After a bit of a tumultuous period that opened free agency period, FC Whitehorse made a number of transactions that seem to point in the direction of improving the team. The new players joining the team are:
- De Melisco - D - BRA - 18 y/o
- Daniel Fuertes - D - MEX - 24 y/o
- Timothy Brett - F - USA - 25 y/o
- Angel Piña - F - MEX - 28 y/o
The only teenager joining the Freezers this season, De Melisco is a pacey defender that figures to feature in the lineup as a wing back. The 18 year old Brazilian signed a 5 year deal with Whitehorse.
Defender Daniel Fuertes returns to the CSL after spending last season with Mexican Scorpios FC in his native Mexico. Fuertes, 24, spent 5 seasons with Swamp Dragons FC, scoring twice in 112 matches. The tall and strong centre back signed a 5 year deal with the Freezers, and figures to be a key contributor as a substitute.
The Freezers made their first splash in the transfer market, acquiring 25 year old striker Timothy Brett from fellow CSL club Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré for a club record fee of $1,496,000. The 25 year old American scored 22 goals in 32 matches last year, and has scored at least that many for each of the last 4 seasons. Brett signed a 3 year deal with FC Whitehorse worth a reported $665,000 per year making him the highest paid player on the team.
Angel Piña was the second big forward purchase for FC Whitehorse, acquiring him from another CSL club, Canadian Lionpack for an $810,000 transfer fee. The 28 year old Mexican forward joins the Freezers on a 5 year deal fresh off of a season with 22 goals in 28 league matches. Piña is expected to compete for a starting role up front.
With a wealth of depth at the front, the Freezers agreed to sell forward Tauro Serrato to fellow CSL club FC Winnipeg Royal Lions for a transfer fee of $79,000. The 33 year old failed to score a single goal in his 16 league matches, but was a key feature in Whitehorse's recent WG Financial Cup victory winning that tournament's MVP award.
Manager Raley Treffle spoke positively about the new acquisitions at a recent press availability. "I think that we had a successful free agency period overall" said Treffle. "Tauro is an impressive player and we are sad to see him go, but I do feel like we remain really strong up front. Timmy and Angel are talented scorers and should serve as great mentors to the young guys we already have at forward. That and the depth that we added in defence, this feels like a much improved team. And now, we get to go to work and see if we can find that right chemistry that makes us a more consistent side week in and week out." When asked about any additional changes that would be coming, Treffle suggested that the roster was likely final, but didn't rule a move out. "As I said, I feel good about this team" said Treffle. "I think that this is the group that we will take into the season. That said, teams are still very active and player movement is always a possibility. I suppose we will wait and see."
Players will be reporting to training in two days, with the new season just over a month away.