Are you ready for some exciting soccer action in your neighborhood? If so, you don’t have to go too far.
The Albion Pros will return to Mission Bay High School Stadium for their home games this season.
Finishing 16-4-1 last season, Albion will lean on a roster this season that includes the talents of of Jose Merlo, Ricky Mckenzie, David Luquen, and many others.
Albion looks to continue to set the standard in the league, moving its training facility to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista as well as bringing in UFC Gym as its sports performance partner.
The 2017 team consists of the foundation that was responsible for the success in 2016, as well as several additions in key positions, that will be prepared for the pre-season home opener (5 p.m. Feb. 11, Mission Bay Stadium) vs. East Bay FC Stompers. Albion’s first league game is March 11 vs. Oxnard; and the U.S. Open Cup is in May.
In late January, the team hosted its 2017 launch party at Primos Public Corner near Qualcomm Stadium.
The event was held to allow returning fans (and new ones to the team) to learn more about the upcoming season.
This Saturday’s pre-season home opener will provide fans the opportunity to learn more about the team, its coaching staff, and check out the team’s new uniforms.
According to Albion director of operations, Tim Reintgen, “This pre-season’s schedule is full of high-caliber matches, with our NPSL playoff rival East Bay FC Stompers on Feb. 11, and Phoenix Rising from the USL on Feb. 25, all leading up to our league home opener March 11. Those two matches will set the tone for the new season, with a commitment to success and a style of play that will entertain the fans.”
As Reintgen also pointed out, Albion’s commitment to success involves myriad of things.
“We will continue to set the standard in the NPSL, with state-of-the-art facilities, sports performance, and the integration of our youth academy, providing a pathway for them to play professional soccer,” Reintgen added. “Everyone, from players, to coaches and front end, is 120 percent committed to excellence, and together, we are aiming for a run for the national championship and the U.S. Open Cup. We play for San Diego, we play to be champions.”