RIVER CITY ROVERS—KY SOCCER PLAYERS OFFERED CONTRACTS BY EUROPEAN TEAM
Louisville, KY--The River City Rovers Soccer Team is pleased to announce that two of its players have been offered contracts with FK Velez Mostar, a Bosnian–Herzegovinian based soccer club. Dustin Downey, a Midfielder from Owenton, KY and Ryan Smith, Midfielder and Forward from Louisville traveled to Bosnia in December at the request of Velez to complete the Club’s tryout process.
Muhamed Fazlagic, Rovers’ Head Coach stated, “The River City Rovers was based on a singular goal...to further the development of soccer in KY by giving our players a forum to showcase their talents. This news confirmed that we made that connection. Kentucky soccer clubs have now produced players that are of international caliber.”
Downey, age 25, is known as a talented defensive midfielder, and played for both Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky Universities. As a Rover, he proved to be a crowd favorite of the team in their first 2011 season. “Dustin was a powerhouse,” reported Fazlagic. “The fans loved his determination and spirit on the field.”
Ryan Smith, age 21, is a graduate of Saint X and currently a junior at UofL. Smith’s calm demeanor and exemplary soccer skills earned him the position as Team Captain for the Rovers’ first season.
Pete Laventis, Rovers’ Executive Director stated, “This is the success story we wanted, to help propel local soccer talent into the professional leagues. I believe this is the first time any Kentucky soccer players have ever been offered positions on a European team.”
