Silver Knights Announce Player Signings
November 4, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
Syracuse Silver Knights Midfielder Nate Bourdeau
(Syracuse Silver Knights)
SYRACUSE, New York - Tommy Tanner has named Bo Jelovac as one of two captains this year for the Syracuse Silver Knights in first group of player assignments. Joining Bo Jelovac on the first group of player announcements is Antonio Manfut, Nate Bourdeau and new comer, Jer Jer Gibson. The four players last year combined for 49 points last season and look to have even bigger seasons this year for the Knights.
Bo Jelovac - Bo has been named team captain after a big season in the back for the Knights and continuing his on the field success this summer. Last year for the Silver Knights, Bo Jelovac contributed 11 goals and 9 assists, with the majority of those goals coming in the second half of the season. Jelovac was a force in the defensive back line adding 10 blocks during the season. Bo continued his success this summer in Binghamton playing for Binghamton FC.
"Bo will be a big time player for us this season. We'll need his production from the back and leadership on the field" Head Coach Tommy Tanner added, "His leadership and experience on and off the field will be huge for us and he'll be great for the younger guys to learn from."
Antonio Manfut- Manfut last season tallied 13 points on 7 goals and 6 assists. The speedy midfielder will be looking for a breakout year after a big time confidence boost last season and a summer of off season success. The smallest, but also one of the quickest players on the field, Manfut will look to cause havoc once again on any loose ball he can run down. Manfut's off season saw big strides as well. Playing for AFC Cleveland in the USL, Manfut provided a huge spark on the offensive end including a game with 3 assists in the playoffs. Antonio will be missing the beginning part of preseason to join the United States National Futsal Team in Costa Rica for their international tournament. This is an opportunity that Manfut has been waiting for and he is extremely excited to put on his countries colors.
"I'm going to look for Antonio to have a break out year this year on the offensive end. He had a huge offseason and I am very proud of him for how far he has come. He showed a lot of confidence at the end of last year and if he keeps it going he will be great this year."
Nate Bourdeau - Bourdeau will return from a season where he added 7 goals and 5 assists from the midfield. The Syracuse native is excited to return in front of his home fans after an exciting season in Rochester. Late in the summer, the Rochester Rhinos signed Bourdeau and he made sure to make the best of his opportunity. Bourdeau saw time early and often for a Rhinos squad that was a top of the USL charts all season. Bourdeau joined fellow Silver Knight teammate Kenardo Forbes and the two of them helped the Rhinos win the USL Title.
"I can't wait to be back in front of my Syracuse friends and family. The chance to play in Rochester really gave me a confidence booster and I'm excited to help the Silver Knights get their own title." Nate Bourdeau said Monday after the first day of practice. "The guys look great and we have a shot this year to do something special, it should be an outstanding year."
Jer Jer "JJ" Gibson - Gibson, or "JJ" as his teammates call him, comes in from rival Baltimore Blast to join the Knights for the 2015-2016 season. The 6'2 190lb forward chipped in 3 goals in just 7 games for the Blast last season. Gibson's size and strength make him a great target in front of net for Tommy Tanner's squad and he'll look to use all of his power on the offensive end. This will be Gibson's first season with the Silver Knights but he is looking forward to the season starting.
"Tommy is a great coach and I've seen what he has done with his teams in the past. I think I fit in great with the guys and style of play here. There is great talent here and I'm just happy to be a part of it and contribute in any way I can."
The Silver Knights began practice yesterday, November 2nd, and will begin player announcements all week long. With the season starting in just 2 weeks, Tommy Tanner is excited for the season to begin and his players to hit the field.
The Silver Knights will open up home play at the OnCenter War Memorial on November 20th at 7:30pm. For more information on how you can watch them play live, call 315-303-7261 for ticket information.
Images from this story
 Syracuse Silver Knights Signee Jer Jer "JJ" Gibson |
 Syracuse Silver Knights Captain Bo Jelovac |
 Syracuse Silver Knights Midfielder Antonio Manfut |
 Syracuse Silver Knights Midfielder Nate Bourdeau |
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