Raul Briones Cup Preview: Rose City FC Hosts La Familia FC

LA MIRADA, CA (March 4, 2024) – Delayed but not denied.

The final SoCal Premier League Raul Briones Cup Quarterfinal Round matchup gets underway this weekend as Rose City FC hosts La Familia at Arcadia City Hall's turf field on Saturday night, March 9.

With its strong foundation of homegrown players, Rose City FC looks to continue its solid run of form.

The Pasadena-based club is coming off a win over Medallo City FC in the Round of 16, and Rose City FC Manager Walker Haynes has no doubts that his club can go far if it sticks to its strengths.

"We like to play possession and build from the back," Haynes said. "And that definitely speaks more to the skill of the guys we have. They're capable. It's been my push to have them play like that and they do."

Haynes has led the team since 2019, when he started the club as a way to consolidate the talent he was already seeing in his area.

"Player would have to drive to the westside (of Los Angeles) or down to Orange County to train," he said. "For me it was about putting a team together and showcasing that local talent."

Haynes looks to several colleges in his area to find strong players who want to continue upping their game during the off season, and he keeps it tight at Rose City FC with high standards for the players.

A handful of players have been loyal since the club's inception 5 years ao, and for Haynes and his players the Raul Briones Cup, "creates a different energy and excitement."

With the club's top priority winning SoCal Premier League Division 2 and earning promotion to Division 1, the Raul Briones Cup motivates the team in another way.

"To win a cup title and take home some hardward, that would get us jazzed," Haynes said.

-- Luke Morse