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Force congratulates Marinaro on legendary career

October 10, 2004 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO - The Cleveland Force would like to extend its thanks and congratulations to Hector Marinaro on his legendary career and his pending retirement announcement from professional indoor soccer. Marinaro, who will announce his retirement on Tuesday, October 12th, will join the sales force at Cleveland area company Inflatable Images.

"I would like to thank Hector for the chills, thrills and pure soccer excitement he delivered to so many for so long! We were simply amazed at his ability to make everything happen when he was on the field. Off the field Hector has been a great ambassador for soccer, Cleveland and the Major Indoor Soccer League. The likes of Hector Marinaro may never be seen again in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He achieved icon status in our sport and his feats are comparable to those of Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Barry Bonds in their sports," stated Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo.

"My relationship with Hector exceeds twenty years. From the first day he joined the Force as a rookie from Mississauga, Ontario where he was discovered by former Force Coach Timo Liekoski to the days I proudly served as his agent, to his final game, I have had a chance to witness his career come full circle. I was excited by his victories and shared the pain of his defeats," added Garofolo.

"Although Hector's relationship with the Force has experienced some recent strains, it is my personal wish and that of the organization that time will heal the wounds and allow for the proper tribute to be paid to Hector to commemorate his unparalleled career. It would be the organization's goal to retire the number 21 in honor of this great Cleveland sports star. "We wish him many happy years of retirement," commented Garofolo.

Marinaro, a member of the Cleveland franchise for 16 seasons, was selected by the expansion Chicago Storm in an expansion draft held by the Major Indoor Soccer League on June 23. Hector is the all-time leading scorer in indoor soccer history with 2,787 points. Marinaro, who won the three League Championships, has been a 16-time All-Star, six-time league Most Valuable Player and 10-time team MVP. Marinaro ranks first all-time in league history in goals (1,223), two-point goals (665), one-point goals (459), playoff points (432) and playoff goals (188). He ranks second all-time in assists with 701 behind teammate Zoran Karic (850) and in playoff assists with 71.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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