USL Richmond Kickers

Kickers Strengthen Roster With Neagu

Published on December 22, 2005 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release


Richmond, VA - (Thursday, December 22, 2005) - The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the recent addition of former Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) standout Cristian Neagu to the 2006 professional roster. Specific terms of the contract were not discussed.

Neagu, a native of Ploiesti, Romania, started 59 of 59 games played over four seasons with the Future and recorded a total of 30 goals and 21 assists for 81 points overall. Most recently, Neagu, a versatile player who can play in an attacking or defensive role, led the Future to a 12-2-2 record and the Eastern Conference title in 2005. He was responsible for a goal and the game-winning assist in the Future's 4-2 win over the Ocean City Barons during post-season play as well as two goals during the 4-3 loss to the El Paso Patriots in the PDL Semi-Finals. He led the team in scoring with 15 goals and 12 assists for 42 points during regular season play with 18 goals and 15 assists for 51 points overall (including US Open Cup and playoffs). Leading the league in assists and finishing second in points, Neagu was named to the PDL All-League Team in addition to receiving All-Eastern Conference honors.

"Cristian had an outstanding 2005 season with our PDL squad and the timing is right to give him the opportunity to do the same with our first team, which we believe he is very capable of...we are very excited to add a player of his ability to our roster," states General Manager Paul Sterbenz. "This signing is another example of how instrumental our PDL program is, in terms of identifying and developing talent, to the overall club."

In 2003, from mostly a defensive position, Neagu finished fourth on the team in points (7), including three goals, all-game winners, and led the team in minutes with 1,648. After a brief stint with the Syracuse Salty Dogs (USL First Division) in 2004, he rejoined the Future and finished third on the team in goals scored (5) in four games played.

"Cristian has been a member of the Kickers family for quite some time," comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "He is a player we are very familiar with and someone who will contribute greatly next season."

While at Virginia Commonwealth University, Neagu started 43 games during his two-year collegiate career. A Second Team All-CAA selection in 2002 and 2003, he tallied nine goals and five assists for 23 points.

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