The Turlock Express recently announced that well known Spanish side Sevilla Futbol Club will serve as the Express’ opponent in its season opening exhibition game on Oct. 23 at the Turlock Indoor Soccer Arena in cooperation with the Ontario Fury, Inland Empire Sports & Entertainment and Tiguinho Soccer, the three promoters of the Sevilla FC USA Tour.
Sevilla FC, which just competed against FC Barcelona in the championship game of the UEFA Super Cup last month, originally was sending players from its indoor team to take on the Ontario Fury for one game, but now have agreed to also play a second game on their tour against the Express.
“Bernie and the Fury have been great in this process and helped make this event happen here in Turlock,” said Express owner and head coach Art Pulido. “To be able to get Sevilla FC to play here against the Express is unprecedented and will be a great night for our players and soccer fans all across the Northern California area. We are very excited.”
The idea was almost that, just an idea, but after talks became serious between Pulido and the Sevilla representatives all came together in a promising way.
The Express, which compete in the Major Arena Soccer League, could not be any more enthusiastic about the opportunity.
This will be a great chance for the team to be exposed to professional players and also for all local soccer enthusiasts to come out and support the local professional indoor soccer team.
“We are just really excited for this opportunity,” said Pulido. “It won’t be all of their outdoor guys but a lot of their lower level players or some players from their practice squad so it will be against top competition.”
The game will be the Express season opener for the 2015-16 season and kick off is scheduled at 7 p.m.
A series of public and private local events are being planned involving both Sevilla FC and the Express leading up to the pre-season game, including a meet and greet on Oct. 22 at Turlock Poker Room & Casino, the Turlock Express' major sponsor.
Individual tickets for the game are on sale now. For more information on the game, special events and any sponsorship opportunities, contact msw95382@yahoo.com or call 209-634-5181.
The 2015-16 Major Arena Soccer League season will begin in October, with games set to be played through the last week of February. A full season scheduled is available at Turlockexpress.com.