Members of the two American service academies will go head-to-head in the soccer battle for the 80th Annual Army-Navy Cup II to take place at PPL Park on Friday, November 8.
For the student athletes, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to play in a professional environment, surrounded by family and supporters. For the coaches, it’s a chance to showcase their players and program in the soccer-rich Greater Philadelphia Region.
New this year, the event will be streamed live, internationally as the premier match in a package being produced by the National Soccer Coaches of Association of America allowing members the military around the world to witness the match.
"We could not be more excited to play in the second Army-Navy Cup at PPL Park,” reflected Army Head Coach Russell Payne. “Last year's event was a fantastic experience for our guys, not only having a great battle against Navy but also soaking in the tremendous atmosphere at PPL Park. I know this year's event will be no different.”
Last year, nearly 4,000 fans enjoyed the amazingly spirited match that ended in a 1-1 tie. This year’s clash will be the last game of the Patriot League’s regular season, making each team come in hungrier than ever for a win with playoff implications likely.
"It's a great opportunity for both teams to experience playing in a professional atmosphere in such a big game,” offered Navy Head Coach Dave Brandt. “Both programs are on the rise and will be factors in the Patriot League Tournament race; and there could be something extra riding on it as it’s the last game of the regular season. Those things will only make what is already one of the biggest rivalries anywhere, an even better game."
"Philadelphia is a great city and it is a great opportunity for us to play at PPL Park again,” said Navy Senior Defender and Team Captain Zach Davis. “The crowd was great last year and the fans added a lot of excitement to a game that is already very exciting. Now there is an extra twist this year with it being the last game of the regular season. It's nice to cap the season playing against Army, especially in such a great venue.”
“Our guys are ecstatic about returning to PPL Park to take on Navy”, said Army Goalkeeper and Captain Winston Boldt. “But, most importantly, we know that members of our military stationed all over the world will be able to watch this competitive soccer match. As collegiate athletes, nothing could possibly motivate us more than that. It is shaping up to be a memorable night.”
Navy will open up the 2013 season at Davidson on Friday, August 30. Army will open up their season against the Keydets of VMI on Friday, August 30 at Clinton Field in West Point, NY.
In cooperation with the Philadelphia Sports Congress, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Board and Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau, hospitality packages have been created for those interested in taking in the historically rich sites in both Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Visitwww.discoverPHL.com andwww.brandywinecvb.com to find out more about these specially created packages.
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