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“My work forever will be dedicated to my father Kazem Kazemaini whose guidance has shaped the pillars of my living.” 

Ali Kazemaini, the Iranian forward who was a 2-time All American at Cleveland State University and was drafted by both the NASL (San Diego Sockers) and MISL (Cleveland Force) in 1984 but chose to go indoors, and scored 117 goals in  9 seasons with the Force (1984-88), the Tacoma Stars (1988-90), Cleveland Crunch (1990-91) and Baltimore Blast (1991-92), winning the 1985 MISL Rookie of the Year Award, making the MISL All-Star Team in 1986 and only missing out on a berth on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team due to a delay in gaining U.S. citizenship.

For Kazemaini, life has been a soccer adventure which began in streets of Tehran (Born June 21, 1963), and sunny beaches of Southern California. As a young man, he was often referred to on the field as a "Persian Cat.” Distinguished, Unpredictable and even moody at times. A fan favorite of the Cleveland Force professional soccer team he was in many ways similar to the finicky feline on and off the field. A versatile performer, when in mood to play demonstrated effortless ball handling, pin point accurate passing and extraordinary vision fit for an exceptional playmaker.   

However, his opponents could not tell which side of the Persian cat would appear each night. A two time All-American at Cleveland State University (1981 & 1983), Rookie of the Year (1984), and a member of the League All-Star selection in the Professional Major Indoor Soccer League, Kazemaini was arguably one of the country's finest ball handlers.  


 

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