Soccer: Pyunik Stars Bolster Armenia

PYUNIK STARS BOLSTER ARMENIA

uefa.com, Switzerland
Jan 10 2006

Four newcomers will replace some established stars as Ian Porterfield’s
Armenia prepare for a friendly game against Panama in Fresno,
California on 14 January.

Absent stars

With established stars Edgar Manucharyan, Romik Khachatryan, Karen
Dokhoyan, Artavazd Karamyan and Hamlet Mkhitaryan all being permitted
to stay with their clubs, goalkeeper Edgar Gasparyan, defender Hayk
Chilingaryan and forwards Henrik Mkhitaryan and Tigran Karabagtsyan –
all of whom play for domestic champions FC Pyunik – have been given
an opportunity to shine. The 22-man squad will take on Panama before
playing an exhibition game against a yet-to-be confirmed Major League
Soccer team.

Armenia squad

Goalkeepers: Gevorg Kasparov (FC Pyunik), Edgar Gasparyan (FC Pyunik).

Defenders: Hayk Chilingaryan (FC Pyunik), Robert Arzumanyan (FC
Pyunik), Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik), Valeri Aleksanyan (FC Pyunik),
Aleksandr Tadevosyan (FC Pyunik), Egishe Melikyan (FC Stal Alchevsk),
Agvan Lazarian (FC Pyunik), Armen Tigranyan (FC Pyunik).

Midfielders: Karen Aleksanyan (CSF Zimbru Chisinau), Agvan Lazarian
(FC Pyunik), Arman Karamyan (FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt), Levon Pachajyan
(FC Pyunik), Rafael Nazaryan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC Ararat),
Henrik Mkhitaryan (FC Pyunik).

Forwards: Armen Shahgeldyan (FC Mika), Aram Hakobyan (FC Banants), Ara
Hakobyan (FC Stal Alchevsk), Galust Petrosyan (CSF Zimbru Chisinau),
Tigran Karabagtsyan (FC Pyunik).