Ocean City Nor'easters Men's Soccer Team Kicks Off Season This Weekend

Ocean City, NJ -- The Ocean City Nor’easters men’s soccer club kicks off its regular season this weekend, but first the team will compete in a tune-up against D.C. United’s U-23 team at Carey Stadium on Saturday night.

The U-23 squad, while consisting of mostly senior academy members, is a talented group of youth players and can often include MLS players who are looking to return to form or seeking more time on the pitch.

This matchup won't be the first time the Nor'easters will face off against the U-23's from D.C.

Last year, the two teams split the season series with the home team winning each game. United won the season opener on their home turf 3-1 on May 23, while the Nor'easters got revenge with a 2-1 home win on July 12.

The Nor'easters have also played against the D.C. United senior side in a real competition.

During the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Nor'easters (then known as the Ocean City Barons) traveled down to Boyds, Marlynad and played against the MLS side. Ocean City lost a narrow 2-0 decision that day after United scored on a penalty kick and a goal in the final minutes.

The PDL regular season begins for the Nor’easters on Sunday, May 22, when they visit the Baltimore Bohemians at Cedar Lane Park in Bel Air, Maryland.

The Bohemians defeated Evergreen FC, 3-1, on the road in their season opener, and were scheduled to host Evergreen Friday night. Jamie Merriam and Joshua Fawole each scored in the win over Evergreen.

For the Nor’easters, players to watch include Marcelo Petit and Fraser Colmer.

Colmer played all 90 minutes of last week’s inaugural Blue and Orange Game, and turned in an outstanding individual performance, the team said on Friday. He has showed quality and talent early on.

Petit, a Paraguay native, had a goal in the Blue and Orange Game and was the Man of the Match.

The Nor'easters will carry over a four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1) into the new campaign as head coach Tim Oswald looks to creep closer to the club's all-time coaching wins record of 53. Oswald, who is entering his fifth season with the club, already has the PDL coaching wins franchise record with 38.

Ocean City defeated Baltimore, 3-1, the last time they played in June of last year.

For individual tickets, click here. For group tickets, email tickets@oceancityfc.com, or call the ticket office at 609-736-4849.