Saint Louis FC, Louisville City FC’s season-opening opponent, this week announced a contract extension for its 2016 leading scorer. But Irvin Herrera won’t suit up in the Kings’ Cup rivalry game March 25 at Louisville Slugger Field, as he’s been loaned to defending North American Soccer League champion New York Cosmos.
Herrera, who will also compete for his home El Salvador in the Gold Cup, is under control by Saint Louis FC for 2018 as well.
“This opportunity allows us the roster flexibility to continue and build toward our goals here in the 2017 USL season,” said STLFC General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “The direction of the team is starting to take shape, and this move will allow us to continue in that direction.”
Herrera joined Saint Louis FC in 2016 and went on to score 14 goals in 26 appearances. He has also made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals for El Salvador’s national team, which is vying to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
Independence announce new stadium
The Charlotte Independence announced the team will play its final 12 league games — including an Aug. 12 matchup against LouCity — at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Charlotte previously played at the Ramblewood Soccer Complex.
The new Mecklenburg County facility includes a high-definition video board and a pair of roofed picnic pavilions. It’s also located near local bars, restaurants and shopping centers.
“With the Sportsplex at Matthews, Mecklenburg County has created a first-class facility that is reminiscent of the beautiful Disney Sports fields I used to market in Orlando,” said Michael Behrman, COO of the Charlotte Independence.
“I love it,” added Coach Mike Jeffries. “Because of the way the stadium is set up, I think there is so much potential to make it a great venue and a place we can call home for a while, in addition to having some success there.”
Kickers talk on rising competition
The Richmond Kickers are one of two clubs to have reached the USL Cup Playoffs in every season of the league’s history, but Coach Leigh Cowlishaw believes the upcoming season will see that record tested.
“I think it’s very possibly going to be our most challenging season [competitively],” Cowlishaw told the Richmond Times this week. “Making it to the playoffs is always our objective. But frankly, it will be a massive achievement if we’re able to make it this year.”
Cowlishaw believes fans will also see a raised level of competition on the field with USL newcomers Ottawa Fury FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Saint Louis FC and its new coach, Preki, are also returning to the Eastern Conference.
“The days of easy games and easy points are gone — probably forever. Now we’re going to be seeing excellent coaches and very talented players every night,” Cowlishaw told the Times. “[It’s] going to be challenging like never before. We’re going to have to not only play but also train at the highest level possible. And we’re going to have to do it on a daily basis.”
Fury sign UNC’s Hume
USL newcomer Ottawa Fury FC announced the signing of 6-foot-5 forward Tucker Hume to his first professional contract this week after a college career with the University of North Carolina.
Hume totaled 18 goals and 9 assists in more than 40 appearances for the Tar Heels.
“I’ve worked with Tucker before, and he scored huge goals for me when I was in the PDL,” said Ottawa Coach and General Manager Paul Dalglish. “He did the same throughout his college career. He always came up big in key moments. He’s a big target striker with a good habit of scoring goals at a key time and he has the type of character we want in our squad.”
During his collegiate career, Hume played 77 games between Division II Rollins College (2013-2014) and UNC (2015-2016). His time with the Tar Heels included a trip to the NCAA’s College Cup.
Islanders extend contract for Thomas
The Harrisburg City Islanders announced this week that they’ve exercised a contract option on defender Jamie Thomas for the 2017 season. Thomas joined the City Islanders in 2016, at one point playing the full 90 minutes in 10 straight games.
The St. John’s University product earned All-Big East Second Team honors in 2011. Thomas made 80 appearances in his college career before turning professional with the New York Red Bulls II two seasons ago.
Steel select forward Moar
Bethlehem Steel FC added 2016 PDL All-Eastern Conference selection Santi Moar to their roster for the upcoming season following his selection by the Philadelphia Union in the recent MLS SuperDraft.
Moar, picked 82nd overall, was the first of the Union’s draft selections to sign with the organization. A 23-year-old forward, he starred for Division II power Pfeiffer the last two years. Moar registered 24 goals and 33 assists. Pfeiffer went 25-0 and won a national championship in 2015.
