Murfreesboro Soccer Club (MSC) officials announced that this week's Spring Bash in the 'Boro soccer tournament will bring more than 1,800 soccer players from states across the Southeast and Midwest to the three day event at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex March 28-30.

The tournament will play host this weekend to 124 girls' soccer teams ages eight to 18 representing 34 different soccer clubs. The traveling teams have already booked over 550 hotel rooms in the county.

MSC officials said the Bash in the 'Boro soccer tournaments in the fall and spring are Middle Tennessee's signature youth soccer events. This year, the excitement level is higher in general due to the World Cup in Brazil.

"Our Bash in the 'Boro events were already true destination soccer tournaments for the Southeast," said MSC President Leanna Wright. "This year, World Cup buzz has the regional soccer community excited. Teams are willing to travel a little farther and stay a little longer to find excellent competition. That is what our tournament always offers."

Soccer has already brought national recognition to Rutherford County and Murfreesboro. National website Livability.com ranked Murfreesboro one of the top 10 soccer cities in the U.S. along with Chapel Hill, N.C. and Scottsdale, AZ.

MSC Director of Coaching Ivan Jackson said the reputation of MSC and the Bash continues to grow as more connections to the international soccer community are established.  The local club recently announced a training partnership with U.C. Sampdoria, a storied team Italy's top professional league.

"Murfreesboro and MSC are certainly on the map now when it comes to the national soccer scene," Jackson said. "We are making the most of World Cup fever this year to promote Rutherford County as a destination soccer community."

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Latture said Bash in the 'Boro tournaments and the national profile of the Siegel Soccer Complex have a positive economic impact on the county. Latture noted this weekend's 550 hotel room nights booked is a significant economic boon.

"Soccer in Rutherford County counts at the cash register for local businesses," Latture said. "These tournaments mean our local retailers are going to have a good weekend."

About Murfreesboro Soccer Club: Founded in 1982, Murfreesboro Soccer Club is one of the largest soccer clubs in the South. A non-profit organization, Murfreesboro Soccer Club is managed by a staff of professional soccer coaches in partnership with a board of volunteers from the community. The club's mission is to unite the community through a passion for soccer. The club provides soccer opportunities for players at every age group and skill level.

For more information on the Bash in the 'Boro tournaments or Murfreesboro Soccer Club, visit www.murfreesborosoccer.com or follow the club on Twitter at @MBoroSoccerClub.