New Soccer Team to Kick-Off Season in Worcester

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Hydra FC debuts its home and away uniforms at the inaugural press conference.

Hydra FC, Worcester's new soccer club, held a press conference today to announce the start of its inaugural season.

Hydra FC will begin play as a member of the Premier Development League on May 5th at Foley Stadium, and team owner Phong Le is excited to bring soccer to Worcester.

"I love the beautiful game," Le said. "To have a franchise here in Worcester, the dream has come true for me."

The team currently has a roster composed of about 20 players, mostly from colleges around the northeast. Coach Elvis Comrie, the former soccer coach of Holy Cross, says he is thrilled that the team will feature multiple players from Boston College and Boston University, along with local players previously announced.

The team will obviously have strong local ties, and Comrie knows that is essential since players are not compensated in the PDL.

"With any local organization, if you can sign local players, it's always a good thing. Fortunately we have some very good players locally," Comrie said. "With Worcester being the second-largest city in the state after Boston, it's pretty easy to recruit great players in and around the area."

The Hydra continued the trend of signing locally today when they announced that they would be adding 11 new college players, nine from Massachusetts. Among those notable are former Boston Univeristy star Anthony Ciccone, along with Boston College standouts Chris Ager, Colin Murphy and Nick Corliss.

City Councilor Sarai Rivera receives honorary season tickets from Hydra FC.

Also at the press conference was District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera. Councilor Rivera is also the Chairwoman of the Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee, and was there on behalf of Mayor Joseph M. Petty to welcome the Hydra to Worcester. With its diverse population, Rivera believes Worcester is the perfect place for a new soccer club.

"We have this amazing diversity, and we have seen soccer grow more and more every year (in Worcester)," Rivera said. "It is long overdue for the soccer fans here in Worcester and beyond."

The team will open up next Saturday at home against the Seacoast Phantoms. Season tickets are available now, and start under $55. For more information on tickets, click here.