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U.S. Open Cup qualifier nears

Shea Stadium prepared for historic match

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U.S. Open Cup qualifier nears

By Marc Strauss

Story Published: Jun 4, 2008 at 5:20 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 4, 2008 at 8:27 PM CDT

No one is looking forward to Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup qualifier more than Bradley soccer coach Jim DeRose.

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"When we built Shea Stadium the dream was to have high end division–one soccer," said DeRose. "But we also wanted a facility where we could attract events such as this. Bringing pros to Peoria is certainly exciting."

DeRose spent Wednesday afternoon labeling the Shea Stadium bleachers. New sod is gong down. The field looks magnificent. The game itself is a testament to Bradley's soccer success.

"The purpose for Bradley and our soccer program is to continue to establish Peoria as a place that's among the nation's best facilities for college soccer and that pro teams feel great about being here. That could showcase us and help in many different ways – not just with recruiting, but with making Peoria a major hub in soccer."

The U.S. Open Cup is a unique tournament. DeRose says almost any team, at any level can win the championship.

"The cool thing about this event is that it's open to amateur teams. Players that don't get paid play against second division pros or third division pros and the top pros. To give it a baseball analogy, someone from the Sunday Morning League could compete against the Chiefs, but could compete against the Cubs. And with a winner coming out of it. It makes it the ultimate David and Goliath."

No matter who wins, Tuesday's game will be historic.

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