The Carolina RailHawks have announced the loan of Gale Agbossoumonde for the upcoming season from Estoril Praia of Portugal. The 20 year old defender comes to the RailHawks looking to prepare for a US berth at the 2012 Olympics and add to the RailHawks history books.
“The RailHawks have been one of the top organizations in the NASL,” said Agbossoumonde. “I want to be part of the continued growth and help bring the club a championship. I know the coaching staff will assist with my continued development and help me prepare for my time with the U-23 National Team and rest of my career."
Agbossoumonde is considered as one of the players to watch in American soccer for his imposing size, style of play and vision of the game. In 2010, he was named U.S. Soccer’s Young Male Athlete of the Year, joining Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore as former recipients. The RailHawks will look for the US prospect to be a commanding presence in the center of their defense for the upcoming season.
“We are very happy to have Gale be a part of our 2012 campaign. We are looking forward to see him perform on the field and earn his spot for the Olympic team,” said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. “He is a talented young player and he will play a big role for us in defense.”
Recently spending time with the U-23 National Team camp in Florida, Agbossoumonde signed with Traffic Sports USA at the age of 18. He returns to the US after playing professionally in Germany, Sweden and Portugal. In November of 2011, he received his first call to the senior national team, earning his first cap on his birthday, November 17, against South Africa in Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup.
“We are very happy that Gale will be bringing his skills back to the US, after having spent the last couple of years abroad,” said Fernando Clavijo, Executive Director of Soccer for Traffic Sports USA. “It is time for him to re-establish himself as one of the pillars of the US defense for years to come. We are sure Gale will continue to work hard towards his career goals and are confident that Carolina will provide a great platform for him.”
RailHawks tickets are on sale now. Agbossoumonde and the 2012 RailHawks will make their debut on Sunday, March 4 at 3:00 pm against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 4th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match. Fans may purchase tickets for the match through the Community Shield Pack and Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information on RailHawks tickets and game details call the Cruizers box office at or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.
