Paterson leaves Charleston to become Ottawa Fury’s first signing: “I see teams in NASL challenging MLS”

Scottish midfielder Nicki Paterson is leaving the USL behind to become the first piece of the Ottawa Fury puzzle.

In a video conference that connected Paterson (in Glasgow) with journalists in Canada, the player was confirmed as the first-ever signing in the Fury’s NASL history. In 2014, the team becomes the second Canadian entry into NASL.

Paterson, 28, came through the Motherwell youth system but played NCAA soccer (UNLV) and has spent most of his professional career in the USL. He’d been with the Charleston Battery since 2011.

And he was quite clear on why he wanted to make the move to Ottawa.

“I see that league (NASL) outgrowing USL,” said Patterson. “I see teams in NASL challenging MLS.”

He said the lure of a new soccer stadium in Ottawa and the chance to help build a new club was too much to ignore. After meeting coach Marc Dos Santos for the first time, he said he was hooked on the idea of coming to Canada’s capital after about five minutes.

Dos Santos said he’s been tracking Paterson since June, and wanted a player who would not only inspire a young franchise, but be good in the community, as well. In Dos Santos’s mind, Paterson’s style of play is like a North American version of Frank Lampard.

“I’ve tasted success many times in my career,” said Paterson. “I don’t want this club to be any different.”

And he thinks the Fury need only to look to the expansion New York Cosmos for inspiration. The Cosmos made it to the Soccer Bowl after coming into the league between the spring and fall seasons.

“They’ve done extremely well, call them the benchmark.”

Paterson said it was time for a new challenge. He was named Charleston’s offensive MVP in 2011 and led the team in scoring in 2012. In 2013, he scored seven times in 24 games.

“I had a great time in Charleston, but I felt I’d done everything that could be done there.”