JACKSONVILLE, May 17, 2012 – The Web.com FC JAX Destroyers kick off their a new season of high-level play tomorrow night at Jacksonville University Soccer Stadium at 6 p.m. against the Ocala Stampede.

The home opener is Maritime Night honoring National Maritime Day (May 22), the JAXPORT and the local military.

While this is the second season for the Destroyers men’s team, it is the inaugural season the Destroyer’s women’s team.

Tickets are available online jaxdestroyers.com, and will be sold at the gate for $5.  A limited number of season ticket T-shirts will be available for $20 at the gate.  Show your support for the Destroyers support and get access to all HOME matches for the men’s and women’s 2012 games.

The FC JAX Soccer mission is to fill the gap in adult male and female soccer opportunities to play at the highest level possible. FC JAX Soccer is a United Soccer League (USL) entity and owns franchises for Premier Development League (PDL) and W-League teams that will both play under the FC JAX Destroyers umbrella.  FC JAX Soccer is a value-based, community-focused and soccer franchise with the goal to be the most elite level of soccer in Jacksonville, Florida.

For ticket information, team roster and season schedule, visit jaxdestroyers.com.

More details on the event: http://www.facebook.com/events/121932474597704/

The Southeast Division was for the most-part a two-horse race in 2011, but the addition of three new clubs, and the additions made by IMG Bradenton and the FC Jax Destroyers to their programs, should give defending division champions the Mississippi Brilla and newly renamed Orlando City U23 a run for their money in the pursuit of the playoffs.

Read More about the Destroyers and the Division.

• Sunday April 29th -@ 9am - at Losco Park  (for college graduates, non-NCAA players)
• Sunday May 6th @ 9am - at Losco Park (for all, including NCAA/college players)

Each tryout will be approximately 2 hours long.  Each player is responsible for bringing all of their gear and water to the tryout.

For more information, please contact Coach Marc Osterberger at marco_19@comcast.net.  Please check back to the site for any additional/further announcements or updates.

Thanks and see you on the pitch!

• home team liaison
• visiting team liaison
• public address announcer
• ticket sales / operations
• timekeeper
• referee liaison

Please contact the Head of Operations, Roye Locklear at 904-607-4822 or roye.locklear@gmail.com, for more information and details, or to be a key part of the fleet this summer.  We hope to have you aboard!

Donough Holohan MSc, BSc, ASCC, BComm

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Donough has held a number of roles in professional soccer in the UK over the last 12 years.  His career began at Derby County in 2000 as Head of Sport Science for the Youth Academy and he has since gone on to hold key positions at Preston North End, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United (where he worked with Jax Destroyers Coach Aidan Davison) and West Ham United.  He has also worked very closely with the English Football Association, serving as an Exercise Physiologist with the England Youth Squads, as well as enjoying a spell with one of the top ranked Americas Cup sailing teams in Valencia, Spain. Donough is a highly experienced coach educator, having delivering many Sport Science-related modules on the UEFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ license course as well as having been a lead tutor on the FA Fitness Trainers Award for several years.  Academically Donough holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University, England and he is a UKSCA-accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach.

2012 campaign opens April 22

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues released the 2012 divisional alignment and schedule for the PDL today, with the 584-game regular season getting underway on April 22 as LA Misioneros FC faces the Fresno Fuego.

Thirteen new teams have joined the PDL for 2012, including the Austin Aztex, Baltimore Bohemians, Boston Victory, CFC Azul, Chicago Inferno, FC Tucson, Ocala Stampede, Palmetto FC Bantams, Panama City Beach Pirates, Texas Dutch Lions, Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors, VSI Tampa Flames and Worcester Hydra.

Several teams have announced name changes including the Sounders FC U23 (Tacoma Tide), El Paso Patriots (Chivas El Paso Patriots), Fraser Valley Mariners (Abbotsford Mariners), LA Misioneros FC (Los Angeles Legends), West Texas Sockers (West Texas United Sockers) and Seacoast United Phantoms (New Hampshire Phantoms).

The PDL will feature 73 teams in four geographic conferences and nine divisions. The Eastern Conference features three divisions while the Southern, Central and Western Conferences feature two divisions each.  PDL clubs will play 16-game schedules in 2012, eight home and eight away. The defending PDL champion Kitsap Pumas open their 2012 campaign on Friday, May 4, when they travel to play the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 at Swangard Stadium.

2012 PDL - Southeast Division

FC Jax Destroyers
Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Acad.
IMG Bradenton Academics 
Mississippi Brilla  
Ocala Stampede  
Orlando City U23  
Panama City Beach Pirates 
VSI Tampa Flames

PDL
The top developmental men’s league in North American, the PDL features 73 teams in 2012 within four conferences across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.

USL Public Relations - Jay Preble / Nicholas Murray / David Wagner - Tampa, FL - 813.963.3909 - Twitter: @USLPDL

30 teams to battle for spots at 2012 championships in Ottawa

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL W-League released its divisional alignment and schedule for 2012 today, with the action slated to kick off for the 193-game regular season on Friday, May 11.  A trio of new W-League teams will make their debut in 2012, with the Central South Carolina Cobras, FC Jax Destroyers and VSI Tampa Flames kicking off their inaugural seasons to boost the league roster to 30.

“We couldn’t be more excited about what the 2012 W-League season will bring,” said Amanda Duffy, senior director of the W-League. “The league has continued its steady growth and now boasts several teams with ties to MLS clubs, so the W-League’s profile in the North American women’s soccer landscape has never been greater.”  

The W-League remains divided into three geographic conferences – Eastern Conference, Central Conference and Western Conference – though the Eastern Conference has grown to three five-team divisions.  The Central Conference features seven teams in a single division, while the Western Conference has eight teams. W-League clubs will play 12-14 game schedules in 2012, with each team facing each opponent in its division home and away in the Central and Western Conferences and teams playing three times in each of the Eastern Conference’s divisions.

2012 W-League Alignment

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
DC United Women
Dayton Dutch Lions
Fredericksburg Impact
Northern Virginia Majestics
Virginia Beach Piranhas

Northeast Division
Long Island Rough Riders
New Jersey Rangers
New Jersey Wildcats
New York Magic
North Jersey Valkyries

Southeast Division
Atlanta Silverbacks
Central South Carolina Cobras
Charlotte Lady Eagles
FC Jax Destroyers
VSI Tampa Flames

Central Conference
Hamilton FC Rage
Laval Comets
London Gryphons
Ottawa Fury
Quebec City Amiral
Rochester Ravens
Toronto Lady Lynx

Western Conference
Colorado Force
Colorado Rush
LA Strikers
Pali Blues
Santa Clarita Blue Heat
Seattle Sounders Women
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Victoria Highlanders

The season opens on Friday, May 11 as new franchise the VSI Tampa Flames visit the Charlotte Lady Eagles. The opening weekend of the season also sees the Pali Blues and LA Strikers renew their rivalry and defending Western Conference champions the Vancouver Whitecaps travel to face the Victoria Highlanders on Sunday, May 13.

2011 USL W-League champions the Atlanta Silverbacks begin their title defense on Friday, May 18 when they host the Central SC Cobras at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, while the Seattle Sounders Women, and new signings Hope Solo and Sydney Leroux, open their season at the Starfire Sports Complex on Sunday, May 20 against the Colorado Rush.

-- more --

2-2-2-2

The final weekend of the regular season is set for July 13-15, with 27 of the 30 teams in action as the race for postseason spots winds down. The Ottawa Fury will host the 2012 USL W-League Championship presented by UMBRO, welcoming the three W-League conference champions July 27-29 to the Algonquin College Soccer Complex for the semifinals and final featuring some of the world’s top amateur, international and professional women’s soccer stars.

The 18th W-League season will see 11 teams advance to the postseason with one champion advancing from each conference. The three conference champions will join the Fury in Ottawa in a ‘final four’ format championship. The semifinals will be played on Friday, July 27 with the winners meeting for the 2012 W-League Championship on Sunday, July 29.

The W-League is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America. The caliber of W-League talent was well represented in the recent CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers where all 20 Canadian National team members and 15 of the 20 U.S. National team members boasted W-League experience including 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year Leroux and Ottawa Fury Youth Program graduate and W-League striker Christina Julien.

W-League
The first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, the W-League is the highest level of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The 2012 W-League campaign will feature 30 teams in three regional conferences playing 12-14 regular season matches. The W-League features international and professional stars, and elite amateur players have the opportunity to compete in the W-League while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America.

USL Communications - Jay Preble / Nicholas Murray / David Wagner - Tampa, FL - 813.963.3909 – Twitter: @USLWLeague

When: Sunday March 11th, 9a - 4p

Format: all players should arrive promptly at 9am to register.  There will be small sided games in morning, provide your own lunch, then 11v11 in the afternoon finishing around 4pm.

You must confirm you will attend by emailing Coach Aidan Davison, click here to email.

Patrick Chin (pictured), Steven Rose and Boston College lost to top-seeded North Carolina in ACC finals

Welcome to Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix on what’s going on with Jacksonville Destroyers players during their time at college. Join Ryan Day as he takes you around the country to see how all the guys are doing against NCAA competition. Let’s get to it!

Top-seeded North Carolina too much for Chin, Rose and Boston College in ACC finals

Jacksonville defender Patrick Chin and midfielder Steve Rose carried their Boston College Eagles to a No. 7 seed in the ACC conference and a chance to turn some heads.

They upset No. 2 Maryland in the ACC quarterfinals on Tuesday night, upset No. 4 Duke in the ACC semifinals on Friday night and earned a spot in the ACC finals to play No. 1 North Carolina.

North Carolina went up early on Boston College with two goals in the first 12 minutes. Boston College finally got on the scoreboard in the 62nd minute after Rose drew a foul just outside of the penalty box. Boston College midfielder Kyle Bekker took the ensuing free kick and made the score 2-1.

But then just three minutes later, North Carolina put it out of reach as they made it 3-1 in the 65th minute and held on to win the ACC tournament final.

Boston College finished the regular season with an overall record of 14-5-0. They were 4-3-0 in ACC play and finished No. 13 in the nation. They will be seeded in the NCAA tournament on Monday afternoon at 4:30pm on NCAA.com.

Vollmer, Raudales and FGCU win A-Sun championship

In a thrilling match to decide the A-Sun championship, Destroyers midfielders Jeremy Vollmer and Cristian Raudales led Florida Gulf Coast University to a 1-0 win over East Tennessee State University.

FGCU were the favorites going into the A-Sun conference tournament, securing the No. 1 seed during the regular season and earning a bye for the first round of the playoffs. But the A-Sun conference hasn’t been won by a No. 1 team since 2004, so Vollmer, Raudales and the rest of the Eagles faced an uphill battle.

The game was scoreless until the 89th minute when substitute Scott Harrison scored for FGCU and prevented East Tennessee from putting the game into overtime.

The victory improves the Eagles overall record to 12-5-2 and their conference record to 7-1-0 and gives them the A-Sun’s automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, set to begin on Thursday, November 17. The Eagles will be seeded in the NCAA tournament on Monday afternoon at 4:30pm on NCAA.com.

Stetson loses A-Sun semifinals on penalty kicks

Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl and midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica brought their Stetson Hatters into the A-Sun conference tournament with a No. 2 seed, but it was one-and-done as the team lost to No. 6 East Tennessee State University on penalty kicks after the score ended 3-3 in double overtime.

Schnabl made six saves on the night, including three during penalty kicks, and De Mujica assisted on Stetson’s first goal, just three minutes into the match, but it wasn’t enough. East Tennessee showed why they won the A-Sun conference final last year as they scored three unanswered goals between the 23rd and 88th minute and dominated the midfield for much of that time.

Stetson finished the regular season with a ten-game unbeaten streak and an overall record of 10-5-3. They were 6-1-1 in A-Sun Conference play.

Toby scores as Flagler advances to Elite 8 of NCAA Division II tournament

Flagler is doing as well as they’ve ever done and it’s largely in part to the strong play of Destroyers forward Joseph Toby.

In a pair of games this weekend to decide the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional winner, Toby was always on the attack, scoring a goal and collecting seven shots on goal. The goal was his 11th on the year.

With the win, Flagler extended its unbeaten streak to 13 matches, the longest in the college’s history.

Flagler will play Lynn University (Fla.) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II national tournament on Saturday, November 19. Flagler and Lynn met earlier in the year and Flagler won 3-2.

Cristian Raudales and the rest of First Gulf Coast University head into the A-Sun Tournament with No. 1 seed

Welcome to Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix on what’s going on with Jacksonville Destroyers players during their time at college. Join Ryan Day as he takes you around the country to see how all the guys are doing against NCAA competition. Let’s get to it!

Joseph Toby leads Flagler to clinching Peach Belt Conference Tournament

Last week, Flagler College took part in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 1 seed and swept the competition, advancing to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament.

Destroyers forward Joseph Toby was superb, scoring one goal and assisting on two others as Flagler outscored their competition 10-3 in three postseason matches. This is the first time Flagler has won the Peach Belt Conference Tournament since joining in 2009.

Florida Gulf Coast University heads into A-Sun Conference Tournament as No. 1 seed

There was very little room for improvement for Destroyers midfielders Jeremy Vollmer and Cristian Raudales and the rest of the Florida Gulf Coast University team. The Eagles finished the season atop their conference and earned the No. 1 seed going into the A-Sun Conference Tournament.

However, in their last regular season match, the Eagles lost 3-1 to Florida International University in a non-conference game on Friday night.

Florida Gulf Coast University will play the winner of the Mercer (Ga.) vs. Lipscomb (Tenn.) match on Friday, November 11th.

De Mujica and Schnabl earn No. 2 seed in A-Sun Conference Tournament

Destroyers midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica and goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl made sure their Stetson Hatters were going into postseason on a high note, beating Nebraska-Omaha at home 2-1 on Sunday and finishing the season with a nine-game unbeaten streak. It was De Mujica’s goal in the 86th minute that sealed the win for Stetson.

The senior midfielder had the honors of scoring the last goal at the current Stetson Soccer Complex.  The entire facility is being renovated during the winter and will be completed before the start of the 2012 season.

De Mujica and Schnabl lead Stetson into the A-Sun Conference Tournament, where they are the No. 2 seed. They will face the winner of the Jacksonville University vs. East Tennessee State University game. The game will be Friday, November 11th.

Durr helps Jacksonville University finish regular season with win

Midfielder Stefan Durr scored his sixth goal of the season to help contribute to Jacksonville University’s 3-1 drubbing of Omaha-Nebraska on Friday. The six goals leads the team for the 2011 season.

With the win, Jacksonville University finished the season with a record of 9-7-2. They will face Eastern Tennessee State University in the first round of the A-Sun Conference Tournament.

Joseph Toby scored four goals and assisted another last week as Flagler clinched the Peach Belt Conference title

In the ninth week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Destroyers forward Joseph Toby was an absolute beast this weekend, scoring a hat trick in Flagler’s 5-4 win over Tampa (Fl.) on Wednesday, then scoring again and assisting another during Flagler’s 2-1 win on Saturday against Clayton State (Ga.). With two wins, Flagler improved to 12-3-1 on the season and clinched the regular season title for the Peach Belt Conference. Toby leads the team with nine goals and six assists.

…In this year’s Jacksonville Derby, played between Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida on Saturday night, there were six Destroyers who made their way onto the field. Destroyers midfielders Nick May and Enrique Haeussler and defender Julian Botella put up a valiant effort for JU, keeping their team tied with UNF for the first half, but it was Destroyers midfielders Darko Karamatic and Stefan Durr, who combined for six of JU’s 16 shots on goal, who beat down JU’s defenses and led UNF to a 1-0 victory. Defender Isaac Kinman came on late as a substitute to shore up JU's back line. JU left the match with an overall record of 8-5-2 and an undefeated 5-0-1 in the A-Sun Conference. UNF walked away with an 1-13-0 overall record and a winless 0-6-0 in the A-Sun.

…Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl collected his fifth clean sheet of the season as Stetson won another two matches this weekend, winning 2-0 over Belmont (Tenn.) on Friday night and 3-1 over Lipscomb (Tenn.) on Sunday afternoon. Midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica showed himself to be as versatile a midfielder as there is, assisting on both goals that Stetson scored on Friday night. The win brings Stetson to 7-5-2 overall and 4-1-1 in the A-Sun Conference.

…Florida Gulf Coast University, led by midfielders Jeremy Vollmer and Cristian Raudales, captured two victories this weekend over Lipscomb (Tenn.) and Belmont (Tenn.). Raudales shined Friday night, scoring the opening goal of the match in the 19th minute off a penalty kick and contributing to FGCU’s 2-1 victory over Lipscomb. FGCU then took care of business, beating Belmont 3-1. The wins improve FGCU to 8-4-2 on the season and 5-0-1 in the A-Sun Conference.

Durr scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season this weekend as Jacksonville University stayed undefeated in A-Sun

In the eighth week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Jacksonville University, led by Destroyers midfielders Darko Karamatic and Stefan Durr, also went undefeated this weekend. On Friday night, Karamatic assisted on Durr’s fourth goal of the season in a 2-1 win over Lipscomb (Tenn.). On Sunday, Karamatic and Durr linked up once more in a 1-1 draw against Belmont (Tenn.). Durr leads the team with five goals. Jacksonville University improved to 7-5-2 overall and 4-0-1 in the A-Sun Conference.

…Forward Joseph Toby scored Flagler's only goal of the night on Saturday as his Saints won 1-0 over USC Aiken (S.C.). Flagler improved to 10-3-1 on the season.

…Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl collected his fourth clean sheet of the season as Stetson went undefeated this weekend, drawing 0-0 with ETSU (Tenn.) on Friday. Midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica scored the golden goal with 47 seconds remaining, giving the Hatters a 3-2 win over USC Upstate (S.C.) on Sunday. The win brings Stetson to 5-5-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the A-Sun Conference.

Darko Karamatic scored his first two goals of the season this weekend to extend Jacksonville University’s win streak to four

In the seventh week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Jacksonville University, led by Destroyers midfielders Darko Karamatic and Stefan Durr and defender Isaac Kinman, won two games this weekend. On Friday night, Karamatic scored his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win against USC Upstate (S.C). On Sunday night, Karamatic scored his second of the weekend, an unassisted beauty at the beginning of the second half, in a 2-1 win over East Tennessee State University. Jacksonville University improves to 6-5-1 overall and 3-0-0 in the A-Sun Conference.

…Destroyers midfielder Enrique Haeussler scored his first two goals of the season for University of North Florida on Friday night but it wasn’t enough as the team fell 3-2 in double overtime to East Tennessee State University. Haeussler and the struggling Ospreys also lost 2-0 to USC Upstate (S.C.) on Sunday. The loss drops University of North Florida to 1-10-0 overall and 0-3-0 in the A-Sun Conference.

…Florida Gulf Coast University started the week slow, losing 2-0 to No. 13 USF on Tuesday night, but rebounded with a 2-1 overtime victory on Friday over Mercer. Destroyers midfielder Cristian Raudales had a breakout game against Mercer, scoring both of his team’s goals on the night. He leads the team with four goals on the season. FGCU is 5-3-2 overall and 2-0-0 in the A-Sun Conference. 

…Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl collected his third clean sheet of the season as Stetson defeated Mercer 1-0 in a rain-soaked overtime game on Sunday night. The win brings Stetson to 4-5-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the A-Sun Conference.

…No. 16 Boston College, led by Destroyers midfielder Steve Rose, found its footing after losing to N.C. State last week. The Golden Eagles won 2-0 over Wake Forest. Boston College improved to 5-5-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the ACC.

…Destroyers forward Joseph Toby didn’t find the back of the net last week but that didn’t stop his Flagler College Saints from defeating Lynn University and North Georgia. The two wins bring Flagler to 7-3-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the Peach Belt Conference. Flagler currently sits second in the conference behind Montevallo.

Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl was one of four Destroyers starters playing in Friday's match between Stetson University and Florida Gulf Coast Academy

In the sixth week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl and midfielders Gonzalo de Mujica, Jeremy Vollmer and Cristian Raudales shared the field for the first time since July except this time it was as opponents. Schnabl allowed three goals for Stetson University in a 3-1 conference loss to Vollmer, Raudales and the rest of Florida Gulf Coast Academy.

…Jacksonville University, led by Destroyers midfielder Darko Karamatic and defender Isaac Kinman, won two games this weekend. On Wednesday night, JU travelled to Georgia Southern and won 2-1.  On Sunday, the team hosted conference opponent Mercer and won 2-1. JU is currently 4-5-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the A-Sun Conference.

…Boston College continues to struggle in the ACC as they fell to North Carolina State. Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose and his Eagles were tied up 1-1 but an 87th-minute goal put the Wolfpack ahead 2-1. The loss drops Boston College to 7-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC.

…Destroyers forward Joseph Toby has had an incredible season at Flagler College but this week the Saints lost two games to No. 1 Rollins and conference opponent Lander. Flagler is currently 5-3-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the Peach Belt Conference.

Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose helps lift Boston College to their fifth win of the season

In the fourth week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Boston College, led by Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose, won 4-3 in an exciting overtime game against No. 11 Virginia Tech on Friday night. Rose had two shots on goal in the team’s fifth win of the season.

…Flagler College, led by Destroyers forward Joseph Toby, defeated Georgia Southwestern 3-0 on Wednesday night. Toby helped out the effort with an assist. Flagler then hosted Francis Marion on Saturday, beating the Peach Belt Conference rivals by a convincing 5-0. Toby had four shots on goal, but no scores.

…Stetson University hosted its Stetson Soccer Classic this past weekend. On Friday night, Destroyers midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica had two shots on goal, but the Hatters still lost to Furman University. On Sunday night, Destroyers goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl earned his second clean sheet of the season as Stetson won 1-0 against Temple.

…Jacksonville University also took part in the Stetson Soccer Classic, losing to Temple 3-2 on Friday night before rebounding against Furman, winning 1-0. Destroyers midfielder Stefan Durr had a goal in Friday night’s loss to Temple and Destroyers forward Darko Karamatic had an assist in Sunday’s win against Furman.

…Florida Gulf Coast Academy, led by Destroyers midfielders Jeremy Vollmer and Cristian Raudales, took part in a weekend tournament at the University of South Florida this weekend. The team lost their opening match on Friday night to UC Irvine (Cal.) 2-1 but then bounced back on Sunday to win 1-0 over Saint Louis (Mo.).

Destroyers midfielder Joseph Toby scores three goals this weekend to lift Flagler College

In the third week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Flagler College played host to Montevallo (Ala.) and Wingate (N.C.). On Friday night, Destroyers midfielder Joseph Toby scored two goals, helping Flagler draw with Montevallo 2-2. On Sunday afternoon, Toby scored his third goal of the weekend and assisted on another as Flagler defeated Wingate (N.C.) by a score of 4-0.

…Stetson University, with Destroyers midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica and goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl, travelled to southern Florida to play two matches this weekend. On Friday night, Stetson faced an attacking Florida International University team that had 11 shots on goal. Schnabl saved eight of them, but it wasn’t enough as Stetson fell 3-2. On Saturday night, the team played Florida Atlantic University. De Mujica scored Stetson’s lone goal on a penalty kick, but again it wasn’t enough and Stetson lost 2-1.

…Jeremy Vollmer’s First Coast Gulf Academy won 4-0 over Rhode Island, scoring four goals and shutting out the visiting Rams.

…Boston College, led by Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose, suffered a loss on Friday night as Maryland defeated the team 4-0. Rose had a shot on goal in the team’s first loss of the season.

In the second week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

…Stetson University, led by Destroyers forward Gonzalo de Mujica and goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl, travelled to Ohio to play two matches. On Friday night, Stetson won 3-2 over Penn State and on Sunday afternoon, the team lost 4-2 at Ohio State. De Mujica collected three assists on the weekend and Schnabl improved his record to 2-1. Both opponents were nationally ranked with Penn State at No. 15 and Ohio State at No. 23.

…First Coast Gulf Academy took their team across the country to face the University of Portland (Ore.) and the University of Washington. Destroyers defender Cristian Raudales had two shots on goal in the team’s 1-1 draw against Portland on Friday night and his first goal of the season in the team’s 1-1 draw against Washington on Sunday afternoon.

…Flagler College travelled to Banner Elk, North Carolina to play two matches in the Michael Shope Memorial Tournament. On Friday night, Destroyers midfielder Joseph Toby had an assist to help Flagler defeat King College (Tenn.) by a score of 4-0. On Saturday night, Toby recorded a shot on goal but Flagler came up short losing 2-1 to Lees-McRae College (N.C.).

…Destroyers midfielders Enrique Haeusseler and Nick May combined for two of University of North Florida’s seven shots on goal, helping the team win 1-0 over Longwood (Va.) on Saturday night.

…Destroyers midfielder Stefan Durr scored his first goal of the season to help Jacksonville University win 2-0 over Longwood (Va.) on Sunday afternoon.

…Boston College, led by Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose, took their top-25 men’s soccer program to New Hampshire to play Dartmouth. Rose had a shot on goal in the team’s 2-0 win on Sunday afternoon, helping Boston College improve to 4-0 on the season.

Article by Ryan Day

After a two-day tryout at the end of July, the Wichita Wings of the Major Indoor Soccer League have announced the signing of Daniel Villegas, former player for the Jacksonville Destroyers.

“We did not have any intentions of signing players straight from tryouts,” said Wichita head coach LeBaron Hollimon. “Danny…will be [an] indoor rookie, but there is nothing rookie about [his] play.”

Hollimon went on to say that Villegas had “excellent technical ability” and an “incredible soccer IQ”. He said the former Jacksonville player has all the tools to help the team “achieve our lofty goals.”

Villegas, who has been travelling around the country since the season ended for the Jacksonville Destroyers on July 23, said he feels nothing but excitement for the indoor soccer team from Kansas.

“To sign with an organization that has such a rich history like the Wichita Wings is a privilege and a blessing. I look forward to making an immediate impact on the team this year.”

As eager as he is to play in the Major Indoor Soccer League, Villegas said he still has a soft spot in his heart for the Destroyers and the city of Jacksonville.

“Jacksonville as a town caught me by surprise. You have such a great community up there that I felt like I was a part of it all along. The support and kindness of the people really is something I haven't ever witnessed. Maybe it's because I'm from Miami. The people are truly one of kind and I'm thankful I was able to meet everyone that I did.”

In the first week of regular season play for colleges and universities around the country, several members of the Jacksonville Destroyers played key roles in their team’s matches.

On Friday, August 26, Destroyers captain and midfielder Jeremy Vollmer recorded a blast of a shot on goal for First Coast Gulf Academy, but it went wide as the team lost 3-1 to Florida Atlantic University.

That same night, Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose had a shot on goal for Boston College as his team won its season opener 3-2 against George Mason.

On Saturday, August 27, from nearby Stetson University, Destroyers forward Gonzalo de Mujica scored in the 44th minute and goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl had three saves on the way to a 4-0 shutout over Florida Tech. It was the fifth straight year that Stetson opened a season with a victory.

Also on Saturday, Destroyers midfielders Enrique Haeusseler and Nick May combined for five of University of North Florida’s 12 shots on goal, but none came to fruition as the team lost 5-0 to Georgia Southern.

On Sunday, August 28, in Jacksonville University’s opening match against the University of Central Florida, Destroyers midfielder Darko Karamatic had two shots on goal, but neither got into the net. Jacksonville University lost 2-1.

The combined businesses would create the largest online marketing company.

Jacksonville-based Web.com announced Wednesday it will acquire Internet pioneer Network Solutions, creating the world's largest online marketing company.

The move brings the local company a longtime national brand name with a solid Internet reputation. The deal was sealed Wednesday as both companies signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition.

Both companies are focused on much the same thing: selling Web sites and leasing the Internet domains with names that end in .com, .net or .org, on which to host them. Both also are focused on the small to medium-sized businesses, which Web.com announced is a $19 billion market.

The combination triples Web.com's online hosting accounts to a total of about 3 million subscribers, the company noted. Web.com trades on Nasdaq under the WWWW symbol; Network Solutions is privately held. The merger could pave the way to $500 million in annual revenue, Web.com speculated.

Read Full Article at Jacksonville.com

Photography by Keith Garrett

Destroyers end season on low note as Bradenton scores three goals in first 57 minutes

Written by Ryan Day

The overhead lights started to dim, the teams began to walk off the field and Destroyers fans filed out of Jacksonville University for the last time in 2011. But the final whistle of the match did not mean that players were ready to let go of a season that, as they described it, could have been so much more.

“I’m not satisfied and I don’t think any of the guys expected this season to turn out the way it did,” forward Darko Karamatic said following a 4-1 loss to Bradenton on Saturday. “With the talent we have, we expected to make the playoffs, or at least contend. We can’t win games when we go down early.”

Saying the Destroyers went down early would be an understatement. It only took three minutes and Bradenton’s first possession in Jacksonville territory for the scoring to open. In the 22nd minute, another Bradenton player ripped one past the Destroyers defensive line and goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl.

At halftime, Jacksonville was down 2-0, but the scoreboard didn’t show just how much Bradenton was controlling the game. It wasn’t until the 32nd minute that forward Edvin Worley recorded the first shot on goal for the Destroyers and the 43rd minute until forward Caleb Matthews had another.

After the break, in the 57th minute, Bradenton took a corner and shot back-to-back attempts on Schnabl, who was able to stop them for Jacksonville. The third was one shot too many for the goalkeeper and the Destroyers found themselves down 3-0 for the second consecutive game.

It looked as though things would go just as they did last game when midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica placed a perfect ball to midfielder Nick May who headed it in, bringing the score to 3-1. But, a red card called on Worley in the 87th minute sealed a victory for Bradenton and left Jacksonville with only 10 men.

In the closing minutes of the game, Bradenton ripped another shot from 35 yards outside the box, scoring their fourth and final goal of the match.

“It’s the last game and we go out losing like this,” defender Isaac Kinman said after the match. “It’s sad but it makes you hungry for next year.”

According to Kinman, the lack of offense may have been a result of not having forward Kareem Yearwood, the team’s leading goal-scorer, who was away for personal reasons at home.

“It’s hard with a different formation,” Kinman said. “We’ve been having Yearwood up front and then to have [Worley and Matthews] sharing forward duties, it was just something we weren’t used to.”

Jacksonville has also played several games within a short amount of time. Playing their sixth game in 15 days, the Destroyers weren’t able to keep pace with a Bradenton team that was on nine days rest.

“I’m exhausted, the team is exhausted,” midfielder and captain Jeremy Vollmer said. “To play this many games is really hard, especially considering how many injuries we’ve had lately. We only had two or three substitutes for the past couple of weeks. We just didn’t have the guys on the bench that we needed.”

The loss on Saturday brings Jacksonville to a 3-9-4 record to close out the 2011 season. The team finished fourth in the Southeast Division of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League.

“We’re disappointed with the season’s result, considering the talent we have on the field,” Vollmer said. “There were probably half a dozen games this season that should have gone our way. They will next year.”

Photgraphy by Keith Garrett

Second-half rally by Destroyers not enough to carry team to victory

Written by Ryan Day

Despite second-half heroics by the Jacksonville Destroyers, three unanswered goals by Central Florida in the first 51 minutes of play were too much of an obstacle to overcome.

“You can’t win very many games needing to score four goals,” head coach Aidan Davison said following a 3-2 loss to the Central Florida Kraze on Thursday. “We gave away too many bad goals tonight.”

It was a game that finished with the Destroyers attacking the Kraze defenders several times as the game wound down. In the last six minutes alone, Jacksonville had three corner-kick opportunities and five shots on goal. There were several opportunities for the home team as attacking possessions were put together one after another.

“We’ve got to play smarter, we’ve got to manage the game better,” Davison said.

Just five minutes into the game, Central Florida scored an easy goal on Jacksonville goalkeeper Andreas Schnabl after a break down in the defense. Then, just before halftime, a foul just outside the Destroyers box allowed the Kraze to score on a direct kick and make it 2-0 at the break.

Then, five minutes into the second half, Central Florida earned a corner-kick opportunity and converted after Schnabl stopped the first shot, dove to stop the second shot, but couldn’t stop the third. By the 51st minute, the Kraze were up 3-0 and it looked as though the game was going to easily go in their favor.

But minutes later, midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica took a pass from the Destroyers backfield, dribbled it past two Central Florida defenders, squared up a long-range shot and scored from over 30 yards out.

“At halftime, Aidan [Davison] said for us to calm down and be patient and that’s what we did,” de Mujica said. “We knew we’d get opportunities in the second half.”

After several more chances, Jacksonville captain Daniel Villegas dribbled to the left side of the field and rocketed one into the upper-90 of the Central Florida goal. The score was 3-2 and the lead was cut to just one goal with over eight minutes to play.

The last few minutes were a series of long crosses, corner-kick opportunities and shots that went just inches wide of the net. At the final whistle, the scoreboard showed Central Florida had won 3-2, and Jacksonville players were left to wonder what could have been had the team not started so slowly.

“The effort at the end was too little, too late,” defender Daniel Villegas said. “If we started out like we finished we would have won. The second half, it shows how dangerous we are when we hit our potential.”

“Sometimes we don’t come out like we should,” defender Isaac Kinman said. “It’s hard to accept, but sometimes there’s no real reason for it. It sounds cliché, I know, but sometimes there’s no better explanation for it than that.”

“To be down 2-0 and to come back like that, it shows just how good we can be,” de Mujica said. “That’s something we can build on.”

The loss leaves Jacksonville at 3-8-4 heading into their last match of the season on Saturday, July 23rd against Bradenton at 4pm at Jacksonville University.

WHAT:     USL PDL MATCH featuring FC Jax Destroyers v. IMG Bradenton Academics
WHEN:     Saturday, July 23rd  -- Gates open at 2:30 p.m./Game at 4:00 p.m.
WHERE:  Jacksonville University Soccer Stadium

Destroyers Sponsors will present free giveaways for all spectators and some special door prizes.
All youth soccer players wearing their jersey are FREE / Family & Friends get in for $5.00

PLUS:  $1 Dollar Beers

Special Activities include:

• Pregame – Teams from Westside Soccer Club will play small-sided matches on field and welcome teams onto the field
• Halftime – Recognition Presentation for Destroyers Founders, Sponsors, Volunteers; Westside SC match on field
• Postgame – immediately following the game, everyone will be invited onto the field for a Web.com Jacksonville Destroyers Meet & Greet to meet the team face-to-face.

Today I was saddened to hear of a loss of a very dear friend and a very great teacher of life, Gary Barnett. When I remember Gary, he was a man who strived to find happiness in all situations. He became a master of his trade, teaching history, and teaching youth soccer. He had a particular style that emulated so many who distinguish themselves in teaching, I don’t quite know how to describe it. His attention to detail, his creative approach to teaching a topic, his open mind to responses or situations, and his ability to bring smiles to all around him.

He found ways to entertain, counsel, assist, challenge, give hope, discuss, listen, and then start again. He built relationships with anyone he talked with or met. He might joke about a situation, or a person, but always found a way to give the respect to the situation necessary.

My closest moments were with he and two Florida Youth Soccer Association Teams traveled to Venezuela years ago where he coached one of the teams. I don’t know how he maintained the organizational needs of the group, but he carried all of us on his back. He did it without your asking, he did it with pleasure, he did it while caring, he did it without question. I know there are others who are much closer to Gary than I was. I wish we called each other more, but Gary you were the first guy, after Bill Buren, I always looked for at FYSA events. I will still look up and say hi Gary, I will.

I know my friend is in a better place now. I will miss him very much! I hope to anyone who had the honor of knowing Gary Barnett, will find some solace and peace thinking about how they saw Gary Barnett. I hope he can read this too. If permission is given by his family, a Soccer Franchise which I’m involved with will dedicate a game and assist to fund whatever causes are in need be it family or charity. He touched so, so many children’s lives through teaching. I’m also recommending a teaching award be given by the FYSA in Gary’s honor for outstanding teaching and coaching with the FYSA. We will never understand why we are only on this earth for a certain period of time, but Gary showed us how his time can have centuries of effects on those we have the honor to teach.

Gary was one of the best FYSA Staff Coaches in my opinion over the past 25 to 30 years. He was probably a member of many staffs teaching, at the places he taught in our public school system, and in soccer. Gary always dreamed of being on the US Soccer National Staff, and I hope anyone who reads this knows, in my opinion, he is exactly the teacher who should be. Please allow this note to recommend he be made an honorary USYSA, and US Soccer National Staff Instructor. The only promise I ever made to Gary, was I would do this for him, and I hope my recommendation is considered and granted. Gary, I kept my promise, I love you.

God’s Speed,

Gary McKinley
USYSA and US Soccer National Instructor
FYSA State Staff Coach and Instructor
FC Jax Destroyers Board Member

We are offering Full-Day, Half-Day, and an Evening camp option. Come join us for lots of soccer and fun.

Soccer Shots takes a skills based approach to teaching the world's most popular game through fun and age appropriate games. Children 6-10 years old are invited to join us for their most exciting week of their summer!

Options:

Full Day Option 9am-4pm $220

Half Day Option 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm $140

Evening Option 5:30pm-7pm $95

Mention the Destroyers to receive a 10% DISCOUNT.

Photography by Keith Garrett

New coach Aidan Davison leads Destroyers to first home win for the franchise. In what should have been the most grueling stretch in franchise history, Jacksonville saved its best for last, capturing its first home win in team history by defeating Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy 3-0.

On July 8, Jacksonville set out on the toughest part of their schedule – four games in a nine-day period. To make matters worse, the Destroyers had just played a physically draining match just the day before. Also during that stretch, the team released head coach Eric Dutt after 12 games and only two wins. But this was a new team that played on Sunday night in front of their home crowd. This team was focused and organized, their defense was impenetrable, their midfield was disrupting possessions and their forwards were creating chances even deep into the second half.

This was a JAX Destroyers team that was running on all cylinders and showed it can play with anyone in their division.

“This win was important for us as a team,” said midfielder Jeremy Vollmer. “This core group of guys has been playing together all season and everything’s coming together. It’s coming a little late, but it’s coming.”

It didn’t take long for the Destroyers to show that three games in eight matches hadn’t worn them down. In the 21st minute, midfielder Gonzalo de Mujica scored his first goal of the match from 25 yards out, putting the Destroyers up 1-0.

Then less than one minute into the second half, Kareem Yearwood, the team’s leading scorer, took  a pass from the midfield and collected his sixth goal of the season. By this point Jacksonville was up 2-0.

The day before, they had been up 2-0 and let Central Florida score three unanswered goals and win the game. This time, the Destroyers weren’t going to let that happen. In the 82nd minute, de Mujica scored his second of the match and fifth of the season to put the game out of reach for Fort Lauderdale at 3-0.

“[New head coach] Davison wants to play directed at goal, whereas before we were playing too much in our own half of the field,” said Vollmer. “We couldn’t protect leads that way. We’d be up 1-0, 2-0 and we didn’t have the defensive form to keep it up. Now, we can get the lead and put away the game.”

Aidan Davison is a former goalkeeper who played professionally in England for 20 years. He’s made over 400 professional appearances, playing for English Premier League teams such as Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Hull City, among others. He was also on Northern Ireland’s national team for several years, making appearances in qualifying matches for the 1998 World Cup. His coaching experience includes being the reserve team manager for Hull City.

“Aidan’s a great addition to the team,” said midfielder Steven Rose. “Our training is more focused on defensive shape and fitness. A big problem we had before was giving up goals. He worked on our structure, especially our defensive structure.”

“Aidan’s more of an English soccer guy,” said Vollmer. “He made sure we were more patient and not letting our own mistakes lose it for us.”

The win puts Jacksonville at 3-7-4 heading into their last two matches of the season. Wins in their final two games will give them a winning record at home.

The next match for the Destroyers is at home on Thursday, July 21st at 7pm against the Central Florida Kraze at Jacksonville University.

This Sunday, July 17th, the Destroyers home season continues with TWO special events at Jacksonville University -- Web.com Day and an NSCAA Reading the Game coaching course (see attached flyers).

Click here for additional information!

• Web.com Day Information

• NSCAA Information

Our Title Sponsor, Web.com, will host the Destroyers match and provide free giveaways and door prizes to spectators. Built around the Destroyers game and the WWC Final, NSCAA will present a Special Topics coaching diploma course focusing on match analysis.

As always, we have $1 beers!!

Jacksonville, July 12, 2011 – Web.com FC JAX Destroyers management has named Aidan Davison head coach, replacing Eric Dutt.

Davison, who had been assistant coach of the Destroyers, will coach the team’s remaining four games, the last three of which are at home. To date, the Destroyers record is 2-6-4.

“The results have not matched the club’s expectations,” said Jay Golomb, JAX Destroyers executive director. “We appreciate Eric’s efforts, but we felt we owed it to the Destroyers fans and community to make a change now.”

Davison played in every division in the English Leagues, including the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City, making over 400 senior appearances. Internationally, he represented Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers. He also achieved FA Cup quarter finals and league cup runners up with Bolton Wanderers, Auto Windscreen winners and promotion to Championship with Grimsby Town as well as promotion to the Championship with Colchester United. He finished his playing career as a player/goalkeeper coach with Colchester United.

In 2010, he was the reserve team manager at Hull City in the E P L.
In addition to UEFA coaching qualifications, Aidan also holds USSF A licenses, both outfield and goalkeeper and the NSCAA D.O.C. Diploma.

Media Contact:

John Finotti
904.493-5006 (office)
904.891.3867 (mobile)
jfinotti@accesspr.net

JACKSONVILLE, July 12, 2011– The FC JAX Destroyers and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are pleased to announce a joint effort in hosting a community event on July 21 that is sure to be a night to remember.

The FC JAX Destroyers’ July 21st match against the Central Florida Kraze will feature Jacksonville local Haley Richardson, the 2011 Florida Champion representative for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the coin toss to begin the game. Richardson was treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital for Osteosercoma and was selected as the state representative for her bravery battling and overcoming the cancer. Miracle Children will also be present and sing the national anthem as well as serve as the ball boys and girls during the game.  

“The Destroyers have put in so much effort this season and the community has supported the players in every match,” said Kat Casey, advisory chair and brand director for the FC JAX Destroyers. “We’re so excited to partner with such a special organization like the Children’s Miracle Network so that we can continue to be part of something that gives back to the community.”

Fans attending the match are asked to bring a new or like-new book to the game for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Book Drive for Kids. Books collected will be delivered by the FC JAX Destroyers players and given to the children in the pediatric units at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

The Destroyers will take on the Central Florida Kraze on Thursday July 21, 2011 at 7 p.m.

For more information about the JAX Destroyers, visit www.jaxdestroyers.com.
For more information about the Children’s Miracle Network, visit www.CMNhospitals.org. 

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Locally, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Northeast Florida/ Southeast Georgia benefits the pediatric programs at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.  Learn more at CMNHospital.org.

Media Contact:
John Finotti
904.493-5006 (office)
904.891.3867 (mobile)
jfinotti@accesspr.net

Where: Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL

Cost: $75 (Includes game ticket and parking)

The USL PDL team FC Jax Destroyers, are proud to host a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Special Topics Course- "Reading the Game." The course will focus on the coach’s ability to analyze a game to then effectively improve players, groups of players, and the team.

The Destroyers and the NSCAA have teamed up to offer coaches an exciting and extremely valuable one-day experience that includes:

• Classroom sessions on Reading the Game prior to the match
• Pre-game meeting with Destroyers Head Coach focusing on tactical expectations of both teams for the match
• A ticket to the FC Jax Destroyers vs. Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Academy PDL match
• Postgame match analysis with Destroyers Head Coach
• NSCAA Special Topics Diploma- “Reading the Game”

Please contact Jay Golomb with questions: 443-996-4161, fcjaxsoccer@gmail.com

As of Jan. 1, 2006, any non-member who takes a non-residential course will receive a complimentary NSCAA membership. This applies to NEW members only.

OR click here to download and return the form.

Three away matches in a little more than a week could be daunting for some, but FC JAX Destroyers is looking at their whirlwind tour of Southeast Division opponents as an opportunity.

The Destroyers will be visiting three familiar teams in just an eight-day time span, starting with Bradenton on July 8th, Fort Lauderdale on July 10th and Central Florida on July 16th.

“We had a meeting after the match against Bradenton [the Destroyers last away match on June 24th],” Destroyers goalkeeper Greg Goebertus said. “This team compared to the one we took to Tampa is completely different. We have done a complete 180.”

Bradenton is an interesting team. They are third in the division and have collected four wins in ten tries, but as of July 1, they have given up 22 goals, the most in the division. The first time the Destroyers faced Bradenton, they earned a point by finishing with a 2-2 draw at home. The second time the Destroyers fell 4-1.

Fort Lauderdale is second-to-last in the Southeast Division and hasn’t won in their last five matches. When they met the first time, Jacksonville got a draw on the road. Jacksonville then fell to them at home 1-0.

Central Florida is developing into Jacksonville’s fiercest rival. Their last meeting was a 2-2 draw at home which many considered to be a fluke. If not for two goals in the last six minutes of the match, the Destroyers would have collected their first home win of the season. The rematch looks to have a lot of intensity and emotion as Jacksonville is determined to scratch out a victory.

Jacksonville has shown they can compete with just about anybody in the division, collecting a draw against everybody in the Southeast except for Mississippi, so wins are possible in all three matches. But, away games tend to wear on a team and the Destroyers have a home match the day after their road trip ends.

My prediction? Two wins in the three games. Jacksonville has grown and matured and the team is only getting better as the season wears on.

The tough stretch for the Destroyers ends with a home match against Fort Lauderdale on July 17th at 4pm at Jacksonville University.

The Children’s Miracle Network invited the FC JAX Destroyers to participate in the Bowling for Miracles event at Latitude 30 on Thursday, June 23.

Our Destroyer’s bowling (gunner) crew consisted of head coach Eric Dutt, defender Ryan Corning, forward Edvin Worley, and midfielder Steve Rose. As you might be able to assume each team was made-up of 4 competitors. Well, the Destroyers showed up with the entire roster dressed in uniform! The team demonstrated great support and had just about everyone’s attention. They took the initiative to make their presence known by signing autographs for kids, mingled with parents, and cheered on their crew.

The Destroyer’s can also take credit for a generous portion of the raffle tickets for $5 apiece, all donated to the CMN. Eric Dutt bought 6 before the team even lined up!

For the actual bowling competition, the Destroyers came in dead last. They couldn’t handle bowling, so they’re kicking it out and sticking to soccer.

Please don't forget to come out and support the CMN on July 21st at JU for our rematch against the Kraze. We are collecting new and like-new books that are child-friendly for the pediatric units at Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Download PDF for more information

Photography by Keith Garrett

Another set of unfortunate circumstances denies first home win for the Destroyers

Written by Ryan Day

With six minutes to go, Jacksonville was cruising to a victory over divisional leaders Central Florida Kraze. Their starting forwards, Joseph Toby and Kareem Yearwood, had created a number of opportunities and helped the Destroyers to build a 2-0 lead.

But in the 84th minute, a corner by Central Florida led to a goal, cutting the Destroyers lead to just one goal.

“[The Central Florida player] dropped it perfectly to his guy,” Destroyers goalkeeper Greg Goebertus said. “It was just a great placement and all he had to do was tap it in.”

Then just three minutes later, Destroyers midfielder Steven Rose was tripped and taken down in Central Florida’s penalty box. Normally, a red card is shown in situations where a player is taken down in the box, but the referee didn’t stop play and let the game play on.

Seconds later, a Kraze forward was taken down in the Destroyers penalty box. What looked like the same foul was given a different call by the referee. A penalty kick was awarded and Central Florida easily converted.

“In keeping things consistent, I think a penalty kick either should have been awarded to us, or nothing should have been called on them,” Rose said. “We’ve got these guys two more times this season though. I’m really looking forward to seeing them again. The whole team is.”

Goebertus, however, had a different opinion of what happened at his end of the field.

“We didn’t commit a foul at the end,” he said. “It was a dive [by Central Florida].”

Whether or not the penalty kick was deserved or not, the result was a 2-2 draw for the Jacksonville Destroyers. It’s a familiar result for the team as their four draws are the most in the Southeast Division. Head coach Eric Dutt, however, saw the silver lining even in a draw.

“It’s a tie, but it was our best performance of the season,” head coach Eric Dutt said. “We had the intensity and the effort. The group did everything right and they can’t get three points. It's hard when your guys do everything right and there's extenuating circumstances that are out of your control. But, we’ve shown so far this year that we can compete with anyone in this division.”

As the players left the field, one fan yelled to Central Florida’s head coach, “Merry Christmas, coach!”

The coach looked at the fan and smiled because he knew what everyone else knew Sunday night – Jacksonville had given a gift to Central Florida, letting another win dissolve into a draw.

“They got lucky,” Dutt said. “They just got lucky. I cannot wait to play them again.”

The loss leaves Jacksonville at 1-5-4 heading into their next match on Friday, July 8th against Bradenton, in Bradenton, Florida.

The Destroyers will host their next home match on Sunday, July 17th against Fort Lauderdale at 4pm at Jacksonville University.

For more photos of the game, go to Pride in Photography

WHAT:   USL PDL MATCH featuring FC Jax Destroyers v. CF Kraze (Orlando)
WHEN:   Sunday, June 26th -- Gates open for pregame festivities at 2:30pm/Game at 4:00pm
WHERE: Jacksonville University Soccer Stadium

Members of these multi-cultural diversity organizations will be granted free game admission with use of a pre-distributed Game Voucher. Click Here to Download Voucher

Family/Friends get in for $5.00

PLUS:  $1 Dollar Beers on sale all night

Celebration Activities include:

• Pregame Festivities – beginning at 2:30pm
• Halftime Recognition Presentation – all organizations in attendance will be recognized over the PA system
• Postgame – immediately after the game, everyone is invited onto the field for a festive Destroyers Meet & Greet to meet the players and coaches face-to-face

Questionable ejections of player and head coach mar otherwise strong performance by Destroyers

Written By Ryan Day

A player ejected. The head coach told to leave. Rain turns from a light mist to a steady downpour. The keeper yells encouragement to his defenders. A midfielder runs full speed in the 90th minute for a loose ball. A forward scrambles for an opportunity to score in the opponent’s penalty box. The fans weather the storm, trying to cheer loudly enough to be heard over the crashing thunder.

Like a scene out of a movie, the home team inches closer and closer to victory. But the visitors add their own page to the script, scoring on a corner kick with less than one minute left in regulation.

“In soccer, there are perfectly placed corner kicks and it was just lasered in, put right in the upper [corner] of the goal,” said new goalkeeper Greg Goebertus, who was signed by FC Jacksonville less than two days before making his debut with the team.

It was 90 minutes of pure effort and determination by FC Jacksonville. It was the best performance of the season for this young franchise and it was in the face of some of the worst circumstances. The Destroyers lost to Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy, but according to head coach Eric Dutt, the final score is not indicative of how his team played.

“The score does not reflect how well these guys played tonight,” said Dutt. “The guys put in an honest effort, especially considering they were playing a man down for 60 minutes.”

Midfielder Cristian Raudales was given a red card for a challenge on a 50/50 ball with a Fort Lauderdale player. The questionable call by the head referee was just 31 minutes into the game, leaving the Destroyers to take on Fort Lauderdale with only 10 men for most of the match.

“I thought the red card on Cristian [Raudales] was unlucky,” said Dutt. “Both players were going for it, but the ref made a decision and we have to live with it.”

After the red card, both teams began playing much more aggressively, leading to more than a few take-downs of Jacksonville players by Fort Lauderdale. Dutt, unhappy with the rough play, voiced his displeasure to the referee. In response, the referee came running across the length of the field, telling Dutt that play would not resume until he left the field.

“We never lost a beat,” Goebertus said. “Down a man, down a coach, we never missed a beat. I thought our team’s performance was really good even with all that going on. That was the coolest thing about the night.”

Describing the team’s performance as “good” would be an understatement. Aside from Goebertus, the new goalkeeper, making several diving saves and keeping a clean sheet for 90 minutes, new defender Sean Bateau, made his presence known in the middle of the Destroyers backfield, playing intelligently and physically. Midfielder Joseph Toby led several attacks from his position on the outside and captain Daniel Villegas even led a late charge from his position in defense. Forward Sergei Raad created several opportunities in the last few minutes and midfielder Jeremy Vollmer sprinted after every loose ball and went hard on every challenge up until the final whistle.

“Tonight is something to definitely build on,” said Dutt. “I feel inspired. Excited.”

The loss leaves Jacksonville at 1-4-3 heading into their next match on Friday, June 24th against Bradenton, in Bradenton, Florida.

The Destroyers will host their next home match on Sunday, June 26th against Central Florida at 4pm at Jacksonville University.

JACKSONVILLE, June 17, 2011 – Fans of the Web.com FC JAX Destroyers will be surprised at Friday night’s game to see some new faces on the turf.  Five new players have been added to the team’s roster with a sixth returning from training in Sweden.

Destroyers Coach Eric Dutt welcomed the new players from all over the country and the world to battle alongside the Destroyers.  Zach Greenwald, a Palm Coast, FL, native and Jacksonville University graduate, and Andreas Schnabl, a Blaichach, Germany, native and Stetson University graduate will be goalkeepers for the remainder of the Destroyers’ season.  Both will be joining Jacksonville native Greg Goebertus, a Boston University graduate, to serve the goalkeeping position.  Greg also attended Episcopal High School where he made varsity for soccer four years in a row.

The JAX Destroyers are also adding Sean Bateau, a Port of Spain, Trinidad, native to the position of defender and Zach Cowart, a Savannah, GA, native to the position of midfielder. In addition, Steve Rose who had been on the team is returning from a training stint in Sweden.

The team will also be witnessing the departure of six of its current players.  Johnny Rodrigues, Conor Killeen, Kevin Mejia, Patrick O'Brien, Doug Parra, and Veit Couturier will be leaving to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Contact:
John Finotti, Access PR
904.493.5006 (office)
904.891.3867 (mobile)
jfinotti@accesspr.net

WHAT:   USL PDL MATCH featuring FC Jax Destroyers v. Fort Lauderdale Schultz Academy
WHEN:   Friday June 17th -- Gates open and compete in contests for prizes at 6:30pm/Game at 8:00pm
WHERE: Jacksonville University Soccer Stadium

Players bring the attached Game Voucher & ADMISSION IS FREE

Family/Friends get in for $5.00
PLUS:  $1 dollar 12-oz Beers on sale all night

Recognition Activities include:

• Pregame Contests – beginning at 6:30pm, compete on the field for prizes
• Halftime Recognition Presentation – winners of the pregame contests will be awarded their prizes, and all adult soccer players, teams, and leagues in attendance will be recognized over the PA system
• Post game – immediately after the game, everyone is invited onto the field for a Destroyers Meet & Greet to meet the players and coaches face-to-face

Recognition Awards include:

• Destroyers Gear – every Adult Soccer Club/League will be announced as an official Destroyers Partner, with organizers receiving Destroyers Gear and FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL REMAINING HOME GAMES
• Destroyers Sponsor Gift Certificates –winners of the pregame contests will receive a Gift Certificate from Pizza Palace or Foot Locker (provided by Bahri Orthopedics)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., – Trailing 2-1 in the second half, Seba Thuriere’s goal in the 75th minute forced a tie between the IMG Bradenton Academics and the Web.com FC JAX Destroyers in a USL Premier Development League match Sunday evening on the campus of Jacksonville University.

Bradenton moved its record to 2-3-2 while JAX Destroyers moved to 1-2-2.

In front of a record crowd of 1,241, the Destroyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of first half goals.  Kareem Yearwood opened the scoring in the 13th minute as he sailed a shot past Bradenton goalkeeper Shawn Doyle.

In the 26th minute, Stefan Durr sent a beautiful pass to Sergei Radd for the JAX Destroyers’ second and final goal of the match.

Kemal Malcolm would get Bradenton on the board in the 45th minute bringing the halftime score to 2-1.

Before Thuriere’s goal in the second half, both teams had several opportunities to tally a few more goals. However, nothing would find the back of the net for either team.

Doyle saved two shots for Bradenton while his counterpart Doug Parra denied five.

The Destroyers out-shot the Academics 10-6 and held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.

JAX Destroyers returns to the field on June 10th at Central Florida Kraze for a 7 p.m. match. The Destroyers’ next home game is June 17 at 8 p.m. against Fort Lauderdale.

FC JAX DESTROYERS INVITE ALL YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS AND FAMILIES
TO CELEBRATE THE CONCLUSION OF THE SPRING SEASON

WHAT:   USL PDL MATCH featuring FC Jax Destroyers v. IMG Bradenton Academics
WHEN:   Sunday June 5th at 4:00pm
WHERE: Jacksonville University Soccer Stadium

Players wear your jersey & ADMISSION IS FREE
Parents/Family/Siblings get in for $5.00

End-of-Season Party Activities include:

• Pregame Contests – beginning at 2:30pm, all kids can play a variety of soccer and fun contests for prizes
• Parade of Teams/Clubs – immediately prior to introduction of PDL players, all teams with eight (8) or more players will parade into and around the stadium while being recognized over the PA system, ending on the field for the National Anthem
• Halftime Presentation of Contest Winners and Prizes & Club/Team Participation Awards
• Postgame – immediately after the game, everyone is invited onto the field for a Destroyers Player Party, where you can meet the players face-to-face and get autographs and photos

Youth Club/Team Participation Awards include:

• Destroyers Club Partnership – every Youth Soccer Club that actively participates will be announced as an official Destroyers Youth Soccer Club Partner, which includes FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL REMAINING HOME GAMES for the jersey-wearing player and FREE player and coaching clinics at the Club’s home site
• Team Participation – every Youth Soccer Team that has eight (8) or more players at the game will receive one (1) FREE admission (for the Coach) to a Destroyers Coaches Clinic, in addition to marching in the Parade of Teams while receiving special recognition for team accomplishments this season
• Youth Soccer Club Day at the Destroyers – the one (1) Youth Soccer Club with the highest level of participation will be announced as the featured club at one of the remaining home games in 2011 with a  _______  Youth Soccer Club Day specifically tailored to that Club.

The Pizza Palace will be offering drink specials during the appearance and the game. Pizza Palace is located at 3928 Baymeadows Road (near San Jose Blvd.) 904.527.8649 or www.pizzapalacejax.com.

Go Destroyers! 

In the last minute of regulation, with Web.com FC JAX Destroyers up 2-1, the Nashville Metros launched up a prayer from midfield – a long pass from midfield that traveled to the penalty box. As the Metros forward raced for the ball, so did a Destroyers defender. They collided, down went the Nashville player and up went the crowd, a cacophony of boos for what spectators believed was an intentional fall to draw a penalty kick.

“It was a foul, it was definitely a foul,” goalkeeper Doug Parra said following the 2-2 draw at Jacksonville University soccer stadium on Monday night. “You can’t play 89 minutes of tough, physical soccer and then complain a call doesn’t go your way in the last minute.”

Tough and physical would be understatements. A total of nine yellow cards were handed out during the confrontational match.

Nashville would strike first in the clash, taking advantage of a mishandling of the ball by defender Kevin Mejia in the 9th minute. It was the second match in a row that a mistake by Mejia has led to an opposing goal.

“We’re a good team, but a young team,” Parra said. “You look at the goals that have been scored against us. The first one today was just a simple mistake, but a mistake that [Nashville] took advantage of.”

Kareem Yearwood started the scoring for Jacksonville in the 14th minute, taking a pass from Julian Botella, and one-timing it into goal. It was the first home goal in franchise history.

“It feels great to have the first goal in history for this club,” Yearwood said after the match. “But we’ve got to regroup as a team, take the good from tonight and have a better showing next time.”

Then in the 58th minute, Sergei Raad took a pass and sprinted with the ball down the right sideline. After shaking a Nashville defender, Raad faked a shot on goal and passed to a wide open Yearwood who knocked in his second goal of the match.

From there, the Metros substituted in six players during a 12-minute span and went on a series of offensive runs, falling short until the 90th minute. Nashville heaved a pass to the back right corner of the Destroyers penalty box. A Jacksonville defender and a Metros forward both went for the ball, ran into one another and the Metros player hit the ground. He was quickly awarded a penalty shot which he easily converted to even the score. Jacksonville would not be able to score a winner in extra time and ended up drawing just a point.

“I’ve told the defense that in those situations, it’s better to have a one-on-one situation where I’m up against an opposing forward,” Parra explained. “I’d rather go up against an opponent in play than a penalty kick.”

The draw leaves the JAX Destroyers at 1-2-1 heading into their next match on Sunday, June 5th against Bradenton at home at Jacksonville University. The game starts at 4pm.
 

The FC Jax Destroyers has committed to helping through dedicating our Monday May23rd game at Jacksonville University at 7pm to the Gaskins Family. Mrs. Gaskins will attend, and Ken's two sons, ages 8 and 14, will be the honorary captains, sitting on the bench with the players.  The U8 team that Ken coached will play during pregame, and his U14 team, also coached by Ken, will play at halftime. Ken's best friend will pay a tribute to Ken at halftime, and members of GASC will pass a hat during the game to collect donations on his behalf.

In addition, the club has a link on their club website to accept donations for the family: http://www.gascsoccer.com/.  If you click on the link, there is a story about the Gaskin family, and a link on the main page, right-hand side to donate.

The Destroyers wants to help this family, and honor a man who made soccer such a big part of his life.  Please help us by:
• Distributing this information out to all your team and club contacts
• Encouraging all your players and families to go out to tomorrow night's game (players from any club will get in free if wearing their team jerseys)--parents/family/friends accompanying will pay only $5.00 per ticket, with a portion donated to the family's expense fund
• Providing the link and information about donating to the family to help meet their vast financial need to your club and team contacts
 

By Ryan Day

Mississippi Brilla FC may be the reigning division champions, and Web.com FC JAX Destroyers may be an expansion team, but Daniel Villegas and the rest of the Destroyers aren’t falling back on any excuses.

“It was just mistakes tonight, a lot of mistakes,” Villegas said following the 5-0 loss to Mississippi Brilla FC at Jacksonville University stadium on Thursday night.

“I thought we played some of our best soccer the first 25 minutes, especially attacking wise,” said Head Coach Eric Dutt. “We created great chances. We just did not capitalize on a single one. We made several mistakes in the first half and then we’re forced to chase the game.”

JAX Destroyers’ chase started in the 13th minute with Mississippi’s Mike Azira chipping a shot over the Destroyers defense. JAX Destroyers’ goalkeeper Johnny Rodrigues was forced to rush outside his penalty area and Azira easily floated the ball into goal for a lead that Mississippi would never surrender.

Then in the 34th minute, Mississippi’s David Palmer shot one past a diving Rodrigues to double the lead. Shortly after, in the 41st minute, a mishandling of the ball by JAX Destroyers defender Kevin Mejia led to an easy goal by Brilla forward Anteneh Lemma.

And just like that, Mississippi Brilla FC was up 3-0 at halftime.

“We came out in the first half confident,” said Villegas. “In the second half, we just came out frustrated.”

The frustration showed itself in the 62nd minute, as JAX Destroyers’ Ryan Corning was booked with a red card for slide tackling Mississippi’s Moses Aduny from behind in the penalty area. The red card led to an ejection for Corning for the rest of the match and a penalty kick for Aduny, who easily converted.

“Yeah, it was deserved because I clipped the guy in the back,” Corning admitted, also adding that he will most likely be out for an additional two matches.

In the 87th minute, Mississippi’s Joey De Mare scored the last goal of the match. It was the fifth goal for Brilla FC, but it only took six shots to do it.

“That’s why they’re the best team in the league,” Dutt said. “They capitalize on their opportunities.”

From there, the game was over. The Destroyers left the field with the cloud of a 5-0 defeat hanging over their heads, but not without a silver lining.

“I thought [Darko] Karamatic played incredibly well for us tonight,” Dutt said. “He was dynamic with the ball and created a number of chances for us. He was a spark for us tonight, the best player on our side.”

The loss leaves the JAX Destroyers at 1-2-0 heading into their next match on Monday night at 7pm at Jacksonville University against a Nashville Metros team they defeated 2-0 just days ago. A win will put the Destroyers back at .500 and remedy the bitter taste in their mouths.

“Luckily, we play again on Monday,” Dutt said. “It’s not too long before our next match."

JACKSONVILLE, May 19, 2011 –The FC JAX Destroyers today announced it will start its inaugural season in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League (PDL) with strong support from one of Jacksonville’s leading tech companies.

Web.com Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: WWWW), a Jacksonville-based provider of internet services and online marketing for small businesses, has agreed to become the FC JAX Destroyers sole Title Sponsor.

“We’re thrilled to have the corporate support of such a significant Jacksonville company as Web.com,” said Gonzalo Troncoso, chairman of FC JAX Soccer, which owns the Destroyers. “It’s heartening to know that we begin our inaugural season with Web.com on our team. It sends a strong message to the Jacksonville community that the Destroyers are here to compete for and represent our great city.”

“Web.com welcomes the FC JAX Destroyers and is proud to support this promising new sports team,” said David L. Brown, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Web.com. “Soccer enjoys worldwide enthusiasm, and is the fastest-growing sport in our country.  We are excited to partner with the JAX Destroyers as they compete in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League, and look forward to many exciting, competitive soccer games as their title sponsor.”

The Web.com JAX Destroyers’ home season opener is today, Thursday, May 19, against Mississippi at Jacksonville University, the home field of the JAX Destroyers.

About FC JAX Soccer

The FC JAX Soccer was formed to bring premier level play to soccer fans in the Jacksonville, Florida, area and to provide an opportunity for adult male and female players to compete at the highest level possible. FC JAX Destroyers is a franchise of the United Soccer Leagues and plays in the Southeastern Division of the Premier Development League and W-League. As a values-based, community-focused, professionally-managed soccer franchise, our goal is to bring the most elite level of soccer to Northeast Florida. For more about the JAX Destroyers, visit jaxdestroyers.com.

About Web.com

Web.com Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:WWWW) is a leading provider of internet services and online marketing solutions for small businesses. Web.com meets the needs of small businesses anywhere along their lifecycle by offering a full range of online services and support, including domain name registration services, website design, logo design, search engine optimization, search engine marketing and local sales leads, general contractor leads, franchise and homeowner association websites, shopping cart software, eCommerce web site design and call center services. For more information on the company, please visit http://www.web.com/ or call 1-800-GETSITE.

Yesterday, May 15, the Destroyers earned their first win (2-0) in Nashville, TN against the Nashville Metros.

Kareem Yearwood scored 1 goal, had five shots on goal, and played for 77 minutes.

Isaac Kinman scored 1 goal, had only 1 shot on goal, and played for 90 minutes.

Great job Destroyers!

Statistics produced from the United Soccer League. http://www.uslsoccer.com/stats/2011/2214297.html

As we are closing in on the 2011 season, the Inaugural Season Ticket Tee Shirts are becoming limited and only remain in some sizes. If you still haven't purchased your tee shirt then please email executivedirector@jaxdestroyers.com if you are interested. 

Thanks and GO DESTROYERS! 

WHAT:

The FC JAX Destroyers, Jacksonville’s new men’s Premier Development League soccer team, along with head coach, Eric Dutt, are hosting a special pep rally event that will include player clinics with kids, an introduction to the team and its athletes, and a meet-and-greet session for autographs and pictures.  The Destroyers will end the event with an intrasquad scrimmage game.

WHO: 

FC JAX Destroyers
Eric Dutt, Head Coach of FC JAX Destroyers

WHEN: 

   Saturday, May 7 - 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
   Season Ticketholder T-shirt pickup: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
   Player Clinic for Kids: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
   Pep Rally and Player/Coach Introductions: 3 p.m.
   Player meet-and-greet and autographs: 3:10 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
   JAX Destroyers Intrasquad Scrimmage: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:                   

Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd. N Jacksonville, FL 32211

CONTACT:             

John Finotti
904.493-5006 (office)
904.891.3867 (mobile)
 

JACKSONVILLE, May 2, 2011 – In preparation for their inaugural season in the Premier Development League, FC JAX Destroyers Head Coach Eric Dutt is pleased to announce 25 player signings for the 2011 season. 

“We are all excited to get our first season underway with this exceptionally talented team,” Dutt said. “The JAX Destroyers players are committed to playing the game at the highest level. Many of them have strong developmental ties to the Northeast Florida soccer community and are committed to proudly represent the city of Jacksonville.”

The roster has a dynamic blend of local and regional talent combined with some of the top players from across the country. All players are currently signed to the team, pending official approval from the United Soccer Leagues and the United States Soccer Federation. The 2011 roster includes:

• 14 players with connections to the Northeast Florida region
• 21 players with connections to the State of Florida
• Current college standouts from local schools such as Jacksonville University, University of North Florida, Flagler College, and Stetson University
• A current local high school standout
• Players from Boston College, Florida Gulf Coast University, College of Charleston and Barry University
• 4 players with professional playing experience

For the full roster, including photos and individual player bios, visit /roster/mens_roster/

Come out and support Jacksonville’s new soccer franchise when they open up their 2011 home campaign on Thursday, May 19th against the defending Southeast Division Champion, Mississippi Brilla. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at Jacksonville University.
 

The purchase of this season ticket t-shirt allows you access to all HOME games for the FC JAX Destroyers for both the 2011 & 2012 seasons. ONLY 200 SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!!

By wearing your t-shirt to any FC JAX HOME game, you will be granted free access and be recognized at the games as the inaugural season ticket holders for the Destroyers. All mail orders need to be RECEIVED BY MAY 5 and there are ONLY 200 shirts available for sale in 2011. Supplies are limited so order today to guarantee your Destroyer season ticket t-shirt.

There will be a Welcome Destroyers Community Pep Rally event at a location TBD to pick-up your t-shirt packages, meet the players and coaches and get amped for the 2011 & 2012 seasons ahead. This event is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 7, 2011. More information COMING SOON. If you are unable to attend the event then your season ticket t-shirt will be available at will call during the HOME 2011 season. You will receive an email confirmation regarding the pep rally event. Join the team and man the guns!

Print and send in your order.

Jacksonville will field a men's soccer team in the Premier Development League this season, with a women's W-League franchise to begin operation next year.

The announcement came Monday from Jay Golomb, executive director of FC JAX Soccer, who said the men's team will be called the FC JAX Destroyers.

A 16-game season will begin May 13 against a team from Mississippi. The Destroyers will play their eight home games at the soccer field at Jacksonville University.

The team will consist primarily of players with Jacksonville connections, players who played their high school soccer in the area or are attending college in or near Jacksonville. Players will not be paid in order to retain their amateur status.

"There is a need for soccer at this level," Golomb said. "We want to help develop these high school and college players and expose them to the opportunity to play at a higher level once they graduate from college. We will also be very community-oriented. The players will be very active with various projects and appearances in this area."

The team will consist of 26 players, with 18 available for each game. Eric Dutt, assistant soccer coach at Stetson University the past three seasons, will be head coach.

Dutt announced his first two signings Tuesday: Ryan Corning, a Nease High graduate who was the All-First Coast player of the year in 2007 and who went on to play at Stetson, and Veit Couturier, a Crescent City High senior. He was Putnam County player of the year and will attend Emory-Riddle next fall.

Dutt said he hopes to have his full squad signed and ready to start practicing this week.

JU is upgrading its soccer complex by installing 1,000 permanent seats adjacent to its field along with a press box that will include broadcast facilities and a VIP suite.

"Our university has a proud history of soccer, and we're excited to partner with another soccer group that will bring exposure to the sport and JU," athletic director Alan Verlander said.

Read the full article by Jeff Elliott: READ MORE.

The program emphasizes the development of positive role-modeling and character, while reflecting the morals and values of our society, through the game of soccer. 

The name, Destroyers, pays tribute to the rich Naval heritage and the contributions of the men and women who’ve captured the utmost respect from the entire Jacksonville community.

The brand identity, created by Jacksonville based Greenhouse Studio was crafted from the beginning to tell a story of community, teamwork & respect, while referencing the Naval undertones & the city of Jacksonville in a traditional European-style football crest.

1. The shield shape represents a Navy Destroyer hull.
2. The rope represents strength and unity, in traditional Navy Gold
3. The the Rank marks represent the 3 tiers of Destroyer soccer (Men’s Women’s & Youth)
4. The Gunners Mate icon represents ultimate teamwork
5. The 7 stripes represent the city of 7 bridges

JACKSONVILLE, April 18, 2011 – FC JAX Soccer, Inc. today announced that Jacksonville will be getting a new Premier Development League (PDL) men’s soccer team this season, the FC JAX Destroyers, as well as a women’s W-League franchise that will begin competition next season.

The FC JAX Destroyers will begin their 16-game season on Friday, May 13 against the Mississippi Brilla. There will be eight home games throughout the season and all home matches will be played at Jacksonville University. The team will have a variety of sponsors including Lotto – Team Sport, Bhari Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic and Heartland Sports Medicine. Sun Dog Diner will also provide refreshments at all home games.

The Destroyers will be led by head coach Eric Dutt who comes to the FC JAX Destroyers after spending three seasons as the assistant coach at Stetson University. During his time at Stetson, Dutt was responsible for all aspects of the program under Head Coach T. Logan Fleck as the men’s program achieved new heights.

“We believe that an elite soccer team will fill a gap in the Northeast Florida soccer community,” said Jay Golomb, Executive Director of FC JAX Soccer. “We’re so excited to bring this opportunity to the many soccer fans in Jacksonville and feel confident that our efforts will attract an even wider audience in the community.”

Tickets for individual games and also season ticket specials will be available on the new FC JAX website jaxdestroyers.com. The website will also include a full schedule for the 2011 season.

The United Soccer League PDL division provides elite collegiate players a chance to compete at a higher level while maintaining their eligibility. PDL teams also compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and various other exhibitions. The PDL division has been the starting ground for many top professionals who now play around the world.
 

For media inquires contact: : John Finotti, Access PR  // O: 904.493-5006 // C: 904.891.3867

The FC JAX Destroyers will be welcomed to their HOME 2011 field by the Jacksonville University AD today, and welcomed by the City of Jacksonville as we venture on our quest to become the highest level of soccer in the market. The Press Conference is at 11a EST at Jacksonville University's Davis College of Business, and will be catered by our sponsor Sun Dog Diner.

We're excited about this biz journal acknowledgement- check us out! New Jax Soccer team will play at JU

The first home game will be played on Thursday, May 19 at 7PM at JU. More will be announced on Monday, April 18.

Jacksonville FL (March 31, 2011)

The FC JAX Destroyers, a PDL and W-League franchise in Jacksonville, Florida, announces their final open tryouts for the 2011 PDL team. The FC JAX Destroyers will begin their inaugural season in the USL Premier Development League on May 13th against the defending Southeast Division Champions, Mississippi Brilla. As an expansion franchise in the top amateur men’s league in the United States, the Destroyers will look to field a competitive team featuring committed adult players, current and former college standouts, and aspiring professional players from Jacksonville and around the region. 

“I was impressed by the overall level of talent that attended our first tryout session,” said FC JAX Destroyers Head Coach, Eric Dutt.  “I am looking to play an attractive brand of attacking soccer this summer and will be using these tryout sessions to find committed players locally and from the region to finalize the roster.” 

Players that have any questions regarding the tryout process should contact Head Coach Eric Dutt at fcjaxpdl@gmail.com or visit the FC JAX Destroyers website www.fcjaxsoccer.com.

FC JAX Destroyers PDL Tryouts Information
Saturday, April 9 & Sunday, April 10
3:00pm - 5:00pm

Kernan Community Field*
12301 Glen Kernan Parkway North
Jacksonville, FL 32224   

*Enter through the Private Entrance located on Kernan Boulevard South and Glen Kernan Parkway North

Edu slipped to the top of the triangle which skewed his positioning, without taking any credit from his skilled work. "We're still at a point where we're trying to get different players in, figure out what they do," Bradley said during a press conference after the match.

This was the first out of three friendly matches with Paraguay and Spain following. The tie on Saturday was a marker in the teams evolution for two reasons: we proved to be able to organize and adjust and we proved our reputation to stand up to elite organizations, like Argentina.

The USMNT played in their new "Indivisible" jerseys by Nike on Saturday. The red was chosen by fans to fulfill a proportionate red, white, and blue.

This week, Paraguay. 

Was it because of Seattle's loss of Blaise Nkufo an hour before kick off? Was is the rainy setting, setting into the conscience of the Sounders? Or was it the back-stage chatter from Donavon that caused Los Angela's 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders?

One word: Juninho! With the interception by Todd Dunivant, opportunity was created downfield for Juninho to take a 25-yard strike at Kasey Keller, who nearly forced the ball out.

The fifth straight defeat over Seattle could arguably be a result from the loss of Blaise Nkufo, who scored five goals and one hat trick in the 2010 season, not deducting any efforts from LA. This barely equals the deficit LA endured including the absence of two starting centerbacks, the starting goalie, and one starting forward. Talk about a valued win.  Los Angeles midfielder Landon Donovan said "We're very proud of that, but obviously it's early."

Head Coach Eric Dutt and his staff will be on hand to evaluate all players interested in playing for the Destroyers this summer.  “I am very excited to get this season underway and this tryout will be the first opportunity for me to evaluate players interested in representing the FC Jax organization, Jacksonville, and the northeast Florida area,” said Coach Dutt. 

FC Jax Soccer is a value-based, community-focused, professional soccer franchise that is dedicated to providing the most elite level of soccer to both players and fans.   The Destroyers will compete in the USL Premier Development League, the top men’s amateur league in the United States.  “The PDL has been committed to providing former and future professionals with an outlet to play soccer at an extremely high level,” said Coach Dutt, “and now Jacksonville has a great place for these elite players to continue their development.” 

FC Jax Destroyers PDL Tryout Information
Saturday, March 19 & Sunday, March 20
3:00pm - 5:00pm

Kernan Boulevard Field
12301 Glen Kernan Parkway North
Jacksonville, FL 32224   
*Enter through the Private Entrance located on Kernan Boulevard South and Glen Kernan Parkway North*

All players that are interested in playing for the FC Jax Destroyers or have any questions regarding the tryouts, please contact Head Coach Eric Dutt at . 

The Seattle Sounders will host the LA Galaxy for the MLS season opener on Tuesday, March 15, 9:30 pm. Watch on ESPN/Deportes

“I would like to thank the FC JAX Destroyers for the opportunity to lead this expansion franchise,” said Dutt.  “I am very excited to be a part of this effort to fill a gap in the Northeast Florida soccer community and look forward to the challenge of competing in the USL Premier Development League (PDL).  I hope to implement an attractive brand of soccer and build a reputation as a leader in developing players while serving this community’s needs.”

Dutt has proven success at all levels of the game and currently holds a USSF “A” License, US Youth Soccer National Youth License, NSCAA National Goalkeeping License and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma.  Prior to coming to Stetson, he spent two years in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he served as the Technical Director for the USL youth club FC Fredericksburg Gunners. He also served on the State ODP Staff for the Virginia Youth Soccer Association.

Dutt, originally from Melbourne, Florida, graduated from the University of Richmond in 2004, where he led the Spiders to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001. After graduation, he earned his Masters of Science degree in Sports Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005. During his time at VCU, Dutt served as the Graduate Assistant for the men's soccer program that finished the season ranked #7 in the nation.

In 2006, Dutt returned to the playing field and signed a professional contract with the Richmond Kickers. During that season, the Kickers won both the USL Division 2 Regular Season and League Championships.

Dutt currently serves as a staff coach for the Florida Olympic Development Program (ODP) and is a member of the FYSA Coaching Education Staff.

“I am thrilled to announce that Eric Dutt has agreed to serve as the first Head Coach for the FC JAX Destoryers Men's Program,” stated executive director for FC JAX Soccer, Jay Golomb. “Eric is confident that he can put together a first-class team to begin play in the PDL this May.”

FC JAX Soccer has decided to develop our Women's Program at a more gradual and strategic pace. Due to the nature of the women's game, FC JAX will use 2011 to plan and develop the program to begin competitive play as a team in the summer of  2012. Accordingly, FC JAX is equally excited announce that Marc Osterberger has agreed to step in immediately as Interim Coach for the Women's Program, as we continue the search for a Head Coach to direct the Women's Program in 2012.

About FC JAX Soccer

The FC JAX Soccer mission is to fill the gap in adult male and female soccer opportunities to play at the highest level possible. FC JAX Soccer is an USL entity and owns franchises for PDL and W-League teams, that will both play under the FC JAX Destroyers umbrella.  FC JAX Soccer is a value-based, community-focused and professional soccer franchise that is focused on our goal to be the most elite level of soccer in Jacksonville, Florida. FC JAX Destroyers will be playing all HOME games at UNF stadium in 2012.  Learn more at fcjaxsoccer.com.

As a result, Salgado dominated 87 minutes on Sunday afternoon, created a goal and assisted another leading the Whitecaps to defeat the Seattle Sounders, 3-2, in the final game of the Casacadia Summit.

Sigi Schmid, Sounders head coach said it was a "motivating weekend" and emphasized the lack of scoring after the game. On the flip side, it is still pre-season and a lot of soccer to be played.

“It's like I said before, maybe we are getting this out of our system before the season starts because it's all cyclical,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said after Sunday’s match. “It all ends up evening out at the end of the day, so if we are having a bad run right now we will have a good run at some other time.“

Head Men’s Coach, FC Jax Destroyers

FC JAX DESTROYERS ARE A NEWLY FORMED ADULT MEN’S TEAM THAT WILL PLAY IN THE USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (PDL) AND MEN’S OPEN CUP THIS SUMMER 2011 IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA.

BASIC JOB DESCRIPTION:  Reports to the Executive Director of FC Jax Soccer and is responsible for all phases of the men’s soccer program in accordance with the FC Jax Soccer Vision/Mission/Values and Goals/Objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A combination of coaching experience with adult males, education, and community awareness necessary to build a successful program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Oversee all operations of the Men’s teams, including support/reserve squads; Supervise coaching staff; Plan and conduct team training; Recruit players; Satisfy all USSF/League compliance standards.

TO APPLY:  Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references BY FEBRUARY 10, 2011, to:  Jay Golomb, FC Jax Executive Director, 4600 Touchton Road East, Suite 1150, Jacksonville, Florida, 32246, or jkgsoccer@comcast.net For questions, call the office at (904) 565-2681.

<h4>Head Women’s Coach, FC Jax Destroyers</h4>
Jacksonville, Florida

FC JAX DESTROYERS ARE A NEWLY FORMED ADULT WOMEN’S TEAM THAT WILL PLAY IN THE USASA U23 AND WOMEN’S OPEN CUP THIS SUMMER 2011 AND THE USL W-LEAGUE NEXT SUMMER 2012 IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA.

BASIC JOB DESCRIPTION:  Reports to the Executive Director of FC Jax Soccer and is responsible for all phases of the women’s soccer program in accordance with the FC Jax Soccer Vision/Mission/Values and Goals/Objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A combination of coaching experience with adult females, education, and community awareness necessary to build a successful program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Oversee all operations of the Women’s teams, including support/reserve squads; Supervise coaching staff; Plan and conduct team training; Recruit players; Satisfy all USSF/League compliance standards.

TO APPLY:  Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references BY FEBRUARY 10, 2011, to:  Jay Golomb, FC Jax Executive Director, 4600 Touchton Road East, Suite 1150, Jacksonville, Florida, 32246, or jkgsoccer@comcast.net For questions, call the office at (904) 565-2681.

George John will never forget the own goal charged against him to let the Rapids slip away with the win...

George John will never forget the own goal charged against him to let the Rapids slip away with the win. This is one to go down in the history books-Conor Casey who scored in the second half to tie the game, completed a brilliant cross to Macoumba Kandji to cause the own goal against John in the second half of overtime. It was the only own goal scored to decide a game in the 15 year MLS Cup history.

Russia and Qatar have been chosen to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals. The United States had put in a bid for the 2022 World Cup but came up short when the 22 executive members that represent Fifa chose Qatar.

Russia won the rights to the 2018 World Cup by only two votes over Spain-Portugal, Holland-Belgium and England.

Qatar beat out the likes of South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States to host the 2022 World Cup.

Wondolowski scored on a late header for the San Jose Earthquakes to win the match for a thrilling conclusion. The team will now wait to play either the Colorado Rapids or the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Championship.

The 2010 MLS playoff schedule has been released

Schedule

Oct 28.      Eastern Conf. SF, 1st leg     COL   vs.  CLB    

Oct 30.      Western Conf. SF, 1st leg     DAL   vs.    RSL

Oct 30.      Eastern Conf. SF, 1st leg       SJ     vs.    NY

Oct 31.      Western Conf. SF, 1st leg     SEA   vs.    LA

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Nov 4.      Eastern Conf. SF,  2nd leg     NY     vs.    SJ

Nov 4.      Eastern Conf. SF,  2nd leg     CLB   vs.    COL

Nov 6.      Western Conf. SF, 2nd leg     RSL vs.    DAL

Nov 7.      Western Conf. SF, 2nd leg     LA   vs.    SEA          

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Nov 11-14.      Conference Finals               TBO

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Nov 21.          MLS CUP                               TBO

Expecting to attract over 10,000 people ranging from players, family members, and spectators, 2010 SoccerFest will again fill out hotels, rental cars and restaurants this year.

Other Featured Events:
Small-sided tournament held at Tampa’s Ed Radice Soccer Complex.
USL Annual Greeting Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.
USL Hall of Fame Dinner.

The Major League Soccer Conference Semifinals kick off on October 28, the location of the event is to be determined. This year the championship game will be held at BMO field in Toronto on Sunday, November 21.

MLS Cup facts:

• The tournament has been taking place since 1996 when D.C. United won in overtime beating the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2.
• D.C. United has won the most MLS cups with a total of 4, their last win came in 2004.
• The New York Red Bulls have made 10 appearances in the MLS playoffs, but have never won the cup.
• This year will mark the first time that a city in the United States is not hosting the MLS cup.

We will offer a program which will emphasize the development of positive role-modeling and character, while reflecting the morals and values of our society, through the game of soccer. This will provide the future leaders of our soccer and business community with specific direction, while offering productive partnerships with all soccer associations and local and regional businesses. Through these partnerships, we are committed to bringing together diverse parts of the community to focus on community issues and involvement, all through the interest of soccer. FC Jax will have a positive impact on the growth and development of soccer in and around our community.

Our Goals

• To create a successful organization that forms and maintains adult soccer teams that will compete at the highest amateur/semi-pro/professional levels possible, stand the test of time in Jacksonville, and fill the current void of quality soccer opportunities for adult males and females
• To provide a unifying synergy within the soccer community of Northeast Florida
• To develop financially self-sufficient business that provides a valuable, year-round benefit to the Northeast Florida area

"Destroyermen have always been proud people. They have been the Elite. They have to be proud people and they have to be specially selected, for destroyer life is a rugged one. It takes stamina to stand up to the rigors of a tossing destroyer. It takes even more spiritual stamina to keep going with enthusiasm when you are tired, and you feel that you and your ship are being used as a workhorse…" -  Admiral Arleigh Burke