HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The biggest night in Washington County soccer history is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, when Hub City FC brings the sport to Meritus Park for the first time.
The Black Roses will host Montgomery Soccer at 7 p.m. in the downtown Hagerstown ballpark, home of the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, in their final home match of the United Premier Soccer League fall season.
For Hub City FC coach Michael Long, the occasion represents a major opportunity for a club nearing the end of its inaugural year.
“It’s an opportunity we’re blessed to have, for sure,” Long said.
Hub City FC began play this summer in the National Premier Soccer League before joining the UPSL for the fall. The club has played its home games at North Hagerstown High School, but Long had hoped to bring soccer to Meritus Park from the beginning.
He said the club approached the ballpark organization before its summer season, but logistical issues prevented the two sides from reaching an agreement.
The idea resurfaced when representatives of the ballpark approached Hub City FC about playing there.
“I think as they saw how well we were doing at North, the professionalism we showed putting on our home matches and the way we carried the team and the club, and the fact that they were looking to get more business and more events inside the stadium, they approached us about playing there,” Long said.
Saturday was the only date on Hub City’s schedule that worked for both organizations.
Long expects the match to draw the largest crowd yet for the Black Roses, who attracted approximately 600 spectators for their summer meeting with FC Frederick.
He said about 425 tickets already had been sold as of Wednesday afternoon, with most ticket purchases typically coming on game day.
“We’re really looking to have a great crowd,” Long said. “There’s never been a crowd that big to watch soccer. There’s never been this level of soccer played in our area before, so it’s really something cool.”
The club is encouraging supporters to wear black for what it is promoting as a “blackout party with football in the park.”
Gates will open at 5 p.m., two hours before kickoff. The evening also will feature live music at the Meinelschmidt Distillery stadium bar from 5 to 6:30 p.m., drink specials and a postgame gathering with players, families and supporters.
Long hopes the occasion brings together soccer fans from throughout Washington County, regardless of their high school or club affiliations.
“We’re unifying the county around this one semi-pro minor league team that everyone can get behind, no matter where you went to high school,” Long said. “And I think that’s the vibe we’re going to feel in the stadium on Saturday night.”
On the field, Hub City FC has experienced growing pains during its first year. The Black Roses enter Saturday’s match with a 1-7 record in the UPSL’s DMV North Conference, but Long said the team is making progress against strong competition.
He said building a competitive program will take time as more players from throughout the region become familiar with the club.
“The longer we’re in existence, the more players from around the region learn about what we do and want to be a part of it, we’ll grow, and we’ll definitely start to win more,” Long said.
For now, though, Saturday represents something bigger than the conference standings.
“Hopefully, it leads to bigger and better, and a continued path for the Hub City Football Club,” Long said.
Tickets are available here.
The Black Roses will play the first soccer match at Meritus Park on Saturday. (Photo by Andy Mason)
