St. Louis Lions forward Tommy Heinemann signs professional contract with the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division

 

Former St. Louis Lions forward Tommy Heinemann signs professional contract

With the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division

 

St. Louis, Mo. (April 13, 2009) – The St. Louis Lions Soccer Club announced Monday that former forward and franchise all-time leading scorer Tommy Heinemann has signed a professional contract with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division.  The contract is a one-year deal with a club option for a second.

 

Heinemann, a St. Louis native and graduate of CBC High School, played parts of three seasons with the Lions.  Over the course of those three seasons Heinemann became the club's all-time leading scorer with 35 goals and four assists in 36 games played.  Additionally, Heinemann played his collegiate soccer at Rockhurst University where he earned NSCAA Second Team All-America honors.

 

"I'm just thankful for God and my family for all of their support.  Without them none of my success in soccer would be possible," said Heinemann.  "Right now I'm living a dream and am really looking forward to contributing in Charleston."

 

Heinemann joins former Lion midfielders Jarius 'Juice' Holmes and Kyle Patterson as the third member from the club's 2008 roster to enter the professional ranks.  Currently, Holmes in under contract with the Austin Aztex, also of the USL First Division and Patterson is under contract with the LA Galaxy of the MLS.

 

"Tommy is a great athlete and an even better young man," said Lions Head Coach Tony Glavin.  "Tommy will certainly be missed this season but he's worked very hard to make it to the professional level and I couldn't be happier for him.

 

The St. Louis Lions Soccer Club will begin its fourth season in the USL Premier Development League (PDL) on Sunday, May 10, 2009 when it hosts the Rochester Thunder in a 5:00 p.m. match at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville, Mo.

 

For more information about the Lions upcoming season, visit www.stllions.com.

 

Photo By Bill Barrett

 

The St. Louis Lions are set to begin their fourth season as a member of the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) where players have the ability to compete throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.  The PDL consistently sends players into the professional ranks with several playing in the USL First and Second Professional Divisions as well as 39 players with PDL experience chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.  In just three prior seasons the Lions have competed in the U.S. Open Cup(2008), PDL playoffs(2007), won the Rookie Franchise of the Year Award(2006) and currently have four former players playing professional soccer. 

 

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