Incoming for the 2019 is a new coaching staff joining recently appointed head coach Marc Dos Santos. We have known him for a few years of his NASL time and he brings in a quality staff, some he is rather familiar with from his time in that league. Asst. coaches Vanni Sartini joins his brother Phillip Dos Santos and goalkeeper coach Youssef Dahna, each are now on multi year contracts. All told nearly half a century of experience has arrived in Canada between their playing coach and soccer educational histories.
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Not much of a surprise in either selection with Bastian Schweinsteiger taking the MVP but his Defensive Player of the year was not a given by any means. The Golden Boot of course is for most goals so that was a given with Nemanja Nikolic getting it for 2 years running and now is one of just 4 players in club history with more than a single season with goals totalling double digits.
readJonathan Lewis the 21 year old midfielder for the NY team must be the player alluded to by USMNT HC Gregg Berhalter in his conference call as the final piece to be added, now bringing the roster to 28. His addition brings the number to 8 players in their first camp and 13 of those in camp yet to see the field. Lewis had been with the U-20's who took the 2017 Concacaf Title. Camp begins Jan. 6 in Calif. to prep for games with Panama Jan . 27 @ State Farm Stadium, Glendale AZ 8 p.m. ET on ESPN 2 & Univision Networks.
readThe rights to Jonathan Campbell went west as a pick blew into the windy city for the 2020 Draft. Fire Pres/GM Nelson Rodriguez had this to say of Campbell, "During his time with the club, Jonathan always gave his best on the field. We wish Jonathan the best of luck." The 12th overall selection in the 2016 Draft, he had 72 games, 49 starts for Chicago, notching a goal and a pair of assists. Tis past season, the 25 year old saw action in 15 games starting 11 of them. It is a big drop in just 3 years to then leave, getting a 4th rounder a year into the future.
readCampos is now under contract and the club holds the option for 2020, 2021 & 2022. Fire Pres. & GM, Nelson Rodrigez stated "When we signed him to a reserve contract we promised him that we would improve that original deal." The rookie year of 2018, saw him get in 23 games with 13 starts for one goal and a pair of assists, these games were tops for the rookies in Chicago. The 17 chances he created were 4th on the team. "I'm very grateful to the Club for believing in me and offering me this new contract." stated Campos.
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