Cape Cod Crusaders News Release - www.masspremiersoccer.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

WALTHAM, MA -- The MPS Cape Cod Crusaders continue to add to the foreign flavor at the club with the news that three further standouts from abroad have committed to the club for the 2008 season. Englishman Yan Klukowski, Welshman Liam Maloney and Irishman Michael Coburn will join the 2007 Northeast Division champions as they prepare their assault on this season's PDL.

"It has always our goal to recruit the best international players available and we believe we have found that in Yan, Liam and Michael," said Crusaders Head Coach Paul Baber. "All three players come to us with fantastic resumes and we look forward to them continuing their fine careers at MPS."

Klukowski is no stranger to the PDL after competing for rival Ottawa Fury during the 2007 season.He posted a goal and four assists in 16 games while playing for the Fury.

In addition, the English native joins the Crusaders after a fine season in the collegiate game where he lead his Central Connecticut State side to the NCAA Sweet-16 round. The powering forward also garnered NSCAA All-region accolades during his teams’ fantastic year.

"Yan is one of the most powerful forwards in the collegiate game at this moment in time," said Baber "He demonstrated to me last year that he can be a real handful to defenders in the PDL and we are delighted that he will be lining up for us as opposed to against us this season."

The Crusaders continue to recruit players with national team experience as Liam Maloney joins ranks after representing his native Wales at the U-17 level. Maloney comes to the club from Towson University where he will begin his first season in the NCAA ranks this fall.

"Liam comes to us with a very strong background of international and club soccer from back in the UK," said Baber. "He has represented his country at the U-17 level and we are very excited about the potential he brings to the club."

Rounding out the trio of foreign players joining the club is Ireland native Michael Coburn. The towering 6'3 defender joins an ever growing list of University of Memphis to play for the Crusaders in recent years. Coburn garnered NSCAA All-Region honors as well finding a place on the C-USA All-Conference team during 2007.

"I have an outstanding relationship with the coaching staff at Memphis and Michael comes to us very highly recommended," said Baber. "He brings outstanding leadership qualities to us and has ability to match after being named MVP of his college side last season."

The foreign trio will make their Crusaders debut when the club opens their 2008 campaign with a home fixture against the expansion New Hampshire Phantoms on Saturday 10th May. The game will be played at the Crusaders new home location of Mass Maritime Academy and kick-off is slated for 7pm.

Yan Klukowski
Central Connecticut State Univ.
• NSCAA/adidas All North Atlantic Region First Team (2007)
• All Northeast Conference Second Team (2007)
• NSCAA/adidas All North Atlantic Region Second Team (2006)
• All Northeast Conference First Team (2005, 2006)
• Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year (2005)
• Former England U-18 International

Liam Maloney
Towson University
• Former Wales U-17 International
• Represented country at U-17 UEFA European Championships
• Former Preston North End (England)

Michael Coburn
University of Memphis
• NSCAA/adidas All-Midwest Region (2007)
• University of Memphis MVP (2007)
• C-USA All-Conference Second Team (2007)
• C-USA All-Tournament Team (2005)