Cleary Named New RCU Head Coach

As the Perfectly Weighted Through Blog speculated a few months ago, Rocket City United announced this morning that Martin Methodist Women's Coach Gerry Cleary will take the reigns for the 2011 season.

New RCU Coach Gerry Cleary from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.
Cleary spoke about building a foundation for Rocket City United and bringing consistency to the coaching staff.  After three different coaches in four seasons, consistency is certainly something that could help RCU.  Notice that RCU's most successful season when they won the 2009 Southeast Regional Championship came in the second season under Greg Petersen.

2011 Schedule

RCU also announced its 2011 season schedule.  The regular season is in the familiar home and away format to determine the Southeast Region Champion.  All RCU home matches will be held at 7:30 PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.

• May 7 @Knoxville
• May 14 home vs. Knoxville
• May 28-30 NPSL US Open Cup Qualifying in Chattanooga
• June 4 home vs. Atlanta
• June 11 home vs. Chattanooga
• June 18 @ Chattanooga
• June 25 @ Georgia
• July 2 @ Atlanta
• July 16 home vs. Georgia
• July 28-30 NPSL Final Four + All-Star Game

The NPSL will have 4 automatic qualifiers into the US Open Cup this year and the Southeast Region's qualification tournament will be hosted by Chattanooga on Memorial Day weekend.  The format of the tournament will be announced in a few weeks.

RCU will host an exhibition match against an opponent to be named later on July 9th.
 
Other RCU News

RCU announced a partnership with the YMCA to help with the soccer program at the Y by holding coaching clinics and other special appearances by RCU players and staff.

I was finally able to get with RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner about how he came to RCU and the partnership with the Y.

RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.

RCU season tickets are on sale now for $50.  If you buy now, you'll get a great deal, because for a short time only, it's buy one, get one free!  With you're season ticket, you'll receive tickets to each home game, tickets to each NPSL Championship Weekend game, and free food and drink at every home game.  The first 50 to take advantage of the deal will also get a free parking pass.  That's the best deal I've ever seen for a season ticket package.