Ogden Outlaws Press Release – www.ogdenoutlaws.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
OGDEN, UTAH – In a move to strengthen player development and exposure, the Ogden Outlaws have expanded their relationship with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. With this expanded relationship, RSL will look to the Outlaws to showcase some of the best talent in Utah, as well as some of the best college players in the country.
Real Salt Lake has assigned Assistant Coach Jeff Cassar to oversee the Outlaws and ensure they receive a high level of instruction. On occasion, the top Outlaw players will have the opportunity to train with RSL’s first team. In combination with the recent addition of Ted Eck to the coaching staff, the Outlaws hope to raise their level of play and increase their professionalism on and off the pitch.
“We are very excited to have this relationship with Real Salt Lake,” said Outlaws Owner and Assistant Coach, Mike Hickman. “It is a tremendous opportunity for Outlaw players to be seen by a professional club and coaches. With Coach Cassar looking on and the potential opportunity to train with Real’s first team, I believe our training sessions will be more intense and productive.”
Cassar was drafted in 1996 by the Dallas Burn after playing at Florida International University. In the 1997 MLS expansion draft, Cassar was selected by the Miami Fusion where he appeared in 51 matches.
In 2002, he spent time with the Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League as a back-up goalkeeper, and with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division. He finished his playing career with FC Dallas of MLS and moved on to coaching in 2006. In 2007, Jeff joined the coaching staff of Real Salt Lake.
“It has always been my desire to provide the top local talent with a professional environment to sharpen their skills and become better soccer players,” said Hickman. “As a player’s skill advances, Coach Cassar will be the player’s pipeline to continued opportunities and development with Real’s first team. I would feel a great sense of accomplishment if an Outlaw player were given the chance to play for Real Salt Lake in front of family and friends.”
