North Jersey Imperials
Encyclopedia
The North Jersey Imperials were a soccer club based in Paramus
, New Jersey. They played in the United Soccer Leagues
between 1994 and 2001. The Imperials were the first pro team of US national team
goalkeeper Tim Howard
.
During their inaugural season in 1994, the Imperials played their home games at Bruins Stadium, which is located within James J. Braddock-Hudson County Park, in North Bergen
, New Jersey. That year, the Imperials defeated the Jersey Dragons
in the USISL D3 Pro League Northeast Division semi-finals, but fell to the Long Island Rough Riders
. Players of note during the inaugural season were John Diffley
, who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Mutiny
and Kansas City Wizards
, Jeff Zaun
, who went on to play for the MetroStars, and Tom Lips
, who went on to play for the New England Revolution
. Another original Imperials player, Pat O'Kelly
, was drafted by the MetroStars in 1996, but chose not to sign with the team.
The 1995 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Veteran's Memorial Stadium, in Bayonne
, New Jersey. This season saw the Imperials play their two best attended games, when over 2,500 fans turned out to see them play against the Long Island Rough Riders, who featured US national team
goalkeeper Tony Meola
in their starting lineup, and over 4,500 turned out to see them play an exhibition against Polish club Stal Mielec
. That year, the Imperials fell to the New York Fever in the Northeast Division Final.
The 1996 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Fairleigh Dickinson University
's University Stadium, located in Teaneck
, New Jersey. The Imperials won the USISL D3 Northeast Division Championship that year, defeating the Central Jersey Riptide
in the final and advancing to the Sizzling Six National Finals. Notable games that year were exhibitions against Danish club Viborg FF
and a game featuring a team of several former New York Cosmos
players. Imperials players of note that year were Rob Johnson
and Petter Villegas
, both of which would go on to play for the MetroStars, and Altimont Butler
, who would play for the San Jose Clash.
The 1997 Season saw the Imperials continue their tenure at FDU's University Stadium. The Imperials fell in the D3 semi finals (by shoot out) to the Central Jersey Riptide
. This season was notable as 18 year old Tim Howard
, from North Brunswick
, was the starting goalkeeper for the Imperials. Howard went on to the join the MetroStars for the 1998 season. He was then transferred to Manchester United
in 2003 and has been the starting goalkeeper at Everton
from 2006 (loan in 2006, transferred in 2007). Howard has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the US national team
since 2007 and was the starting goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
in South Africa
. Other notable Imperials players that year were MetroStars back-up goalkeeper Zach Thornton
(4 games) and MetroStars midfielder Cristian da Silva
(2 games). During this season, 4 Imperials players, including Tim Howard, Jerry Lucey and Kenny Santos, were called up by the MetroStars for a July 30 exhibition against the Long Island Rough Riders
.
The 1998 season saw the Imperials on hiatus.
The 1999 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Sprague Field, on the Campus of Montclair State University
, in Montclair
, New Jersey. This was a poor campaign, and the Imperials finished in 8th place in the Northeast Division. This season also saw the return of fomer Imperials goalkeeper Tim Howard
, for at least 1 home game, on loan from the MetroStars. A player of note during this season was goalkeeper Kevin East
, who'd spent time with the Columbus Crew
and the MetroStars. East was loaned to the MetroStars that year, as a backup, when Tim Howard was away with the U.S. U-20 national team
.
The 2000 and 2001 seasons saw the Imperials, still playing at Montclair State University
, drop a level to the USL Premier Development League
(the 4th division of US Soccer). One notable player from this period is Alecko Eskandarian
, who played for the PDL Imperials during the 2000 season. Eskandarian, a Montvale
native, would go on to play in Major League Soccer
for several MLS teams, and was named MLS Cup
MVP for his 2 goal performance at the 2004 event. The North Jersey Imperials became defunct after the 2001 season.
1997, 1 game 1999 (loan) Altimont Butler
1996 Cristian da Silva
Loan, 2 games 1997 John Diffley
1994 Kevin East
1999 Alecko Eskandarian
2000 Rob Johnson
1996 Tom Lips
1994 Pat O'Kelly
1994, 1995 Zach Thornton
Loan, 4 games 1997 Petter Villegas
1996 Jeff Zaun
1994, 1995 David Price
* 1995, 1996
Paramus, New Jersey
Paramus is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 26,342. A suburb of New York City, Paramus is located between 15–20 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan and approximately west of Upper Manhattan.Paramus is one of...
, New Jersey. They played in 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...
between 1994 and 2001. The Imperials were the first pro team of US national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
goalkeeper Tim Howard
Tim Howard
Timothy Matthew Howard is an American soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for English club Everton and the United States national team....
.
During their inaugural season in 1994, the Imperials played their home games at Bruins Stadium, which is located within James J. Braddock-Hudson County Park, in North Bergen
North Bergen, New Jersey
North Bergen is a township in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township had a total population of 60,773. Originally founded in 1843, the town was much diminished in territory by a series of secessions. Situated on the Hudson Palisades, it is one...
, New Jersey. That year, the Imperials defeated the Jersey Dragons
Jersey Dragons
The Jersey Dragons were a soccer club that competed in the United Soccer Leagues from 1994 to 1996. The club was based in Hoboken, New Jersey.-Year-by-year:...
in the USISL D3 Pro League Northeast Division semi-finals, but fell to the Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders is an American soccer team based in South Huntington, New York, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its...
. Players of note during the inaugural season were John Diffley
John Diffley
John Diffley is a retired American soccer player who is currently the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration at St. John's University.-Youth and college:...
, who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Mutiny
Tampa Bay Mutiny
The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 - 2001. They initially played in Tampa Stadium and were immediately successful, winning the first MLS Supporters' Shield behind MLS MVP Carlos Valderrama and high-scoring forward Roy Lassiter, whose 27 goals in...
and Kansas City Wizards
Kansas City Wizards
Sporting Kansas City is an American professional soccer club based in Kansas City, Kansas that competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada...
, Jeff Zaun
Jeff Zaun
Jeff Zaun is a retired U.S. soccer defender who is currently an assistant coach with the Rutgers University men’s soccer team...
, who went on to play for the MetroStars, and Tom Lips
Tom Lips
Tom Lips is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the USISL, Major League Soccer and Swiss First Division. He currently coaches the Long Island Lady Riders in the USL W-League....
, who went on to play for the 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...
. Another original Imperials player, Pat O'Kelly
Pat O'Kelly
Pat O’Kelly is a former Irish soccer defender who was a two-time first team All-American at Seton Hall University. He played two seasons in the American Professional Soccer League and at least four in the USISL....
, was drafted by the MetroStars in 1996, but chose not to sign with the team.
The 1995 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Veteran's Memorial Stadium, in Bayonne
Bayonne, New Jersey
Bayonne is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. Located in the Gateway Region, Bayonne is a peninsula that is situated between Newark Bay to the west, the Kill van Kull to the south, and New York Bay to the east...
, New Jersey. This season saw the Imperials play their two best attended games, when over 2,500 fans turned out to see them play against the Long Island Rough Riders, who featured US national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
goalkeeper Tony Meola
Tony Meola
Antonio Michael "Tony" Meola is an American former soccer goalkeeper who played for the United States national team at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, and from 1996 to 2006 played in Major League Soccer, the U.S. top soccer division, where he obtained multiple honors...
in their starting lineup, and over 4,500 turned out to see them play an exhibition against Polish club Stal Mielec
Stal Mielec
Stal Mielec is a Polish football club based in Mielec, Poland. The club was established on April 10, 1939. The construction of the club's current stadium, Stadion Stali Mielec at Solskiego 1, was concluded in 1953. Currently the stadium is undergoing a major renovation...
. That year, the Imperials fell to the New York Fever in the Northeast Division Final.
The 1996 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
's University Stadium, located in Teaneck
Teaneck, New Jersey
Teaneck is a township in Bergen County, New Jersey, and a suburb in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 39,776, making it the second-most populous among the 70 municipalities in Bergen County....
, New Jersey. The Imperials won the USISL D3 Northeast Division Championship that year, defeating the Central Jersey Riptide
Central Jersey Riptide
Central Jersey Riptide were an American soccer team that played in Clark, New Jersey.They joined the USISL Pro League in 1996, but were relegated to the USL PDL in 1999. They became a provisional team the next season and then folded after the end of the season.-Year-by-year:...
in the final and advancing to the Sizzling Six National Finals. Notable games that year were exhibitions against Danish club Viborg FF
Viborg FF
Viborg FF is a Danish professional football club located in Viborg. The full name of the club is Viborg Fodsports Forening , but the name is frequently abbreviated as Viborg FF or VFF. The club was founded in 1896, but would have to wait more than a century before winning its only countrywide...
and a game featuring a team of several former New York Cosmos
New York Cosmos
The New York Cosmos were an American soccer club based in New York City, New York and its suburbs. The team played home games in three stadiums around New York before moving in 1977 to Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it remained for the rest of its history...
players. Imperials players of note that year were Rob Johnson
Rob Johnson (soccer)
Rob Johnson is an American former professional soccer player who is now an assistant coach with the Temple University's men's soccer team....
and Petter Villegas
Petter Villegas
Petter Villegas is a Ecuadorian-born Puerto Rican footballer currently playing for Puerto Rico Islanders in the North American Soccer League.-Youth and college:...
, both of which would go on to play for the MetroStars, and Altimont Butler
Altimont Butler
Altimont “Freddie” Butler is a former Jamaica football striker.-Youth career:Butler's youth career began at age 12 with the Golden Star in Port Royal. During the next three years, he had played in the President’s Cup, Minor League and Sid Bartlett League...
, who would play for the San Jose Clash.
The 1997 Season saw the Imperials continue their tenure at FDU's University Stadium. The Imperials fell in the D3 semi finals (by shoot out) to the Central Jersey Riptide
Central Jersey Riptide
Central Jersey Riptide were an American soccer team that played in Clark, New Jersey.They joined the USISL Pro League in 1996, but were relegated to the USL PDL in 1999. They became a provisional team the next season and then folded after the end of the season.-Year-by-year:...
. This season was notable as 18 year old Tim Howard
Tim Howard
Timothy Matthew Howard is an American soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for English club Everton and the United States national team....
, from North Brunswick
North Brunswick Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:At the 2010 census, there were 40,742 people, 13,635 households and 9,367 families residing in the township. The population density was 3,018.3 per square mile . There were 13,932 housing units at an average density of 1,158.8 per square mile...
, was the starting goalkeeper for the Imperials. Howard went on to the join the MetroStars for the 1998 season. He was then transferred to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in 2003 and has been the starting goalkeeper at Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
from 2006 (loan in 2006, transferred in 2007). Howard has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the US national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
since 2007 and was the starting goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. Other notable Imperials players that year were MetroStars back-up goalkeeper Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton is an American soccer player who currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
(4 games) and MetroStars midfielder Cristian da Silva
Cristian da Silva
Cristian da Silva is a retired Argentine professional soccer player who played in the United States for the MetroStars.-Playing career:...
(2 games). During this season, 4 Imperials players, including Tim Howard, Jerry Lucey and Kenny Santos, were called up by the MetroStars for a July 30 exhibition against the Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders is an American soccer team based in South Huntington, New York, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its...
.
The 1998 season saw the Imperials on hiatus.
The 1999 season saw the Imperials play their home games at Sprague Field, on the Campus of Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is a public research university located in the Upper Montclair section of Montclair, the Great Notch area of Little Falls, and Clifton, New Jersey. As of October 2009, there were 18,171 total enrolled students: 14,139 undergraduate students and 4,032 graduate students...
, in Montclair
Montclair, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 38,977 people, 15,020 households, and 9,687 families residing in the township. The population density was 6,183.6 people per square mile . There were 15,531 housing units at an average density of 2,464.0 per square mile...
, New Jersey. This was a poor campaign, and the Imperials finished in 8th place in the Northeast Division. This season also saw the return of fomer Imperials goalkeeper Tim Howard
Tim Howard
Timothy Matthew Howard is an American soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for English club Everton and the United States national team....
, for at least 1 home game, on loan from the MetroStars. A player of note during this season was goalkeeper Kevin East
Kevin East
Kevin East is a retired U.S. soccer goalkeeper who currently coaches the Rutgers-Newark men’s soccer team. He spent six seasons in the USISL and two as a backup keeper with the MetroStars in Major League Soccer...
, who'd spent time with the Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
and the MetroStars. East was loaned to the MetroStars that year, as a backup, when Tim Howard was away with the U.S. U-20 national team
United States U-20 men's national soccer team
The United States U-20 men's national soccer team is the national under-20 soccer team of the United States of America and is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation. The highest level of competition in which the team competes is the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years.The...
.
The 2000 and 2001 seasons saw the Imperials, still playing at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is a public research university located in the Upper Montclair section of Montclair, the Great Notch area of Little Falls, and Clifton, New Jersey. As of October 2009, there were 18,171 total enrolled students: 14,139 undergraduate students and 4,032 graduate students...
, drop a level to 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...
(the 4th division of US Soccer). One notable player from this period is Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian is a former American soccer player who last played for Los Angeles Galaxy. He currently is the youth technical director for Philadelphia Union.-High School and College:...
, who played for the PDL Imperials during the 2000 season. Eskandarian, a Montvale
Montvale, New Jersey
Montvale is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 7,844.Montvale was incorporated as a borough on August 31, 1894, from portions of Orvil Township and Washington Township, at the height of the "Boroughitis" craze then...
native, would go on to play in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
for several MLS teams, and was named MLS Cup
MLS Cup
The MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
MVP for his 2 goal performance at the 2004 event. The North Jersey Imperials became defunct after the 2001 season.
Notable players
Dave Masur 1994-2000 Tim HowardTim Howard
Timothy Matthew Howard is an American soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for English club Everton and the United States national team....
1997, 1 game 1999 (loan) Altimont Butler
Altimont Butler
Altimont “Freddie” Butler is a former Jamaica football striker.-Youth career:Butler's youth career began at age 12 with the Golden Star in Port Royal. During the next three years, he had played in the President’s Cup, Minor League and Sid Bartlett League...
1996 Cristian da Silva
Cristian da Silva
Cristian da Silva is a retired Argentine professional soccer player who played in the United States for the MetroStars.-Playing career:...
Loan, 2 games 1997 John Diffley
John Diffley
John Diffley is a retired American soccer player who is currently the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration at St. John's University.-Youth and college:...
1994 Kevin East
Kevin East
Kevin East is a retired U.S. soccer goalkeeper who currently coaches the Rutgers-Newark men’s soccer team. He spent six seasons in the USISL and two as a backup keeper with the MetroStars in Major League Soccer...
1999 Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian is a former American soccer player who last played for Los Angeles Galaxy. He currently is the youth technical director for Philadelphia Union.-High School and College:...
2000 Rob Johnson
Rob Johnson (soccer)
Rob Johnson is an American former professional soccer player who is now an assistant coach with the Temple University's men's soccer team....
1996 Tom Lips
Tom Lips
Tom Lips is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the USISL, Major League Soccer and Swiss First Division. He currently coaches the Long Island Lady Riders in the USL W-League....
1994 Pat O'Kelly
Pat O'Kelly
Pat O’Kelly is a former Irish soccer defender who was a two-time first team All-American at Seton Hall University. He played two seasons in the American Professional Soccer League and at least four in the USISL....
1994, 1995 Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton is an American soccer player who currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
Loan, 4 games 1997 Petter Villegas
Petter Villegas
Petter Villegas is a Ecuadorian-born Puerto Rican footballer currently playing for Puerto Rico Islanders in the North American Soccer League.-Youth and college:...
1996 Jeff Zaun
Jeff Zaun
Jeff Zaun is a retired U.S. soccer defender who is currently an assistant coach with the Rutgers University men’s soccer team...
1994, 1995 David Price
David Price (soccer)
David Price is a former professional soccer player from Liverpool, England. He played professionally in both England and the United States and is currently a Head Coach with the New York Cosmos, Chief Scout for Leeds United in North America and is the owner and Director of Coaching for the Storm...
* 1995, 1996
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 | USISL | 4th, Northeast | Divisional Finals | Did not enter |
| 1995 | 3 | USISL Pro League | 2nd, Capital | 1st Round | Did not qualify |
| 1996 | 3 | USISL Pro League | 2nd, Northeast | Sizzling Six | Did not qualify |
| 1997 | 3 | USISL D-3 Pro League | 1st, Northeast | Division Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 1998 | On hiatus | ||||
| 1999 | 3 | USL D-3 Pro League | 8th, Northern | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2000 | "4" | USL PDL | 5th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2001 | "4" | USL PDL | 5th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |