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Orf Thankful For 21 Years But Calls It Quits After 2004-05 Season

December 20, 2004 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO - Cleveland Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo is pleased to announce today that Cleveland mainstay Otto Orf will remain with the franchise taking on new duties off the field as an Assistant Coach, Director of Community Relations and Director of Coaching Services as well as serving as the team's emergency third string goalkeeper.

"I would like to thank Otto Orf as an employer, friend and most importantly as a fan of the great game of indoor soccer. He has always cared about this team and his teammates. He never played a game without giving an honest effort and for that we offer again our thanks. Otto has given his heart and soul to this franchise and as a result when he takes off the number 00 it shall never again be worn by a player on the Force. As he enters his rookie season as a member of the coaching staff and front office, we wish him continued success in the new phase of his career. Plans are underway to honor Otto at the end of his final campaign," stated Garofolo.

Orf a long time fan favorite and Cleveland goalkeeper will retire at the end of the season which will be his 21st season of indoor soccer. Otto, who has a passion for soccer and the Cleveland area, wanted to stay involved with the team that has been a major part of his life in which he has many memories and triumphs for the past 16-years. The new front office opportunities present a perfect way to keep a Cleveland soccer figure involved with the community, team and league that has adored and respected him.

A resident of Northeast Ohio for over 15 years, Orf has developed strong ties with local community soccer groups, organizations and clubs that will be helpful in his new role as Director of Community Relations. Otto will be responsible for handling grass roots marketing, player appearances and the expansion of youth player and coaches clinics.

In his role as Director of Coaching Services, Orf will serve as a liaison between management and players for the purpose of enticing players to stay in the Cleveland area year round. Through the development of this new program, Otto will get the players involved with coaching youth programs in local communities as well as serving as coaches in the Force summer camp program.

"I am excited to stay with the team that I have been with for so many years and I look forward to my new duties in the front office and with the team. By taking on the role of assistant coach, I will be able to stay involved with the team on a daily basis and share my 20-years of playing experience. I am ready for the challenge of working with the community and organizations that I have played in front of or coached for the past 16 years," commented Orf.

With 20-years of indoor soccer experience, Orf will bring a wealth of knowledge to goalkeepers Jim Larkin and Bayard Elfvin as well as the rest of the team in his role as Assistant Coach.

"I am pleased to have Otto joining me on the coaching staff as an Assistant Coach. I feel his many years and experience around the indoor game will bring more knowledge to the bench and will help the younger players understand the game better. He will be an asset to our two goalkeepers and will provide instruction on ways to better their technique. We are very lucky to have him," stated Namazi.

Orf, a three-time World Champion and a fourth time All-Star selection, has appeared in 481 career games and is the all-time leader in points scored by a net minder with 129. He has posted a record of 246-192 (.561) and has had 20 plus wins in a season on seven occasions. Otto is the all-time leader in assists with 111 and is second all-time in playoff history in wins (44), shots faced (1,754) and saves (1,247).

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