The Bakersfield Brigade, Bakersfield’s own Premier Development League (PDL) soccer team, announced today that Forward, Lyle Martin was named to the PDL’s All-Western Conference Team for 2006.  Martin led the Brigade (7-8-1) to a 6th place finish out of the 9 team Southwestern Division, but his individual performance was far from average.

 

Martin started the year as a Central Defender, but was quickly moved to Forward to aid the Brigade attack.  He went on to tally a team high, 9 goals and 2 assists on the season.  Martin’s crowning moment in the 2006 season was his 2 goal contribution that led the Brigade to a 3-1 win over the regular season Division Champion Southern California Seahorses.  “Lyle has unparalleled speed and a knack for finishing in front of the goal,” stated Brigade Head Coach Jay Gore.  “He (Martin) has all the tools to excel at the next level,” added Gore.  Excelling at the professional level is exactly what Martin aspires to do.  He is set to attend the Major League Soccer Combine in January, which is a platform for up and coming talent to showcase their skills in front of professional scouts.  He has also been routinely scouted by both the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Chivas USA. 

 

As for now, Martin will be finishing his college senior season with California State University, Bakersfield.  “I’m definitely going to take my experience in the PDL into my college season,” stated Martin.  “Being recognized on the All-Western Conference team is a great feeling, and one that will give me a lot of confidence this year,” added Martin.

 

The Bakersfield Brigade playing within the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL Southwestern Conference is made up of nine teams throughout California.

 

About the USL Premier Development League
The top U23 men’s amateur league in North America lives in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the development ground for elite players. The 2006 campaign features a 59-team format within four conferences, consisting of 16 regular season matches, 8 home and 8 away. The schedule is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and various exhibitions. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.