Ryan Hall Joins Ironmen For 2008-09 Season
October 31, 2008 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
Newark, N.J. (Friday, October 31, 2008) - As the New Jersey Ironmen begin to close in on their December 14th home opener against the Chicago Storm, the indoor side continues to add veteran leadership to an already experienced crew of preseason acquisitions. The second-year club announced today the signing of defender Ryan Hall, who will reunite with Head Coach Omid Namazi this year when he dons the Maroon and Mandarin colors of the Ironmen.
"Ryan Hall played for me with the Cleveland Force, so he is familiar with our system," Namazi commented. "He brings an element of toughness that we were lacking last year, and I'm excited about having him on the team."
A graduate of Syracuse University, Hall was a member of the U-18 Virginia State Olympic Development Program and played with the youth club when they traveled to Germany in 1998. Hall originally linked up with Namazi during his 2003-04 rookie season as a member of the Cleveland Force. The duo advanced to the MISL Championship Series together the following year but suffered two golden goal defeats in the finals.
"Ryan Hall is everything you want in a defender," Namazi continued. "He is a good stay-at-home defender and possesses a good left foot, which gives a good balance with our other defenders."
Hall began his third indoor season with the Chicago Storm before making the move to the West Coast to suit up for the California Cougars, and he remained there for the better of the past three seasons. He had a league-leading 61 blocks in his second year as a Cougar, and he has tallied 149 blocks in a mere 103 regular season contests for his career. The former Orange defender has also recorded nine goals and 15 assists over that span.
"Going into my sixth year, I'm excited to be playing for Omid again," Hall remarked. "I've yet to see another coach that can teach the game like him, and in my five years of playing, I've learned more from him than any other coach I've had. I'm excited to get back together with him to get it going in New Jersey."
The New Jersey Ironmen will open up preseason training on Monday, December 1, and the club has two open tryouts planned over the next month. The club will host a tryout on Sunday, November 16, at Soccer Centers in Somerset from 8:30-10:00 p.m. and at Turf City in Wayne on Saturday, November 22, slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. Players interested in attending open tryouts must pre-register by calling Gioia DiFlumeri, Ironmen Operations Manager, at 973-757-6303. Registration for tryouts is $50, and the non-refundable fee must be submitted in cash or check. Those who would like to send a check prior to the tryouts can send it to team offices at New Jersey Ironmen, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and must be sent in no later than Saturday, November 15. Tryouts will be conducted on sports turf, and soccer attire (including indoor flats) is required. Applicants will be limited so those interested are encouraged to register as soon as they can.
The New Jersey Ironmen will make their 2008-09 season debut at Prudential Center on Sunday, December 14th, opening up their sophomore campaign at 4:00 p.m. against the Chicago Storm. The Ironmen provide fun and affordable family entertainment with tickets starting at only $10! Don't miss out on the action! Call 1-800-IRONMEN today!
Xtreme Soccer League Stories from October 31, 2008
- Ryan Hall Joins Ironmen For 2008-09 Season - New Jersey Ironmen
- Millrose named team's official post game party location - Chicago Storm
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