Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd. News Release

 

EDMONTON, ALB -- Edmonton's new United Soccer League franchise has appointed their coaching staff for the Men's A-League team.   

Ross Ongaro has been named as Head Coach for the Men's A-League team. Ross brings with him a wealth of experience as both a player and coach.

"With more than 18 years of professional experience, we are confident that Ross will provide us with a highly competitive team that our community can be proud of" said Wylie Stafford, President-Edmonton Professional Soccer Ltd.

As a player, Ongaro has enjoyed an accomplished career that saw him begin as a professional player in 1979. He has played for: Canada's Olympic team; several national championship teams; and numerous professional teams. As a player, Ongaro has consistently been amongst the top scorers in each league he has played in.

As a coach, Ross began as Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Brick Men in 1985 and was appointed Head Coach in 1990. Ongaro was also Head Coach of the NPSL's Edmonton Drillers for four seasons and was named NPSL Coach Of The Year in 1997 and 1999. Ongaro's success as Head Coach of the Edmonton Drillers resulted in him being appointed Head Coach of the NPSL All-Star team in 1999 and 2000.

"The United Soccer League is a solid and very competitive league. I am really excited about coaching in this League and look forward to fielding a highly competitive team," said Ross Ongaro, Head Coach - Men's A-League team. " The arrival of the men's A-League team will certainly provide our fans with exciting soccer and a great entertainment experience."

Jorge Rodriguez, has been named as Assistant Coach. Having been a professional player for 8 years in South America and 6 years in North America, Rodriguez brings with him a wealth of player experience.

As well, Rodriguez currently coaches the U-14 and U-15 Alberta Select Team. He is perhaps best known as the Technical Director for Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) coaching programs having taught coaching courses to more than 600 EMSA community coaches.   

 

"I am confident that Jorge has the experience and dedication required to be a real asset to our organization," said Ross Ongaro - Head Coach for Edmonton Professional Soccer Men's A-League team. " I look forward to working with him to develop our team."

The Men's team will play in the United Soccer Leagues' (USL) professional A-League. This league is the USL's showcase league. It is Division II professional soccer in the US and Division I in Canada. "It is clearly the best professional soccer available in North America, " said David Askinas, Chief Operating Officer of the USL. The A-League is home to current and future stars of the game from over 35 countries.