Laredo Heat
Encyclopedia
Laredo, Texas
Laredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 236,091 making it the 3rd largest on the United States-Mexican border,...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2004, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.
The team plays its home games at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex
Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex
Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex was built in 2006 and renovated in 2007. The soccer complex is located in Laredo, Texas in the Texas A&M International University campus. The complex has two soccer stadiums with a seating capacity of 4,000 each...
, where they have played since 2008. The team's colors are red, black and white.
History
Laredo Heat initially joined the USL Premier Development League in 2004 as an expansion franchise, playing a limited 'exploratory' schedule of eight exhibition games against selected opponents, but only managed two wins, both over the Lafayette Swamp CatsLafayette Swamp Cats
Lafayette Swamp Cats were an American soccer team, founded in 2000. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2004, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.They were given “provisional...
, 4-0 and 5-0, the latter of which featured a hat trick from striker Nelson Mata-Meza. Former Tampa Bay Mutiny
Tampa Bay Mutiny
The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 - 2001. They initially played in Tampa Stadium and were immediately successful, winning the first MLS Supporters' Shield behind MLS MVP Carlos Valderrama and high-scoring forward Roy Lassiter, whose 27 goals in...
, DC United and US national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
striker Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:...
played for Laredo in their 2-1 loss to DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
, but did not get on the score sheet.
Laredo's first true competitive season was 2005, and the team proved to be a formidable opponent almost immediately. They won their opening game 3-0 over Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
, and followed that with three wins in their next four games, before being brought back down to earth with a bump following a 7-0 hammering at the hands of the traditional regional powerhouses, El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
. The Heat rallied to register three more wins in June, including two hugely impressive wins on their trip to Tennessee, with a 5-0 thumping of Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros is an American soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference...
and a 5-1 drubbing of Memphis Express
Memphis Express
Memphis Express were an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Express played their home...
. Despite losing three of their last four games down the home stretch, including back-to-back losses away at the New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Jesters is an American soccer team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
, Laredo held off Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
to finish second in the Mid-South Division and claim a playoff spot at their first serious attempt. At the Southern Conference playoff tournament, Laredo dispatched Southeast Division champions Cocoa Expos
Cocoa Expos
Cocoa Expos was an American soccer team, founded in 1993. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its home matches at...
2-1 in the semi finals, but lost to El Paso in the final. Dionisio Infante was Laredo's top scorer for the season, with 8 goals, while both Hector Vallejo-Medina and Juan Ibarra contributed 5 assists.
Laredo's emergence as a true PDL powerhouse began in 2006. They began their season with a 9-game winning streak, proving to be a dominant force both at home and on the road: they scored an 88th minute winner to beat Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning
Austin Lightning was an American soccer team, founded in 2002, originally with the name Lafayette Lightning. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise...
4-3 on the opening day, enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
, came from behind to beat traditional rivals El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
3-2, and beat Austin for a second time, 4-1 on the road in mid-June. Laredo's only losses came at the hands of DFW and El Paso, the latter a comfortable 3-0 win for the Patriots on their home turf in the final game of the season, but by that time Laredo had already wrapped up their first divisional title by 16 points from the Tornados, and were into the playoffs for the second straight year. They won their conference semi final 3-2 over Augusta Fireball
Augusta FireBall
Augusta FireBall United, more commonly known as simply Augusta FireBall, was the American soccer team for Augusta, Georgia, founded in 2005...
with two late goals from substitute Arnoldo Presas-Delgado, and secured their first ever conference championship by beating Bradenton Academics
Bradenton Academics
The Bradenton Academics are an American soccer team based in Bradenton, Florida, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.The team is associated with...
2-1 with an 89th minute winner from Dionisio Infante. Their first trip to the national stage saw them taking on Eastern Conference champions Westchester Flames
Westchester Flames
Westchester Flames is an American soccer team based in New Rochelle, New York, United States. Founded in 1999, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home games...
; with yet another dogged performance, Laredo came from two goals down to win 3-2 with Dionisio Infante scoring an 89th minute winner for the second game in a row. The Heat hosted the 2006 PDL Championship Game, which was broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel
Fox Soccer Channel
Fox Soccer is an American television specialty channel, owned by News Corporation's Fox Entertainment Group, that specializes in soccer. It formerly broadcast rugby and Australian rules football, but is now dedicated strictly to soccer...
, where they faced Central Conference champions Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks is an American soccer team based in Pontiac, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1995, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
. Unfortunately for Laredo, and despite the support of 7,000 home fans, lightning couldn't strike three times, and Michigan held on to win 2-1 and take their first PDL title. Nevertheless, reaching the national final was a monumental feat for a second year franchise, and boded well for the future. Hector Vallejo-Medina was Laredo's top scorer, with 7 goals, and Steve Su contributed 6 assists.
Laredo retained their Mid South Division title in style in 2007, losing just two regular season games all year long. Despite never really overwhelming any of their opponents in games, Laredo were dogged and determined, grinding our comfortable 1-0 and 2-0 wins over their opponents, doing just enough to remain consistent all year. They began the season strongly, with a 3-0 win over Baton Rouge Capitals
Baton Rouge Capitals
Baton Rouge Capitals is an American soccer team based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 2007, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
on the opening day of the season, and despite dropping points to El Paso, New Orleans and Austin, remained at the top end of the divisional standings throughout May. They beat DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados
DFW Tornados was an American soccer team based in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1986, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
4-1 at home on June 1, kick-starting their season into action; they lost just one more game, a tight 1-0 decision on the road against El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, but were dominant elsewhere, closing the season with four straight wins and a bizarre 3-3 tie with Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla
Mississippi Brilla is an American soccer club based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, who fought back from being 3-0 down at half time and equalized with an 87th minute penalty kick! They finished the regular season 8 points clear of El Paso at the top of the Mid South Division standings, and hosted the Southern Conference playoffs for a second year. After comfortably dispatching Central Florida Kraze
Central Florida Kraze
Orlando City U-23 is an American soccer team based in Lake Mary, Florida, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference...
4-0 on the conference semi final, they then beat Southeast Division champions Carolina Dynamo
Carolina Dynamo
Carolina Dynamo is an American soccer team based in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home...
to retain their Conference championship and book their place in the national Final Four for the second straight year. Their opponents there were Western Conference champs Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego is an American soccer team based in Fresno, California, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at Chukchansi...
, who proved to be dogged competition; Laredo eventually scored an 84th minute winner through teenager Felix Garcia, and held out for a 1-0 win to take their place in the 2007 PDL Championship Game. The game, which Laredo hosted, saw them facing off again against Central Conference champions Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks is an American soccer team based in Pontiac, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1995, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
, the first time in PDL history that the same teams had qualified for consecutive championship games. After a tense 0-0 tie through regular time and extra time, Laredo sent their 6,640 home fans crazy by winning the penalty shoot-out 4-3. Felix Garcia struck the winning kick past Bucks keeper Steve Clark
Steve Clark (soccer)
Steve Clark is an American soccer player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Adeccoligaen side Hønefoss BK.-College and Amateur:Clark played soccer in the NCAA for the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies from 2005 to 2008...
. The shootout was notable for the injury to Michigan striker Kenny Uziogwe who, after taking a PK which was saved by Laredo keeper Ryan Cooper, immediately collapsed in agony with cramp; however, when the referee called the penalty back due to Cooper being off his line, Uziogwe was unable to continue, and despite receiving treatment for 10 minutes on the field, had to be substituted during the shoot-out.
As 2-time PDL Championship finalists and reigning national champions, Laredo were expected to be competitive in 2008, and did not disappoint. They started strongly, with two ties and a win in their opening three games, but were unexpectedly beaten 1-0 by expansion team Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23 was an American soccer team based in Round Rock, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played...
, who proved to be their regular-season nemesis. Laredo stuttered slightly in June, having to come from behind to tie 3-3 with New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Jesters is an American soccer team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
, fighting back strongly to register three consecutive three goal victories, but then losing twice in two days to the El Paso Patriots
El Paso Patriots
Chivas El Paso Patriots is an American soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, ensuring that the fight for the playoff spots would be a close one themselves, El Paso and Austin. Their second loss of the season to the Aztex, a 1-3 decision in which head coach Israel Collazo was sent off after the final whistle, seemed to light a fire under the Heat, who rallied to finish the regular season with three straight wins. They annihilated Houston Leones
Houston Leones
Houston Leones was an American soccer team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference...
7-0, and beat the New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Shell Shockers
New Orleans Jesters is an American soccer team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference.The team plays its home games...
4-0 on the final day with a hat trick from Felix Garcia to secure second place in the division by one point from El Paso, squeaking into the playoffs by the narrowest of margins. Laredo traveled to Florida for the Southern conference tournament; they beat Central Florida Kraze
Central Florida Kraze
Orlando City U-23 is an American soccer team based in Lake Mary, Florida, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference...
2-1 in the semi final, and exacted sweet revenge over Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23
Austin Aztex U23 was an American soccer team based in Round Rock, Texas, United States. Founded in 2007, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played...
by beating them 3-1 in the conference championship game, thereby securing their third straight title, and their third consecutive trip to the national final four. Their opponents in the semi final were the surprise Eastern champs, Reading Rage
Reading Rage
Reading United A.C. is an American soccer team based in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference....
, who they beat 2-0 to advance to their third straight PDL Championship Game, and in doing so became the first team in PDL history to achieve such a feat. In the final they faced Central Conference champions Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill is a Canadian soccer team based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2000, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games...
, and despite taking the lead, and despite Thunder Bay having a man sent off, had to settle for a 1-1 tie after extra time. Laredo were forced to endure a penalty shootout for the second year in a row; however, unfortunately for their 3,451 fans, Thunder Bay triumphed in the shootout to take the title. Young sensation Felix Garcia was Laredo's top scorer, with 11 goals (and was also named PDL U19 Player of the Year), while Juan Ibarra contributed 8 assists.
Current roster
As at June 9, 2011.Notable former players
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.Ryan Cooper Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:...
Yaikel Perez
Yaikel Perez
Yaikel Perez is a Cuban soccer player currently playing for Puerto Rico Islanders in the North American Soccer League.-Club:...
Javier Santana
Javier Santana
Starlin Javier Santana is an Dominican footballer currently playing for FC Tuggen.-Career:...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | USL PDL | 8th, Mid South | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2005 | 4 | USL PDL | 2nd, Mid South | Conference Finals | Did not qualify |
| 2006 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | National Final | 1st Round |
| 2007 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | Champions | Did not qualify |
| 2008 | 4 | USL PDL | 2nd, Mid South | National Final | Did not qualify |
| 2009 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | Conference Finals | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | Conference Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 2011 | 4 | USL PDL | 1st, Mid South | National Final | Did not qualify |
Honors
- USL PDL Southern Conference Champions 2011
- USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2011
- USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2010
- USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2009
- USL PDL Southern Conference Champions 2008
- USL PDL Champions 2007
- USL PDL Southern Conference Champions 2007
- USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2007
- USL PDL Southern Conference Champions 2006
- USL PDL Mid South Division Champions 2006
Head coaches
Lance Noble (2004) Eddie Silva (2004) Eleazar Jepson (2005) Israel Collazo (2006–present)Stadia
- Veterans FieldVeterans FieldVeterans Field is a baseball venue in Laredo, Texas. Built in 1950, the park was formerly known as West Martin Field, but the field's name was changed to honor the men and women who have served defending America in the armed forces. Home to many teams over the years, it was renovated in 2002, and...
; Laredo, TexasLaredo, TexasLaredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 236,091 making it the 3rd largest on the United States-Mexican border,...
(2004) - The Student Activity CenterThe Student Activity CenterThe Student Activity Complex is a soccer, track and field and football stadium and performing arts auditorium in Laredo, Texas owned by the United Independent School District. The complex is better known outside of South Texas as the home stadium for PDL 2007 champion franchise Laredo Heat until...
; Laredo, TexasLaredo, TexasLaredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 236,091 making it the 3rd largest on the United States-Mexican border,...
(2005–2007) - Texas A&M International University Soccer ComplexTexas A&M International University Soccer ComplexTexas A&M International University Soccer Complex was built in 2006 and renovated in 2007. The soccer complex is located in Laredo, Texas in the Texas A&M International University campus. The complex has two soccer stadiums with a seating capacity of 4,000 each...
; Laredo, TexasLaredo, TexasLaredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 236,091 making it the 3rd largest on the United States-Mexican border,...
(2008–present)
Average attendance
Attendance stats are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the historical match archive at http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html.- 2004: 1,300
- 2005: 542
- 2006: 705 (9th in PDL)
- 2007: 737 (10th in PDL)
- 2008: 974
- 2009: 1,228 (7th in PDL)
- 2010: 989 (10th in PDL)