Highlanders Bolster Roster with Four Additions
VICTORIA, B.C. – Victoria Highlanders FC are pleased to announce the signing of Aly Adib, Elyad Shojaei, Keenen Colley, and Jack Hill, Pending League and Federation Approval. The trio of defenders and central midfielder are the latest additions to join Thomas Niendorf’s 2019 USL League Two squad.
"Keenen and Jack are really two very exciting young players with good pace and technical abilities," stated Head Coach Thomas Niendorf. "They are both eager to take the next step in their development opportunities and are looking forward to some professional opportunities in the future and the USL League Two will provide a great stepping stone for them. Aly and Elyad will be two very important pieces for us this season as both players have proven experience in men's league soccer, have strong determination and good mentalities that will help provide leadership to the younger players."
Colley is the latest player to make the jump from Niendorf’s Pacific Elite Soccer Institute to the Highlanders’ first team. The full-back also joins the growing list of players to join the black and gold after claiming the 2019 Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) Jackson Cup with Division One side Westcastle United. The 19-year-old has experience with the national program as well, having taken part in the Canadian Men’s U-15 ID Camp in 2015.
Aly Adib is coming off a VISL season with the Mid Isle Mariners in Division One. Adib chipped in with a pair of goals from the back end during a campaign that saw the Mariners finish middle of the pack in fifth place. The defender’s collegiate experience with the Vancouver Island University Mariners wrapping up his stint with the squad in 2016-17. The 23-year-old also spent time with the Egypt U-20 National Team.
Shojaei, meanwhile, is coming off a campaign in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League (VMSL) with the Premier Division side Rino’s Tigers. The 19-year-old finished the season with two goals and helped lead the squad to a third-place finish in the division – with a 14-2-6 record, good enough for 44 points - and a run to the Imperial Cup Quarter-Finals.
Hill is coming off his third year with the University of Victoria Vikes soccer club. This past season saw the Victoria native pot three goals on the year in the 15 matches that he started for the Vikes’ squad. The 20-year-old’s solid play in the midfield helped the Victoria squad reach the Keg Cup Finals against the UBC Thunderbirds.
The Highlanders kick off their season at home against Lane United on May 10th, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at Centennial Stadium. Don’t miss out, get your season tickets for our upcoming USL League Two campaign today. For more information, visit www.highlandersfc.ca/tickets