Force Roster Taking Shape

CLEVELAND, OHIO- The Cleveland Force 2002-03 roster continued to take shape as goalkeeper Denny Ciornei and defender Zach Scott signed contracts today as announced by Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo.

Ciornei, 34, who will handle the goal duties along with Jim Larkin, has signed one-year plus an option year contract. Last season for Cleveland, Ciornei recorded his first career Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) victory in the final game of the 2001-02 season at Harrisburg. In his first victory, Ciornei took over in goal for Larkin in the second half and picked up the win. On the season, Denny appeared in three games and recorded 18 saves after joining the team following Otto Orf’s injury. During his six seasons, Ciornei has appeared in 11 games and has recorded 54 saves in limited action.

Scott, 22, who will make his indoor soccer and MISL debut, signed a one-year plus an option year contract. Scott most recently played for the Seattle Sounders of the A-League coached by Brian Schmetzer, the brother of Force Technical Director Andy Schmetzer. In Seattle, Scott appeared in 16 games and recorded two goals for a total of four points. Prior to joining the Sounders, Scott was a four-year letterman in soccer at Gonzaga University. While at Gonzaga, Zach earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. A native of Kahului, Hawaii, Scott played soccer and football at Maui High, while earning four letters in soccer and two in football. He was a three-time All-MIL soccer selection.