Deltas Make Four More Signings

The San Francisco Deltas made another round of player transactions, the club announced Monday.

Canadian men's national team midfielder Kyle Bekker, former Columbus Crew forward Tom Heinemann, and former DePaul defender Patrick Hopkins have signed for the 2017 season. Pablo Dyego, of Brazilian club Fluminense, joins the Deltas on loan.

Bekker, who played 45 minutes and tallied an assist in Canada’s recent friendly against Bermuda, will join two other Canadian national team teammates in Karl Ouimette and Nana Attakora with the Deltas. The third overall pick out of Boston College in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, Bekker has spent time with Toronto FC, FC Dallas, and the Montreal Impact.

"Kyle is dynamic, works hard, and also tries to be very involved in the middle," Deltas coach Marc Dos Santos said. "We believe this will be a great environment for him to show all his qualities."

Following three seasons in the MLS with the Columbus Crew and Vancouver Whitecaps, Heinemann has been a steady goalscorer in the NASL over the last three seasons. In two years with Ottawa Fury FC (2014–15), the six-foot-four striker tallied 14 goals. Heinemann spent last season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and contributed four goals.

"Tommy has a lot of experience in this league," Dos Santos said. "We know exaclty what he can bring, if he's put in the right situation." 

Hopkins will be playing professionally in the United States for the first time since graduating from DePaul University. A center back that can also get forward and score, he spent the previous five seasons in Sweden with Ljungskile SK and IK Sirius Fotboll. Hopkins kicked off his professional career in 2011 with the Brisbane Wolves. At DePaul, Hopkins started 77 of his 79 appearances and was a four-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree.

"He has a very good mentality and will also bring a lot of experience to the group," Dos Santos said.

Dyego, who has developed in the Fluminense youth academy, returns to the NASL on loan for the second time. He spent 2016 with Ottawa Fury FC (although he was unable to make an appearance due to injury), following a season with Legia Warsaw in 2015. In 2013, he was loaned to Djurgårdens IF Fotboll.

"Pablo has all the tools to succeeed in North America," Dos Santos said. "He's a player with an incredible margin for progression who will definitely bring a lot offensively."

On Friday, French winger Maxime Bourgeois was released from his contract due to personal reasons. In addition, the Deltas parted ways with four training camp invitees: goalkeepers Jonathan Arellano and Adrien Iniguez; defender Connor Bevans; and midfielder Matt Poplawski. The Deltas wish them the best of luck and good fortune in the future.