El Paso Patriots News Release -- www.elpasopatriots.com
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Patriots of the Premier Development League (PDL) announced today that Francisco “Paco” Chavez is taking over head coaching duties for the team that will play its 2013 home games at the Student Activities Complex (SAC) of the Socorro Independent School District.
Former head coach Hugo Samano will become Assistant Head Coach and Director of Operations for the Patriots effective immediately. The Patriots, representing the highest level of soccer played in El Paso, will open their 2013 home schedule at the SAC against Oklahoma City FC at 7:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 23 with Coach Chavez at the helm.
“We are so excited to have Paco Chavez back with the El Paso Patriots," said Patriots Vice President Diana Cervantes. "He was very successful here previously coaching the Patriots from 1996-2000. He also brings Mexican Division 1 playing and coaching experience to the mix. He played for Atlas de Guadalajara and Tecos de UAG among others. In addition to coaching the Patriots, he also coached Tecos de UAG and Cobras de Ciudad Juarez.”
Also of note is the fact that Paco Chavez’ son Darvin Francisco Chavez is a defender for Rayados de Monterrey and was a member of the Mexico's 2012 Olympic Team that claimed the gold medal in London.
The Patriots' home opener will be followed up two days later with the club's second home game at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 against the Texas Dutch Lions. The Patriots are coming off of a 2-2 season-opening tie against the West Texas Sockers in Midland Saturday night.
“That result was a solid performance on the road to open the 2013 season, earning one point in the standings,” said Cervantes. “The move to the SAC will provide a great soccer experience for our fans. The SAC has been recently renovated and the playing surface is fantastic. We invite all of our fans to come enjoy a fun, family-oriented soccer experience with the Patriots on May 23rd and May 25th.”
The 2013 El Paso Patriots team will consist primarily of players from the El Paso/Las Cruces/Cd. Juarez area. Tickets will be just $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12 and are now on sale at Dream Arena, 6969 Industrial Ave., El Paso, TX, 79915. For more information call (915) 771-6620 or www.elpasopatriots.com.
In recognition of the move to the SAC, all SISD students and staff will be admitted free to the games on May 23rd and 25th with their student or employee ID card or school logo shirt.