USL News Release
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
TAMPA - United Soccer Leagues announced today the Team of the Week for the 11th week of action in the Premier Development League. Portland Timbers U-23 strike Ryan Youngblood (left in photo) was named Player of the Week for the five goals and one assist he tallied in Timbers wins over Yakima and Spokane last week.
Youngblood was instrumental in guiding the Timbers U-23’s to their first playoff berth in their rookie season in the PDL. He began the weekend with a hat trick in a 4-1 victory at Spokane on Friday, July 10. The next day he was the difference maker again in the Timbers 4-2 victory at Yakima. That result qualified the team for the playoffs in the tough PDL Northwest Division. The five goals doubled Youngblood’s season total to 10, which ranks him first in the team.
“Ryan was huge in two tough away fixtures for us,” said Timbers Communications Director Marc Kotsic. “We’ll have a tough road ahead in the playoffs now.”
Just a bit further north, Seattle midfielder Ely Allen recorded an assist and was key in the Wolves 3-0 victory over Cascade on Saturday, July 11. The win also clinched a playoff spot for the first year franchise.
“Ely controlled the possession of the ball for the majority of the match and didn’t allow the Surge many scoring opportunities,” said Wolves general manager Andrew Opatkiewicz.
Chicago Fire midfielder Rich Balchan recorded a goal or assist in each Fire wins over Cincinnati, London and Michigan last week. Balchan’s two assists in the team’s 2-1 victory against the Michigan Bucks on Saturday, July 11 clinched a playoff berth for the Fire as the club swept the season series against their bitter rivals from Detroit.
“We had a number of great performers in our three games last week, but Rich was vital in all three victories,” said Fire President John Dorn. “We’re very confident as we head into the playoffs.
The Fire have qualified for the postseason in all nine seasons they’ve participated in the PDL.
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Pos
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Name
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Team
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Highlights
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GK
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Stephen Paterson
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Thunder Bay
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2 SO, 6 saves in 1-0-1 weekend vs. St. Louis
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D
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Carlos Ordaz
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Laredo
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GTG in 2-2 D vs. Rio GrandeValley
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D
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Cameron Hepple
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Bradenton
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1G, strong perfomances vs. Central Florida
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D
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Ian Daniel
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Michigan
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1G in 3-2 win vs. Cleveland
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M
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Ottawa
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4G, 1A in wins vs New Jersey, Rhode Island
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M
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Rich Balchan
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Chicago
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1G, 3A in 3-0-0 week for Fire
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M
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Jose Garay
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Lancaster
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2G in 3-2 win vs. Bakersfield
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M
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Ely Allen
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Seattle
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1A, controlled possession against Cascade
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F
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Debola Ogunseye
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Mississippi
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5G in 1-0-1 week for Brilla
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F
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Ryan Youngblood
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Portland
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5G, 1A in wins @ Yakima, Spokane
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F
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Adam Arthur
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West Virginia
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3G, 1A in wins vs. Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Reserves
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|
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M
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Shaun Francis
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Thunder Bay
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2G in 2-0 win vs. St. Louis
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M
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Ben Taylor
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Des Moines
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1G, 2A in 4-0 win vs. Springfield
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GK
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Dario Cabanas
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Westchester
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SO, 5 saves in 1-0 win vs. Brooklyn
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D
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Tim Ream
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Chicago
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Strong defensive performances in 3-0-0 week for Fire
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