Matt Delaney Named to PDL Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. – Matt Delaney (Wallasey, England) of the New Hampshire Phantoms as well as the Southern New Hampshire University men’s soccer team, was named to the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) Team of the Week for the week ending May 3. 

Delaney, who recently wrapped up his second season as an Northeast-10 All-Conference defender for the Penmen, was honored for his defensive efforts in a season-opening 1-1 draw against the Long Island Rough Riders.  Long Island back Oliver Skelding was also lauded for his efforts in the defensive battle as both limited the chances of the other team’s forwards in the contest.

The Phantoms, who reclassified to the PDL this season from the Second Division, have a total of five SNHU players on the roster this season.  In addition to Delaney, Gabe Mercier (Middleboro, MA), Paulson Edum (Calabar, Nigeria), Kevin Woods (Alyth, Scotland) and Brendan Joseph (Bedford, NH) will all play for the Phantoms, who will play a 16-game regular season schedule from May through the middle of July.

The top U23 men’s amateur league in North America lives in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the development ground for elite players. The 2008 campaign features a 67-team format within four conferences, consisting of 16 regular season matches, 8 home and 8 away. The schedule is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and various exhibitions. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.