Blue Devils Excelling in PDL This Summer

The Central Connecticut men's soccer team has 10 members playing in the Premier Development League this summer, including senior captain Ben Knight, who was named to the "Team of the Week" on July 8. 

Knight, who is playing for the Ocala Stampede, had a goal and an assist to lead the Stampede to a 3-1 victory against Floridians F.C. on July 2. Knight and CCSU teammate Stephen Walmsley have helped the Stampede to a second-place standing in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference. 

Pictured are senior Giorgi Mendzulashvili, junior Neekoli Calderon, sophomore Filosmar Calderon, junior James Randall, senior Nick Velleca, senior Zach Zurita, senior Freddy Metellus and sophomore Ryan Taylor before the Western Mass Pioneers played AC Connecticut this season.

Mendzulashvili, Metellus, Zurita, Randall and Cordeiro are all playing with AC Connecticut. Mendzulashvili has started 11 contests, while Zurita is tied for second on the team with one goal. 

Velleca, Calderon and Taylor are playing with the Pioneers. Taylor has collected a team-high three goals, while Calderon and Velleca have played in six and five games, respectively.

Sophomore Luke Albertini has appeared in 10 games for the Real Boston Rams, helping the squad to a third-place standing in the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference.

The PDL season is slated to run through July 19.

About the PDL
The proven developmental leader in North American soccer's evolving tiered structure, the PDL features 65 teams within four conferences throughout the United States and Canada in 2015, including 10 teams affiliated with USL PRO or Major League Soccer clubs. The PDL season consists of 14 regular season matches for each team, seven home and seven away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions.