NOTABLE ACQUISITIONS | NASL Teams Add Talent For Fall Season

Photo credit: Indy Eleven/Matt Schlotzhauer

While the NASL hit a mid-season break, teams were still very active through friendlies and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games. Not only that, clubs were busy bolstering their rosters for the upcoming Fall Season. Here's a look at a few of the latest moves around the NASL (a full transactions list can be found here): 

Gerardo Torrado (Indy Eleven): Torrado was not in the United States only to follow Mexico’s national team during the recent Copa América Centenario. While El Tri was preparing for a match in California, Indy Eleven elbowed into the conversation when the eventual winner of the NASL Spring Season title hosted a news conference in Los Angeles to announce the signing of the veteran midfielder who has played in three World Cups and recently served as the captain of Liga MX club Cruz Azul. Indy also added Guinean international Soulemayne Youla, who has yet to make his NASL debut. 

Kwadwo Poku (Miami FC): The dynamic midfielder is back in the NASL after a season and a half with New York City FC of MLS. Poku had a breakout season with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2014 and emerged as a fan favorite at Yankee Stadium last year. But a change in coaching philosophy meant a dip in playing time. Miami FC, which has bolstered its roster with the additions of Richie Ryan and Michael Lahoud, stepped in and will give Poku a chance to play his game.

Eddie Edward (Ottawa Fury FC): Here is proof that you can go home. Edward, a lockdown defender for FC Edmonton since 2013, is back home in Canada’s capital city after being released by the Eddies due to family reasons and, soon after, signed with his hometown club.

Alexander Andersson (Jacksonville Armada FC): To bolster an attack that scored a five goals in the Spring Season, the Armada FC turned to Sweden to sign Andersson, a striker who scored 22 goals in 100 games for Degerfors IF over six seasons.

Nicklas Maripuu (Jacksonville Armada FC): At 24 years old, Maripuu brings skill and savvy to the Jacksonville midfield. He is a former member of Sweden’s U-17 and U-19 national teams, playing most recently for IK Sirius where he played in 31 matches spread over the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Hector Ramos (Puerto Rico FC): After a successful run with CD Águila in El Salvador, where he scored six goals in 13 matches, the Puerto Rico national team striker is back home for another turn with an NASL club on the Caribbean island. He played for the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2011-12 and now finds himself taking direction from the same coach he played for with the Islanders: Adrian Whitbread.