A week from today, San Francisco’s newest professional soccer team, the San Francisco Deltas, kick things into high gear, and amongst local soccer fans, the excitement is palpable.
The North American Soccer League side christens Kezar Stadium their new home, tomorrow with a friendly against the USL’s Sacramento Republic FC. Then on Saturday, March 25, the Deltas officially open their 2017 inaugural season against Indy Eleven at Kezar.
There’s been quite a buzz about town about the Deltas. Last week they launched a social media campaign, and CEO Brian Andrés Helmick has been quite visible in local media, including being interviewed on our own FootySF Podcast. There’s even a recently formed supporters group, Delta Force.
Today beginning at 3PM, the Deltas are hosting a Kick-Off & Happy Hour Reception at Civic Center Plaza, in conjunction with San Francisco Recreation and Park, America SCORES and Another Planet Entertainment.
Fans will be able to meet SF Deltas staff and players as well as players from America SCORES, a non-profit, youth soccer organization. Afterwards, there will be a Happy Hour reception, hosted by Another Planet, on the second-floor balcony of the Bill Graham Auditorium.
Perhaps the Deltas can fill the professional sports void left when the 49ers abandoned their namesake and turn the city red again. In honor of the team’s first league game, next Saturday San Francisco City Hall and Coit Tower will be lit red. We call that a good start!
THIRD TIME THE CHARM FOR QUAKES?
The San Jose Earthquakes head to Kansas City Saturday to play Sporting KC, hoping to achieve a first in franchise history by winning the opening three games of the season.
The new look Quakes will be buoyed by last week’s come-from-behind victory over Vancouver, which saw them go two goals down, only to fight back and win 3-2. Chris Wondolowksi, Nick Lima and Anibal Godoy all scored in the win and Godoy was named to the MLS Team of the Week.
Kansas City are coming off back-to-back 0-0 draws against DC United and FC Dallas. SKC won 2 of their 3 matches with San Jose during the 2016 Season,
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES V SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Saturday, March 18, 2017 – 5:30PM
CSN Plus, KNBR 1050 and KZSF 1370
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Watching in San Francisco?
Looking to watch the match with other Quakes’ fans in San Francisco? Try Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen (downtown) or Rogue Ales Public House (North Beach). Tell ‘em, FootySF sent you!
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Quakes Sign New Keeper
The Earthquakes announced the signing of goalkeeper Matt Bersano this week.
Bersano, 24, joins San Jose after playing with Seattle Sounders 2 in 2016 and spending the 2017 preseason as a trialist with the Quakes.
“We are very excited to add a talented young player that has shown a strong interest in our organization,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “He will be a valuable addition to both San Jose and Reno 1868 FC this season.”
