XSL Gains U.S. Soccer Federation Membership And Other League News

The Xtreme Soccer League announced yesterday that they have earned a provisional membership in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). According to the official press release, membership benefits include licensing and insuring rights and access to USSF registered referees. Inclusion in the federation will also provide league coaches and refs with educational opportunities.

The USSF is the governing body of soccer in the United States and is a member of FIFA.

In other league news:

* Brine will be the official match ball provider for the XSL. The league announced that this season's ball will be the Triumph X 600, which will sport a green and white design. Unfortunately, the league did not provide a picture of the ball along with the press release, but you can look here for a general idea.

* Former Red Bull New York striker Randi Patterson recently signed with the Chicago Storm. Patterson last played with the Charleston Battery where he lead the team in scoring.

* Tony Sanneh is training with the Chicago Storm according to the Chicago Tribune (link). The 37-year-old veteran defender earned 43 caps with the U.S. National Team between 1997 and 2005. There is no word yet on whether he intends to sign with the team.

Notes and Highlights From Media Day

The Local Fe26 was on hand when the Ironmen introduced the players to the press during Tuesday's Media Day event. Here are the highlights and a few of our observations:

* In his opening remarks, head coach Omid Namazi reflected on a busy off season that included the signings of 1o new faces. "We had to make changes to compete for the championship," the two-time MISL Coach of the Year stated. He went on to note that anything less than a championship would be a "disappointment" for this season's highly talented Ironmen squad.

* There were two players introduced whose signings have not yet been officially announced: forward Nebo Stamenkovic and goalkeeper Pat Hannigan. Nebo is a returnee from last season. The former Red Star Belgrade reserve had a goal and two assists in seven appearances last year. Hannigan's resume includes time with Miami FC of the USL-1.

* Namazi told the press that the Ironmen are currently waiting on the status of two players from last year's squad. The unnamed players are apparently in Brazil where they are attempting to secure the paperwork necessary for them to rejoin the team. One of the players may be forward Mauricio Salles, who was in Brazil seeking documentation for his family during the summer.

* There were two highly noticeable absences from the event. Goalkeeper Tony Meola was not amongst the players introduced. As we reported earlier, Meola is rumored to be a candidate for the general manager position with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia expansion team. Also absent was Jonathan Steele. The 2008 USL-1 MVP is currently listed on the official roster, but did not appear in the team photo that was distributed to the press. We will continue to monitor the status of both players.

Vasic Named Assistant Coach And Other Ironmen Notes

The Ironmen announced this week that midfielder Goran Vasic will assume an assistant coaching role in addition to his duties as a player. The 36-year-old Serb will help head coach Omid Namazi run team practices and formulate game plans. He holds a USSF-A coaching license.

Vasic played a key role on the field for last year's Ironmen squad. He lead the team with 29 assists and netted 10 goals, including four three-pointers.

We here at the Local Fe26 congratulate Goran on his promotion!

In other Ironmen related news:

* Former Ironmen defender Gordan Kljesten was cut this week by Red Bull New York. Kljesten was signed to a developmental contract over the summer and played in eight reserve matches for the MLS side. He also started against Crystal Palace USA in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.

* The Ironmen will be outfitted by a new company this season. Cosa/ABM Sportswear will provide "Italian-style" jerseys and training attire to all XSL teams for the 2008-09 season. The Stroudsburg, PA based company outfitted the Milwaukee Wave and Chicago Storm last year.

McNeley Joins Ironmen Defense

Evan McNeley is the latest addition to the Ironmen roster. Yesterday's signing made the left-footed defender the 15th player inked by the team during the off season.

McNeley, a Washington native, has played in the indoor game since 2006 as a member of the California Cougars. He enjoyed a breakout season last year, tallying 10 goals and 11 assists while registering 35 blocks. He is the second defender that New Jersey has signed away from the Cougars this off season. Ryan Hall was inked at the end of last month.

The Ironmen will look to McNeley to provide some of the stability that was missing on the backline last season. He played in all 30 games during the 2007-2008 campaign.

Stay tuned to the Local Fe26 for more player signings. There are likely to be more soon with training camp set to open in just six days.

Meola In The News And Other Ironmen Notes

Tony Meola could be headed to an MLS front office in the near future. Soccer By Ives has reported that the former U.S. National Team goalkeeper is slated to interview for the general manager job with the Philadelphia expansion franchise (link). No further details are known at this time, so file this story under the heading of rumor for now.

Meola's status with the Ironmen is not yet clear. He expressed his intention to return to the Irons earlier in the off season, but the team has not yet officially announced his signing.

We here at the Local Fe26 hope Tony comes back for another season. Stay tuned as we should know more about Meola's situation shortly. The Ironmen will need to sign at least one more goalkeeper before the season opener on December 14th. Currently, the only keeper on the roster is last season's backup Le Clembo do Carmo.

In other Ironmen related news:

* Ibrahim Kante is one player from last year's squad who won't be returning to the Ironmen for the upcoming season. The veteran defender signed with the Rockford Rampage of the NISL.

* The Ironmen will be hosting a coat drive during the season opener to benefit Jersey Cares, a non-profit community organization. Fans can donate "gently used" winter coats at the Prudential Center entrance on match day. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4:00 PM on December 14th. Check the Ironmen website for more details.

2008-2009 Ironmen Roster (Early Glimpse)

With the opening of training camp just nine days away, we here at the Local Fe26 thought it would be a good idea to outline the Ironmen roster.

The Ironmen will have a new look this year. So far, only five of the 14 players signed during the off season are returnees from last year's squad. The new signings include some of the best talent that the indoor game has to offer. The centerpiece move was the luring of star forward Aduato Neto away from the Baltimore Blast. The 2005-2006 MISL MVP has notched an impressive 106 goals and 72 assists in 137 career indoor games.

Also among the marquee off season moves was the signing of 2008 USL-1 MVP Jonathan Steele and the re-signing of midfielder Goran Vasic, who was New Jersey's top assist man last season.

There are still a number of spots that need to be filled before the Ironmen take to the pitch in their December 14th opener against the Chicago Storm. We expect one of those spots to be filled by goalkeeper Tony Meola, who has expressed his intention to return to the Ironmen and has appeared at a few team events during the indoor break.

Stay tuned to the Local Fe26 for more off season moves. We will bring you all the info on every signing as they are announced and make periodic roster updates.

Here is how the current 2008-2009 Ironmen roster shapes up:

Forwards:

Shawn Boney (info)
Chile Farias (info)
Frederico Moojen* (info)
Aduato Neto (info)

Midfielders:

Lucio Gonzaga (info)
Sandre Naumoski (info)
Jonathan Steele (info)
Tiguinho* (info)
Goran Vasic* (info)

Defenders:

Oral Bullen (info)
Ryan Hall (info)
Matt Maher* (info)
Rey Martinez (info)

Goalkeepers:

Le Clembo do Carmo* (info)

(* - Indicates player is returning from last season's Ironmen squad)

Naumoski Joins New Jersey

Sandre "Sunny" Naumoski has become the latest addition to the Ironmen squad with the announcement of his signing today. The veteran is the fifth midfielder inked by the club this off season.

Naumoski has played in the indoor game since 2003. His resume includes stints with the Chicago Storm and St. Louis Steamers, where he played with current Ironmen head coach Omid Namazi. He registered seven goals and nine assists last season with his most recent team, the Philadelphia Kixx.

In addition to his club duties, Naumoski is a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team. He played in the FIFA Futsal World Cup earlier this year in Brazil.

The signing will add even more depth to a talented midfield that includes Goran Vasic, Lucio and Jonathan Steele.

Check back here at the Local Fe26 for more off season signings.