Former Temple defender signs with first-division team in Sweden

Former Temple defender Carlos Moros Gracia will continue his soccer career in Sweden after signing with first-division club GIF Sundsvall.

The Spaniard played 37 matches for the Owls over the past two seasons and was every bit as important to the defense as Spanish forward Jorge Gomez Sanchez was to the offense.

He had four goals and two assists during his time with Temple after transferring from Valencia University in Spain. The 23-year-old played for Valencia C.F. throughout much of his youth career.

GIF Sundsvall Sporting Director Urban Hagblom had this to say about Moros Gracia (via Google Translate) on the club website:

“It will be very exciting and interesting to follow Carlos in 2017. (He) is a highly accomplished defensive player with good leadership skills. He can act in many positions.”

Sundsvall finished 13th out of 16 teams in the Allsvenskan table last season. They open their season, which runs through November, on Sunday against AFC Eskilstuna.

Temple head coach David MacWilliams was disappointed that Moros Gracia didn’t get more attention from Major League Soccer when interviewed back in January.

“He’s a tenacious defender, doesn’t get beat one-on-one, wins balls in the air and is composed,” MacWilliams said.

Moros Gracia is the second player from Temple’s back line to sign professionally since last season. Right back Matt Mahoney signed with Bethlehem Steel FC in early March. Gomez Sanchez, who had 27 goals in two seasons with the Owls, was drafted by Vancouver Whitecaps but has not yet landed with a club.