Friday, December 16, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues took time out from its 2011 AGM tonight to honor its outstanding teams and individuals at the USL Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.

The evening opened with speeches from USL CEO Alec Papadakis, Umbro USA’s Jerry Alleco and USL President Tim Holt. It continued with a 2011 season highlights video presentation, followed by the induction of nine new members into the USL Hall of Fame, which has been divided into Men’s, Women’s and MISL wings.

Inductees included: Kyle Krause of the Des Moines Menace (Men’s HOF, Builder), David Irving of the Wilmington Hammerheads (Men’s HOF, Coach), Tim Schweitzer of the Northern Virginia Majestics (Women’s HOF, Builder), Lee Horton of the Charlotte Lady Eagles (Women’s HOF, Coach), Florence Omagbemi of the Hampton Roads Piranhas (Women’s HOF, Player), Christine Sinclair of the Vancouver Breakers and Vancouver Whitecaps Women (Women’s HOF, Player), Edwin Hale Sr. of the Baltimore Blast (MISL HOF, Builder), Keith Tozer of the Milwaukee Wave (MISL HOF, Coach), and Tatu of the Dallas Sidekicks and Wichita Wings (MISL HOF, Player).

Finally, USL also honored its clubs and teams for their success on and off the field, honoring the Super Y-League and Super-20 League First 11 and rewarding excellence in USL PRO, the W-League and the PDL.

USL Organizational & Executive Honors

USL PRO
Regular Season Champions: Orlando City
Fair Play: Charlotte Eagles
Marketing: Orlando City
Communications: Harrisburg City Islanders
Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award: Whitney Woods, Charleston Battery
Executive of the Year: Bill Rudisill, Wilmington Hammerheads
Rookie Franchise of the Year: Wilmington Hammerheads
USL Progress Award: Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Organization of the Year: Orlando City