VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com
Friday, April 12, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – VSI Tampa Bay FC's first home game in franchise history is set for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Plant City Stadium as the club welcomes the Rochester Rhinos after completing a three-game road trip last weekend.
After a fast-paced construction process of Plant City Stadium, involving a mobile trailer, tons of clay, sod, fencing and more, VSI Tampa Bay FC is set to move into their new home. Located less than three miles from Interstate-4, Plant City Stadium has undergone a beautiful transformation from an old baseball field to a new soccer pitch.
Tampa Bay went 1-2-0 in its road trip to start the season, earning the first victory in club history against the LA Blues. Antonio Neto scored the first goal in club history in the 1-0 win, while Mauricio Salles was named to the USL PRO Team of the Week after a pair of strong performances that saw him also find the back of the net against the Portland Timbers Reserves last Sunday.
VSI will set foot on its new turf on Friday evening for a light practice session and again the morning of April 13 for a walk through session.
The Rhinos arrive in Tampa getting set to open their season. VSI’s home opener is the start of a five game away stretch for Rochester. Rochester has back-to-back game nights as they take on Orlando City on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Rochester was one of four USL PRO clubs to enter a partnership with a club from Major League Soccer this offseason, and has four players from the New England Revolution with the squad. The Rhinos also have one of the best defenses in USL PRO returning, with 2012 Goalkeeper of the Year Kristian Nicht and Defender of the Year Troy Roberts leading the way.
Alessi Catering will provide Plant City Stadium catering and special guests of the match include the first purchaser of a VSI Tampa Bay FC ticket, the Under 9 Boys soccer team from youth club affiliate VSI West Florida Flames, Florida College National Anthem singers, UNation and more.
Saturday evening’s match will be aired on EstrellaTV and USL LIVE. EstrellaTV is found on the following channels: Digital 32.3 and Brighthouse 627. To watch online visit www.uslnation.com.
Tickets to the match are $10 for adults and $5 for children. This week tickets are buy one get one of equal or lesser value. To order tickets visit www.vsi-fc.com or the gates open at 6 p.m.