Tag Archive for: soccer

IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin Quoted in Fortune

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Women’s World Cup: Who’s Up for a Big Payday?

By Kate Bowers

The U.S. women’s soccer team is crushing it on the field, winning its first three FIFA World Cup matches by a combined score of 18-0, but who—besides Alex Morgan—will collect after the tournament?

This year’s FIFA World Cup has generated more buzz, more content, and more dollars for female footballers than any women’s World Cup before. With an expected one billion viewers of the tournament globally, as defending champs, Team USA’s mixture of familiar faces and newcomers have racked up plenty of paid partnerships.

Most are smaller social media deals, for unpublicized amounts, but such linkups could pave the way for bigger, long-term partnerships. There’s Mallory Pugh sitting in a BMW; Megan Rapinoe plugging sports drink BodyArmor and serving as a VISA brand ambassador; and Lindsey Horan noshing on Chipotle. There’s a whole-team effort plugging Hulu’s live sports.

Plus, the team has a compelling off-field agenda, where winning could propel women’s athletics globally. In March, 28 players filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation, citing lower pay and unequal working conditions. That move, too, has drawn corporate support. Sports bar Luna has promised to pay each woman on the roster $31,250 to compensate for the bonus difference paid to men versus women who made the World Cup team.

“The World Cup and the Olympics put the sport under a microscope,” said Jeff Curtin, managing director of sports marketing firm IPZ and head of its soccer practice. The firm does not have any clients playing in the World Cup. “From an individual perspective, this is the moment to capitalize.” While Curtin noted endorsement deals on the men’s side are “exponentially larger” (top-endorsed male footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, made $47 million in 2018), he emphasized “the women’s side is growing.”

Brands have a “great opportunity to leverage this women’s team and not just superstars like Alex Morgan,” said Jessica Giordano, senior vice president of client consulting and service for GMR, a marketing firm that connects brands with athletes. “There are a lot of powerful individual stories.”

Two things will help catapult players, Giordano said: Having a “magical moment in the World Cup” and having the business acumen afterward to capitalize in an authentic, personal way.

Dishing marketing deals

With the U.S. team advancing to the knock-out round of 16, which starts June 22, here’s who has the potential to cash in big:

First, the obvious.

Alex Morgan (Twitter 3.6M, Instagram 6.4M: The 29-year-old striker, lead plaintiff on the discrimination lawsuit, strides ahead of her teammates in having built a personal brand worth an estimated $3 million. In addition to endorsements from Nike, Coca-Cola, Secret, Chapstick, and others, Morgan has a book series, and an Amazon series. But considering what other leading male athletes of similar appeal command (Roger Federer recently inked a $300 million, 10-year deal with Uniqlo), there’s lots more room for Morgan. Curtin sees her as a fit for Lululemon, Athleta or any other athleisure brand. Recently, VW named her brand ambassador for its Atlas SUV. As for magic tournament moments to propel her business? Check. She notched five goals (a World Cup record-tying performance) in the first U.S. match against Thailand. Another partner: Beats by Dr. Dre.

Carli Lloyd (Twitter 836K, Instagram 918K: The veteran forward and team co-captain is off to a strong start, scoring three goals in the tournament so far. Hat-trick heroics in the 2015 World Cup final made her iconic and netted her an estimated $366,000 including all bonuses and appearance fees. Partners: Nike, Johnson & Johnson, Yolked, and others.

Julie Ertz (Twitter 261K, Instagram 639K): A feisty and physical midfielder, Ertz is a “known entity for U.S. soccer on her second World Cup,” Curtin said. Like Morgan, Ertz has a branded presence that extends beyond big soccer moments. She launched the Ertz Family Foundation based on empowering kids through faith and sports, with her husband, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. The foundation is backed by big brands like Marriott and Dunkin Donuts. Partners: Johnson & Johnson, California Almonds, Secret, and others.

Megan Rapinoe (Twitter 442K, Instagram 598K): An outspoken activist for equality, Rapinoe is a World Cup veteran with a distinctive look: Short, side-swept icy blonde hair and her own unisex apparel brand, Re-Inc., launched with teammates Christen Press and Tobin Heath. She has the potential to draw in fashion brands that’ve never before sponsored soccer, or maybe any sport. “What do I want to be when I grow up?” she muses in an Instagram video after showing off a closet stuffed with colorful kicks. “A fashion designer.” Partners: VISA, Hulu, Body Armor, and others.

Branding limelight newcomers

Beyond these familiar faces, who will emerge as bankable stars? Here are top contenders:

Lindsey Horan (Twitter 73K Instagram 146K): Horan scored in the third minute against Sweden, the strongest competition the U.S. has faced yet. And she’s got a compelling personal story about forgoing college to move to France at age 18 and play for Paris St. Germain. “Lindsey Horan is already making waves in her first two appearances and the buzz surrounding her World Cup debut makes her a strong candidate for the breakout star of the World Cup,” said Ken Mainardis, senior vice president of content for Getty Images, which has six photographers covering the tournament. Partners: Adidas, Chipotle, Hulu, and others.

Mallory Pugh (Twitter 80K, Instragram 377K: While older teammates drop in on social media to post game shots or plug products, 21 year-old Pugh’s a digital native and has cultivated a robust presence on Instagram. Getting regular minutes both as a starter and sub, Pugh is “very marketable,” Curtin said, noting her youth and potential to appear in several more World Cups. Partners: BMW, Gatorade, Google, Listerine, and others.

Rose Lavelle (Twitter 39K, Instagram 99K): Incredibly quick with a killer lefty shot, Lavelle, 24, has racked up two goals in the World Cup so far. Like Pugh, she has an every-girl appeal, talking on social media about Harry Potter and her bulldog Wilma. Mainardis says that Getty is seeing a shift in more commercial brands seeking editorial shots to meet consumers’ interest in “imagery that is authentic.” Because the camera’s catching Lavelle’s every scowl and celebration, the budding star seems poised to deliver on both fronts: the goals and the authentic moments. Partners: New Balance, Chipolte, Hulu, Secret, and others.

Read the story on Fortune.

Lou Fusz Athletic To Offer Naming Rights For Complex

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ST. LOUIS, March 14, 2019 – Lou Fusz Athletic (LFA) will offer the naming rights to its complex, one of the most visited athletic facilities in the Midwest, the organization announced today.

Approximately 1.2 million people visit LFA’s facilities annually and this number is continually growing. LFA is home to hundreds of teams and thousands of camp participants, between the ages of five and 18, across multiple sports, with family members of all ages in attendance to watch. LFA also hosts numerous soccer and lacrosse tournaments throughout the year which bring nearly 100,000 families from the greater St. Louis area to its facilities.

The Lou Fusz Athletic Training Center at Rams Park, the former home of the St. Louis Rams, is a 300,000 square foot facility and acts as the hub for all LFA teams, tournaments, and camps. With its state-of-the-art indoor fields, outdoor fields, and amenities, such as strength/speed/agility training rooms, a weight room, a rehab and physical therapy room, and an auditorium for presentations, the LFA Training Center receives visitors year-round.

“As a club, this facility reminds us every day of the professional nature of our approach,” said Dan Gargan, Managing Director of LFA, and a 10-year MLS veteran. “It has been home to world class athletes who showed up every day to better their craft. We connect our core values to that approach and work every day to enhance the lives of the athletes and families we serve.”

“This facility offers one of the most attractive family environments in the country,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, who will manage the marketing process. “There is a tremendous opportunity here for a local or national brand to build equity, as the continued growth of Lou Fusz Athletic and its exciting vision for the future of the club and facility will only add to its attractiveness.”

About Lou Fusz Athletic 

Lou Fusz Athletic (“LFA”) is a 501(c)3 youth sports club and the charitable arm of the Lou Fusz Automotive Network. LFA’s objective is to align you with unique touch-points of the club’s family of players and fans through various branding opportunities and events.

About IPZ

IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

Meggie Dougherty Howard Heats Up the Grill with espnW

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What athletes eat: Soccer star Meggie Dougherty Howard’s grilled balsamic chicken and veggie kabobs

By Natalie Gingerich Mackenzie

Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard is in just her second year of professional play, representing the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. But the University of Florida All-American is no stranger to high-level soccer. Dougherty Howard has represented the U.S. in national competition on both Under-15 and Under-23 teams.

Chicken and veggies are Dougherty Howard’s go-to pregame meal, so she shared with espnW one of her recent favorite Pinterest finds — perfect to send off summer and embrace the remaining weeks of grilling weather.

Day and time: Saturday night in the summer

Place: Avalon, on the Jersey Shore

What I’m eating: Grilled balsamic chicken and veggie kabobs

Why I’m eating it: I love to grill, especially in the summer when the weather is nice outside, because it’s a great way to make a quick meal that’s full of flavor. I try to incorporate a lot of colors in my cooking, so I love that this recipe uses a variety of vegetables and is packed with nutrients. On lighter training day, I’ll pair the kabobs with a side salad. When I’ve had a heavier day and my body needs more calories, I’ll serve the chicken and veggies over brown rice.

Whose recipe: I do a lot of browsing on Pinterest for new food to cook, and that’s where I found this recipe.

The recipe:

Ingredients:
2 chicken breast, cubed
2 peppers, cubed (I used red and orange)
1 onion, cubed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced

For the marinade:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dry basil

Combine the ingredients for the balsamic glaze and add half of the glaze to the cubed chicken in a bowl. Let it marinate while chopping the vegetables.

Chop the veggies, then assemble the kabobs, alternating between veggies and chicken.

Grill the kabobs on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes each side. Brush on the remaining balsamic glaze for the last 2 minutes of grilling. Serve with cooked rice or salad.

View the story on espnW.

The Set Pieces Sits Down with Jack Elliott

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From London Amateur to MLS Professional: Interview with Philadelphia Union’s Jack Elliott

By Greg Lea

The path between European football and Major League Soccer has become a well-trodden one in recent years, with Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, David Villa, Thierry Henry, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and Kaka among those who have crossed the Atlantic in the latter stages of their career.

It isn’t just high-profile stars in their 30s who have made the move stateside, though. Philadelphia Union centre-back Jack Elliott was born in London but has only ever played professional football in the US, having been scouted while representing an amateur team in his hometown. It’s safe to say the switch from Sunday League to MLS, via the West Virginia University team, has been a surreal one for the 22-year-old.

“It was a crazy experience playing against them,” Elliott tells The Set Pieces, referring to opponents such as David Villa, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, all of whom the centre-back locked horns with in his debut campaign of 2017.

“Luckily I started off easy playing my first start at home against David Villa! But it was amazing. He’s one of the toughest strikers I’ve played against. His movement and speed are still world class, making him a difficult opponent to play against.”

Trying to keep a World Cup winner quiet is a very different challenge to marking a hungover centre-forward on a mud-caked pitch in south London, but Elliott owes plenty to his experiences in the English capital’s amateur divisions.

“I played for Fulham academy for a year when I was 12, but I got released and then mainly just played Sunday league and school football. As I got older I moved into men’s football, where I was spotted by a coach [Dan Stratford] from West Virginia University – he was playing in the same game. He asked me if I wanted to go and play over there, and I had no second thoughts about it.”

It was an incredibly exciting proposition for a football-mad teenager who had long dreamt of a professional career, but the prospect of suddenly moving more than 3500 miles from home must have been daunting too. Thankfully for Elliott, he arrived in West Virginia to find a terrific setup both on and off the pitch.

“You train as a professional almost every day, working around a regular university life, and it’s surprisingly professional: the facilities are top-class, the pitches are good and you’re well looked after with gear and equipment,” the defender says of his experience in the US college system, which allows promising young athletes to combine sport and education. Does he think such an arrangement could work in Europe?

“I’m not sure it’s better in terms of producing top quality players, but it helps to catch the ones who may have slipped through the cracks of the top academies,” says Elliott, who received an academic scholarship to study Management Information Systems in the US.

“Going through the college system allows you to get a degree, which was one of the reasons I had no questions about it, but the quality of football, facilities and fans are something I might not have experienced had I stayed at home.”

The 6ft 5in stopper played 68 games for the West Virginia Mountaineers between 2013 and 2016, before being selected by Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the 2017 SuperDraft, an annual event in which MLS clubs snap up players who have either graduated from college or been signed by the league.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” Elliott recalls. “Philadelphia was a place I’d been many times before and really enjoyed, plus it wasn’t too far from West Virginia.”

The young defender, described by Union sporting director Earnie Stewart as a “good passer who reads the game well”, was an unused substitute for early-season meetings with Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto and Orlando City, before making his MLS bow from the bench in a 2-1 loss to D.C. United. Elliott performed well despite the disappointing result, and he soon became a regular part of manager Jim Curtin’s starting XI.

“It all happened very quickly. The second game of the season I was in the 18 [matchday squad] for the first team, and then I played 45 minutes at D.C.,” he told the club’s YouTube channel.

“It allowed the coaches to see I could handle the pressure of the league. And then the next week I was starting. It all came very quickly and I’m very thankful for it.

“When I got subbed in, I had 15 minutes to think about it. It’s not a lot of time; I was just warming up. It was good that I didn’t have time to think about it. I just went out there and played the way I play.”

It can be particularly tough for young centre-backs to establish themselves in the first team, with many managers unwilling to risk inexperienced players in such a key position. Yet by the end of the 2017 season, Elliott had made 30 appearances in MLS and racked up more minutes than all but two of his Union team-mates.

The quality of his performances caught the eye even more than the quantity. The Londoner played with a maturity which belied his tender years, as the Union finished eighth in the Eastern Conference. Elliott’s displays were so consistently impressive that he was nominated for the MLS Rookie of the Year Award, which was ultimately won by Atlanta United midfielder Julian Gressel.

“I didn’t expect to play as much [as I did], no,” he admits. “But from my first few weeks there I could see it was a place where I could belong.

“It was a good feeling,” he adds when talk turns to his third-place finish in the newcomer vote. “I’d never have expected to be there at the start of the year, so it was nice to get that sort of recognition at the end of it.”

Compatriot Aaron Jones departed the Talen Energy Stadium in November, but Elliott isn’t the only Brit in the Union squad for the 2018 campaign, which has begun with a 2-0 victory over New England Revolution and a goalless draw with Columbus Crew. Former Arsenal and Hull forward Jay Simpson is also in his second year in MLS, having moved to Philadelphia from Leyton Orient a few weeks before Elliott signed on the dotted line.

“Football in the US is still growing so obviously it isn’t as big as it is in the UK,” Elliott says of the differences between the two countries. “As kids they don’t play it every day in school and they don’t see it as much on TV. I feel kids here don’t get to play enough unstructured football, which in some ways can help to develop a player in different ways than structured coaching does.”

It’s an interesting point and one which the powers that be at the US Soccer Federation would be wise to consider as the national team attempts to bounce back from its failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup. Elliott cannot afford to dwell on such big-picture issues for too long, though, with his focus now firmly on his second season with the Union.

“Individually I’d like to build on what I did last year and improve as a player,” he says of his hopes for the campaign ahead. “And as a team our ambition is to get to the play-offs and make a run there.”

If Elliott can replicate last season’s performances this time around, Philadelphia Union will fancy their chances of achieving that goal.

View on The Set Pieces.

Paul Christensen Selected by Atlanta United FC

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WARREN, NJ, January 23, 2018 – Paul Christensen was chosen by Atlanta United FC with the 70th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft on Sunday, January 21.

“I am very excited to be drafted by Atlanta United FC,” said Christensen. “They are a very successful and professional organization. It’s an amazing place to start my career as a professional soccer player. I cannot wait to join the team for preseason.”

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

Matt Danilack Drafted by the Philadelphia Union

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WARREN, NJ, January 22, 2018 – Matt Danilack was selected by the Philadelphia Union with the 77th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft on Sunday, January 21.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to begin my career in Philadelphia,” said Danilack. “This is one of the happiest moments of my life and a dream come true. I want to thank Jeff and IPZ for all the support thus far. I also want to thank my family, coaches, friends and everyone who has been helping me on my journey since I was a young player. I can’t wait to see where this next year takes us! There’s no better place to start my career than in Philly.”

View the Union’s release here.

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

PAUL CHRISTENSEN CHOOSES IPZ

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2018 MLS Combine Invitee Signs with IPZ

WARREN, NJ, January 18, 2018 – Paul Christensen, two-time West Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

Standing at six-foot-one, the Woodinville, WA, native played for the Seattle Sounders Academy for four years, was the 2011 adidas U-15 Golden Glove Winner, played with the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team, was part of the U-17 National Team Residency from 2011 to 2013. He earned 22 international caps at the U-17 level and played for the Washington ODP and the Region IV ODP.

In 2014, Christensen began his collegiate soccer career at the University of Portland. As a freshman, he started all 19 games and played every minute of the season.

As a sophomore, he received a West Coast Conference All-Academic Honorable Mention (also received this honor in 2016 and 2017) and led the WCC in saves (85 – ranks No.1 in school’s all-time single-season record books) and saves per game (5.00).

Christensen recorded a league-high seven shutouts, was second in goals against (0.91) and saves per game (3.37), with a save percentage of .780 (third best in the WCC) in his junior year. He was named WCC Goalkeeper of the Year and All-WCC Second Team.

In his senior campaign, Christensen repeated as WCC Goalkeeper of the Year, was selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region Second Team and the All-WCC First Team. Christensen shut out his opponents on six occasions. The four-year starter ended his career as a Pilot as the No.5 all-time leader in program history in shutouts (20) and saves (283).

In mid-December 2017, Christensen was one of 60 college seniors to receive an invitation to the 2018 MLS Player Combine. The combine took place from January 11 to January 17. The Pilot is ranked as a top five goalkeeper in this year’s draft, according to numerous mock drafts.

“I am very excited to work with Jeff and the rest of the IPZ family,” said Christensen. “From the beginning of the process, Jeff has been great and professional. He has a great understanding for the game both on and off the field. I know that Jeff and the IPZ family will be able to help me reach my professional goals. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

“We are excited to welcome Paul to the IPZ family,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “Over the past four years, Paul has established himself as one of the top collegiate goalkeepers in the country. Paul’s professional approach, physical ability, and youth international experience are all qualities we look for in a client and we are thrilled to be working with him.”

Watch Christensen’s highlights from the University of Portland here.

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

Jack Elliott Trains With English Premier League Club

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IPZ Athlete Prepares for 2018 MLS Season with Swansea City A.F.C.

WARREN, NJ, January 12, 2018 – Jack Elliott, 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year second runner-up and Philadelphia Union center-back, wrapped up a week-long training stint with Swansea City A.F.C. of the English Premier League (top-flight professional soccer league in England).

Elliott returned home to his native England following completion of his successful rookie campaign with the Philadelphia Union. Before travelling back to the U.S. for the start of pre-season training camp for the 2018 MLS season, Elliott was able to stay fit and have the unique experience of training in an English Premier League environment. Since being promoted to the Premier League ahead of the 2011-2012 season, the club based in Swansea, Wales has finished as high as eighth in the 2014-2015 campaign.

“It was a good experience for me to test myself against some top class opposition and see what other training environments are like, especially at the highest level,” said Elliott. “It was good preparation for preseason.”

“The English Premier League is widely considered to be the top professional soccer league in the world,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “The quality of player, competition, and pressure within the league creates an environment that, I think, is great for young players to experience. Through Swansea City, we had the opportunity to give Jack this experience, which I think will only help him as he prepares for the 2018 season with the Philadelphia Union.”

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

DECLAN MCCABE SELECTS IPZ

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Georgetown Midfielder to Be Represented by IPZ

WARREN, NJ, December 28, 2017 – Declan McCabe, a BIG EAST Conference Second Team selection, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

McCabe is a five-foot-nine Weston, MA native who took the pitch for Georgetown University during his collegiate career. McCabe played midfield for the Hoyas and earned BIG EAST All-Academic honors in each of his four seasons.

In his senior year, McCabe was tremendous for Georgetown as he recorded three goals (all game-winners), a team-leading 10 assists (tied for eighth most in the country), and 16 points. He was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week on October 8, was a Second Team BIG EAST selection and named Second Team Scholar All-South Region by the United Soccer Coaches. The Hoyas were also BIG EAST Champions and McCabe was selected as the Most Outstanding Offensive Player in the conference tournament.

“I am excited to sign with Jeff Curtin and the group at IPZ because they have solid connections at the MLS level, and their marketing expertise will help me jumpstart my professional career,” said McCabe. “On top of that, Jeff’s a former Hoya with professional experience in MLS, and I know he will help me achieve my professional aspirations.”

“Declan is a player we are really excited to have join IPZ,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “He is a dynamic attacker whose technical ability and vision allow him to make an impact from any of the attacking positions on the field. This was evident as Declan was one of the top assist men in college soccer this past year. Whether it’s as a withdrawn forward, central midfield, or out wide, Declan has a phenomenal ability to make the players around him better. Declan has the mindset and approach to be a great pro and we are delighted to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

Watch McCabe’s senior year highlights here.

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

MEGGIE DOUGHERTY HOWARD JOINS IPZ

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NWSL Washington Spirit Midfielder and U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team Pool Player Selects IPZ for Representation

WARREN, NJ, December 27, 2017 – Meggie Dougherty Howard, a U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Soccer Team contributor and a midfielder for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.

The five-foot-four central midfielder was selected as the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the Washington Spirit. The 22-year-old made her professional debut on April 22, 2017, against the Orlando Pride. In Dougherty Howard’s rookie season with the Spirit, she started 21 of 23 contests she appeared in, notched one goal and one assist, and ranked among the top rookies in minutes played. She is set to continue her professional career with the Spirit for the 2018 season.

The native of Largo, FL has also been involved with the U.S. National Team since 2011 when she attended the U.S. Under-15 Girl’s National Team camp at the U.S. Soccer Federation National Training Center. In 2016, she was called up by the U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team and remains in the U-23 player pool.

Dougherty Howard played collegiately at the University of Florida beginning in the fall of 2013. She was a major contributor for the Gators during the entirety of her tenure, appearing in all 94 games and starting 89. Dougherty Howard racked up 7,331 minutes, 14 goals (five game-winners), 25 assists, and 53 total points.

In all four seasons, she was a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Additionally, she was named to the NSCAA Scholar All-America First Team (2016), All-America Third Team (2016), All-South Region First Team (2016) and Second Team (2015), All-SEC First Team (2016) and Second Team (2015), SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player (2016), and was an All-SEC Tournament selection (2015). In her senior year, Dougherty Howard was a nominee for the 2016 Senior Class Award and was on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.

While still in college, the Gator played for the Washington Spirit Reserves in the W-League (2015) and the Women’s Premier Soccer League (2016).

“I am very excited to be joining the IPZ family,” said Dougherty Howard. “I feel that Jeff and the rest of the IPZ team understand my desire to promote women’s soccer and will provide me with a platform to grow on and off the field. I was drawn to the extensive network that IPZ has established as well as the connections and opportunities that I will be able to develop through IPZ.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Meggie join the IPZ family,” said Jeff Curtin, IPZ’s managing director. “Meggie is a top young player in the NWSL and is getting better and better with each game. Her technical ability, vision, and understanding of the game gives her the unique ability to dictate the rhythm and flow of a game. Meggie has been a pleasure to work with since our initial contact and we are excited about her future.”

About IPZ: IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.