[Updated]
The kick off of Major League Soccer (MLS) last week followed by the United Soccer League (USL) this week saw six (6) HVFC players making their debuts for their new respective teams in the United States and Canada.
Oneil Fisher
U20 player Oneil Fisher, who was drafted in this year’s MLS Super Draft for the Seattle Sounders USL division, made his debut in the inaugural game against Sacramento on March 21st. The game started with him on the team’s back line as he played the first half before being substituted in the 46′. Seattle Sounders went on to register a 4-2 win in the encounter. Oniel then went on to play for the Sounders in an international friendly the following Tuesday night against Mexico’s Club Tijuana, starting on the back line and playing 64 minutes on the right side. The friendly tied at 2-2.
Kemar Lawrence
Kemar ‘Taxi’ Lawrence not only played his first MLS game, but was also a part of the starting XI in his debut for the New York Red Bulls in their home opener against D.C. United on March 22nd. The Red Bulls won 2 – 0, with Kemar playing the full 90 mins. High points included him making an early pressing shot which was deflected, and also denying a scoring opportunity for the opposing team. He was absent for the 2nd season game as he returned to Jamaica on national duties, playing for the Reggae Boyz in two international friendlies against Venezuala (registering 2 – 1 win for the Jamaicans) and Cuba (to be played Monday March 30th).
Jermie Lynch
After pushing his Saint Louis FC USL team to a pre-season victory with a double just a week prior against Tulsa FC, Jermie ‘Zlatan’ Lynch graced the pitch as a 2nd half substitute in the team’s first season game away to Louisville City FC. Lynch’s efforts almost got his team on the scoreboard, sending a shot wide in the 73rd minute and forcing a save in stoppage time. The final whistle followed Lynch’s last chance of the game and Louisville took all three points in their home opener, winning 2 – 0.
Martin Davis
After joining the Toronto FC Academy in January following a successful trial stint last summer, Martin Davis was called for duties in the USL team ahead of their game against FC Montreal. After months of anxiety, Martin finally graced the pitch, playing in Toronto FC’s ‘401 derby’ on March 28th. He came on in the 68th minute of action which ended in his team’s 2 – 0 win on away turf.
Romario Williams
This year’s #3 draft pick at the MLS Superdraft, U20 player Romario Williams, came on in the dying minutes for Montreal Impact. They played Orlando City to 2-2 draw in their MLS home opener on March 28th. Romario took up the international spot on the Impact’s roster hailing from the University of Central Florida after scoring 18 goals and registering 5 assists in 51 appearances. He was also named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore.
Rennico Clarke
Rennico ‘Reno’ Clarke played 5 preseason games in the Portland Timbers USL Division team, all of which registered victories. On March 29th, in their first game in the United Soccer League, the Portland Timbers took down Real Monarchs of Salt Lake City. Reno helped line the defence from the beginning of the game. He is described on his player profile for T2 as a young, raw prospect, bringing speed and size to the center of the defense with plenty of room to grow.
Brian Brown
Brian ‘Rambo’ Brown has made 2 pre-season appearances for Indy Eleven in the North American Soccer League, registering 3 intent shots but no goals yet. We anticipate the NASL’s season opening next week with Brian expected to fuel the attack line. Head coach Juergen Sommer has high expectations for Brian, stating “with Brian, we have a young, developing striker, a hard-working kid. We see a lot with him already”.
Congratulations to our boys on their achievements so far, we wish them nothing but the best going forward.