Team America Spotlight of the Week (#2)

Still in the PDL this week, but this squad has also (like the Des Moines Menace of last Wednesday) created a lot of talent in its 10 years of existence.
This weeks SPOTLIGHT is taken by my 'local' squad...


League: Premier Development League
Conference: Northeast Division
Location: Ocean City, NJ
Coach: Neil Holloway
Website: www.sjbarons.com
Stadium: Carey Stadium (cap 2,000)
Avg Attendance: 750
Notable Wins: 1999 PDL 2nd Place
2005 US Open Cup 3rd Round
2-time Northeast Conference Champs ('98,'05)

Notable Alums:
Tony Donatelli - selected in the 3rd round of the Supplemental Draft by the Houston Dynamo, now plays for USL Division 1 Champions the Vancouver Whitecaps
Byron Carmichael - selected 60th in the 2003 MLS Superdraft by the Kansas City Wizards, back with the Barons now
Ruben Mingo - ex-Richmond Kicker, consistent scorer and PDL MVP in 2004
Michael Todd - taken 16th in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by the KC Wizards
Ryan Carr - extremely athletic GK in the Tim Howard mold; took part in MLS Combine

Blurb:

The foundation of the South Jersey/Ocean City Barons is their 'youth academy' which acts as a feeder system into the first team. This is pretty rare in the world of PDL Amateur soccer as most teams just use it for a quick buck. The Barons, however put money in and, in return, they consistently churn out extremely talented and hard-nosed players like Ryan Heins, Richie Baker, Ryan Carr and Adam Sternberger. Byron Carmichael and Ruben Mingo together on the field is/was a pretty scary sight especially when the dispatched the Long Island Rough Riders 4-0 in the 2nd round of the US Open Cup. Neil Holloway and John Thompson are co-managers of sort and also run the front office from the side of Neil's house in Sicklerville, NJ. The administration is rag-tag and they are never going to compete off-the-field with the likes of the Des Moines Menace, but the Barons are proof that money doesn't buy championships. For the Barons, it is simply youth development and for that, they are easily one of the best in the country. They have several connections with strong area soccer clubs like Ocean City High School and Winslow High School. All that is needed is someone to inject some money into the program. If the MLS ever comes to Philly/South Jersey, you can bet to see some of these guys on the invitees to training camp list.



Tell me what you think about the Team America Spotlight of the Week at BonnWM3@hotmail.com. Have suggestions on next week's Spotlight, let me know.