Friday, April 27, 2007

TAMPA, FL -- The most difficult part of the season for most Premier Development League teams are the four US Open Cup qualification matches that are, with a rare exception, the first four matches of the campaign.

With minimal preparation the clubs are competing for a select number of berths that give them the opportunity to join the top professional clubs in the limelight in official competitive matches in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The rare number of berths places pressure on teams to be perfect out of the gate for their shot at glory.

The PDL qualifying schedule kicks off Saturday with a pair of matches in the Southwest Division.

Each division in the league will see the top US-based team in the division after their four qualification matches advance to the tournament, giving each conference two representatives.

The USL Second Division will see an additional team qualify with the berth formally allotted to the Virginia Beach Mariners (USL-1) open. The defending champion Richmond Kickers are automatic entrants with the top six based on points percentage in league play through May 28 advancing to the tournament.

All 9 US-based teams will participate from the USL First Division.