THUNDER BAY – The team is almost finalized, now all there is to do is wait for the games to begin.
The Thunder Bay Chill late last week unveiled their 2024 USL League 2 schedule, which will see them open at home on May 31 against Bavarian United.
Coach Tony Colistro, who returns for a second season after retaking the reins of the club for a second time last season, said things will look a little different this summer.
“There’s only six teams in the division, so it’s a little bit unbalanced in that sense, because we will have to play two teams three times,” Colistro said. “Last year we got to play one game at home and were off, whereas this year we’ve got a couple of doubleheaders with a day in between, which is better.
“We’re happy with the schedule the way it is.”
Other home dates include games against St. Croix on June 14 and June 16, RKC Third Coast on June 22, Minneapolis City on July 5 and Rochester FC to wrap up the home slate on July 7.
The away schedule has the Chill heading to Minneapolis City on June 5, FC Rochester on June 7, RCK Third Coast on June 27, Bavarian United on June 29, St. Croix on July 10 and Minneapolis City on July 12.
The Chill, part of a six-team Deep North Division, will once again call Tbaytel Field at Chapples Park home.
With the departure of FC Manitoba, the Chill are the lone team from north of the border.
“Yeah, we’re the only Canadian team in the league,” Colistro said. “We’re definitely one of the oldest teams in the league. I don’t know what the future holds, but we’re definitely still happy to be in the league and continue with our tradition and our history.”
Colistro said the team is roughly two players away from finalizing the roster, adding they intend to play their traditional friendly matches against the Winnipeg Lions on the Victoria Day weekend.
