Laredo, El Paso Renew Mid-South Rivalry Friday Night
Written by admin, Jun 18, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Vanessa Guajardo,
Laredo Facing Several Key Injuries
(Laredo, TX): With the FIFA World Cup well underway in South Africa, one thing is certain, just because you are expected to win or because you are a higher ranked team, it does not necessarily mean that the outcome of a game will be in your favor (just ask the Spanish side).
Just three weeks ago, the Laredo Heat (4 – 3 – 0 / 12 points) downed the El Paso Patriots (3 – 4 – 2 / 11 points) by a score of 6 – 0 here in Laredo; however, as previously mentioned, that outcome should not be expected by the host team again.
The Heat and Patriots will tangle for the second time this season at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex on Friday, June 18th. Kick-off is set for 8:00 P.M.
“At almost the halfway point of the 2010 season, our division has been a little wacky to say the least,” mentioned Heat General Manager J.J. Vela.
“The Mid-South Division of the Premier Development League (PDL) has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that it is true that games are won on the field and not on paper. Results so far this season have gone on the contrary to what one would think.”
Vela added, “If anything, our division has become more competitive this season, any team can beat the other on any other day and not one team can take another for granted. Every team is earning their points and unfortunately for us, the road has not been kind.”
“Having been involved in the PDL the past six years and knowing the El Paso franchise well, both players and administration, I can assure that they will be better prepared and will play with much more intensity this Friday and the breakdowns they had when we last met have been corrected,” concluded Vela.
The Heat continue to offer great family entertainment and thanks to their sponsors, general admission ticket prices remain at $5.00 for adults and all kids 12 and under are still admitted free of charge.
Heat Notes
The Heat will be without the services of backline anchor Angel “Bambi” Hernandez for their match versus the Patriots. Hernandez was booked with a direct red card for a reckless tackle late in the game versus the Houston Leones and will have to serve a one game suspension.
Injury Report
Forward Felix Garcia and Midfielder Joel Perez are both questionable for Friday’s game. Garcia is nursing a hamstring injury and Perez has a bruised thigh muscle. Midfielder Greg Mulamba will not be playing versus the Patriots as he still continues his therapy on his right leg injury.
Game Highlights for Fans
Heat fans attending Friday night’s game are in for treat. First, the Laredo Heat, the Laredo Energy Arena and BMP Radio have partnered to give away two tickets to one lucky fan at halftime (must purchase game ticket and be present to win) to the hottest show that will hit Laredo this summer, Rihanna’s The Last Girl on Earth Tour with opening acts Ke$ha and Travie McCoy.
Also at halftime, local celebrity mascots will join Fuego for the Mascot Olympic Competition. Come see Bucky (Laredo Bucks), Buster (Laredo Broncos), the IBC Bee, the United Longhorn and the Chick-Fil-A Cow as they battle for Laredo mascot supremacy.
Also on tap for Friday, the Heat and H-E-B will be honoring four local winners from H-E-B’s “Tratar a Papa como VIP” contest that was held the last two weeks with media partner Univision. Winners were chosen from essay’s turned in to Univision from children expressing why their Dad was the best and deserved to be treated as a VIP for Friday’s game. The four winners will be given access to the Heat locker room prior to the start of the game and will walk out with the teams during the introductions. The winners will also watch the game, along with three family members, from VIP sideline seats.
For additional information on the Laredo Heat Soccer Club, please visit our website at www.laredoheatsc.com or call the Heat office at 723 – 4700.
