Cleveland adds six standout players from all around the world
Published on May 2, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars first ever match yielded more than just three points for the team. Jack Cummings, who scored the first goal in team history and had an assist on the game winner last Saturday, was selected to the USL Division 2 Team of the Week for his efforts in the inaugural win. To ensure similar outcomes Clevelands Pro Soccer Team have beefed up their roster with the addition of six players, 4 midfielders, 1 defender and 1 goalkeeper.
Stephen Cruickshank, a midfielder from Trinidad and Tobago, who has represented Trinidad and Tobago National Team since 2005, including several caps in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying matches. He also spent two seasons with the Southern Connecticut State Men's Soccer Team, a perennial contender in the NCAA Division II soccer tournament.
Two other midfield additions are college standouts Gerardo Alvarez from Northwestern University and Ian Etherington from Notre Dame. Alvarez was a four year starter at Northwestern and was named Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year. By his sophomore year he had been named team captain, an honor he held for the next three seasons. He earned many other accolades, too numerous to mention while at Northwestern. Needless to say, he will be a tremendous addition to the CCS midfield.
Another highly decorated college recruit, Etherington led Notre Dame to its first ever Big East regular season title as a sophomore. That year, he earned All Big East Third Team honors and followed it up the next two years with selection to the All Big East First Team. Etherington also competed with the U-18 U.S. Men's National Team while in high school and was selected by the Chicago Fire in the third round of the 2007 MISL draft. He is clearly a very smart player, earning a bid to the Big East Academic All-Star team in 2006.
Another timely addition to the roster is 5'6" left-footed midfielder Dana McGregor. Dana joins CCS from the Cascade Surge PDL team where he garnered Team of the week and PDL All-Conference Team honors in 2005. His previous experience also includes a stint with the Major Indoor Soccer League California Cougars and the Clyde Pinelands football club in South Africa. Dana is currently a member of the U.S. Futsal National Team which is set to compete in the Pan American Games later this year. "McGregor's stature has never been an issue. He has incredible aerial skill, scoring often on headers. We are lucky to have him on our side" said Martin Rennie, CCS Head Coach. Apparently his heart is as big as his ability. Most recently Dana made his home in Lebanon using soccer to get involved in the community and work with the kids of that nation.
About the same time the USL Second Division was kicking off its season, Adam Moffat was closing out his season with the Scottish Division 3 club Elgin City, scoring two goals for a 2-1 win over rival East Stirling. The 20 year old Scotsman will be joining the Cleveland City Stars this week. "I have always dreamed of playing soccer in America, and being a part of something this new and promising is very exciting," said Moffat, a talented defender who also transitions into the attacking midfield position very nicely. Moffat has trained with the Rangers football club, a powerhouse in the Scottish football league, and has played for Ross County and Elgin City. During his young career he has also had the coveted experience of competing in the Scottish FA Cup.
Another international talent who will add depth to the goalkeeper position is Australian Caleb Patterson. Patterson recently spent time with an Australian club, the Toowoomba Raiders. He had been playing in Europe prior to that with Anderlecht (Belgium), Sheffield Wednesday, and Liverpool's U-19 squad. After his stint with Toowoomba he was slated to return to Belgium to train with a Liverpool feeder club. He made a detour through Cleveland on his way, where he will help the Cleveland City Stars close the door on opposing teams. "He's been playing at an exceptionally high level and has had access to some of the best coaching in the world" said his Toowoomba coach. He will undoubtedly be an asset to the Stars as well.
For anyone who can't wait until the home opener on May 19th to witness the individual and team heroics of this exciting new team, the next game will be at the Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland this Friday (May 4th) at 7:00pm. The City Stars hope to spoil the home opener for another expansion team, Crystal Palace Baltimore when they travel down there on Friday.
CLEVELAND & BALTIMORE - RIVALS ON THE FIELD PARTNER TO CHANGE THE WORLD
The pairing will have an interesting twist though, as the two rival teams partner together, along with two non-profit organizations (Ambassadors in Sports and Servants for Haiti), to bring soccer balls and shoes to Haitian Children. Anyone attending the game can bring new or gently used shoes and soccer balls, or a ball pump to donate. The Cleveland City Stars Reserve Team will be conducting a two week goodwill tour in Haiti this June and will have the opportunity to distribute the donations to the less fortunate children of Haiti. After playing a friendly against the U-23 Haitian National Team, the Stars players will hold free soccer clinics for the kids in and around Port-Au-Prince.
In addition to the equipment donations, people or groups will have an opportunity to sponsor a child from Haiti. Sponsorship will enable a child to attend school, an expensive endeavor for the children of Haiti, and ensure they get at least one meal during school days which could potentially double the number of meals they currently receive. "We sometimes forget just how blessed we are in this country," said Mark Geissbauer, CCS General Manager. "Whenever we have an opportunity to really do something special for those less fortunate we jump at the chance. Working in conjunction with the Crystal Palace Team not only benefits the kids in Haiti, it is a tremendous example for our players and the sport of soccer. Of course we expect to win and work hard during the match, but this way so many others win as well," said Geissbauer with a smile.
For information on contributing to the Haitian effort or about upcoming matches and events please log on to our website at www.clevelandcitystars.com or call the office at 216.916.6586. Come help change the world!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 2, 2007
- Cleveland adds six standout players from all around the world - Cleveland City Stars
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