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NASL Ticker: Freeman agrees new deal with Cosmos; Scorpions acquire Restrepo; and more

HunterFreemanNYCosmos1-LeytonOrient (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Hunter Freeman has two reasons to celebrate today.

The New York Cosmos starting right back is celebrating his 29th birthday on Wednesday, in addition to the club announcing that he has signed a new contract. A source close to the situation told SBI that it is a “multi-year” deal.

“Being part of the Cosmos reboot and winning the Soccer Bowl during our first season back was a tremendous achievement for me personally,” Freeman said in a statement. “I truly feel like we’re building something special here, so I wanted to come back and help continue that. My family also loves being in New York and we’re looking forward to 2014 with the team.”

From day one after signing with the Cosmos, Freeman was penciled in as the club’s starting right back and he didn’t disappoint, starting in all 13 games he played as the club ran away with the Soccer Bowl title.

Here are some more stories from around the league:

SCORPIONS ACQUIRE FORMER BEST XI MIDFIELDER RESTREPO

With Hans Denissen gone, the San Antonio Scorpions quickly brought in another quality player who also has a knack for scoring and creating goals.

On Tuesday, the Scorpions announced that they acquired the rights for former NASL Best XI midfielder Walter Restrepo from the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and signed him to a new contract. According to multiple reports, in return for Restrepo, the Strikers were given free accommodation and transportation when they travel to San Antonio on June 7.

“Walter is a technically gifted player that we hold in high regard who brings attacking flair and quality on the ball,” head coach Alen Marcina said in a statement. “He has demonstrated the ability to be a dominating player in the NASL and he is focused on winning and earning an opportunity to play at higher levels. He is a player with a wide array of attacking weapons and is a game-changer and a terrific acquisition for our club.”

Despite struggling last season, Restrepo had a brilliant 2012 season, scoring six goals and adding eight assists for the Strikers. Last season, Restrepo only scored twice as he overcame a knee injury suffered at the end of the 2012 season.

FURY SIGN DEFENDER JARUN

Adding to their growing squad ahead of their inaugural season, the Ottawa Fury announced on Tuesday the signing of a towering center back with European experience.

The Fury announced that they have signed 6’5” defender Omar Jarun to a two-year contract, pending international clearance. Jarun spent last season with Belgian first division side Charleroi after three years in Poland, the last with Arka Gdynia in the Polish second division.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Fury family and return to North America after recent stints in Belgium and Poland,” Jarun said in a club statement. “My family and I have been waiting for the right opportunity to return to Canada and the vision of both the coaching staff and the club along with the growth of the NASL makes this an ideal fit.

“I can promise the City of Ottawa that you are getting a hardworking and committed professional that will put the work in. I can’t wait to get started and meet my teammates, the rest of the staff and of course the Fury FC supporters.”

The 30-year-old is a member of the Palestinian National Team, earning 13 caps and making four appearances in their quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

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What do you think of these reports? Glad to see Freeman back with the Cosmos? What do you think of the Restrepo trade? Do you like the Jarun signing?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • AND hotel reservations!

      Seriously, they should have just said they traded him for whatever amount of money said accomodations and transport cost…

      Reply

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