Fan Favorite Goran Vasic Returning To Ironmen
Published on November 10, 2008 under Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
Newark, N.J. (Monday, November 11, 2008) - The New Jersey Ironmen formally announced today that veteran midfielder Goran Vasic has inked a deal to bring him back for the 2008-09 season. Vasic, who tallied 29 assists in only 21 matches last year, will join the Ironmen when they host the Chicago Storm on December 14th for their home opener at Prudential Center.
"Goran has become more vocal as he has grown in age, and his on-field performance speaks for itself," Ironmen Head Coach Omid Namazi remarked. "When he is on the field, you see he knows the game inside-and-out, and that demands respect from anyone that plays on the field with him."
Vasic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and moved to the United States in May of 1997. He started his American career with the Houston Hotshots of the Continental Indoor Soccer League and completed his 11th season in professional indoor soccer this past year. Vasic, a member of two indoor championship teams, played for the Cleveland Crunch from 1998-2001 before playing for the Philadelphia KiXX from 2001-06. After a year with the Milwaukee Wave, he made the move to Newark by signing with the Ironmen prior to the 2007-08 season. For his indoor career, he has tallied 584 points to go along with 223 assists and 154 blocks. He is also a USSF-A licensed coach and can be found training players of all levels throughout the state of New Jersey.
While playing for the Ironmen last year, Vasic turned in one of his best indoor seasons. He finished second on the team with 53 points by recording 10 goals and a team-leading 29 assists in 21 contests. He commented on what he felt led to that success.
"The main reason was having Omid as my head coach," Vasic said. "He gives me the freedom on the field to do what I do best. Being a veteran on a team, you also put added pressure on yourself to perform. I would say that those were the two big things that led to me having a good season."
With a pair of indoor championships under his belt, Vasic knows what it takes to be a premiere side at the professional level, and he says that he sees a lot of those characteristics with the 2008-09 Ironmen club.
"This may be one of the best teams I have ever played on," he remarked. "I am excited to be on this team, and I am very anxious to get the season started."
Vasic, often regarded as the "Steve Nash of indoor soccer" due to his pinpoint pass accuracy and field vision, is reunited with 6-foot-7 Shawn Boney this year in New Jersey. The duo won titles together in Cleveland and Philadelphia, and Vasic is quick to note the similarity they have to another pair of standout pros that play together in Phoenix.
"Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal are back together again!" he proclaimed.
The New Jersey Ironmen will open up preseason training on Monday, December 1, and the club has two open tryouts planned over the next month. The club will host a tryout on Sunday, November 16, at Soccer Centers in Somerset from 8:30-10:00 p.m. and at Turf City in Wayne on Saturday, November 22, slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. Players interested in attending open tryouts must pre-register by calling Gioia DiFlumeri, Ironmen Operations Manager, at 973-757-6303. Registration for tryouts is $50, and the non-refundable fee must be submitted in cash or check. Those who would like to send a check prior to the tryouts can send it to team offices at New Jersey Ironmen, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and must be sent in no later than Saturday, November 15. Tryouts will be conducted on sports turf, and soccer attire (including indoor flats) is required. Applicants will be limited so those interested are encouraged to register as soon as they can.
The New Jersey Ironmen will make their 2008-09 season debut at Prudential Center on Sunday, December 14th, opening up their sophomore campaign at 4:00 p.m. against the Chicago Storm. The Ironmen provide fun and affordable family entertainment with tickets starting at only $10! Don't miss out on the action! Call 1-800-IRONMEN today!
Xtreme Soccer League Stories from November 10, 2008
- Ignition To Reveal Dance Team - Detroit Ignition
- Fan Favorite Goran Vasic Returning To Ironmen - New Jersey Ironmen
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