Battery re-sign Alavanja
Charleston also adds pair
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
CHARLESTON, SC -- The Charleston Battery has agreed to terms with veteran midfielder Lazo Alavanja for the 2006 USL First Division season; Alavanja scored 3 goals and added 3 assists in 28 games played for the Battery in 2005. The Charleston Battery has also signed midfielder Stephen Armstrong who played for Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in 2005 and defender Brandon Curran who comes to Charleston from the USL Second Division New Hampshire Phantoms.
Charleston Battery head coach, Mike Anhaeuser, “Lazo will be joining us after a successful indoor season with the Chicago Storm; he brings us a quality presence on the field in the attack and the defense, if needed. I’m also pleased to have signed Stephen and Brandon who both earned roster spots during a solid pre-season; they add to our depth and experience on the field.”
Lazo Alavanja
Midfielder, Lazo Alavanja returns to the Charleston Battery for a second season. In 2005 Alavanja scored three goals and added three assists in 28 games played and was voted 2005 Charleston Battery Offensive Player of the Year.
Alavanja started his pro career in 1999 with Major League Soccer’s Dallas Burn. He played four seasons in MLS with stints at the Miami Fusion and DC United in addition to Dallas.
A native of Crown Point, IA, Alavanja, 6-1, 28 yrs., 165 lbs., is one of seven Indiana University players to earn All-America honors during three of his four years of college (1996, 1997, 1998). Alavanja ranks 13th on the Hoosiers’ all-time points scored list with 35 goals and 103 points. The Hoosiers had a record of 75-11-5 record during Alavanja’s playing career.
Stephen Armstrong
Stephen Armstrong joins the Charleston Battery after four years playing in Major League Soccer. Armstrong, 5-10, 165 lbs., 29 yrs, was drafted by DC United in 2001. Armstrong was traded to the Kansas City Wizards in 2002 where he spent two years. Armstrong missed the 2004 season following ACL surgery joined the Columbus Crew in 2005; his four-year MLS totals include 77 games played, with eight goals and six assists.
A native of Birkenhead, UK, Armstrong was raised in South Africa and attended Butler University before turning pro.
Armstrong was a standout in the beginning of his career in the PDL, registering 18 goals and eight assists in his first two seasons in 1998 and 1999 with the Michigan Bucks. He stayed with the Bucks through 2001 and returned briefly again in 2004.
Brandon Curran
Defender Brandon Curran joins the Battery from the USL D2 New Hampshire Phantoms where he has spent the last three seasons. A Lowell, MA native, Curran 6-2, 190 lbs., 26 yrs, played 46 games with the Phantoms scoring three goals and adding one assist.
Prior to turning pro Curran was a four-year starter at UMass Lowell where he graduated as the most decorated player in program history, becoming the first-ever UML player to earn All-America honors. He ranks seventh on UML's all-time scoring list with 17 goals and 12 assists (46 points) and appeared in all 77 games in his career, then a school record. Curran has served as an assistant coach at UML for the past three seasons.
Charleston Battery players under contract for 2006: Lazo Alavanja, Stephen Armstrong, Chris Brunt, Chris Corcoran, Shane Crawford, Brandon Curran, Omar Daley, Ian Fuller, Gavin Glinton, Chris Gores, Ben Hollingsworth, Dusty Hudock, Tim Karalexis, Troy Lesesne, Jeff Matteo, Ugo Okoye, Usiel Vasquez, Luke Vercollone & Mark Watson.
2006 Season Tickets 2006 Charleston Battery season ticket packages are on sale now starting at only $120. A limited number of memberships to the exclusive Three Lions Club and Battery Club are also still available. To purchase season tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.
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