The announcement was made on Thursday during a press conference at the CenterState CEO annual clambake, in front of nearly 800 local business leaders and executives. The Silver Knights will launch their inaugural season at the Onondaga War Memorial this coming November, playing high-profile teams such as the Baltimore Blast, Milwaukee Wave and cross-state rival the Rochester Lancers.
Tanner is a Syracuse native with a professional career that encompassed 14 years with the Cleveland Crunch of the MISL and Rochester Raging Rhinos and Syracuse Salty Dogs of the USL First Division. During his 14 years as a professional soccer player, he played in 13 league championships, winning seven titles. Tanner was Rookie of the Year in the MISL in the 1991-92 season.
Tanner, who graduated from Henninger High School and North Carolina State University, is president of Empire United Soccer Academy and holds a USSF "B" coaching license. He is also a local business owner who understands the important connection between a professional club and the community.
"Our goal obviously is to bring a championship to Syracuse, but just as important is our mission to be part of the Central New York community and be a positive asset to the many youth organizations and schools,” Tanner said. “We also have a tremendous commitment to earning strong relationships with area businesses to help connect them to our fans. We have an outstanding opportunity to provide the highest level of indoor soccer, offer outstanding family entertainment and build partnerships with local businesses that are mutually beneficial."
Papaleo is a graduate of Syracuse University and enjoyed an extensive professional indoor career that included being named MISL Goalkeeper of the Year in 1991 and 1993. Papaleo is an active member of the Syracuse soccer community who was inducted into the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and continues to coach at Christian Brothers Academy.
"Syracuse is a great soccer community and I have been proud to be a part of it,” Papaleo said. “I am excited to bring my experience as a professional to the Silver Knights and build a team with Tommy and Ryan that makes an impact both on and off the field.”
Hall is also a Syracuse University alumnus, starting for the squad from 1999 through 2002 and returning to SU as a volunteer assistant coach for its 2005 and 2006 campaigns. He was a member of the Syracuse Salty Dogs (USL A-League) during their two seasons and was drafted in 2002 by the Cleveland Force of the MISL. During his six seasons in the MISL, Hall was named player of the week seven times.
For the past two years, he has been the director of coaching for Team Challenger Columbus Crew Jrs. North.
"I am excited to return to Central New York; I have family in the area and enjoyed my time in college and with the Salty Dogs,” Hall said. “When I spoke to Tommy, it made perfect sense to finish off my professional career as a player while working with Tommy and Joe on the coaching side."
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