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Media Kit: Archived Press Releases
Shell Shockers Travel to Play Second-best Team in the Nation
May 10, 2006
The New Orleans Shell Shockers fly to El Paso tomorrow (NOTE: THURSDAY) to play two games in two days against the second-best team in the country.
They will be without inspirational captain PJ Kee who has been suspended for three games after his sending off against the Laredo Heat on Saturday. Midfielder Roberto Najarro who was also ejected has been handed a one-match ban.
The El Paso Patriots were one kick away from being crowned national champions last year, narrowly losing the play-off final on penalties after dominating the previous 120 minutes.
And as the Shell Shockers lost their season opener 4-2 last weekend, Head Coach Kenny Farrell is determined to come back from this crunch double-header with points on the board.
He said today: “We had some hard-fought battles with them last year and we have to play them four times again this campaign. By the end of it I'm sure both teams will know each other well.
“In this border outpost they are truly passionate about soccer and their supporters will be rowdy and committed. They will have a large intimidating crowd behind them but we have a better side than last year and I know my players can handle it.
“We will be going to win both games, but I would be happy if we come back to Louisiana with a win and a tie. Our squad has been strengthened this week with the signing of two players from English Premiership outfit Reading.”
The fourth league game will finally see the Shell Shockers get to play at home. They will take on the DFW Tornados at 5pm on Saturday May 20 for their only match this season at Pan American Stadium in City Park.