MLS Veteran Floyd Franks to Join City Stars Roster
Published on April 16, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Just in time for the home opener with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Cleveland City Stars were able to sign Midfielder Floyd Franks for the 2008 season. Franks comes to Cleveland after playing the past two seasons with the Chicago Fire of MLS. Franks will don number 23 for the Stars as he hopes to bring the same star power to the CCS lineup that another infamous number 23 has done down the street for the Cavaliers.
Prior to his stint in MLS, Franks was a four year starter at UNC-Charlotte where he was a two-time all-Conference USA selection after his sophomore and junior seasons and an all-Atlantic 10 Conference selection after his senior season. Franks scored 18 goals and registered 15 assists during his collegiate career.
Originally from Mississippi, Franks attended Vestavia High School in Vestavia, AL where he scored 36 goals as a senior and was named to the all-state team.
"We are excited to add another experienced player to our roster for the 2008 season," said CCS General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "Floyd gained valuable playing time during the past two years with the Chicago Fire at the MLS level and we look forward to him making an impact for us this season."
Free Tailgate Party This Saturday
Unlike last season when the team played its first month of games on the road, the City Stars will this time open the regular season at the friendly confines of Krenzler Stadium in downtown Cleveland. The Stars went undefeated at home last season and look to continue the streak against their new rivals, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Tickets are still available through the CCS Website.
Fans wishing to cheer on the City Stars, and those that simply want to root against Pittsburgh, are welcomed to the FREE pre-game tailgate party at the Parking Lot across the street from the Krenzler Stadium front entrance. The tailgate party is open to anybody with a valid ticket to the night's pro-team match and will run from 3pm-6pm. Concessions will be available at the party but fans are also welcome to bring their own food, grills and drinks.
In addition to the pre-game tailgate party, the first 200 fans through the gates for the game will receive a free Swiss TTP and City Stars rally towel.
For the only time this summer, the special CCS half-time show will feature the City Stars' famous Candy Scramble for kids of all ages. Every child in attendance will get the opportunity to run out on the actual playing surface and grab fistfuls of candy.
The April 19th contest is also the first of ten regular season matches to be broadcast on SportsTime Ohio. The broadcast will feature all of the exciting action from downtown as well as a special halftime segment introducing individual City Stars players on a personal level.
"We're excited to open the season at home," said Head Coach Martin Rennie. "The new rivalry with Pittsburgh is sure to be an exciting event for the fans. We know how the city of Cleveland feels about Pittsburgh and we want to send our fans home proud. We hope to see the fans show up in full force in order to show the Pittsburgh fans what Cleveland is all about."
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 16, 2008
- MLS Veteran Floyd Franks to Join City Stars Roster - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers Open Regular Season Saturday at UR Stadium - Richmond Kickers
- Islanders News - Penn FC
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