Tag Archive for: Angle City FC

Curtin to be L.E.A.D.’s Ambassador…Dougherty Howard Shines in Return to Orlando…Big Decision for Big Cliff…Curtin Featured in Verizon Commercial

/in /by

Curtin to be L.E.A.D.’s Ambassador

Jim Curtin, the head coach of the Philadelphia Union, will be the National Sports Ambassador for L.E.A.D, Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, the organization announced today.  

Curtin, a recognized leader in soccer in the United States and in youth development, will help L.E.A.D. advance its mission of teaching school age children about the dangers of drugs and violence.  

“Jim’s track record speaks for itself as both a leader and role model,” said Nick De Mauro, chief executive of L.E.A.D. “An amazing family man, Jim’s children are exactly the ages of the students we reach and his ability to both work with children and his respect for law enforcement make him the perfect person to lend support to our program. We look forward to hitting the ground running with Jim.”  

“When I learned about the L.E.A.D. program I was thrilled to lend my support,” said Curtin. “You can’t argue with the benefits of teaching young children about the dangers of drugs and violence, and I look forward to using my platform in the MLS to spread the word. Every team in our league works with young students, and we can all learn from the curriculum L.E.A.D. employs.”  

Read the entire announcement here: L.E.A.D PRESS RELEASE

Dougherty Howard Shines in Return to Orlando

Meggie Dougherty Howard, midfielder for Angel City FC, produced an outstanding performance in her return to her home state and former club Orlando Pride, as Angel City FC was able to pick up a valuable road point with a 1-1 draw.

Angel City FC controlled the game from the opening whistle, with Dougherty Howard’s incredible distribution throughout the match. Angel City FC finally broke through in the 53rd minute after Dougherty Howard drew a foul in the box resulting in a penalty kick for Angel City FC. Angel City FC converted the penalty to take a much deserved 1–0 lead.

A late Orlando goal spoiled the chance for an Angel City FC road victory, but it was a hard earned and important point on the road for Dougherty Howard and the club.

Angel City FC and Dougherty Howard are back in action this Saturday, March 30, at 3:30 PM EST, away against the Kansas City Current. That match will be available on ESPN and ESPN+.

Big Decision for Big Cliff

When, after four years at Rutgers University, Clifford “Big Cliff” Omoruyi entered college basketball’s “transfer portal,” both the accolades and concerns started appearing on social media from Scarlet Knight fans. 

The great majority wished him well and felt he deserved the opportunity. Others expressed concern about Rutgers having two big time recruits coming to the school next year, but losing its defensive standout in the middle.  

In the new world of NIL, Cliff deserves the opportunity every other college athlete has. ESPN immediately published a story saying Cliff was the 2nd most attractive player in the transfer portal:  

“2. Clifford Omoruyi, 6-11, C, Sr., Rutgers Scarlet Knights  

Among the truly elite post defenders in college basketball. Omoruyi was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive team after averaging 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for one of the best defenses in the country.”  

Dozens of schools – all major programs – have reached out about Cliff, a guy who has raised nearly $100,000 for the Salvation Army Books & Basketball program in Newark, has put together a 3.8 GPA while earning a degree in Information Technology, and been a model student and teammate on campus.  

NIL is a good thing…and great guys like Big Cliff deserve to reap its rewards. It would be better if Clifford and other F-1 Visa students had the opportunity to earn money just like other college athletes, as we have written in the past (Link) . Our only hope is that we don’t have to travel “too far” to watch our friend on a new campus next year.  

Jim Curtin Featured in Verizon: Next Level Commercial Series

The Philadelphia Union head coach first showed off his tactical insight in the Verizon: Next Level- Tactics. In the commercial, Curtin gives the fans a look into the importance of tactical preparation for a match.  

Curtin most recently was featured in Verizon: Next Level- Technology in the Game. In this segment, Curtin discusses how the Philadelphia Union use innovations in technology and sports science to try and create a competitive edge over their opponents.  

Curtin and the Philadelphia Union are coming off a strong road win against the Portland Timbers in MLS action and now begin preparation for their home match up against Minnesota United on March 30th, with kickoff set for 2:00 PM EST at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa.  

Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season…. Big Cliff Spreading the Word About Cancer Screening…. Curtin Preparing for 2024 MLS Season

/in /by

Meggie Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season Training with Angel City FC

Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who recently joined Angel City FC, has begun preparations for the 2024 NWSL season.  

Dougherty Howard and Angel City FC kicked-off their NWSL preseason last week at their home training ground in Thousand Oaks, CA. Angel City FC will continue their preparations in California with a series of preseason friendly matches and training sessions over the next few weeks. Angle City’s 2024 NWSL opener is set for March 16th at home against Bay FC.  

Dougherty Howard, a NWSL Shield winner last year with San Diego Wave FC, hopes to bring her winning mentality and veteran leadership to her new club Angel City FC as it looks to build off of a strong 2023 campaign.  

Big Cliff Helps Spread the Word About Cancer Screening

Cliffor Omoruyi used his Big Ten and Rutgers’ platforms to help Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings.

In four social media posts, Cliff talked about the importance of screenings during the NCAA’s “Suits & Sneakers” weekend games. In one post, Cliff put on his own suit and sneaks, saying “It’s not just the coaches who can wear suits and sneakers to spread the word.”

“We’re thrilled that Cliff is joining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society to share the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and cancer screening,” said Dr. Eric Berman, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “He has helped many important causes, like the Salvation Army’s programs in Newark, and we are glad he is part of our team. It makes sense that one of the nation’s top defenders is helping defeat cancer.”

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Continue Preparations for the 2024 MLS Season

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently wrapped up their first phase of preseason training in Clearwater, FL with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC (MLS) in a preseason friendly.  

“The first phase of preseason has gone very well,” said Curtin, “we had three really high-level games against CR Flamengo (Brazil), Austin FC (MLS), and now NYCFC (MLS). The group continued to get better through each of our three matches and were able to build up a lot of fitness and confidence going into the next phase of pre-season.”  

After a week back in Philadelphia, the Union will return to Clearwater, FL on February 5th to wrap-up the second phase of preseason with matches scheduled against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 9th and culminating with a match against New England Revolution on Feb.14th.  

Coming off a strong 2023 campaign the Union again qualified for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC), a tournament that includes the top 27 teams in North and Central America. Philadelphia will kick-off its 2024 season and the CCC competition with an away game against Deportivo Saprissa, in Costa Rica on February, 20th at 10:00 PM EST. MLS action for the Union will begin on February 24th at their home at Subaru Park against the Chicago Fire FC with kick-off set for 7:30 PM EST.