The parking lot was a mud pit, but the playing field was perfect.
Even Hurricane Hermine couldn't dampen the debut of the new stadium at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch on Friday night.
Under the guidance of Premier Sports Director Antonio Saviano, the stadium was off to an impressive start.
A few hundred soccer fans watched the United States U-17 Women's National Team down Venezuela 5-2 in a friendly that had the feel of a World Cup match. The Lakewood Ranch Chargers' soccer program helped make the night special as its youth players carried the American, Venezuelan and FIFA flags.
Players also escorted players from both national teams on the field and stood with them during the playing of the national anthems.
Although the field was pummeled with rain produced by Hermine, it never even had a hint of being muddy.
And the fans seemed to love the new seats, concession booth, and yes, the restrooms.
The Chargers' Karsyn Robbins, 7, had the honor of carrying the game ball on the field.
Ashley Sanchez of the United States sprints away from a sliding Sandra Luzardo.
The United States and Venezuela U-17 national teams line up for ceremonies with members of the Lakewood Ranch Chargers.
Civanna Kuhlmann controls the ball against Venezuela's Sandra Luzardo.
Chargers players escort Venezuela's players on the field.
Fans enjoy the new stands at the Premier Sports Campus.
Jessica Chavez and her 6-year-old son, Madox, get a snack at Premier's new concession stand.
Brent Cartagena and Ron Chin, members of the Sarasota American Outlaws group that supports U.S. Soccer, get a little wild.
Imagine how happy fans were on Friday night to see this addition to the Premier Sports Campus.
Brianna Pinto bursts past Venezuela's Heliamar Alvarado.
Members of the Chargers joined the U.S. U-17 Women's National Team for the playing of the National Anthem.
Venezuela's Sandra Luzardo gets to the ball before Brianna Pinto of the United States.
Members of the Lakewood Ranch Chargers had the honor of escorting national team members on the field.
The Chargers had fun watching the national teams warm up.
Ashley Sanchez slips past Venezuela's Sandra Luzardo.
Kate Weisner of the U.S. team maneuvers down the field.
Venezuela's Veronica Herrera blasts the ball away from Ashley Sanchez of the U.S.
Ashley Sanchez of the United States delivers a corner kick.
Kate Weisner changes direction to get away from Venezuela's Olimar Castillo.
Iceis Briceno of Venezuela battles Civanna Kuhlmann of the U.S.
