CLEARWATER, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues hosted its Hall of Fame & Awards Dinner Friday night at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, honoring the teams and individuals who have helped USL maintain its place for nearly 30 years as the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America.
The evening’s program opened with comments from USL President Tim Holt. Following a review of 2013 season highlights, three new members – Charleston Battery Coach Mike Anhaeuser (Coach), Charlotte Lady Eagles President Patrick Stewart (Builder), former Hampton Roads Piranhas star Mercy Akide-Udoh (Player) - were inducted into the USL Hall of Fame.
USL PRO’s Harrisburg City Islanders, the PDL’s Laredo Heat and the W-League’s London Gryphons were also honored as 10+ Clubs after having completed 10 seasons in the league. Finally, USL also honored its clubs and teams for their success on and off the field, rewarding excellence in USL PRO, the W-League and the PDL.
2013 USL Organizational & Executive Honors
USL PRO
Regular Season Champions: Richmond Kickers
Fair Play: Richmond Kickers
Marketing: Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Broadcast: Orlando City
Communications: Richmond Kickers
Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award: Hunter Leemon, Richmond Kickers
Progress Award: Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Executive of the Year: Jason Kutney, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Organization of the Year: Orlando City
PDL
Regular Season Champions: Thunder Bay Chill
Fair Play: Austin Aztex, NJ LUSO Parma, Southern California Seahorses
Marketing: FC Tucson
Broadcast: North Sound SeaWolves FC
Communications: Reading United AC
Rookie Franchise of the Year: Real Boston Rams
Progress Award: Victoria Highlanders FC
Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award: Teresa Howe, SW Florida Adrenaline
Executive of the Year: Mark deFrias, Victoria Highlanders FC
Organization of the Year: Austin Aztex
W-League
Regular Season Champions: Virginia Beach Piranhas
Fair Play: Dayton Dutch Lions
Marketing: LA Strikers
Broadcast: Seattle Sounders Women
Communications: Washington Spirit Reserves
Rookie Franchise of the Year: Bay Area Breeze
Progress Award: Carolina Elite Cobras
Betsy McAdams Key Grip Award: Remy DuCote, Washington Spirit Reserves
Executive of the Year: Jon Billings, Seattle Sounders Women
Organization of the Year: Dayton Dutch Lions
