Shine roster taking shape; Lindsay & Walker heading abroad

With the Spokane Shine about to begin tryout sessions Friday night and Sunday afternoon, the squad is already beginning to come together according to new head coach Dan Philp who shared a list of 14 initial players that are lined up to be on the squad this year, including five returning from last year’s division champions. In addition, INWsoccernews has learned that a trio of other area players have made commitments elsewhere with former standout Shine center back Maggie Schrader moving onto the W-League while Eastern Washington goalkeeper Jamie Walker and Spokane’s Megan Lindsay (Seattle U) are expected to be playing abroad.

Gonzaga’s Bevans leads Tucson in US Open Cup upset win over pro club

Initial report that follows from Jon Arnold special to TheCup.us, where you can find the most expansive coverage of the tournament (which I happen to be assistant editor for)…

Conner Bevans

TUCSON, Ariz. - FC Tucson midfielder Conner Bevans wasn’t sure if he’d play against Phoenix FC on Tuesday night. In the end he proved to be the hero as the team upended their in-state professional rivals, 2-1.

After the team’s weekend draw with the Los Angeles Misioneros, the Gonzaga University man stayed behind to spend time with his grandmother, who is in poor health. Despite the coaching staff’s willingness to let him tend to family matters, Bevans flew in Tuesday morning and was seated on the bench hours later. He entered the match in the 81st minute with his team trailing 1-0.

The 18-year-old midfielder scored two goals, including a stoppage-time winner to lift FC Tucson to a 2-1 victory in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“I knew we were in a tough spot when I came into the game, and they were bringing me on to change it, so I was looking forward and trying to focus on getting the result for my team,” Bevans said.

Lower Division Power Rankings & Open Cup First Round predictions

With the US Open Cup kicking off this week with the inclusion of the first four pro sides here is the debut of my weekly mixed LD Power Rankings for the NASL and USL Pro.

Orlando City (USL Pro) :: 6-1-1 :: Though they aren't perfect with a loss on the road, they appear to be one of the powerful clubs so far this season.

Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) :: 4-0-2 :: They have dominated the competition but have only been on the road once so far.

Carolina RailHawks (NASL) :: 3-0-2 :: Unbeaten in a tight league and starting to show some offensive firepower.

LD Five Stars – Round 6

A weekly list of the top five players or performances of each round in NASL, USL Pro and MLS Reserves in all competitions…

ROUND SIX (May 7-12)

Player – Club (5 Star Selections)

Jose Angulo – Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Scored both goals in a 2-1 victory against Phoenix, finding the net in the 22nd and 51st minutes.

Lower Division Recap: Round 6

Perhaps it should have been an omen when the LA derby between the USL Pro Blues and the Galaxy Reserves finished 4-3 as the week saw a plentitude of goals scored with nine teams scoring at least three goals in the course of a dozen games.

LD Five Stars – Round 5

A weekly list of the top five players or performances of each round in NASL, USL Pro and MLS Reserves in all competitions…

ROUND FIVE (May 1-5)

Player – Club (5 Star Selections)

Hans Denissen – San Antonio Scorpions
Trailing Atlanta, Denissen scored the initial equalizer in the 20th minute and then helped set up the go-ahead strike by Edin Husic eight minutes later as the winless Scorpions played to a 2-2 draw.

Shine to begin preparing for 2013 season in next few weeks

With the 2013 Women's Premier Soccer League season just under a month away for the Spokane Shine, new head coach Dan Philp has arranged his preparation plan for the campaign.