Greenville's Elite Cobras soccer

Yesterday was City of Greenville’s Youth Soccer Night, which made for an exciting Tuesday night, especially factoring in the thunderstorms that moved through later on in the evening. It was the final soccer game for Lauris and Mikus, and after receiving awards for their participation this season we headed downtown to the Kroc Center.

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center is minutes from downtown, just west of the city on S. Academy Street. The fields beyond are home to the Carolina Elite Cobras, a privately owned women’s professional amateur soccer franchise under the leadership of head coach Andrew Hyslop. The Cobras compete in the Southeastern Conference of the USL W-League, and last night had a game against the Charlotte Lady Eagles.

The City of Greenville youth soccer players had the honor of escorting the Cobras onfield for the National Anthem before the start of the game. The little kids looked tiny against the giant green field, but little miniature versions of the players with their shin guards and jerseys. Once the game started they scattered, some to watch the game, some to play in the kids area.

If you’re coming to watch the game, there are bleachers available for seating but many spectators had brought folding chairs for a more comfortable sit. Slices of pizza and hot dogs were for sale in addition to water and a few other options, and the restroom facilities inside the Kroc Center are available for use.

It was nearing the end of the first half with the Cobras trailing by two points when the first peals of thunder sounded off in the distance. Not too long after the ref called a 30-minute halt to the game, but we couldn’t stick around to see if the game would resume – bedtime was rapidly approaching for the little soccer fans.

The Elite Cobras head to Dayton for a game against the Dutch Lions Saturday, but will be back in Greenville in a few weeks for a game against the Braddock Road team out of Virginia. Their final home game of the season will be on July 11^th against Charlotte. For more information on the Greenville Elite Cobras, please visit their website.