The fourth annual USL Men’s Player Showcase held in Charleston, South Carolina at Blackbaud Stadium in the past week proved to be a success despite the significant storm that battered the east coast during the event. Ninety professional prospects took the pitch trying to impress the countless coaches on hand scouting potential signings at one of North America’s premier player development events.

Dutch striker Geert den Ouden is the latest player to agree to terms with the USL Premier Development League Dayton Dutch Lions FC for the 2010 season. The 33-year old pro soccer player just returned from Malta, where he played for the top league club Valetta.

The USSF announced appointments to its Board of Directors following its elections at the USSF AGM. Former W-League player Danielle Fotopoulos was named a new member to the B.O.D as an athlete representative. “We are thrilled that Danielle was named to this post as she is a perfect representation of the women’s game, having played at every level of the sport,” said USL President Tim Holt. “Danielle fully understands the role the game plays for female athletes and the importance of focusing on player development, something her family and the W-League have been long committed and dedicated to.”

The United States Soccer Federation unveiled the schedule and playoff format for the 2010 USSF Division II league. The season kicks off April 10 and will conclude October 3 with three rounds of playoffs concluding with a two-leg, aggregate score series for the championship.

The Austin Aztex announced that they will host the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer in a preseason friendly on Sunday, March 14 at Nelson Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale immediately by visiting www.austinaztex.com or by calling 512-335-8881.

The Portland Timbers will face Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC in a preseason match Thursday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at Qwest Field in Seattle. In support of relief efforts in Haiti following the recent earthquake, the Timbers and University of Portland men’s soccer have joined together to host a special charity match on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at Merlo Field. All proceeds from the match benefit Mercy Corps. The club also set a friendly versus the Earthquakes in San Jose March 20.