Getting their kicks: Rocket City Spring Shootout features 12 women’s college soccer teams

The Crimson Tide returns to the Rocket City Spring Shootout. (Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau contributed)

HUNTSVILLE – Auburn. Alabama. UAH. Alabama A&M.

Women’s soccer teams from those four universities will “shoot it out” with eight other schools this month at the Spencer Sports Complex and John Hunt Park in Huntsville.

Back for its second year, the Rocket City Spring Shootout will take over the fields on March 29 with 10 games featuring 12 teams, including four from the Southeastern Conference.

“With the success of last year’s event, we are excited to bring back the Spring Shootout as an even bigger event for our soccer community this year,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “The interest from the teams to participate in this unique event shows that we are growing something special in Huntsville.”

Alabama returns to face Vanderbilt at 2 p.m. for a full 90-minute game.

Auburn will be making its debut in the event, facing UAB at 11 a.m. and Ole Miss at 2 p.m. in a pair of 60-minute games.

UAH will play Bryan in a 90-minute game at 11 a.m.

Alabama A&M will take on Union at 12:30 p.m. and then Columbus State at 3:30 p.m. in 60-minute games.

Other teams joining in the event this year include NCAA Tournament mainstay Samford, along with Union College, Bryan, and Columbus State.

The day of soccer features three teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament last year, highlighted by Vanderbilt’s run to the Round of 16. Columbus State and Union were in the Division II tournament last year, with Columbus State falling in the national semifinals.

“Soccer is part of our DNA in Huntsville and we welcome all of these teams to play at the Spencer Sports Complex,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “This event allows our young soccer fans the opportunity to see some of the nation’s best up close in our city.”

Tickets are on sale via GoFan for $10 each and will be available on game day at the entrance to the complex.

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