Guest Ed Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Discuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarrek Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Probably because his salary was too high? Didn't impress on the field? Pure speculation though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big fan Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Anyone know why he was released? Was it a money situation or was he not performing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarnCherry Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Judging from posts on the Edmonton board I think the whole team is in dissaray with players threatening to quit. I think that Titus was released for makingtoo much money. Remember this is a team that budgeted for huge crowds, over the 10,000 fans per game range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolando Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 He looked solid the one time I saw them play in Vancouver. How about Vancouver taking a look? Clarke is too small at the back, IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditty Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Ouch. He looked stellar in his game against the Mustangs. He was definitely the general of the backline. There is one case in Edmonton of a player who left because they were only prepared to pay him about 20% of what was originally promised. Maybe this is similar, perhaps Ricky T asked for his release. Has that Turkish guy with 19 letters in his name shown up yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Rick was the strongest player in the team over the two matches at Commonwealth I saw. He was the man of the match in the home opener for sure. Now I am REALLY P-O'd! I should also add that he was really pitching in for the organization. After the Sounder's match, he was working the crowd in th West Stand, being real nice. Glad I got him to autograph some programs above his photo that night. Damn.[}] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 TODAY: Joe Petrone, Director of Soccer Operations for the Edmonton Aviators, says the decision was a difficult one. “To succeed in professional sports, good team dynamics are crucial. Although Rick is a very good player, he did not fit in with the team as we’d hoped he would,” said Petrone. B S ------------------------------------------------------------------ TWO MONTHS AGO: April 2, 2004 - Rick Titus is a 35 year old, 6’1”, 175 lb. defender who is considered to be one of the best and most physical at his position in the USL A-League. Rick is a professional soccer veteran having played in the A-League for the Toronto Lynx, Hershey Wildcats, Staten Island Vipers, Vancouver Whitecaps and most recently the Charleston Battery. He has also played indoor soccer professionally, spending time with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Edmonton was home for Rick when he played for the Edmonton Drillers from 1997 - 2000. He was consistently a team leader in a number of statistical categories which earned him a spot on the NPSL All-Star team. A dual citizen of both Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, Rick has played internationally, which included being part of the 2002 Trinidad and Tobago entry in the Gold Cup Qualifiers Series. Throughout his soccer career, Rick has earned a number of awards and accomplishments. This included being named an NPSL All-Star while playing for the Drillers and the prestigious A-League “Defender of the Year Award”. “We are very excited about being able to add Rick Titus to our team. Rick is a premier defender in the A-League,” said Joe Petrone - Director of Soccer Operations for the Edmonton Aviators Soccer Club. “We are confident that his presence will make us a very difficult team to play against, said Petrone. Rick is excited to be back in Edmonton. We know that he will fit right back into the community and be a very valuable ambassador for our team and for the game of soccer,” said Petrone. The Edmonton Aviators are the newest addition to Edmonton’s professional sports scene. Both the Aviators Men’s and Women’s soccer teams will play in the United Soccer Leagues. Both teams will play at Commonwealth Stadium beginning in spring of 2004. ------------------------------------------------------------------ I want my money back![] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarrek Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 The Aviators Organization is starting to look like a joke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seether Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Who's gonna be next? I'll take Handsor. I'm guessing this was due to a personality conflict between Titus and Ongaro/Petrone, but this is purely a guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoyleG Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Titus is an excellent player on the field. His overall demanor, however can be questioned. When Titus was with the indoor Drillers, he went to try for a spot on a professional side in China. He did so without seeking permission from either Ross or Joe. He was suspended and didn't appear again with the organization for some time. Don't think the working relationship between Ross and Rick didn't recover fully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 THE RELEASE (Notice cheap shot in first paragraph): Edmonton Aviators Release Rick Titus --------------------------------------- Today, the Edmonton Aviators Soccer Club released defender Rick Titus. The 34 year old defender played in all six of Edmonton's games this season, registering three shots and nine fouls. Joe Petrone, Director of Soccer Operations for the Edmonton Aviators, says the decision was a difficult one. "To succeed in professional sports, good team dynamics are crucial. Although Rick is a very good player, he did not fit in with the team as we'd hoped he would," said Petrone. "Releasing Rick from our club is the best thing for him and for the Aviators. He's a talented player, one of the best in the league. He should have no trouble finding a new place to play." The Aviators will look to Turkish defender Ebo to strengthen their defence. "Ebo's impressed us every day that he's been here. He is going to solidify our defence and we expect that he will make us a better team," said Petrone. "This team is a work in progress. We will continue to evaluate our players, as well as potential players, and we will work to strengthen any weak areas we see in the team. We are fully committed to fielding competitive teams that will make Edmonton proud," said Petrone. The Edmonton Aviators play the Timbers in Portland on Thursday, June 10 (7pm MST) before returning to Edmonton to play the Montreal Impact at Commonwealth Stadium on June 15 (8:30pm MST). The June 15 game will be part of a doubleheader where the Aviators Women's team will face the Vancouver Whitecaps Women (6pm MST). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarnCherry Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 quote:Originally posted by DoyleG Titus is an excellent player on the field. His overall demanor, however can be questioned. When Titus was with the indoor Drillers, he went to try for a spot on a professional side in China. He did so without seeking permission from either Ross or Joe. He was suspended and didn't appear again with the organization for some time. Don't think the working relationship between Ross and Rick didn't recover fully. I think it's clear that the Aviators released Titus because they don't have the money to pay him. From all reports I've read that Titus was extremely good in all the games he played. If it's a matter of his demeanor not matching what the club wants then it's the club that should suck it up, they need all the good players they can get. But this is obviously not the case judging by the Aviators press release which clearly shows they are dissapointed with the crowds and begging fans to come to the next game. Perhaps they should have had a better business plan in place rather than expecting crowds of over 10,000 a game to just show up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarnCherry Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 By the way, panicking as they are after just two home games shows the quality of the people they have running the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strobe_z Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 I gotta say... this has really put a damper on my enthusiasm... and I've been planning for MONTHS to run a fan site... <sigh> I'm not sure I agree that Titus has been as good as some people are saying. He's a leader alright, but at the home opener I was thinking he had a really tough time maintaining possesion. He'd just boot the ball away in no particular direction. I'm also not convinced this was about money just yet. We're only 2 home games in, and I believe the Flames and the weather had an impact (but aren't really excuses).. if the business plan is THAT shaky.. well... then frankly I'm surprised we got this far in. I have a feeling that Titus and Ongaro had a conflict, and Titus said "screw this". There's rumours that Campis and Salinas are having issues as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Well, strobe_z, we sure appreciate your work and your enthusiasm. The Av's should have harnessed the energy of people like you, rather than blithely gone on in the dark. And, we appreciate your continuing positive attitude. I think I will go to Tuesday's matches to see the Impact and to cheer on the girls (and return of Jamani, Labbe and Ianchelli from the U-19's) against the Whitecaps (and see Lang and Andrews). After that though...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoyleG Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 It goes back seemingly more to the fact that when it came to getting playing dates for Commonwealth, they rolled over in front of the Esks and the city. It doesn't help when you have a former Eskimo in the Mayor's chair. All they should've given up were those two days that conflicted with the Esks. They should've fought harder with the issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strobe_z Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 What's the criteria for booking Commonwealth anyway? You'd think it was a "first come first served" style... at least for regular tennants. It might be wise for the Aviators to "play nice" with the other sports teams in town... but honestly, having their schedule ripped apart just 'cause the Eskimos wanted those dates... well it seems a little unfair. The City owns Commonwealth, right? So you'd think there were some best practices that should protect against that sort of thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seether Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 quote:Originally posted by strobe_z What's the criteria for booking Commonwealth anyway? You'd think it was a "first come first served" style... You must live in a nice world. That may be their "official" policy, but I imagine money talks and.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strobe_z Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Oh I know how it works... I was just saying that when dealing with an organization like the "City of Edmonton", you'd imagine that if you were a regular tennant and booked an event the city wouldn't say "ok" and then a few weeks later "screw that... our other tennants want that day now" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoyleG Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 quote:Originally posted by strobe_z What's the criteria for booking Commonwealth anyway? You'd think it was a "first come first served" style... at least for regular tennants. It might be wise for the Aviators to "play nice" with the other sports teams in town... but honestly, having their schedule ripped apart just 'cause the Eskimos wanted those dates... well it seems a little unfair. The City owns Commonwealth, right? So you'd think there were some best practices that should protect against that sort of thing. The Esks probley tell the City "Give us the power or we sick Brian Hall on you.":D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Well, the Avaitors have reduced the price of the tickets to $10 for all general admission for one game only, The Tuesday, June 15 double-header matches. Since it is against the Impact and the Women Witecaps, I'd say it was worth it (even if the Men Av's have sunk themselves by ditching Titus). Interesting to note that the phrase "in order to allow an opportunity for fans to experience their first Aviators home game" was the exact phrase I used in an email I sent to them suggesting they reduce it to $10 for the opener to try to get a good crowd and hook an audience. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Aviators offer ticket special June 10, 2004 - Suffice to say, we were disappointed with the turn out for our first two home games. Weather was not in our favour for game one and we competed with the Stanley Cup finals for game two. This week will put us to the test and we remain optimistic that the community will get behind us! It will require a lot of work. As such, we are requesting your help and support! Those who have attended our games have provided us with very positive and encouraging feedback about the whole "entertainment experience." We sincerely hope that you'll consider joining us for our next home game to experience it first hand! This Tuesday, June 15th, our new Edmonton Aviators Mens and Womens teams will play in a double header at Commonwealth Stadium. The first game (6:00 pm start) will feature our Edmonton Aviators Womens' team taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps. This game marks the return of many U-19 national team players (previous and present) including Aviators Womens' team players Selenia Iachelli, Aysha Jamani and Stephanie Labbe. It will also see Vancouver Whitecaps players Sasha Andrews , Kara Lang, Erin McLeod and Brittany Timko. It should be a great game as the Aviators and Whitecaps are amongst the top teams in the League. The second game (8:30 pm start) will feature our the Edmonton Aviators Mens' team taking on the highly ranked Montreal Impact. We are offering special pricing of $10.00 for our June 15th game only in order to allow an opportunity for fans to experience their first Aviators home game. Our regular pricing is ADULT - $20.00 ($16.00 plus service fees and taxes) YOUTH/SENIORS-$18.00 ($14.00 plus service fees and taxes ) 5 and under- Free. Don't forget that if you have children that play in the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) and they have purchased an EMSA Aviators pass for only $15.00, they receive free admission to all Aviators home games. Information on this program is available from your coach, your zone office, the EMSA office or by calling 424-KICK (5425). Game day and/or Season Tickets and Mini-paks can be purchased on-line at www.aviatorssoccer.com or by calling 424-KICK. Our offices are located at 11041 105th Avenue and are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Beginning next week, tickets will also be available at all Free Kick soccer shops in the Edmonton area. We hope you'll consider joining us ... see you at the game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarrek Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Sounds like a desperate move ... IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoyleG Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 What hurts ticket sales is that they aren't that easily avaliable. Instead of handling the ticket themselves, it should've gone to Ticketmaster where it's more organized. Price could've gone down as well. Won't be surprised to see tickets go down in price after the doubleheaders are over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachesl Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 IMHO, I think from my experience that it would cost more to have Ticketmaster handle the tickets...the provision is that if they do it, they do it for all sales. I could be wrong, however. It may have made it easier for some to pick up tickets beforehand, but that is not a consideration where there are plenty of seats and minimal lineups for walk-ups anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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