Tag Archive for: soccer

MATT DANILACK SIGNS WITH IPZ

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Four-Time Ivy League Champion Chooses IPZ for Representation

WARREN, NJ, December 26, 2017 – Matt Danilack, a midfielder and three-time First Team All-Ivy honoree at Dartmouth, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

Hailing from Rockville, MD, the six-foot-two midfielder played collegiately at Dartmouth. In all four of his seasons, the Big Green were Ivy League Champions. As a freshman in 2014, Danilack made an immediate impact as he played in 18 of 19 games and recorded three goals and three assists. He received an Ivy League Honorable Mention.

As a sophomore, Danilack appeared in all 19 contests and knocked in three goals to go along with an assist. He was named to the First Team All-Ivy in 2015 and would again receive this honor the following two seasons (unanimous selection in his senior year). In 2016, Danilack connected on four goals (team-high) and five assists for a total of 13 points. The Big Green midfielder was selected to the NSCAA All-East Region Second Team as a junior.

Danilack finished out his college career earning Ivy League Player of the Week honors on two separate occasions. In the 2017 season, Danilack scored six goals (three of which were game-winners), distributed four assists and totaled 16 points. Danilack was chosen for the NSCAA All-East Region First Team.

“I’m honored to join the IPZ family,” said Danilack. “When I met Jeff for the first time, I knew he would be someone I can trust. I have already benefited from his knowledge of the game, and his expertise in sports management. He truly understands how to represent my specific strengths, on and off the field. Jeff and Bob have made me feel like family in the short time that I have known them. I am confident that they, and the IPZ team, will successfully guide me through the next stage of my career. I can’t wait to see what we can do together in the near future.”

“Matt is a proven winner whose qualities on the field translate directly to the professional game,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “He is a prototypical defensive midfielder whose intelligence, athleticism, and technical ability allow him to control a game. These qualities, in combination with Matt’s professional approach on and off the field, make us very excited about his future and having him be a part of the IPZ family.”

Watch Danilack’s highlights here.

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

Philly Voice: Union’s Jack Elliott quietly playing himself into Rookie of the Year conversation

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When Montreal and Real Salt Lake passed in the third round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, the Union kept looking for that late-round gem.

They found it with the 77th overall pick, a 6’5″ center back and defensive midfielder from West Virginia University that no one had really heard of.

Jack Elliott was the last of the five Union draft picks to sign a professional contract, but he inked his deal with the senior team and not Bethlehem Steel, where we all thought the 21-year-old London native might start his professional career.

That wasn’t the case, and Elliott quickly found himself higher up the depth chart than anyone had imagined, jumping Ken Tribbett as fourth in line with Oguchi Onyewu already stepping in for the injured Josh Yaro.

If a starter went down, Elliott was the next man up, and that’s exactly what happened on April 1st when Richie Marquez came out at halftime in the 2-1 loss at D.C. United.

Elliott went back to the bench for one game only, then got a chance to start on April 14th and hasn’t relinquished his position since, playing 13 straight games since claiming the RCB job.

The Union now have six wins, four losses, and three draws in Elliott’s 13 starts, conceding 12 goals and scoring 20 for a +8 goal differential. He’s contributed to six clean sheets and hasn’t been carded in nine straight games, forming an unlikely but incredibly successful partnership with a 35-year-old veteran.

Read the full story here: http://www.phillyvoice.com/unions-jack-elliott-quietly-playing-himself-into-rookie-of-the-year-conversation/

JACK ELLIOTT SIGNS WITH THE PHILADELPHIA UNION

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IPZ Athlete Signs His First Professional Contract

WARREN, NJ, February 27, 2017 — Jack Elliott has signed an MLS contract with the Philadelphia Union, who selected Elliott as their fourth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in January.

“We are excited to welcome Jack to the Union as he officially signs an MLS contract and joins our centerback group,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “When you look at Jack, the first thing you notice is his height, an asset that we believe will serve him well as a professional. He is a good passer who reads the game well. He has performed well in preseason and we look forward to working with him this season and beyond.”

“To go from playing in England, come through college and to make it here has been a dream come true so far, best I’ve felt in a long time,” said Elliott, the London, England native who played collegiately for the West Virginia University Mountaineers.

“It is terrific to see a player’s dream come to fruition and we are pleased to see Jack sign his first professional contract with a first-rate club like the Philadelphia Union,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, which represents Elliott. “We are thrilled for Jack as he officially begins his professional career.”  

Read the Union’s official release about Elliott’s signing here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

AARON JONES SIGNS WITH THE PHILADELPHIA UNION

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IPZ Athlete Inks First Professional Contract with the MLS

WARREN, NJ, February 24, 2017 — Aaron Jones has signed an MLS contract with the Philadelphia Union, who selected Jones as their second overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in January.

“We are pleased to sign Aaron to an official MLS contract,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart in a team press release. “Aaron has impressed throughout his time with us in preseason camp, displaying quickness, his ability in passing and on free kicks, and his aggressive one-on-one defending. We look forward to bringing him aboard officially and tracking his development at the rightback position over the years to come.”

Following Philadelphia’s official announcement of his signing, Jones, a native of Great Yarmouth, England who played collegiately at both Georgia State and Clemson, tweeted his gratitude towards the Union. “I’m over the moon to have finally signed my first professional contract with such a great organisation. There are plenty of hours of hard graft ahead but I can’t wait to pull on the Navy & Gold of the Philadelphia Union and help the team be successful in any way possible.”

“We are delighted to see Aaron sign his first professional contract with a top-notch organization like the Philadelphia Union,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, which represents Jones. “It is wonderful to see a player’s hard work pay off and we could not be more excited for Aaron as he embarks on his professional career.”

Read the Union’s official release about Aaron’s signing here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

JACK GRIFFIN SIGNS WITH IPZ

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Missouri State Soccer Captain Joins InterperformancesUSA    

WARREN, NJ, February 8, 2017 — Jack Griffin, a central midfielder who made an impact for the Missouri State University Bears since his freshman debut, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The Beverley, England native was a mainstay in the Bears’ lineup playing in 71 of the Bears’ 73 matches during his tenure. Jack is known for his leadership and as captain his senior season, he led the team to a successful campaign.

Griffin compiled numerous honors beginning in his freshman year when he was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team. The following season, Griffin received an All-MVC Honorable Mention. In 2015, he was the only Bear to be named to the All-MVC First Team and he capped off his senior campaign in 2016 with All-MVC Second Team honors. Griffin was also selected to the All-West Region Third Team twice, in 2015 and 2016.

“I really like the way InterperformancesUSA is run, I believe that I am genuinely cared for and it feels like I have joined a family,” said Griffin. “I am very excited to see where this can go, I feel we will achieve great things throughout this relationship and I cannot be more grateful to be a part of IPZ.”

“Jack is a prototypical holding midfielder who has the ability to control the rhythm of the game,” said Jeff Curtin, Managing Director of IPZ. “He breaks up a ton of plays defensively, is very strong in the air, and is technically gifted with the ball at his feet. Jack has the mindset and approach to be a great pro and we are delighted to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

Watch Griffin’s highlights from 2016 here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Jeff Curtin Named Managing Director of IPZ

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WARREN, NJ, February 2, 2017 –  Jeff Curtin, previously the managing director of InterperformancesUSA’s (IPZ) soccer group, will add responsibility for the day-to-day management of the firm, effective immediately.

Curtin will also remain the managing director of the soccer division. He will continue reporting to IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.

“I am excited and honored to take on the role as Managing Director of IPZ. Bob has put together an exceptional team and I am truly happy to be a part of it,” said Curtin. “IPZ has built its foundation on integrity and family, two principles that are at the core of who I am and what I value as an individual. I am convinced that we will capitalize on our early momentum and be a true resource and partner for our clients.”

Curtin was an All-American soccer player at Georgetown University, where he earned his B.S. in Business Management. He was the 14th overall selection in the 2006 Major League Soccer Super Draft.  In his first year with the Chicago Fire, he was a member of the Fire team that won the U.S. Open Cup.

Following two seasons with the Fire, Curtin moved on to D.C. United before injuries ended his career.

Curtin’s passion for sports never ceased, as he conducted both coaching and training clinics for numerous top level youth clubs, including the youth development programs of the Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union.

“Jeff has hit the ground running with IPZ and his willingness to assist with the management of the firm will help fuel our growth,” said Zito. “His knowledge of sports beyond soccer has been evident, along with his commitment to IPZ’s values of integrity and family.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

IPZ Signing of Billy McConnell Featured in Athletic Business

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Billy McConnell: The Newest Member of the IPZ Family

Indiana University Soccer Standout Chooses InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, January 31, 2017 — Billy McConnell, a top defender for the Indiana University Hoosiers soccer team the past three years, has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

McConnell is a 5-foot-10 defender from Richboro, PA and led the Indiana defense that posted 11 shutouts in the 2016, a Big Ten best. Also during his senior year, he scored the game-winning goal on a header against #23 Akron in the NCAA Tournament. McConnell tallied three goals, two assists, and 10 points to go along with a shooting percentage of .429. The Hoosiers ranked as high as #4 during the 2016 season.

In McConnell’s junior campaign, he started all 21 matches, which included 10 shutouts. He was named to the Mike Berticelli All-Tournament Team in 2014. Going into his first year with Indiana, McConnell was named to the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best XI Freshman Team.

Read more here: http://www.athleticbusiness.com/industry-press-room/billy-mcconnell-the-newest-member-of-the-ipz-family.html

 

BILLY MCCONNELL: THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE IPZ FAMILY

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Indiana University Soccer Standout Chooses InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, January 31, 2017 — Billy McConnell, a top defender for the Indiana University Hoosiers soccer team the past three years, has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

McConnell is a 5-foot-10 defender from Richboro, PA and led the Indiana defense that posted 11 shutouts in the 2016, a Big Ten best. Also during his senior year, he scored the game-winning goal on a header against #23 Akron in the NCAA Tournament. McConnell tallied three goals, two assists, and 10 points to go along with a shooting percentage of .429. The Hoosiers ranked as high as #4 during the 2016 season.

In McConnell’s junior campaign, he started all 21 matches, which included 10 shutouts. He was named to the Mike Berticelli All-Tournament Team in 2014. Going into his first year with Indiana, McConnell was named to the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best XI Freshman Team.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the team. I chose IPZ because the team is motivated and has only the best interest of the players in mind,” said McConnell. “As my professional career begins, I wanted to make sure I chose the right agency. When I met with Jeff, I was instantly interested in what he had to say about what the organization likes to do for their players. IPZ felt like the best fit for me to begin my professional career.”

“Billy is a very athletic and versatile defender who can play both centrally or out wide,” said Jeff Curtin, IPZ’s Managing Director of Soccer. “He reads the game very well, is strong in possession, and always seems to win his one-on-one defensive battles. Billy’s versatility, competitiveness, and professionalism make us very excited about having him join the IPZ family.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.


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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

JACK ELLIOTT CHOOSES IPZ

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Philadelphia Union Draftee is Newest Addition to InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, January 23, 2017 – Jack Elliott, the Philadelphia Union’s fourth pick in the 2017 MLS draft, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The London, England, native towers over his competition standing at 6-foot-5. Elliott was a center back and defensive midfielder for West Virginia University and he missed just one match in his four years with the Mountaineers. During his senior year, Elliott led a WVU defense that posted eight shutouts, and he was named to the All-Great Lakes Region First Team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), as well as the All-MAC (Mid-American Conference) Second Team.

In addition to his on-the-field success,  Elliott excelled in the classroom posting a 3.96 grade-point-average which landed him three Academic All-American honors. He was the first WVU men’s soccer player to achieve this feat.

Elliott expressed his gratitude to all who have helped to make this possible, “Thank you to the Philadelphia Union for giving me this opportunity,” Elliott said after the draft. “It’s something that I have been working toward for a long time and will continue working at. A great thanks to everyone that has supported me throughout the years.”

“Jack is a physically imposing defender who has the ability to initiate a team’s attack with his great vision and quality distribution,” said Robert Zito, Managing Director of IPZ. “He embraces one-on-one defensive battles, is technically gifted with both feet, and is an extremely intelligent individual both on and off the field. Jack has been a pleasure to work with since our initial contact and we are thrilled to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

Watch Elliott’s highlights from 2015-2016 here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.


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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

AARON JONES JOINS THE IPZ FAMILY

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Philadelphia Union Draftee Chooses InterperformancesUSA for Representation

WARREN, NJ, January 19, 2017 – Aaron Jones, the Philadelphia Union’s second round pick of the 2017 MLS Draft, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The 5-foot-9 right back hails from Great Yarmouth, U.K. and began his college career at Georgia State University.  He was named to the 2013 College Sports Madness All-Independent Second Team during his freshman year and the 2014 All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team in his sophomore season.

In January 2015, Jones transferred to Clemson University and helped the Tigers reach the Elite Eight. His game-tying goal against UC Santa Barbara in the Sweet Sixteen was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. During his senior campaign, Jones tallied three goals, four assists, and 10 points, and Clemson made a return to the Elite Eight.  The program was ranked #1 in the final RPI poll for the 2016 season.

Jones has tweeted to Philadelphia Union fans that he can’t wait to begin his MLS career in the City of Brotherly Love, especially after watching the documentary that brought the Union to Philadelphia, Sons of Ben: The Movie.  “Even more excited to get started with @PhilaUnion after hearing their story #SonsOfBen,” he wrote.

“I’m delighted to join the Union and excited at the direction that franchise is moving,” Jones said. “I had hoped to have the opportunity to play on the East Coast, and there couldn’t be a better franchise than Philadelphia.”

“Aaron is a dynamic defender who reads the game very well,” said Robert Zito, Managing Director of IPZ. “He embraces the defensive aspects of the game, is strong in possession, and has the technical and athletic ability to join in the attack and provide quality service.  These qualities in combination with Aaron’s professional approach on and off the field make us very excited about having him join the IPZ family.”

Watch Jones’ collegiate highlights here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com