Striker Dylan George managed to find the equalizer with a blast to the low right corner in extra time of Sunday evening’s 1-1 draw with visitor CFC Azul in the Seacoast United Phantoms’ PDL home opener at Portsmouth High School.  George, who also scored the game winner away at Worcester last weekend, has scored twice and added an assist in the Phantoms’ first three matches of the 2012 season.

PORTSMOUTH, NH - The Seacoast United Phantoms opened their 2012 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) schedule on Saturday evening, hosting FC New York under the lights at Portsmouth High School resulting in a 2-2 draw.

FC New York caused problems in the midfield for the majority of the first half, with Seacoast dropping back and allowing space up the middle for NY to create good attacking opportunities. 

Seacoast United goalkeeper Giovanni Sinclair made a quality 1v1 save on NY striker Issa Hall midway through the half to keep the game scoreless.  Sinclair came well off his line to save the shot with his feet, sprawling to his right side.

LUDLOW, MA - Seacoast United scored two goals in a span of 5 minutes for their 2nd victory of the season with a 2-1 win over the Western Mass Pioneers on Friday night.

Veteran defenders James Goodwin and Jordan Thomas set the tone for a strong performance by the back line once again. 

"They were outstanding," said head coach Iain Scott.  "Our midfield struggled at times to put pressure on the ball, making us rely more on our back line." 

Seacoast United Phantoms goalkeeper Colin O'Donnell was named to the PDL Team of the Week after his performance last Saturday against the Worcester Hydra.  O'Donnell recorded six saves to lead the Phantoms to a 1-0 victory in their first game of the season.

Seacoast United Phantoms striker Dylan George received Honorable Mention recognition, scoring the game-winner in that same match last Saturday.

The Seacoast United Phantoms take to the field for their 17th season in USL’s Premier Development League (PDL) this Saturday when they travel to central Massachusetts to take on the Worcester Hydra in their 2012 opener.

Iain Scott, Seacoast United’s Director of Coaching, will begin his 2nd year as Phantoms’ head coach after leading the team to the Northeast Division title and Eastern Conference semi-finals in 2011.

The 2012 roster lists 13 returning players from the 2011 squad, including strikers Dylan George and Steven Palumbo, and midfielders Eric Masi, Jesse Schram, Joey Barima, George Delano, and Robert Palumbo.  Plus, the Phantoms retain the core of the defensive unit in James Goodwin, Jordan Thomas (University of New Hampshire), Brad Hilton, Ryan Dunn (Boston College/Hampton NH) and goalkeeper Jon Dawson (Butler University). 

Seacoast United Phantoms began the 2012 season on a positive note Saturday evening with a 1-0 road victory over Worcester Hydra.  The Hydra are one of three new teams in the Northeast Division of the PDL this season, playing host to the 2011 Division Champion Phantoms in their inaugural match.

With a limited roster due to players completing their academic year at their respective colleges and universities, the Phantoms showed great character to pull through for the shutout victory.  Defenders Brad Hilton, Scott Rowling, Ryan Dunn, and Yannick Kabala very well organized 2nd half, limiting any chances created by Worcester.

The Phantoms' eventual game-winner was scored in the 52nd minute.