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USL United Soccer League Championship

2015 USL Season Kicks off Saturday

March 20, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


USL - We Are United
USL - We Are United
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TAMPA, Fla. - The 2015 USL season kicks off on Saturday night as Sacramento Republic FC begins the defense of its title and three new clubs see action for the first time. All of the action can be seen live, free and in high definition on YouTube, as the USL enters an exciting new era.

GAMES TO WATCH

Charleston Battery vs. Toronto FC II

Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Blackbaud Stadium

Charleston's historic Blackbaud Stadium plays host to the season opener as the Battery and returning leading scorer Dane Kelly begin their 23rd season with a visit from Toronto FC II. The Canadian newcomers boast a number of top young players, including goalkeeper Alex Bono, who was invited to January's U.S. Men's National Team Camp, and Jordan Hamilton, a standout performer for the Canadian U20 National Team.

Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, Starfire Stadium

S2 is set for an opening-night sellout, and will look to make a big first impression against the defending champions with Homegrown standouts Darwin Jones and Victor Mansaray set to be available for Ezra Hendrickson. Sacramento, meanwhile, will look to pick up where it left off last season, with Emrah Klimenta and Justin Braun set to lead a strong returning squad.

LA Galaxy II vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, StubHub Center

After being edged out in last season's playoff semifinals, the Galaxy II will look to get the new season off to a positive start. Led by returning standouts Andre Auras, Los Dos' MVP in 2014, and U.S. U20 international Bradford Jamieson IV, a finalist for the USL Rookie of the Year award last season, Curt Onalfo's side will welcome a Real Monarchs' side that will be looking to impress in its inaugural contest. 2014 PDL Young Player of the Year Ricardo Velazco and former Toronto FC forward Emery Welshman will be two to watch for Freddy Juarez's side.

NEWS AND NOTES

- This will be the second consecutive season the Charleston Battery will host the opening game of the USL season. The Battery drew 1-1 with Orlando City SC in last season's opener.

- Four members of Toronto FC II's squad played last season in the USL on loan with Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Jordan Hamilton, Manny Aparicio and Mark-Anthony Kaye combined for eight goals and four assists, and goalkeeper Quillan Roberts recorded a 1.188 goals-against average in 17 appearances.

- Charleston's Haviel Cordoves, Sacramento's Mickey Daly and the LA Galaxy II's Daniel Steres will all have the opportunity to make their 50th USL regular-season appearance this weekend. Steres has earned All-League honors each of the past two seasons.

- A number of MLS SuperDraft selections are expected to make their professional debuts this weekend, including former PDL standouts Alex Bono and Skylar Thomas for Toronto FC II, Oumar Ballo for the Charleston Battery, and Charlie Lyon for Seattle Sounders FC 2.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Every game of the 2015 USL season can be see live on YouTube (www.Youtube.com/USL), with updates from across the league also available via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Check out the United Soccer League Championship Statistics




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USL - We Are United
USL - We Are United
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 20, 2015


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