Eclipse's Van Zanten joins U.S. roster at CONCACAF U-15 Championship

Eclipse Select's Kiki Van Zanten (back right)

By CHARLIE CORR
slidetackles@mail.com

CHICAGO - Eclipse Select Soccer Club forward Kalyssa “Kiki” Van Zanten (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) is one of 18 players who will represent the U.S. U-15 Girls’ National Team at the 2016 CONCACAF U-15 Girls’ Championship.

The tournament takes place from Aug. 9-21 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

“We’re happy that Kiki will be representing Eclipse Select and the U.S. squad during the U-15 tournament next month,” Eclipse Select Vice President Mike Nesci said. “This age group has seen several of our club players in the national team mix this year, and Kiki’s play is deserving to be a part of this select group. We’re hopeful that she plays a big part during the tournament, continues to develop as a player through this valuable experience and look forward to a strong performance from the U.S.”

For more, visit EclipseSelect.org.

Jubilant base sings praises for 2018 USL expansion side Nashville FC

By CHARLIE CORR
charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com

With supporters group The Roadies providing a euphoric scene Friday afternoon, the USL’s 2018 expansion franchise Nashville FC was officially welcomed into the league.

USL President Jake Edwards, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, club ownership and more were in attendance at Bridgestone Arena, soaking in the chanting, the drumming and most importantly the realization that the professional game is on the horizon in Nashville.

“It’s great to be marched in by such a rowdy group of fans,” Barry said as she directed her attention to The Roadies. “This is really a great day for Nashville because we are a sports city. We love soccer because it’s a beautiful game, because it rewards teamwork, skill and endurance, and it’s also an international sport. For many people in the south, it’s the ‘other’ football, but for most of the people in the world, it’s the only football. We are certainly looking a lot more like the rest of the world as we embrace all the people who move here, who have all nationalities, and colors and accents. We are becoming so diverse.”

For more, visit USLSoccer.com.