City Stars Represented Globally In Off-season
Published on November 5, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Cleveland, November 5th 2007 - Although the fans may be grateful for a little break from the adrenalin rush that was this past season with the Cleveland City Stars, the players are continuing to hone their skills all over the country, and in fact all around the world. After a very successful inaugural season, the City Stars are carrying that momentum into the off-season both individually as players and collectively as an organization. Twelve original City Stars players have taken the next big step in their careers by signing international or Major League Soccer contracts during the months following their momentous first season in Cleveland.
Chris Lemons heads to the MLS to try to improve the Colorado Rapids prospects, while Andrew Peterson was joined by Adam Moffat training and playing with Ohio's MLS team, the Columbus Crew. Looking to join the threesome in America's premier league will be Mark Schulte, who had secured a tryout with the L.A. Galaxy.
Eight other City Stars players will spend this off season on the international stage. Stephen Rigby and Ian Leibbrandt committed to Kenya's Premier League to play for World Hope. Also making the trek to Africa are Skelly Kellar and Brandon Moncrief who will spend their time and share their talent with teams in South Africa.
Four other City Stars will play their games in Europe. John DeVae headed out to Spain, Caleb Patterson to Germany, Hunter Gilstrap to Norway, and Jack Cummings to Iceland. As a result, the Cleveland City Stars are being represented globally in more than half a dozen nations.
"We achieved our mission during the 2007 season, but we also achieved our goal during the off-season," said City Stars Executive Director Aaron Tredway. "We feel good about sending our players into different parts of the world to make a difference playing soccer. We have always believed that the doors that will open as a result of being a part of this organization will lead to greater things"
Of course it is thrilling to hear about the adventures of our favorite players. We wish them all well in their time away from Krenzler. What is yet to be determined is who will return. It is the nature of sports that players from successful teams are recruited to play at the next level or higher. The Cleveland City Stars hope to be a team that develops many young players that will go on to tremendous careers here or elsewhere. Although it may be sad, if players move on, it is also something to celebrate. It means the Stars are doing something right and it is good for the sport of soccer.
On a more personal note, wherever Luke Williams ends up next season, he will not be going alone. Luke, whose status was listed as "engaged" throughout last year's campaign, finally tied the knot. Congratulations Luke! Here's to the future, both for the Williams' and the City Stars.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 5, 2007
- City Stars Represented Globally In Off-season - Cleveland City Stars
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