Aztecs Opt Out of PASL

Cite Organizational Changes As Reason for Decision

December 6, 2007

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Aztec Soccer Club officially opted out of the 2007-08 Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) winter season Thursday to focus on upcoming organizational changes. The three-time defending regional champs won’t get a chance to protect their title this season.

The Boston Aztec minor league men's team was the three-time defending PASL New England Regional Champions, and won the 2005 PASL Championship. The club made this decision to focus on some important changes to the organization to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

With the Aztecs taking a year off, the New York Shockers now become the favorite to take the regional crown, having lost the last three finals to the Aztecs. The South Shore's Bay State Selects may actually benefit the most, though, since Aztec stars, with no team to play for, will now suit up for the Selects. O'Neil Gray, Markens Benoit, Mounir Boughamrani, Dave Evans, and Ebbie Kodiat will dress for the Selects this winter to keep their skills sharp.

"It is disappointing to miss the season, for the players, the staff, and especially the fans who sell out Soccer ETC for all of our home games. We will miss it this winter, but the organization as a whole will benefit greatly from the coming changes to the club," said Aztec president Mike Kersker, who noted the Aztec men's indoor team will return to PASL action in 2008-09.

The PASL took a huge step in its existence this off-season. The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and the PASL formalized a multi-year affiliation agreement. Through this agreement, the MISL will use the PASL as its minor league affiliate for developing MISL players, developing on-field game officials and referees, and serving as a competitive platform to evaluate potential rules and equipment changes.

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