OKC Lands PDL Soccer Franchise

Oklahoma City has been awarded a Premier Developmental League (PDL) soccer franchise and will open its inaugural season at home on May 11 versus the Austin Aztex. Home games will be played at Stars Field on the campus of Oklahoma City University.

With 65 franchises, the PDL is the largest organization of elite-level men's soccer in North America. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing around the world, as 68% of players selected in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft played in the PDL, including six of the first 10 selections and the overall No. 1 pick.

The PDL season consists of 14 regular season matches for each team, seven home and seven away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions.

"We welcome Oklahoma City FC to the PDL and look forward to having them compete in one of the league's strongest divisions starting with the 2013 season," USL President Tim Holt said. "With such a strong and stable ownership group and experienced executive leadership, we expect Oklahoma City FC to thrive in a market with unlimited potential."

Oklahoma City FC's ownership group is led by metro-area residents Sean Jones, Donna Clark and Tim McLaughlin. Sold Out Strategies, operated by former Oklahoma City Blazers pro hockey executives Brad Lund and DeBray Ayala, will serve as the managing partner.

Oklahoma City will compete in the Southern Conference's Mid South Division featuring five opponents from Texas – the Austin Aztex, Texas Dutch Lions (Houston), El Paso Patriots, Laredo Heat and West Texas Sockers (Midland).

"Oklahoma City has historically supported its minor and major league teams like no other city in the country," stated Oklahoma FC managing partner DeBray Ayala. "PDL will be the highest level of team soccer OKC has showcased in more than 15 years."

The regular season schedule, tryout information, team nickname, ticket information and the coaching staff will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information contact SOS at (405) 232-7223 or go to oklahomacityfc.com.