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TRANSACTIONS: Independence Add Congolese Midfielder

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 01/23/20, 5:30PM EST

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Rising FC signs ex-Dundee United midfielder; Gambian forward Jawneh joins Atlanta


New Charlotte Independence signing earned his first call-up to the Republic of Congo National Team last March for Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence introduced their first new signing of the offseason on Thursday with the announcement midfielder Brunallergene Junior Etou had signed with the club for the 2020 USL Championship season.

The 25-year-old, center midfielder most recently played for Ligue 2 (France) side AS Béziers, and in March of 2019, earned his first call up to the Republic of Congo National Team for an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match. 

“Junior is a really sound technical player and provides a strong defensive presence for our midfield, as well as being a player we can build through”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Establishing a strong center of midfield has been a priority this offseason, and he is going to be a big part of that.”

Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Etou began his youth career for French fourth division side J.A. Drancy in 2012. He stayed with the club for five years prior to the 2017-18 season when he joined Monts d'Or Azergues. The following season, Etou made his professional debut for AS Béziers in the second division, making 17 appearances.

RISING FC SIGNS SCOTTISH MIDFIELDER: Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday midfielder Sam Stanton had signed with the club for the 2020 season. Per club policy, the terms of the contract will not be made public.

“It sounds like a cliché, but it really has been a hope of mine – a dream – to play in America,” said Stanton. “I love that Phoenix is an ambitious club and I’m eager to help them achieve more success on the field. I’ve been doing some research and can’t wait to settle in and meet the team and supporters. I read that more Americans move to Phoenix than any other U.S. city. They can’t all be wrong.”

Stanton has played the last three seasons with Scottish Championship side Dundee United. He appeared in 77 matches (5,782 minutes) and scored nine goals and added seven assists for the club.

ATLANTA ADDS GAMBIAN FORWARD: Atlanta United 2 announced on Thursday it had signed forward Lamin Jawneh, pending league and federation approval.

“Lamin impressed us at the Dream Tryouts and has earned a spot on our roster,” said ATL UTD 2 Head Coach Stephen Glass. “He is an attack-minded player with an eye for goal and finding a player like Lamin shows the value of the Dream Tryouts.”

Jawneh previously played for Greek club GAS Ialysos where he signed in 2018. He is a native of The Gambia, the same home country of teammates Modou Jadama and Baboucarr Njie

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