In late January, Joplin became home to the new minor league 4th division soccer team, Joplin Demize, and starting in May, soccer fans can enjoy a full season of games at the Joplin Athletic Complex. Tickets for the games can be purchased in advance through the Joplin Sports Authority or at the gate. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, $4 with a student or military ID, and children under the age of 6 are free. Joplin Demize will also offer an option to buy tickets online, and details will be announced as they are finalized.
The schedule is as follows (home games are in bold):
May 9 vs. FC Bordo Saint Louis (exhibition game) - Away
May 10 vs. TBD - 7:30PM (exhibition game)
May 16 vs. Oklahoma City FC - 7:30PM (kickoff inaugural game/season home opener)
May 24 vs. Dallas Fort Worth - 7:30PM
May 25 vs. Liverpool Warriors (Dallas) - Away
May 31 vs. Oklahoma City FC - Away
June 6 vs. Tulsa Athletics - Away
June 10 vs. Tulsa Athletics - 7:00PM
June 13 vs. BSC United Clash from College Station TX - 7:30pm
June 20 vs. Liverpool Warriors (Dallas) - 7:30PM
June 29 vs. FC Bordo Saint Louis (exhibition game)
July 5 vs. Dallas City FC - Away
July 7 vs. Corinthians FC of San Antonio
July 12 South Central Conference Championships
Demize includes local talent with players from Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Illinois. This new team allows players from local colleges an opportunity to showcase their talents. Demize coaches and management will continue to bring in top international talent to round out the roster.
Chris Hanlon is the Director of Soccer Operations in addition to serving on the coaching staff with Armen Tonianse, Luis Percovich, and Johnny Adame. Hanlon has extensive experience, having played as goalkeeper at the University of Pittsburgh, the United Soccer League, and Major Indoor Soccer League. He also has experience off the field having served in a variety of roles including time as a general manager, head coach, operations director, and director of coaching. Tonianse a former player and Assistant coach at Western Illinois University, won a conference championship as both a player and coach at WIU. Percovich a graduate of William Woods and has played with both the STL Lions and the Springfield Demize in the USL. Tonianse is a U.S. Soccer Federation “C” licensed coach. Adame is the current men's Soccer Assistant at Neosho County Community College and is a graduate of Joplin High School and Missouri Southern State University.
Recent renovations to the Joplin Athletic Complex facilities, including new bleachers for spectators, are being completed for the Demize home field. Facility improvements will continue into the spring ensuring that the facility is ready for the first home game on May 10.
Joplin Demize is in the South Central Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which qualifies the team for the U.S. Open Cup. To get more information about the team, go to www.demizesoccer.com or email Info@joplindemize.net
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