Force announces coaching change

Published on March 2, 2004 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO - Cleveland Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo announced today that the team has named Force defender Omid Namazi as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2003-04 season replacing former coach Andy Schmetzer. Omid will also continue to play on the field for Cleveland for the remainder of the season.

"Omid is a proven winner, champion and well respected coach within the Major Indoor Soccer League. We believe that this change gives us the best chance at making the playoffs this season while preparing us for the 2004-05 season. We would like to thank Andy Schmetzer for his service to the team. I have known and called Andy a friend since he was 18 years old. He is a class act and we are discussing another role for him within our organization," said Garofolo.

Namazi, who was acquired by Cleveland in a trade with the Philadelphia KiXX on December 19, is no stranger to the coaching ranks in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) as he guided the KiXX as a player and head coach for five seasons. In his five seasons, Omid posted a regular season record of 84-54 and a playoff record of 9-10 as well as capturing the 2002 MISL Championship. Namazi left the KiXX during the 2002-03 season to become the head coach of the San Diego Spirit in the now defunct Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). In his lone season with the Spirit, Omid guided the team to a record of 8-6-7 and their first trip to the post-season where the team fell in the semi-finals to the Atlanta Beat.

"I am excited to once again be coaching in the MISL. I am looking forward to this opportunity to continue to play as well as lead this team in our push for the playoffs in the last 10 games. By stepping in as head coach, I will have the opportunity to evaluate the players for this season and for next season," stated Namazi.

The Force is currently two games out of the final playoff spot behind the Kansas City Comets. Cleveland will return to action this weekend when they travel to St. Charles, Missouri to take on the St. Louis Steamers on Saturday afternoon.

Schmetzer had two years remaining on his contract after the 2003-04 season.

Negotiations with Namazi and his New York based agent Ron Waxman are ongoing. An announcement is expected within a week on terms of a new contract.

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