Following a fantastic Season 9 where the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions finished with their best point total and +/- ever, the Lions made very few changes to the team roster. Four new faces will be seen on the pitch however, as french manager Tuté Fruy managed to sign four solid free agents.
Here is the list of free agent signings by the FCW Lions this off-season:
31 year old - James Walton (Canada) M - $233,000 p/y 2-year
29 year old - Dorsey Searcy (Canada) M - $126,000 p/y 2-year
28 year old - Fabrice Kellett (Canada) D - $126,000 p/y 2-year
32 year old - Charlie Hermach (Canada) M - $101,000 p/y 1-year
With the four free agent signings, the Royal Lions were able to add great depth at midfield, a midfield which should have the ability to both attack and defend with ease. Trevion Collins, who will remain the captain of the team for Season 10 commented on the team's outlook.
"We had a solid team last year, and with a lot of the same guys coming back, I see no reason why we cannot challenge for our first Canadian title again this year," said Collins. "We signed four new players which will have a positive impact on this squad, and enhance our chances of victory. I believe we have enough talent to do it, we just need to work hard every game, and limit mistakes".
Collins will once again be considered a substitute player this season despite remaining team captain. That has not however stopped his production. Last year he was third in scoring on the team with 12 goals, despite playing 'off the bench'.
The Royal Lion's fans and media have often referred to the 'Big Three' as being their biggest shot to win a title. Those three players are all-star defender Loïc Cabese, goal-scoring forward Loic Eglisfield, and young goalkeeping stud Boudewijin Martha. To win a title though, every piece of the puzzle will need to click.
"We need a full team of guys," Martha stated, "and that includes guys off the bench. Collins is a good example of that, everyone can make an impact whether they play thirty-eight games or one game. All three of us (Eglisfield, Cabese, Martha) know we have to lead the team, however we are the first to admit we need the rest of the team to win a championship. There are a lot of guys on this team who do not get the recognition they deserve. We have a lot of good players, not just three, that's why we have a good chance of winning".
James Walton, a free agent signing who won the championship with Leo July last year knows they will be the team to beat again this year. "They really are great. I treasure my four years there but it was time to move on. On the other side of that, I also know how good the FCW Lions are. Luckily I'll have the chance to play for the best once again, just this time it is for a different team".
For the third straight season, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions will play their season opener @ lets go. The match takes place on 6/2. We expect to see you out at the home opener versus Vancouver Blast FC on 6/3! Few tickets remain!
