Former Utah Freezz and Toronto Thunderhawks Forwards Increase Scoring Threat

September 10, 2002 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO- Cleveland Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo today announced that forwards Chris Stathopoulos and Myles Stoddard have both signed contracts. As per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Stathopoulos, who was selected by the Kansas City Comets in the 2001 Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) dispersal draft, had his rights traded to the Force for midfielder Brian Hinkey. Stathopoulos, who last played for the Toronto Thunderhawks, recorded 40 goals and added 17 assists for a total of 100 points in 37 games during his first and only year in Toronto. Stathopoulos also played three seasons for the Montreal Impact. While in Montreal, Chris recorded 58 goals and added 34 assists for a total 153 points in 86 games. In addition to his indoor career, Stathopoulos has had an outstanding outdoor career as he was named the Best Scorer with 78 points and Best Goal Scorer with 49 goals for his semi-pro club team of Greece during the Sportplus World Cup, which is the strongest outdoor league in Quebec.

Stoddard, the ninth overall selection of the World Indoor Soccer League allocation draft, is entering his first season with the Force and his first in the MISL. Stoddard, 25, appeared in 19 games with a career-high 13 goals and a career-high six assists for a total of 19 points on 72 shots last season for Utah. In his first indoor season with the Freezz, Stoddard accumulated eight goals and five assists for 13 points. In his second season, Myles netted six goals and added five assist for 11 points. During his three seasons in Utah, Stoddard appeared in three playoff games and scored one goal. In addition to his indoor career, Stoddard has played for several outdoor clubs and was a member of the Under-20 National Team.

"The addition of Chris and Myles to this team dramatically improves our depth at second forward as well as the overall talent of this team," stated Garofolo on announcing the signings.

Cleveland continues training camp this week in preparation for the MISL Eastern Conference Exhibition Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Force will face the defending MISL Champion Philadelphia KiXX on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and then will conclude the tournament on Sunday versus the Harrisburg Heat at 11:00 a.m.



Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from September 10, 2002


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