Re: We're Staying in Cleveland Well, I'm beginning to feel like not supporting a new team in Cleveland based on the way it looks like it's being brought in. And what's to keep the USL from screwing over the new owners, too?
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland CCSUltra, does that include WPS? I wouldn't be opposed to that as a gradual next step back into the game, or even a competitive PASL indoor team that plays downtown. I think that the crowds we saw at Krenzler were best case scenario...so in my opinion we are a long way from going big time. How much more would the hype of a championship have helped attendence if we stayed in the USL-2 at Krenzler for another year or 2?
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland That's where I am at. Going to have to see how this whole mess plays out, but highly doubtful, no matter the resolution, that there will be a team to support in 2010.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland The clevelandcitystars.com domain registration supposedly expired on Sunday, but the domain is still unavailable. I'm wondering if the new team (I've got a weird feeling there will be one with how few USL-2 teams are left) may be buying the City Stars trademarks.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland I'm torn here. Yes, City was screwed over royally. But would a new team be better than no pro soccer in Cleveland? I'm leaning toward yes. Actually, an NASL team would be ideal, but the USL-1 experience with City has me nervous about 2nd division soccer in Cleveland.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland If the new owners bought a franchise and are buying the CCS logo + name etc. separately what does that mean for our current players?
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland They would have to sign new contracts. All of the players that were under contract were released last week. Technically the team still exists, but there are no players, nothing. I'd love to see a team here, but I doubt we'll have one for this upcoming season. It looks pretty bleak.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland At this point things look bleak....We should go back to having an indoor team.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland We do have an indoor team in the area, the Ohio Vortex. They're out of Canton, but are playing a few games closer to Cleveland. I don't mind indoor, but I'd much rather have an outdoor team. Indoor soccer is nothing compared to the real thing.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland It'd be nice to have both so I have something to watch in the winter. Any idea where the vortex play? I'm about to google 'em.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland The next two weekends they're playing at the Metroplex in Warrensville. After that, the rest of their home games are at the Canton Civic Center in downtown Canton. It's a much nicer facility than the Metroplex. Steven Gillespie from CCS is playing for the Vortex. I'm planning on being at the next two home games.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland Can you just buy tickets there? I got a group of 5-8 people looking to go...
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can buy tickets there. I'll be there wearing my Teteh Bangura jersey
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland I'll be at Saturday's game (hopeful re: the 19th, but unsure). Tickets are available walk-up - $8 ($11 and $13 once they start playing in Canton) Programs are free, parking is too for the Cleveland games (the Canton Civic Center charges for parking and you can be towed if they see you coming in to the Civic Center from another parking lot).
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland It's funny--the Akron Zips are getting many more column inches in the Plain Dealer than the Cleveland City Stars ever got.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland Is this thread dead? Perhaps the closest thing to an official announcement yet is the email sent to team volunteers thanking us for our past dedication to the team and stating that our services will no longer be required. The letter mentions the PD article as evidence that we don't have a team anymore which I thought was curious since that story seemed to leave a hint of a door open to the possibility of a sale. It seems only in name the team could continue now. "USL President Tim Holt wouldn't comment on the City Stars' status Friday but said in a phone interview that the league was to still hoping to field a team in Cleveland next spring." It looks like the end of a very short era. It sure was fun while it lasted. So many great memories due to our undefeated home status our first 2 years. It was fun getting to know the players, front office, other fans and volunteers. I will never forget attending that championship game and joining the team celebration on the field afterward...that was priceless! Thanks to Aaron Treadway, Mark Geisbauer, Coach Rennie and owner Jonathan Ortlip for bring us that amazing glory though fleeting it was. Best wishes to you all...I hope to see you around...perhaps in the soccer stands somewhere, at the pub or on the pitch Steve
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland I think the Cleveland situation depends on what the USSF decides to do with the USL/NASL. Cleveland is an important market that may become very desirable. We shouldn't give up hope until the league(s) makes a final announcement. I went to nearly every game last season and enjoyed every minute.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland You enjoyed every minute? Shit man, I mean, I loved the team, but it was pretty damn hard with that terrible stadium.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland There might still be hope for Cleveland. A pro team is coming to life in Minnesota after the Thunder's financial problems. I hear it is likely pro-USL. There might be a USL-1 next season and Cleveland has to be in their plans. I hear USL may also get some clubs from Puerto Rico to get to the required eight. I am also hearing that a club in Detroit is still in the works.
Re: We're Staying in Cleveland I think we are seriously grasping at straws here....At this point, we ought to let it die until a group can come forward with the right amount of prepartory time and a clue how to run a professional team without consulting the team pastor first....until then...
Yes, last year was ugly (In fact, I have a new saying: "It ain't that bad as long as the chaplain hasn't gotten in anyone's face.") Yes. we are grasping at straws However, I'm in favor of "Hastily Assembled FC" over no pro soccer in Cleveland.
I know some of you guys think there were never any chance of selling the team. There was an interested party that came real close to buying the club. Aaron and the front office did a lot of work to get the deal done, but it came apart at the end. I think the NASL/TOA/USL situation is to blame for the folding of the City Stars. The USSF did the right thing by forcing a compromise. Everyone is going to have to act like professionals and do what is best for soccer in America. There are good people on both sides: Joey Saputo, Tim Holt, Chris Economides. Classy, professional people. I hope they don't forget about us. I don't want the Internationals to be my only choice of soccer here in Cleveland.