CAPITALS ON THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND
May 17, 2008 - The Capitals open up a pair of tough road games today beginning with the Mississippi Brilla of Clinton, MS. Brilla recently played the defending North American champions, the Laredo Heat to a 0-0 draw last Friday evening. This is the same Laredo squad that beat the Capitals last Sunday 1-0 here at Olympia Stadium.
The Brilla team has a large support base from the Jackson Soccer Association that provides many of Mississippi's best soccer players to play on their Premier Development League team. Brilla, like the Capitals, are only their second season with the United Soccer League. Last season Brill ended up in the middle of the standings in the Mid-South Division, and were also recognized as the rookie team of the year.
The Capitals know that this will be a tough match playing in front of a large crowd in a hostile environment, but these two games will mean a lot in the points standing towards the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open cup. 
Every team registered to play with the United States Soccer Federation is involved in this competition which may pit a team such as the Capitals, playing against a professional team which may possibly come from the MLS. Points from the first four matches count towards qualifying for the Open Cup.
Things don't get any easier tomorrow when the Capitals travel down to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Shell Shockers at Tad Gormley stadium at 6:00 p.m. This will be the first time that the two teams have met after the Capitals won the inaugural Louisiana Cup after much controversy. This will be a battle for bragging rights but also for much more. Several of the Capitals' players have driven up the road to join the Capitals' team last season, but this season even more of the Shockers' starters decided to make a change for the Baton Rouge squad - namely the starting keeper Dustyn Brim who has started the last two matches for the Baton Rouge team.
Head Coach Helio D'Anna has been quite pleased with the strength of his team, and stated that the team has gotten even stronger with the late arrival of some additional players who just recently finished their terms at their respective colleges. "Our back line will be very strong from this point forward. We should be able to continue to play a possession oriented type game, and work for some good scoring opportunities."
Last week in their win against El Paso, Tony Judice last season's All Conference player, broke free for both of the Capitals' goals. He feels that with a team that can provide so many quality balls, that he should have another good year. Another returning starter is Anthony Peters, who is now playing on the back line and is an intimidating force with his speed and stature. He has been able to take control of any air attack and has the finesse to work the ball up the field as well.
The Capitals return to Olympia Stadium next Saturday when the New Orleans team will have to travel up the road to face the Capitals in front of their home crowd. This will be a special night as it is also Baton Rouge Soccer Association night where many of the recent Baton Rouge teams who did well in the State Cup, will be recognized for their efforts. For more about the Capitals' schedule and ticket information go to www.brcapitals.com
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