We have been able to confirm that the City Stars have not changed ownership. Our sources tell us that there has been little movement recently and that talks have reached a standstill.
Several stories have surfaced regarding the Cleveland USL franchise. They range from a guaranteed drop to USL-2 or even dropping out of USL altogether. All sources point to a new ownership group bringing the club back in USL-1. We have been told that the new owners have “deep pockets” and are willing to spend money to improve the team. All indications suggest that the franchise will be run as a business with less emphasis on non-profit ventures. The league office is fully committed to
A source in New York reports that a meeting between the new ownership group and club officials was scheduled for today. Apparently some final details are being discussed and some questions are being answered. It is unclear whether the new ownership has entered the due diligence stage with the league office. However, we were told by yet another source that finances are not an issue for the new owners.
“It saddened me to hear that one of the longest standing clubs in the PDL is closing its doors,” Aaron Tredway said after hearing the terrible news. Tredway, now the Executive Director of the Cleveland City Stars (USL-1), was one of many to be influenced by Surge President David Irby. “Irby has been a great influence on American soccer,” Tredway continued as he praised his former boss. “I would like to thank Dave for perservering with the club.” Irby was often recognized
An article this week in the Cleveland Plain Dealer broke the news that the club was up for sale. Everyone knows that there has been struggles on and off the field this season, but this came as a surprise to many. No official statement has been given by the club; the topic was revealed to the reporter during an interview with Dr. Aaron Tredway, who serves as Executive Director of the City Stars. The article focused on the negative aspects of the situation,