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2004 A-League Schedule Released

January 8, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1) News Release


TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues released today the 2004 A-League schedule, which kicks off with two matches on April 17. The 224-game schedule opens with the defending champion Charleston Battery travel to Richmond to take on the Kickers while the Puerto Rico Islanders, one of two expansion clubs, hosts the Toronto Lynx. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup A-League qualification process was also announced.

League finalist Minnesota Thunder opens their season at their new home in St Paul, James Griffin Stadium, against Calgary the following weekend Sunday, April 25.

The other expansion club Edmonton Aviators opens its inaugural season on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps Friday, April 30. The club's season opener will be a month later against Minnesota Sunday, May 30 at Commonwealth Stadium.

The regular season comes to a close Sunday, August 29 with four matches. The playoffs begin the following week with the Conference Semifinals series September 3 and 5 and the Conference Final series September 10 and 12. The A-League Championship will be held the weekend of September 18 and will be broadcast on Fox Sports World.

Links to the league and team schedules below.

United Soccer Leagues also announced the A-League qualification process for the 2004 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament, which US Soccer will announce the official format of in the coming weeks. Eight clubs will represent the A-League in the tournament. The 10 US clubs will play five two-leg, aggregate score series for entry with three additional clubs determined from the series losers. The five pairings (listed below) were determined by geography. The remaining berths will go in order to 2003 league champion Charleston, 2003 league runners-up Minnesota and the club with the highest point percentage through matches on May 23, which will also be used for the other two berths should Charleston and Minnesota win their respective series.

2004 Team Home Openers (home listed first)

Atlanta v Syracuse – Sat, April 24

Calgary v Minnesota – Sun, May 9

Charleston v Richmond – Sat, April 24

Edmonton v Minnesota – Sun, May 30

Milwaukee v Edmonton – Fri, May 14

Minnesota v Calgary – Sun, April 25

Montreal v Virginia Beach – Sun, May 16

Portland v Seattle – Sat, May 1

Puerto Rico v Toronto – Sat, April 17

Richmond v Charleston – Sat, April 17

Rochester v Toronto – Sat, May 1

Seattle v Edmonton – Sat, May 8

Syracuse v Puerto Rico – Sat, May 8

Toronto v Rochester – Sun, May 16

Vancouver v Edmonton – Fri, April 30

Virginia Beach v Richmond – Sat, May 1

Games by Day of Week Breakdown

Monday: 6

Tuesday: 6

Wednesday: 21

Thursday: 21

Friday: 52

Saturday 67

Sunday: 51

Mon-Thur: 54

Fri-Sun: 170

2004 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Qualification Pairings/Schedule

Richmond v Virginia Beach

Fri, April 30 @ Richmond; Sat, May 1 @ Virginia Beach

Portland v Seattle

Sat, May 1 @ Portland; Sat, May 15 @ Seattle

Atlanta v Charleston

Sat, May 8 @ Atlanta; Sat, May 15 @ Charleston

Rochester v Syracuse

Fri, May 14 @ Syracuse; Sat, May 22 @ Rochester

Milwaukee v Minnesota

Fri, May 21 @ Minnesota; Sat, May 22 @ Milwaukee

SCHEDULE LINKS (Microsoft Word files)

A-League Schedule: http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/a-league_schedule.doc

Atlanta - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/atlanta_schedule.doc

Calgary - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/calgary_schedule.doc

Charleston - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/charleston_schedule.doc

Edmonton - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/edmonton_schedule.doc

Milwaukee - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/milwaukee_schedule.doc

Minnesota - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/minnesota_schedule.doc

Montreal - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/montreal_schedule.doc

Portland - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/portland_schedule.doc

Puerto Rico - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/puertorico_schedule.doc

Richmond - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/richmond_schedule.doc

Rochester - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/rochester_schedule.doc

Seattle - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/seattle_schedule.doc

Syracuse - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/syracuse_schedule.doc

Toronto - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/toronto_schedule.doc

Vancouver - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/vancouver_schedule.doc

Virginia Beach - http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/home/virginiabeach_schedule.doc

USL OFFSEASON UPDATE

Headlines

1... Miller added to USL Staff

2... Chronopoulos re-signs with Battery (A-League)

3... Spurs become DFW Tornados (PDL)

4... USL mourns passing of former Hershey GM Todd Smith (A-League)

5... Sterbenz named Kickers GM (A-League)

1... Miller added to USL Staff

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TAMPA, FL -- USL is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda Miller to the USL staff in the capacity of Associate Director of Public Relations.

Miller joins USL after serving as Director of Public Relations for the A-League's Richmond Kickers. A native of Rochester, NY, she joined the Kickers staff in December of 1999 as the Public Relations and Operations Associate and was named the Director of Client Services prior to the 2001 season. She was promoted to the Director of Public Relations in October of 2001. She also acted as the registrar for the Central Virginia Soccer Association (CVSA).

In addition, Miller was the public address announcer for the VCU men's and women's soccer teams and the play-by-play broadcaster for the Rams women's basketball team. She began announcing in the fall of 1996 while a student at Clemson University and has announced such high profile events as the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament (1998) and the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four (2000) as well as several NCAA Tournament games in men's and women's soccer. She appeared as a sideline reporter for the 2003 W-League championship broadcast on Fox Sports World.

"We are excited to welcome Amanda to the USL staff," said Tim Holt, Director of USL and A-League Operations. "She has been one of the top PR representatives among our teams over the past three years. Amanda brings a lot of great qualities and experience with her and we are confident she will be a great addition to USL."

2... Chronopoulos re-signs with Battery

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Charleston Battery News Release - www.charlestonbattery.com

CHARLESTON, SC -- The Charleston Battery has agreed to terms with midfielder Ted Chronopoulos for the 2004 season. Chronopoulos returns to the Battery after a stellar first season in 2003 that saw him win A-League All-Second Team honors.

Chronopoulos led the Battery in minutes played (2,701) and finished second in scoring (9 goals, 3 assists - 21 points). Chronopoulos scored the opening goal in Charleston's 3-0 A-League Championship win over the Minnesota Thunder.

A Loma Linda, CA native Chronopoulos began his professional career in 1993 signing with Greek First Division team Panionios. He played 47 matches for Panionios scoring 7 goals with 14 assists in three seasons.

In 1996 Chronopoulos was selected by the New England Revolution in the fifth round (45th overall) of Major League Soccer's inaugural draft. Chronopoulos was a mainstay at the Revolution for seven seasons before being traded in 2002 to the Metrostars. With New England, he played in 139 games scoring 16 goals and adding 14 assists.

Chronopoulos played in 18 matches for the Metrostars in 2002 contributing 4 assists. His MLS career highlights included five playoff appearances, one MLS Player of the Week award (2000) and two appearances in the All-Star game (1997, 2000).

Chronopoulos, 31, has made two appearances for the US Men's National Team, the first in 1998 and the second in 1999. Before turning pro, Chronopoulos attended and played for, Cal State San Bernardino in 1990 and 1991 and San Diego State in 1993.

Charleston Battery players under contract for 2004: Chris Bagley, Ted Chronopoulos, Paul Conway, Linval Dixon, Chris Doyle, Justin Evans, Chris Goos, Michael Green, Josh Henderson, Dusty Hudock, Kevin Jackson, Steve Klein, Barry Moore, Rick Titus and Mark Watson

Newsradio 730 WSC to broadcast Charleston Battery Away Games 2004 / 2005 seasons

Newsradio 730 WSC, "Charleston's Home for News and Talk" will be the new home of the Charleston Battery radio show for the 2004 and 2005 seasons. All Charleston Battery away games (regular season, Open Cup and post season) will be broadcast live. Play-by-play will once again be handled by Andrew Bell who enters his 6th year as the voice of the Charleston Battery.

Newsradio 730 WSC is a Clear Channel station that features both local and nationally syndicated talk-radio shows. All Charleston Battery games (home and away) will continue to be broadcast live on the internet at www.charlestonbattery.com.

3... Spurs become DFW Tornados

PDL club introduces new owner, identity

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DFW Tornados News Release - www.dfwtornados.com

BEDFORD, TX - The formerly-named Texas Spurs franchise of the PDL announced today its new ownership and unveiled its new name, DFW Tornados, and new home.

Jim Mertz has purchased the team and moved it to Pennington Field in Bedford, located in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pennington Field features a new installed turf field.

"Pennington has always been known as a great venue," said Head Coach Bernard Brodigan. "And the addition of the new turf system just adds to the excitement of bringing the team to such a facility."

The fresh aspirations of the franchise are spearheaded by the passion and energy of the new owner. Mertz worked his way up through the electronics industry and was involved in the start up and development of such innovative and groundbreaking companies as Babbages, CompUSA, E-Machines and NextJet.

Each company, in its own right, was the first of its kind at the time and each caused changes in their respective industries. Look for Mertz' eye for innovation and enthusiasm to enhance the overall soccer experience for all players in the Dallas and Ft. Worth area.

"With my past experiences and my passion for all sports, especially soccer," said Mertz. "I plan to make DFW the nucleus of soccer, not just in Texas but in America."

Bernard Brodigan will take over as Head Coach of the team after a stint as Assistant Coach under Ed Puskarich last season, Brodigan holds a USSF Class "B" license.

"This is an absolute opportunity of a lifetime," said Brodigan. "To have a chance to manage a team is something I've always wanted to do."

During his playing days Brodigan suited up in the A-League and indoors in the WISL, and even as far away as the J-League in Japan.

The Tornados don't kick off until April, but preparations are in the works for several tryouts around the area in an attempt to find the highest quality players available in North Texas.

4... USL mourns passing of former Hershey GM Todd Smith

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TAMPA, FL -- Former Hershey Wildcats general manager Todd Smith passed away in Boston from complications of Leukemia December 31 at the age of 38.

After seven seasons playing in the NPSL, Smith joined the expansion Hershey Wildcats in the A-League as general manager in 1997 and was an immediate success on and off the field, earning the A-League Executive of the Year honor in his first season. The club won the Atlantic Division and was second overall in the league at 19-9 on the regular season.

"We will all miss Todd Smith very much," said USL CEO Dave Askinas. "He was smart, talented, a fierce competitor and a friend to all who knew him. You could disagree with Todd on an issue but it would never become personal. His contributions to USL and to soccer in this country will not be forgotten."

The team's success over the first three years, a 55-29 season record, two division titles and an appearance in the 1999 semifinals, allowed him to move on to serve as general manager of the New England Revolution in 2000.

"Truly one of the gentlemen in the game, Todd's impact on the development of the A-League and lasting influence on his peers cannot be overstated," said Tim Holt, Director of USL League and A-League Operations.

In November of 2002, Smith was honored with the USL's Archie Moylan Courage Award for his courage in battling Leukemia while continuing to serve as general manager of the Revolution.

For more about Todd Smith, click here:

http://www.pennlive.com/sports/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1072953084184580.xml

5... Sterbenz named Kickers GM

Sowers promoted to Director of Public Relations

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Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers are proud to announce Paul Sterbenz as the new General Manager.

Sterbenz will assume the General Manager role after former VP/GM Billy Hallock moved on to pursue another career avenue in late December of 2003. Paul's new responsibilities will include event and program management, day-to-day business operations, as well as player-personnel decision-making at the A-League level. Paul will also continue to oversee the Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) and the Kickers' newest addition, the Richmond Kickers Destiny (W-League). He was recently appointed Mid-Atlantic representative for the PDL Executive Committee for the 2004 season.

"I feel honored to be presented with this tremendous opportunity," says Sterbenz. "The level of pride that I hold for this organization is very strong and my hope is to continue to help guide the Richmond Kickers with the same class and energy as the great managers before me, [Curt Johnson and Billy Hallock]."

Sterbenz joined the Kickers in March of 1999 as the Director of Public Relations and was promoted to Director of Operations and Assistant General Manager prior to the 2001 season. A 1998 graduate of the University of Richmond, Paul holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Science and Health. He was a four-year starter on U of R's soccer team and captained the team his senior year. Paul is currently enrolled in the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Sports Management Masters program as a part-time student and will complete his degree in the spring of 2004.

"The Kickers organization prides itself on the tradition of transforming enthusiastic personnel into knowledgeable and experienced executives," says Richmond Kickers President, Tom Depcrynski. "We are very proud of Paul and he is the natural successor to the GM position. He has earned this promotion and we are confident that the growth of his knowledge over the years with the Kickers has prepared him for these new responsibilities."

Sowers Promoted to Director of Public Relations

Amanda Miller, former Director of Public Relations, has accepted a position with the United Soccer Leagues in Tampa, Florida. In another in-house move, Shelley Sowers will be filling her position with the Kickers upon Amanda's departure.

Sowers joined the Kickers staff in November of 2002 as Sales and Marketing Associate. She is a May of 2002 summa cum laude graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. Her duties will include organizing the daily communications of the club and managing player appearances in the community, as well as continuing to coordinate all group events. She will also become the registrar for the Central Virginia Soccer Association (CVSA).

"Shelley has been an outstanding addition to the Kickers front office," says GM Paul Sterbenz. "In her short tenure here, she has excelled in every aspect of her job and is very deserving of this promotion."

With the shift in Kickers front office roles and responsibilities, the Director of Operations position is currently vacant. The Richmond Kickers are now accepting resumes for this full-time position. Candidates should have three years of relevant experience in the realm of sport and/or event management, as well as a Bachelor's Degree, although Masters Degree preferred. Responsibilities include: coordinating and administering travel, event and program management, sponsorship implementation, and game day production. Please contact the Kickers at (804) 644-5425 for more information.

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