“There were a couple of moves, a couple of runs, a couple of decision-makings from them that we liked,” he said. “We are bringing back out of that collection about 17 of them to have the last tryout. Then we are going to compare their talent with those that we already have.”
That final tryout, held March 24, was to feature a mix of players from the first two invite-only rounds, as well as those culled from the open tryouts. And at some point soon after, Stockade FC’s first-ever roster will be set.
According to Vizvary, making the cut means making a commitment.
“The ball is rolling and the decision-making is increasing,” he said. “The time is coming when we will say, ‘Now you have to stand up.’ Anything could happen. They could have an injury, they could have a work date and could not be able to practice, and I take it very seriously this issue. If you don’t practice, you don’t play, and if you don’t practice or play there is no reason for us to have you. So then comes the word, ‘Next.’”
While the on-pitch action was intense, club officials were also thrilled with the turnout from the community, with fans, including the newly-minted Dutch Guard Supporters Group, filling in the stands.
“There was a moment where I was watching one of the scrimmages, not even paying attention to people showing up, and the last time I’d looked there were maybe five people in the stands,” said Crowley. “And all of a sudden someone scored and you just heard the crowd behind you applauding. And I looked and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s 100 people here. There’s 100 people in the stands to watch tryouts.’”
The club’s general manager, Randy Kim, was also impressed by the turnout.
“The crowd aspect was a huge positive,” he said. “I don’t know exact numbers, but we had a fair amount of butts in seats. It was a little bit chilly, and it was a tryout, not a game. But there was palpable interest in what was going on on the day. There was cheering for goals, there was a lot of chatter in the stands. Having so many people buy in and commit to what we’re doing, I think it speaks to the excitement around soccer in the Hudson Valley. The pride that local sports fans have in their area, it just feels like this is becoming something that is directly tied to the Hudson Valley. And that was always a top objective for us in getting this off the ground.”
Though the regular season schedule has yet to be finalized, Crowley said Stockade FC’s home opener will likely be a pair of back-to-back games at Dietz Stadium on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. The Northeast Region of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season officially kicks off two weeks earlier, so Stockade FC will open for business on the road.
“It is difficult to say what we’ll achieve in season one,” said Kim. “But we feel very good about the team we’re putting into place. We feel it will be competitive. There’s a very good level of skill, and also the commitment and drive that these players have shown already, these are huge building blocks for our first season. I think when we put that 11 out on the pitch, it will really be a team the area can be proud of. It’s not just a fly-by-night thing. It’s something that will endure.”
Crowley said the club sold around 50 season passes on March 19, as well as lots of Stockade FC merchandise. Season passes are available locally at Keegan Ales, and can be purchased on the club’s official website (www.stockadefc.com).
