Wings Strengthen Roster
August 15, 2011 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Wichita Wings News Release
On August 15th the Wichita Wings of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced the signing of three more standout players. Pending League approval, Daniel Villegas, Chris Lemons, and Brian Cushing will join the Wichita Wings, strengthening what has already been established as a deep and talented roster. All three players participated in the Wings open tryouts held at Hartman Arena on July 30-31, each showing exceptional skill throughout the two day tryout.
Head Coach LeBaron Hollimon saw something in the three players almost immediately, making the choice of offering them contracts an easy one. "Once again, I am extremely excited about these three players playing in the orange and black of the Wichita Wings. We did not have any intentions of signing players straight from tryouts, but these three showed us they have the tools to help us achieve our lofty goals. Brian gives us another player with extensive professional indoor experience and will show good composure on the ball. Both Danny and Chris will be indoor rookies, but there is nothing rookie about their play. Both of these young men possess excellent technical abilities and have incredible soccer IQs. These two abilities coupled with their extreme athleticism gives us multiple options with how we can play." Brian Cushing is no stranger to the Wichita Wings Organization. A former Wings player of the 1990's era, Brian will add depth and experience to the team. "I am looking forward to the resurrection of professional indoor soccer in Wichita. I loved playing for the team before it folded and I look forward to playing again. I miss playing in front of the fans. The soccer community here is very supportive to the sport and will be able to enjoy it very soon. I look forward to playing for LeBaron and Sammy as they have the right knowledge to guide us to a title."
Daniel Villegas traveled all the way from Florida to tryout and get his shot at playing for the Wings. What Daniel lacks in indoor experience he easily makes up for in talent. At the young age of 20 Daniel has shown exceptional skill over the previous two seasons while playing for the Miami Football Club of the USL and FC Jacksonville Destroyers of the PDL, both outdoor soccer clubs. "To sign with an organization that has such a rich history like the Wichita Wings is a privilege and a blessing. I look forward to making an immediate impact on the team this year!"
Chris Lemons also brings a vast amount of outdoor soccer experience to the Wings, having played for both the Charlotte Eagles of the USL and the Colorado Rapids of the MLS (Americas premiere outdoor soccer league). A native to Wichita Kansas, returning home to play for the Wings is a great opportunity for both Chris and the organization, and Wings General Manager John Blazek couldn't agree more."Having local ties from a player like Chris is great for both the team and community. It's just one more thing for people to be excited about."
Chris also recognizes the nostalgia of being able to return home to play for the Wings. "To play for the Wings is a dream come true! Ever since I watched them as a little boy I wanted to play for the team. Now that I am getting that chance to play in my home town in front of my family and friends who have supported me all my life, I couldn't be any more excited! To play for a first class organization and ownership and to have a great coaching staff in LeBaron and Sammy is a blessing! To top it off, I am able to play alongside teammates who have encouraged me and have helped me grow as a player and a person. I look forward to doing everything I can to help the Wings be a Championship team on and off the pitch!"
With the Wings season only months away, and the orange and black rosters getting stronger every day, one can't help but to feel as excited as the players coming in are for the 2011-2012 season to start.
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Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from August 15, 2011
- Wings Strengthen Roster - Wichita Wings
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