Wednesday, September 30, 2009

NEW YORK -- Reports out of New York City are that USL-1 2010 expansion side New York FC are nearing a selection for the club's first head coach. One report lists Dan Fisher, Jim Rooney and Darren Tilley as finalists for the job, but conflicting reports have since arisen regarding Tilley's inclusion.

Michael Lewis broke the story Tuesday, citing unknown sources as listing the three are among the finalists for the job.

       BigAppleSoccer.com Report [+]

Dan Fisher is the current coach for the Long Island Rough Riders. He took the helm in 2007 when the club moved to the Premier Development League and has steadily improved the team each year from its fourth place finish in the division in his first campaign. The club finished 12-2-2 in 2009 and reached the division semifinals of the playoffs. His three-year regular season record is 27-12-9.

Rooney began his professional career with the Rough Riders from 1994-97, winning the 1995 USL-2 Championship. He then moved on to play in Major League Soccer from 1998-2002 before returning to the club for the 2004 season.

Tilley was just released by the Rochester Rhinos after reaching the playoffs for the second straight year. However, conflicting reports from Jeff Di Veronica of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle have firmly stated that Tilley is, in fact, not in the running for the position, quoting club President Doug Petersen.

       Di Veronica Blog Report [+]