Cleveland Soccer Greats To Play Exhibition Game
Published on October 16, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Many of the most popular players from Cleveland's indoor soccer's heyday and some of today's heroes of the outdoor game will be displaying their new tricks in a special exhibition game of Futsal on Sunday, October 21st at the Ohio Nets Sports Complex.
All-time scoring legends Hector Marinaro and Zoran Karic, along with former U.S. National Futsal Team goalkeeper Otto Orf -- teammates on the Cleveland Crunch's three championship teams in the 1990s -- headline the parade of greats who will be participating in a match against Cleveland's current professional outdoor soccer team -- the Cleveland City Stars.
Other top names from the old pro indoor soccer days taking part in the 1 p.m. game will be former all-stars Andy Schmetzer, Mike Sweeney and Marcelo Carrera, George Fernandez, Denzil Antonio -- along with three players who starred at area high schools and in college before joining the pro ranks, Chris Dore, Adam Campelone and Allen Eller.
These veterans will face off against the likes of Mark Schulte, the USL Second Division Defender of the Year, all-star midfielder Derek Potteiger, Dana McGregor, a current member of The U.S. National Futsal Team, and home grown talent Spencer Lappin to name just a few. The City Stars will also showcase a couple of potential newcomers to the squad to give fans a taste of what they can enjoy this spring when the Stars kick of their second season of professional soccer in Cleveland.
Futsal is the international version of indoor soccer, played without the hockey-rink dasher-boards familiar to fans in America. This presents a premium on skillful control of the ball, passing, and teamwork.
"This exhibition game gives us a chance to showcase the benefits of the game of Futsal to the Cleveland area soccer community," said Otto Orf. "We will have talented young players joining our rich local professional soccer community which also happens to comprise five former National Futsal Team members. When you look at the greatest and most creative players in the world, most of them credit playing Futsal for development of their skills."
Dore, an All-American at Lorain Catholic High School and Bowling Green State University, played five years of professional outdoor soccer as well as the indoors with the Cleveland Force. Now, he is director of the Cleveland Futsal League, which has multiple divisions of play for both boys and girls ages 8 to 18. There are also adult men's, women's and co-ed leagues being formed.
Orf is among the most experienced Futsal players in the United States, being part of gold-medal winning American teams in various international competitions. He helped the U.S. advance to the World Cup Finals in 1996.
"I am extremely excited to be a part of bringing a new brand of soccer to the Cleveland market," said Orf, who serves as league coordinator. "In addition, I get the great pleasure of being able to get together with my former teammates and relive the great moments that we all shared over the past two decades."
Preceding the professional game, two teams of young futsal pioneers from Orange will display their talents in a youth exhibition game. The two matches will be officiated by internationally certified Futsal referee Jason Krnac, a Cleveland area native.
A post-game party where fans can meet and greet players will be held immediately following at Quotes on Ridge Road in Parma.
Tickets will be available for $5 each for standing room and $7 each for the 230 available stadium seats. Capacity is limited to 600 total spectators. Tickets available now online at the E-store at www.clevelandfutsalleague.com or call Frank Griffith at 440-670-1231 or Otto Orf at 330-325-1499.
Ohio-Nets is located at 12665 Corporate Drive in Parma, Ohio one minute off 480 at the West 130th exit. It is the home to Cleveland Volleyball Company run by Dana Artman and also one of the areas premier basketball programs run by local basketball legend Phil Argento.
CLEVELAND CITY STARS
vs.
CLEVELAND INDOOR STARS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21st 2007
KICKOFF 1:00 PM
@ OHIO-NETS INDOOR CENTER, PARMA
TICKET INFORMATION:
$5 Standing Room
$7 Stadium Seating
(E-Store @ www.clevelandfutsalleague.com)
Space is limited, so you better hurry to get your tickets and avoid disappointment!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 16, 2007
- Cleveland Soccer Greats To Play Exhibition Game - Cleveland City Stars
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