Matchups for Play-In, First and Second Rounds Determined & Laredo Heat is Ready
The United States Soccer Federation has announced the pairings for the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play-in, first and second round matches.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as the U.S. Soccer’s National Club 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 101 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.
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The Laredo Heat SC, representing the Premier Development League, will be hosting the NTX Rayados from the DFW Metroplex on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 P.M. The NTX Rayados will be representing the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
This will be the first match-up between the clubs, both with rich histories in their respective leagues, in any type of competition.
In a world overrun with soccer matches, what makes the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup so special? It is all about the competition and that teams from all over the country, and various leagues, can come together to compete.
“The underdog story is what makes the U.S. Open Cup so very special. Just look at us last year, Laredo Heat travelled to Florida and beat the NASL’s Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and gave the MLS’s Houston Dynamo a run for their money in the 4th Round. In 2012, Cal FC was the Cinderella amateur team that not only knocked out an NASL team, they beat an MLS team as well,” said Laredo Heat General Manager J.J. Vela.
Shashi Vaswani, President of Laredo Heat said, “Our goal and objective in the Lamar Hunt U,S, Open Cup has always been to beat an MLS team. We always try to build a team that will be competitive against an MLS side. Last year, we were fortunate enough to advance far enough in the US Open up to play the Houston Dynamo and lost only by one goal. Hopefully, we will have a chance this year to accomplish our objective.”
During last year’s Open Cup Second Round, the NTX Rayados knocked off then PDL side Austin Aztex in penalty kicks to continue their run before losing 4 – 2 to the San Antonio Scorpions in the Third Round.
“This is an exciting draw for us and a great way to start the 2015 season, hosting the NTX Rayados early in the season, actually as our first competitive game of 2015, will give Coach Dany Galvan, his staff and our players a real opportunity to see where they stand as a team for the upcoming season,” said Vela. “As far as the game is concerned, I can promise our loyal fan base and those fans interested in soccer in general that both of the teams will come out to play hard in order to advance into the second round, this is a given and from past experience, there will be no regrets left out on the pitch.”
Vela concluded, “After our Open Cup run last year, playing into the 4th Round versus the MLS’ Houston Dynamo in their beautiful BBVA Compass Stadium, a few of our returning players and staff will need to teach and inform their new teammates that this tournament is not easy with its one and done format and as much as we want to advance, the NTX Rayados have that same desire to continue, coming ready to play is really the only option we have come May 13th”.
The winner between the NTX Rayados and the Laredo Heat opening round match will advance to the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup to play a familiar foe in the USL’s Austin Aztex on Wednesday, May 20th at House Park in Austin, TX.
The 91 teams competing in the 102nd edition of the tournament mark the largest field in the modern era (1995-present) and the fourth consecutive year that has seen a participation record set. This year also marks the fourth consecutive competition in which all U.S.-based Division I, Division II and Division III professional teams will participate in the tournament proper.
The Seattle Sounders FC are the defending U.S. Open Cup champion, having won a fourth tournament title after a 3 – 1 overtime, road victory against the Philadelphia Union on September 16, 2014.
As in previous years and to keep our games as family friendly and affordable, the Laredo Heat are proud to announce that they will continue to offer General Admission Pricing of $5 for adults and $1 for all kids 12 and under. VIP Seating will also be available for $20 for both adults and children.
Photo Credit: Will Thome/Houston Dynamo
