub in Sunday’s win.

Elsewhere collegiately, University of New Mexico forward Erik Virgen started and played 79 minutes in a 2-0 win at Florida Atlantic.  Forward Adeola Oke, now at Georgia Gwinnett College, came on as a substitute and played 47 minutes in a 3-0 loss to University of Mobile on Saturday.

At Cal State Fullerton, Jose Ortiz Teran appeared as a sub in a 1-1 draw against Florida Gulf Coast University on Wednesday.

(September 24, 2018) – This week, FC Tucson alumni were successful all over the country. Both those based in Colorado had an exceptionally good week.

Defender James McGhee and goalkeeper Briley Guarneri helped Colorado Mesa University win both of their games this past week.  

Guarneri picked up a pair of clean sheets, making one save in a 6-0 win against Colorado Christian on Thursday, and three saves in a 1-0 win over Metro State on Sunday.  McGhee started both games, as well, and scored his third goal of the season on Thursday against Colorado Christian.  His three goals are the most McGhee has scored in a single season in his collegiate career.

At the professional level in Colorado, forward Saeed Robinson is continuing his goal scoring streak.  On Saturday, against Phoenix Rising FC, Robinson scored the only goal for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a 2-1 loss.  It was his third goal in his last four games.  Click here to see Robinson’s goal.

One FC Tucson alum appeared in an MLS game this week.  Defender Aaron Long started and played all 90 minutes for New York Red Bulls and helped lead the team to a 2-0 win over Toronto FC on Saturday.  In USL action, defender Justin Bilyeu started a pair of games this week for Swope Park Rangers.  Bilyeu and Swope Park won 2-0 against San Antonio FC on Wednesday and played to a 1-1 draw against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday.

At Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, two FC Tucson alumni played roles in the Maryville Saints winning both of their games this week.  Gavino Carranza started both games, playing a combined 171 minutes in the two matches, assisting on the opening goal of Sunday’s 4-0 win over William Jewell.  Muhammed Sanyang started and played 22 minutes in a 2-1 win over Drury University on Friday, and then appeared as a sub in Sunday’s win.

Elsewhere collegiately, University of New Mexico forward Erik Virgen started and played 79 minutes in a 2-0 win at Florida Atlantic.  Forward Adeola Oke, now at Georgia Gwinnett College, came on as a substitute and played 47 minutes in a 3-0 loss to University of Mobile on Saturday.

At Cal State Fullerton, Jose Ortiz Teran appeared as a sub in a 1-1 draw against Florida Gulf Coast University on Wednesday.

(June 21, 2018) — For the second time in three seasons, FC Tucson couldn't get passed Calgary Foothills FC in the Premier Development League Western Conference Finals following a 2-0 shutout loss.

Foothills FC opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After picking up a loose ball at the top of the box, Calgary's Jonathan Wheeldon sent a ball back toward the six-yard box and found teammate William Akio who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Foothills FC doubled its lead in the 56th minute when Alí Musse struck a shot on his first touch from a ball crossed into the box from the left flank.

Tucson's most dangerous chance came in the waning moments of the match. In the 88th minute, AJ Valenzuela got his head at the end of a long corner but his shot was punched away by the goalkeeper before a foul denied Tucson a second opportunity at the target.

FC Tucson ended the season second place in the Mountain Division with a 7-3-4 record and reached the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. 

(June 21, 2018) — For the second time in three seasons, FC Tucson couldn’t get passed Calgary Foothills FC in the Premier Development League Western Conference Finals following a 2-0 shutout loss.

Foothills FC opened the scoring in the 40th minute. After picking up a loose ball at the top of the box, Calgary’s Jonathan Wheeldon sent a ball back toward the six-yard box and found teammate William Akio who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Foothills FC doubled its lead in the 56th minute when Alí Musse struck a shot on his first touch from a ball crossed into the box from the left flank.

Tucson’s most dangerous chance came in the waning moments of the match. In the 88th minute, AJ Valenzuela got his head at the end of a long corner but his shot was punched away by the goalkeeper before a foul denied Tucson a second opportunity at the target.

FC Tucson ended the season second place in the Mountain Division with a 7-3-4 record and reached the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. 

Briley Guarneri guessed the wrong way. It didn’t matter.

The FC Tucson goalkeeper watched the ball smack off the post in the fourth round of a penalty kick shootout on Friday night, sealing the club’s 3-1 win in the PK shootout to defeat FC Golden State Force in the Western Conference semi-final at Rio Hondo College in Whitter, Calif.

Guarneri’s teammates flooded the pitch and washed over him, the emotions of a two-goal comeback and extra time thriller released in an instant as FC Tucson booked a place in the Western Conference Final for the fourth time in the past five seasons.

FC Tucson was floundering an hour earlier with its season on the brink.

Though Tucson created a string of chance in the opening half against FC Golden State Force – the top seed in the Western Conference — it was the hosts that jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead, scoring goals in the 20th and 26th minutes. FC Tucson appeared to have scored just moments before halftime when midfielder Angel Heredia poked in a rebound, but he was ruled offside and the goal was negated.

In the 63rd minute, Heredia got FC Tucson back in the game. A cross from the right flank found midfielder Dalton Pando in the box, who thought about shooting before turning and delivering a perfect drop pass to Heredia in the middle of the area. Heredia looped a low strike into the bottom corner, cutting the FC Golden State Force advantage in half.

The equalizer wouldn’t come until the death.

In stoppage time, midfielder AJ Valenzuela got to a loose and bouncing ball in the box, launching himself into the air to unfurl a bicycle kick that caught the Golden State keeper by surprise and bounced into the lower left corner, a miracle strike that saved the club’s season.

After a scoreless 30-minute extra time period, FC Tucson forward Damian German opened the penalty shootout but had his attempt saved. After German though, three Tucson players converted in a row, while just one of FC Golden State Force’s four penalty takers scored and two hit the woodwork, including the final and deciding kick of the night.

FC Tucson will try for its first conference championship tomorrow night when it faces Calgary Foothills FC – the Northwest Division Champion that won the other Western Conference semi-final on Friday night with a late goal of its own – at 7 p.m. back at Rio Hondo College.

Briley Guarneri guessed the wrong way. It didn’t matter.

The FC Tucson goalkeeper watched the ball smack off the post in the fourth round of a penalty kick shootout on Friday night, sealing the club’s 3-1 win in the PK shootout to defeat FC Golden State Force in the Western Conference semi-final at Rio Hondo College in Whitter, Calif.

Guarneri’s teammates flooded the pitch and washed over him, the emotions of a two-goal comeback and extra time thriller released in an instant as FC Tucson booked a place in the Western Conference Final for the fourth time in the past five seasons.

FC Tucson was floundering an hour earlier with its season on the brink.

Though Tucson created a string of chance in the opening half against FC Golden State Force – the top seed in the Western Conference — it was the hosts that jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead, scoring goals in the 20th and 26th minutes. FC Tucson appeared to have scored just moments before halftime when midfielder Angel Heredia poked in a rebound, but he was ruled offside and the goal was negated.

In the 63rd minute, Heredia got FC Tucson back in the game. A cross from the right flank found midfielder Dalton Pando in the box, who thought about shooting before turning and delivering a perfect drop pass to Heredia in the middle of the area. Heredia looped a low strike into the bottom corner, cutting the FC Golden State Force advantage in half.

The equalizer wouldn’t come until the death.

In stoppage time, midfielder AJ Valenzuela got to a loose and bouncing ball in the box, launching himself into the air to unfurl a bicycle kick that caught the Golden State keeper by surprise and bounced into the lower left corner, a miracle strike that saved the club’s season.

After a scoreless 30-minute extra time period, FC Tucson forward Damian German opened the penalty shootout but had his attempt saved. After German though, three Tucson players converted in a row, while just one of FC Golden State Force’s four penalty takers scored and two hit the woodwork, including the final and deciding kick of the night.

FC Tucson will try for its first conference championship tomorrow night when it faces Calgary Foothills FC – the Northwest Division Champion that won the other Western Conference semi-final on Friday night with a late goal of its own – at 7 p.m. back at Rio Hondo College.