Roster Strengthens with Three Signings
April 11, 2018 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Jacksonville Armada FC News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Armada FC announced Wednesday the addition of three players to the 2018 roster. The club strengthened the defense with Wesley Charpie and Shane McInerney, and forward Brian Bement joins the team after standing out in 2018 Open Tryouts.
"It was important we added strength to our back line and we feel that has been accomplished with these signings," said Armada FC President and General Manager Nathan Walter.
"In regard to Brian, Open Tryouts are very important to us for a number of reasons. It allows us to connect with the community and it allows players the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Brian was identified through this process and we are very happy to be able to reward someone for their hard work."
Defender Charpie, 25, arrives in Jacksonville after spending the 2017 season with USL side Saint Louis FC. He totaled 19 appearances and two assists for the club last year.
Before Saint Louis, Charpie played for Toronto FC II. He was initially drafted in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC as the 29th pick overall, but then signed with the USL affiliate. He made 43 appearances in two years with Toronto.
Charpie is from Tarpon Springs, Fla. and enjoyed an extensive youth and college career. He trained with Aston Villa and Blackburn youth teams, and played local club soccer in Florida and Tarpon Springs High School before playing for the University of South Florida (USF).
Between 2011 and 2014, Charpie totaled 81 appearances at USF. He tallied five goals and 21 assists. His efforts earned him multiple honors including being named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in 2013, as well as the NSCAA East All-Region First Team, All-American Athletic Conference First Team, and American Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team.
Defender Shane McInerney played last with FC Linköping City of the Swedish Football Division 2. Before Linköping, McInerney played with NPSL side Boca Raton FC from 2015-2016, scoring one goal during that time.
The 25 year old is native of Galway, Ireland, and grew up representing his country at both the U15 and U18 levels. He came to the states to play for Monroe Community College in 2012 and was named to the All-Region First Team after six goals and two assists. He also played in 43 matches for Keiser University and earned NAIA All American in 2015.
Brian Bement stood out to the technical staff during 2018 Open Tryouts for the Armada FC, and trained with the club before his signing. The 24-year-old forward from Waterloo, Ill., was a standout collegiate athlete at Loyola University Chicago from 2011-2014. In 77 appearances, he notched 15 goals and six assists total. His honors include Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Conference in 2013 and 2014, 2014 Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team, and 2011 Horizon League All-Newcomer Team.
Bement went on to play for Puerto Rico FC in 2016 and was released last year after making 14 appearances total.
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North American Soccer League Stories from April 11, 2018
- Roster Strengthens with Three Signings - Jacksonville Armada FC
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