What a Season!

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

The Ohio Vortex of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro) had quite a first season on and off the field.  The Vortex struggled early in the season, but turned things around to earn a respectable 8-8 record and a third place finish in the Eastern Division.

The offense was led by forward Allen Eller, an All-League First Team selection, who paced the expansion squad with 34 goals and 19 assists.  Keeper Nate Rausch led the defense with 145 saves, while defender Jared Dombrowski finished with 12 blocks. 

The Vortex finished fifth in the league in attendance.  Their home facility, the Canton Memorial Civic Center, was widely regarded as the premier facility in the PASL-Pro and was recently under consideration for hosting the North American Championships. This prestigious event gathers professional soccer clubs from the United States, Canada, and Mexico and attracts thousands of fans. 

The most important work for the Canton franchise took place off the field.  The Vortex, under a unique business model, provided thousands of dollars to local charities.  Actually 85% of gate receipts and 10% of concession sales went directly to charitable organizations in Northeastern Ohio.  Numerous public appearances were conducted throughout the region; the club’s charitable mission was always first on display.

Strong corporate sponsors from all across North America allowed the Vortex to act as a non-profit organization that was deeply committed to the community.  Michele Spangler, Director of Sales for the Hampton Inn and Suites (Canton), said their support of the team started because of the team’s charitable mission and the growing popularity of soccer.  “I think the Ohio Vortex will be a great asset to Canton,” Spangler commented.  “Especially because soccer is growing more and more in this area.”  

Marco Rizi, General Sales Manager for Fana Sports, got involved with the club for several reasons.  As a former professional soccer player, Rizi is always looking to promote the game in Northeastern Ohio.  He also admitted that the business model was attractive and very innovative.  Rizi saw the benefit it could have in the community, saying that the city of Canton needed something .  “It is great to see the Vortex support charities.  We at Fana Sports wanted to partner up in that.”

John Cardi, VP of National Sales for Safelite Auto Glass, saw an opportunity when they signed up as a corporate sponsor for the Ohio Vortex.  The franchise’s charitable purpose fit closely with Safelite’s mission. “We support organizations that promote the health and well-being of families,” Cardi stated.  This is surely not the first time Safelite has supported community organizations.  Their employees have donated funds and volunteer hours to agencies like the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Exciting news came early in the offseason as promising young defender Michael Pertz signed a contract with Real Maryland FC of the United Soccer League’s Second Division (USL-2).  A second player, Louis Rolko agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL-2 after spending time with the Vortex Premier and Professional squads.