Fury FC Adds English Midfielder Charlie Ward
January 18, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - Ottawa Fury FC have inked English midfielder Charlie Ward ahead of the 2019 USL Championship campaign, pending league and federation approval, the club announced Friday.
"Charlie is one of the most important pieces to add to the squad as we continue to build towards a successful season," said Julian de Guzman, General Manager of Ottawa Fury FC. "A midfielder with his qualities is not an easy find in this market and I'm thrilled to have Charlie as a new member of Fury FC."
The 23-year-old spent the 2018 season with San Antonio FC of the USL Championship Western division where he was a key component of their midfield in the 12 matches he played. Ward is also well-versed with the rigours of the USL Championship having amassed over 4,400 minutes of play since 2016 with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and San Antonio FC. In fact, in his first season in the league, he led the USL in minutes played, a consistency and energy Fury FC will look to capitalize on this year.
A product of the Aston Villa Academy, Ward signed with the Stoke City reserve team in 2013 at the age of 18, earning his one and only call-up to the English Premier League side against Aston Villa in March 2014. He has since featured in over 100 games despite his young age, including a stint with the MLS Houston Dynamo in 2017.
The native of Redditch, England, is the first signing of 2019 for Fury FC, who now have the following players under contract.
2019 Fury FC roster breakdown
Forwards (1): François
Midfielders (5): Dixon*, Gagnon-Laparé*, Mannella*, Oliveira, Ward
Defenders (4): Attakora*, Haworth*, Obasi, Tissot*
Goalkeepers (1): Monsalve*
* denotes Canadian player
Ottawa Fury FC will take to the field for the 2019 USL Championship season starting on Saturday, March 9 as they travel to face the Charleston Battery. Fury FC will open their 2019 home schedule on Saturday, April 6 when Nashville SC visits TD Place. Fans can join the Fury FC Family right away by purchasing a season membership, or with the new Fury+ which gets them access to all regular season home matches for only $30 per month per seat! For more information on Fury+ and other season membership options and perks, visit OttawaFuryFC.com/Fury-plus.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 18, 2019
- San Antonio FC Signs Defender Johnny Fenwick and Midfielder Leeroy Maguraushe - San Antonio FC
- Fury FC Adds English Midfielder Charlie Ward - Ottawa Fury FC
- Indy Eleven Re-Sign Defender Karl Ouimette - Indy Eleven
- El Paso Locomotive FC Signs 6'3" Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer from Columbus Crew SC - El Paso Locomotive FC
- Riverhounds SC Releases 2019 Preseason Schedule - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Roughnecks FC Sign Fredlin Mompremier - FC Tulsa
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