USL1 Forward Madison FC

Forward Madison Adds to Defense with Jalen Crisler Signing

Published on January 21, 2020 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release


Center back Jalen Crisler with Detroit City FC
Center back Jalen Crisler with Detroit City FC
(Forward Madison FC, Credit: Detroit City FC)

Forward Madison FC has signed 25-year-old center back Jalen Crisler, the club announced Tuesday. Crisler, who, who becomes the second defender signed to the Flamingos' 2020 roster, played for Detroit City FC in the National Premier Soccer League last year.

According to head coach Daryl Shore, Crisler will add a physical presence to his team's backline.

We feel like Jalen is a guy that's going to compete to play a lot of minutes in our defense this year," Shore said. Both on and off the ball, we felt like Jalen has what we are looking for. He has good size, he's good in the air and he looks to break lines with his passing, all of which we really liked."

READ: "This is how Jalen Crisler made the most of a year without soccer

Crisler played at Gonzaga University from 2013-17, captaining the team during his senior year and spending summers featuring for the Seattle Sounders U-23s in what is now USL League Two. After an ACL tear put his professional aspirations in jeopardy, Crisler committed himself to recovery in 2018, eventually earning a contract with Detroit City in 2019.

"My focus is doing my role as a defender," Crisler said. "It's not going to be anything flashy, it's not going to be anything fancy, but I want to have my presence felt."

Crisler came to Shore's attention during Forward Madison's invite combine earlier this month, where he impressed the coaches with his consistency and versatility from the back. According to Crisler, who once worried his injury would sink his career, the contract represents a chance to excel on a new stage.

"For me, it's always been a dream to play at this level," Crisler said. "I'm really excited for what 2020 has to come for Forward Madison."

Check out the Forward Madison FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Images from this story

Center back Jalen Crisler with Detroit City FC
Center back Jalen Crisler with Detroit City FC
(Detroit City FC)		   



United Soccer League One Stories from January 21, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central