Vasic Named Assistant Coach And Other Ironmen Notes

The Ironmen announced this week that midfielder Goran Vasic will assume an assistant coaching role in addition to his duties as a player. The 36-year-old Serb will help head coach Omid Namazi run team practices and formulate game plans. He holds a USSF-A coaching license.

Vasic played a key role on the field for last year's Ironmen squad. He lead the team with 29 assists and netted 10 goals, including four three-pointers.

We here at the Local Fe26 congratulate Goran on his promotion!

In other Ironmen related news:

* Former Ironmen defender Gordan Kljesten was cut this week by Red Bull New York. Kljesten was signed to a developmental contract over the summer and played in eight reserve matches for the MLS side. He also started against Crystal Palace USA in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.

* The Ironmen will be outfitted by a new company this season. Cosa/ABM Sportswear will provide "Italian-style" jerseys and training attire to all XSL teams for the 2008-09 season. The Stroudsburg, PA based company outfitted the Milwaukee Wave and Chicago Storm last year.

McNeley Joins Ironmen Defense

Evan McNeley is the latest addition to the Ironmen roster. Yesterday's signing made the left-footed defender the 15th player inked by the team during the off season.

McNeley, a Washington native, has played in the indoor game since 2006 as a member of the California Cougars. He enjoyed a breakout season last year, tallying 10 goals and 11 assists while registering 35 blocks. He is the second defender that New Jersey has signed away from the Cougars this off season. Ryan Hall was inked at the end of last month.

The Ironmen will look to McNeley to provide some of the stability that was missing on the backline last season. He played in all 30 games during the 2007-2008 campaign.

Stay tuned to the Local Fe26 for more player signings. There are likely to be more soon with training camp set to open in just six days.

Meola In The News And Other Ironmen Notes

Tony Meola could be headed to an MLS front office in the near future. Soccer By Ives has reported that the former U.S. National Team goalkeeper is slated to interview for the general manager job with the Philadelphia expansion franchise (link). No further details are known at this time, so file this story under the heading of rumor for now.

Meola's status with the Ironmen is not yet clear. He expressed his intention to return to the Irons earlier in the off season, but the team has not yet officially announced his signing.

We here at the Local Fe26 hope Tony comes back for another season. Stay tuned as we should know more about Meola's situation shortly. The Ironmen will need to sign at least one more goalkeeper before the season opener on December 14th. Currently, the only keeper on the roster is last season's backup Le Clembo do Carmo.

In other Ironmen related news:

* Ibrahim Kante is one player from last year's squad who won't be returning to the Ironmen for the upcoming season. The veteran defender signed with the Rockford Rampage of the NISL.

* The Ironmen will be hosting a coat drive during the season opener to benefit Jersey Cares, a non-profit community organization. Fans can donate "gently used" winter coats at the Prudential Center entrance on match day. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4:00 PM on December 14th. Check the Ironmen website for more details.

2008-2009 Ironmen Roster (Early Glimpse)

With the opening of training camp just nine days away, we here at the Local Fe26 thought it would be a good idea to outline the Ironmen roster.

The Ironmen will have a new look this year. So far, only five of the 14 players signed during the off season are returnees from last year's squad. The new signings include some of the best talent that the indoor game has to offer. The centerpiece move was the luring of star forward Aduato Neto away from the Baltimore Blast. The 2005-2006 MISL MVP has notched an impressive 106 goals and 72 assists in 137 career indoor games.

Also among the marquee off season moves was the signing of 2008 USL-1 MVP Jonathan Steele and the re-signing of midfielder Goran Vasic, who was New Jersey's top assist man last season.

There are still a number of spots that need to be filled before the Ironmen take to the pitch in their December 14th opener against the Chicago Storm. We expect one of those spots to be filled by goalkeeper Tony Meola, who has expressed his intention to return to the Ironmen and has appeared at a few team events during the indoor break.

Stay tuned to the Local Fe26 for more off season moves. We will bring you all the info on every signing as they are announced and make periodic roster updates.

Here is how the current 2008-2009 Ironmen roster shapes up:

Forwards:

Shawn Boney (info)
Chile Farias (info)
Frederico Moojen* (info)
Aduato Neto (info)

Midfielders:

Lucio Gonzaga (info)
Sandre Naumoski (info)
Jonathan Steele (info)
Tiguinho* (info)
Goran Vasic* (info)

Defenders:

Oral Bullen (info)
Ryan Hall (info)
Matt Maher* (info)
Rey Martinez (info)

Goalkeepers:

Le Clembo do Carmo* (info)

(* - Indicates player is returning from last season's Ironmen squad)

Naumoski Joins New Jersey

Sandre "Sunny" Naumoski has become the latest addition to the Ironmen squad with the announcement of his signing today. The veteran is the fifth midfielder inked by the club this off season.

Naumoski has played in the indoor game since 2003. His resume includes stints with the Chicago Storm and St. Louis Steamers, where he played with current Ironmen head coach Omid Namazi. He registered seven goals and nine assists last season with his most recent team, the Philadelphia Kixx.

In addition to his club duties, Naumoski is a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team. He played in the FIFA Futsal World Cup earlier this year in Brazil.

The signing will add even more depth to a talented midfield that includes Goran Vasic, Lucio and Jonathan Steele.

Check back here at the Local Fe26 for more off season signings.

Vasic Returns

Goran Vasic (Left) During Grassroot Soccer Dribbling Tour

Goran Vasic is back! New Jersey inked a deal this week that will bring the top setup man from last year's squad into the fold for the upcoming 2008-2009 campaign.

Goran was easily one of the top players in the MISL last season. The 36-year-old Serb tallied an impressive 29 assists in 21 appearances and netted 10 goals, including four three-pointers.

His indoor resume includes two championships. He will be added to an already stacked midfield that includes the likes of Jonathan Steele and Lucio.

We here at the Local Fe26 love the signings we have seen so far this off season. Stay tuned for more transactions!

Ironmen Sign Bullen

The Ironmen added more depth to their backline with the signing of defender Oral Bullen this week.

The Brooklyn native had played with the Milwaukee Wave since 2006. He finished last year's campaign with 21 blocks and 6 assists while missing only one match. Bullen has also spent time with the Portland Timbers of the USL-1.

Rey Joins The Mix

The Ironmen defense continued to take shape with last week's signing of Cuban defender Rey Martinez.

The 28-year-old's career has included stays with the Rochester Rhinos of the USL-1 and the Colorado Rapids, where he became the first Cuban soccer player in the MLS. He has also earned 17 international caps for his play with the Cuban national team.

Martinez has played in the indoor game since 2006. He was a member of the Baltimore Blast's championship squad last year. He finished the campaign with three goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

As always, we here at the Local Fe26 will keep you up on all off season signings.

Moojen Among Four Returning Players

Frederico Moojen - Image From MISL Website

The Ironmen continued to fill out their roster today when they re-signed forward Frederico Moojen, midfielder Tiguinho, goalkeeper Le Clembo do Carmo and defender Matt Mahr.

Moojen will return to the Ironmen after earning MISL Rookie of the Year honors last season. The 25-year-old Brazilian garnered the award after notching 25 goals in 27 appearances during the 2007-2008 campaign. He will be added to a retooled lineup that features offensive star power such as Aduato Neto and Jonathan Steele.

Moojen spent the indoor off season playing for the Minnesota Thunder of the USL First Division where he picked up two goals and two assists.

Here are a few quick notes on the other three players:

* Tiguinho had six goals and four assists last year. This will be his second season in the indoor game.

* Le Clembo do Carmo went 0-3 with a .583 save percentage during his rookie campaign last season.

* Matt Mahr played in 13 games for the Irons last year and registered 16 blocked shots.

The Ironmen roster is shaping up very nicely! Stay tuned to the Local Fe26 for more off season player signings.