Defender Jeff Bader Signs With Ontario Fury
October 8, 2013 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Ontario Fury News Release
The Ontario Fury, Driven by Mark Christopher Chevrolet, are proud to announce the signing of Jeff Bader for the 2013-14 Professional Arena Soccer League season. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be announced.
Bader, a defenseman, spent the last two seasons playing for the Tacoma Stars in the PASL. With Tacoma dropping to the Premier level, Bader chose to continue his professional career with the Fury and coach Bernie Lilavois.
"Having a veteran voice such as Jeff's on our back line will provide a steadying influence to our younger players as we build up the Ontario Fury into one of the best teams in the league," said Lilavois, who coached Bader as part of the U.S. National Arena Soccer Team.
Hailing from the Seattle area, Bader has won national titles with teams at the Premier level, including one before the formation of the Professional division.
Bader scored nine goals and posted five assists in 30 games for the Stars over the past two seasons. He also recorded 16 blocked shots during that period, cementing his role as a stay-at-home defenseman who can add a booming shot from the back line, which fits in on how he describes his style of defending.
"Very physical, fast-paced and hard," Bader said of his defensive style. "I just like to control everybody out of the back. A lot of talk and leadership."
As the second member of the Fury announced to have played with Lilavois, Bader said he believes that familiarity will help Ontario out of the gate.
"I think that hearing some of the new names that are going to be coming out, it's definitely going to benefit the team," Bader said, foreshadowing additional players expected to join the Fury. "And with Bernie's style of playing, and knowing that, I think we'll be able to jump on the same page early and hopefully get off to a good start."
The Ontario Fury opens their 2013-14 schedule with a preseason game at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 against Toros Mexico. Tickets, including group and season options, are on sale now. For information on season tickets - which start at $90 for the 10 games - or groups of 10 or more, contact the Fury at 909-240-5242 or email at info@ontariofury.com .
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 8, 2013
- Defender Jeff Bader Signs With Ontario Fury - Ontario Fury
- Freeze Grows Stronger, Hector Marinaro Hired as Head Coach - Cleveland Freeze
- Thrill of the Season Inches Closer, Freeze Announce Ticket Packages - Cleveland Freeze
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