News: Release the Hounds! Long-Awaited Stadium Project in Ashburn Breaks Ground; Edelman Financial Field will House Loudoun Hounds Baseball, Virginia Cavalry FC Soccer Clubs

They, literally, released the hounds on Tuesday!

(June 4, 2013) - It took Bob Farren and VIP Sports & Entertainment nearly 12 years but their dream of a sports stadium in Ashburn took a giant step towards reality Tuesday with the official groundbreaking for the project at One Loudoun.

The stadium at the immediate southwest corner of the Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway interchange will house both the professional baseball Loudoun Hounds as well as the professional soccer Virginia Cavalry FC clubs.

"This is a long-overdue moment in the history of VIP Sports & Entertainment and beginning construction on the Ballpark at One Loudoun is another major milestone for the organization," said Farren, founding President and CEO of VIP. "We are now within sight of the finish line: Opening Day in 2014. I am thankful to our many wonderful business partners, our civic leaders and most importantly our legions of excited fans for making this sports landmark a reality in Loudoun."

In other news from the groundbreaking, it was announced that the stadium would be named Edelman Financial Field, after the Northern Virginia financial services powerhouse.

More photos! View all 82 photos in the gallery

Soccer: NASL Virginia Team to Unveil Name Today at U.S. Men's National Team Qualifier Viewing Party

(Feb. 6, 2013)- The NASL Virginia professional soccer expansion franchise set to begin play in 2014 will unveil its team name today during a viewing party for the U.S. Men's National Team Qualifier at Honduras at the Bungalow Lakehouse in Sterling. Former U.S. Men's and D.C. United Star John Harkes will be on hand as well as Russ Thaler from Soccer Night in America.

Event begins at 3:30 p.m. with a 4 p.m. kickoff for the U.S. Men's game. The NASL Virginia name will be announced at 5:45 p.m.

D.C. United: Potomac Falls Grad Shanosky Earns NASL Defensive Player of the Week

Potomac Falls grad Conor Shanosky (right) in action (photo courtesy D.C. United)

(Aug. 20, 2012) - Potomac Falls High School grad Conor Shanosky has been named the North American Soccer League's Defensive Player of the Week honors while on loan with the Fort Lauderdale Strikes from D.C. United.

Shanosky had a strong outing from his midfield starting spot in a game Aug. 18 at the Puerto Rico Islanders. Shanosky has helped the Strikers to a 8-7-8 mark this season, playing in 23 games with 22 starts.

D.C. United hosts the Chicago Fire Wednesday Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium.

Pro Soccer: D.C. United to Host 13th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran Appreciation Day

(April 24, 2012) - D.C. United announced today that the club will host its 13th Annual Armed Forces & Veterans Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 28, as the Black-and-Red take on the Houston Dynamo at RFK Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET / Comcast SportsNet).

The event will feature programs throughout the day in support of our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, and is supported in part by American Airlines and GEICO.

Men's Soccer: Former Broad Run Star Shane Johnson Makes Pro Debut

(April 21, 2012) - Former Broad Run High School soccer star Shane Johnson, a 22-year-old rookie with the USL Pro Richmond Kickers, has played every minute in his first two career games. Read the full story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Men's Soccer: Broad Run Grad Shane Johnson Signs Pro Contract with Richmond Kickers

Photo courtesy Richmond Strikers

Richmond (March 10, 2012) - The Richmond Kickers announced Friday that they agreed to terms with defender Shane Johnson (Broad Run High School graduate) for the 2012 season, pending USSF approval.

“We have been impressed with Shane ever since he played for Longwood against the pro team in last season’s spring exhibition,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “We feel he has all the qualities needed to make an outstanding professional player and we look forward to him contributing immediately.”

College Corner: Stone Bridge Grad Ronnie Shaban is Ivy League Men's Soccer Player of the Week at Columbia

College Corner with editor Noelle Dormio
(Nov. 9, 2011) - Stone Bridge High School grad Ronnie Shaban scored three goals over two matches to help Columbia to a pair of 2-1 victories on the week. For his efforts, the senior defender was named the Ivy League Men's Soccer Player of the Week.

Shaban came off the bench to score on a diving header attempt in the second half against Adelphi, then notched the first two-goal match of his career in a critical Ivy League win over Harvard on Senior Day that helped keep the Lions’ hopes alive.

Shaban’s first tally against the Crimson came on a penalty kick in the 17th minute, and the second less than 10 minutes later on another header off a corner. On the year, Shaban is tied for second on the team with four goals and boasts a .364 shooting percentage. He is the first Lion to earn Player of the Week honor since Sept. 5.

Shaban’s Weekly Stats
2-1 GP-GS, 3G, 6 Pts., 3 Shots, 2 SOG, 2 GWG

Men's Soccer: Broad Run Grad Shane Johnson Named to Virginia SID All-State Second Team

Farmville (Feb. 8, 2011) - Three members of the Longwood University men’s soccer team, including Broad Run High School graduate Shane Johnson, have been named to the 2010 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) University Division All-State Second Team.