The Muskegon Risers, a semi-professional soccer team, is coming to West Michigan.

The new franchise is being built along the Muskegon Lakeshore. The team's season starts next month.

Both local and international players make up the teams roster, including a six-foot-seven goalie from England, Reece Richardson.

Richdarson told WZZM-13,

"Soccer is like an international language. Once you start playing and running around he field, everybody knows their responsibilities. It's been better than expected, really."

The team's website explains their choice of name:

What is a Riser? A person of the Muskegon area. Someone who understands the area's potential and who pushes themselves and others to realize that potential. The name is not limited to an era or industry. Muskegon Risers SC strives to represent the spirit of our area's people in past, present, and future tense.

The Risers first game is in Detroit May 9th. They'll play their first home game May 16th vs The Dayton Dutch Lions.

Tickets start at $5. Check out the full schedule here.

 

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