Kalamazoo Outrage News Release - www.tkosoccer.org
Friday, March 28, 2008
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Kalamazoo Outrage PDL side announced the signing, pending USL/PDL approval, of five players with Western Michigan University ties for their upcoming inaugural season. Current Broncos include Mattawan native Tyler Rosenhagen, Ann Arbor native Charlie Watts and Livonia native Jordan Fylonenko. Joining the current WMU players are former Broncos Tom Oatley and Dustin Snyder.
Head Coach Stu Riddle hopes this is the start of what will be a continual pool of local talent to choose from.
"Both Charlie and Jordan impressed me during the tryout and I’ve worked with Tyler in the PDL before. It's a great position to be in having a very strong relationship with the local college coaches and being able to draw from their programs strong squads."
Watts will be a junior midfielder at Western Michigan University next year. He has been a 2 year starter for the Broncos. The 20-year-old Watts, who will be playing in his first PDL season, is excited about the chance to showcase his talents for the Outrage.
"There's no doubt it is going to be a very successful and upcoming program. Also, it is a privilege to play with the Kalamazoo Outrage. I feel that I can improve my ability as a player and will have a lot of fun seeing the success of this program."
The 20-year-old Rosenhagen will enter his junior year in the fall with the Broncos where he has garnered a reputation as an attacking offensive threat. Rosenhagen, who played for former PDL side Kalamazoo Kingdom under Riddle in 2005, is also enthusiastic about the upcoming season.
"I’m looking forward to a strong season with a strong team. I have a good feeling we can reach some goals of ours. I’d like to bring a championship to Kalamazoo."
Fylonenko, a 21 year old striker, scored 4 goals for Western last season as a junior and is expected by Riddle to push for a starting role.
"Jordan has a wonderful touch and a cracking left foot. I fully expect him to be a contributor for us this season," said Riddle. "How he performs in training and in preseason games will depict what sort of role he has with us."
Riddle was equally pleased with the signing of the two former Broncos and PDL veterans.
"Tom and Dustin are excellent additions for us. Not only are they fantastic players, they bring to the table a great deal of experience which in this league is invaluable."
Oatley, who turned down several other PDL sides to join the Outrage, was the top scorer for both Western Michigan University and in the PDL with the West Michigan Edge last season. Riddle expects a fruitful season from the speedy 22-year-old forward who has a reputation for being a natural goal scorer.
"It’s a real chance for Tommy to get seen by a pro club and he knows that he will be judged by his return of goals at the end of the season."
Snyder, a versatile 25-year-old midfielder who has previously represented the West Michigan Edge and the Indiana Invaders in the PDL is also expected to strongly contribute.
"Dustin was invited to a combine with MLS side New York but turned it down to concentrate on playing with the Outrage. It's that type of commitment and desire that will stand him in excellent stead as we approach preseason," said Riddle.
The Outrage opens their regular season on May 16 but will have their first competitive test on May 4 at Mayors Riverfront Park against Club Guanajuato, a local Latino Select side. The match will kick off at 4pm and will be open to the public free of charge.
