Fort Lauderdale Strikers Sign Ryan Adeleye
Published on January 27, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Tuesday, January 27, 2015) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers today announced the signing of American-Israeli defender Ryan Adeleye. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Adeleye, 27, is an imposing presence comfortable playing across the defense or in front of the back four. He completed his NCAA career with the North Carolina Tar Heels before turning professional in Israel in 2009.
"Ryan Adeleye came from one of the country's top soccer programs in UNC Chapel Hill and has five years of professional experience from the Israeli top division under his belt," General Manager Amaury Nunes said. "His versatility, strength, and speed will make him a key defensive player for the team this season."
Adeleye started his college career with Davidson College in 2005 before transferring to the University of North Carolina in 2007. His senior years the Tar Heels finished runner-up to Maryland in the 2008 NCAA Championship. After going undrafted by MLS, Adeleye opted to sign for USL Premier Development Side Newark Ironbound Express (now Jersey Express).
In 2009, Adeleye was selected to represent the U.S. at the Maccabiah Games. After impressing in a friendly match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, he trialed and later signed with the Israeli Premier League club. Adeleye gained Israeli citizenship his first year and went on to make 42 league appearances in just over three seasons with the club
Adeleye signed with second-division side Hapoel Ashkelon in January 2013. He made 40 league starts for the club, and tallied four goals in two seasons.
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