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  •NOTICIAS
PASL-Pro Opening Night a Success
 
 Howes, Susi share Player of the Week Honors

10/29/08 - The Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro) made a sensational debut last Saturday with the hometown Stockton Cougars defeating the Colorado Lightning 10-5 before 3,239 at Stockton Arena.

The Lightning's roster consisted of 13 newcomers to the pro arena game, but they showed a tremendous amount of potential, especially in a see saw first half that had them within striking distance, but trailing 5-4.


"The inaugural game against the Stockton Cougars was a test of whether the 'rookie' Lightning team could compete with the likes of Brian Farber and Bernie Lilavois," said Lightning GM Don Tumminia. "The conclusion was, 'Yes we can.' The excitement as a result of the new rules could be felt by the fan enthusiasm throughout the game. We look forward to a successful season."


The new rules include a return to single point scoring, a six-foul rule, where teams will be assessed a two minute penalty for committing six fouls in a half, and a ban on slide tackling. The result was a more wide-open, free-flowing game.


"It was an extremely successful evening," said PASL-Pro Commissioner Kevin Milliken. "We wanted 3,000 or more fans, and we achieved that goal. We wanted Colorado to be competitive, against a Cougars team loaded with veteran talent including the reigning MISL MVP, and they were. Most importantly we wanted the fans to enjoy the game, and enjoy the free flowing high paced game the PASL-Pro offers. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback from the fans, and this was the most important test. Our first game was truly a complete success."

Cougars owner Jim Rachels, whose team played three seasons in the MISL, is convinced that he didn't have to sacrifice any quality in order to join the PASL-Pro."I was very happy with the quality of play and I feel the PASL-Pro rule changes make the game much more fan friendly for viewing, the flow of the game isn't constantly interrupted with referee whistles."

Rachels continued, "I felt the crowd really enjoyed the game and I had several fans come up to me and said the quality of play was outstanding."

The PASL-Pro demonstrated the strength of its financial model as well. "Despite the current economic situation the paid attendance was over my projections to be economically viable," said Rachels. "If fan support can stay at or near the first game numbers, this will exceed my projections."


Player of the Week


Aaron Susi and Greg Howes


The first week of the PASL-Pro season concluded with just one game, but two Players of the Week. Susi scored the first goal in league history en route to a first half hat trick. Howes assisted on Susi's third goal and took the baton and ran off a total of 2 goals and 4 assists. In fact, Howes factored into all five second half goals for the Cougars.


The Week Ahead


There are just three league games. The Denver Dynamite will play the Calgary United Saturday and Sunday in Calgary and the Lighting will host their home opener Sunday against the Texas Outlaws.


The big story involves non-league action, as the United States National Arena Soccer Team will take on Mexico, Peru, and Brazil in the Torneo Internacional de Futbol Rapido Monterrey 2008, November 5-9 at Arena Monterrey. The USNAST is lead by player/Head Coach Bernie Lilavois and Greg Howes.

About Professional Arena Soccer League
PASL-Pro is a new professional league which began play on October 25, 2008 when the Stockton Cougars defeated the Colorado Lightning, 10-5 at Stockton Arena. The 2008-09 season concludes with Championship Weekend March 13-15 at Stockton Arena. PASL-Pro consists of 8 US teams, the CMISL, and LMFR. The San Diego Sockers have been added for the 2009/10 season. PASL-Premier just completed its 10th season as the nation's top amateur arena soccer league. PASL-Pro and PASL-Premier are members of Federacion Internacional de Futbol Rapido (FIFRA).