Outrage defeat Cleveland to keep hold on division lead

Story and photo courtesy TKO Public Relations

Kalamazoo, MI (June 29, 2008) - The Kalamazoo Outrage PDL side moved 3 points clear of their nearest rivals at the top of the Midwest Division of the Central Conference with a 3-2 home victory over Cleveland Internationals today.

Outrage striker Tom Oatley scored twice and Mahamadou Simpara added a third for the Outrage as the debut franchise improved their season record to 7-4-1.

Tom Oatley
Imposing Outrage midfielder Simpara opened the scoring in the 26th minute finishing from close range after excellent work from Irishman Alan McGreal paved the way for the Mali native to slot home.

The Internationals fought back immediately and Ben Zemanski spun on a sixpence after 28 minutes before firing past Outrage custodian Mitch Hildebrandt to level the scores.

The Outrage found a way to take the lead prior to the half time break when Oatley scored his first goal of the season in the 38th minute cracking a left foot shot that found its way into the Internationals net via a slight deflection.

The frenetic pace of the first half couldn't be kept up on a warm downtown Kalamazoo afternoon and despite the pace slowing a little in the second half the Outrage took the lead for good in the 54th minute when Oatley slotted home from close range after Internationals keeper Matt Demarchi failed to hold Mark Briggs' swirling free kick.

Internationals English striker Steve Zakuani found his way through a crowded Outrage box to reduce the deficit to 1 goal after 63 minutes but the Outrage held on to collect the victory.

Outrage head coach Stu Riddle was pleased his side held on for the 3 points "We worked all week preparing ourselves for this match and I'm proud of my players' performance to get the win tonight. Cleveland are an excellent side who are very well drilled and today we showed that we can compete with anyone in this league".

The Outrage now travel on Wednesday to take on the Chicago Fire Premier side that sits narrowly behind them in the standings "They beat us well in Kalamazoo and my players know that we have a good challenge on our hands. With a play off place on the line I expect us to give everything we have got and try and sneak a result" said Riddle.

Kalamazoo fans will get their next chance to see the Outrage in action at home on Friday July 4th when they take on divisional and regional rivals the West Michigan Edge.

Friday (7/4) evening's match with the Edge will kick off at 6pm 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.

Scoring Summary:
OUTRAGE: Mahamadou Simpara (Alan McGreal) - 26th minute
CLEVELAND: Ben Zemanski (Unassisted) - 28th minute
OUTRAGE: Tom Oatley (Unassisted) - 36th minute
OUTRAGE: Tom Oatley (Mark Briggs) - 54th minute
CLEVELAND: Steve Zakuani (Unassisted) - 63rd minute

Outrage Line Up: Hildebrandt, Warmer, Alvino, Reed, Bulley, Simpara, Briggs, Howard (Watts 45) Stencel (Rosenhagen 67), McGreal, Oatley (Mellanson 67)
Subs not used: Veldhuis, Fylonenko, Corricelli, Shuttleworth