BY MURRAY GLEFFE
CORRESPONDENT
ASHWAUBENON-The United States Soccer League 2 is coming to Capital Credit Union Park (capacity of around 4,000 for soccer games) in an announcement made by Big Top Events held at Green Bay Distillery. (Oct. 27)
The yet-to-be named franchise will compete in the North American league’s Heartland Division that has 74 franchises in four conferences throughout the United States and Canada, including 18 clubs that are owned and operated by a professional club or that hold a partnership with a professional club.
League two has proved to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.
The season (May-July) will consist of 14 regular season games (seven home, seven away) that provide elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while still maintaining their eligibility.
The playoffs will begin in July with the championship concluding in August.
Players can also partake in numerous exhibitions and an event called the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup which pits all levels of soccer against each other and is set forth by the U.S. Open Committee.
Peter Wilt will lead the operations (Big Top Soccer Managing Director) of the new franchise.
Wilt was the President and General Manager of the Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer) for a number of years.
“I grew up in Chicago, but I am a huge Green Bay Packers fan,” said Wilt. “Needless to say, I wasn’t a popular kid being around other Bears fans. I am excited to come back to this area, and market this great product. The park will have great site lines and tremendous things to do in and around the facility. The public/general community will have the chance to vote on what the new name of the team will be in the next month.”
Dannon Anderson was named the General Manager of the team and will handle the duties off the field.
“The fan base will be very important to the new team,” Anderson said. “I want to thank members of the Green Bay Bullfrogs staff for helping me out today with paperwork and making the transition smooth. I am excited to get into this community and hit youth soccer games. Very excited for the opportunity.”
The new expansion team hired Brian Kamler to lead the team on the field.
A typical team within the conference averages between 24-28 players, and it will be imperative for Kamler to assemble a quality roster as soon as possible.
Kamler won a championship with the Richmond Kickers and won the humanitarian award not once, twice, but three times.
“I want to thank my family for being with me today,” said Kamler. “I couldn’t have done it without you. The charities that I belong too are a big part of my life. I am excited to be the first coach here in the Green Bay area. These collegiate players are very good that get excellent coaching daily. It is an aspirational league for young players in which some will eventually make it to the very top. I want the people to enjoy our product in their backyard.”
For more information, go to www.uslpdl.com.
