Bakersfield Brigade
Encyclopedia
Bakersfield Brigade was an American soccer team based in Bakersfield, California
, United States
. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.
The team played its home games in the stadium on the campus of Bakersfield Christian High School
. The team's colors were black and white.
The team also fielded a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
umbrella.
Former US national team star and Fox Soccer Channel
broadcaster Eric Wynalda
was a past member of the Brigade squad.
. During their first season, Brigade were generally better on the road than they were at home, registering victories over San Diego
, Nevada
and Southern California Seahorses
. Brigade missed out on qualifying for the post-season, finishing 5th in the division and ranked 32nd nationally, despite a comprehensive last-day victory over California Gold
. Their season top scorer was CSU Bakersfield striker Lyle Martin
, who notched up 5 goals.
2006 was a similar story. A strong season start saw the Brigade register victories over San Diego
and Southern California Seahorses
, but inconsistency at home in the mid-season again ended the team's playoff hopes fairly early, following five defeats in six games at their home home at Bakersfield Christian High School
. Brigade finished the season in 7th place; Lyle Martin
again led the team's offense, registering 9 goals and 2 assists.
2007 saw a change in leadership and a change in goalkeeper - Jay Gore was replaced by 8-year MLS veteran Francisco Gomez
as head coach, USMNT legend Eric Wynalda
came on board as an advisor, and shot-stopper Kyle Reynish
was drafted by Real Salt Lake
; early season, the Brigade's new team seemed to be working, with season-opening victories over Fresno Fuego
and Orange County Blue Star
bringing them a first ever US Open Cup qualification. Sadly, Brigade's cup dreams ended with a first round 2-0 defeat to USL-1 side Portland Timbers
. Similarly, a late-season collapse ended Brigade's playoff hopes quickly - the team suffered six defeats in seven games, including a 5-0 demolition away to Los Angeles Storm
, despite Wynalda taking to the field himself for 24 minutes in the Storm return fixture. Brigade finished the season in 8th place; top scorer Santiago Aguilera Navarro scored an impressive 8 goals and 5 assists.
The 2008 pre-season was one of unprecedented anticipation, after it was announced that Eric Wynalda
had signed to play the entire season for the Brigade; however, yet again, the on-field performances were disappointing for the men from Kern County. Five ties and just one win - 1-0 over Southern California Seahorses
- in their first six games left the Brigade with a lot of ground to make up in the second half of the season. Back to back wins over Orange County Blue Star
and Ventura County Fusion
in mid-June kept their slim playoff chances alive, but four defeats in their last six games, including a 3-1 loss to struggling Orange County Blue Star
, left Brigade seventh in the table, out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, and eleven points behind eventual divisional champions, the San Fernando Valley Quakes
. Quincy Amarikwa
was top scorer, with four goals on the season; Eric Wynalda
ultimately featued in just three games, clocking 159 minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Bakersfield in 2009. Following a generally positive opening day 2-2 tie with Ventura County Fusion
, the Brigade promptly lost their next six games on the bounce, allowing six goals against the Southern California Seahorses
, four goals against eventual divisional champs Hollywood United Hitmen
, and conceded a last minute goal in a 2-1 loss in the return fixture against Ventura. A 3-0 victory at home to Orange County Blue Star
at the beginning of June was followed by a 2-0 win over their local rivals Fresno Fuego
, and it looked as though a brief resurgence may have been on the cards, but Bakersfield failed to win another game all season, and were out of playoff contention before the end of the month. The pair losses to perennial whipping boys Lancaster Rattlers
were hard to take for the men from Kern County; the 6-0 drubbing at the hands of their closest rivals, Ogden Outlaws
, on the final day of the season was the final straw, and consigned Bakersfield to the basement for the first time in the team's PDL history. Adam Arteaga scored three of Bakersfield's 13 goals, but it's a backhanded compliment to be the top scorer of a team who found any kind silver lining difficult to find.
, July 18, 2009
Frank Alesci
Quincy Amarikwa
Rene Corona
Francisco Gomez
Lyle Martin
Tino Nuñez
Kyle Reynish
Erasmo Solorzano
Eric Wynalda
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.
The team played its home games in the stadium on the campus of Bakersfield Christian High School
Bakersfield Christian High School
Bakersfield Christian High School is a private, non-denominational Christian senior high school located in Bakersfield, California. In the past several years, the school has grown...
. The team's colors were black and white.
The team also fielded a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
Super-20 League
The United Soccer Leagues Super-20 League is an American-Canadian soccer league for players 17 to 20 years of age. Introduced in 2006 it took the place of the U-19 age bracket in the Super Y-League....
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
United Soccer Leagues
The United Soccer Leagues is the organizer of several soccer leagues with teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It includes men's and women's leagues, both professional and amateur. Leagues currently organized are the USL Pro, the USL Premier Development League, the W-League, and...
umbrella.
Former US national team star and Fox Soccer Channel
Fox Soccer Channel
Fox Soccer is an American television specialty channel, owned by News Corporation's Fox Entertainment Group, that specializes in soccer. It formerly broadcast rugby and Australian rules football, but is now dedicated strictly to soccer...
broadcaster Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda
Eric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
was a past member of the Brigade squad.
History
The Brigade made their debut in PDL competition in 2005 under head coach Jay Gore, but lost their first competitive game 1-0 to the visiting California GoldCalifornia Gold
Not to be confused with the television series California's GoldCalifornia Gold was an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team left the league and...
. During their first season, Brigade were generally better on the road than they were at home, registering victories over San Diego
San Diego Gauchos
San Diego Gauchos were an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team was sold to new owners, and the franchise was disbanded.The Gauchos played their...
, Nevada
Nevada Wonders
Nevada Wonders were an American soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They played their home games in...
and Southern California Seahorses
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
. Brigade missed out on qualifying for the post-season, finishing 5th in the division and ranked 32nd nationally, despite a comprehensive last-day victory over California Gold
California Gold
Not to be confused with the television series California's GoldCalifornia Gold was an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team left the league and...
. Their season top scorer was CSU Bakersfield striker Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin is an American soccer player, currently playing for Beijing Baxy in China League One.-College and Amateur:...
, who notched up 5 goals.
2006 was a similar story. A strong season start saw the Brigade register victories over San Diego
San Diego Gauchos
San Diego Gauchos were an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team was sold to new owners, and the franchise was disbanded.The Gauchos played their...
and Southern California Seahorses
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
, but inconsistency at home in the mid-season again ended the team's playoff hopes fairly early, following five defeats in six games at their home home at Bakersfield Christian High School
Bakersfield Christian High School
Bakersfield Christian High School is a private, non-denominational Christian senior high school located in Bakersfield, California. In the past several years, the school has grown...
. Brigade finished the season in 7th place; Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin is an American soccer player, currently playing for Beijing Baxy in China League One.-College and Amateur:...
again led the team's offense, registering 9 goals and 2 assists.
2007 saw a change in leadership and a change in goalkeeper - Jay Gore was replaced by 8-year MLS veteran Francisco Gomez
Francisco Gomez
Francisco Gomez is a retired American soccer player.-Club career:Gomez joined the Kansas City Wizards in 1999, after playing briefly with the California Jaguars of the A-League...
as head coach, USMNT legend Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda
Eric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
came on board as an advisor, and shot-stopper Kyle Reynish
Kyle Reynish
Kyle Reynish is an American soccer player who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
was drafted by Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
; early season, the Brigade's new team seemed to be working, with season-opening victories over Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego is an American soccer team based in Fresno, California, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at Chukchansi...
and Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
bringing them a first ever US Open Cup qualification. Sadly, Brigade's cup dreams ended with a first round 2-0 defeat to USL-1 side Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers (USL)
Portland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
. Similarly, a late-season collapse ended Brigade's playoff hopes quickly - the team suffered six defeats in seven games, including a 5-0 demolition away to Los Angeles Storm
Los Angeles Storm
Los Angeles Misioneros is an American soccer team based in Inglewood, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games...
, despite Wynalda taking to the field himself for 24 minutes in the Storm return fixture. Brigade finished the season in 8th place; top scorer Santiago Aguilera Navarro scored an impressive 8 goals and 5 assists.
The 2008 pre-season was one of unprecedented anticipation, after it was announced that Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda
Eric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
had signed to play the entire season for the Brigade; however, yet again, the on-field performances were disappointing for the men from Kern County. Five ties and just one win - 1-0 over Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses is an American soccer team based in La Mirada, California, United States. Founded in 2001, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home...
- in their first six games left the Brigade with a lot of ground to make up in the second half of the season. Back to back wins over Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
and Ventura County Fusion
Ventura County Fusion
Ventura County Fusion is an American soccer team based in Ventura, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games in...
in mid-June kept their slim playoff chances alive, but four defeats in their last six games, including a 3-1 loss to struggling Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, left Brigade seventh in the table, out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, and eleven points behind eventual divisional champions, the San Fernando Valley Quakes
San Fernando Valley Quakes
San Fernando Valley Quakes was an American soccer team based in Calabasas, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team...
. Quincy Amarikwa
Quincy Amarikwa
Quincy Amarikwa is an American soccer player who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
was top scorer, with four goals on the season; Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda
Eric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
ultimately featued in just three games, clocking 159 minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Bakersfield in 2009. Following a generally positive opening day 2-2 tie with Ventura County Fusion
Ventura County Fusion
Ventura County Fusion is an American soccer team based in Ventura, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games in...
, the Brigade promptly lost their next six games on the bounce, allowing six goals against the Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses is an American soccer team based in La Mirada, California, United States. Founded in 2001, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home...
, four goals against eventual divisional champs Hollywood United Hitmen
Hollywood United Hitmen
Hollywood United Hitmen is an American soccer team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 2009, the team plays in National Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Northwest Division, having switched from the...
, and conceded a last minute goal in a 2-1 loss in the return fixture against Ventura. A 3-0 victory at home to Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
at the beginning of June was followed by a 2-0 win over their local rivals Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego is an American soccer team based in Fresno, California, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at Chukchansi...
, and it looked as though a brief resurgence may have been on the cards, but Bakersfield failed to win another game all season, and were out of playoff contention before the end of the month. The pair losses to perennial whipping boys Lancaster Rattlers
Lancaster Rattlers
Lancaster Rattlers is an American soccer team based in Lancaster, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the National Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division.The team plays its home games...
were hard to take for the men from Kern County; the 6-0 drubbing at the hands of their closest rivals, Ogden Outlaws
Ogden Outlaws
Ogden Outlaws is an American soccer team based in Ogden, Utah, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference....
, on the final day of the season was the final straw, and consigned Bakersfield to the basement for the first time in the team's PDL history. Adam Arteaga scored three of Bakersfield's 13 goals, but it's a backhanded compliment to be the top scorer of a team who found any kind silver lining difficult to find.
Final squad
vs. Ogden OutlawsOgden Outlaws
Ogden Outlaws is an American soccer team based in Ogden, Utah, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference....
, July 18, 2009
Notable former players
- See also: All-time Bakersfield Brigade rosterAll-time Bakersfield Brigade rosterThis list comprises all players who have participated in at least one league match for Bakersfield Brigade from the team's first season in the USL Premier Development League in 2005 until its last in 2009...
Frank Alesci
Frank Alesci
Frank Alesci is an American soccer player currently playing for Rochester Rhinos in the USL Professional Division.-College and amateur:...
Quincy Amarikwa
Quincy Amarikwa
Quincy Amarikwa is an American soccer player who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
Rene Corona
Rene Corona
Rene Corona is an American soccer player who currently plays for Hollywood United Hitmen in the USL Premier Development League.-College:...
Francisco Gomez
Francisco Gomez
Francisco Gomez is a retired American soccer player.-Club career:Gomez joined the Kansas City Wizards in 1999, after playing briefly with the California Jaguars of the A-League...
Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin
Lyle Martin is an American soccer player, currently playing for Beijing Baxy in China League One.-College and Amateur:...
Tino Nuñez
Tino Nuñez
Agustin "Tino" Nuñez is an American soccer player.-Youth and College:Nuñez was a four year letter-winner at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California. With Nuñez on the squad, Millikan ran to four consecutive Moore League Championships as well as one CIF Championship in Nuñez's junior year...
Kyle Reynish
Kyle Reynish
Kyle Reynish is an American soccer player who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
Erasmo Solorzano
Erasmo Solorzano
Erasmo Solórzano is a Mexican soccer player, who plays midfielder for Bakersfield Brigade in the USL Premier Development League, having been waived by CD Chivas USA of Major League Soccer at the end of the Major League Soccer 2007 season-References:* at the Major League Soccer website* at the...
Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda
Eric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2006 | 4 | USL PDL | 7th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2007 | 4 | USL PDL | 8th, Southwest | Did not qualify | 1st Round |
| 2008 | 4 | USL PDL | 7th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2009 | 4 | USL PDL | 10th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Stadia
- Stadium at Bakersfield Christian High SchoolBakersfield Christian High SchoolBakersfield Christian High School is a private, non-denominational Christian senior high school located in Bakersfield, California. In the past several years, the school has grown...
; Bakersfield, CaliforniaBakersfield, CaliforniaBakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
(2005-2009)
Average attendance
Attendance stats are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the historical match archive at http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html.- 2005: 434
- 2006: 697 (10th in PDL)
- 2007: 806 (7th in PDL)
- 2008: 884
- 2009: 324