3/16/11 - The Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro) expanded its western presence by granting the Phoenix Monsoon an expansion team for the league’s fourth season starting this October.

The team will be directed by Stuart Starky and will be looking to play their games at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Professional indoor soccer will be returning to the market for the first time since 2000 when the Arizona Thunder also played at the Coliseum.

"We’re very pleased to welcome Stuart and Phoenix into our league," said PASL-Pro Commissioner Kevin Milliken.  "They looked at numerous options and in the end they decided that our league gave them the best opportunity to be successful and we look forward to working with them to make that happen."

Starky brings 15 years of sports marketing experience -- as well as 10 years as a public school teacher and administrator -- to guiding the Monsoon. In 2004 Stuart was a candidate for the United States Senate being defeated by Senator John McCain.

"We are excited to join the PASL and bring indoor soccer back to the valley," said Starky. "The Western Division is one of the toughest in the country and we look forward to providing our fans great soccer and great entertainment.

The Monsoon are expected to be placed in the league’s Western Division, which last year consisted of the San Diego Sockers, California Cougars, Tacoma Stars, and Revolucion Tijuana.  Last week, the league also announced the addition of the Anaheim Bolts.

The 2011-12 PASL-Pro regular season will be 16 games and will run from late October to late March.  For more information on the PASL-Pro visit www.arenaleague.com.  For more information on the Phoenix Monsoon visit www.phxmonsoon.com.