PAUL MUNSTER SIGNED BY SLAVIA PRAGUE

London City striker Paul Munster in Prague

Paul Munster, the 22 year old striker from London City in the Canadian Professional Soccer League has been signed by Slavia Prague and will play his first game Saturday against Chmel Blsany F.C. in the Czech Republic’s top division. Munster, who is Northern Ireland-born and calls Kitchener, Ontario his home, has been in Prague for the past six weeks following his busy season in the CPSL where he ended the 2004 campaign as the league’s leading scorer with 25 goals, 10 more than the second place scorer.Slavia Prague is one of the top two teams in the Czech Republic, the other being Sparta Prague and both team have been busy in European Champions League competition over the years. Slavia Prague has produced top players Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Karel Poborsky, all signed by some of the top clubs in Europe.Munster suffered serious ligament damage in his right knee three years ago and was not expected to play serious soccer again until London City’s Harry Gauss took him into the reserve squad, then a quick move to the pro team where he was an instant hit.Fans considered Munster outstanding and Harry Gauss said he was ‘the Real Deal.’Slavia Prague coach Josef Csaplara was said to be pleased with Munster’s trials and had no hesitation in moving the Canadian striker straight into the first team.Gauss was instrumental in gaining official clearance from the Canadian Soccer Association for Munster to play on Saturday following some last minute hitches that held up the approvals.“But it has all been worth it, I’m delighted for Paul and I know he will do well,” said the London City general manager after working the telephones both sides of the Atlantic since the early hours of Friday morning.