The Real Colorado Cougars, the women’s semi-professional soccer team that makes its home at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch, open their 2009 campaign on the road with a three-game swing through Southern California to take on the Ventura Fusion May 16, the defending W-League champion Pali Blues May 17, and the Los Angeles Legends May 19.

Cougars head coach Brian Haynes said, “We want to build on a successful 2008 campaign and drive to the W League playoffs in 2009. With the new women’s pro-league, the WPS, drafting several players, including Katie Hooker, from our squad, the playing field in the W League will be level for us in 2009. We should be quite competitive in the West.”

The Cougars home opener is 5 p.m. May 29 at Shea Stadium versus the Seattle Sounders.

The match is part of a double-header that features Real’s own PDL team the Real Colorado Foxes in the second match at 7:30 p.m.

The Cougars’ six-game home schedule also features matches versus these same defending champion Pali Blues on a June 12 evening at Shea, as well as a match against perennial powerhouse and 2006 W League champions the Vancouver Whitecaps July 19.

General manager Mark Mais said the Cougars will be led by U20 U.S. National team captain Keelin Winters, as well as returning 2008 All-Conference defender and Cougars captain, Afton Sauer.

With the heightened interest in women’s soccer, driven by the advent of the WPS in seven major markets in 2009, the squad will be even deeper as players gear up for the new pro league.

“The Cougars will have several new promotions coming in 2009 including free passes for all current Real Colorado recreational and competitive players to all six Cougars home matches,” Mais said. “The team will also be introducing a “Friends and Family” pass that will allow purchasers to bring up to six fans to each of the six home matches. The pass will be $100 for an effective ticket price of under $3.50 per person.”

Mais has also indicated that Real is also working on bringing in the new WPS squad, Jersey Sky Blue, for an exhibition match versus the Cougars at Shea Stadium.

Sky Blue features U.S. National team players, Heather O’Reilly, Natasha Kai, and Christie Rampone.

More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on Cougars ticket information and promotions, call 303-324-1281 or visit the organization’s Web site at www.realcolorado.net.