Eagles Add Five New Players to 2014 Squad
March 24, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles announce the additions of five new players for 2014. The Eagles have signed midfielders Fred Owusu Sekyere and Felix Obilo as well as defenders Gui Brandao, Tolani Ibikunle and Chase Wickham.
Ibikunle, a native of Wynnewood, PA and played his college soccer at Wake Forest University. In his four seasons at Wake he started 55 of his 70 career matches. He finished his Demon Deacon career with three goals and three assists. Ibikunle was selected by the Colorado Rapids with the 11th pick in the 3rd round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. Ibikunle played in the PDL for Reading United in 2011 with current Eagle Ben Newnam and former Eagle Stephen Okai. Ibikunle is also the third Demon Deacon to join the Eagles this season with Newnam and fellow first-year Eagle Wells Thompson.
Brandao, a native of Brasilia, Brazil started his collegiate career at Belhaven University before going to play for Jacksonville University in his '13-'14 season. Brandao played for current Eagles Assistant Coach Dave Dixon at Mississippi Brilla in 2012. While at JU he started in 16 matches and was awarded All-Atlantic Second team honors. In the 2013 season he posted one goal and three assists. Brandao will add great depth in the midfield and can even fill in on the backline if needed.
Obilo, 23, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, played his collegiate soccer for Bethel University in Tennessee. He was also named First Team NAIA All-American in 2010. In his PDL career for Reading United he tallied 1 assist in 9 games. He also played two seasons with Rocket City United in the National Premier Soccer League posting 2 goals. Obilo was also a member of the Kenya u-20 National Team. Obilo will add some defensive midfield depth.
Wickham, 23, a native of Vancouver BC Canada played for University of Alabama at Birmingham. Before playing for UAB he played one season at Trinity Western University where he recorded 3 goals in 15 games. Over his 2 seasons at UAB he recorded 8 goals and 7 assists and was named to the all conference USA third team. Wickham will add depth to both the outside backs on the wings in the midfield with his pace.
Sekyere is a native of Ghana and played collegiately for three seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Ghanian native also played most recently for RVA FC of the NPSL. Sekyere will look to add some scoring depth to the midfield for the Eagles.
The Eagles open their season at Queens Sports Complex against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday April 4th at 7pm!
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