As free agency signing period begins for the Whitehorse Freezers ahead of their second CSL season, the club already has a few big changes.
The most surprising move was the selling of midfielder John Bryan to new CSL club, the Manitoba Moos. The 24 year old Bryan scored 2 goals in 31 matches for the Freezers last season, and was expected to feature in the starting lineup again this year. The Moos payed $100,000 as a transfer fee for their new midfielder.
18 year old midfielder Devin Pope was acquired by FC Whitehorse from the Moos to complete the Bryan transaction. He is expected to have a depth role with his new team.
Likely taking Bryan's place for the Freezers is new transfer acquisition Serginho. The 31 year old Brazilian midfielder was acquired from Hungarian club Lokamotiv Buda for a transfer fee of $200,000. As a part of the deal, Serginho signed a new 4 year deal with his new club. Considered by many to be a flashy player, Serginho has shown a scoring touch, netting 20 goals in 54 matches over two seasons with Buda. He has previous stops for various clubs in Hungary and his native Brazil, and will make his CSL debut for Whitehorse this year.
In addition to the transfers, the Freezers have signed 2 players in free agency thus far. The new acquisitions are:
- Marthaldo, F, BRA, 24 y/o
- Virgilio Rivas, M, MEX, 18 y/o
- Rubinho, GK, BRA, 28 y/o
- Hudson Delabere, M, USA, 28 y/o
- Gabrio Rezusta, D, MEX, 25 y/o
Brazilian striker Marthaldo returns to the CSL after beginning his career as a reserve for Presbyterian Express. Despite this, the 24 year old will make his CSL debut in his first match with Whitehorse. Last season, Marthaldo scored 18 goals in 38 matches for Brazilian club Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama United. His move to Whitehorse comes with a new 5 year contract.
Virgilio Rivas proved a valuable versatile player for the Mexican U18 national team last season. Though he is usually a midfielder, the Freezers are expected to play the fleet footed Rivas as a wing defender this year. Rivas's new contract will be for 5 years.
Veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Rubinho was brought in on a 5 year deal to serve in a backup and mentorship role for fellow Brazilian netminder Zavala. The 28 year old spent last year away from football after he and his wife welcomed their first child. Rubinho served as a starter for multiple top tier clubs in Brazil, most recently two seasons ago with Sao Paulo Picanha.
Hudson Delabere joins the Freezers on a 1 year deal, and is expected to be used as a substitute. The 28 year old midfielder had a breakout season last year for San Diego FC scoring 10 goals in 38 matches.
Mexican defender Gabrio Rezusta has played all over the world over in his short career. Most recently, he played
for Fighting Fish Tacos Football Club in his native Mexico scoring twice in 36 matches last year. The 25 year old defender signed a 4 year deal to play in Whitehorse.
Manager Oros Bala spoke highly about this group of signings. "The players we have added thus far should do well to help us raise the floor next season" said Bala. "We had some excellent play last year, but we want to be more consistent week after week. And with these signings, I think we should be able to have more success through the grind of league play." When asked if there were more signings to come, Bala was characteristically stoic. "We shall see" said Bala. "Stay tuned."