The sliding center back Kyle Roleau and the rest of the Nashua Eagles finally make their return home Wedneday night at Rivier University vs. Mass United. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – Their return to the nest has been delayed for a week.

The Eagles of the International Soccer Club of Nashua were planning on their home opener taking place this past Saturday at Rivier University’s Joanne Merrill Field.

But their game against Brockton had to be postponed as the United are competing in a high level tournament in the New York area, and the Eagles are actually in the same tourney – the United States Adult Soccer Association’s Fricker Cup – this Saturday in Yonkers, N.Y.

Thus the home opener, the Eagles first game in Nashua since July of 2018, will now be Wednesday, May 12, at 8 p.m. at Merrill Field vs. the Mass United Rush.

Not exactly ideal, late on a school night, as the team is hoping to develop a fan base with the youth from the city and surrounding area. According to team president and part owner Jared Barbosa, there is not limit on how many fans can attend.

“It’s another one of those things it just is what it is,” Barbosa said. “You just have to make due. It’ a tough year for everybody.”

But the Eagles at least are on the field after missing all of last year as the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) didn’t have a season due to COVID. The Eagles opened their season last weekend with a 2-2 tie with Seacoast United in Bedford.

“We’re going to make due,” Barbosa said, with his team’s next home after that on Saturday, May 22 vs. Lincoln (R.I.). “We’ll still get some fans as it’s a good opportunity for anybody who wants to watch a high level of soccer under the lights.”

In any event, the team that made its debut almost exactly three years ago is back. In 2019, because of the renovations and building of the beautiful Robinson Pavilion at Riv, the Eagles played their home games in Manchester. But Barbosa made it clear then that the team is a Nashua team and that’s where they were going to play permanently if at all possible. And now they have one of the best facilities in the UPSL’s Premiere Patriot Division.

OPENING TIE

In the game against Seacoast United, the Eagles had jumped out to a 2-0 lead but gave up two late goals at Bulldog Stadium.

One of those Nashua goals was by a local, Hudson’s Nick Cardenas, while the other was by Volodymyr John….

There will be an admission charge to Eagle home games, but don’t worry, it’s pretty affordable, just $5…

The game was originally set at 7 p.m. Wednesday, but with rush hour commuting from Boston for Mass United, Barbosa said 8 p.m. was a more realistic start time.