Written by our Philadelphia Fury beat writer, Rich Ransom
The Philadelphia Fury added a few more signings to their roster as they prepare for their inaugural season in the American Soccer League (ASL). Amadou Sheriff, Seydou Ba, and Ayouba Fane all agreed to deals with the team after impressing team officials in private workouts.
"I am very happy that we were able to sign all these players," said General Manager Graham Charters.
All three players played in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) last season for local Philadelphia team Junior Lone Star FC and led the team in a deep run in the NPSL Playoffs last season. Sheriff, 27, a holding midfielder has a goal and an assist along with eight appearances for the team so far in the 2014 season for Lone Star. Fane, 26, also a holding midfielder has been with the team since 2010.
Ba, a 25 year old striker had been with Lone Star since 2005, and has two goals and one assist in his eight appearances this season with the team. He has a long list of collegiate credentials when he attended Holy Family University including NSCAA All-East Region honors and ALL-CACC First Team honors. "I'm very excited to be joining the Fury," Ba said. "We are looking to build something special, not only with the team and the league."
Charters sees the players as great additions to their roster. "We believe they are all technically gifted and their raw athleticism is an asset that can't be coached," he stated.
The Fury will begin their season in August as charter members of the ASL and will play their games at Washington Township High School.