Ironmen Sign Former MISL All-Star Lazo Alavanja
September 6, 2007 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
NEWARK, NJ (September 5, 2007)- Omid Namazi, Vice President of Soccer Operations and Head Coach of the New Jersey Ironmen of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), formally announced today that the team has agreed to terms with 2006 MISL All-Star and former Major League Soccer (MLS) player Lazo Alavanja. Alavanja is set to join the Ironmen at the conclusion of his current season with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League First Division.
"I am delighted to have secured Lazo Alavanja as a player for the New Jersey Ironmen for our inaugural season. Lazo will bring a lot of good qualities to our team," Head Coach Namazi commented. "He is a leader, a professional in the true sense, and one of the best two-way players in the MISL."
Acquiring the rights to Alavanja was one the first executive decisions made by Namazi during the early stages of the Ironmen development.
"Lazo is one of the players we obtained early through a trade with the Chicago Storm, and he is someone I believe will be a key player to our success here in New Jersey," he stated. "I look forward to seeing him wear the 'Maroon and Mandarin'."
Alavanja, the first round selection (fourth overall) of the Dallas Burn in the 1999 MLS College Draft, made his professional debut for the Burn at Kansas City on September 18, 1999. After his rookie season, he went on to make 15 starts in 24 games during his sophomore campaign. In 2001 Alavanja was acquired by Fusion F.C. from the Burn, recording 11 starts in 16 appearances. During his 2002 MLS season, he started ten times in 17 games for the DC United.
Alavanja made his MISL debut as one of the inaugural members of the 2004-05 Chicago Storm. The Crown Point, Indiana, native paced the Chicago midfield with 33 blocked shots, and he was second amongst the team with 13 assists. His rookie campaign was good enough to land him on the MISL All-Rookie Team. He followed up that season by tallying 13 goals and 21 points for the Storm while also leading the club with 24 blocks. Alavanja, the only MISL player to be named both league Offensive Player of the Week (1/16/06) and Defensive Player of the Week (4/3/06), was also named to the 2005-06 All-Star Team. Alavanja has since returned to the outdoor game for the past three seasons with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League First Division, receiving accolades as the club's 2005 Offensive Player of the Year.
Prior to playing professionally, Alavanja had a stellar collegiate career at Indiana University. He was selected to the All-America team three times in four seasons (1996, 1997, 1998), and the 1995 Big Ten Freshman of the Year finished out his time at Indiana by being named Big Ten Player of the Year in both 1997 and 1998. He was also part of four consecutive Big Ten championship teams and wrapped up his career with the NCAA championship in 1998. The Hoosiers compiled an overall record of 75-11-5 during his time there.
Season tickets for the Ironmen are on sale now, and fans can purchase them by calling 1-800-IRONMEN. The Ironmen will also be conducting open-tryouts beginning on September 8th. For more information or to pre-register for open-tryouts, call 1-973-854-8757 ext. 143.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from September 6, 2007
- Open Tryouts And Dancers - Chicago Storm
- Storm Head Coach Hangs Out With A Bunch Of Animals - Chicago Storm
- Ironmen Sign Former MISL All-Star Lazo Alavanja - New Jersey Ironmen
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