Normally, a spring soccer match would not garner a tremendous amount of attention, even in a soccer-crazed area like the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor. But UMBC’s contest vs. Georgetown, a.k.a., “Kicks for Chase,” on the evening of Saturday, April 13, at Retriever Soccer Park should be an exception.
First off, the game pits a pair of great programs coming off magical 2012 fall campaigns. The Retrievers won their second America East title in three years, advanced past Old Dominion and played defending national champion North Carolina to a scoreless draw in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. (The Tar Heels advanced on penalty kicks.) The Hoyas stunned the collegiate soccer world by making it to the national title game, falling, 1-0 to Indiana.
But the real importance of the 7:00 p.m. match-up at RSP is the cause it supports. The teams are raising funds to benefit children born with Down Syndrome in the memory of Chase Bugarin.
In September of 2012, former UMBC soccer player Bryan Bugarin ’97, psychology, and his wife Amy welcomed a son, Chase Ryan Bugarin. Chase was born with Down Syndrome along with other serious complications. After an 11-week fight, Chase passed away and though he is no longer with us, his memory lives on. He is survived by parents Bryan and Amy along with siblings Jordyn (9) and Brayden (2).
Admission to “Kicks for Chase” game is free, but donations are being accepted for The Arc Foundation of Harford County (Northern Chesapeake Region). Patrons may donate the day of by cash or check. Checks can be made payable to The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region and donators can mark “Kicks for Chase” in the subject line. If you cannot attend the game, but would still like to donate, please mail checks to: UMBC Athletics, c/o Kelly Fahey, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Affairs, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Md. 21250
In addition, 100 percent of all t-shirt, food and beverage sales will be donated to the ARC.
Read the full story here, originally published on UMBCAthletics.com.
