Hammerheads Prepare to Take on the New York Red Bulls Reserves

This weekend will be one for the record books. Not only has the summer heat reached Legion Stadium, but the New York Red Bulls Reserve League of Major League Soccer will be entering the Shark Tank.

In January, the United Soccer League Professional Division reached a multi-year agreement with the MLS to integrate the MLS Reserve League teams into the USL PRO regular season schedule.

The Hammerheads have been busy this week preparing for this opportunity. The recent heat wave has had an effect on the players, but they are learning to work through it.

Photo Credit: Harris Talbert

Defensive Player, Tom Parratt, shared how hard it is for the team to play at such a high intensity in this weather. “We have to learn how to conserve our energy throughout the rising temperatures,” said Parratt.

The benefit of the team learning to adjust to the Wilmington heat is that the New York Red Bulls won’t be use to the same intensity and humidity, giving the Hammerheads a greater advantage.

Even though the Hammerheads’ opponent is an MLS Reserves team, the Hammers feel that they are absolutely prepared for this weekend’s game and they are getting an excellent opportunity with the new integration. “I think this is great for American soccer. It gives the young players of MLS more experience and it gives us the opportunity to showcase our abilities for the hope of an MLS contract,” said Parratt.

Pictured above is Tom Parratt, Green Training Bib
Photo Credit: Harris Talbert

It is expected that this weekend will be one of the most challenging games the Hammerheads will play this season, but the players disagree. “Every game is challenging in its own way. This weekend will be challenging because it will be the hottest game we have yet to play. But, we approach every game the same way,” said Parratt.

So come out to Legion Stadium this Saturday to help root on the Hammerheads as they play against the New York Red Bulls Reserve League. Make sure to wear your blue for the “Blue Out” and kickoff is at 7:30 pm.

See you there, Hammerheads fans!

– Jamie Placco