Outlaws preparing for start of season
Weber State club players still hoping to make team before May 13 opener

By M. Jared Wilhelmsen | asst. sports editor
April 14, 2006

Now that it’s spring, the Ogden Outlaws are gearing up and making final preparations before their season begins.

The Outlaws coaching staff is still looking at many players from the Weber State University men’s soccer team who tried out in early March 2006. The coaches do not want to make a final decision on who makes the team until the beginning of the season is closer. The Outlaws are waiting for the spring semester to be finished throughout the country so other players who have expressed interest in playing, but have not been able to try out because of other commitments to their university teams, can try out.

These players will join the Outlaws in a few weeks and will have the opportunity to test their skills against much of the local talent in hopes they can earn a roster spot.

The Outlaws’ first game will be May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Ogden High School. In-state rival Brigham Young University will be making the trip to Ogden to take on the Outlaws.

“I am really excited about the Outlaws and their opening game against BYU,” said Ryan Young, a soccer fan and follower of the Weber State men’s soccer team.

“I really hope that a lot of the Weber State players make the roster and are able to contribute to the Outlaws. I want to see them succeed.”

A majority of the players trying out from Weber State are older than 23. League rules state there is a limited number of roster spots that can be given to players older than 23. Many of the Weber State players are competing against each other for these limited spots.

The Outlaws are part of the Premier Development League which is part of the United Soccer League, which develops players who eventually play in the Major League Soccer or other leagues throughout the world.

Players for the Outlaws will get exposure from professional scouts during games and road trips. With this exposure, the local talent will have a chance to further their careers in the soccer industry.

“I know of a few players that are trying out and are hoping to make the team,” said Colton Strong, a follower of the Outlaws. “I hope a lot of the local talent will have a chance to play at a higher level of soccer than just the Outlaws.”

Before the Outlaws came to Ogden, most players’ careers would end upon completion of college. Because Weber State’s team is not an NCAA-credited school sport, but is a club team, they do not get the attention bigger universities get from the professional level. With the Outlaws, these players can hopefully take their talent to the next level and succeed there.

Within the PDL are 59 other teams divided into four conferences. The Outlaws will have a 16-game regular season. For team information and scheduled games, go to Ogdenoutlaws.com.

Ogden has a plan in place to play MLS team Real Salt Lake, but a date and location has not yet been determined.

You can watch the Outlaws practice every Monday and Thursday at Bernard Park in Clearfield from 7-9 p.m.