The first home game will feature the Rapids U-23 squad, a PDL team based in Boulder CO.
The game is being played at the Cooper Soccer Complex, field 1 and tickets are $5, children under 6 are free. Game time is 7:30 pm and the forecast looks good.
The team is an international squad with professional aspirations. Games can match the quality of the Division 1 games we enjoy during the Fall and the team includes a good mix of local boys as well. I’m especially looking forward to cheering for Chris Murphy (Glendale 2004/Central Arkansas), Danny Curro (Nixa 2007/Avila University) and several recent graduates including Robbie Curtis (Ozark 2008/Lincoln Memorial) and Kyler Temple (Kickapoo 2008/Drury) along with Erik and Lane Chapman (Northeast Oklahoma and Kickapoo respectively). In addition, Eduardo Conde and Brett Thomas (2007 leading scorer) return.
The PDL is part of the United Soccer League and is equivalent to Single A baseball in that there are three more tiers to make it to the Majors, or Major League Soccer in particular. Unlike baseball, soccer is an equal opportunity employer and our local boys are competing in a national tournament known as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 93 consecutive years dating back to 1914. Like Golf’s US Open, there are regional qualifying games that can lead to an amateur team like our boys competing at the highest levels.
Eight teams will participate from the PDL, where 60 teams are eligible to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. The top two teams from the Central Conference, which includes the Demize, will advance. Tonight’s game is opening night of the qualifying round and our boys will play their four games between now and May 26th identify if they will be one of the two Central Conference squads that will advance from the Professional Development League (PDL).
This one means something folks. Come cheer them on!
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