Photo: courtesy of Ocean City Noreasters
If you’re looking to show your support for a local soccer team with a winning record, you might want to go to Widener this Wednesday or “down the shore” on Sunday and take in an Ocean City Nor’easters game before their brief season ends.
The Storm has been surging past the rest of its USL2 East rivals with an 8-1-0 record so far. Running away from the rest of the conference, OCNE has completed a Three-Peat, clinching the Mid-Atlantic East Division title for the third year in a row and in prime position to win a third straight Mid-Atlantic Division championship.
The current Noreasters’ roster sports 14 international players on US college teams. With 18 alumni playing pro soccer, OCNE has been a launching pad for Union Boys in Blue, including John McCarthy, Ryan Richter and current Union II player Nick Pariano.
The Nor’easters return to action on Wednesday, July 3 on the road against Philadelphia Lone Star FC (3-5-1) at Widener University. It is the last road game of the regular season and the Storm will enter the contest riding a club record 25-game road unbeaten streak. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Ocean City’s next home game will be on Sunday, July 7 against long-time rival Reading United AC at Carey Stadium in Ocean City N.J., “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
Looking ahead, USL2’s Playoff Qualifying Round will be held July 15-16. The Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches are scheduled for July 19 & 21. Conference Final and National Semis will be July 26 & 28. And if any of USL2 East’s teams make the Final match it will be held August 3. All playoff locations are TBD.
Oh man we are leaving OC on Saturday – bummer. We used to go to the OC games when they were known as the Red Barons. Fun games to watch, just wish the season was a bit longer.