Soccer is the fastest growing sport in America. Yes we have the MLS, NWSL, USL, and NASL in the top levels of the US Soccer Federation pyramid. What about the little guys? There is so much more to the growth and development of the beautiful game here than just the two levels in the pyramid. This is where I hope the “Houston Hoedown” can come in and help shine some light on the lower divisions, at least the ones here in the Houston community. My guide lines to be included is simple: fall under the umbrella of the US Soccer Federation pyramid.
You may wonder why I chose the word “Hoedown.” I chose this title for my segment in my Houston Dynamo podcast “The Peel”(Also found on DynamoTheory.com) . I wanted something simple and southern related. Hence “Hoedown.” One of the synonyms for it is “celebration” and this is how I view the “Houston Hoedown.” A celebration of Houston Soccer!
Below is the list of teams that we will cover this year and when their seasons start. Most of them will be kicking off within the next couple weeks. One of the most important is the Houston Dutch Lions FC which will start there season in the 1st round of the 2017 US Open Cup versus the NTX Rayados out of Dallas.
Houston FC
The Houston FC are one of two Houston area teams that will kick off their inaugural season this year in the USL PDL (4rd level on the pyramid). The club will face teams in the Mid South Division in the Southern Conference. Houston FC will play their home matches at Halloway Field located on the campus of Rice University.
2017 USL PDL Regular Season
May 20, 2017 11:00 AM
OKC Energy U23 vs. Houston FC
Brazos Valley Cavalry FC
Brazos Valley Cavalry will also be kicking off their first season in the USL PDL in 2017. With so much emphasis being put into the development of young talent, the Houston Dynamo decided to pursue an affiliation with the club. The team will play their home matches at Nutrabolt Stadium in Bryan, TX.
2017 USL PDL Regular Season
May 25, 2017 @7:00 PM
Brilla FC vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry FC
Houston Dutch Lions FC
The Houston Dutch Lions FC play their home match in Conroe, TX at the Houston Dutch Lions FC Soccer facility. After a successful first season in the NPSL (4th level on the pyramid) the Lions won the South Central Championship. With that win the Dutch Lions FC qualified for the 2017 US Open Cup where they will take in the NTX Rayados this Wednesday in Conroe at 7:30PM.
2017 US Open Cup First Round
May 10, 2017 @7:30 PM
Houston Dutch Lions FC vs. NTX Rayados
2017 NPSL Regular Season
May 20, 2017 @7:30 PM
Fort Worth Vaqueros vs. Houston Dutch Lions FC
Houston Regals SCA
After finishing in 9th place in the South Central Conference in 2016 the Houston Regals SCA are looking to improve in 2017. The Regals who are also in the NPSL, play their home matches at the stadium located on the campus of KIPP High School off Tidwell Rd.
2017 NPSL Regular Season
May 13, 2017 @7:00 PM
Houston Regals SCA vs. Shreveport Rafters FC
Galveston Hurricanes FC
Formerly known as the Houston Hurricanes FC, the 2017/2018 Hurricanes will make their move down to Galveston for the upcoming TPSL season.
http://www.txpremiersoccerleague.com/home.html
Houston Aces
With a successful history, the Houston Aces will be entering their second season in the UWS (2nd level in the women’s soccer pyramid) after moving from the WPSL in 2016. The Aces play their home matches at the Houston Sports Park.
2017 UWS Regular Season
June 3, 2017 @7:30 PM
Houston Aces vs. Calgary Foothills
http://www.thehoustonaces.com/
Houston South Select
The Houston South Select play in the WPSL’s (2nd level in the women’s soccer pyramid) Southwest Conference (South). The South Select plays their home matches at San Jacinto-South Soccer Field.
2017 WPSL Regular Season
May 20, 2017 @ 6:00 PM
San Antonio Atheanians FC vs. Houston South Select
http://www.houstonsouthselect.com/
Texas Titans
Another local ladies club in the WPSL, the Texas Titans are from Katy, TX. The Titans are also in the Southwest Conference (South). They play their home matches at the British School in Katy.
2017 WPSL Regular Season
May 27, 2017 @ 7:00 PM
Texas Titans vs. San Antonio Atheanians FC