Shadow to open NPSL season on May 20

Spokane soccer fans, prepare to wrap your imagination around this idea: The Shadow competing in the American equivalent of England’s FA Cup.

Five weeks after announcing that it’s joining the National Premier Soccer League, the Shadow announced its 2017 schedule – one that could lead to a spot in a national playoff.

“We do want to provide our area of players and fans the opportunity to watch soccer live at the highest level we can provide,” Shadow technical director Abbas Faridnia said.

That’s the main reason the Shadow are leaving the Evergreen Premier League after winning two championships in the last three years.

The season begins with a road match at old EPL rival Kitsap FC on May 20. The Shadow will play a 10-match schedule, facing five opponents home and away.

Other teams in the NPSL’S Northwest Conference are FC Mulhouse Portland, OSA FC and Pierce County FC.

The Shadow’s home opener will be on June 4 against PDX FC. The team will then wrap up its road schedule before finishing with four consecutive home games throughout June and early July.

All home games will be at Spokane Falls Community College.

Eight teams from the Northwest Conference, Golden Gate Conference and Southwest Conference will comprise the Regional Playoff field, with the top two and a potential wild card from the Northwest moving on to the postseason.

In addition to the national playoff competition, the Shadow, the side will have an opportunity to earn an automatic berth into the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament, where it will have a chance to face professional teams in the American equivalent of the FA Cup.