The PDL, one level below the D3 Pro League, is the largest national developmental league in the United States, featuring collegiate and amateur players. The PDL offers student athletes a unique opportunity to compete in a high-level national league during the summer months, while still maintaining collegiate eligibility.
“This is a unique opportunity for me and my family,” said Wolf. “We figured that our chances for doing something like this are beginning to run out, so we had to jump at this one. I’ll get to take a few of my players with me too, so it should be a good experience for all.”
The Surge has several ties to Azusa Pacific. Team President Dave Irby played 4 seasons (1972-75) at Azusa Pacific before coaching the Cougars from 1977-80. Wolf’s current assistant, Aaron Siefker, played for the Surge in 1997 as did former Cougar standout P.J. Brown, who was drafted into the MLS in 1998. In addition to that, former Azusa Pacific player (1979-82) and coach (1983-84) and current university professor John Baugus is a member of the Surge's Board of Directors.
In 3 seasons at Azusa Pacific, Wolf has fashioned a 33-14-8 mark, leading the Cougars to a GSAC championship in his 2001 rookie season as well as an appearance in the NAIA Region II championship game.
The Surge is Oregon’s only PDL soccer team and will play all its home games at McCulloch Stadium on the campus of Willamette College in Salem, Ore.
