On Sunday January 29, San Diego's Albion Pros officially launched the 2017 campaign with a party at the gorgeous Primos Public Corner in Mission Valle
On Sunday January 29, San Diego’s Albion Pros officially launched the 2017 campaign with a party at the gorgeous Primos Public Corner in Mission Valley, just a block away from Qualcomm Stadium where the United States Men’s National Team was due to kick off against Serbia upon the party’s conclusion.
Players, coaching staff, and fans alike all mingled in the morning while watching Manchester United defeat Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup, sampling the delectable options from the customized menu, and enjoying the fellowship that comes with supporting a soccer club.
“I’m a San Diegan,” said Drew Vetere. “I love soccer, and Albion is the club for me. I don’t think there is another organization that represents the way I feel about my city and my sport better than the Pros do.”
Vetere wasn’t alone in his praise of the organization entering just its second year of existence. Fans have a lot to look forward to following Albion’s undefeated inaugural campaign that saw the fledgling club fall just short of ultimate glory, losing in the National Quarterfinal to eventual Finalists Sonoma County Sol.
Albion Pros midfielder Oscar Ortega summed up his feelings succinctly, “Life can’t get any better than it is right now in San Diego with the whole MLS talk and just the city really exploding about the sport. Soccer is definitely growing and I feel great to be a part of Albion with us being one of the few clubs starting out on the professional side of it with the outdoor scene.”
The explosion in the city Ortega refers to is largely a byproduct of the last 18 months of increasing soccer activity in town. The rivalry struck by Albion and the club formerly known as North County Battalion ignited something in San Diego residents. The club tapped into a dormant passion and ignited a sense of pride in the community of San Diego and the soccer that we can produce here in America’s Finest City. San Diego’s potential for high level has inspired investors from a range of backgrounds, and the city has regularly been linked with expansion bids into leagues such as the North American Soccer League, the United Soccer League, and Major League Soccer itself.
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While potential expansion news can be exciting, the reality is that in 2017, there is no higher level of outdoor soccer being played than Albion Pros at the National Premier Soccer League level. The enthusiasm and excitement about the prospects of professional soccer in San Diego should be channeled directly to supporting the existing local soccer.
“I do feel that we’ve drawn plenty of attention to the city from our 2016 campaign. We think we can be the ‘tip of the spear’ when it comes to serving as a focal point for soccer fans in San Diego who are looking at the city expanding into USL, NASL, or MLS.” – Albion Pros’ Oscar Ortega
On Saturday, February 11th Albion Pros open their preseason campaign at home at beautiful Mission Bay High School against the East Bay Stompers. The Stompers are another NPSL team from the league’s Golden Gate Conference, and regularly feature in post-season action, and the match kicks off at 5:00 PM.
“The coaching staff is definitely more prepared. Players are feeling comfortable. Our new guys are confident. Nothing but the best will be accepted for this coming year,” continued Ortega. “We definitely want to thank San Diego for embracing us, and we are looking for everyone’s support. One thing we are trying to do right away is give the people what they want to see. We want to add more goals to our games and reward the fans who come out to support us with some quality soccer.”
In addition to the preseason match against the Stompers, the Pros have also booked aspiring MLS, and current USL team Phoenix Rising FC for another friendly on February 25th before the official home opener in NPSL competition against new expansion team Oxnard Guerreros. All ticket information can be found at www.albionscpros.com
Be sure to keep an eye on SoccerNation for all the latest Albion Pros news and updates throughout the 2017 season!
