2009 PDL season
The 2009 USL Premier Development League season was the 15th season of the PDL. The regular season began on May 1, 2009, and ended on July 19, 2009. The PDL Championship Game was held on August 8, 2009, and was broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel in the United States.[1] Ventura County Fusion finished the season as national champions, beating Chicago Fire Premier 2–1 in the PDL Championship game in Ventura, California on August 8, 2009.[2] Reading Rage finished with the best regular season record in the league, winning 13 out of their 16 games, suffering just one loss, and finishing with a +41 goal difference. Reading Rage striker Aaron Wheeler was the league's top scorer and MVP, knocking in 17 goals, while his teammate Jon Ports led the league with 10 assists. Mississippi Brilla goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos enjoyed the best goalkeeping statistics, with a goals against average of 0.615 on the season, including 8 shutouts.[3] Changes From 2008Name Changes
New Franchises
On hiatus
Folding
StandingsIn 2009, there was a more balanced 8 divisions (down from 10 in 2008). The top 3 from each division qualified for the play-offs, with the division champion receiving a bye through the first round.
Central ConferenceGreat Lakes Division
Source: [citation needed]
Heartland Division
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Eastern ConferenceMid Atlantic Division
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Northeast Division
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Southern ConferenceMid South Division
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Note: Austin finish in third place as a result of winning the head-to-head season series 2–0–1 against El Paso.[4] Southeast Division
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Western ConferenceNorthwest Division
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Southwest Division
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PlayoffsFormatThe top three teams from each division earn playoff bids. The division champion earns a bye to the Division Finals and the rights to host. The second place team will host the third place team in the Division Semifinals either at their home field or at the division champion's field. The two notable exceptions were the Chicago Fire Premier hosting Forest City London in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Ventura County Fusion hosting the Los Angeles Legends, despite Los Angeles having the higher seed. BracketDivisional Semifinals
Referee: David Jarzc (USA)
Divisional Finals
Attendance: 1,425 Referee: Courtney Jackson (USA)
Conference Finals
Attendance: 55 Referee: Jorge Luna Hernandez (USA)
Attendance: 1,498 Referee: John Lohr (USA) PDL Semifinals
Attendance: 101 Referee: Andrew Gage (USA) PDL Championship
Award Winners and FinalistsThe awards finalists, Goalkeeper of the Year, and All-League teams were announced on August 4, 2009, with the winners announced on August 6.[5] Most Valuable Player
U19 Player of the Year
Defender of the Year
Goalkeeper of the YearCoach of the Year
All-League and All-Conference TeamsCentral ConferenceF: Andre Akpan, CHI; Teal Bunbury, ROC; Tom Oatley*, KAL Eastern ConferenceF: Cody Arnoux, CAR; Adam Arthur, WV; Aaron Wheeler*, REA Southern ConferenceF: Zak Boggs, BRD; Salvador Luna, RGV; Debola Ogunseye*, MIS Western ConferenceF: Rory Agu, TAC; Brent Whitfield, LA; Ryan Youngblood, POR * denotes All-League selection See alsoReferences
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