LYNN– The Lynn United Football Club will be facing off against Nashua, New Hampshire-based International Soccer Club Saturday afternoon at Manning Field. Lynn United F.C. 26-year-old co-owner Eric Moreno will be coaching the home team and he hopes to raise community awareness about his group.
“We are hoping to let everyone know who we are in the community,” Moreno, who was named the head coach of the boys soccer team at Classical last week, said. “With the league we are in it’s a really big platform, but it’s a new league and soccer is really growing. This league is semi-professional, there’s over 100 teams. It’s a national league so if we win our region here we go nationals.”
Bent Water Brewing Co. be on hand, selling their special spring beer selection. A portion of the proceeds from those sales will benefit Lynn United F.C. The Lynn Community Chamber of Commerce will welcome Lynn United F.C. to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
“I want to provide the community with a good view about competitive soccer, what it looks like close to home versus driving all the way to Foxboro to watch a New England Revolution Game,” Moreno, a Lynn native and Bishop Fenwick alum, said.
Moreno wants to ensure families have a good time outdoors, other activities include face painting, music, and food will be sold. Both teams will walk onto the field with players from Lynn Youth soccer prior to the start of the game.
With a competitive opponent awaiting Lynn United F.C., Moreno is staying positive about the possibility of winning. However, he expects that International S.C. will bring stiff competition to Saturday’s game.
“Last season International S.C. won first place (in the league),” Moreno said. “It was a great win to open up the season. I expect this team to be a tough team.”
Moreno, who played college soccer at Salem State, is focused solely on coaching this season. He does not expect to jump into the field as a player and wants continue to focus on building the team’s strengths.
Lynn United F.C. has grown a strong following on Facebook, with close to 8,000 followers. Moreno handles the social media account and makes sure to post frequently. His followers include Lynn residents, as well as people from all over the world.
“We are the most followed team in the league we are in right now,” Moreno said.
Tickets for Saturday’s game cost $5 for general admission. Kids and Lynn students will be granted admission free of cost. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
