Outrage celebrate first season, look to next

Story courtesy TKO Public Relations

Kalamazoo, MI (July 30, 2008) - It's been an amazing first season for the Kalamazoo Outrage PDL side. Hot on the heels of the brand new franchise's appearance in the final 8 of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League the team celebrated in style with an end of season party.

Players were joined by supporters and board members at trendy Kalamazoo establishment Wings Etc and everyone in attendance was able to reflect on a season of incredible achievements. On top of the on-field heroics, Outrage players were named to the PDL Team Of The Week five times and defender Terry Alvino was named to the Central Conference Team Of The Year.

Outrage head coach Stu Riddle was delighted with the quick progress his team had made. "If someone had said at the start of the year we were going to make the last 8 and beat the Fire and the Bucks on the road in the play offs we would have taken it with both hands. While I don't think we gave a fair representation of ourselves in the final match I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in a very short time".

Players will now return to their various corners of the world with a sweet taste in their mouths. Former English Premiership midfielder Mark Briggs and ex USL 1 defender Terry Alvino will have to find a little bit of extra space in their luggage after scooping the awards at last night's banquet.

Briggs picked up the award of Players' Player Of The Year and Alvino was named as Player Of The Year by the coaching staff. Riddle said both players were deserving of their prizes. "Both guys brought in a level of professionalism and an amazing work ethic that spread through the team. On and off the field they were huge contributors to our success and I feel very fortunate to have had them both as Outrage players this season".

Staff will now take a week off before turning their attentions to the 2009 season with Riddle already looking to an improved season. "I already have a short list of players that I would like to have on board and also hope to have a good group of this squad return. It's important that we capitalize on this first year's success and don't back-pedal in any way".