International and Nationwide Participation at City Stars Tryouts
Published on February 4, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Cleveland, Ohio The Cleveland City Stars, Cleveland's professional outdoor soccer team held the first of two open tryouts today at their practice field on the Cleveland State University campus. Anyone wanting to make that jump from amateur to professional or looking for a new professional home is invited to show off their skills at the second open tryout scheduled for Friday February 15th from 10:00am to 2:00pm which will also be held at Krenzler Field. For more information or to register online, go to www.clevelandcitystars.com.
Martin Rennie, the CCS head coach, will be on hand evaluating talent and looking for the next new Star. With much of the management still intact from last year's record setting inaugural season, and with a strong core of players returning, Rennie and his staff are hoping to find a few players to complement the group of quality young men who are already "serving the city & changing the world" through soccer here in Cleveland.
Attendees at the first tryout ranged from 18 to 32 years of age, and although there were many northeast Ohio prospects, the gathering also included hopefuls from California, the UK, South Africa, Brazil and several other countries. Rennie did not specify a particular opening that he is trying to fill, but noted that all clubs are looking for an exceptional striker who can finish. Nonetheless, talented players at all positions will be considered.
The Cleveland City Stars have said they will offer an opportunity to at least one participant in the open tryouts. Part of the CCS mission is to give youth in this area something to work towards, an achievable goal that will promote the sport and the city at the same time. USL soccer has proven to be a stepping stone for many young players desiring a shot at the MLS or professional clubs around the world. And the City Stars desire to be a channel for the players in the Cleveland area to pursue those dreams.
Some players were invited to the tryout by the City Stars coaching staff, and therefore there were a couple of recognizable names in attendance. Kwame Sarkodie, who CCS fans may remember from last season as the Cincinnati Kings midfielder who was instrumental in both of the goals the Kings scored against the Stars, was present. Since the Kings have been relegated to the PDL, Sarkodie may be looking for a new USL-2 home. Also, chasing down the through balls from his teammates was Kai Kasiguran. Kasiguran was named the NCAA Division III Player of the Year recently and hails from Oakwood Village, Ohio. He attended Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy before continuing his soccer career as a midfielder for Messiah College and was drafted by the Chicago Fire MLS.
Of the 40+ men in attendance, just over half were invited back for a second round of evaluations from 7pm to 11pm. The format will be the same for the tryout in two weeks. After the initial round and call back those players that the City Stars are seriously considering will be given notice of their status fairly quickly. With the beginning of the season just two months away it is important to solidify the team soon so the boys can get comfortable playing together.
It is a big leap from amateur or even college soccer to the professional stage. What will differentiate a player who is able to make that transition from his peers are the intangibles. Rennie and his staff are looking for players that stand out, that are coachable, that play with intensity, and that will fit into this particular team environment. Several of the prospects displayed great athletic ability, others showed a great understanding of the game, and still others had a good touch on the ball and great technique. Certain aspects of the game cannot be taught. Other dimensions can be developed. What will determine who makes the cut? Which of the dream-seekers will take the next step? Who knows. It could be you.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 4, 2008
- International and Nationwide Participation at City Stars Tryouts - Cleveland City Stars
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