This week AFC Cleveland announced the return of three fan favorites: forward Vinny Bell, midfielder David Murrow, and defender Sean Sikich.

Bell was the team’s leading attacker in 2012 with 6 goals and 4 assists. His strength and speed paced  the Royals’ offense, but his versatility allowed him to also play in the midfield and defense when needed.

Bell, a Parma Heights native, was the only two-time NSCAA All-American in Case Western Reserve’s history.  He was also a two-time UAA Most Valuable Player and a three-time first-team All-UAA selection. Bell set school career records with 43 goals and 101 points and single-season records with 20 goals and 50 points.  He holds a special place in the hearts of AFC Cleveland supporters as the first player to ever sign with the NPSL side.

Murrow, a Strongsville HS graduate, is a sophomore midfielder for the University of Cincinnati.  A highly touted recruit, he started his collegiate career at the University of Akron before transferring to Cincinnati.  He appeared in 14 matches for the Bobcats in 2012, growing into one of the program’s top prospects.

Sikich, a Youngstown native, started 20 games for the Bowling Green Falcons in 2012.  He logged a total of 1,875 minutes on the backline and registered 1 assist while serving as the team’s top defender.

Sikich was a four-year letterwinner at Cardinal Mooney HS.  He also started 4 games for BGSU in 2011 and made 1 appearance as a true freshman in 2010.

The trio helps ensure that a strong foundation of returning players will be there for AFC Cleveland in 2013.