New Hampshire Phantoms Press Release – www.nhphantoms.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
NEW HAMPSHIRE – The New Hampshire Phantoms of United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League will begin their 14th season of operation on Saturday, May 2 at Southern New Hampshire University against the second-year New Jersey Rangers. After shifting their focus from results to player development in 2008, the Phantoms finished fourth in the PDL’s New England Division.
“The early part of this season will be tough for our squad,” said New Hampshire Head Coach Jim DeDeus. “All those road games will challenge our squad, but it should give us a chance to bond as a group. I am looking forward to seeing this year’s squad in action. It is very satisfying to see so many products from our youth system stepping up to the senior squad.”
After playing in the USL Second Division for 13 seasons and compiling a record of 115-108-19, the Phantoms jumped at the opportunity to revisit the long-standing rivalries existing in New England between the PDL’s Cape Cod Crusaders and Rhode Island Stingrays in 2008. New Hampshire made an immediate impact in the PDL’s Northeast Division, going unbeaten through their first four games. Forward Adrian Schippers was even named PDL Player of the Week for his efforts in a 2-1 upset of the Cape Cod Crusaders on Saturday, May 10.
Joining the PDL allowed the Phantoms to focus on adding younger players to their roster from their Super Y-League and Super-20 League teams, who have been building momentum in recent years. The PDL also broadened the recruitment window for recent college graduates and high school players, opening the door for players like Schippers, who finished as New Hampshire’s leading scorer in 2008. Of the players currently on their PDL roster, 10 have been developed through the Phantoms' youth teams.
Hoping to start hot again in 2009, the team returns home following their four-game road trip on Friday, May 22 to face the Ocean City Barons. Should the Phantoms rekindle that hot start to the season, they will be looking to avoid the injury bug that destroyed their momentum in 2008. The team will play a 20 game schedule that includes 16 league games and four non-league games against 2010 expansion teams.
