The Ventura County Fusion will host the 2009 PDL Final after crushing the Bradenton Academics 6-1 in Laredo, Texas. The neutral site game which was played approximately halfway between the two teams home sites in California and Florida respectively was surprisingly a rout. Ventura County’s success in these playoffs is even more remarkable given the fact that the team lost Anton Peterlin midseason to Everton of the English Premier League.

Anthony Hamilton, the scorer of two goals in the semifinal against Bradenton will be a guest on our special preview show that will air later in the week.

The Chicago Fire (PDL) made the final behind Andre Akpan, recent US U-20 star’s extra time goal to defeat the Cary Clarets in the other semifinal. It’s the Fire’s first trip to the PDL Final since 2003 which is ironically the last time the senior Fire club made the MLS Cup final. Perhaps this is a good omen for thos Fire MLS fans?

This season, a renewed focus on the PDL has taken place as many former PDL stars who skipped MLS have had banner summers with the US National Team including Charlie Davies, Jay DeMerit and Heath Pearce. DeMerit played for Chicago Fire PDL side.

Additionally, the signing by English Premier League side Everton of both Peterlin and Cody Anaud of the Carolina Dynamo has furthered the reputation of PDL among European scouts and National Team fans across America.

The following is the game information from the Fusion website:

2009 USL PDL CHAMPIONSHIP

VENTURA COUNTY FUSION

vs

CHICAGO FIRE PREMIER

Saturday, August 8th at 7:00pm
Buena High School
5670 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE & RECEIVE A BUY 1 – GET 1 FREE SPECIAL

Any ticket purchased online by 5:00pm on Friday, August 7th will receive a second ticket of the same value for free.

All tickets purchased will be available for pick up at will call on the day of the game.

Adult – $10 ($5.00 each before Friday 5:00 pm)

Youth $5 ($2.50 each before Friday 5:00 pm)

FSC will be showing the game tape delayed on Tuesday, August 11th at 4:30 PT/7:30 ET