Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Friday, April 15, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. –The Wilmington Hammerheads kick off their 2011 USL PRO season against the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. After a year off, Saturday night’s game is being anxiously awaited by the Hammerheads’ coaches, players, staff and fans.
Saturday night’s game will be no easy task for the Hammerheads. “Rochester is a strong organization. They have an impressive history and have great leadership from Head Coach Bob Lilley” said Hammerheads head coach David Irving.
The Hammerheads and Rochester have a brief history together, only meeting once in the U.S. Open Cup in July, 2009, when Rochester emerged with a 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals.
This season, Rochester once again has a strong line-up filled with several returning players. They have also added a few new faces to the roster that are expected to make a big impact, including forward Kendall Jagdeosignh and midfielder Tony Donatelli.
Jagdeosingh joined the Rhinos in February after spending the previous three seasons with the Puerto Rico Islanders. Donatelli will be a force in the midfield for Rochester this season after spending 2010 in Montreal. Jagdeosignh earned a title last season with the Islanders while Donatelli won with Vancouver in 2006 and with Montreal in 2009.
The Hammerheads look to Saturday with anticipation and excitement. Saturday night’s game will mark the start of Irving’s 12th season as head coach of the Hammerheads.
Over the past few months, Irving and assistant coach Kevin Johnson have recruited a talented squad for their 2011 season that will be sure to make a strong showing against Rochester.
The Hammerhead’s have picked up six players from the 2009 PDL Champions the Ventura County Fusion. Hammerheads team captain and former Fusion player, Ivan Becerra, has also spent time with the Portland Timbers and the Columbus Crew of the MLS. Becerra should be a dominant force in the back for Wilmington, along with fellow Fusion veteran Dylan Riley.
The Hammerheads have a strong midfield made up of former Fusion players Manny Guzman and Jack Avesyan, co-captain Paul Nicholson, former MLS draft pick Richard Jata, and Luke Mulholland.
In the attack, forwards Andres Cuero and Andryi Budnyy are expected to produce results for the Hammerheads. Cuero and Budnyy have earned their recognition in the preseason, both scoring goals in the Open House game on April 10th.
Jyler Noviello, Chris Murray, and Kyle Pollack are the only returning players from the Hammerhead’s 2009 squad on the 2011 team.
Legion Stadium Ribbon Cutting on New Turf
Before kick off on Saturday night, the City of Wilmington will hold a ceremony on the field to introduce the newly installed turf at Legion Stadium. Several important Wilmington City officials will be in attendance, including Wilmington’s Mayor, Bill Saffo.
Members of the New Hanover County School Board and representatives from New Hanover High School will also be in attendance to help dedicate the new turf field. Legion Stadium serves as the home field for both the Wilmington Hammerheads and the New Hanover High School Wildcats.
Game Night Promotions and Tickets
Saturday’s home opener is sponsored by Stevenson Automotive Group. Birthday Smiles, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping under-privileged children, will be in attendance serving as the game’s Non-Profit sponsor.
In coordination with the Coastal Carolina Air Show that will be in Wilmington on the 16th and 17th at the Wilmington International Airport, fans can enjoy a thrilling fly-over of Legion Stadium immediately following the National Anthem.
The ticket booth will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday night. Ticket prices for games are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), and $6 for children 4 to12. Free admission is offered to children four and under. Special group ticket rates are available. Contact the Hammerheads office for more information, or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
Valpak’s Blue Envelope is currently running a Hammerhead coupon that offers $2 off a single ticket. Coupons will be accepted at the Hammerhead ticket booth. Limit one per family. The Valpak Blue Envelop is distributed to over 60,000 homes throughout New Hanover County, and can also be found online at www.valpak.com.