Pizzolitto makes Canadian National Team

Published on May 15, 2003 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


MONTREAL, QUEBEC- Cleveland Force defenseman Nevio Pizzolitto has been asked to join the Canadian National Soccer Team. National Team head coach Holger Osieck was in need of a solid defender and found Nevio to be the best fit for the team's upcoming trip to Wolfsburg, Germany on June 1st.

Pizzolitto entered his 8th season with the Montreal Impact, an A-League outdoor soccer team, at the conclusion of the 2002-2003 MISL season. After an impressive Impact victory over Force teammate Joe Mattachione and his team the Toronto Lynx, Nevio was asked by Coach Osieck to join the National Team. Pizzolitto who has made five previous appearances on the Canadian National Team felt honored, "I'm definitely excited and so glad to be back and playing at this level." Nevio who has battled back from last season's double hernia injury went on to say, "It feels very rewarding because of the time I have spent rehabbing after my surgery. I will continue to push myself back to playing at the top of my game."

Nevio Pizzolitto is no stranger to international competition. He was a member of the Canadian National Team that competed in the 1993 Under 17 World Cup held in Japan. He also represented Canada in the 1996 Junior Olympics. Perhaps his finest accomplishment in international play came at the 1997 Francophone Games where he and the Canadian Team captured a gold medal. Nevio's most recent experience in international competition came in 1999 when he competed in two World Cup qualifying matches.

Upon hearing the news of Pizzolitto's return to international competition, Force Head Coach Andy Schmetzer commented, "Nevio is definitely worthy of playing for his country. I believe he is one of the top five defenders in the MISL. He is receiving the highest praise for his outstanding play by being selected to compete on his country's national team."

Nevio has been a part of three A-League regular season championship teams, and was chosen as a starter in the 2000-01 All-Star game. Following his stellar All-Star season, Pizzolitto joined the Cleveland Force in 2001.

During Nevio's two seasons with Cleveland he has been known predominately for his outstanding defensive abilities, but in the past year he has shown a vast improvement with his offensive skills as well. In 33 games this season he unselfishly contributed 8 assists to go along with 9 goals for a total of 28 points. Nevio's efforts on both sides of the ball greatly contributed to the Force's 2002-03 success and return to the playoffs for the first time since their League Championship in 1999.

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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from May 15, 2003


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