Mid-South Division Showdown Set, Playoff Implications Abound
Written by admin, Jul 11, 2013, Comments Off
Courtesy Vanessa Guajardo,
Visiting Oklahoma City FC Looking to Defeat Defending Division Champion, Make Statement
Laredo, TX: In one of the most important games in the 10 year history of the Laredo Heat Soccer Club (6 – 2 – 2, 20 points), the visiting first year franchise Oklahoma City FC (7 – 3 – 1, 22 points) are hoping to come into the Gateway City this Thursday evening July 11th to defeat the defending Mid-South Champion and take a commanding step towards the Premier Development League (PDL) playoffs. With a game in hand, Laredo does have a slight advantage over Oklahoma City in the standings.
Kick-off is set for 8:00 P.M. at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex.
An Oklahoma City FC victory on Thursday would vault the rookie franchise into the driver’s seat in the run for the second playoff spot in the division. Currently, the Austin Aztex (9 – 1 – 1, 28 points), also with 11 games played, are in command for the division title but have yet to clinch. A win by the home side on Thursday would give the Heat a one point advantage over OKCFC with one less game played plus a little more breathing room to finish out the season with hopes of advancing into the PDL playoffs.
Oklahoma City FC took the first meeting between the clubs with a 3 – 2 victory on June 8th at Stars Field in Oklahoma City. Laredo let a 2 – 0 advantage slip in the second half of the game as Oklahoma City scored in the 68th, 69th and the 82nd (PK) minutes to seal the victory.
“This match versus Oklahoma City is an important one for our franchise in terms of the playoff race and history in general” said Heat General Manager J.J. Vela.
“Since our first year in the league (2005), we have not missed the playoffs and we most certainly do not want 2013 to be the first. We have been in this situation before, both in the regular season and playoffs, where we need to win in order to keep hope alive but we need for everyone on the team to embrace the challenge and know their roles in order to make it happen”.
Vela concluded, “Coach Hernandez and his staff are very clear what is on the line this Thursday and the remainder of the season as the importance of this particular match cannot be understated. As an organization, we are asking for our fans to come out in force and support us, I can promise an exciting soccer match pitting two quality teams that will not disappoint”.
Ticket Pricing
For the remaining two games at home, the Laredo Heat are pleased to announce a “Wear Red, Buy One, Get One Free Promotion”.
General Admission (Adult): $5.00, wear red, buy one and get one free admission
General Admission (Kids): $1.00, wear red, buy one and get one free admission
VIP Admission: $20.00, wear red, buy one and get one free admission
Remaining Regular Season Schedule
Saturday, July 13, 2013 versus the El Paso Patriots at TAMIU (Laredo), kick-off at 8:00 P.M. (Make-A-Wish Foundation Night)
Thursday, July 18, 2013 versus the El Paso Patriots at Patriot Stadium (El Paso), kick-off at 7:30 P.M. (MST)
Saturday, July 20, 2013 versus Midland / Odessa Sockers FC at Grande Communication Stadium (Midland), kick-off at 7:30 P.M.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Night
Every season, the Laredo Heat Franchise takes the time to facilitate a dream for a local Make-A-Wish “Wish Child” and this season is no exception. A very courageous and strong 3 and ½ year old young boy will be granted his “wish” of going to New York City to watch a New York Yankees game at Yankees Stadium during half-time of the Laredo Heat and El Paso Patriots match on Saturday, July 13th.
