The United Soccer Leagues (USL) announces the 2006 season for the Cleveland Internationals in the Premier Development League North American men’s amateur division. Entering the league in 2004, the Cleveland Internationals compete as Cleveland’s most elite level of soccer against teams across the U.S. and Canada. The Cleveland Internationals 2006 season began May 19, 2006 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, versus the Kalamazoo Kingdom. Although a close game, the Kalamazoo Kingdom defeated the Internationals 2-1. As Cleveland’s premier level of soccer, the organization recruits top collegiate and former collegiate and pro athletes. U.S. college players find the PDL an excellent way to play soccer throughout the summer months and maintain collegiate eligibility.

As an excellent addition, the Cleveland Internationals includes former professional players from MLS, MISL and A-league teams with championship experience that will help bring the team to the finest level in amateur soccer in the area. The Cleveland International 2006 roster includes former professional players Wesley Sechrist, Allen Eller, Chris Doré, Tony Doré and John Sand who will impact the competitive level of play together.

The 2006 season blasts with international flare with Elliott Bradbrook from Kent, England, Aasmund “Ossie” Michalsen from Bergen, Norway and Mark Nerkowski, U.S. born, yet raised in Czestochowu, Poland. Also, many of the teammates will reunite on the field after playing together as youth in the Gothia Cup, The World Youth Cup, held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Will the third year be the promising charm for a winning season? Veterans returning for their second and third years with the Cleveland Internationals include Tony DiBello, Tony Doré, Josh Grossman and Jared Miller for their second year, and George Nanchoff, Kevin Pitorak, Jason Scudamore, Chris Green, and John Sand for their third year.

The PDL Cleveland Internationals organization is an exceptional route for players to continue their development and passion for the game, while offering affordable entertainment to soccer fans and families in the Cleveland metro area. The team promotes a family-friendly atmosphere throughout surrounding communities. The league’s dedication to the development of soccer across North America is influenced by the USL officers down to players and the fans. Coach and owner, George Nanchoff commented, “The team has come together this season with our collegiate athletes and former pro players. The men have been training hard on the field and are ready for a winning season. The team is excited to play and offer exceptional soccer to Cleveland.”

The PDL, a 56-team league, offers top players in the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to perform in a professional-like setting during the summer months, allowing collegiate players to maintain their college eligibility. Competing in the Great Lakes Division, the Cleveland Internationals will play 8 home and 8 away games this season. The first 4 games of the season are used to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Open Cup features teams from USASA, PDL, USL Pro Soccer League, A-League and MLS. The United Soccer Leagues®, the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, is dedicated to growing soccer at the grassroots level in communities across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary, the North American league has emerged from five regional teams to six leagues, the USL First Division, the USL Second Division, the USL Premier Development League, the USL W-League, the USL Super-20 League and the USL Super-Y League. Join the Cleveland Internationals for their next home match against the Kalamazoo Kingdom on June 4, 2006 at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Kickoff is at 2:00 PM. For more information, please call 216.780.2100; visit our website at http://www.internationalssoccer.com/pdl/index.cfm or email info@internationalssoccer.com.

Cleveland Internationals 2006 PDL Team: 1st Row (L to R): G. Nanchoff, T. DiBello, D. McKinney, J. Scudamore, C. Green & C. Dore. 2nd Row (L to R): T. Dore, K. Pitorak, D. Bartulovic, A. Kozicki, A. Eller, W. Sechrist, J. Grebenc & J. Sand. 3rd Row (L to R): E. Bradbrook, J. Westermann, J. Miller, Z. Varga, M. Crane, G. Walter, M. Nerkowski, A. Michalsen & A. Tipton. Missing: J. Grossman, C. Korb & M. Nanchoff.

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