USL-1 Charleston Battery

Cleveland joins USL1 for 2009

Published on December 5, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. United Soccer Leagues has announced that the defending USL Second Division champion Cleveland City Stars are moving up to the USL First Division beginning in the 2009 season, becoming the first USL-2 side to move up the ladder since the Charlotte Eagles in 2001.

"We are delighted to be the latest addition to the USL First Division for the 2009 season," said Cleveland City Stars General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "After winning the USL-2 Championship last year and the success of our franchise on and off the field, this was the most logical decision to make. We know that this is going to be a big step for our still fairly young franchise, but we are looking forward to the challenge of competing at the highest level in the USL system."

Heading into their third season of play, Cleveland has been an elite side in the USL Second Division since day one, suffering just one regular season loss in their debut 2007 campaign (10-1-9) before a semifinal round defeat. In 2008, the City Stars finished 10-3-7 and went on to capture the league championship with victories over the second-seeded Richmond Kickers and the regular season champion Charlotte Eagles.

Cleveland recently became the first North American side to see an affiliated team forged in their image with the recent announcement of the ownership change of a Kenyan First Division team that is adopting the name Nairobi City Stars and a matching logo to Cleveland's shield featuring the cityscape sitting atop a row of stripes and the globe.

2008 USL Men's Player Showcase presented by Umbro

The USL Men's Player Showcase presented by Umbro returns to Blackbaud Stadium Sunday December 14 - Tuesday, December 16. The three-day event, comprised of multiple 70-minute matches features the top 90 players in North America that competed amongst the 67 PDL teams from the 2008 season. The event is expected to attract representatives from all MLS, USL1 & USL2 Clubs. All the games are open to the public with no charge for admission.

2009 Season Tickets

2009 Charleston Battery season ticket packages are on sale now; packages include reserved seating for all 15 regular season games and start at only $150.

There are a limited number of Three Lions Club memberships available; TLC membership includes preferred seating, tickets to all regular season, US Open Cup and post-season games, complimentary parking and a catered pre-match buffet. To purchase season tickets or to request more information please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Battery Pro Shop

With the Holiday Season fast approaching now is the time to visit the Charleston Battery Pro Shop and stock up on all your favorite items. There are a limited number of authentic team jerseys available plus lots of other Charleston Battery items. The Pro Shop at Blackbaud Stadium is open Monday - Friday 9-5 PM, you can also purchase on the web at www.charlestonbattery.com.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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USL First Division Stories from December 5, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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