NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Lock Down Ndjock and Vicentini

Published on February 1, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - After an impressive 2015 season, both goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock and midfielder Juliano Vicentini have returned for Minnesota United in 2016. The club picked up the option to extend Ndjock's contract, and Vicentini signed a new deal with the team. Per team and league policy, the terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Ndjock joined United prior to the 2015 season after beginning his career in France with Lille, playing several seasons in Turkey and representing Cameroon in the 2014 World Cup. He kept Minnesota in many games with his athletic and acrobatic style of play, making many important saves to preserve points for the club. He finished the 2015 season with a 12-8-3 (W-D-L) record, seven clean sheets, and a 1.09 GAA.

"I am very happy to re-sign with Minnesota United," said Ndjock. "This upcoming season will be a season of progression for me. I plan to help the club win every game and every title. I'm looking forward to bringing excitement to the fans, the players and to Minnesota."

Vicentini returns for his third season with United. Since coming to the club, Vicentini has been a mainstay in the back of the midfield. On the defensive side, he provides assistance covering the middle of the pitch, and leads the transition to offense with excellent distribution. The Brazilian is also known for taking shots from distance and scoring highlight reel goals.

"Juliano is such a lovely, humble guy and I think, unsung hero of this club," said Minnesota United Head Coach Carl Craig. "He's an outstanding talent, very smart fellow. But then, there are a couple of times, what I love so much about him is that that fire burns hot in his belly. Sometimes people don't say that enough, people don't recognize enough in my opinion what he brings to the football club and what he brings to our team. He's tough, at times you see him when he intercepts the ball, so he's got that grit, he's got that defensive midfield type on him where he's hard as nails but he can stroke the ball around the field as well. There is no other player on the field that plays like him. He is in the twilight of his career, but I still think that he has a couple of excellent years ahead of him and he's a wonderful guy to have on the roster."

United players report for preseason training February 1st and will take part in the Simple Invitational, a preseason tournament in Portland, Oregon starting February 21st where United will take on three MLS teams: the Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Chicago Fire in a preseason tournament in Portland. Your first chance to see the squad live will be at the home opener on April 16th at NSC Stadium in Blaine. Lock in your favorite seat all year by calling 763-4SOCCER or visit MNUnitedFC.com and get your season tickets today.

Current Minnesota United Roster:

Goalkeeper: Sammy Ndjock

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Brent Kallman, Kevin Venegas

Midfielders: Andrei Gotsmanov, Ibson, Greg Jordan, Lance Laing, Daniel Mendes, Aaron Pitchkolan, Juliano Vicentini, Jamie Watson

Forwards: J.C. Banks, Stefano Pinho, Christian Ramirez

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 1, 2016


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