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Veteran Goalkeeper Van Oekel Joins Legion FC

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 12/12/18, 6:30PM EST

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Switchbacks bring back Burt, San Antonio re-signs Bruce


Matt Van Oekel in action for OKC Energy FC

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Wednesday that the club has acquired the playing rights of goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel in a trade with fellow USL Championship side OKC Energy FC.

The 32-year-old is signing a multi-year deal with Legion FC and will formally join the club’s inaugural roster pending league and federation approval.

Last season, Van Oekel made 18 appearances for Energy FC, recording 52 saves and three clean sheets while allowing just 26 goals before injury ended his season. He spent the 2017 campaign with MLS side Real Salt Lake (RSL) and served as the team’s backup goalkeeper behind veteran Nick Rimando. Van Oekel played in seven matches for RSL and one more on loan with Real Monarchs SLC of the USL Championship.

“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.”

SWITCHBACKS BRING BACK BURT: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC retained its co-leading scorer from the 2018 season on Wednesday as the club announced it re-signed Jordan Burt for the 2019 campaign, pending league and federation approval.

"Having Jordan back is great for the team. He brings a fantastic mentality and competitive nature to his play," said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "We will need his experience and leadership as we head into the 2019 season."

Burt was a member of the Switchbacks' inaugural season in 2015 and has been a mainstay in the starting lineup ever since. The 28-year-old has amassed 113 appearances for the club over the past four seasons, recording 15 goals, four assists and 55 chances created. Burt, who shown off his versatility by playing in both defense and midfield for the Switchbacks, has become an offensive threat over the past two seasons, scoring eight goals in 2017 and six more in 2018, the latter of which equaled Shane Malcolm’s total for the team lead.

"Being with the club from day one has given me a deep appreciation for the fans, city, and club and being able to play another year here is a real honor," said Burt. "I am eager to get started playing the game I love, helping cultivate a winning culture, and being a part of a product that the city can be proud of. The 2019 campaign will be a special one."

SAN ANTONIO RE-SIGNS BRUCE: San Antonio FC also brought back an important member of its 2018 squad on Wednesday as the club announced it re-signed forward Alex Bruce for the 2019 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“We are pleased to have Alex back in 2019,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “For his first season as a pro, Alex came in and scored some good goals for us last year. We look for him to continue with his development and keep learning his position while scoring a few more goals in the upcoming season.”

Bruce, originally from Gateshead, England, spent time training with San Antonio FC towards the end of the 2017 USL Championship season before signing on in January 2018. The 20-year-old forward appeared in 13 league matches in his rookie season, making eight starts and scoring three goals in 779 total minutes. Bruce’s three goals were tied for the fourth-most on the roster over the course of the season and equaled the all-time SAFC rookie record for goals in a season.

“I’m excited to be back and blessed to get another opportunity with this club,” said Bruce. “I’m going to come in fighting every day and hope to make it a successful season for the city and fans.”

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