Baton Rouge Capitals
Encyclopedia
Baton Rouge Capitals is an American soccer team based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
, United States
. Founded in 2007, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.
The team plays its home games in the stadium at the Christian Life Academy
, where they have played since 2011. The team's colors are red, white and black.
. The rest of the season followed a similar pattern: a sequence of defeats, followed by an impressive victory which seemed to signal a turn in fortune, only for the defeats to continue. Their highlight was a superb see-saw 3-2 win over the experience El Paso Patriots
that featured a brace by striker Tony Judice, but their inconsistency eventually left them in sixth place in standings, 15 points behind divisional champions Laredo Heat
. Judice was the Capitals' top scorer, notching 5 goals; Irish international striker Joseph Lapira
also made a valuable contribution, with 3 goals and 1 assist to his name.
The Capitals changed coaches during the offseason, bringing in local Brazilian-born coach Helio d'Anna, but his introduction failed to have the desired effect, as the team again suffered from raging inconsistency, especially away from home. They actually won their opening game of the 2008 campaign, 2-0 over the El Paso Patriots
off a pair of goals by Tony Judice, but immediately slumped to three successive defeats in their next three games. They won the first half of the Louisiana derby, 4-1 at home over the New Orleans Shell Shockers
, and enjoyed a brief run of form at the beginning of June, knocking off Houston Leones
and Mississippi Brilla
in quick succession, but rapidly reverted to their old ways; they didn't win another game that month, suffering a trio of 3-goal defeats, and were eliminated from playoff contention with several games remaining in the season. They did manage to do the double over their state rivals, beating New Orleans 3-2 in the return fixture in the Big Easy with two goals from Leonardo dos Barros, but eventually finished the year a distant fifth in the Mid South, 9 points adrift of divisional champions Austin Aztex U23
. Leonardo dos Barros was Baton Rouge's top scorer, with 7 goals, while Ricardo Santos contributed three assists.
The club was acquired by new owner John Hamide in the fall of 2009, with Ben Callon hired as General Manager; while defender Stuart Hayers was appointed as Head Coach, announced officially on January 20, 2010.
Hayers immediately built an entirely new team retaining only Josey Portillo and Jared Wooley from the previous season's squad and enjoyed the most successful season in their history, eventually finishing in third place in the PDL National Championship. Capitals swept Louisiana rivals New Orleans Jesters, winning 2-1, 2-1, and 3-2 respectively, after scoring two goals within the first three minutes in the first match, at Olympia stadium. However, the eventual Divisional Champions Mississippi Brilla
were the only team Capitals were unable to beat. Capitals finished as runners-up with 30 points and a 9-2-3 regular-season record. Capitals' biggest win came in a 5-1 home victory over Atlanta Blackhawks, defender Joe Tait
scoring the club's only hat-trick of the season. Baton Rouge Capitals went through to the 2010 PDL National Championships after winning both their play-off games, beating Laredo Heat
(6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 tie) and Houston Leones
(2-1) in searing temperatures in Jackson Mississippi, to win the PDL Southern Conference. However, the best run in the club's history ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Thunder Bay Chill
(Ontario) despite having gone ahead late in the second half. Capitals ended their season on a winning note, however, beating Reading United AC 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 tie; the winning penalty coming from Capitals' leading goal-scorer Ben Callon (9 goals and 5 assists) after two fine saves from Capitals' goalkeeper Joe Hart
. Callon was also selected for the PDL Southern Conference team of the year along with defender Joe Tait, who was also awarded PDL Defender of the Season, making the PDL National All Stars.
Scott Gordon
Joseph Lapira
Luke Magill
Anthony Peters
Alessandro Salvatore
Joe Tait
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2007, the team plays 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...
, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.
The team plays its home games in the stadium at the Christian Life Academy
Christian Life Academy
Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA was founded in 1981. Thousands of students have attendend this K-12 academy including people of influence in the business and sports communities.-Band:The band is directed by Mr. Derrick Walker...
, where they have played since 2011. The team's colors are red, white and black.
History
Baton Rouge entered its first ever soccer franchise into the PDL in 2007, under the leadership of Bo Cassidy, a veteran coach and collegiate player at UMass Amherst. The Capitals started their inaugural season with three straight defeats, failing to pick up their first win until the fourth game of the season, 1-0 over fellow new boys Mississippi BrillaMississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla is an American soccer club based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
. The rest of the season followed a similar pattern: a sequence of defeats, followed by an impressive victory which seemed to signal a turn in fortune, only for the defeats to continue. Their highlight was a superb see-saw 3-2 win over the experience El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
that featured a brace by striker Tony Judice, but their inconsistency eventually left them in sixth place in standings, 15 points behind divisional champions Laredo Heat
Laredo Heat
Laredo Heat is an American soccer team based in Laredo, Texas, United States. Founded in 2004, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference....
. Judice was the Capitals' top scorer, notching 5 goals; Irish international striker Joseph Lapira
Joseph Lapira
Joseph Lapira is an Irish-American soccer player playing for Nybergsund.-Family:Joseph is the son of Paul and Kate Lapira and brother to Maria and Michael Lapira. Joseph's paternal grandparents were from Malta. Joseph lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana most of his life.-Career:Lapira graduated from St...
also made a valuable contribution, with 3 goals and 1 assist to his name.
The Capitals changed coaches during the offseason, bringing in local Brazilian-born coach Helio d'Anna, but his introduction failed to have the desired effect, as the team again suffered from raging inconsistency, especially away from home. They actually won their opening game of the 2008 campaign, 2-0 over the El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
off a pair of goals by Tony Judice, but immediately slumped to three successive defeats in their next three games. They won the first half of the Louisiana derby, 4-1 at home over the New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Jesters is an American soccer team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
, and enjoyed a brief run of form at the beginning of June, knocking off Houston Leones
Houston Leones
Houston Leones was an American soccer team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
and Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla is an American soccer club based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
in quick succession, but rapidly reverted to their old ways; they didn't win another game that month, suffering a trio of 3-goal defeats, and were eliminated from playoff contention with several games remaining in the season. They did manage to do the double over their state rivals, beating New Orleans 3-2 in the return fixture in the Big Easy with two goals from Leonardo dos Barros, but eventually finished the year a distant fifth in the Mid South, 9 points adrift of divisional champions Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23 was an American soccer team based in Round Rock, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played...
. Leonardo dos Barros was Baton Rouge's top scorer, with 7 goals, while Ricardo Santos contributed three assists.
The club was acquired by new owner John Hamide in the fall of 2009, with Ben Callon hired as General Manager; while defender Stuart Hayers was appointed as Head Coach, announced officially on January 20, 2010.
Hayers immediately built an entirely new team retaining only Josey Portillo and Jared Wooley from the previous season's squad and enjoyed the most successful season in their history, eventually finishing in third place in the PDL National Championship. Capitals swept Louisiana rivals New Orleans Jesters, winning 2-1, 2-1, and 3-2 respectively, after scoring two goals within the first three minutes in the first match, at Olympia stadium. However, the eventual Divisional Champions Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla is an American soccer club based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
were the only team Capitals were unable to beat. Capitals finished as runners-up with 30 points and a 9-2-3 regular-season record. Capitals' biggest win came in a 5-1 home victory over Atlanta Blackhawks, defender Joe Tait
Joe Tait
Joseph "Joe" Tait is an American sports broadcaster, who called the radio play by play for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. With the exception of two seasons in the early 1980s and illness in 2010-11, he has been the Cavaliers' radio announcer since the team's inception in 1970...
scoring the club's only hat-trick of the season. Baton Rouge Capitals went through to the 2010 PDL National Championships after winning both their play-off games, beating Laredo Heat
Laredo Heat
Laredo Heat is an American soccer team based in Laredo, Texas, United States. Founded in 2004, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference....
(6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 tie) and Houston Leones
Houston Leones
Houston Leones was an American soccer team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
(2-1) in searing temperatures in Jackson Mississippi, to win the PDL Southern Conference. However, the best run in the club's history ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill is a Canadian soccer team based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2000, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games...
(Ontario) despite having gone ahead late in the second half. Capitals ended their season on a winning note, however, beating Reading United AC 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 tie; the winning penalty coming from Capitals' leading goal-scorer Ben Callon (9 goals and 5 assists) after two fine saves from Capitals' goalkeeper Joe Hart
Joe Hart
Charles Joseph John "Joe" Hart is an English football goalkeeper who plays for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national football team and was previously a regular for the England under-21 team....
. Callon was also selected for the PDL Southern Conference team of the year along with defender Joe Tait, who was also awarded PDL Defender of the Season, making the PDL National All Stars.
Current roster
As of June 9, 2011.Notable former players
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.Scott Gordon
Scott Gordon (soccer)
Scott Gordon is an American soccer player currently playing for Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League.-College and amateur:...
Joseph Lapira
Joseph Lapira
Joseph Lapira is an Irish-American soccer player playing for Nybergsund.-Family:Joseph is the son of Paul and Kate Lapira and brother to Maria and Michael Lapira. Joseph's paternal grandparents were from Malta. Joseph lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana most of his life.-Career:Lapira graduated from St...
Luke Magill
Luke Magill
Luke Magill is an English footballer, currently playing for Dayton Dutch Lions in the USL Professional Division.-Youth and Amateur:...
Anthony Peters
Anthony Peters
Anthony Peters is an American soccer player who currently plays for Baton Rouge Capitals in the USL Premier Development League.-Youth and college:...
Alessandro Salvatore
Alessandro Salvatore
Alessandro Salvatore Perez is an American-born Puerto Rican footballer who last played for the Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL Premier Development League.-External links:*...
Joe Tait
Joe Tait (footballer)
Joe Tait is an English footballer, currently playing for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.-Early career:Tait turned professional in 2006 with English League One side Hartlepool United...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2008 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2009 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Southeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | 4 | USL PDL | 2nd, Southeast | National Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 2011 | 4 | USL PDL | 3rd, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Head coaches
Bo Cassidy (2007) Helio d'Anna (2008) Paulo Canineu Neto (2009) Stuart Hayers (2010-present)Stadia
- Olympia Stadium; Baton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
(2007-2010) - Stadium at Christian Life AcademyChristian Life AcademyChristian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA was founded in 1981. Thousands of students have attendend this K-12 academy including people of influence in the business and sports communities.-Band:The band is directed by Mr. Derrick Walker...
; Baton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
(2011-present)
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.- 2007: 552
- 2008: not yet available
- 2009: 306
- 2010: 540