Lightning Ink Bird, Horne, Jouaux to New Deals This Week

Published on October 29, 2010 under Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Louisville Lightning News Release


The 2010-2011 season is just two weeks away, and Lightning management is busy assembling a championship-calibre squad this year. The club announced they've signed three more players to deals this week: Simon Bird, David Horne, and Tony Jouaux. The acquisitions strengthen the Lightning midfield, while adding offensive punch as well.

The Lightning have inked three more to new deals this week, starting with forward Simon Bird. The native of Lincoln, England appeared in just five games for the Lightning last season, but averaged nearly two goals per game during that time. He added three assists to finish with twelve points on the season.

Bird previously played for the University of Louisville, as well as North Ferriby United FC, Lincoln United, Lincoln City, Nottingham Forest, Grimsby Town, Mansfield Town, and Bolton Wanderers in his native England. He scored 29 goals in 50 games during his three years with the Cardinals, leading the team in scoring all three seasons. He was Conference Player of the Year and invited to the MLS combine in 2003. Tony Colavecchia, Simon's former coach at Louisville, had nothing but praise for the striker. "Simon is a true goal scorer. He has the ability to take half chances and turn them into goals." To read more about Simon Bird, check out his bio at www.louisvillelightning.com/Team/388291.html

The Lightning also agreed to terms with midfielder Tony Jouaux. A native of France, Jouaux also played for the University of Louisville, as well as the A.J. Auxerre Youth Academy in France. Jouaux made seven appearances with the Lightning last season, scoring five goals and adding two assists.

Jouaux earned Lightning Player of the Week honors in February for his crucial goal in a win over Cincinnati. Nicknamed 'Air France,' Jouaux turns 25-years-old the day after the season opener and is known for his technical proficiency and talent off the dribble. To learn more about Tony Jouaux, you can read his bio at www.louisvillelightning.com/Team/393579.html

Additionally, the Lightning re-signed David Horne, who also serves as the team's general manager. The versatile forward and midfielder played in 14 games for the Lightning last season, finishing third on the team with 18 goals. He also chipped in seven assists for 25 points, good enough for third on the squad.

The Louisville native played high school soccer at Saint Xavier High School before moving on to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He was a two-time team captain at Centre, and became the school's first NSCAA/adidas Academic All-American. He was also the Centre College Male Athlete of the Year in 2006. Horne played eight years at Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex, and also played professionally with the Cincinnati Kings of the USL-2, 1790 Cincinnati Express of the PASL, and had stints with numerous other professional organizations. He's known for his leadership and versatility, playing as a defender in college before shifting to an attacking player as a pro. To read more about David Horne, check out his bio at www.louisvillelightning.com/Team/380656.html

The newly-signed trio will all be in uniform for the Lightning's season opener on November 12th against Cincinnati. Season tickets for the upcoming campaign are still available. To purchase season tickets, click on www.louisvillelightning.com/TicketInformation/index_E.html

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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 29, 2010


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