Pacific FC Adds to Back Line with Pair of Centre Backs
March 7, 2019 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Pacific FC News Release
Victoria, BC - Pacific Football Club added defenders Hendrik Starostzik and Lukas MacNaughton to their roster today pending International Transfer Certificate (ITC) approval. German-born Starostzik and Belgium-raised MacNaughton will provide stability and size to the team's back line.
"With Hendrik we have added a player that has already been in an extremely competitive environment in Germany and we expect a lot from him. Lukas has been one of the best defenders in League1 Ontario and we feel he is a perfect match for our group," said Michael Silberbauer, Head Coach, Pacific FC. "I couldn't be happier that they both have decided to join Pacific FC."
Starostzik, 27, has played professionally in Germany since 2010, including a stint with Dynamo Dresden (2016-17) of 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second division. The 6'2 centre back played on province team Hessen as a youth, and attended SC Paderborn 07. The well-traveled defender arrives from Hallescher FC of 3. Liga, where he made 15 appearances.
"This is a big adventure for me, my goal was to play in another country and Canada is a great place to play- particularly Vancouver Island," said Starostzik. "I'm excited to play in the Canadian Premier League."
MacNaughton, 23 and born in New York, but raised and played youth football in Brussels, Belgium. He stands 6'1 at centre back and carries Canadian citizenship from his father. He came to play for the University of Toronto Blues from 2013 - 2017 and was the team's top scorer in 2016. MacNaughton represented Canada at the 2015 FISU Games in South Korea and the 2017 FISU Games in Taipei. Most recently, he was named a League1 Ontario All-Star as a member of Alliance United in 2018, where he registered 579 minutes through 10 appearances.
"Everyone has been talking about the Canadian Premier League, so when it became a reality it is where I wanted to be," said MacNaughton. "This is a great opportunity for Canadians to play at home."
Starostzik and MacNaughton join their teammates in pre-season training camp this weekend in Tofino. The roster includes Issey Nakajima-Farran, Marcel de Jong, Marcus Haber, Kadin Chung, Mark Village, Nolan Wirth, Ben Fisk, Victor Blasco, José Hernandez, Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, Noah Verhoeven and Alessandro Hojabrpour.
Pacific FC kicks off its inaugural season on April 28 against the HFX Wanderers at Westhills Stadium.
Canadian Premier League Stories from March 7, 2019
- Forge FC Signs Canadian Midfielder David Choiniere - Forge FC
- Pacific FC Adds to Back Line with Pair of Centre Backs - Pacific FC
- HFX Wanderers FC Announce Partnership with Benjamin Bridge Winery - HFX Wanderers FC
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