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Sol Kickoff Friday
April 11, 2005 Anticipation is building as everything is
set for Friday’s kickoff of Sol’s second season playing the Las
Vegas Strikers. The game will begin at 7 P.M. at Ernie Nevers
Field, Santa Rosa High School. In pre-game action, two Under 14
Boys teams, Laguna and Santa Rosa United, will square off at 5:15.
Sizing up Las Vegas
The
Strikers come to Sonoma County exactly one year to the day since the
last time the two teams met. Last April 15th, Sol defeated Las
Vegas 3-1 at Sonoma State to notch the second win of the team’s
first season. Las Vegas ended the year with a 3 and 13 record,
finishing 8th in a 10 team league while Sol’s 9-7 record resulted in
a 6th place finish. This was the only game the teams played against
each other last year.
While Las Vegas struggled last season, they are undefeated in four
preseason games, three against University of Nevada, Las Vegas (NCAA
Div I) and one against Chandler Community College. Their last game
against UNLV resulted in a 4-0 win. They are starting the season
strong and are looking for a big opening win against Sol.
Sol
Coach Dave Shaffer is determined to start off with a win at home
against Las Vegas. While Sol did well in the second half of last
season, the first half was not nearly as successful, and caused the
team to barely miss the playoffs. This year, Shaffer’s goal is
early and continued success. The team is hopeful for a big crowd to
provide fan support at the home opener.
Shaffer is pleased with his forwards calling Sonoma State star
Brandon Boone a “horse up front” and impressed with last years
scoring champ David Briceńo. Defensive midfielder Chris Daly “stops
everything” that comes his way according to Shaffer. Younger local
players Frank Piasta, Hugh Fike and Miguel Santoyo may also see some
action Friday.
Several new players recently signed with the team. Cal players
Brad Yuska and Steve Purdy join Bear teammates Eric Kronberg and
Justin Delacruz on the Sol roster. Yuska, a midfielder from Marin
County, transferred from the 2004 NCAA Div I National Champion,
University of Indiana squad to Cal for the spring semester. He was a
former High School NSCAA State Soccer Player of the Year and has
participated in the Olympic Development Program at both State and
Regional levels. At 6’3”, Steve Purdy, fresh off the Under 20 U.S.
National Team, will add depth, strength and intelligence at defense
and midfield. Division 1 players can compete with Sol after the
completion of their spring college season in early May. Former
Sonoma State standout forward Tony Bussard is also expected to sign
with the team this week and will likely see action against Las
Vegas.
Tickets
Tickets for the upcoming game are $7 for adults, $5 for teens and
students. Kids 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Sol will
donate a portion the ticket revenue for the first game to Schools
Plus in support of their annual fund raising drive. Season tickets
are still available at $50 for adults and $35 for teens and
students. Sol is also working with local soccer clubs and leagues to
develop a preorder system so that tickets can be purchased in
advance with a portion of revenues supporting youth sports activity. |
