Long Island Rough Riders head coach Stephen Roche says to bring it on.
His Premier Development League team will host Kingston Stockade FC in a first-round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
“With the U.S. Open Cup it’s win or go home, but that’s the type of pressure we all want to be involved in,” Roche said. “We are all very excited and looking forward to the challenge Wednesday night.
“A good result will propel us into our PDL campaign Saturday.”
The Rough Riders will kick off their season against the Red Bulls U-23 team at the Red Bull Training Facility in Hanover, N.J. Saturday night.
But first things first. Long Island is focused on Kingston (National Premier Soccer League), which it will meet at Burns Park in Massapequa Wednesday at 8 p.m.
“We have a number of experienced players who won’t be fazed by the night,” Roche said. “The younger guys need to settle in and then show us what they are capable of.”
The Rough Riders are coming off a 10-2-5 campaign, reaching the PDL Eastern Conference final, losing to league champion Charlotte in a shootout.
The winner will meet Louisvile FC (United Soccer League) in the second round May 16.
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