Force Signs Legendary Forward

Published on March 3, 2003 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO- Cleveland Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo today announced that the team has acquired the rights of forward Zoran Karic from the Harrisburg Heat for the rights to forward Clint Regier. Karic then signed a contract with the Force for the remainder of the 2002-03 season plus an option year. Per team policy terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Karic, a 5-9 forward last played for the Harrisburg Heat during the 2001-02 season. In just 17 games for the Heat, "Z" recorded seven goals and added 29 assists for a total of 42 points

"It had become clear to us that even with the additions of Cloutier and Lilavois we were still lacking the fire we believe necessary when entering the playoffs. We looked at all the players available and one name kept coming forward and that was Zoran. Clearly no one has a greater passion for, or a sense of urgency in a game atmosphere than "Z". I believe this move confirms that this organization will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to return to the highest levels in the MISL," said Garofolo.

Prior to his stint with Harrisburg, Karic played for the Kansas City Comets after spending 11 years in a Cleveland uniform under the Crunch banner. In three playoff games for the Comets, Zoran notched 15 points.

During his 11 seasons with the Crunch, Karic was named the MISL Most Valuable Player during the 1993-94 season. He is a nine-time All-MISL selection, including eight first-teams. Zoran still holds several MISL single season records for points with 267 and for assists with 104 and is the all-time career leader for assists with 821. Karic is a six-time All-Star selection and currently still holds All-Star records for three-point goals with two and is tied with Hector Marinaro for two-point goals with 13.

In the playoffs, Karic has made a major impact during the playoffs as he still holds the record for assists in a game with six, season assists with 34 and career assists in the playoffs with 161.

"This is a signing I have wanted for a long time. I have been watching Zoran for the last two years and I know he can still be one of the top players in this league. Paul suggested this as an option last week. When he told me he was willing to pursue this signing I jumped at the opportunity. I feel that "Z" will have an immediate offensive impact on this team," stated Head Coach Andy Schmetzer.

"I am excited to play again Cleveland. I am very glad to be back on this team. I still have the desire to play in this league," commented Karic.

Zoran and his wife Vera reside in Broadview Heights with their two children Maria and Jenna.

In related news, Force placed defender Casey Barton on waivers.

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