By Howard Koplowitz
A professional soccer team is gearing up for its inaugural home opener Saturday at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium and the university said the club’s games will not disrupt the community.
FC New York, which has two games under its belt in the United Soccer League Professional Division, is set to hold its first of 12 matches at Belson Stadium Saturday against Orlando City at 7:30 p.m.
The team, which includes four players who played for St. John’s — Kyle Hoffer, Derby Carillo, Tadeu Terra and Dave Read — has members from all over the world, including Canada, Ireland, Brazil, England and Cape Verde.
FC New York’s captain, Paul Shaw, is a former player for Arsenal, one of the top clubs in England’s Premier League.
Of the 12 games to be played at Belson Stadium, nine matches are scheduled at night with 7:30 p.m. start times. The three day games are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Joe Schiame, vice president of community affairs for St. John’s, said he does not expect any traffic problems as a result of the games, which had been a concern of Community Board 8.
“We anticipate no additional traffic, other than what we have for our other athletic events,” Schiame said.
The board also had noise concerns, but Schiame said the university has sound monitors in place and noise will not be a problem.
“We have assured them that the sound system on the stadium field will be checked,” he said.
Schiame noted St. John’s has a dialogue group that meets once a week.
“We’re constantly speaking to the community,” he said.
FC New York opened its season with a 3-0 loss to Orlando City and earned its first point of the season in a scoreless tie with the Charlotte Eagles.
The club will be looking to avenge its loss when it plays Orlando City in its home opener.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
