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The lawsuit did not say how many players Shaw was allegedly to have solicited, however people familiar with the case told this newspaper that fewer than 10 players, between the ages of 14 and 16, switched from OSU to West Ottawa Soccer after Shaw changed clubs.

OSU was seeking $200,000 in damages for Shaw’s alleged breach of contract.

Three weeks later, the lawsuit was dropped.

Days earlier, this newspaper obtained emails from OSU executives that revealed the club would consider dismissing the litigation against Shaw if a separate matter between OSU and West Soccer was resolved.

On Wednesday, when this newspaper first contacted OSU about its case against Shaw, the organization refused to comment, saying in an email, “OSU and (West Ottawa Soccer) are in discussions on this matter and no official comments will be made to the media at this time.”

West Ottawa Soccer was not a named defendant in the litigation against Shaw.

Brian Mason, the president of West Ottawa Soccer, said he was completely perplexed by the situation. He said his soccer club investigated the allegations against Shaw and interviewed the families that moved from OSU. He said all nine families believed to be involved signed affidavits swearing that they were not contacted or solicited by Shaw.

They heard he was leaving for another club, liked his coaching style and followed him, Mason said.

“We’ve done a review of the allegations and the history and everything that’s gone on. We 100 per cent support Russell Shaw. We don’t believe he has done anything wrong,” said Mason. “Soccer is not hockey. There are no geographic boundaries, we all know that. Players follow excellent coaches. Players are allowed to move from club to club.”