Wednesday, November 12, 2003

 

TAMPA, FL - United Soccer Leagues honored its leading franchises and team executives at its Annual Operations Meeting for the upcoming 2004 season over last weekend at the Clearwater Beach Hilton, presenting league awards for outstanding performance off the field in 2003 in addition to its Second Annual USL Hall of Fame Induction. USL executive Dave Askinas' promotion to the position of CEO was also announced by Chairman of the USL Board of Directors Martin Prothero.

At the Opening General Session Friday afternoon, Umbro International Ltd Senior VP, Marketing & International, Martin Prothero announced USL's Dave Askinas' appointment to the position of CEO of United Soccer Leagues. Askinas joined USL in May of 1997 as General Counsel and Associate Commissioner. He was promoted to Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in November of 2001. 

"I am honored by the Board's confidence in my abilities," said Askinas. "I intend to continue working with our franchises to help them be successful and to fulfill our mission of providing the best in affordable family soccer entertainment to our fans."

In addition, it was announced that USL founder Francisco Marcos will remain President and Director of International Projects, splitting time in the US and his native Portugal.

Clubs and individuals were honored Friday night at the USL Awards Reception in each league for Executive of the Year, Organization of the Year, Referee of the Year, Fair Play and Marketing Excellence.

The Minnesota Thunder, Wilmington Hammerheads, Michigan Bucks and Hampton Roads Piranhas were honored as the Organizations of the Year in USL's senior leagues with Brooklyn Knights, Chesapeake Athletic, Chicago Magic, Chicago Sockers, Cleveland Force Jrs., DC United, DVSC, FC Portland, FC Westchester, Greensboro Dynamo, Mass Premier Soccer, Metro FC, Michigan Wolves & Hawks, Philadelphia SC, Rhode Island Stingrays, Richmond Kickers, Santa Rosa United, South Jersey Barons, Spokane Shadow, Triangle FC and Vancouver Whitecaps being honored by the Super Y-League.

The Executive of the Year honor was awarded to Adrian Hanauer (Seattle Sounders), Derek Yerdon (Wilmington Hammerheads), Alfredo Guzman (Fresno Fuego) and John Pugh (Ottawa Fury).

The Montreal Impact, Long Island Rough Riders, New Orleans Shell Shockers and Vancouver Whitecaps Women were honored for Marketing Excellence while the Charlotte Eagles, New Hampshire Phantoms, Cascade Surge and Charlotte Lady Eagles were recognized for Fair Play.

Abbas Piran, Steve Karduzovic, Mark Lawrence and Doug Engstrom were recognized as the Referees of the Year.

In addition, US Soccer Referee Assignment and Assessment Coordinator Casey Frankiewicz was honored with the USL Service Award for his years of outstanding service to USL.

Montreal Impact Team Manager Mike Moretto was honored with the Key Grip award, recognizing his tireless efforts behind the scenes. The Central Florida Kraze and California Gold were presented the Progress Award.

Director of USL League and A-League Operations Tim Holt was honored as the USL Employee of the Year.

USL also held the Second Annual Hall of Fame ceremony, presented by HOK Sport, Friday evening, inducting the previously announced six Builders (Brian Davidson, Tom Engstrom, Neil Farnsworth, Bill George, Chuck Jacob, Manuel 'Buzz' Lagos), two Coaches (Buzz Lagos, Bill Palladino), two Players (Mark Baena, Kim Wyant) and six 10+ Clubs (Cape Cod Crusaders, Des Moines Menace, Long Island Rough Riders, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, Seattle Sounders).

Among the operational details for the 2004 season finalized over the weekend were the basic season details for the four senior leagues. The overtime format of all four leagues will remain the same (two 10-minute golden goal periods). Schedules and alignments will be announced in the coming weeks, however, the following are the number of games to be played for each league along with the start and end dates for the season.

A-League: 28 games - Friday, April 16 to Sunday, August 29

Pro Soccer League: 20 games - Friday, April 16 to Sunday, August 15

Premier Development League: 18 games - Saturday, April 17 to Sunday, July 25

W-League: 14 games - Saturday, May 1 to Sunday, July 25