FC Diablos Opens 2022 Season at Home May 21st

Finally, FC Diablos returns to Fred Carlton Field for Saturday's Home Opener against Rockford FC.

In the 2021 home opener, FC Diablos was able to earn all three points by defeating Edgewater Castle FC 5-2. In the 2021 campaign, FC Diablos travelled to Rockford FC for one of the hottest matches of the season. The Diablos were able to return home with all three points after defeating Rockford 2-0. Goals against Rockford last season were scored by Kwasi Boateng and Jordan Walker. The Diablos will need to find new goal scorers this season with the absence of Boateng and Walker.

ABOUT THE ROSTER:

The Diablos roster will look very different this year with only 7 returners: Esteban Velez, Michael Hansen, Ethan Holland, Jacob Russow, Tyler Russow, Kevin Sanchez, and Brenden Flannell. The loss of the 2021 Golden Boot winner, Jordan Walker, means that someone else will have to step up to be the goal scorer for the team. Despite not returning many players, there are key players that have joined the Diablos side for the 2022 season. Ryan Woodside, who played for the Diablos in the 2019 UPSL season and recently played for the West Michigan Bearings, returns home for the 2022 season. Santiago Rodriguez, from DePaul, will look to fill the goal scoring shoes left by Walker. Other top additions include experienced goal keeper, Ryan Ash, Illionis Central College winger, Cristian Bregu, Lincoln College Martin Quijada and Daniel Juliger, Heartland native Mattia Vecchi, Parkland center back Enrique Horna, amongst many others.

The changes do not end with the player pool but also with the coaching staff. Rian James will look to make his debut in the Midwest Premier League along with his assistant coach, Yemi Akintoye. James served as the head coach for the Diablos in the COVID 2020 mini-season and has since taken over the BHS Raiders Boy's Soccer team along with continuing to coach with local youth club, FC Central Illinois.

MATCHDAY GUIDE:

As part of our season kickoff celebration, fans can expect new elements to enhance the FC Diablos gameday experience. Some of these improvements include enhanced operations, a full concessions menu, merchandise, and more!

Fans attending Saturday's match can find the latest information on parking, safety, and stadium policies below, as well as additional highlights of what to expect throughout the Opening Day experience in this week's Matchday Guide.

PARKING AND DIRECTIONS: Fans are encouraged to park at Bloomington Junior High School's south parking lot. Parking is provided free of cost. Parking on the Colton Ave street near the stadium should be avoided.

STADIUM SAFETY: NO bags will be permitted in the stadium other than clear bags, medical bags, and manufactured diaper bags.

FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: NO outside food or drink will be permitted in the stadium. Food and drink may be purchased at the Concessions Stand located behind the home bleachers.