River City Rovers News Release -- www.roverssoccer.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The River City Rovers are pleased to announce that two players from the club have been offered contracts with FK Velez Mostar, a Bosnian–Herzegovinian-based soccer club. Dustin Downey, a midfielder from Owenton, Ky. and Ryan Smith, a midfielder and forward from Louisville, traveled to Bosnia in December at the request of Velez to complete the club’s tryout process.
"The River City Rovers were founded with a singular goal; to further the development of soccer in Kentucky by giving our players a forum to showcase their talents," Rovers head coach Muhamed Fazlagic said. "This news confirmed that we made that connection. Kentucky soccer clubs have now produced players that are of international caliber.”
The 25-year-old Downey 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 inaugural PDL season in 2011.
“Dustin was a powerhouse,” said Fazlagic. “The fans loved his determination and spirit on the field.”
Smith, 21 years old, is a graduate of Saint Xavier High School and currently a junior at the University of Louisville. Smith’s calm demeanor and exemplary soccer skills earned him the position as team captain for the Rovers’ first season.
“This is the success story we wanted, to help propel local soccer talent into the professional leagues," Rovers Executive Director Pete Laventis said. "I believe this is the first time any Kentucky soccer players have ever been offered positions on a European team.”
FK Velez is in the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The club is more than 90 years old, operating since 1922. The club’s red and white colors and red star logo are historic, capturing fans from three ethnic groups, Bosnia, Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia. Velez has produced numerous world-class soccer players such as Hasan Salihamidzic (Bayern Munich, Juventus), Mehmed Kodro (Barcelona) and Sergej Barbarez (Bayer Leverkusen, SV Hamburg).
The River City Rovers just concluded their 2012 open tryouts in early January. The Rovers will be hosting a supplemental tryout March 10, 2012. Interested players are asked to check the website at www.roverssoccer.com for online registration.