Heat Hopefuls Gave It a Shot in Invitational Tryouts
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 16, 2011, 0 Comments
2011 Tryouts An Overall Success for the Heat
LAREDO, Texas-Heat Head Coach Israel Collazo and his staff had their hands full as 32 players from different parts of the country descended to Laredo to give it their shot to make the 2011 Master Roster.
“By far, this group of talented individuals that we had a chance to look at was the best crop of players that we have had come to our invitational tryouts over the years,” mentioned Collazo.
“I could have easily made a team to compete in the PDL with the quality that these young men brought to the table. While I do wish I could keep a larger number of players, the reality at the end of the day is that I cannot due to the number foreign and 23 and Over allocations that the PDL allows us to keep”.
Collazo concluded, “To add to our dilemma, this coming season will the first year where our local youth players are coming of age to compete at this level of play and that in itself is a huge plus to the organization and the local athletes that have put the time in over the past three years”.
Final decisions will be made over the next week and several players have already been informed to keep in shape during the spring as their stock rose during the two day tryout sessions and the possibility of getting a call back still exist.
About the PDL
The top U23 men’s league in North America, the PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.
United Soccer Leagues
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, United Soccer Leagues has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (USL Super Y-League/USL Super-20 League), continuing through the amateur level (USL Premier Development League/USL W-League) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USL PRO, I-League). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.
