ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602080035
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER
Phil Benne, director of player personnel for the Roanoke RiverDawgs soccer team, has spent the winter trying to lure college players to spend their summer vacation with this area's USISL franchise.
His job just got easier.
A cooperative agreement reached late Monday on the eve of the first Major League Soccer draft established the USISL (United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues) as MLS' official minor league.
``The easiest way for an American-based player to get to MLS is through the USISL,'' said USISL commissioner Francisco Marcos. Half of the players signed at the MLS player combine last month in Irvine, Calif., had USISL experience.
The RiverDawgs will be affiliated with D.C. United, which is coached by former University of Virginia coach Bruce Arena. The other teams under D.C. United are: Richmond Kickers and Hampton Roads Mariners (Select Division); the Baltimore Bays, Reading (Pa.) Rage and Washington D.C. Mustangs (Premier); and the Lexington (Ky.) Bluegrass Bandits and Nashville Metros (Amateur). Roanoke is also in the Amateur Division.
``It will definitely help our recruiting,'' Benne said Wednesday. ``Players can get their feet wet here and move on up the ladder.''
The chance to be seen and scouted could be Roanoke players' greatest benefit. All the teams previously listed will be on the RiverDawgs' 1996 schedule, which should be finalized soon.
The RiverDawgs, looking primarily for college standouts to fill their roster, will not be able to promote those players through the chain during the season because it would cost them their college eligibility. Benne said it likely would be a year before the NCAA would make any statement about the USISL-MLS agreement and its impact on eligibility.
'DAWGCATCHING: RiverDawgs officials sent out agreement forms to prospective players on Wednesday, and Benne said he expects some positive responses from some true talents.
Benne said the RiverDawgs are close to an agreement with Jeff Knittel, a freshman midfielder from Syracuse and the 1994 National Soccer Coaches' Association high school player of the year. Benne got connected with Knittel through his friendship with Knittel's coach at Chittenango (N.Y.) Central High School, Tom Daziaeu.
Knittel, a former Parade All-American, made Soccer News' All-Freshman team last season.
Other targets of Roanoke's recruiting effort include UVa junior midfielder Sean Feary and sophomore forward Matt Leonard. Leonard had 13 goals last season, second-best on the team.
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