WATERLOO - Stuart Neely is aiming high in his first year running the sidelines for K-W United FC.

"We want to make it enjoyable and attractive for the fans," said the new coach of the Premier Development League soccer team. "But at the same time we have to get results, and playoffs this year is the focus and goal for the club."

Neely took over for skipper Brett Mosen - who left United to join the Toronto Lynx - in the off-season.

And the native of East Kilbride, Scotland, will get his first chance to showcase the lads on Sunday when United (0-0-1) hosts the Michigan Bucks (1-0-2) in its home opener at University Stadium at 7 p.m.

The PDL falls under the United Soccer League's umbrella and features 64 teams in 10 divisions across Canada and the United States.

The aspiring professional players range in age from late teens to early 20s and have played for Major League Soccer academies and in the NCAA, among other places.

"I think we've gone after players who have good character and are going to represent the club well," said Neely.

Colombian born - but Canadian raised - Sergio Camargo is a tiny (5-foot-6) but tricky dribbler. Midfielder Jay Chapman brings magic from Michigan State University and is always a scoring threat while defender Adam Bradshaw (Waterloo), 'keeper Darrin MacLeod (Kitchener) and midfielder Adam Polakiewicz (Kitchener) add some local flavour to the roster.

Last year, the club finished tied for third and did make the playoffs. Only division winners clinch a post-season berth, while second- and third-place teams must duke it out in a one-game showdown to advance.

United opened the season with a nil-nil draw against the Lynx. The team takes on Forest City London Friday before making its home debut.

And they're in tough against the Bucks.

"This division is so competitive," said Neely, who has held posts with MLS teams Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps as well as New Zealand's national development program in the past.

"Michigan can play great football. They're quick and a strong physical presence but I think we've got the tools to give something back to them, and by all accounts Sunday should be a fantastic contest."

Meanwhile, United's women's side (1-0) will look to keep its unbeaten streak alive on the road against the Ottawa Fury on Saturday.

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The Canadian Soccer League's SC Waterloo is also in action. The club travels to the Golden Horseshoe to take on Burlington SC at Sherwood Forest Park in Burlington. Kickoff for the Sunday game is 8 p.m.

SC Waterloo, the defending CSL champ, lost its season opener 3-1 to Brampton City United last week.