Lightning Sign Gonzalez, Judah, Weyland to New Deals

November 9, 2010 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Louisville Lightning News Release


The Louisville Lightning have signed three more returning stars to new deals this week. Mariano Gonzalez, Nick Judah, and Lee Weyland have all agreed to new contracts for the 2010-2011 season. All three played for the Lightning last season and will be in uniform this Friday night for the season opener against the Cincinnati Kings.

The Lightning are finalizing their roster for the upcoming season, and team owners have signed three more veterans Monday. Forwards Mariano Gonzalez and Nick Judah, and defender Lee Weyland all join the team again for season two of Lightning soccer.

Mariano Gonzalez returns after making three appearances with the team last season. He scored four goals in 13 shots in his three games last season, as well as adding two assists. The native of Torreón, Mexico played collegiately at Saint Catherine's College, and also polished his skills with Louisville's United 1996 Soccer Club. Gonzalez scored the second goal in Louisville Lightning history on November 13, 2009 in a 6-5 loss to Cincinnati.

Nick Judah also returns to the squad after 14 appearances with the Lightning last season. The Louisville native scored eleven goals and added seven assists in the club's inaugural season last year. Judah played college soccer at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where he was a teammate of fellow Lightning player David Horne. Judah, who turns 25 this month, also played for Louisville's United 1996 and Javanon Soccer Clubs, where he was a part of five state championships and two regional semifinal appearances.

"Nick is a gifted athlete and a handful for any defensive unit," former coach Scott Budnick said of Judah. A former All-Conference and All-Region player at Centre College, Judah was named Lightning Player of the Week last season following his performance in a win over the Detroit Waza.

Lee Weyland also returns this season after making 14 appearances with the team last season. Weyland scored five goals, adding six assists and seven blocks for the team last season. The 25-year-old defender formerly played for Javanon Soccer Club in Louisville, and played club soccer at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was a four-year starter and two-time captain. Weyland played high school soccer at Louisville's Trinity High School, where he was a four-year starter, two-year captain, and named to the All-State Team his senior year for the Shamrocks.

Weyland also coaches in his spare time, spending time with Javanon and Louisville's Mercy Academy. Weyland was an assistant coach with the Javanon 91 Boys Soccer Team, which finished second in the USYSA National Championships in July 2009.

Gonzalez, Judah, and Weyland bring more than 30 games' experience with the Lightning back to the team this season, providing the squad with invaluable leadership for their second campaign. All three have joined the team in practice and will be in uniform this Friday night for the season opener against the Cincinnati Kings. Season tickets are still available, and fans can purchase them at Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex or online at www.louisvillelightning.com/TicketInformation/index_E.html.



Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from November 9, 2010


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