The Rochester Raging Rhinos, a perennial USL First Division favorite, will join the Columbus Crew to help the Cleveland City Stars kick off their 2nd season as Cleveland's professional soccer club. An unlikely but welcome camaraderie has sprung up between the two clubs. In fact, during the final regular season game Rhinos players and fans followed the Star's progress via webcast. And when CCS took on Harrisburg in the USL-2 playoffs the Star's stands were filled with Rhinos fans who made the 4+ hour trip to offer their support.

Mark Geissbauer, CCS General Manager, announced today the Cleveland City Stars will take on the Rochester Raging Rhinos in a Saturday evening match during their pre-season kickoff weekend April 12th and 13th at Byers Field in Parma.

The weekend will also feature a youth tournament for U-10 and U-12 premier clubs, a press conference to meet this year's Stars and a Sunday morning chapel service facilitated by members of the City Stars and the Columbus Crew (MLS). Activities will conclude with Cleveland facing off against the MLS Columbus Crew.


2008 SEASON LAUNCH WEEKEND EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 12th
11:00 AM First annual City Stars Junior Cup (U12 boys & girls)
11:30 AM City Stars official Season-Launch Press-Conference

7:00 PM Cleveland City Stars vs. Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)

10:00 PM Post-game Party


Sunday, April 13th

9:00 AM City Stars Junior Cup (U10 boys & girls)


5:00 PM Cleveland City Stars vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)

8:00 PM Post-game Party


Weekend pass $20 / buy at www.clevelandcitystars.com