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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox football club
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = New Orleans Jesters
| clubname = New Orleans Jesters
| image = NOLAJesters.png
| image = NOLAJesters.png
| image_size = 130px
| upright = 0.9
| fullname = New Orleans Jesters
| fullname = New Orleans Jesters
| nickname = The Jesters
| nickname = The Jesters
| founded = {{Start date and age|2003}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|2003}}
| ground = [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]]<BR>[[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]]
| stadium = [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]]<BR>[[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]]
| capacity = 5,000
| capacity = 5,000
| chrtitle = Owner
| chrtitle = Owner
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| socks2 = FFFFFF
| socks2 = FFFFFF
| }}
| }}

The '''New Orleans Jesters''' are an American [[association football|soccer]] team based in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]]. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the [[National Premier Soccer League]] (NPSL), the fourth tier of the [[American Soccer Pyramid]]. Nicknamed 'The Jesters', they are coached by Kenny Farrell, play home games at [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]], and their colors are purple, green, and white.
The '''New Orleans Jesters''' are an American [[association football|soccer]] team based in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]]. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the [[National Premier Soccer League]] (NPSL), the fourth tier of the [[American Soccer Pyramid]]. Nicknamed 'The Jesters', they are coached by Kenny Farrell, play home games at [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]], and their colors are purple, green, and white.


==History==
==History==
===Early years===
===Early years===
[[Image:noshellshockers.jpg|thumb|left|Shell Shockers (2003-2007)]]
[[Image:noshellshockers.jpg|thumb|left|Shell Shockers (2003–2007)]]
The New Orleans Shell Shockers entered the [[USL Premier Development League]] (PDL) as an expansion franchise in 2003, playing at the [[George G. Westfeldt Facility]] at [[Tulane University]].
The New Orleans Shell Shockers entered the [[United Soccer Leagues|USL]] [[USL Premier Development League|Premier Development League]] (PDL) as an expansion franchise in 2003, playing at the soccer stadium of [[Tulane University]]. The name "Shell Shockers" came from the team's sponsorship by the [[Shell Oil Company]]. The team made a huge impact in their first season, winning their first game 2-0 over [[Nashville Metros]], then winning seven of the next eight. They outscored more experienced opponents at every turn, and scored plenty of goals with it - they put four goals past the [[Lafayette Swamp Cats (USL)|Lafayette Swamp Cats]] on two separate occasions, with Jonas Lopez scoring a hat trick in one of the games, and they beat the [[Houston Toros]] 4-0. After a 5-3 loss on the road against [[Memphis Express]], the Shell Shockers won nine in a row and secured the Mid South Division title well before the final game of the season. The Shell Shockers hosted the Southern Conference playoffs and were favorites to progress. They comfortably overcame [[Central Florida Kraze]] 4-1 in the conference semi-final but were uncharacteristically beaten 2-0 in the conference final by Memphis. Head Coach Kenny Farrell was named PDL Coach of the Year.


Having been so dominant the previous year, expectations were high for the Shell Shockers as they approached the 2004 season. Unfortunately, despite winning their opening fixture of the season 3-1 over the [[Lafayette Swamp Cats (USL)|Lafayette Swamp Cats]], they were flattened 8-0 by the [[DFW Tornados]] in their next game, having been reduced to nine men by the 57th minute. The team went on a slide, losing to the [[El Paso Patriots]] twice, to DFW once more, and to [[Memphis Express]]. The Shockers ended the season a disappointing fifth in the Mid South Division, 30 points behind divisional champs [[El Paso Patriots]] and well out of the playoffs. Roberto Najarro was the team's top scorer, with 5 goals, while former [[Carlisle United]], [[West Ham United]], and [[Manchester City]] midfielder [[Ian Bishop (footballer)|Ian Bishop]] registered 5 assists.
The team played their first season with the nickname the "Shell Shockers" which came from the team's sponsorship by the [[Shell Oil Company]]. In its first season, the team won their first game 2–0 over [[Nashville Metros]], then won seven of the next eight. They outscored many of their opponents – they put four goals past the [[Lafayette Swamp Cats (USL)|Lafayette Swamp Cats]] on two separate occasions, with Jonas Lopez scoring a hat trick in one of the games, and they beat the [[Houston Toros]] 4–0. After a 5–3 loss on the road against [[Memphis Express (soccer)|Memphis Express]], the Shell Shockers won nine in a row and secured the Mid South Division title well before the final game of the season. The Shell Shockers hosted the Southern Conference playoffs and were favorites to progress. They comfortably overcame [[Central Florida Kraze]] 4–1 in the conference semi-final but were uncharacteristically beaten 2–0 in the conference final by Memphis. Head Coach Kenny Farrell was named PDL Coach of the Year.


Having been so dominant the previous year, expectations were high for the Shell Shockers as they approached the 2004 season. After winning their opening fixture of the season 3–1 over the [[Lafayette Swamp Cats (USL)|Lafayette Swamp Cats]], they lost 8–0 to the [[DFW Tornados]] in their next game, having been reduced to nine men by the 57th minute. The team went on a slide, losing to the [[El Paso Patriots]] twice, to DFW once more, and to [[Memphis Express (soccer)|Memphis Express]]. The Shockers ended the season a disappointing fifth in the Mid South Division, 30 points behind divisional champs [[El Paso Patriots]] and well out of the playoffs. Roberto Najarro was the team's top scorer, with 5 goals, while former [[Carlisle United]], [[West Ham United]], and [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] midfielder [[Ian Bishop (footballer)|Ian Bishop]] registered 5 assists.
⚫
Despite taking up residence at the Pan American Stadium in [[City Park (New Orleans)|City Park]] and winning their first game over [[Memphis Express]] in 2005, the Shell Shockers promptly lost their next five games, including a 5-2 thumping at the hands of the [[Nashville Metros]]. A brief mid-season surge that included a pair of wins over divisional [[Laredo Heat]] sparked the potential for a revival, but four more defeats, including another to Nashville, ended any playoff hopes New Orleans may have had. The team finished sixth in the Mid South Division. Pablo Araya-Espinozo was the season's top scorer, with 9 goals.


⚫
In 2005, the team moved to [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]] in [[City Park (New Orleans)|City Park]] and won their first game over [[Memphis Express (soccer)|Memphis Express]]. The team then lost their next five games, including a 5–2 defeat at the hands of the [[Nashville Metros]]. A brief mid-season surge that included a pair of wins over divisional [[Laredo Heat]] sparked the potential for a revival, but four more defeats, including another to Nashville, ended any playoff hopes New Orleans may have had. The team finished sixth in the Mid South Division. Pablo Araya-Espinozo was the season's top scorer, with 9 goals.
⚫
In August 2005, [[Hurricane Katrina]] heavily damaged Pan American Stadium, along with much of the rest of the area.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/121598.html | title=Shell Shockers to re-build home | publisher=United Soccer Leagues | date=16 February 2006 | accessdate=2 July 2008 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185124/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/121598.html | archivedate=30 September 2007 | df= }}</ref> As a result, the Shell Shockers played at Muss Bertolino Stadium in nearby [[Kenner, Louisiana|Kenner]] for the 2006 season. After their plight was featured by international media, the Shockers, with the support of teams like [[New England Revolution]] and individuals such as former Northern Ireland manager [[Lawrie Sanchez]], pledged to help raise $1 million to the redevelopment of City Park.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://centercircle.ussoccer.com/fullStory.jsp_46-281329.html | title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Persevere in Katrina's Wake | publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation | date=1 September 2006 | accessdate=16 July 2013 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217180342/http://centercircle.ussoccer.com/fullStory.jsp_46-281329.html | archivedate=17 December 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/03/27/pitching_in_from_the_pitch/ | title=Pitching in from the pitch | work=The Boston Globe | date=27 March 2007 | accessdate=29 January 2009 | first1=Frank | last1=Dell'Apa}}</ref> That season the team won just 4 games. The Shockers finished fourth in the Mid South Division, almost 30 points behind divisional champs [[Laredo Heat]]. Gautreau and Roberto Najarro were the team's top scorers, with 3 goals each.


⚫
In August 2005, [[Hurricane Katrina]] heavily damaged Pan American Stadium, along with much of the rest of the area.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/121598.html | title=Shell Shockers to re-build home | publisher=United Soccer Leagues | date=February 16, 2006 | access-date=July 2, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185124/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/121598.html | archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> As a result, the Shell Shockers played at [[Muss Bertolino Stadium]] in nearby [[Kenner, Louisiana]] for the 2006 season. After their plight was featured by international media, the Shockers, with the support of teams like [[New England Revolution]] and individuals such as former Northern Ireland manager [[Lawrie Sanchez]], pledged to help raise $1&nbsp;million to the redevelopment of City Park.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://centercircle.ussoccer.com/fullStory.jsp_46-281329.html | title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Persevere in Katrina's Wake | publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation | date=September 1, 2006 | access-date=July 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217180342/http://centercircle.ussoccer.com/fullStory.jsp_46-281329.html | archive-date=December 17, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/03/27/pitching_in_from_the_pitch/ | title=Pitching in from the pitch | work=The Boston Globe | date=March 27, 2007 | access-date=January 29, 2009 | first1=Frank | last1=Dell'Apa}}</ref> That season the team won just 4 games. The Shockers finished fourth in the Mid South Division, almost 30 points behind divisional champs [[Laredo Heat]]. Gautreau and Roberto Najarro were the team's top scorers, with 3 goals each.
⚫
In 2007 the team finished the season fifth in the Mid South Division. That season the Shockers did beat new Louisiana rivals [[Baton Rouge Capitals]], new divisional team [[Mississippi Brilla]], and [[Austin Lightning]]. Unfortunately the team was unable to win any of its 8 away games throughout the season. [[Ged Quinn]], Brandon Chagnard, and Gino Ray were the team's top scorers for the year, with 13 goals between them, while Jamie Davies contributed six assists.


⚫
In 2007 the team finished the season fifth in the Mid South Division. That season the Shockers did beat their new Louisiana rivals, the [[Baton Rouge Capitals]], new divisional team [[Mississippi Brilla]], and the [[Austin Lightning]]. Unfortunately the team was unable to win any of its 8 away games throughout the season. [[Ged Quinn]], Brandon Chagnard, and Gino Ray were the team's top scorers for the year, with 13 goals between them, while Jamie Davies contributed six assists.
⚫
[[Image:NO Jesters.PNG|thumb|right|130px|Jesters (2009)]]
⚫
The team's sponsorship with the [[Shell Oil Company]] ended after the 2007 season, and "Shell" was dropped from the team's name.<ref name="Shockers open season on road">{{cite news|last=Huff|first=Pierce W.|title=Shockers open season on road - Team features new owner, new name|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|date=3 May 2008|location=New Orleans|page=8 Sports}}</ref> Businesswoman Dana Stumpf also bought out long-time chairman Gary Ostroske, and the team moved to a new home within City Park, [[Tad Gormley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web| title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Staff| url=http://www.noshellshockers.com/en/pages/staff.php| publisher=New Orleans Shell Shockers| accessdate=16 July 2013| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827071006/http://www.noshellshockers.com/en/pages/staff.php| archivedate=27 August 2008| year=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Official Schedule (2008)| publisher=uslsoccer.com| url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/22349.html| accessdate=2008-12-13| deadurl=yes| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230043354/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/22349.html| archivedate=2008-12-30| df=}}</ref>


⚫
[[Image:NO Jesters.PNG|thumb|right|130px|Jesters (2009)]]
The Shockers struggled for much of the 2008 season. For the fifth year in a row, New Orleans ended the year at the wrong end of the Mid South Division standings, finishing seventh. Brandon Chagnard was the team's top scorer with 4 goals.
⚫
The team's sponsorship with the [[Shell Oil Company]] ended after the 2007 season, and "Shell" was dropped from the team's name.<ref name="Shockers open season on road">{{cite news|last=Huff|first=Pierce W.|title=Shockers open season on road – Team features new owner, new name|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|date=May 3, 2008|location=New Orleans|page=8 Sports}}</ref> In 2008, businesswoman Dana Stumpf also bought out long-time chairman Gary Ostroske, and the team moved to a new home within City Park, [[Tad Gormley Stadium]] for four games.<ref>{{cite web| title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Staff| url=http://www.noshellshockers.com/en/pages/staff.php| publisher=New Orleans Shell Shockers| access-date=July 16, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827071006/http://www.noshellshockers.com/en/pages/staff.php| archive-date=August 27, 2008| year=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=New Orleans Shell Shockers Official Schedule (2008)| publisher=uslsoccer.com| url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/22349.html| access-date=December 13, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230043354/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/22349.html| archive-date=December 30, 2008}}</ref> They also played at Lupin Field at [[Isidore Newman School]] for four games. The Shockers struggled for much of the 2008 season. For the fifth year in a row, New Orleans ended the year at the wrong end of the Mid South Division standings, finishing seventh. Brandon Chagnard was the team's top scorer with 4 goals.


===Rebranding===
===Rebranding===
Following the 2008 season, the team underwent a full rebranding. It changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters to better reflect New Orleans culture.<ref name="pdl.uslsoccer.com">{{cite web|title=New Orleans Jesters Unveiled|url=http://www.nolajesters.com/news/archives/index.html?article_id=3|publisher=New Orleans Jesters|accessdate=16 July 2013|date=28 January 2009}}</ref> The team returned to Pan American Stadium following a full renovation that included the installation of [[FieldTurf]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FieldTurf and NFL Assist Post-Katrina Pan American Stadium in Rebuilding Efforts|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/21/idUS180824+21-Aug-2008+GNW20080821|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=13 December 2008|date=21 August 2008}}</ref>
Following the 2008 season, the team underwent a full rebranding. It changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters to better reflect New Orleans culture.<ref name="pdl.uslsoccer.com">{{cite web|title=New Orleans Jesters Unveiled|url=http://www.nolajesters.com/news/archives/index.html?article_id=3|publisher=New Orleans Jesters|access-date=July 16, 2013|date=January 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513042208/http://www.nolajesters.com/news/archives/index.html?article_id=3|archive-date=May 13, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team returned to [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]] following a full renovation that included the installation of [[FieldTurf]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FieldTurf and NFL Assist Post-Katrina Pan American Stadium in Rebuilding Efforts|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/21/idUS180824+21-Aug-2008+GNW20080821|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513075732/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/21/idUS180824+21-Aug-2008+GNW20080821|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2014|publisher=Reuters|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=August 21, 2008}}</ref>


The team also developed a renewed focus on improving the local community and developing young soccer talent. In its first year as the New Orleans Jesters, the team went undefeated in the regular season and posted one loss in the playoffs. That year, two players were named to the All-Conference Team, and one received All-League Honors.
The team also developed a renewed focus on improving the local community and developing young soccer talent. In its first year as the New Orleans Jesters, the team went undefeated in the regular season and posted one loss in the playoffs. That year, two players were named to the All-Conference Team, and one received All-League Honors.


===Move to NPSL===
===Move to NPSL===
On November 2, 2012, it was announced that the Jesters would compete in the [[National Premier Soccer League]], ending the club's nine-year stint in the PDL.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/675627.html | title=GROWTH CONTINUES FOR NPSL | publisher=National Premier Soccer League | date=2 November 2012 | accessdate=25 December 2012 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214224753/http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/675627.html | archivedate=14 December 2013 | df= }}</ref>
On November 2, 2012, it was announced that the Jesters would compete in the [[National Premier Soccer League]], ending the club's nine-year stint in the PDL.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/675627.html | title=Growth continues for NPSL | publisher=National Premier Soccer League | date=November 2, 2012 | access-date=December 25, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214224753/http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/675627.html | archive-date=December 14, 2013 }}</ref>

===2019 hiatus===
In early 2019, the Jesters exercised their right to become inactive for the 2019 NPSL season. In 2020, the Jesters resumed play in the NPSL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolajesters.com/new-orleans-jesters-2020-npsl-schedule-released/|title=New Orleans Jesters 2020 NPSL Schedule Released|publisher=nolajesters.com|date=February 11, 2020|access-date=February 16, 2020}}</ref>


==Players==
==Players==
===Current roster===
''As of June 8, 2011.''<ref>http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2011/22349.html#ROSTER</ref>

{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player |no=1 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=[[Jordan Lower]]<ref>http://www.rioredstorm.com/roster/8/3/504.php</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=2 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Brandon Tyler]]}}
{{Fs player |no=3 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=[[James Burgin]]}}
{{Fs player |no=4 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Scott Wells<ref>http://golimestonesaints.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1220&path=msoc</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=5 |nat=CRC |pos=MF |name=[[Federico Espinach]]<ref>http://www.odusports.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/espinach_federico00.html</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=6 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=[[Neil Harries]]<ref>http://www.rioredstorm.com/roster/8/3/507.php</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=7 |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=Stuart Kirk<ref>http://www.abbeyathletics.com/profile.asp?playerID=889</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=8 |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=[[Oliver Hewitt-Fisher]]<ref>http://www.rioredstorm.com/roster/7/3/92.php</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=9 |nat=GHA |pos=FW |name=[[Emmanuel Yamson]]}}
{{Fs player |no=10 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=[[Paris Simmons]]}}
{{Fs player |no=12 |nat=CIV |pos=DF |name=[[Ben Tayi]]}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player |no=13 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=[[Andrew Tarbell]]<ref>http://www.nolajesters.com/team/roster/index.html?player_id=53</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=14 |nat=FIN |pos=DF |name=[[Jesper Törnqvist]]}}
{{Fs player |no=15 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Patrick Mullins]]<ref>http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/mullins_patrick00.html</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=16 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Frank Judice]]<ref>http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/judice_frank00.html</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=17 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=[[Reece Wilson]]<ref>http://www.careyathletics.com/roster/8/3/320.php</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=19 |nat=BIH |pos=MF |name=[[Mikki Bozickovic]]<ref>http://www.saintssports.com/sports/msoc/2010-11/bios/Bozickovic%20Mikki</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=21 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=[[Sam Hurrell]]}}
{{Fs player |no=22 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=[[Jordan Schwartz]]<ref>http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/schwartz_jordan00.html</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=23 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Tony Judice]]<ref>http://www.apacheathletics.com/roster/1/1/195.php</ref>}}
{{Fs player |no=25 |nat=COL |pos=MF |name=[[Juan Hurtado]]}}
{{Fs player |no=26 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=[[Max Angel]]<ref>http://www.saintssports.com/sports/msoc/2010-11/bios/Angel%20Max</ref>}}
{{Fs end}}

===Notable former players===
===Notable former players===
''This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the Jesters, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.''
''This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the Jesters, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.''
Line 104: Line 80:
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Anthony Peters]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Anthony Peters]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Mullins]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Mullins]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Andrew Tarbell|Andrew Tarbell]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Andrew Tarbell]]
* {{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Ben Callon]]
* {{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Stopforth]]
* {{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Jordan Hulme]]


==Year-by-year==
==Year-by-year==
Line 111: Line 90:
!Division
!Division
!League
!League
!Regular Season
!Regular season
!Avg. Attendance
!Avg. attendance
!Playoffs
!Playoffs
!Open Cup
!Open Cup
Line 122: Line 101:
|711 (10th in PDL)
|711 (10th in PDL)
|Conference Finals
|Conference Finals
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2004 PDL season|2004]]
|[[2004 PDL season|2004]]
Line 129: Line 108:
|5th, Mid South
|5th, Mid South
|278 (31st in PDL)
|278 (31st in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2005 PDL season|2005]]
|[[2005 PDL season|2005]]
Line 137: Line 116:
|6th, Mid South
|6th, Mid South
|600 (13th in PDL)
|600 (13th in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2006 PDL season|2006]]
|[[2006 PDL season|2006]]
Line 145: Line 124:
|4th, Mid South
|4th, Mid South
|719 (8th in PDL)
|719 (8th in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2007 PDL season|2007]]
|[[2007 PDL season|2007]]
Line 153: Line 132:
|5th, Mid South
|5th, Mid South
|321 (31st in PDL)
|321 (31st in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2008 PDL season|2008]]
|[[2008 PDL season|2008]]
Line 161: Line 140:
|7th, Mid South
|7th, Mid South
|172 (52nd in PDL)
|172 (52nd in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2009 PDL season|2009]]
|[[2009 PDL season|2009]]
Line 169: Line 148:
|3rd, Southeast
|3rd, Southeast
|1,007 (8th in PDL)
|1,007 (8th in PDL)
|Divisional Semifinals
|Divisional Semi-finals
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2010 PDL season|2010]]
|[[2010 PDL season|2010]]
Line 177: Line 156:
|5th, Southeast
|5th, Southeast
|1,167 (9th in PDL)
|1,167 (9th in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2011 PDL season|2011]]
|[[2011 PDL season|2011]]
Line 185: Line 164:
|4th, Mid South
|4th, Mid South
|1,500 (5th in PDL)
|1,500 (5th in PDL)
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2012 PDL season|2012]]
|[[2012 PDL season|2012]]
Line 193: Line 172:
|5th, Mid South
|5th, Mid South
|
|
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2013 NPSL season|2013]]
|[[2013 NPSL season|2013]]
Line 201: Line 180:
|4th, Southeast
|4th, Southeast
|
|
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2014 NPSL season|2014]]
|[[2014 NPSL season|2014]]
Line 210: Line 189:
|
|
|Conference Finals
|Conference Finals
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2015 NPSL season|2015]]
|[[2015 NPSL season|2015]]
Line 217: Line 196:
|5th, Southeast
|5th, Southeast
|
|
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2016 NPSL season|2016]]
|[[2016 NPSL season|2016]]
Line 225: Line 204:
|3rd, Southeast
|3rd, Southeast
|
|
|Divisional Semifinals
|Divisional Semi-finals
|''Did not qualify''
|''did not qualify''
|-
|-
|[[2017 NPSL season|2017]]
|[[2017 NPSL season|2017]]
Line 233: Line 212:
|1st, Southeast
|1st, Southeast
|
|
|Conference Finals
|Conference Finals, [http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/article_ff8501ba-69d0-11e7-9147-33eb220ea506.html runner-up]
|''did not qualify''
|[http://thecup.us/2017/08/04/which-npsl-teams-will-make-the-2018-open-cup/ Qualified for 2018]
|-
|[[2018 NPSL season|2018]]
|4
|NPSL
|3rd, Southeast
|
|Conference Finals
|''Lost in First Round''
|-
|2019
|rowspan=1 colspan=7 align=center|'''''On Hiatus'''''
|-
|[[2020 NPSL season|2020]]
|4
|NPSL
| colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|'''''Season cancelled due to [[COVID-19 pandemic]]'''''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prince-Wright |first1=Joe |title=2020 NPSL season cancelled |url=https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2020/03/26/2020-npsl-season-cancelled/ |website=ProSoccerTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=June 15, 2020 |date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>
|}
|}
|}
<small>Attendance statistics are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the PDL's historical match archive.<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html|title=USL Stat Archives|publisher=United Soccer Leagues|accessdate=|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208011525/http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html|archivedate=2013-12-08|df=}}</ref></small>
<small>Attendance statistics are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the PDL's historical match archive.<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html|title=USL Stat Archives|publisher=United Soccer Leagues|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208011525/http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html|archive-date=December 8, 2013}}</ref></small>


==Honors==
==Honors==
* USL PDL Regular Season Champions 2003
* USL PDL regular-season champions 2003
* USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2003
* USL PDL Mid South Division champions 2003
* Louisiana Cup Winners 2016
* Louisiana Cup winners 2016


==Head coaches==
==Head coaches==
* {{flagicon|IRL}} Kenny Farrell (2003–present)
* {{flagicon|IRL}} Kenny Farrell (2003–present)


==Home Stadiums==
==Home stadiums==
* [[George G. Westfeldt Facility]] at [[Tulane University]]; [[New Orleans]] (2003-2004)
* [[George G. Westfeldt Facility]] at [[Tulane University]]; [[New Orleans]] (2003–2004)
* Muss Bertolino Stadium; [[Kenner, Louisiana]] (2006-2007)
* [[Muss Bertolino Stadium]]; [[Kenner, Louisiana]] (2006–2007)
* [[Tad Gormley Stadium]]; New Orleans, 4 games (2008)
* [[Tad Gormley Stadium]]; New Orleans, 4 games (2008)
* Lupin Field at [[Isidore Newman School]]; New Orleans, 4 games (2008)
* Lupin Field at [[Isidore Newman School]]; New Orleans, 4 games (2008)
* [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]]; New Orleans (2005, 2009–present)
* [[Pan American Stadium (New Orleans)|Pan American Stadium]]; New Orleans (2005, 2009–2018, 2020–present)


==References==
==References==
Line 257: Line 253:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.nolajesters.com Official Website]
*[http://www.nolajesters.com Official website]


{{New Orleans Jesters}}
{{New Orleans Jesters}}
Line 265: Line 261:


[[Category:New Orleans Jesters| ]]
[[Category:New Orleans Jesters| ]]
[[Category:National Premier Soccer League teams]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 2003]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 2003]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Soccer clubs in New Orleans]]

Latest revision as of 20:19, 13 April 2024

New Orleans Jesters
Full nameNew Orleans Jesters
Nickname(s)The Jesters
Founded2003; 21 years ago (2003)
StadiumPan American Stadium
New Orleans, Louisiana
Capacity5,000
OwnerDana Stumpf
Head CoachKenny Farrell
LeagueNational Premier Soccer League
20171st, Southeast
Playoffs: Final
WebsiteClub website

The New Orleans Jesters are an American soccer team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. Nicknamed 'The Jesters', they are coached by Kenny Farrell, play home games at Pan American Stadium, and their colors are purple, green, and white.

History[edit]

Early years[edit]

Shell Shockers (2003–2007)

The New Orleans Shell Shockers entered the USL Premier Development League (PDL) as an expansion franchise in 2003, playing at the George G. Westfeldt Facility at Tulane University.

The team played their first season with the nickname the "Shell Shockers" which came from the team's sponsorship by the Shell Oil Company. In its first season, the team won their first game 2–0 over Nashville Metros, then won seven of the next eight. They outscored many of their opponents – they put four goals past the Lafayette Swamp Cats on two separate occasions, with Jonas Lopez scoring a hat trick in one of the games, and they beat the Houston Toros 4–0. After a 5–3 loss on the road against Memphis Express, the Shell Shockers won nine in a row and secured the Mid South Division title well before the final game of the season. The Shell Shockers hosted the Southern Conference playoffs and were favorites to progress. They comfortably overcame Central Florida Kraze 4–1 in the conference semi-final but were uncharacteristically beaten 2–0 in the conference final by Memphis. Head Coach Kenny Farrell was named PDL Coach of the Year.

Having been so dominant the previous year, expectations were high for the Shell Shockers as they approached the 2004 season. After winning their opening fixture of the season 3–1 over the Lafayette Swamp Cats, they lost 8–0 to the DFW Tornados in their next game, having been reduced to nine men by the 57th minute. The team went on a slide, losing to the El Paso Patriots twice, to DFW once more, and to Memphis Express. The Shockers ended the season a disappointing fifth in the Mid South Division, 30 points behind divisional champs El Paso Patriots and well out of the playoffs. Roberto Najarro was the team's top scorer, with 5 goals, while former Carlisle United, West Ham United, and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop registered 5 assists.

In 2005, the team moved to Pan American Stadium in City Park and won their first game over Memphis Express. The team then lost their next five games, including a 5–2 defeat at the hands of the Nashville Metros. A brief mid-season surge that included a pair of wins over divisional Laredo Heat sparked the potential for a revival, but four more defeats, including another to Nashville, ended any playoff hopes New Orleans may have had. The team finished sixth in the Mid South Division. Pablo Araya-Espinozo was the season's top scorer, with 9 goals.

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged Pan American Stadium, along with much of the rest of the area.[1] As a result, the Shell Shockers played at Muss Bertolino Stadium in nearby Kenner, Louisiana for the 2006 season. After their plight was featured by international media, the Shockers, with the support of teams like New England Revolution and individuals such as former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez, pledged to help raise $1 million to the redevelopment of City Park.[2][3] That season the team won just 4 games. The Shockers finished fourth in the Mid South Division, almost 30 points behind divisional champs Laredo Heat. Gautreau and Roberto Najarro were the team's top scorers, with 3 goals each.

In 2007 the team finished the season fifth in the Mid South Division. That season the Shockers did beat their new Louisiana rivals, the Baton Rouge Capitals, new divisional team Mississippi Brilla, and the Austin Lightning. Unfortunately the team was unable to win any of its 8 away games throughout the season. Ged Quinn, Brandon Chagnard, and Gino Ray were the team's top scorers for the year, with 13 goals between them, while Jamie Davies contributed six assists.

Jesters (2009)

The team's sponsorship with the Shell Oil Company ended after the 2007 season, and "Shell" was dropped from the team's name.[4] In 2008, businesswoman Dana Stumpf also bought out long-time chairman Gary Ostroske, and the team moved to a new home within City Park, Tad Gormley Stadium for four games.[5][6] They also played at Lupin Field at Isidore Newman School for four games. The Shockers struggled for much of the 2008 season. For the fifth year in a row, New Orleans ended the year at the wrong end of the Mid South Division standings, finishing seventh. Brandon Chagnard was the team's top scorer with 4 goals.

Rebranding[edit]

Following the 2008 season, the team underwent a full rebranding. It changed its name, colors, and crest entirely, rebranding themselves as the New Orleans Jesters to better reflect New Orleans culture.[7] The team returned to Pan American Stadium following a full renovation that included the installation of FieldTurf.[8]

The team also developed a renewed focus on improving the local community and developing young soccer talent. In its first year as the New Orleans Jesters, the team went undefeated in the regular season and posted one loss in the playoffs. That year, two players were named to the All-Conference Team, and one received All-League Honors.

Move to NPSL[edit]

On November 2, 2012, it was announced that the Jesters would compete in the National Premier Soccer League, ending the club's nine-year stint in the PDL.[9]

2019 hiatus[edit]

In early 2019, the Jesters exercised their right to become inactive for the 2019 NPSL season. In 2020, the Jesters resumed play in the NPSL.[10]

Players[edit]

Notable former players[edit]

This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the Jesters, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.

Year-by-year[edit]

Year Division League Regular season Avg. attendance Playoffs Open Cup
2003 4 USL PDL 1st, Mid South 711 (10th in PDL) Conference Finals did not qualify
2004 4 USL PDL 5th, Mid South 278 (31st in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2005 4 USL PDL 6th, Mid South 600 (13th in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2006 4 USL PDL 4th, Mid South 719 (8th in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2007 4 USL PDL 5th, Mid South 321 (31st in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2008 4 USL PDL 7th, Mid South 172 (52nd in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2009 4 USL PDL 3rd, Southeast 1,007 (8th in PDL) Divisional Semi-finals did not qualify
2010 4 USL PDL 5th, Southeast 1,167 (9th in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2011 4 USL PDL 4th, Mid South 1,500 (5th in PDL) did not qualify did not qualify
2012 4 USL PDL 5th, Mid South did not qualify did not qualify
2013 4 NPSL 4th, Southeast did not qualify did not qualify
2014 4 NPSL 3rd, Southeast Conference Finals did not qualify
2015 4 NPSL 5th, Southeast did not qualify did not qualify
2016 4 NPSL 3rd, Southeast Divisional Semi-finals did not qualify
2017 4 NPSL 1st, Southeast Conference Finals did not qualify
2018 4 NPSL 3rd, Southeast Conference Finals Lost in First Round
2019 On Hiatus
2020 4 NPSL Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic[11]

|} Attendance statistics are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the PDL's historical match archive.[12]

Honors[edit]

  • USL PDL regular-season champions 2003
  • USL PDL Mid South Division champions 2003
  • Louisiana Cup winners 2016

Head coaches[edit]

  • Republic of Ireland Kenny Farrell (2003–present)

Home stadiums[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Shell Shockers to re-build home". United Soccer Leagues. February 16, 2006. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  2. ^ "New Orleans Shell Shockers Persevere in Katrina's Wake". U.S. Soccer Federation. September 1, 2006. Archived from the original on December 17, 2006. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  3. ^ Dell'Apa, Frank (March 27, 2007). "Pitching in from the pitch". The Boston Globe. Retrieved January 29, 2009.
  4. ^ Huff, Pierce W. (May 3, 2008). "Shockers open season on road – Team features new owner, new name". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. p. 8 Sports.
  5. ^ "New Orleans Shell Shockers Staff". New Orleans Shell Shockers. 2008. Archived from the original on August 27, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  6. ^ "New Orleans Shell Shockers Official Schedule (2008)". uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  7. ^ "New Orleans Jesters Unveiled". New Orleans Jesters. January 28, 2009. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  8. ^ "FieldTurf and NFL Assist Post-Katrina Pan American Stadium in Rebuilding Efforts". Reuters. August 21, 2008. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  9. ^ "Growth continues for NPSL". National Premier Soccer League. November 2, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  10. ^ "New Orleans Jesters 2020 NPSL Schedule Released". nolajesters.com. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  11. ^ Prince-Wright, Joe (March 26, 2020). "2020 NPSL season cancelled". ProSoccerTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  12. ^ "USL Stat Archives". United Soccer Leagues. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Orleans_Jesters&oldid=1218780340"