SYRACUSE -- It took just 16 seconds for Silver Knights fans to see the first goal in franchise history.
The Syracuse Silver Knights made their indoor soccer debut in the Salt City Friday night -- scoring big with families.
"We come because we know the kids are going to have fun," said Molly Eide, who came to the War Memorial from Baldwinsville with her husband and two sons. "As much as we love watching soccer ourselves, we love watching our kids enjoy something too."
Kids in attendance marveled at how fast the professional players moved up and down the turf -- learning a thing or two about the game in the process.
But for players like JD Gruenewald, a former standout at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, it's a chance to be a role model for kids who want to follow in his footsteps.
"It's nice to be someone they can look up to, really to show them ways to do it right," Gruenewald said. "To have great direction with both soccer and with school to get as many opportunities as you can."
"That's what we're here for," said Head Coach Tommy Tanner. "We're here for the Syracuse community -- and not just the soccer families, but all the families in Syracuse."
The Silver Knights organization is hoping Syracuse and Central New York grows to love the newest team in town. It's why Coach Tanner has scheduled home games around Syracuse University football and basketball games, in an effort to pack the War Memorial as the season marches forward.
Did you go to the game? If so, what did you think? If not, will you go in the future?
