Players from 10 different countries and some local talent round out the initial batch of signings for the Gulf Coast Texans first-ever NPSL season. Plenty of experience and attacking flair will take the field this summer in Pensacola in what promises to be a ground- breaking development for soccer in the community.
Following the success of their WPSL team, who brought home the National Championship last summer, the Texans are fielding a men’s team laced with local products and some top level players from all over the world.
Carl Goody (England) becomes the team’s first signing. The 6’4″ goalkeeper was an All-American selection at William Carey College in 2011 and had a stint training with MLS side D.C. United. Goody will be joined at keeper by Steve Hermosa from UWF. Brandon May rounds out the group. The Pine Forest senior heads to Milligan College in the fall, having just completed some time with the Philippine U-19 Team.
The defense will be lead by 2 British center backs, Jordan Hall (England) from Lyon College, AR and James Casserly (Ireland) from UNC Pembroke, NC. The UNCP standout was named All-Conference this past fall as a freshman and has represented his country at the U-18 level. Albert Edward (Australia) is from Lindsey Wilson, KY and is joined at outside back by Teddy Mulamba (South Africa) from UNF and Thilo Koerperich (Germany) from William Carey, MS.
The midfield is led by University of Mobile freshman standout and All-American Gaetan Massiah. The French native will be joined by Renan Serafini (Brazil) from Lindsey Wilson College and 3 local products: Diego Figueroa, Miguel Santos, and Lance Nelson. Figueroa represented Catholic High and is now team captain at Belmont, TN. Santos played for West FL Tech and is now at UWF after 2 years at Wallace State. Nelson brings experience to the squad, having played for Niceville High. He went on to play for the University of Mobile and UWF and had stints in Australia as well as the PDL for the Panama City Pirates. Jonny Watson (Scotland) brings some U-18 Scottish National Team experience to the squad and just completed a great fall season at Union College and has been named All-Conference 2 years running.
Leading the lineup top will be Harry Mason (England) an All-Conference selection from Cumberland University. He will be joined by Gulf Breeze High graduate Max McDaniel from UNF, Casey Caronis also from UNF, and Dillon Gallet from UWF. Local player Andrew Green (Malawi) rounds out the initial signings.
Head Coach Felipe Lawall is thrilled with how the team is taking shape, “I am very pleased with our signings so far. We have a variety of players from different backgrounds that added together will bring a diversity for our team. Over the next few weeks we hope to add a couple more impact players and a couple more local players.”
The Texans open play in their inaugural season on May 18th at home vs. Chattanooga FC.
