While the World Cup has taken center stage in the soccer world, Buffalo has a team right in

its own backyard.

FC Buffalo is an expansion team in the Keystone Conference of the 35-team National Premier

Soccer League (NPSL). It has its roots in Western New York, including the players, coach, and

owners, and plays at All High Stadium. Even its nickname, the Blitzers, comes from area native

and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer.

Its next home game is at 3 p.m. today against New Jersey. There are seven teams in the

Keystone Conference, and Buffalo will play each of the other six teams twice.

"Everyone has some tie to the area. We try to emphasize the pride of the city," head coach

Jim Hesch said.

Hesch, who is also the head coach at Canisius, has been impressed by the ownership group of

Buffalonians Scott Frauenhofer, Ryan Knapp and Nick Mendola.

"They have done an excellent job. They run the team in a very professional manner," Hesch

said.

The ownership may act professionally but all players on NPSL teams are amateurs.

The roster is mostly comprised of current and former NCAA players, who receive no compensation

so they can continue to play in college.

"Maintaining eligibility is key. Players can stay home for the summer without sacrificing

the quality of play," Mendola said.

For example, midfielder Nathan Stern is a Lockport native who plays for Mercyhurst College.

Stern heard about the league from his Mercyhurst teammates who played on the Erie Admirals.

He was excited to be able to play at home over the summer.

"I was very happy they gave me the opportunity to come play because I was looking for the

highest level of play I could," Stern said.

Midfielder Dan Stevens is a Syracuse native who played locally, at the University at

Buffalo in 2006-07, earning All-MAC first-team honors. Stevens believes FC Buffalo is a great

option for local players.

"Young players now have a team to play on that's competitive, where they can build their

skills and try to shoot for the next level," Stevens said.

While many of the players are from Western New York, there are also several international

players who are on the rosters at local colleges.

"It's a great atmosphere. We have players from Canisius, Niagara and UB, but also guys from

around the world. It brings a lot of different perspectives to the table," Stern said.

FC Buffalo kicked off its season with a 3-0 home loss to the Erie Admirals on Memorial Day.

While the team was disappointed with the outcome, it was thrilled with the fan turnout, which

was estimated at more than 200.

"We had a great fan base for the first game. They sang songs and made a lot of noise,"

Hesch said.

For more information, including a team roster and schedule, visit www.fcbuffalo.org.