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Legion FC acquires goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel

By Clayton Humphries, 12/12/18, 1:45PM CST

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10-Year pro brings veteran experience to the Magic City

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (Dec. 12, 2018) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the acquisition of goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, having traded for his playing rights from USL Championship side Oklahoma CityOKC Energy FC and signing him to a multi-year deal. The 32-year-old will formally join the Legion FC roster pending league and federation approval.

“We are excited to add Matt as the club’s first goalkeeper signing,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He has played at both the MLS and USL levels, and he will bring that experience with him to Legion FC.”

VanOekel made the Minnesota Thunder roster in 2009, after impressing the coaches in an open tryout, and stayed with the team as they transitioned from playing in the USL to the North American Soccer League (NASL) as the Minnesota Stars and, then, Minnesota United. Van Oekel featured in 118 games in with United, winning the 2011 NASL Championship and the 2014 NASL Spring Season title. His record during the stay was 48-30-38 with a 1.13 goals against average (GAA) and 36 shutouts.

In 2015, Van Oekel signed with fellow NASL team FC Edmonton and, in two seasons, played 54 times as the entrenched starter and while posting a record of 23-14-26 and a .97 GAA. In 2016, the Chesapeake, Va. native earned a 15-8-6 record through a .55 GAA, a .856 save percentage and 16 clean sheets. For this, he was named the 2016 NASL Golden Glove winner.

Van Oekel signed with Real Salt Lake in 2017 and made his first MLS start for the team on March 25, 2017, tallying three saves against the New York Red Bulls. He played in six matches at RSL and one more on loan to Real Monarchs SLC of the USL Championship.

Van Oekel signed with OKC Energy FC in January 2018. Last season, he played in 18 matches, allowing a scant 26 goals.

Van Oekel played one year at Longwood University before transferring to Rutgers University, appearing in 47 games over three seasons.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:
Name: James Matthew VanOekel
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 205 lbs.

Birthdate: Sept. 20, 1986 (age: 32)
Birthplace: Chesapeake, VA
Previous Club: OKC Energy FC (USL Championship)

Twitter: @MVOextreme
Instagram: @MVOextreme
Facebook: @Matt Vanoekel

 

Career Highlights:

  • NASL Championship – 2011
  • NASL Spring Championship – 2014
  • 2016 NASL Golden Glove
     

About Birmingham Legion FC
Set to debut as an expansion member of the United Soccer League in 2019, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. The club will play home matches at a newly renovated BBVA Compass Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, beginning in the Spring of 2019. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.

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