Aviators search for Samba Style Soccer
June 24, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Edmonton Aviators News Release
Edmonton, June 24, 2004 â Joe Petrone, Director of Soccer Operations for the Edmonton Aviators Soccer Club, is in Mexico City to meet with his Central American, South American, and European scouting divisions.
The main focus of the trip is to evaluate a number of players that Petrone and his staff are considering bringing to Edmonton. Among these players are Brazilian strikers that would bring the world famous Brazilian samba style soccer to Edmonton. Petrone will also be evaluating some first division defenders.
"These are the type of players our club needs right now," said Petrone. "It's no secret that we're struggling to score goals. We've been told these Brazilian strikers can put the ball in the net so I'm going to Mexico City to see for myself. As for the defenders, they will add some much needed depth on our back line."
Petrone will not act hastily. He has pointed out that it will take time to thoroughly evaluate players before any of them are added to the Aviators roster.
While in Mexico City, Petrone will also be meeting with Club America, one of Mexico City's most successful and well-known clubs, to discuss the possibility of forming a strategic partnership between Club America and the Edmonton Aviators. The proposed partnership will allow for the loaning of players between the clubs.
In order to make room for incoming talent, the Edmonton Aviators have made some roster moves. Willy Gonzalez and Steven Spencer were both released from the club.
Also, defender Claudio Salinas has returned home to Chile to attend to family issues. It is not known if Salinas will return to Edmonton, so the club has released him outright.
"It's very unfortunate that Salinas had to return home. He enjoyed his time in Edmonton and was optimistic about the direction our club is taking," said Petrone. "It's unclear if he will return once he has sorted out his family issues. As such, we decided to release him outright."
The Edmonton Aviators roster now contains 21 players. The remaining five spots on the roster will likely be filled by the players Petrone is evaluating on his trip. He returns from Mexico City this weekend.
The Edmonton Aviators Men play a crucial game on Friday night in Calgary against the Mustangs (7pm MST). They return home for the second leg of the home and home series with the Mustangs on Monday, June 28 (8:30pm MST).
USL First Division Stories from June 24, 2004
- Kickers Possible Host to D.C. United on July 21st - Richmond Kickers
- Aviators search for Samba Style Soccer - Edmonton Aviators
- Game Preview - Edmonton Aviators
- Survivor Ethan Zohn to join USL on FSW telecast in Toronto - Toronto Lynx
- Torres' second-half goal the difference as Wave United edges Timbers, 2-1 - Milwaukee Wave United
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