Fury FC Extend Brazilian Duo Through 2017
Published on January 12, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON - Ottawa Fury FC today announced that they have extended the contracts of Brazilians Rafael Alves and Paulo Junior. The duo both played vital roles in Ottawa's Fall Season Championship and run to the Soccer Bowl and both are set to remain in Fury colours for the next two seasons. As per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Alves, 30, was a rock on defence for Fury FC in 2015 helping the club set several defensive records including a shutout streak of 648 minutes. Alves featured in every match for the club in 2015 scoring 4 goals and adding 1 assist. His successes and value to his team were recognized by the League as the Brazilian earned a spot in the NASL Best XI. The 6'3 defender has made back-to-back trips to the Soccer Bowl - with Ottawa in 2015 and with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2014.
"Alves is absolute quality and proved himself to be the best centre back in the league last season," said head coach Paul Dalglish. "We are absolutely delighted that he wanted to extend his contract and continue to live and play in this great city. His leadership skills on and off the field are vital to our success."
The native of Praia Grande, Brazil is set to begin his fourth NASL campaign. With three seasons under his belt, the hulking centre back has featured in 66 regular season matches scoring 5 goals and 2 assists.
Paulo Junior, 26, caught fire in the Fall Season for Fury FC playing a vital role in earning the first piece of silverware in club history - the Fall Season Championship. The speedy Brazilian scored 4 goals and added four assists helping ignite Ottawa's offence. The native of Teresina, Brazil enters his fourth NASL season in 2016 and has logged over 2500 minutes in 42 career matches. Paulo Junior has also featured in MLS with Real Salt Lake scoring four goals in 36 career matches.
"Paulo Junior has all the tools to be the best winger in the League and is the perfect player profile for the way we want to play this season," said Dalglish. "His creativity and finishing ability will petrify other teams."
Fury FC now have three Brazilians in their squad for 2016 as Alves and Paulo Junior are joined by defender Fernando Timbo who joins the club from the Austin Aztex.
Fans can renew or buy their 2016 Fury FC season tickets here and become part of a growing legion of fans that has helped make TD Place a fortress.
North American Soccer League Stories from January 12, 2016
- Indy Eleven Adds Jamaican International Lovel Palmer to Back Line - Indy Eleven
- Philadelphia Union Midfielder Joins Cosmos on Loan - New York Cosmos
- Nazmi Albadawi Re-Signs with RailHawks in 2016 - North Carolina FC
- Fury FC Ink Man of Steele - Ottawa Fury FC
- Fury FC Extend Brazilian Duo Through 2017 - Ottawa Fury FC
- Local Talent and Canadian International Nik Ledgerwood Signs with FC Edmonton - FC Edmonton
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