Not too many people (including the locals) know that the USF Dons was once an NCAA powerhouse back in the 50's when Bill Russell and K.C. Jones led the basketball teams to back-to-back championships in 1955 and 1956. Those glory days are long gone and it's now a different world with collegiate amateur sports is now a multi-million dollar industry.
However, it's still nice to see local kids play the sport they love just purely for the fun and joy of it. Especially women's soccer. Ever since the U.S. Women's National Soccer team won their first World Cup in 1991. And who can forget the iconic picture of Brandi Chastain removing her shirt after making that penalty kick to clinch it in 1999?
Ever since then, the game of soccer has exploded, particularly with girls' soccer. Lots of soccer moms driving their kids to practice and games in their minivans was a common scene in the suburbs. Nowadays, the minivan has been replaced by an S.U.V., but the same scene is playing out.
Negoesco Stadium is the USF Dons' playing field, or should I say pitch? Named after their legendary coach Steve Negoesco. Home of both the men's and women's soccer teams, it's also utilized by USF students for numerous activities and even a local semi-pro soccer team. Renovated in 2000 to expand the sitting capacity to 3,000. The pitch also received an upgrade of the astro turf in 2016.
It only cost $10 to watch a soccer game and you get a free mug, which has been pretty handy. There's also a community feel watching the games, and they are entertaining. I have to disclose that my niece is a starting Defender for the soccer team so that's my incentive, but whether you know someone on the team is irrelevant since the games played are highly-skilled, fun and competitive. What more could you ask for?
Oh, and Karl the Fog is a frequent visitor here so better dress appropriately.
#YelpChallenge2020 review No. 8 read more