Three Force Players Selected In Expansion Draft

Published on July 23, 2003 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO- The Cleveland Force had three players selected from its active roster during the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Expansion Draft that allocated players to Monterrey and St. Louis. Defenders Kiley Couch and Joe Mattacchione went to Monterrey while forward Steve Butcher was selected by St. Louis.

"Clearly this draft had a devastating effect on our team depth. The Commissioner's office felt compelled to make Monterrey and St. Louis competitive via this draft. I believe these two teams now have to be considered the early favorites to win the MISL Championship as a result of the players selected. I don't subscribe to the theory that expansion teams should compete in their first season for a league championship. It certainly doesn't happen in any of the four major leagues," stated Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo.

Couch completed his second year with the Force this past season. Kiley, a native of Salem, Oregon, appeared in 79 of 80 games while recording two three-point goals, 17 two-point goals and adding 19 assists for a total of 59 points. In addition, he added 143 blocks in his two seasons. Last season, Couch recorded career-highs in goals (11), assists (11) and points (35).

Butcher, who completed his second year in Cleveland, was the second Force player selected in the draft. Steve, a native of Buffalo, New York, recorded two three-point goals, 36 two-point goals while adding 14 assists for a total of 92 points in 50 games. In his first season, Butcher recorded career-highs in goals (27), assists (7) and points (63).

Mattacchione was the final member of the team selected after spending just one season in Cleveland. Joe returned to the MISL this past season after last playing for the Toronto Thunderhawks during the 2000-01 season. Mattacchione recorded one three-point goal, his first career two-point goal and added five assists for a career-high 10 points. In addition, he was third on the team in blocks with 46.

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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from July 23, 2003


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