Four more Alberta players ink FC Edmonton deals

FC Edmonton has added four more Alberta-based players to its roster, bringing the number of signed players to 12 for the upcoming NASL season.

Chris Kooy, the former member of the USL Calgary Mustangs who captained FCE in its season of friendlies in 2010, has been confirmed to return.

Keeper Jaswinder Gill, a 2010 Canada West all-star with the University of Alberta, will be with the team, and will battle Dutch keeper Rein Baart for the starting job between the sticks.

Calgary’s Andre Duberry, who had trials with Scottish sides Peterhead and Livingstone back in 2008, is expected to compete for the starting job at right back.

And, Antonio Rago, a former member of the U-17 national team, is now signed. He had been auditioning for the team as an amateur, which allowed him to play for the Edmonton Drillers of the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League. Rago, now having signed the deal, will be ineligible to play in the Drillers’ final game of the season — even though the point is moot, as FCE will be training in Arizona when the indoor team is in Calgary trying to win the CMISL title on the final day of the season.

Of the 12 players signed so far, nine are from Alberta. Instead of signing players from the NASL combine, FCE has so far chosen to stay close to home with its signings — and continues to look at trialists. More trialists — included some MLS cuts — are expected to join the team in Arizona.