WINDSOR, Colo. — Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC enter Friday’s match against Central Valley Fuego FC knowing that they will be the top seed in the knockout round of the USL Jägermeister Cup, but that does not mean they will be taking things lightly.
“We’re on a streak of six games unbeaten, five wins and a draw, and I like that rhythm, that winning feeling, so absolutely I want to win this game,” Hailstorm head coach Éamon Zayed said.
Hailstorm are also looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the USL Jägermeister Cup, with five wins and two draws in their first seven cup matches. Their 18 points in the competition have already secured them the top spot in the West Group and the top seed in the knockout round, meaning both their semifinal and a potential final will be played at 4Rivers Equipment Stadium.
Zayed said that while still going for the win, Friday’s match is an opportunity to get playing time for certain players in the squad, including some returning from injuries.
“Look at the guys that need minutes,” Zayed said. “Johnny Fenwick getting back into the team, Enock Kwakwa getting playing time, these are starters. We’ll be giving guys minutes but I still think it’s a team that can beat anybody in the league.”
Hailstorm and Fuego kick off Friday at 8:30 p.m. Mountain time and can be streamed live on ESPN+.—
The home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex will feature 6,500-seat TicketSocket Park, 2,500-seat 4Rivers Equipment Stadium, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.