New Orleans Shell Shockers
Encyclopedia
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
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.
The team plays its home games at Pan American Stadium, where they have played since 2009. The team's colors are purple, green, and white.
Prior to the 2009 season the team was known as the New Orleans Shell Shockers, due to its sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
. When that sponsorship ended before the 2008 season, the "Shell" was subsequently dropped from its name, and prior to the 2009 season the team changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters.
in New Orleans; the name "Shell Shockers" came from the team's sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
. The Shell Shockers made a huge impact in their first season, winning their first game 2-0 over Nashville Metros
, and rattling off seven more wins in their next eight games. They outclassed more experienced opponents at every turn, and scored plenty of goals with it - they put four goals past the Lafayette Swamp Cats
on two separate occasions, with Jonas Lopez scoring a hat trick in one of the games, and beat the Houston Toros
4-0. After a brief interruption service when they lost 5-3 on the road against Memphis Express
in mid-June, the Shell Shockers resumed their astonishing run of form immediately; they rattled off nine more wins in a row - 5-1 against Austin Lightning
, 5-1 against Houston Toros
, 5-1 against Austin again - and had already secured the Mid South Division title well before the final game of the season. The Shell Shockers hosted the Southern Conference playoffs, and having already won the title of 'Best Regular Season Record', were hot favorites to progress. They comfortably overcame Central Florida Kraze
4-1 in the conference semi-final, thanks in no small part to a pair of goals from substitute Jeremy Judice, but they were uncharacteristically beaten 2-0 in the conference final by Memphis. Despite this surprising defeat, it was a massively successful debut season for the team, as highlighted by the fact that head coach Kenny Farrell was named Coach of the Year by the PDL.
Having been so dominant the previous year, expectations were high for the Shell Shockers as they approached the 2004 season. Unfortunately, things did not quite go their way; despite winning their opening fixture of the season 3-1 over the Lafayette Swamp Cats
, they were unexpectedly flattened 8-0 by the DFW Tornados
in their very next game, having been reduced to nine men by the 57th minute. It was by far the most comprehensive defeat in the team's short history, and it set in motion a tendency for the Shell Shockers to lose quite spectacularly. They were on the wrong end of an astonishing 8-3 scoreline against El Paso Patriots
at the end of May, lost 4-1 at home to DFW in mid-June, conceded a 90th minute equalizer and then lost on a golden goal 2-1 against Memphis Express
, and let in another seven goals against El Paso on the road in mid-July. The highlights of New Orleans's season were limited to a couple of 2-1 and 3-2 victories here and there, although they did enjoy an amazing 4-3 win over Austin Lightning
in which they scored a 90th minute equalizer and a winner in the 9th minute of injury time, with both goals scored by Roberto Najarro. However, the Shockers ended the season a disappointing fifth in the Mid South Division, a full 30 points behind divisional champs El Paso Patriots
, and well out of the playoffs. Najarro was the team's top scorer, with 5 goals, while former Carlisle United, West Ham United and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop
registered 5 assists.
Things didn't get much better for the Shell Shockers in 2005. Despite taking up residence at the Pan American Stadium in City Park, and despite winning their first game in their new home 2-1 over Memphis Express
, the Shell Shockers reverted to type and promptly lost their next five games, including a 5-2 thumping at the hands of the Nashville Metros
, and a comprehensive 4-1 loss away from home at Austin Lightning
. A brief mid-season surge that included a pair of wins over divisional new boys Laredo Heat
sparked the potential for a revival, but it was all over quickly. Four more defeats down the home stretch, including another heavy defeat to Nashville, and a 4-1 hammering by the El Paso Patriots
put pay to any scant playoff hopes New Orleans may have had. The 3-1 win over Austin Lightning
at home on the last day of the season was, ironically, one of their most impressive performances of the year. They finished the season sixth in the Mid South Division, just three points off the basement, and 16 points off divisional champs El Paso Patriots
. Pablo Araya-Espinozo was New Orleans's top marksman with 9 goals.
Pan American Stadium, along with much of the rest of Louisiana
was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina
in August 2005, and as a result the Shell Shockers were forced to play at Muss Bertolino Stadium in nearby Kenner, Louisiana
for the 2006 season. After their plight was featured in the international media, the Shockers, with the support of teams like New England Revolution
and individuals such as former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez
, pledged to help raise $1,000,000 to the redevelopment of City Park.
The 2006 season was a difficult one for the Shell Shockers for obvious reasons, and their on-field performances suffered. The team won just 4 games in a long, hard season: 3-1 at home over Austin Lightning
in late May, 3-1 over Austin again on the road in June, a hugely satisfying 2-1 win over El Paso Patriots
with two goals from Jarret Gautreau, and a 3-0 win away in Dallas over the DFW Tornados
on the final day of the regular season that featured a brace from midfielder Brandon Chagnard. Elsewhere, the results were less demoralizing than in previous years, but all too often the Shell Shockers found themselves on the wrong end of 3-1 and 3-2 scorelines, and even managing to score a desperate last-minute own goal in their 2-1 defeat to Laredo Heat
in July. Eventually, they finished the season a distant fourth in the Mid South Division, almost 30 points behind divisional champs Laredo Heat
- but at least they were still competing. Gautreau and Roberto Najarro were top scorers, with 3 goals each.
2007, unfortunately, brought more of the same for the Shell Shockers, who did manage to pick up one more win than in 2006, but still finished the season a distant fifth in the Mid South Division behind Laredo Heat
. The on-field highlights included a 3-0 win over new Louisiana rivals Baton Rouge in late May, a pair of victories over the other divisional new boys Mississippi Brilla
, and an absolutely astonishing 8-1 annihilation of Austin Lightning
at home in July in which Ged Quinn
and Brandon Chagnard scored two goals each. Unfortunately, it was New Orleans's form on the road which caused them the most pain: they failed to win any of their eight away games during the season. However, the demoralizing high-score defeats that had plagued the team in previous years were thankfully absent for the most part, with their worst performance of the year coming in their 4-2 defeat to DFW Tornados
in mid-June. Quinn, Chagnard and Gino Ray were the team's top scorers for the year, with 13 goals between them, while Jamie Davies
contributed six assists.
New Orleans suffered a turbulent 2007-08 offseason. The team's sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
ended, resulting the "Shell" part of the club's name being dropped. Long-time chairman Gary Ostroske was bought out by local business woman Dana Stumpf, and the team also moved to a new home, Tad Gormley Stadium
, also located in City Park.
Disappointingly, the fresh faces and new home ground did not translate to an upturn in the Shockers' form. The season started badly with a 3-0 opening day defeat to new boys Houston Leones
, and despite recovering to post two wins and a tie in their next three games, including a 1-0 over state rivals Baton Rouge Capitals
, the Shockers struggled for much of the rest of the season. They suffered an embarrassing 4-1 turnaround away in Baton Rouge in late May, conceded an 85th minute equalizing PK in their 3-3 tie with Laredo Heat
in early June, and lost three of their last four regular season games, all at home, including a 4-0 defeat to Laredo in which wunderkind Felix Garcia scored a hat trick. For the fifth year in a row New Orleans ended the year at the wrong end of the Mid South Division standings, eventually finishing seventh, 13 points behind divisional champs Austin Aztex U23
. The erstwhile Brandon Chagnard was New Orleans' top scorer with 4 goals,
Prior to the 2009 season the team changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters, and following a full renovation including the installation of FieldTurf
, returned to play their home games at Pan American Stadium.
Under new ownership since 2008, the team has a renewed focus on improving the local community and the level of soccer. In its first year as the New Orleans Jesters, the local USL franchise went undefeated during the 2009 season and posted its only loss in the playoffs. The team was recognized by having two players named to the All-Conference Team and one recognized with All-League Honors.
For the 2010 season, the Jesters competed in the Southeast Division of the PDL. Its eight home games were all played at recently renovated Pan-American Stadium in City Park.
Ian Bishop
Steve McAnespie
Jared Montz
Steven Morris
Anthony Peters
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2003, 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 at Pan American Stadium, where they have played since 2009. The team's colors are purple, green, and white.
Prior to the 2009 season the team was known as the New Orleans Shell Shockers, due to its sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is the United States-based subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, a multinational oil company of Anglo Dutch origins, which is amongst the largest oil companies in the world. Approximately 22,000 Shell employees are based in the U.S. The head office in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas...
. When that sponsorship ended before the 2008 season, the "Shell" was subsequently dropped from its name, and prior to the 2009 season the team changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters.
History
The New Orleans Shell Shockers entered the PDL as an expansion franchise in 2003, playing at the soccer stadium at Tulane UniversityTulane University
Tulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
in New Orleans; the name "Shell Shockers" came from the team's sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is the United States-based subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, a multinational oil company of Anglo Dutch origins, which is amongst the largest oil companies in the world. Approximately 22,000 Shell employees are based in the U.S. The head office in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas...
. The Shell Shockers made a huge impact in their first season, winning their first game 2-0 over Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros is an American soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1989, 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...
, and rattling off seven more wins in their next eight games. They outclassed more experienced opponents at every turn, and scored plenty of goals with it - they put four goals past the Lafayette Swamp Cats
Lafayette Swamp Cats
Lafayette Swamp Cats were an American soccer team, founded in 2000. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2004, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They were given “provisional...
on two separate occasions, with Jonas Lopez scoring a hat trick in one of the games, and beat the Houston Toros
Houston Toros
Houston Toros were an American soccer team, founded in 2002, who were members of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2003, after which the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They played their home games...
4-0. After a brief interruption service when they lost 5-3 on the road against Memphis Express
Memphis Express
Memphis Express 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 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Express played their home...
in mid-June, the Shell Shockers resumed their astonishing run of form immediately; they rattled off nine more wins in a row - 5-1 against Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
, 5-1 against Houston Toros
Houston Toros
Houston Toros were an American soccer team, founded in 2002, who were members of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2003, after which the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They played their home games...
, 5-1 against Austin again - and had already secured the Mid South Division title well before the final game of the season. The Shell Shockers hosted the Southern Conference playoffs, and having already won the title of 'Best Regular Season Record', were hot favorites to progress. They comfortably overcame Central Florida Kraze
Central Florida Kraze
Orlando City U-23 is an American soccer team based in Lake Mary, Florida, United States. Founded in 1998, 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...
4-1 in the conference semi-final, thanks in no small part to a pair of goals from substitute Jeremy Judice, but they were uncharacteristically beaten 2-0 in the conference final by Memphis. Despite this surprising defeat, it was a massively successful debut season for the team, as highlighted by the fact that head coach Kenny Farrell was named Coach of the Year by the PDL.
Having been so dominant the previous year, expectations were high for the Shell Shockers as they approached the 2004 season. Unfortunately, things did not quite go their way; despite winning their opening fixture of the season 3-1 over the Lafayette Swamp Cats
Lafayette Swamp Cats
Lafayette Swamp Cats were an American soccer team, founded in 2000. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2004, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They were given “provisional...
, they were unexpectedly flattened 8-0 by the DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, 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...
in their very next game, having been reduced to nine men by the 57th minute. It was by far the most comprehensive defeat in the team's short history, and it set in motion a tendency for the Shell Shockers to lose quite spectacularly. They were on the wrong end of an astonishing 8-3 scoreline against 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...
at the end of May, lost 4-1 at home to DFW in mid-June, conceded a 90th minute equalizer and then lost on a golden goal 2-1 against Memphis Express
Memphis Express
Memphis Express 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 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Express played their home...
, and let in another seven goals against El Paso on the road in mid-July. The highlights of New Orleans's season were limited to a couple of 2-1 and 3-2 victories here and there, although they did enjoy an amazing 4-3 win over Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
in which they scored a 90th minute equalizer and a winner in the 9th minute of injury time, with both goals scored by Roberto Najarro. However, the Shockers ended the season a disappointing fifth in the Mid South Division, a full 30 points behind divisional champs 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...
, and well out of the playoffs. Najarro was the team's top scorer, with 5 goals, while former Carlisle United, West Ham United and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop
Ian Bishop (footballer)
Ian Bishop is a former footballer who played as a midfielder.He was born on the Cantril Farm housing estate in Liverpool and on leaving school in July 1981 he joined Everton, turning professional for the 1983-84 season under the management of Howard Kendall - who had taken over during the same...
registered 5 assists.
Things didn't get much better for the Shell Shockers in 2005. Despite taking up residence at the Pan American Stadium in City Park, and despite winning their first game in their new home 2-1 over Memphis Express
Memphis Express
Memphis Express 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 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Express played their home...
, the Shell Shockers reverted to type and promptly lost their next five games, including a 5-2 thumping at the hands of the Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros is an American soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1989, 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...
, and a comprehensive 4-1 loss away from home at Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
. A brief mid-season surge that included a pair of wins over divisional new boys 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....
sparked the potential for a revival, but it was all over quickly. Four more defeats down the home stretch, including another heavy defeat to Nashville, and a 4-1 hammering by 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...
put pay to any scant playoff hopes New Orleans may have had. The 3-1 win over Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
at home on the last day of the season was, ironically, one of their most impressive performances of the year. They finished the season sixth in the Mid South Division, just three points off the basement, and 16 points off divisional champs 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...
. Pablo Araya-Espinozo was New Orleans's top marksman with 9 goals.
Pan American Stadium, along with much of the rest of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
in August 2005, and as a result the Shell Shockers were forced to play at Muss Bertolino Stadium in nearby Kenner, Louisiana
Kenner, Louisiana
Kenner is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, and a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 66,702 at the 2010 census....
for the 2006 season. After their plight was featured in the international media, the Shockers, with the support of teams like New England Revolution
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution is an American professional association football club based in Foxborough, Massachusetts which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
and individuals such as former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez
Lawrie Sanchez
Lawrence Philip "Lawrie" Sanchez is a former Northern Irish football manager, and a former player. He is currently the manager of League Two side Barnet...
, pledged to help raise $1,000,000 to the redevelopment of City Park.
The 2006 season was a difficult one for the Shell Shockers for obvious reasons, and their on-field performances suffered. The team won just 4 games in a long, hard season: 3-1 at home over Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
in late May, 3-1 over Austin again on the road in June, a hugely satisfying 2-1 win over 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...
with two goals from Jarret Gautreau, and a 3-0 win away in Dallas over the DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, 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...
on the final day of the regular season that featured a brace from midfielder Brandon Chagnard. Elsewhere, the results were less demoralizing than in previous years, but all too often the Shell Shockers found themselves on the wrong end of 3-1 and 3-2 scorelines, and even managing to score a desperate last-minute own goal in their 2-1 defeat to 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....
in July. Eventually, they finished the season a distant fourth in the Mid South Division, almost 30 points behind divisional champs 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....
- but at least they were still competing. Gautreau and Roberto Najarro were top scorers, with 3 goals each.
2007, unfortunately, brought more of the same for the Shell Shockers, who did manage to pick up one more win than in 2006, but still finished the season a distant fifth in the Mid South Division behind 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....
. The on-field highlights included a 3-0 win over new Louisiana rivals Baton Rouge in late May, a pair of victories over the other divisional new boys 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...
, and an absolutely astonishing 8-1 annihilation of Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
at home in July in which Ged Quinn
Ged Quinn
Ged Quinn is an English artist. He studied at the Ruskin in Oxford, the Slade School of Art in London, the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, and the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam....
and Brandon Chagnard scored two goals each. Unfortunately, it was New Orleans's form on the road which caused them the most pain: they failed to win any of their eight away games during the season. However, the demoralizing high-score defeats that had plagued the team in previous years were thankfully absent for the most part, with their worst performance of the year coming in their 4-2 defeat to DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, 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...
in mid-June. Quinn, Chagnard and Gino Ray were the team's top scorers for the year, with 13 goals between them, while Jamie Davies
Jamie Davies
Jamie Davies is an English racing driver.-Single-seaters:Davies began his career competing in karting, winning the South West Championship in 1988, the British Junior Championship in 1989 and the British Junior Open in 1990. He raced in the Formula Vauxhall championships between 1992 and 1994,...
contributed six assists.
New Orleans suffered a turbulent 2007-08 offseason. The team's sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is the United States-based subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, a multinational oil company of Anglo Dutch origins, which is amongst the largest oil companies in the world. Approximately 22,000 Shell employees are based in the U.S. The head office in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas...
ended, resulting the "Shell" part of the club's name being dropped. Long-time chairman Gary Ostroske was bought out by local business woman Dana Stumpf, and the team also moved to a new home, Tad Gormley Stadium
Tad Gormley Stadium
Tad Gormley Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor stadium, located in City Park, in New Orleans, Louisiana, named for Frank "Tad" Gormley. It has been used for football, track & field, and soccer. It played host to the US Olympic Track & Field Trials for the 1992 Summer Olympics...
, also located in City Park.
Disappointingly, the fresh faces and new home ground did not translate to an upturn in the Shockers' form. The season started badly with a 3-0 opening day defeat to new boys 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 despite recovering to post two wins and a tie in their next three games, including a 1-0 over state rivals Baton Rouge Capitals
Baton Rouge Capitals
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 , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
, the Shockers struggled for much of the rest of the season. They suffered an embarrassing 4-1 turnaround away in Baton Rouge in late May, conceded an 85th minute equalizing PK in their 3-3 tie with 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....
in early June, and lost three of their last four regular season games, all at home, including a 4-0 defeat to Laredo in which wunderkind Felix Garcia scored a hat trick. For the fifth year in a row New Orleans ended the year at the wrong end of the Mid South Division standings, eventually finishing seventh, 13 points behind divisional champs 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...
. The erstwhile Brandon Chagnard was New Orleans' top scorer with 4 goals,
Prior to the 2009 season the team changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters, and following a full renovation including the installation of FieldTurf
FieldTurf
FieldTurf is a brand of artificial turf playing surface. It is manufactured and installed by the FieldTurf Tarkett division of Tarkett Inc., based in Calhoun, Georgia, USA. In the late 1990s, the artificial surface changed the industry with a design intended to replicate real grass...
, returned to play their home games at Pan American Stadium.
Under new ownership since 2008, the team has a renewed focus on improving the local community and the level of soccer. In its first year as the New Orleans Jesters, the local USL franchise went undefeated during the 2009 season and posted its only loss in the playoffs. The team was recognized by having two players named to the All-Conference Team and one recognized with All-League Honors.
For the 2010 season, the Jesters competed in the Southeast Division of the PDL. Its eight home games were all played at recently renovated Pan-American Stadium in City Park.
Current roster
As of June 8, 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.Ian Bishop
Ian Bishop (footballer)
Ian Bishop is a former footballer who played as a midfielder.He was born on the Cantril Farm housing estate in Liverpool and on leaving school in July 1981 he joined Everton, turning professional for the 1983-84 season under the management of Howard Kendall - who had taken over during the same...
Steve McAnespie
Steve McAnespie
Steve McAnespie is a retired Scottish football defender.-Aberdeen:Born in Kilmarnock, McAnespie started his career with Aberdeen, although failed to make a senior appearance during his time at Pittodrie.-Raith Rovers:...
Jared Montz
Jared Montz
Jared Montz is a retired American soccer player.-Professional career:Montz played college soccer at Lynn University for four years, where he finished with 5 goals and 16 assists in 67 matches...
Steven Morris
Steven Morris
Steven Morris is an American-born Honduran footballer who currently plays for Baton Rouge Capitals in USL Premier Development League.-Youth:...
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:...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | Conference Finals | Did not qualify |
| 2004 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2005 | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2006 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2007 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2008 | 4 | USL PDL | 7th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2009 | 4 | USL PDL | 3rd, Southeast | Divisional Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Southeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2011 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Stadia
- Westfeldt Practice Facility at Tulane UniversityTulane UniversityTulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
; New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
(2003-2004) - Muss Bertolino Stadium; Kenner, LouisianaKenner, LouisianaKenner is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, and a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 66,702 at the 2010 census....
(2006-2007) - Tad Gormley StadiumTad Gormley StadiumTad Gormley Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor stadium, located in City Park, in New Orleans, Louisiana, named for Frank "Tad" Gormley. It has been used for football, track & field, and soccer. It played host to the US Olympic Track & Field Trials for the 1992 Summer Olympics...
; New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, 4 games (2008) - Lupin Field at Isidore Newman SchoolIsidore Newman SchoolIsidore Newman School is a private, nondenominational, co-educational college preparatory school located on an campus in the Uptown section of New Orleans, Louisiana.-History:...
; New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, 4 games (2008) - Pan American Stadium; New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
(2005, 2009-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.- 2003: 711
- 2004: 278
- 2005: 600
- 2006: 719 (8th in PDL)
- 2007: 321
- 2008: not yet available
- 2009: 1,007 (8th in PDL)
- 2010: 1,167 (9th in PDL)