MLS team to train at FGCU
In yet another history making moment for the FGCU men’s soccer program, Major League Soccer’s New York City FC will hold its training camp on the Eables’ beach-lined campus from Jan. 22-Feb. 1.
NYCFC and FGCU will play each other in a friendly match at 5:30 p.m. at the FGCU Soccer Complex on Jan. 31.
Tickets to the friendly are on sale and can be secured by logging on to FGCUAthletics.com/tickets, calling 239-590-7145 or visiting the Alico Arena ticket office. Early tickets for general admission adults are just $10, with youth (12 and under) and military members discounted at $7 and FGCU students with a valid Eagle ID at $5. The price for general admission seating increases to $15 and $10, respectively, beginning Jan. 25S. Student pricing remains the same.
“This is an absolutely wonderful opportunity for the university, our program and facilities to be showcased at an international level, and we’re looking forward to welcoming NYCFC to beautiful Southwest Florida,” said FGCU coach Bob Butehorn. “I know our guys are extremely excited about having the opportunity to have some of the best players in the world train on our pitch and then play against them. It’s a terrific opportunity for fans in the area to see top tier soccer, and I’m hopeful they’ll take advantage of having such world-class talent so close.”
NYCFC will train at FGCU for 11 days before taking its camp to Sarasota to participate in a friendly tournament over 10 days (Feb. 17-27) and hold the duration of its training sessions at IMG Academy in Bradenton Feb. 5-28.
NYCFC features several world-class players, including Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo. With 211 goals, Lampard is the all-time leading scorer for Chelsea, where he played for 13 years en route to being named England Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
NYCFC recently completed its first season in the MLS, and plays its games at Yankee Stadium. Former U.S. and Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna is the club’s Sporting Director, overseeing the coaching staff and player recruitment.