FC Surge, South Florida’s entry in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, kicks off its 2018 season tonight.
Surge, which was founded in 2013 and has been part of the WPSL since its 2015 inception, provides an opportunity for some of the region’s top soccer players to stay fresh and compete with other players around the state.
Over the previous three seasons, Surge has climbed up the Sunshine Conference table. From sixth in 2015 to fourth in 2016 and finally a second-place finish last season. The top-two finished earned Surge a trip to the South Regional tournament, where they were eliminated by Charleston Fleet in the semifinals.
Head coach Ramiro Vengoechea, entering his third season with Surge, held tryouts in April and May looking for the most competitive squad. The roster is made up of mostly current college players, including five from the University of Miami (Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Kristina Fisher, Lexie Castellano, Dejah Cason and Lauren Markwith). The WPSL prohibits more than five players from one NCAA Division I team. Eva Castano Candela and Kortney Hinden play at St. Thomas University. April Perry and Paula Quintero represent FIU, though both are graduates. Elanna Brady played for Barry University before graduation.
Surge’s schedule starts off tonight at Ives Estate Park in North Miami-Dade against Florida Krush from Winter Springs at 6 pm. Admission is free.
