Cougars sign three-time MISL MVP Greg Howes
October 24, 2008 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
California Cougars News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - October 25, 2008 - The Stockton Cougars, of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro), have agreed to contract terms with three-time Major Indoor Soccer League most valuable player, six-time MISL All-Pro and three-time MISL All-Star Greg Howes, it was announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
"Greg Howes has established himself as one of the best indoor players of our time," said Cougars head coach and director of soccer operations Bernie Lilavois. "To have him wear the Cougars uniform is a treat for not only Cougars Fans but for all sports fans of Stockton and the entire league for that matter."
Howes, 31, will don a Cougars jersey on Saturday night, October 25, at Stockton Arena in the inaugural PASL-Pro match against the Colorado Lightning. The match will mark the first time in Howes' indoor soccer career (eight seasons) that he will not wear a Milwaukee Wave uniform.
He led the MISL in scoring with 130 points, which included 45 goals and 32 assists, last season and earned MVP recognition in the process. He led the MISL in scoring during the 2005-06 season (85 points, 57 goals and 28 assists) and was the runner up for the PUMA scoring championship during the 2006-07 season (105 points, 35 goals and 29 assists) behind Jamar Beasley of the Detroit Ignition.
"Having a chance to be a part of the inaugural game in the Pro-League's history seemed like a good fit for me," said Howes. "This can only be a positive for the new league and the timing seemed right. So much has happened in the last few months, and this pro league is gaining more and more momentum. I think it's a positive for the league to see veterans like myself, Chris Handsor and Aaron Susi in the league."
"Bernie has brought me along to work with the US National Arena Soccer team and he and I have decided to see how things can go with me in the Pro League. He's a good friend of mine and I'm looking to help out anyway that I can."
Lilavois recently added Howes as his assistant coach on the United States National Arena Soccer team earlier this month. Lilavois and Howes will play together during Torneo Internacional de Futbol Rapido Monterrey 2008 in early November.
Howes is not only the newly appointed assistant coach of the US National team, but also the head coach and youth academy director of the Premier Arena Soccer League's Tacoma Stars.
"With the league (MISL) dismantling, and no one being able to make contract offers to me, I decided to move on in my life. I was born and raised in Tacoma and I saw the opportunity as a good chance to work in the premier league with the Stars."
"He is a proven champion and a great competitor," added Lilavois. "I'm extremely excited and looking forward to having him play a major role on this team and help us get to the next level."
Lilavois and Howes have played together since 2000 on the US National Futsal team.
The Cougars open their fourth season of professional arena soccer on October 25 against the Colorado Lightning at Stockton Arena. Season ticket plans and individual or group tickets are available by contacting the Cougars office at (209) 373-1550 or online by visiting www.stocktoncougars.net.
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 24, 2008
- Cougars sign three-time MISL MVP Greg Howes - California Cougars
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