The Brigade have announced today that they have signed NCAA Division I standouts Mohammad Mashriqi and Josh Merchant of Long Island University (LIU). “We are extremely excited to sign these two prospects,” stated Brigade Head Coach Jay Gore. “They have shown the ability to excel at the collegiate level and I have confidence that they can do the same at the PDL level,” added Gore. As freshmen, Mashriqi and Merchant were fixtures in most of LIU’s starting line-ups last season. Also, both ranked in the top 5 in points for LIU in 2005. “Mashriqi and Merchant are two of my best, if not the best two, players on my team,” stated LIU Men’s soccer coach T.J. Kostecky. Their playing history, along with their past experience playing against some of today’s top professional players will definitely contribute to their future success as Brigade PDL players,” added Kostecky.
“Mohammad is an extremely creative and exciting player going forward” stated Gore. “He will provide us with another valuable weapon in our attacking game.” Mashriqi was part of the Under 14 National Team squad and went on to become a dominate goal scorer at the high school and club soccer level. He also trained with the soccer club Paris St. Germaine of France alongside players like Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho before heading to LIU.
“Josh is a hard-working, left-sided player that can both attack and defend” said Coach Gore. “He is technically sound and like Mohammad, possesses a certain level of creativity” added Gore. Merchant attended the IMG Academy, the world’s largest multi-sport’s training facility, during his high school years. The academy focuses on athletic and academic development, while providing a platform to compete against professional players and teams from all over the world. Merchant was also part of the Louisiana Olympic Development Program for 5 years before bringing his talents to Long Island University last season. Merchant was also named to the Second Team All-Northeast Conference in 2005.
“Our recruiting goal is to bring in talented players that will help us be competitive and exciting on the field” stated Bakersfield Brigade General Manager Joe Jimenez. “The signing of Mashriqi and Merchant is definitely a huge step in that direction” added Jimenez.
The Brigade will kick-off their pre-season schedule against California State University, Bakersfield on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:00 pm. The Brigade is a PDL soccer team, playing within the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL Southwestern Conference which is made up of nine teams throughout California.
