SPOKANE, Wash. — The dream of professional soccer in the Lilac City is close to becoming a reality. The Spokane Velocity continue to train ahead of the beginning of the USL regular season.
The 15-player roster is now complete, so the process is underway to establish flow among an entire new squad.
"We all know it takes time, so there is a patience component that comes with it. But while we are patient, we also work hard. We hold each other accountable. We know what the standards are and we push each other everyday to get better and while we are doing that, we stay humble," head coach Leigh Veidman said.
This group is a blend of some young players who are making their USL debuts and some experienced veteran leaders like the team's first number 10.
"I have kind of taken that role on over the past couple of years. I am a little bit more vocal now and try to lead by example as well, which I like. Obviously, it is a great thing for the team to have experience and have other guys learn, so hopefully I can be a good example for the team," midfielder Luis Gil said.
As we draw ever closer to the kick-off of the season, the team is enjoying getting to know each other and their new city.
"The process has been really fluid and getting to know everybody has been great. It was nice to get away in Arizona for the week and get to know everybody a little better. Now, we came back here and we have an exhibition game tomorrow and we are looking forward to it," midfielder Collin Fernandez said.
"This is my first time out here in Spokane, I have been here for three weeks and I think it's really nice. It is a chill place, everyone seems kind. I am not used to the weather yet, but we are getting there and so far I have enjoyed it and enjoyed being out here around the guys as well," centerback Ahmed Longmire said.
This team also has a couple of members with local connections to Spokane, including former Gonzaga goalkeeper Vito Higgins, who is the goalkeepers coach for the Velocity.
"It has been really cool to be a part of the project and being able to introduce people to how great Spokane is," Higgins said.
Defender Derek Waldeck grew up in Ellensburg and has fond memories of coming to Spokane as a child.
"It gives me chills that this is real and happening right now. It's really special to get to represent the city on such a cool platform and be a part of something new. I know how special of a community is from being around it as a kid and coming back for Hoopfests, so I am really excited to be involved in the community and not just coming on the weekends before going home to Ellensburg," Waldeck said.
The Velocity open the season on the road in Greenville on March 9 ahead of their home opener on March 16 against the Richmond Kickers at ONE Spokane Stadium.
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