Sterling defense carries Outrage to top of table

Story courtesy TKO Public Relations

Kalamazoo, MI (May 19, 2008) - The Kalamazoo Outrage PDL side find themselves on top of the Central Conference Midwest division standings after failing to concede a goal in their opening two competitive PDL matches.

Friday nights 0-0 tie at home to the West Virginia Chaos was followed up on Sunday with a 1-0 away victory over the Cincinnati Kings courtesy of a 61st minute Dan Bulley penalty kick.

The outstanding defensive performances have delighted head coach Stu Riddle who hailed his magnificent defenders "The back 4 have been outstanding. We have worked very hard on defensive shape and becoming a very hard team to break down and score against but that means nothing unless you have the guys to put that into practice on the field" To back up the backline's stoutness Riddle has two goalkeepers in Mitch Hildebrandt and Bobby Shuttleworth who have shared time in the Outrage net and both performed admirably "They both made match winning saves and we are very lucky to have two guys of such a high standard to choose from. Their attitudes are tremendous and they have a great working relationship, it really is hard to pick between them right now which speaks volumes for what they are doing"

Striker and captain Bulley wrote his name in the record books as the first ever goal scorer for the Outrage in a PDL match and Riddle says it was just reward for the hard working target man "His enthusiasm is infectious. He wants this more than anyone and I am thrilled with his performances to date".

With former English Premiership player Mark Briggs arriving on Tuesday along with Mali star Mahamadou Simpara, Riddle has some tough selections to make before Friday nights match against the Chicago Fire Reserves "The best team will play, we have to win on Friday to stand any chance of making the Open Cup, the players are aware of this and we are playing a very good side in the Fire. It will be up to me to prepare the players accordingly to ensure that we are able to get the desired result".

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Scott Ellis is also expected to be available for selection after missing Sunday's match with a twisted ankle. Riddle hoped the rest will have done him well "His quality is undoubted but he's been hindered with a couple of knocks. I hope he's going to be refreshed now and in a position to show the Kalamazoo public what I've seen from him in training".

The Outrage match against the Chicago Fire Reserves will kick off at 7pm on Friday May 23rd and will be played at Mayor's Riverfront Stadium in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets can be purchased at the gate with children aged 6-13 being charged $2, adults 14 and up $3.