Brevard County's Cocoa Expos

POST-SEASON PICTURE STILL COMING INTO FOCUS (posted July 13, 2008)

Only three of 12 WPSL teams have firm assurances of post-season play

SACRAMENTO, CA (07/10/08) - Heading into the final weekends of the regular season, the war for the remaining spots in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) playoffs have now evolved from minor skirmishes to do-or-die battles. Such is the case this weekend as only three out of 12 possible playoff teams - SoccerPlus CT & the New England Mutiny of the East Conference and Sunshine champion Brevard County Cocoa Expos - have firmly clinched their spots in the WPSL post-season. All want to make their presence felt at the 2008 WPSL Final Four, hosted by the California Storm at Natomas H.S. in Sacramento, CA this August 2-3.

In the East Conference, the top two teams from each division make it to the playoffs, with the first-place North side facing off against the second-place Mid-Atlantic side and vice versa the weekend of July 25-27, with the winners of the conference semifinals battling for the berth to the WPSL Final Four. In the North Division, the No. 17-internationally ranked Reds stand in first-place with an undefeated record of 9-0-0 with the second-place Mutiny's only loss (8-1-0) this season coming at their hands in Agawam, MA on June 13th. If both sides are victorious this weekend, the re-match for the division title will play itself out at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in New Britain, CT on Friday, July 18th.

In the Mid-Atlantic Division, with two matches in hand on second-place Atlantic City and possessing a 7-1-0 record, the 2006 WPSL National Champion and first-place Long Island Fury appear to control their own fate. It's the 2007 WPSL East Finalist A.C. Diablos (6-2-2) and first-year Lancaster Inferno (6-2-1) who will heat up the fight for the fourth spot in the East playoffs. Both teams will do just that this Saturday, July 12th as they face-off at the Inferno in what is essentially a do-or-die encounter. Lancaster went on the road to defeat Atlantic City on June 29th by a 2-1 score.

After a valiant late season "surge" by the so-named 8-3-1 Florida side, the 10-0-1 Brevard County Cocoa Expos reeled in the Sunshine Conference title with a pair of wins last week over Palm Beach United and Miami Kickers F.C. with a match remaining in the regular season. They now await the results from the remainder of the Midwest Conference slate, as the former W-League side will host the Midwest champion the weekend of July 25-27 for the second berth into the WPSL Final Four.

Concerning the Midwest, a pair of first-year teams are in the midst of a struggle for the conference title. First-place Ohio Premier S.C. (4-1-1) and second-place MYSC Lady Blues (4-1-0) have split their season series - with both sides winning each home match - but it is the Chicago Red Stars (WPS) affiliate who has the game in hand. Yet, both sides also finish their respective regular season slate on the road. If OPSC wins out, the Lady Blues match at the Chicago United Breeze on Weds., July 16th may very well decide who will travel to Brevard County for the Regional Playoff.

The expanded Big Sky Conference has seen its share of drama this season, as the North Division has been a bevy of back-and-forth action. The North Division winner will host the South Division champion during the weekend of July 25-27 for the third berth in the WPSL Final Four. As of now, the Albuquerque Lady Asylum (7-1-2) are in control with two matches remaining (vs. SLC Sparta & Utah) - simply put, win both games this weekend and they're in. A draw with Northern Arizona last week put a dent in the post-season plans of the Arizona Rush (6-1-3), but a pair of WPSL veterans in the Utah Spiders (5-3-0) and Denver Diamonds (3-2-2) have games in hand and can still make noise & cause havoc to the Lady Asylum's plans.

The new Big Sky-South Division this season has seen Oklahoma Alliance F.C. reel off five straight wins to open their campaign. With Charmaine Hooper's Forth Worth F.C. side currently holding down second-place with a 2-3-1 record, it looks like the Oklahoma City side is in pole position to travel to face the Big Sky-North winner for the Regional Playoff match.

The two-division Pacific Conference has a similar playoff format to the East, however, to save travel costs the first and second place sides from each division will play each other first in the conference semifinals (first place team will host). The South Division playoff winner will then host the winner of the North Division playoff winner for the rights to the final Final Four berth.

In the North Division, perennial powerhouse California Storm have counted on the resurgent play of Sissi and veteran midfielder Kim Yokers to propel them to a 7-0-0 mark - with games in hand on Sonoma County F.C. Sol (5-2-1) and the Walnut Creek Power (5-4). The WPSL Final Four hosts will most likely host one of these sides in the North playoff, however, the SCFC Sol still have to face off against the Storm and need a positive result in either of their remaining matches to assure themselves a spot in the divisional playoff.

In the South Division, first-place West Coast F.C. have pretty much clinched one of the two post-season spots with a record of 6-2-1, but Ajax America (5-3-1) and SD United (4-2-2) can still turn things inside out. SD United will travel to face off against WCFC this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and if they're victorious, their last match versus the Los Angeles Rampage the next day could very well determine the two playoff spots in the Pacific-South divisional race.

The WPSL is now a 51-team national women's soccer league with five conferences and is considered one of the top women's soccer leagues in the world. The WPSL's mission is to provide the highest level of women's soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for youth. For more information, you can contact us via email at media@wpsl.info.

Brevard County Cocoa Expos Bagley Earns 2008 WPSL Week 1 Team of the Week Nod (posted May 28, 2008)

Cocoa Beach, FL (05/27/08) - Brevard County Expos Midfielder Kate Bagley was named to the WPSL Week 1 Team of the Week today in Sacramento, California. Kate helped the Expos Capture two wins improving the home town hero’s record to 3-0-0 and good for first place in the Sunshine Conference of the WPSL.

Kate a UCF graduate who helped lead the Knights to numerous NCAA tournament playoffs during her career joined the Expos this season and has made an immediate impact controlling the center of the park along with Captain Jenn Montgomery. "Kate is a great addition for us this summer, her play in the middle has been fantastic and I am very happy for her that she was honored by the league this early in the season" commented Head Coach James Kryger. "We are excited about all our players this summer and our record is indicative of the heart and determination this team has to represent this community and produce great results we can all celebrate over".

Kate and the rest of the Expos take to field this weekend for two games in two days with a visit Friday night to Orlando to play the Falcons at 7pm. A return to the friendly confines of the Cocoa Expo Center Saturday versus visiting Puerto Rico Islanders will round out the weekend action. The Expos look to continue the run of great performances as they welcome Brevard County Soccer Fans to the 7pm International Game. Fans can contact the office for ticket information by calling (321) 639 3976 x25 or by visiting www.cocoaexposoccer.com the official website of your local women’s pro-level soccer team.

Performances from LI's Beyar (upper left) & LA's Gutierrez (bottom left) overshadow solid showing from Puerto Rico's Chapa for Player Of The Week honors

SACRAMENTO, CA (05/27/08) - Action in the East Conference of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) has been in full swing the past few weeks, and it took a long holiday weekend for the rest of the teams to catch up. They most certainly did as the WPSL slate saw plenty of success from new and old teams alike, with a few perennial favorites going down in action out in the West. A solid showing from Puerto Rico midfielder Patricia Chapa was over-shadowed by the youth movement in the East & West Conferences, as Long Island's forward Alaina Beyar and Los Angeles' goalkeeper Nakisha Gutierrez are the WPSL Co-Players of the Week.

F Alaina Beyar (LONG ISLAND FURY) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The soon-to-be Boston College Eagle scored three goals and added an assist in a victory over New York A.C. on May 21st. Accordingly, Beyar was named Player of the Week by BigAppleSoccer.com, which takes into account all soccer teams in the New York City metro area. The Gatorade New York Player of the Year today is also Newsday's Long Island Player of the Year, a NSCAA All-American and High School Scholar All-American.

F Tiffany Weimer (SOCCERPLUS CT)

The reigning WPSL East Player of the Year and U.S. Women's National Team Pool member has picked up where she left off last summer, as she notched a goal and an assist in a win over Adirondack on May 23rd. Weimer already leads the league in scoring with 5 goals and 3 assists for the undefeated SoccerPlus CT side.

F Stephanie Svoboda (PALM BEACH UNITED)

Three goals in two matches - including the eventual game-winner versus the Florida Surge - gives Svoboda the nod on this edition of the WPSL TOTW. She scored in the 14th minute on a direct kick in a 2-1 win over the Miami Kickers on May 23rd and helped her side rally from a half-time deficit with two second half tallies in the 3-1 victory over the Surge on May 25th.

MF Kerry Connors (BOSTON AZTECS)

The Aztecs earned a solid 5-0 win over the visiting Massachusetts Stingers on May 22nd thanks to the former WUSA midfielder, who recorded a hat trick in the victory. Next up for the former University of Connecticut star and her young, athletic side is a North Division showdown with SoccerPlus CT in East Conference action this Friday, May 30th.

MF Kate Begley (BREVARD COUNTY COCOA EXPOS)

The former W-League side receives strong central midfield play from Begley, as she set up all 3 Expos' goals in a 2-0-0 weekend for the undefeated Sunshine Conference newcomers. The Conference USA Women's Soccer All-Academic Team member helped her nationally-ranked University of Central Florida team reach the NCAA Tournament last fall.

MF Patricia Chapa (PUERTO RICO CAPITALS F.C.)

The attacking center midfielder and one of two team captains scored the first-ever goal in the first-ever international WPSL match directly off a free kick on May 24th. She went 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with F.C. Thomasville and was an impact player, both offensively and defensively.

MF Alicia Hall (ATLANTIC CITY DIABLOS)

The 2007 All-WPSL selection, Rutgers University standout and Diablos' captain gave the visitors the victory over the Maine Tide on May 24th, as she scored two goals in the 3-1 win. Atlantic City will now get into the heat of Mid-Atlantic Division play with games coming up against 2007 post-season participants Long Island and Northampton.

MF/D Susie Mischenko (LOS ANGELES RAMPAGE)

Mischenko was instrumental playing as a defensive midfielder in LA's remarkable 2-1 win over 2007 WPSL Finalist & U.S. Open Cup champion Ajax America on May 24th, doing a great job winning the ball in midfield and providing transition. Against the Sealions on May 25th, Mischenko lead the team as a central defender and kept the shots against to five for the match in a 1-1 draw.

D Hannah Cerrone (LONG ISLAND FURY)

The 2007 All-WPSL selection for the Adirondack Lynx made her 2008 debut for the Long Island Fury in the victory over New York A.C. The Boston College and U.S. U-20 standout stopped everything that NYAC's offense sent her way plus she scored a goal for her new side.

D Rochelle Jagdeo (CALIFORNIA STORM)

The two-time WAC Defender of the Year for Fresno State anchored the Storm defense in their 4-0 shutout on May 25th over the Walnut Creek Power. Jagdeo was a First Team All-WAC selection and anchored a Bulldogs' defense that did not allow a goal in WAC play in 2006.

D Niki Cross (SOCCERPLUS CT)

The former UConn Husky standout lead the "Reds" back line to their third consecutive shutout to commence the Summer 2008 season. Cross was named a Soccer America All-American and has also been honored as an All-State, All-New England, All-American, McDonald's All-American and ODP All-American selection.

GK Nakisha Gutierrez (LOS ANGELES RAMPAGE) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Gutierrez registered nine (9) saves at Ajax (with three of them occurring in 1v1 situations) in the 2-1 win on May 24th, and earned the Defensive MVP for the game as she was the best and most consistent player on the field. In the second game of the weekend in the 1-1 draw at San Diego, the former H.S. All-America and First Team All-Sierra League honoree registered four saves. Two positive results against the Best of the West.

GK Ashley Salerno (CLAREMONT STARS)

The soon-to-be Cal Poly Pomona backstop made three big, acrobatic saves on May 24th vs SD United to ensure the scoreless tie. On May 25th vs West Coast F.C., she deflected two sure goals over the crossbar, and saved the shot on a breakaway in injury time to preserve the second scoreless match of the weekend for the Stars.

HONORABLE MENTION:

F Marihelen Tomer (LOS ANGELES RAMPAGE) - Tomer had five shots in her first game for LA in the upset over Ajax, as she scored the first goal of the game and assisted on the winning goal; F Jordon Calberg (FC SACRAMENTO) - great two-way play from the Turlock H.S. senior, as she led the Pride to a 2-1 win over Monterey on May 25th with nine shots on goal and a goal scored; MF Kelly Henderson (LONG ISLAND FURY) - the 2006 WPSL Final Four MVP scored two goals on long-range shots, including a 25-yard blast into the upper right corner of the net in win over NYAC; D Kat Daiss (SONOMA COUNTY F.C. SOL) - the Cal-Berkeley defender played all 90 minutes in both games this past weekend, helping limit the Walnut Creek Power to only 3 shots in a 2-1 loss, and then helped shut out the S.F. Nighthawks on May 25th in a 1-0 Sol win; GK Jessica Sitarz (FC SACRAMENTO) - a tremendous job in net throughout the Monterey win, but especially in the second half where she made several saves inside the penalty area.

Brevard County Cocoa Expos Women's Soccer Player Jackson Named Florida's Gatorade Player of the Year (posted May 27, 2008)

Midfielder attended Satellite High School where she racked up 50 goals and 30 assists as a senior.

May 27, 2008

Cocoa Beach, Fla. (www.cocoaexposoccer.com) - Brevard County Expos Women's soccer player Katie Jackson was tabbed as this year's Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Florida. Jackson, a native of Satellite Beach, Fla., now becomes eligible for the Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Jackson recently helped the home town Expos to 1-0 win on the road in Orlando versus the Florida Surge setting up a great 80 minute goal from forward Stacey Jo Fletcher. The Expos now (3-0-0) will take to the field on Friday in a return to Orlando to play the Orlando based Falcons. Local fans can catch Katie and the rest of the Brevard Expos Saturday night as they host to the Puerto Rico Islanders in a 7pm home match at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center.

"Katie is a smart tactical player and her ability to see the game allows her to control the play be it up top; or in the middle of the field" comments Head Coach of the Expos James Kryger. "We are very excited for Katie and she will have a wonderful career at UCF the Alumni home of our many of our players and our associate coaches Courtney Baines and Jenn Montgomery. It is a wonderful day when these players can represent the community they grew up in, Katie has some great days on the field ahead of her and we could not be more happy for her and her achievement".

Jackson was an All-Space Coast Conference selection last year and won Satellite High School's Golden Boot Award. The midfielder went on to earn player of the year honors by Florida Today thanks to a 50-goal, 30-assist performance as a senior. Jackson helped the Scorpions go 23-3-2 on the season and capture a runner-up finish at the Class 5A state tournament.

Outside of high school, Jackson competed with the Space Coast United club team, where it won the 2006 and 2007 state championships. She also played for the Indialantic Force and finished in second place in points in the Region III Premier League as the Force claimed the state title in 2005.

Now celebrating its third decade of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, the Gatorade Player of the Year award has become the most prestigious award in high school sports. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one award-winner in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a result, the award's legacy is built on the achievement of more than 9,000 State and 186 National Players of the Year who have been honored during that time.

Gatorade State Players of the Year are selected not only for their outstanding athletic excellence, but for their achievement and exceptional character. The selection process is administered by RISE Magazine, the nation's leading sports and lifestyle magazine for teens. In narrowing and evaluating the list of candidates, RISE works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists.

Following this announcement of the State Players of the Year, RISE works with nationally-focused sport-specific experts to evaluate the athletic, academic and extra-curricular resumes of the 51 candidates in each sport. From the pool of state winners, one is selected and named Gatorade National Player of the Year - the country's best all-around high school student-athlete in his or her sport. Gatorade National Player of the Year winners then become eligible for the program's culminating honor - the Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year award.

For the latest news and information on the Expos, tickets or apparel log on to www.cocoaexposoccer.com - the official site for your Brevard County Expos.

Brevard County Cocoa Expos Blast into WPSL (posted April 2, 2008)

Summer 2008 will see "Space Coast" representation in the South Conference

SACRAMENTO, CA (03/24/08) - The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is proud to announce that the Brevard County Cocoa Expos have been awarded rights to a franchise in one of the top leagues in the world starting this Summer 2008 season. The Expos will be one of four new women's soccer teams based in the South Conference of the WPSL.

"We are so excited to have the Brevard County Cocoa Expos as one of our newest franchises to join the WPSL," said League Commissioner Jerry Zanelli. "We have always felt that their club, on and off the field, met the high standards of the WPSL, and have no doubt that they will match the excellence already displayed by many of our clubs. We are expecting amazing things from this organization."

Head Coach & Executive Director James Kryger announced the new franchise affiliation with the WPSL to the community this week and added his feelings about the organization joining the WPSL.

"Since 1994, the Brevard County Expos franchise has been synonymous with success and an unmatched level of professionalism," said Kryger. "There's a great winning tradition in Brevard County and we know the fans are very passionate about this game and it's something we're very passionate about as well. There is no better time to bring the highest level of women's soccer back to the Space Coast."

Kryger feels strongly about the objective of this club.

"Bringing a top level women's team to the community is a wonderful thing for Space Coast soccer and for the youth in the area, but it is now time to take our commitment to bettering our community to the next level," said Kryger, who encourages parents to bring their youngsters to the games and to stay around after the final whistle for post game signings. "Our ladies will not only showcase some of the best soccer in the world but will also provide our communities younger players with positive role models, something I think is greatly absent in today's society.

"We want our players to be directly connected with the players of tomorrow - providing them with leadership, vision and soccer based support."

The Expos make the jump from the USL W-League Atlantic Division, which they were a member of the last two years and undoubtedly own one of the best franchise starts in W-League history. Coach Kryger is happy with the move to the WPSL.

"The move for us away from the W-League and into one of the world's best leagues - the WPSL - was an easy decision," said Kryger. "We feel very confidently that the competition and rivalries that a Florida based division will attract is influential in the overall development of our players and in attracting the best women's soccer to the fields of Brevard County."

The WPSL provides a great opportunity for some of the greatest female players in the U.S. and abroad to showcase their talent.

"An argument can be made that the beach and soccer are two of the greatest things we have going for us these days, and Brevard County is lucky enough to have them both," said Kryger. "I am looking forward to the challenges and celebrations that come with this opportunity and am excited to be associated with the WPSL, a world class organization."

The Brevard County Cocoa Expos will kick off their season with a home opener on Sunday, May 24th versus Miami Kickers F.C. The Cocoa Expos will play home games in Brevard County and at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center, a premier athletic training and special event center.

The Brevard County Cocoa Expos WPSL team is sponsored by the Cocoa Expo Sports Center - a 70 acre sports and special events center. Since 1986, The Cocoa Expo Center hosts over one thousand sports teams annually. For more information about the team or to learn about player trials please contact James Kryger by phone at 321-639-3976 (ext. 15) or by email at cocoaexpos@cocoaexpo.com. You can also visit their official website at http://www.cocoaexposoccer.com.

The WPSL is a 48-team national women's soccer league with five conferences and holds the distinction of being one of the top leagues in the world. The mission of the league is to provide the highest level of women's soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for our youth. For more information on the WPSL, visit the official website at http://www.wpsl.info.

Kickers reign over Expos (posted July 3, 2007)

Cocoa women lose 2-1 in lightning-delayed match

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Rain, lightning and the Richmond Destiny Kickers were just too much for the Brevard County Cocoa Expos women's soccer team Sunday night.

The Expos (5-2-2) dropped a 2-1 decision to the only team that has beaten them this year and left them in third place in the Atlantic Division of the W-League with three games left.

The 5:30 p.m. contest turned into a soggy night affair at Cocoa Municipal Stadium as three lightning delays, one totaling two hours, "made for a long day," Expos coach James Kryger said.

Richmond, in second place behind the Atlanta Silverbacks, scored at the 38-minute mark.

"Just a lack of communication," Kryger said.

Just before halftime, Richmond made it 2-0 on an own-goal, when Cocoa's Clare Sykes accidentally deflected a shot past her own team's goalkeeper, Erin Switalski.

"That put a dent in our (attack)," Kryger said. "That pulled us out of our formation."

Elizabeth Hansen scored in the 72nd minute for Cocoa, which out-shot Richmond 16-4 in the second half.

"We had five corner kicks in a row at one point," Kryger said. "But we couldn't get past their army of defense."

Cocoa next plays at Atlanta on Friday night.

"We'll have to beat them (to have a shot at one of the top two playoff spots)," Kryger said.

Expos' women's team on verge of clincher (posted July 3, 2007)

Cocoa soars past Silverbacks 1-0, battles Richmond Kickers today

BY BRIAN McCALLUM
FLORIDA TODAY

Today at 5:30 p.m., the Brevard County Cocoa Expos can finish what they started on Saturday.

The women's soccer team was dominant in the second half of its Saturday game against the Atlanta Silverbacks and took a 1-0 victory to set up a battle for first place in the Atlantic Division of the W-League. That will be against the Richmond Kickers Destiny (7-1).

With their win, the Expos improved to 5-1-2.

"A nice little win against Richmond (today), and that would vault us, for a short time, into first place," Expos coach James Kryger said.

Thank the team's defense for the chance. After battling to a scoreless tie in the first half, the Expos' defense took Atlanta out of the game in the second half on Saturday. Meanwhile, the offense came to life and put the pressure on the visiting Silverbacks.

"It's going to hurt us when we give up a goal early on, but we've yet to do that," Kryger said of his team's slow offensive starts. "We really start picking out what the weaknesses of the opponents' backs are after a half."

Seventy-three minutes into the game on Saturday, Elizabeth Hansen took a ball with her back to the north goal, turned to her left and sailed the ball just over and to the right of Atlanta goalkeeper Courtney Cripps. That gave the Expos their 1-0 lead.

"I'm naturally left-footed, but they were trying to push me inside all game," she said, "so, if they're going to give it to me, I'll take it."

The first half was scoreless, but the Expos came out and displayed offensive control of the ball early in the second half. Clare Sykes nearly got the team on the scoreboard five minutes into the second half, but officials ruled her shot from about 30 yards out was not a goal.

"To us, the ball went in the back of the net," Kryger said. "Unfortunately, we got a tough call. There was a foul, but we thought it was after the ball was in the net."

Sykes did most of her damage on defense, helping keep yet another opponent scoreless. Only Richmond has scored on the Expos this season.

"They started off quite confident, but then they started complaining and cursing to each other," Sykes said. "You can tell they started losing their control."

She said that's what her team can't do today.

"We just have to be a lot more controlled," Sykes said. "Hopefully, we'll go out today and give it some heart."

The men's team continued its rough season on Saturday, losing 8-0 to the Atlanta Silverbacks men. Brevard County dropped to 0-8-2, while Atlanta improved to 4-1-4. The men play at 3 p.m. today.

Contact McCallum at 242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday

Expos host Silverbacks in soccer showdown (posted July 2, 2007)

BY ED PIERCE
FLORIDA TODAY

As the summer continues, it’s been a season of surprises for the Cocoa Expos soccer teams.

And when the Expos host the Atlanta Silverbacks in a doubleheader this weekend at Cocoa Municipal Stadium, the teams hope to continue to surprise fans with outstanding play.

Led by a trio of Brevard County stars, the Expos women’s squad has raced to a record of 4-1-1 in Women’s League play behind the first-place Richmond Kickers Destiny and Atlanta , who are tied for the Atlantic Division lead with records of 5-1.

The Expos women’s team features former Brevard County prep stars Courtney Baines (Satellite), Allison Blagriff (Eau Gallie), Jane Alukonis (Melbourne Central Catholic) and Katie Fraine (Titusville) and has only surrendered two goals all season, while finding the net 15 times.

Fraine is second in W-League in shutouts with 3, trailing only Melanie Wilson of the Silverbacks (4) in the category. Fraine’s sparkling play in goal has drawn the attention of opponents and last week she was named USL W-League National Player of the Week.

"The Silverbacks, like the Expos, feature many former WUSA players and women’s World Cup-bound national team stars," James Kryger, the Expos women’s coach said. "The Expos have once again taken the right steps early in the season propelling them into the top of the league standings and fighting for one of two playoff spots offered in one of the hardest W-League divisions in the country.

The Expos men’s team is still looking for a win after starting the season 0-7-3.

Brian Lundy, a former MCC star, has one of the two goals scored this season by the team, which competes in the Southeast division of the Premier Development League.

Also suiting up for the Expos this year are a bevy of former Brevard prep stars including Matt Cermak (MCC), Matt Smith, Daniel Monje, Logan Linton, Devin Rice and Tommy Maciejka (Merritt Island), Sean Duble (Cocoa) and Nick Scherer and Mike Bierman (Rockledge).

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling 639-EXPO (3976). Admission to both games of the doubleheader against Atlanta is $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Gates open at 4 p.m., with the men’s game starting at 5:30, followed by the women’s game at 7:30.

On Sunday, July 1, the Expos women’s team will host rival Richmond, the only squad to score against them all season. Gates open at 4 p.m., with the match starting at 5:30.

The Expos home matches are played at the Cocoa Municipal Soccer Stadium off Clearlake Road in Cocoa.

Fraine named USL Player of the Week (posted June 19, 2007)

USL NEWS RELEASE :: Thursday, June 14
For the latest news, scores and more... visit www.USLsoccer.com
PDL, W-League Honors announced

Fairweather and Fraine named Players of the Week

TAMPA, FL - United Soccer Leagues announced the USL Premier Development League and W-League Teams of the Week for the eighth week of the USL season, honoring Toronto’s Jamie Fairweather and Cocoa’s Katie Fraine as the Players of the Week, respectively.

The Toronto Lynx, sitting second from bottom in the standings with a mark of 0-2-2 on a stretch of four home games, looked to be completely out of the picture just a few weeks into their first PDL season. Hitting the road for the first time this week, however, the Lynx showed they will, at the very least, play a role of spoiler, potentially contenders, as they picked up a 2-0 win at Indiana and a 0-0 draw against division leading Chicago.

Leading the way in the two shutouts was defender Jamie Fairweather, who scored just before the break in South Bend for what proved to be the game-winner Thursday as his club went on to hand the Invaders, who scored five goals combined in their last two league games, their first shutout of the season.

Two nights later against the Great Lakes Division leaders, Fairweather and the Lynx back line helped shut out a Fire Premier squad that had scored seven goals combined in their previous two games and had played the Lynx to a 2-2 draw in Toronto earlier in the campaign.

The positive results came off the heels of Fairweather being named last Thursday to the national Canadian University (all-star) Team that will compete at the 2007 Summer Universiade tournament in Bangkok, Thailand from August 8-18. Fairweather is a three-time University of Guelph MVP and three-year captain.

As freshman at the University of Florida last season, Katie Fraine only got one start for the Gators. Over the past weekend, the Cocoa Expos goalkeeper led her side to a third consecutive shutout to open the season with a scoreless draw against Charlotte and a 4-0 win over Hampton Roads - both perennial contenders.

The Lady Eagles, semifinalists of a year ago, came to Cocoa on Thursday and were unable to get anything past the Expos as Fraine posted 10 saves in the match. The shutout avenged a 6-1 aggregate scoreline in favor of Charlotte last season in the two games between the two clubs.

Two nights later against the always dangerous Hampton Roads Piranhas, who posted a 4-0 win in Bradenton Thursday, Fraine made another six saves to blank the visitors for her third shutout of the season and keep Cocoa as the lone unbeaten in the division.

PDL Team of the Week

	Pos	Name	Team	Highlights
	G	Jovan Bobonja	Chicago	Eight saves in pair of shutout wins
	D	Carlos Martinez	El Paso	Two game-winners against DFW
*	D	Jamie Fairweather	Toronto	Two shutouts, goal in 2-0 win at Indiana
	D	Taylor Hoss	Tacoma	Goal, assist in 3-0 win over Cascade
	D	Chris Wayne	Virginia	Led team to pair of wins
	M	Sean Boyle	Ocean City	Two assists in 4-0 win at Northern Virginia
	M	Martin Galvan	Lancaster	Two goals in 4-3 win at Fresno
	M	Joseph Lapira	Baton Rouge	Two goals in 3-2 win over Austin
	F	Leandro Pereira	Colorado	Three goals in 4-0 win at Sioux Falls
	F	Pablo Moreira	Bradenton	Four goals in 7-0 win at Cocoa
	F	Brandon Swartzendruber	Thunder Bay	Three goals in pair of wins over Springfield

W-League Team of the Week

	Pos	Name	Team	Highlights
*	G	Katie Fraine	Cocoa	16 saves, shutouts against Charlotte, Hampton Roads
	D	Aimee Bresani	New Jersey	Goal in 1-0 win over Jersey
	D	Rebecca Hall	Atlanta	Led team in 1-0 win over Richmond
	D	Jessica Boyle	Michigan	Goal in 2-1 win at Chicago
	M	Tafara Pulse	Seattle	Goal, assist in 2-0 win over San Diego
	M	Julianne Sitch	Chicago	Two goals, assist in pair of wins
	M	Jessie Deegan	Northern Virginia	Two goals in 3-2 win over Boston
	M	Claire Rustad	Vancouver	Two assists in 2-2 draw against San Diego
	F	Elizabeth Remy	San Diego	Two goals in 2-2 draw at Vancouver
	F	Aimee Legault	Laval	Four goals in pair of wins
	F	Ali Andrzejeski	Washington	Four goals, two assists in pair of wins

* Players of the Week

USL Public Relations - Gerald Barnhart / Jason Minnick - Tampa, FL - 813.963.3909 - fax: 813.963.3807

Expos women tie, men fall (posted June 9, 2007)

BY BRIAN McCALLUM
FLORIDA TODAY

COCOA - Considering the significance to the W-League standings, the competitiveness of Thursday's women's soccer game between the Brevard County Cocoa Expos and the Charlotte Eagles was appropriate.

One spot separated them in the Atlantic Division, and the two teams battled through a game that ended 0-0.

Coach James Kryger had conflicting thoughts on the outcome after the team earned one point in the standings for the tie.

"When you're at home, I think you always want to finish with something other than a 0-0 tie," he said, adding later, "In this league, you can't lose, and we didn't lose."

They certainly had their chances, particularly in the first half when the Expos played "a little slow" in Kryger's eyes.

In the first game of the day, the Brevard County men (0-5-1) ran into a better Bradenton team and fell, 7-0, after trailing by four goals at halftime. The Academics closed it out quickly in the second half.

As for the women, though they played to a draw in the first half of their game against Charlotte, the Eagles had a slight offensive advantage. They had a couple of solid-scoring opportunities in the half, while the Expos had just one real shot on goal.

Things changed in the second half.

"I think we corrected that and made sure we got shots on goal," Kryger said. "One or two of them could have gone in. Theirs could have, too, so give them credit."

Brevard forward Courtney Baines was aggressive on the Charlotte end in the first half, but taller defender Deanna Kreidel-Bath dogged her at every step and denied most chances.

It was more of a team effort at denial on the other end, where Lady Eagles forward Akeela Mollon used her speed to get past the Brevard defense outside but couldn't do much inside and didn't translate her chances into goals.

After halftime, Brevard used its outside midfielders more aggressively, reducing Kreidel-Bath's defensive role.

"For a while, it felt like I was just out there running around, running cross country," the 5-3 Baines said. "When I was playing against her in the first half, it was hard for me to get (the ball) either because she had longer legs or because she was taller."

Mollon had a chance to score on an open goal midway through the second half but missed just right. Stacy Fletcher had her own chance in a late showdown but hit the far-right end of the crossbar.

It was just the second game of the season for the Expos women, who are 1-0-1. They started later this season because Kryger wanted more time to get his team together. They'll play catchup with three games in three days next week.

"You walk away (from the tie) not happy, but you know you've got things to work on," he said. "You also don't walk away sad. Our first half (in the next game) needs to be like our second half tonight. We're in a good position."

Last year, the Expos lost both games to Charlotte, which Kryger said has more chances to train as its players remain in town. By comparison, Brevard County has players from outside the area and has just one workout per week.

"We're still learning," Kryger said.

Expos Settle For a Draw (posted June 9, 2007)

June 7, 2007
Brianna Oeser - Cocoa Staff Writer

Merritt Island, Fla. - The Cocoa Expo women and Charlotte Lady Eagles faced off Thursday night in a 90 minute battle that reigned no winner, 0-0. Both teams showed strong on defense with many opportunities on goal, but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

Dominating the first half with their hard work off the ball, the Eagles high pressure broke down the Expo and capitalized on their chances. Charlottes Darcel Mollon, was a threat the whole match with her speed up top and missed a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper in the 79th mintue that could have changed the game.

After spending the majority of the first half on defense, the Expo came out the second half and fought in the Eagles territory. Taking control of the game, the Expo fired back at the Eagles with plenty of scoring opportunities. Doing everything right Expo's Stacey Fletcher, a substitution, almost sealed the game in the 89th minute with a dangerous shot off the post.

Both teams defensive lines played a key role in the scorless game at Cocoa Municipal Stadium.

Brevard County’s Expos Prepare for Charlotte (posted June 5, 2007)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007
www.cocoaexposoccer.com

Merritt Island, Fla. - The W-League's Cocoa Expo women's team is scheduled to host the Charlotte Lady Eagles this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Currently ranked third in the Atlantic Division, the Eagles will be a critical and competitive match for the Expo women. The Expos, right behind them ranked fourth with just one game played will look to close the gap with a win Thursday night.

Since 2000 the Charlotte Lady Eagles have kept a winning record and have been a driving force in the league. The Eagles have gained some experience already this season playing together for four games compared to the Expo's one game. Their experience will make it difficult for the Expo women Thursday night.

The Expos dominated their first game of the season against Bradenton, 6-0. With a great first showing from the whole team, including the substitutions, the Expos have proven their depth and quality of players. They are a powerful force on the field and will be a great match up to the Eagles experience.

Thursday's game will be the second of a doubleheader to the Cocoa Expo men's game 5:00 p.m. at Cocoa Municipal Stadium.

USL Honors Brevard County’s Expos Martineau with Team of the Week Selection (posted June 2, 2007)

BREVARD COUNTY’S EXPOS NEWS RELEASE
Friday, June 1, 2007

For the latest news, scores and more... visit www.cocoaexposoccer.com

Merritt Island, FL - United Soccer Leagues announced on Thursday night the USL W-League Team of the Week recognizing Brevard County’s Cocoa Expo midfield player Natalie Martineau (Ontario, Canada) as one of eleven players to be selected across the country.

Martineau helped lead the Expos to a season opening win last Friday night at home knocking in one goal and assisting on two others. The Brevard County’s Expos (1-0-0) found the net three times in the opening ten minutes of the second half to open up the game and capture a convincing 6-0 win vs. inter state rivals Bradenton. Martineau a regular with the Canadian National U20’s got on the score sheet with an assist off Heather Dittmer’s goal in the 51st minute, following that effort with another well set up ball to Expo forward Stacey Jo Fletcher in the 74th minute. Martineau was not done yet as she added in one goal of her own in the 86th min. of play with a powerful strike to the bottom left hand corner.

Expos head coach James Kryger commented on the addition of Martineau and on being named to the team of week "Natalie has been a great addition to the team and the organization. She is very competitive and has a great understanding of the game, she will only become stronger on the field as the season moves along and something I look forward to seeing every night she takes the field. Her award refelects a great team effort last week and her teamates will be very happy for her"

Martineau hails from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. She has played with the U-20 and U-17 Canadian national teams, while also being a part of the U-20 Canadian national team player pool that was used to select the roster for the 2006 CONCACAF Women's U20 Final Round Qualification Tournament in Veracruz, Mexico. Martineau also had the great honor of representing her country at the U.S. Youth Soccer Adidas Cup in Houston, Texas, in 2005.

In addition, she was a member of the Ontario provincial team from 2001-03, earning a pair of gold medals and one silver medal at the national championships. Martineau has also been training at the National Training Centre in Ontario since 2003.

W-League Team of the Week

Pos	Name	Team	Highlights
G	Jo Haig	Minnesota	Eight saves in 2-0 win over Chicago
D	Monica Buff	Atlanta	Goal in 1-0 win at Fredericksburg
D	Ana Gutierrez	San Diego	Assist in 4-0 win at Mile High
D	Katie Radchuck	Western Mass	Assist in 1-0 win over New York
M	Tina Romagnuolo	Toronto	Two assists in 4-0 win at Rochester
M	Rebekah Patrick	San Diego	Two goals in three wins in Colorado
M	Nat Martineau	Cocoa	Goal, two assists in 6-0 win over Bradenton
M	Leah Robinson	Ottawa	Two goals in 3-0 win over Hamilton
F	Caroline Smith	Minnesota	Two goals in 2-0 win over Chicago
F	Chalise Baysa	Seattle	Two goals in 2-0 win over Vancouver
F	Josee Belanger	Laval	Three goals, assist in win at Vermont

Expos Begin 2007 with a Bang (posted May 29, 2007)

By PAUL D. BOWKER

Cocoa Expos News Release - www.cocoaexposoccer.com

Friday, May 25, 2007

COCOA, Fla. -- There was plenty of offense for the Brevard County Cocoa Expos women's team in its season-opening game Friday night at Cocoa Municipal Stadium. Liz Hansen, of British Columbia, Canada, scored two goals, and Natalie Martineau had a goal and two assists as the Expos rolled past the Bradenton Athletics, 6-0, in a W-League game.

After dominating the first half but only scoring once, the Expos came out on fire in the second half and scored five times. The assault began with a goal by Hansen in the first minute of the second half. "We talked at halftime about the importance of finishing our chances this season," said Expos coach James Kryger. "In the first 10 minutes, we needed to make an impact. We didn't expect to get three, but we knew we needed to get one." "We were playing our game well," said Hansen. "We had lots of chances in the first half that we did not finish."

Those finishes did come in the second half. The Expos scored three times in six minutes. After Hansen's second goal of the night, Alicia Tirelli headed in a ball from Alicia Milyak in the game's 48th minute. Just three minutes later, Heather Dittmer scored. Just like that, the Athletics were down by four goals. A goal by the speedy Stacy Fletcher in the 74th minute, followed up by a goal by Natalie Martineau on a rebound of a Fletcher shot in the 86th minute finished off the scoring.

"It's good," said a smiling Hansen after the game. "The girls were talking, and not many teams win six-nil. It was good." After a series of exhibition games, it was Hansen's W-League debut and her first game while playing for a team based in the U.S. Her quickness as a striker caused problems for Bradenton's defense, producing more scoring chances than the two goals she did get.

"When you have a left foot in the Women’s game like Liz, it’s easy to see why she did so well tonight," Kryger said. Hansen certainly was amazing, then -- who entered the game in the second half -- picked up right where Hansen left off. Fletcher placed a perfect ball in the right side of the net for the Expos' fifth goal. Then, she beat a defender one-on-one and hit the post. The ball bounced out to Martineau for an easy rebound goal.

The Expos will play host to Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. June 7, the second game of a men's-women's doubleheader at Cocoa Municipal Stadium.

GAME SUMMARY
EXPOS 6, ATHLETICS 0
Bradenton 0    0 --   0
Cocoa     1    5 --   6

Scoring summary

C: Liz Hansen (Heather Dittmer), 21:00
C: Hansen, 45:00
C: Alicia Tirelli (Alicia Milyak), 48:00
C: Dittmer (Natalie Martineau), 51:00
C: Stacy Fletcher (Martineau), 74:00
C: Martineau (Fletcher), 86:00

Shots: Expos 15, Bradenton 4
Goalkeepers: Bradenton, Shannon Aitken, Jaclyn Meade; Expos, Katie Fraine.
Saves: Expos 4  Bradenton 8
Fouls: Expos 9,  Bradenton 9

Cocoa Expos USL Teams Move to Cocoa Municipal Stadium in 2007 (posted April 5, 2007)

Cocoa Expos News Release - www.cocoaexposoccer.com

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Cocoa Beach, FL -- The Cocoa Expos have announced that both it’s USL teams will be playing all home games in 2007 at the newly renovated 3000 seat Cocoa Municipal Soccer Stadium. The Cocoa Expos PDL and W-League teams will host the Stadiums Grand Opening on May 25 when both teams take to the field in a back-to-back home opener.

The Cocoa Expos for the first time since the clubs inception in 1993 will feature home matches played outside the friendly confines of the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. The PDL Expos will officially play its first game of 2007 at Municipal Stadium on May 19 when they play host to Cary Rail Hawks U23's in a US Open Cup match up. The Expos first USL match day will coincide with the Grand Opening events when they take on Central Florida Kraze at 5:00 pm. Immediately following the match, the W-League Expos will then open there 2007 campaign taking to the field at 7:30 to battle Florida in state rivals Bradenton.

The Expos have also announced the launching of a brand new website www.cocoaexposoccer.com which will help to strengthen soccer development on Florida’s Space Coast. Executive Director of the Cocoa Expos James Kryger commented on the club’s new home venue "We are very excited about 2007, our new website and the move to Municipal Stadium will prove to be giant steps forward in our clubs vision for the future. The stadium, although brand new, got a soccer specific face-lift this fall and made it an obvious choice for our plans in 2007. Our PDL and W-League teams will welcome every one of our fans and our opponents with state of the art facilities and world-class entertainment. We are looking forward to giving all our faithful supporter’s some family friendly soccer action this summer."

The PDL Expos are by far one of the nations most storied franchises and have always helped produce some of the leagues finest players. Recently former Expo Freddy Moojen signed a two-year deal with first division Montreal Impact, a testament to the success of the PDL pyramid and to the contribution the Expos organization make each and every year in producing and helping educate the young soccer players of tomorrow.

In 2006, the Cocoa Expos moved forward with another one of its plans and added a USL W-league side. The Lady Expos wasted no time making there mark in the league standings and played themselves to second place finish in arguably one of the hardest divisions nationwide. The Lady Expos will once again look to take aim at a playoff berth in 2007 by adding many of the Central Florida Krush superstars to its already dangerous roster.

Further information on the 2007 Cocoa Expos USL teams can be obtained by logging onto www.cocoaexposoccer.com or by calling the Expos front office at (321) 639 3976 ext 15. Tickets for the 2007 Cocoa Expo’s PDL and W-League season go on sale April 15th 2007 and can be pre-ordered online.

Expos Working Hard Off the Field (posted March 26, 2007)

Brevard County Cocoa Expos Women added a new W-League Women’s soccer franchise last season and Head Coach James Kryger has announced that the W-League Expos would like to give all of its fans and youth supporters the opportunity to email their favorite players all year long. "Bringing a top level Women’s team to the community is a wonderful thing for Space Coast soccer and for the youth in the area, but it is now time to take our commitment to bettering our community to the next level" commented Kryger. "Our Ladies will not only showcase some of the best soccer in the world but will also provide our communities and younger players with positive role models, something I think is greatly absent in today’s society". Kryger’s vision of the game extends outside the sidelines. "We want our ladies to be directly connected with the players of tomorrow, providing them with leadership, vision and soccer based support". Kryger encourages parents to bring their youngsters to the games and to stay around after the final whistle for post game signings and the opportunity to meet space coasts very own pro level players. "Winning is obviously a top priority of the franchise this summer, but without a doubt this team is in place to better the community and give our local BYSL (Brevard Youth Soccer League) players a chance to play at the next level".

expoplayer@yahoo.com

Expos Keeper Signs with VIK in Denmark (posted March 19, 2007)

Cocoa, FL. - Erin Switalski, goalkeeper for the 2006 Cocoa Expo Women will be moving overseas to finish the remainder of the spring season with Vejlby IK, a Danish professional women’s side. Switalski, a Cleveland, Ohio native, was one of the backbones of the Expo’s finely organized defensive line that shut out seven of their last nine opponents to finish the 2006 season in second place and missing a national playoff position in a tiebreaker to the Lady Kickers from Richmond.

"Erin will join VIK, a team just outside of Copenhagen, Denmark, in the women’s first division this week" said Expos head coach James Kryger. "Erin has always had the ability to play at the highest levels. I still think she can get a chance to play in goal for one of the American based teams in 2008 when the women’s professional league returns to action. Her inner drive and ability to take over a game are what makes her one of the nation’s top keepers. The Expo staff and players are all very happy for Erin and we look forward to welcoming her back to the field this summer upon her return home"

During the summer of 2006, Switalski finished the season with a league-best eight shutouts. She allowed just seven goals in 12 games for a goal-against average of 0.650. During her collegiate career at Campbell, Switalski was a four-year starter for the Camels. In 2004, she helped lead the team to a 12-2-7 record and the schools first NCAA Women’s Soccer tournament appearance. She recorded school records in career saves (329) and shutouts (26) and ranks second-best in goals-against-average (1.10). Her time at Campbell was spent under the tutelage of now Expo head coach Kryger who invited Erin to join the team after accepting the position last January.

RHINOS TO HOST 2007 W-LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP (posted March 12, 2007)

February 16, 2007 - TAMPA, FL -- The Rochester Rhinos and United Soccer Leagues announced today that the 2007 W-League Final Four Championship will be held at PAETEC Park on Friday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 5th.

"The opportunity to host and compete in the W-League Championship is a giant step for the Rhino Women’s team," commented Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford. "We relish the opportunity to showcase our team and PAETEC Park on a national level. This is a tremendous challenge, one we accept with excitement, and we look forward to playing against the best teams in W-League."

The W-League Rhinos are starting their second season in 2007. The women’s soccer club plays in the tough Northern Division. As the host team, Rochester receives an automatic berth to the semifinal. The remaining teams will be determined by the W-League playoffs. The Rochester Rhinos Women begin play on Friday, May 25th with a 7:35 p.m. match against the Toronto Lady Lynx at PAETEC Park.

"Rochester has proven to be an excellent host for high profile events such as league championships over the years, and we are thrilled that they will be the hosts of this year’s W-League Championship," said USL Vice President Tim Holt. "The resources the Rhinos organization will bring to the event will continue the tradition of quality established by previous hosts such as Vancouver, Ottawa, New Jersey, Hampton Roads and Charlotte."

Last season, the Rochester Raging Rhinos hosted the 2006 USL First Division Final at PAETEC Park. In the stadium’s inaugural season, the Rhinos also hosted such high-profile events as Drum Corps Associates (DCA) 2006 World Championship, the Empire State Games opening ceremonies, a U.S. Women’s National Team match, and numerous high school soccer and football games.

In 2007, PAETEC Park begins its second season as the home of the Rhinos, W-League Rhinos and Rattlers. The multi-purpose stadium became a reality on Saturday, June 3, 2006, when the first ever game was played at Western New York’s Premier Sports & Entertainment Venue. That evening the Rochester Raging Rhinos hosted the Virginia Beach Mariners in a USL First Division game.

The Rhinos have previously hosted four USL-1 championship games (1998, 2000, 2001 & 2006) as well as the 1997 USL-1 All-Star game. This will be the second time Rochester will host a W-League championship as the Ravens, acquired by the Rhinos two years ago, played host to the 1997 W-League Championship.

National broadcast details for the 2007 W-League Championship will be announced at a later time.

EXPOS MEN AND WOMEN RELEASE 2007 SCHEDULE (posted March 11, 2007)

January 18, 2007 - Cocoa, FL. - The Cocoa Expo, in conjunction with the United Soccer Leagues (USL), released their 2007 men’s and women’s regular season schedule today. The Cocoa Expo PDL men’s squad will start their season on Friday, May 11 away against Bradenton Academics. The W-League Cocoa Expo will kick off on Friday, May 25 versus Bradenton Academics at home in Cocoa Stadium.

The Cocoa Expo men’s schedule will once again feature 16 regular season games: Eight away and Eight played in the friendly confines of Cocoa Stadium. The men will play series of home and away games against team in the southeast division as well as an additional home game against different teams around the country.

The Cocoa Expo women’s schedule includes 12 regular season games in the W-League Atlantic Division: six away, and six at our beautiful Stadium in Cocoa. They will play a home and away against each team; just like the men’s squad, our women’s squad will have a series of exhibition matches locally and around the country.

The women’s regular season will wrap-up at home versus the Fredericksburg Lady Gunners on July 13. The top two teams in the Atlantic Division qualify for the playoffs set to be played in Virginia. The Winner of the Central Conference advances to the W-League Final Four scheduled to be held in Rochester, NY at the brand new Patec Park.

The men’s final regular season game is on Friday, July 13 against long-time rivals the Palm Beach Pumas in a special 5:00 p.m. (EST) start time. The PDL playoffs will kick off the following week.

Cocoa Expos season tickets start at just $50 and include all Cocoa Expo Men and Women’s regular season and special matches at the Cocoa Stadium. For more information call 321 639-3976 x 15 or visit our web page www.cocoaexposoccer.com