Following his MVP season, Sean Okoli is moving up the U.S. Soccer ladder.
Okoli, who scored a USL-high 16 goals during the 2016 regular season for FC Cincinnati, signed this week with Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.
The forward totaled 35 points in his only season with FC Cincinnati, LouCity’s new River Cities Cup rival. He also earned the USL’s Golden Boot, all-USL first team honors and five USL Player of the Week nods.
“The beautiful game can take you to some great places, and I feel so blessed to be here,” Okoli said in the announcement. “I know the team plays attacking football and I love that, so I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Former UK standout joins Fury
Goalkeeper Callum Irving could next year return to the Commonwealth, where he was a two-time all-American at the University of Kentucky, now as a member of Ottawa Fury FC. The new USL club announced Irving’s signing this week.
Irving split 2016 between MLS’ Houston Dynamo and its USL affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. He notched eight shutouts in 14 appearances at the USL level.
“I believe that the opportunity to finally return to playing in Canada after being in the United States for the past five years was too good to pass up,” said Irving, a British Columbia native. “I look forward to getting to Ottawa to meet my teammates and hopefully bring the fans the results they deserve on the field.”
Richmond re-signs top pair
The Richmond Kickers have secured midfielder Yudai Imura, their leader last season in goals (11) and assists (six), with a multi-year extension. The club also revealed this week that stalwart midfielder Fred Owusu Sekyere will remain with the Kickers in 2017.
“Yudai has been an outstanding performer for the team and we are delighted he has committed his long-term future to the Club,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond’s coach.
Cowlishaw added of Owusu, who has played two seasons already with the Kickers: “He’s developed into a well-respected leader within the squad with a wealth of USL experience.”
Richmond, which fell to LouCity in the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs, has two other familiar names on next season’s roster: former LouCity defender Conor Shanosky and Sunny Jane, a Trinity High School graduate.
Pittsburgh locks up Hertzog for 2017
Forward Cory Hertzog led the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last season in minutes, goals, assists and shots. He’ll aim to do it again next year, as the club announced this week it has exercised an option to bring him back.
“He’s one of my favorite players that I have coached in a long time because of his work rate, his energy and his positive attitude, and, of course, his ability to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Pittsburgh coach Dave Brandt. “I’m thrilled to have Corey back for 2017.”
The Pennsylvania native numbered 13 goals and four assists in his first season with the Riverhounds. Along with Hertzog, Brandt has back as of now seven other players, with the list headlined by veteran midfielder Kevin Kerr.
