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Waltham, January 28 2008;
The MPS Cape Cod Crusaders had two more players given the opportunity to join
the professional ranks recently
with Dan Stratford and James Thorpe both selected by DC United in last weeks MLS
Supplemental Draft.
Stratford was selected in the second round as
the 24th overall pick while Thorpe was a fourth round choice as the 52nd pick.
The pair will now head to training camp as DC United prepare for the 2008
season.
"We are delighted that Dan and James have been
given a chance to prove themselves in the MLS," said Crusaders Head Coach Paul
Baber. "DC United is historically one of the most successful clubs in the
league and its fitting that they took two MPS players in the draft after the
success the Crusaders had as a club last season."
Stratford and Thorpe were both prominent
figures in Baber's squad which won the club's fourth consecutive Northeast
Division title. Midfielder Stratford concluded the season with four goals
and six assists while Goalkeeper Thorpe racked up four shut-outs during the
year.
Stratford and Thorpe join an ever growing crop
of MPS players to move into the professional ranks in 2008. Dwight Barnett
and Ricardo Pierre-Louis were selected in last weeks MLS SuperDraft as the pair
head to Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew respectively. Meanwhile, Andy
Wright signed a professional contract with English Championship side Scunthorpe
United as he looks to begin a career in his native homeland.
"It has always been our goal at MPS to move
players into the professional game," said Baber. "MLS clubs realize that
the Crusaders have a long and established record of preparing players for the
professional game and I am sure we will see the next crop of future
professionals ply their trade at MPS in the 2008 PDL campaign."
The MPS Cape Cod
Crusaders and the MPS Boston Renegades first team squads will both
take the field on May 10th for their 2008 home season
opener.
The Renegades will play host
to Jersey Sky Blue at Bowditch Stadium, Framingham while the Crusaders will host
New Hampshire Phantoms at Mass Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay. Both kick off
times are TBA.
For more information on
individual and group ticket packages please contact Graham Munro at 781 891 6900
ext 38 or
gmunro@mpsbr.com |
