Twelve Players To Return To '09 Palace Squad

Published on February 10, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore is pleased to announce the re-signing of twelve players from last season's squad, pending USL and USSF approval. Mateus dos Anjos, Jim Cherneski, Shintaro Harada, Bryan Harkin, Pat Healey, Dan Lader, Larry Mark, Andrew Marshall, Paul Robson, Brian Rowland, Alex Ughiovhe and Val Teixeira were all instrumental in the team's achievements in 2008. Palace improved on their inaugural 2007 season by reaching the semi-finals of the League playoffs, as well as upsetting the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on their way to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

"You can't underestimate the importance of bringing back quality veteran players who know your system, your style, and have completely bought in to what the Club is trying to accomplish." commented President and Co-Manager Pete Medd. "We not only re-signed guys with big-time time talent and the drive to win a championship, but they're all quality people off the field as well."

Sporting Director and Co-Manager Jim Cherneski added: "For the most part this group has stayed together and trained over the whole off-season, going through weight-lifting sessions, running and playing together. We now have proven players at every position. We are very excited to get started."

In the attacking third of the field, 2008 was a breakout season for Washington DC native Larry Mark. The American University standout earned a regular starting spot and turned himself into one of the most dangerous wingers in USL, earning USL2 Team of the Week honors on several occasions.

Veteran captain Val Teixeira has returned from England to re-sign with Palace Baltimore. His contributions last season proved crucial in the team's advancement through the US Open Cup and the push for the League playoffs. Val's leadership on and off the field makes him an invaluable addition to the '09 Championship run. After being considered by several MLS teams, Palace fans will be relieved to learn that midfield maestro Shintaro Harada is back for his third season. The former Japanese J-League player was deservedly named to the 2008 USL2 All-League First Team after an outstanding campaign both in his natural midfield role and filling in at center-back. A nominee for last year's USL2 Rookie of the Year award, Baltimore native and former MLS draft pick Pat Healey remains one of the club's most exciting prospects, ending the season as the club's second leading scorer. Former Liverpool FC youth player Bryan Harkin has earned a reputation as one of the top defensive midfielders in USL in his two years at Palace and local product Dan Lader enjoyed a promising 2008 rookie season in a variety of midfield roles, scoring the game-tying goal against the New England Revolution in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

In defense, standout local product Andrew Marshall will lead the back line for the third consecutive year. His tenacious marking and tackling and his involvement in set pieces all combine to produce an invaluable asset to the team. Paul Robson, fresh from his trial with Crystal Palace in London is seen returning to his natural right-back position for the new season. The ex-Charlton Athletic (English Premier League) player proved a steadfast component in the left back slot last season, until he was forced to sit out the final third of the schedule due to injury. Brazilian-born Mateus dos Anjos will retain the left-back slot for the new season, having held the position throughout 2007. After a stint with local rivals Real Maryland last year, dos Anjos rejoined his old teammates as cover for Paul Robson over the final third of the 2008 season. Alex Ughiovhe missed most of the 2008 campaign through injury but the Washington DC product is now back to full strength and will look to recapture the form he displayed early last year. Co-Manager, Sporting Director and player Jim Cherneski suffered a niggling calf injury for a portion of last season, but is now back to full fitness and will once again contribute on the left and right wings.

Former UMBC and Youth Canadian National Team goalkeeper, Brian Rowland, was still recovering from off-season wrist surgery at the beginning of last season. After enjoying several months of healthy competition for the starting spot, he eventually won the job back and proved himself one of the league's best, as he did in Palace's inaugural 2007 campaign.

Announcements of new player signings will be made in the coming days.

For more information on Crystal Palace Baltimore, please visit http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com , http://www.crystalpalacebaltimore.com or call 410.933.TEAM.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 10, 2009


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