With a brand new set of kits for NPSL side Laredo Heat, we take a look at the spicy jerseys created by Admiral.
Article written by Urban Pitch.
In the world of jersey design, Admiral continues to display its creativity and capability with its wonderfully bespoke designs for a handful of teams across the United States at various levels of the soccer pyramid.
This time, the brand heads to Laredo, Texas, the third-largest city on the United States-Mexico border, for a fiery set of kits for NPSL side Laredo Heat.
The Club
Founded in 2004, the Laredo Heat represent the highest level of soccer in the city. The club strives to be at the center of Laredo not just through their play on the pitch and atmosphere at PEG Energy Stadium, but also through concerted efforts within the community.
The Heat support a child through the Make-A-Wish foundation every year, and connect with local youth through school visits, fundraisers, and tuition-free programs for players 11 years of age or older.
The club’s proximity to Mexico has led to some unique opportunities, and the Heat previously hosted Liga MX sides Tigres and Chivas Guadalajara, in addition to the Mexico U-20 national team. A young Chicharito Hernandez, four years prior to his big move to Manchester United, was present in the Chivas match, making for a special occasion for the fans in attendance.
“The opportunity for fans to interact with the players after the [Liga MX] matches made these events unforgettable, fostering a lasting bond between the players and our community,” said Laredo Heat marketing director Edith Ortiz.
Playing in the NPSL Lone Star Conference, the Heat earned a title in 2018, and in 2014 had a deep run into the U.S. Open Cup, eventually being defeated by MLS side Houston Dynamo in the fourth round.
The club embraces the bi-national nature of Laredo, and has adopted the motto “Yo Si Le Voy, Le Voy a Laredo.” (If I’m going, I’m going to Laredo.)
The Kits
Home
Admiral continues its run of unique designs for its slate of Laredo Heat kits, highlighted by the home shirt.
“We appreciate our ongoing partnership with Admiral,” said Heat owner Sashi Vaswani. “It allows us the freedom to design with our own unique style, and we are excited about the future collaborations to come.”
Adopting a brushstroke pattern with popular fan chant “Vamos Laredo” etched throughout the body, Admiral opts for a bold home kit that is draped in the club’s colors of black and red.
An undefeated color pattern doesn’t disappoint, and it’s a solid look fit for wear both on and off the pitch.
Away
Utilizing a clean white base, the “Vamos Laredo” motif continues onto the Laredo Heat away kit as well. The chevron pattern is a nod to Laredo’s international bridge that separates the U.S. and Mexico, an additional connection and embrace of the city’s status as a border hub.
Clean accents of the team’s signature red and black on the sleeve cuffs cap off another solid design.
Goalkeeper
Both goalkeeper kits from Admiral utilize a graphic pattern inspired by the checkerboard floors of the Casa Ortiz, a historical landmark in Laredo, as well as the honey mesquite plant that is ubiquitous in the American Southwest.
In striking shades of cyan (home) and bright orange (away), both shirts make a statement and contrast well with their corresponding outfield player kits.