FCB announces three 2018 friendlies

FRIENDLIES ARE FREE TO NPSL SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

FC Buffalo is days away from announcing its 2018 NPSL regular season schedule, and is excited to announce three exhibition matches in 2018: two against a tough Canadian foe and another against an up-and-coming collegiate program.

The Blitzers will host League 1 Ontario club North Mississauga SC at Sweet Home High School in Amherst, N.Y., at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 (Buy tickets here) as part of the Panthers’ preseason preparation and then at a to be determined time on Tuesday, July 10 at Robert Rich Sr. All-High Stadium as FCB’s Fan Appreciation Day.

NMSC went 11-6-5 in League 1 Ontario play last season, and the club has turned out some impressive talent including former West Ham United player Doneil Henry and current Liverpool youth player Liam Miller (right), who has recently been called up by the Canadian men’s national team.

FCB will also host head coach Bobby McColl’s Daemen Wildcats men’s soccer program at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 20 (Buy tickets here) at Sweet Home High School, a homecoming for three Daemen players who graduated from the school.

“We are very grateful to FC Buffalo for the opportunity to play them during our spring season,” McColl said. “It is a great test for our guys and an excellent opportunity to showcase their ability to the FC Buffalo coaching staff. The game should be a great night out for soccer fans in the area.”

For more information on Daemen men’s soccer, head here.

FCB will use a mix of current players, alumni, and trialists for the April matches.

The NMSC series is part of a growing relationship between the Canadian club and FCB, one which will blossom to include home and away matches in 2019. NMSC’s business operations manager is Chris Keem, the former Buffalo State player and coach who was executive director of FCB’s NPSL precursor, Queen City FC.

“We are very excited to take on FC Buffalo as we both prepare for our respective seasons,” Keem said. “It will be a special day for me, as it’s a home coming of sorts.  I look forward to getting a pint with Situation Room folks after the match. We look forward to creating a home and home series next year for both our supporters’ groups to enjoy.”

Admission for all three games is free for season ticket holders, and $5 general admission for all others. That means a season pass saves nearly 40% off door prices.

FCB is also happy to announce that, in addition to some new concessions options once we return to All-High for the NPSL season, Frank’s Gourmet Hot Dogs will return to all Blitzers home matches.

“Facing a full-strength North Mississauga side is a terrific test for our current and prospective players, and we’re happy to renew acquaintance with an old friend in Chris,” said FC Buffalo co-owner Nick Mendola. “We’ve been impressed at how quickly Bobby McColl has turned around Daemen, and look forward to mixing it up with them. We’d also like to thank Scott Martin and the team at Sweet Home schools for allowing us to host these matches at the first class venue where we’ve trained.”

For all questions and more information, email wolf@fcbuffalo.org.

FRIENDLIES ARE FREE TO NPSL SEASON TICKET HOLDERS