Thursday, February 17, 2000
Pro soccer teams revamped
Women's club, new GM join Riverhawks
BY PETE HOLTERMANN
Enquirer Contributor
The Cincinnati Riverhawks want to win on the soccer field, but success on the financial side of things is the top priority for the team's new general manager, Dave Snuggs.
“Unlike most general managers, I don't handle much of the business in terms of players,” Snuggs said. “What I'm here to do is to make the team viable this year and profitable next year.”
After helping to get the NHL's San Jose Sharks off the ground, Snuggs has spent the past five years working with soccer franchises in Orange County, Calif., Albuquerque, N.M., and Charlotte, N.C.
In Cincinnati, Snuggs will oversee not only the Riverhawks, but a new professional women's team, the Ladyhawks.
Snuggs said he has learned there is one key to being successful with soccer franchises: “Market big-time.”
That's exactly what will happen this year in Cincinnati. Snuggs is lining up as many business partners as he can, and he's planning promotions.
The Riverhawks had moderate success in their first season, but last year the organization saw attendance drop with a move to the Town & Country Soccer Center in Wilder, Ky.
Snuggs announced Wednesday at the Riverhawks' media luncheon the team will be back in Ohio in 2000, playing once again at Galbreath Field.
“In 1998, they played at Galbreath Field, and there was very little consistency in what they were able to do there in terms of attendance,” Snuggs said. “When we go back there, every game will be fun.”
It's always more fun when you're winning, and Snuggs said he believes Riverhawks coach Nick Ranieri and Ladyhawks coach Scott Downer will field contending teams.
The coaches echo Snuggs' enthusiasm and his drive for success.
Ranieri, an Italian, has been recruiting foreign players to help raise the level of intensity of the Riverhawks, who compete in the A-League. He recently has added to the roster Wollace De Souza of Brazil, Emilian Haitonic of Romania and John McGinlay of Scotland.
“The team's attitude is fantastic,” Ranieri said. “They feel like they are playing professional soccer and are working for a club now.”
The women's team will compete in the W-League, the top level of women's soccer in the world that allows professionals to play alongside college players. Downer plans to tap into the Cincinnati area's strong prep and college programs for talent.
“One of the reasons I was excited about this job was the base that is not only in Cincinnati, but also the region,” Downer said.
The Riverhawks will begin their 28-game schedule May 6 and will open the season at home May 20.
The Ladyhawks begin May 13, and their home opener will be May 14.
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