Tag Archive for: MLS

Curtin & Union Clinch MLS Playoffs…Omoruyi & Rutgers Basketball Outlook…Okert Ready for MLB Postseason…Dougherty-Howard Playoff Bound

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Clinch Sixth Consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff Appearance + Curtin Featured in Fashion Editorial Hypebeast

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently clinched their sixth consecutive trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and further solidified their status as one of the best clubs in Major League Soccer. Runners up in the 2022 MLS Cup, Curtin and the Union are looking to bring home their first MLS Cup in 2023. 

Additionally, if you love sneakers, fashion, and streetwear, check out Jim’s recent feature in Hypebeast, a popular daily fashion editorial with tens of millions of followers. Jim discusses his love for the Air Jordan 1 shoe model and how he connects with his players through sneakers and fashion. 


Cliff Omoruyi’s Outlook on the Rutgers Men’s Basketball Season

Cliff Omoruyi, an All-Big Ten Team selection in 2022-23, and his Rutgers teammates kick off the 2023-2024 NCAA Basketball Season on November 6th, for an in-state battle with Ivy League Powerhouse Princeton. Omoruyi, who was recently featured in an nj.com article this past week, shared some insight into why Rutgers Basketball fans should be itching for November 6th to roll around.

“This team is going to be different,” Omoruyi explained and also added, “We’ve got a lot of guys who can attack one-on-one now, who can kick out for the three. We’ve got a lot of guys who can do that.”  

Catch Rutgers and Cliff, a recent addition to the National Collegiate Honor Society, all season long as they look to bring a Big Ten title back to New Jersey!  



Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins Clinch a Spot in the 2023 MLB Playoffs

For the fourth time in franchise history, Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins are headed to the MLB playoffs. The Marlins clinched a playoff spot with a 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday and will now shift their focus to making a deep run into October. Okert appeared in 64 games out of the bullpen for Miami this season, posting a 4.45 ERA.  

Catch the Marlins this week as they take on last year’s NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies in a 3 game Wild Card series and try to deliver a championship to Miami! 


Meggie Dougherty-Howard and the San Diego Wave FC Clinch a Spot in the 2023 NWSL Post Season

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and San Diego Wave FC have clinched a spot in the 2023 NWSL post season. The NWSL playoffs are scheduled to kick-off on October 22nd. 

San Diego Wave FC will look to finish the season strong, with two regular season games remaining. They travel to North Carolina to face off against the North Carolina Courage on October 7th, before returning home to finish out the regular season against Racing Louisville FC on October 15th.  

Dougherty-Howard, a key contributor to the Waves’ success looks to bring San Diego Wave FC their first NWSL Championship in franchise history.  


Ben Stitz Interview, Cavan Sullivan Called Up to U-15 camp, Quinn Sullivan reports to Union & U-20 training, Cliff Omoruyi & Rutgers upset #1 Purdue

Cliff Omoruyi & Knight Society Raise $10k for Newark Salvation Army… Meggie Dougherty Howard PK Secures 1-0 Win… Brad Smith Ends Regular Season Hot as Whipsnakes Secure #1 Seed

Ramiir Dixon-Conover Signs With IPZ…Paul Racks Up Awards…Alex & Omaha Set For Round of 16…Cento Amici Golf Outing

“Big Cliff” Omoruyi Signs with IPZ…Frank The Tank’s Hot Start…Alex Scores Massive Equalizer…Andrei Makes UFC History”

Quinn’s Big Week and Deal with Metabilia…Alexey’s 60th Win…Frank Schwindel Behind-the-Scenes…Team U.S.A. Picks Brad

Junior Joins; Quinn and Brad Get National Team Experience

Junior Saintel Signs with IPZ

Junior Saintel, a 6’7” guard/forward from Mays Landing, NJ, has signed with IPZ.

Junior played college basketball at Stony Brook University from 2016 to 2018. He played in 64 games for the Seawolves, starting in 58 of them. Before transferring to Stony Brook in 2016, he attended JUCO at Chipola College.

More recently, Junior played for FC Barcelona II and won the Spain LEB Silver Championship. During his time in Barcelona, Junior averaged 8.5 ppg and shot 47% from the field. He is a dynamic playmaker that prides himself on being a vocal leader.

“We were introduced to Junior by Coach Matthew Malc, the head coach of the U.S.A. basketball team in the Maccabi games, and I was a fan of Junior’s in our first call,” said Robert Zito, IPZ Managing Partner. “His love of family, and desire to excel in everything he does, coupled with his accomplishments to date and Coach Malc’s endorsement, translates into a successful future for this young man. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help.”

 

Quinn Sullivan Called Up to the U-20 USYNT

Image from the Philadelphia Union

Quinn Sullivan was recently called up to the U-20 U.S. Youth National Team. He is one of the youngest players on the team at just 17-years-old.

Quinn and the other 22 players named to the roster traveled to Celaya, Mexico to compete in the Revelations Cup against Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. This tournament will serve as valuable preparation as the team prepares for upcoming qualifying matches for the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“Whenever a client gets the opportunity to represent their country, it is special,” said IPZ Managing Director, Jeff Curtin. “I know Quinn was honored to be a part of this U-20 roster and he is excited for the opportunities that lay ahead in qualifying for both the U-20 World Cup and the Olympic Games.”

To see the full U-20 USYNT roster click here.

 

Brad Smith Participates in Fall Classic and Super Sixes Tournaments

Image from USA Lacrosse

Brad Smith and the U.S. Men’s National Lacrosse team played in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic last month in Sparks, MD. They competed against Team Canada and the University of Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team.

The U.S. won both matchups, 11-5 against Canada, and 8-7 against UVA.

For the full U.S. Men’s Fall Classic Roster click here.

The following weekend, Brad competed on the U.S. National Super Sixes Roster in Sparks, MD. Super Sixes is the new lacrosse format that will be introduced in the 2028 Olympic Games.

The U.S. played four games, two against Team Canada and two against Team Haudenosaunee, finishing with a 3-1 record.

Brad recorded five goals and seven assists throughout the entire weekend. Sixes will be included in The World Games in Birmingham, AL, summer 2022.

For the full U.S. Super Sixes Roster click here.

Legacy…Olympics…Lax…NIL…Alliance

Quinn Sullivan Continues his Family’s Legacy

Quinn Sullivan (center) reacts after scoring a goal on a bicycle kick during the Union’s game at the Chicago Fire. Photo by Andrew Zwarych / Philadelphia Union

Last week, The Philadelphia Inquirer used Quinn Sullivan’s first MLS goal, an amazing bicycle kick, tying it to the legacy his family has created in Philadelphia.

The article walks readers through the 50-year Sullivan legacy, starting with Quinn’s grandfather Larry, who played at Temple and coached for more than 30 years at several schools, including Villanova.

Quinn’s dad, Brendan, played soccer at St. Joseph’s Prep and Penn, and then played professionally for five years in the U.S. Following his pro career, Brendan coached at Villanova with his dad.

Quinn’s mom, Heike, captained the women’s soccer team at Penn.

“I keep telling people it’s just surreal, right? We’re a soccer family, but it’s just surreal to see him actually on the field,” Heike Sullivan said.

Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article here.

 

Pat Kivlehan to Represent U.S. at Olympics

Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union Tribune

Patrick Kivlehan, an outfielder in the San Diego Padres organization, will represent the United States in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as a member of the USA Baseball team.

Patrick, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. His MLB debut was on August 20, 2016, for the San Diego Padres.

“Pat takes great pride in his selection to the Olympic team. His work ethic and energy have culminated in achieving a lifelong dream in representing his country,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.

Kivlehan is originally from Nyack, New York, but attended St. Joseph’s High School in New Jersey. After graduating from St. Joseph’s in 2008, he played on both the football and baseball teams at Rutgers University. Football was his primary sport, playing four years as a defensive back. After his senior year on the football team, Patrick joined the baseball team and was named 2012 Big East Player of the Year, batting .392 with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 51 games.

“It’s a dream come true type of thing,” Kivlehan said to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Not something that baseball players normally get to experience, so when the opportunity presented itself, I certainly wasn’t going to pass that up.”

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23rd.

IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.

 

IPZ Welcomes Brad Smith as its first Lacrosse Client

Photo retrieved from Duke University.

Brad Smith, a midfielder for the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has signed with IPZ.

“I’m excited to join the IPZ family, especially being their first lacrosse client,” said Smith. “I look forward to building my personal brand and the game of lacrosse!”

The PLL is a new lacrosse league that has grown in its short three-year existence, landing major sponsorship deals and merging with Major League Lacrosse in December, 2020. Smith is a rising star in his second year in the PLL and is looking to help the Whipsnakes win their third consecutive championship.

“Brad checks all the boxes…smart, personable, driven and a great athlete,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “He will be an asset for any brand.”

Before being drafted 9th overall in 2019, Smith played his college lacrosse at Duke University and for the New Jersey high-school powerhouse, Mountain Lakes. He was a three-time USILA All-American and two-time ALL-ACC member in college.

 

IPZ to Represent Ithiel Horton Under New NCAA NIL Rules

Photo retrieved from Pitt.

Ithiel Horton, a 6’3″ guard from the University of Pittsburgh, has signed with IPZ under the new NIL rules passed by the NCAA. Horton is currently a redshirt junior and played high school at Roselle Catholic in New Jersey.

As of July 1st, college athletes can profit from sponsorships without losing their eligibility. By signing Horton, Ithiel and IPZ are part of a pivotal moment in collegiate athlete history.

Horton attended the University of Delaware for his freshman year and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh after the 2018-19 season. In the 2020-21 season, Horton played in 22 games, starting in 18, and averaging 8.9 PPG.

The NCAA has changed its regulations to allow college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The new rules provide the opportunity for college athletes to sign with agents, which will allow them to sign sponsorships, partnerships and endorsement deals.

“We were fortunate to meet Ithiel and his dad through mutual friends,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “Ithiel is an amazing young man, who is going to be successful on and off the court.  We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

 

IPZ Forms Alliance with Playbook +

Playbook +, a St. Louis, MO based consultancy with expertise in sports marketing and advertising, has formed a strategic alliance with IPZ, the companies announced today.

Playbook +, led by John Sheehan, is an experienced and innovative marketing and advertising group with vast knowledge of the Sports, Media, and Entertainment landscapes.

“We are excited to further expand the partnership with IPZ that began a couple years ago. Together, we’ll be able to maximize opportunities for our clients,” said Playbook + Founder John Sheehan.

“We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with John over the past year or so through one of our St. Louis based clients and are really excited to now expand and formalize our partnership,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “John and his team’s expertise in the sports marketing and advertising space will help bolster our capabilities for our existing clients and expand reach. Together, we can take our client services to the next level.”

November Newsletter

Philadelphia Union Academy Star Joins IPZ

WARREN, NJ (November 12, 2020) — Quinn Sullivan, a versatile midfielder and top prospect within the Philadelphia Union (MLS) and USA Soccer, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

The 16-year-old Philadelphia native has been a mainstay within the Philadelphia Union Academy, representing the club at every age group. Most recently, Quinn played as an amateur for the professional side Philadelphia Union II, which in 2020, competed in the United Soccer League Championship (USLC), the second division of United States professional soccer.

Quinn will officially embark on his professional soccer career, starting January 1, 2021, when he joins the First Team of the Philadelphia Union. The Philadelphia Union have a history of developing young talent and were recipients of the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield, an achievement given to the club with the best regular season record in MLS.

“I didn’t choose IPZ. IPZ, and in particular Jeff Curtin, chose me,” said Sullivan. “Jeff has watched me play for a number of years and when the early bloomers were attracting the attention of agents and managers, Jeff saw something in me, and would come watch my games whenever he had the chance. My family and I appreciated that. It is obvious that the boutique nature of IPZ allows them to really focus on representing their clients holistically, and the proof is in the results- in a matter of months Jeff was able to secure me both a trial at Borussia Dortmund, a top German club, and a Homegrown Major League Soccer (MLS) contract with my hometown Philadelphia Union. I look forward to a long partnership with IPZ.”

“Quinn is an exceptional young talent,” said Curtin, Managing Director of IPZ. “At just sixteen years old, Quinn is ready to take the next step in his soccer career as a professional. Quinn has the talent, mindset and approach to be a great pro and we are delighted to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

See the Union’s Official Release here.

Luca Bernardi Wins the 2020 Campionato Italiano Velocità SuperSport600

Luca Bernardi, the San Marino rider of the Gomma Racing team, added two more podiums (seven out of eight races) in the historical circuit of Vallelunga in Rome, to clinch the Campionato Italiano Velocità SuperSport600 Championship.

After a tough year, Bernardi clinched the title with 152 points in only his second year participating at this event.

Along with this title, Bernardi has won the 2017 CIV Championship SuperSport 300 and the 2017 Yamaha R3 Cup.

Andrei Arlovski Adds to His Record

UFC Heavyweight and IPZ client, Andrei Arlovski, defeated Tanner Boser in the co-main event inside the Apex Las Vegas this past weekend.

Arlovski won via unanimous decision after surprising Boser with a spinning backfist in the final seconds of the second round.

“I looked at Boser and saw myself 21 years ago…He’s young, powerful, strong and hungry. I wish him good luck,” said Arlovski in an interview with ESPN after the fight.

This win marks his 19th win in the UFC’s heavyweight division, which is the most of all time. Even with this, Arlovski, now back in the top 15 rankings, has stated that his best is yet to come.

 

COVID-19 vs. 9/11

I sent an email to a client (and friend) this morning, congratulating him on his company’s decision to provide insurance coverage to furloughed workers during the crisis we face today.  I sent that email right after I had an email exchange with a basketball colleague in Italy. He has been in lockdown for several weeks in a much more difficult environment.

Both asked me about our current situation, compared with being at the NYSE on 9/11.

I understand the comparison, and I understand the market reaction.

But the events are so different.  The events of 9/11 were quickly realized to be the work of a very visible enemy – one we had the opportunity well before 9/11 to take down and didn’t, both because of our President’s unwillingness, and our inattention to details that could have uncovered the terrorists’ plot.  Our surveillance and caution around security issues has changed dramatically post 9/11.

This current killer is invisible.  But, like 9/11, it will forever change some of our habits and aspects of social interaction…and – my guess – where some of our biopharma companies invest in the future.  I can envision investors (and governments…and insurers) funding research and discovery that can identify where the “next” COVID-19 might come from, and vaccines that can prevent transmission.

Col. Jack Jacobs is a very dear friend.  Sitting here in quiet Tewksbury is a blessing compared to what he went through in Vietnam.  And none of us are trying to charge up the cliffs on the beaches in Normandy.

Yes, this is difficult…but there are many worse things we’ve been confronted with.

I’d rather be faced with having the virus than standing in a window on the 98th floor of the World Trade Center, knowing my choice was to burn or jump.

And financially, we will survive.  One of the first (and one of the smartest) guys I ever worked for on Wall Street was Paul Tudor Jones.  He was on an extended interview on CNBC this morning.  It was excellent.  He captured it perfectly.  Here’s a link: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/tudor-jones-says-this-is-the-greatest-fiscal-monetary-bazooka-ever.html

To everyone out there, be safe!

(and – for the record – to me at least, 9/11 was much worse.)