The first two official Select League games were played April 6 with the Tampa Bay Cyclones pounding the NY/NJ Stallions 5-1 and the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers beating the New Mexico Chiles 5-2.
The Cyclones, who won their 14th straight home game, were led by 18-year-old Colombian Luis Murillo, who had two goals. Holger Scheidt, the former Birmingham Grasshoppers star, paced New Orleans with two goals and an assist.
In an exhibition between the two 1995 USISL league champions, the Long Island Rough Riders, winners of the Pro League, beat the Premier League champion Richmond Kickers 1-0 on a late goal by Chico Mieles.
Both teams will compete in the new Select League this summer. Long Island also beat Hampton Roads 3-0 during its preseason swing through Virginia.
The Minnesota Thunder re-signed star Manny Lagos, the 1994 USISL Player of the Year who turned down offers to sign with MLS to remain in his hometown.
The Thunder also welcomes back goalkeeper John Swallen, the starting keeper for each of the club’s seven years.
Carolina signed Yari Allnutt after the former University of Portland star was waived by the New England Revolution.
The Dynamo also picked up David Beall, who had spent spring training with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but the former San Diego star went down with sprained ligaments in his left ankle seven minutes into the non-league match with the North Jersey Imperials, who won 1-0.
Select League
April 6
Tampa Bay 5, NY/NJ 1
New Orleans 5, New Mexico 2