NASL FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton Solidifies Defence with Signing of Papé Diakité

Published on February 8, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton inched closer to filling out their roster, Feb. 8, with the club announcing the signing of Senegalese defender Papé Diakité. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Diakité, 23, made his professional debut for AS Trencin in 2011, making eight appearances in his first pro season. The centre back has steadily increased his contributions each season since, making a career-high 25 appearances last year for Royal Antwerp F.C. of the Belgian Second Division.

The Senegal native is the second defender to be signed by the Eddies in as many weeks, following last week's addition of England's Adam Eckersley. The addition of Diakité and Eckersley bring the Eddies defensive unit to eight, joining returning players Albert Watson, Eddie Edward, Mallan Roberts, Allan Zebie, Marko Aleksic and Johann Smith.

"I'm excited to work with Papé," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated. "I know and played with his agent for many years. He spoke incredibly highly of Papé, the level he has played at means that he will come in and add some strength, depth, experience and quality to our centre back area. It puts more players under pressure to perform week-in, week-out. The competition now for places with the addition of Papé makes our back four complete."

Diakité and FC Edmonton open their 2016 North American Soccer League campaign, April 2 against Rayo OKC. The team returns home for their Home Opener, April 10 against Minnesota United FC. Kick-off at Clarke Field is set for 2:00 p.m. MT. For tickets and more information, please click HERE, call 780.700.2600 or visit www.fcedmonton.com.

Current FC Edmonton 2016 Roster:

Goalkeepers

Matt VanOekel, Tyson Farago, Nathan Ingham

Defenders

Mallan Roberts, Marko Aleksic, Allan Zebie, Johann Smith, Albert Watson, Eddie Edward, Adam Eckersley, Papé Diakité

Midfielders

Cristian Raudales, Ritchie Jones, Pablo Cruz, Dustin Corea, Sainey Nyassi, Nik Ledgerwood, Gustavo Salgueiro

Forwards

Sadi Jalali, Tomi Ameobi, Jake Keegan, Daryl Fordyce

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 8, 2016


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