Sailing and soccer ? that’s what Annapolis does. At least, that?s the hope for the state?s capital ? to become as well-known for its soccer as it is for sailing.
On Wednesday, Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer, Naval Academy director of athletics Chet Gladchuck and executives from the Crystal Palace USA soccer club held a news conference at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to introduce a partnership between the city, academy and the soccer club.
“You’re in the best place right here in the mid-Atlantic that you could possibly be ? with a population that loves the sport,” Moyer told Palace executives Jim Cherneski and Pete Medd.
In its inaugural season, Palace will play 10 games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Palace, which will participate in the second division of the United Soccer League, is the only professional soccer team in the U.S. with a direct service line to a professional club in England. It is conceivable that the young players from this team ? with a payroll of roughly $1 million ? could one day play in the English Premier League with the Crystal Palace FC team that has a payroll of $100 million.
“It?s obviously a goal of many players to go out and play at that level,” said Palace defender Andrew Marshall, a native of Ellicott City who recently wrapped up his college career at Towson and had workouts with Major League Soccer clubs D.C. United and the Columbus Crew, as well as the Philadelphia KiXX of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
“It hasn’t been a difficult recruiting job,” Medd said, noting that 18 players have already signed contracts with Palace USA and there are three players coming over from the Palace club in England, pending USL approval.
The team is hoping to establish deep roots in the community, planning a number of local appearances in the coming weeks leading up to a March 25 exhibition against the Navy men’s soccer team.
Palace opens its inaugural season at the Charlotte Eagles April 20 and will host the Cleveland City Stars on May 4 in its home opener. For tickets and info, visit www.crystalpalaceusa.com.
PALACE AT HOME
May 4
» Cleveland City Stars, 7 p.m.
May 5
» Cincinnati Kings, 7
May 12
» Richmond Kickers, 7*
June 2
» New Hampshire Phantoms, 7
June 9
» Charlotte Eagles, 7
June 17
» Bermuda Hogges, 3:30
July 7
» Western Massachusetts Pioneers, 7
July 25
» Harrisburg Islanders, 7
July 28
» Bermuda Hogges, 7
Aug. 5
Wilmington Hammerheads, 3
* Could be played at a different local site other than Navy.
