Albion SC PROS Prepare for Opening Match of 2017 Campaign
UPDATED MARCH 11, 2017: STRONG & Successful #NPSL2017 Season Opener — Albion PROS beat @OxnardGuerreros 4:1 #WeAreAlbion #WePlayForSD #OStrong Game Recap coming soon.
PUBLISHED earlier: The growth of soccer is taking San Diego by storm as fans of the game prepare to support the city’s local professional side in its opening match of the season. Albion SC PROS advanced to the West Region Finals during the 2016 campaign with sights set on further accomplishments during the upcoming season.
NPSL Soccer News: Albion SC PROS is gearing up for its second season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with the club’s opening match of the season scheduled for Saturday, March 11th, versus Oxnard Guerreros. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT at Mission Bay High School Stadium.
Albion prepares to take the field following a successful first year in the league, while Oxnard joins for its inaugural season.
“Albion PROS enters its second season in the NPSL after an incredible inaugural year going undefeated and surprising the country with the level of the team and the professional atmosphere created,” said Noah Gins, Albion SC PROS Executive Director.
The PROS are coming off a 3-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC of the USL in a preseason match in February. David Luquen led the PROS with two goals on the night and Kuba Waligorski recorded the third tally.
During the 2016 campaign, Albion advanced to the West Region Finals but lost 1-0 to Sonoma County Sol. The PROS were crowned Southwest Conference Champions as the club went undefeated prior to its loss to Sonoma. The PROS defense conceded only seven goals during the entire 2016 season.
“This year we are of no surprise and teams will be ready as we push for a National Championship and record crowds for the NPSL,” said Gins. “We are working extremely hard in the community to build the base of interest in the team and being the only professional soccer team in this great soccer city — we want to see the community embrace us.”
“We want the entire soccer community to come support these incredible players, the NPSL and the level of soccer that exists in San Diego and this country.”
Albion is led by head coach Ziggy Korytoski who has received extensive praise for his dedication on and off the field to help build the game in San Diego.
“Ziggy is very detailed, well thought out, has high standards, great experience and knows how he wants to play, and pursues this with all he has,” said Gins. “He is a hard working, passionate person that is dedicated to the sport and wants to pursue being the best through the proper process.”
“The boys are really excited,” said Korytoski. “They’ve worked very hard this preseason and are now looking forward to playing for both San Diego and a National Championship.”
In the net for Albion, Jean Antoine is one of the highlight players for the PROS as he takes the pitch for the second season in the Albion stripes. Antoine was an Honorable Mention on the list of All-NPSL Teams last season.
“His presence is huge and he brings that out to the soccer field,” said Martin Johnson, Albion SC PROS goalkeeper coach. “He has a bright future ahead of him. I put a wager on him representing his country at some point. He has that much potential.”
Albion PROS are bringing top level soccer to San Diego this season as supporters await the decision of an MLS expansion coming to town. The initiative requires all soccer fanatics to support their local professional sides with the first match of the year surely one not to miss.
