RI Oceaneers Kick it Up a Notch
Friday, May 08, 2015
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Rhode Island Oceaneers (photo: David Borts)
There’s a new pro sports team in town and they’re on a winning streak in more ways than one. The RI Oceaneers have been playing in the
American Soccer League since last Fall, building a fan base as they go.
The professional league, the equivalent of a minor league in baseball, has eight teams, all based in the Northeast. They’re made up of mainly American born players, and are a feeder league to Major League Soccer (MLS) and other pro leagues.
“This league was created with the goal of developing professional players who will eventually be sold (transferred) to MLS teams and foreign professional clubs. Our team is in the process of negotiating an agreement with a 1st Division French Professional Soccer Club which will result in our acting as a feeder of players to the French team,” explained David Borts, General Manager of the Oceaneers.
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Like many European leagues, the ASL has a split season - they play the first half of the season in the fall and the second half in the spring. The Oceaneers are unbeaten so far this spring as they seek the ASL championship, to be determined July 4th weekend.
Young Talent
The team provides an opportunity for young American players to play at the professional level. Many are “late bloomers,” who may not have been recognized as teenagers but have excelled in college or club play. It’s a high level of play, allowing the athletes to make an easy transition to the major leagues.
"The average age of our players is 23. We currently have 7 players on our roster who have played at Providence College and two players who have played at URI. One from RIC and several other from various colleges and Junior Colleges from around the United States. We also have players of numerous nationalities including the United States, Cape Verde, Portugal, Columbia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, England, Cote D'Ivoire and Nigeria,” noted Borts.
The Oceaneers are coached by N.E. Revolution Assistant Coach Jasir Charris, who wears many hats with the Revs including Assistant Goalkeeper Coach with the main squad. Columbian born Charris is also a liaison for Spanish Speaking players on the team. Other team officials are involved in the New England Revolution Academy, a training program that works to identify regional talent.
In their debut season, the team currently has a commendable record of 6-3-3 and is presently in third place in the league. The team has gelled together nicely and they haven’t lost a game since returning from the winter break. They're coming off a 1-0 win last weekend against the Philadelphia Fury, with a goal from Braima Samati and great goaltending from keeper Chris Moura, a former Rhode Island College standout.
Growing Fan Base
The Oceaneers are slowly building a fan base and GM Borts is bullish on the team’s future.
“We’re averaging a couple of hundred people a game and we now have a home venue (which) will result in better promotion and improved attendance. We are also in the process of negotiating with two local youth programs to develop partnerships.”
As enthusiasm continues to build, the ASL expects to see significant growth in the future. The league will be adding four new teams for the 2015-2016 season - from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Long Island, NY. The league is also planning expansion into the Southeast in 2016.
With three more home games scheduled through June, the local squad is chasing the League Championship, with games scheduled for July 4th weekend.
The Oceaneers next regular season game is Saturday May 9 at Tucker Field in Cumberland. Tickets are $9 - with free admission for kids and youth soccer players. Click here for more information.
Remaining Home Games:
May 9 vs. Mass United FC
June 13 vs. Icon FC
June 20 vs. AC Crusaders
All games start at 7:00 PM at Tucker Field in Cumberland.
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