MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan Soccer programs are continuing their strong ties to Lionsbridge FC as both staffs of the Men's and Women's Soccer programs will be represented this season.

Head Men's Soccer coach, Chris Whalley will serve as the manager again for Lionsbridge FC as Women's Soccer head coach, Fernando Zuniga, will serve as the Assistant Coach.  The duo will see their first action on March 23 in North Olmstead, Ohio as Lionsbridge FC accepted an invitation from the US Soccer Federation to compete in the 108th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, America's oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the club and for players to showcase their talent on a national stage," Whalley said. "We're looking forward to getting our group together and taking our shot against the big boys.

On the roster will also be both Chowan graduate assistants: Lee Wattam and Josh Baker, both played for Coach Whalley at Chowan.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup features every professional team in America (Major League Soccer, USL Championship, USL League One and NISA) as automatic qualifiers, but only 28 amateur teams are invited. This year, Lionsbridge FC is on the list and will take on Cleveland SC.  The winner will most likely face a professional team in the second round.

Lionsbridge FC went undefeated in the Chesapeake Division of the USL2 this summer and entered the national tournament as the number 1 seed.

For more information on Lionsbridge and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup click here.