Laredo Heat News Release -- www.laredoheat.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
LAREDO, Texas -- The Laredo Heat Soccer Club (7-3-2, 23 points) is currently tied for the PDL Mid South Division lead with the Austin Aztex (7-4-2, 23 points) with a game in hand. This week, the New Orleans Jesters (2-5-6, 12 points), already out of playoff contention, come into the Gateway City with hopes of playing spoilers. Kickoff for both encounters against New Orleans is set for 8 p.m. at the TAMIU Soccer Complex on Wednesday and Friday night.
For the Heat, the division title and playoffs are in their hands.
“We are in a very unique situation right now and I like our chances," said Heat General Manager J.J. Vela. "However, this New Orleans team coming into town is no pushover as we found out just ten days ago when we played them in their home field and after going up on them 3-1, they came roaring back with two late second half goals and tied us 3-3. That was disappointing.
“Our players and coaching staff know how New Orleans plays and if they are not careful, any hope we have to win the division and make the playoffs and possibly even hosting the first round conference tournament goes out the window. Our expectations are high every year and this season is no different, especially at this juncture of the season.”
The Heat have four games left to play in their season, with a two-game road trip to conclude the season at the West Texas Sockers and El Paso Patriots coming next weekend. With a six-point lead over the third-placed Patriots entering Wednesday night's contest, the Heat need seven points from their final four games to secure their place at the Southern Conference Finals.
“By the time the weekend rolls around, we should have a better idea of where we stand within the Mid South Division before finishing the regular season on the road in Midland and El Paso," said Vela. "Our window of opportunity can close very quickly and hopefully all will end well for us these last four games.”
Heat Celebrating Freedom
The Laredo Heat has planned a great Fourth of July celebration for their match against New Orleans on Wednesday night, celebrating the Unites States' 236th Birthday with its wonderful fans by offering FREE general admission entry to everyone, FREE hot dogs and FREE Marble Slab Ice Cream (courtesy of Marble Slab Mall del Norte to the first 400 fans).
The Heat will also have a fun Kids Zone set up behind the general admission area and will be giving away a free mobile phone with one month service courtesy of its Title Sponsor Cricket Wireless, a free home jersey and a signed Chucho Ramirez (famed Mexican World Cup Championship Coach) Heat soccer ball all via its text club service.