(PRESS RELEASE – JIM FOSSELL)
Over 140 players from 13 different states showed up today to make their bid to be part of the St. Louis Ambush when the MISL expansion team held open tryouts at Vetta Sports in St. Charles. At least as many fans packed the bleachers to watch the action.
Ambush head coach Daryl Doran will begin his 12th season at the helm of a professional indoor soccer team when the Ambush take the field in November, so he has conducted his share of tryouts. “This is the largest group I’ve ever had for tryouts,” Doran told the players at the start of the day. Ambush CEO and co-owner Andrew Haines talked about opportunity when he addressed the group. “We haven’t signed a single player yet so this is your chance to show us what you’ve got. I have contracts here and I hope to sign some players by the time we leave tomorrow,” Haines explained with pen in hand for emphasis.
Doran had some help in assessing the hopefuls in the form of former St. Louis professional players including former Steamers player Jeff DiMaria, former Steamers player and assistant coach Tim Walters, former Steamers player Eric Delabar, former Steamers player and assistant coach Joe Smugala and Tim Amlong, Missouri Rush Soccer Club Technical Director.
Due to the overwhelming response, tryout sessions ran an hour past the originally allotted time. “We wanted to make sure we gave everyone a fair shot, so we kept going until everyone was seen in action by the staff,” Haines commented.
The first round of cuts saw 45 players go at the end of today’s session. Remaining players will return tomorrow for additional drills and evaluation by Doran, his coaching panel and team ownership. Those who make it through the second session will be invited back for a three-day invitational mini-camp.
Day two kicks off tomorrow (Sunday, August 4) at 11:30 a.m. and is open to fans and media. The tryouts are being held at the official training facility of the Ambush, Vetta Sports, located at 1425 St. Peters Cottleville Road, St. Peters, MO 63376.
