The Bakersfield Brigade Men’s Premier Development League (PDL) soccer team announced today that they have signed Defender Jason Ashurst and Forward Ryan Gay for their 2008 season. Both players were part of the Brigades’ 2007 squad. 

Defender Jason Ashurst led the Brigade in both Games Played and Minutes Played in 2007. In addition, Ashurst contributed one goal and two assist. “Jason brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team,” stated Brigade Head Coach Francisco Gomez. “Jason is as good a player in the backfield that you’ll see in the PDL, he has the talent to be at the next level,” added Gomez.

Also rejoining the Brigade is Forward Ryan Gay. “Last season, Ryan showed me his potential, and he is definitely going to be a key part of our offense this coming season,” stated Gomez. 

Ashurst is a local Bakersfield native and is an alumni of the CSUB Roadrunners Men’s Soccer Program. Additionally, Gay played for the Roadrunners in 2007. “We are fortunate to have a D1 Soccer Program within our community to where we can pull talent from each year, and in turn can expose our PDL recruits to the university,” stated Brigade Vice President and General Manager Joe Jimenez.     

The Bakersfield Brigade Soccer Club Franchise is a PDL team, playing within the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL Southwestern Conference which is made up of ten teams throughout California. League play begins in April and goes through July 2008.