What is Peoria City? Everything you need to know about the city's new soccer team

After a delay of two years, the Peoria City soccer team is scheduled to begin its run as a member of the USL League Two when it opens the season at 7 p.m. Saturday at Shea Stadium in Peoria.

Here is what you need to know about the team, who is playing, who is coaching, when and where it plays and how to get tickets.

What is the USL League Two?

Peoria City was announced as a USL League Two expansion franchise in January 2020, just months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team is set to debut in May 2022 as a member of the USL League Two, a North American pre-professional league that provides a platform for players pursuing professional soccer careers.

The players come mostly from colleges, maintaining their eligibility while playing in the league. Ownership of teams comes from organizations within the MLS and USL, as well as leading business and sports individuals.

For the 2022 season, League Two includes 113 teams competing in 16 divisions across four conferences.

Background: After COVID delay, Peoria's USL League Two soccer team set to begin in 2022

Who plays for Peoria City?

All League Two rosters fluctuate throughout the season and players must clear the USL registration process. As of this week, Peoria City roster lists 16 players consisting of active collegiate players; the roster might also include older players.

The Peoria City’s roster includes four former Peoria-area high school stars: Wesley Gibson (SIU Edwardsville) of Morton and the Peoria Notre Dame trio of McKay LaHood (DePaul), Noah Madrigal (Marquette) and Myles Sophanavong (SIUE). Half of the roster is international players, most of which play for colleges in New England.

Who is on the Peoria City staff?

Peoria City’s inaugural team will be managed by Ruben Resendes, also coach at Franklin Pierce, a university in southern New Hampshire located about 90 minutes northwest of Boston. He is joined by Brendan Pacheco, his assistant at the NCAA Division II program — which is 41-5-3 record since 2019 with deep NCAA Tournament runs and top-12 national rankings in each of the last three seasons.

The Peoria City managing partner is John Dorn, while general manager is Tim Regan. Bradley soccer coach Jim DeRose and developer Kim Blickenstaff helped bring the team to Peoria.

Background: Meet the first manager for the expansion Peoria City soccer team of USL League Two

When does Peoria City play?

Peoria City is scheduled for 12 regular-season games (six at home, six on the road) against the USL League Two's Deep North Division of the Central Conference — which includes defending League Two champion Des Moines Menace, FC Manitoba, Minneapolis City SC, St. Croix SC and the Thunder Bay Chill.

All home games begin at 7 p.m. and are held at Bradley’s Shea Stadium, located at 1523 W. Nebraska Ave. in Peoria. They are scheduled for Saturday, May 14; Friday, May 27; Friday, June 3; Wednesday, June 22; Friday, July 1; and Sunday, July 3.

How can you get Peoria City tickets?

Tickets are $5 and are available at peoriacitysoccer.com or at one of three "Peoria City Five Bars" locations at The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, The Fox Pub & Café and Pour Bros. Craft Taproom. They also can be purchased two hours before each home game at Shea Stadium.

Fieldside seats are available for $25 per game, as are season tickets options are available for $25 for general admission or $125 for fieldside. Parking is free at Shea Stadium. Lots open at 5 p.m. for tailgating.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria City soccer: Roster, coaches, tickets for USL League Two team