The Shenandoah Valley now has it's own semi-professional indoor soccer team. The Winchester Impact kicked off their existence back on December 9th with a 18-4 loss against the Maryland Tigers, and despite the loss in their debut the Impact's players have high hopes for this season. "We are ready to take the next step" says midfielder Mike Koper, "We were really upset with the outcome of the first game and we are not going to let that happen again."

The team is made up primarily of former college players who now reside in the Winchester area. Led by player/coach Terry Hudson, the Impact is promising fans an exciting alternative to traditional sports.
"People who don't know soccer will even enjoy it" says Winchester's head coach. "It's real fast paced, a lot more physical, a lot of checking into the boards... just the pace is a lot more attractive to the average sports fan."

The Impact competes in the Premier Arena Soccer League, which serves as a feeder league for the fully professional Major Indoor Soccer League. Tickets to Impact games cost 5 dollars while a season pass costs 15 dollars, Winchester's regular season schedule is as follows.

Dec 16 5PM at
Cleveland Pride

Jan 6 6PM vs
Fredericksburg Generals

Jan 12 7PM at
Richmond Rowdies

Jan 20 6PM vs
Central NY United

Jan 26 8PM at
Fredericksburg Generals

Feb 2 7PM at
Virginia Legacy

Feb 10 6PM vs
Virginia Legacy

Feb 17 6PM vs
Richmond Rowdies

Feb 23 7PM at
Maryland Tigers