Pazo Set to Lead Duluth FC Into U.S. Open Cup Play Against Forward Madison FC

It's the 2nd straight year that Duluth FC and Forward Madison FC have played one another in the U.S. Open Cup.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC will usher in a new era later this week as they’ll play in their first game under new head coach Thomas Pazo.

But their first game isn’t just any ordinary game. It’s a U.S. Open cup game.

The BlueGreens will travel to play Forward Madison FC for the 2nd straight year. Madison was able to get the best out of Duluth last season as they came away with the two to nothing victory.

Pazo, who just arrived into town on Friday, has been pleased with the team’s progress leading up to Thursday’s game.

“It’s pretty exciting to see how organized the team is in just a few days of training. Unfortunately, I can’t take any credit, I cannot take any credit whatsoever. Because these guys clearly understand the game. They’ve been extremely coachable, which is something that is key. They came in and bought in to the ideas that we’re trying to put together. They’ve been really good. They’ve done everything that I’ve asked,” said Pazo.

Being that the cup falls during the school year, some players are still on their way to joining the team, which has Pazo going with the flow.

“Myself I’m not someone who focuses on the problems, ever. I’m a very postive guy, I like to focus on the positives. We’re all blessed to be alive. We’re all blessed to be here playing the game that we love. We get to go to Madison tomorrow. We get to play in a beautiful stadium. We get to put on a Duluth jersey and that’s what we have to be focused on. We get to play the game that we love on Thursday. We get to compete. Let’s do it. Let’s represent the club well. Let’s make the most out of this fantastic opportunity,” added Pazo.

Duluth FC and Forward Madison FC begin play on Thursday at 6 PM.