Harvey, Sterling added to USL PRO League team

Jamaican pair Newton Sterling and Christopher Harvey have both signed to Antigua and Barbuda-based United Soccer League (USL) PRO League team Antigua Barracuda FC, for the club's inaugural season in the second-tier United States competition.

The duo is expected to play a key role in the team's ambitions this season and will also be joined by a third new signee, Guyana's Koyode McKinnon.

A third Jamaican, Harvey's Harbour View teammate, Nicholas Beckett, was also said to be involved in a loan move to the Barracudas, but up to yesterday he was not listed on their roster.

The team was founded in 2010 and will compete in the USL PRO League's international division.

Experience

Sterling, who last turned out for Arnett Gardens in the Digicel Premier League (DPL) and also has experience playing in Trinidad and Tobago, Norway and Israel makes the move having also represented Jamaica at the senior level on two occasions. He made his debut against Cuba in 2006.

The powerful striker, who has represented nine other teams throughout his career, also spent time with USL PRO league outfit Charleston Battery, scoring for the Battery against the Houston Dynamo in the 2007 Carolina Challenge Cup.

Sterling is excited about the project and is hoping to make his mark on the team.

"The response has been good for both of us from the get-go and I think that it's really cool to have a team from the Caribbean playing in the USL Pro League. There are some very good young players so I think with our experience, we can have something good coming out of this," Sterling said, while speaking to The Gleaner from Antigua and Barbuda yesterday. "I am looking to score many goals and to be seen by the wider football world."

Harvey, who has represented Harbour View and Portmore United in the DPL as well as W Connection and Joe Public in Trinidad and Tobago, is also expected to figure prominently for the eastern Caribbean-based team.

High expectations

Head coach Tom Curtis, speaking ahead of their arrival, was excited about their addition to his squad and believes they will add a lot to the team's objectives.

"I have heard nothing but good news about these boys; they have experience at this level and that will make a big difference in our thrust to be more competitive," said Curtis. "I am looking forward to working with them as we build a strong unit."

Chairman of Antigua Barracuda FC, Gordon 'Banks' Derrick, highlighted the acquisition of the Jamaicans as an indication of the club's ability to attract the region's best.

"This is another clear indication that we can attract some of the best talent from around the region and so provide our coaching staff with additional ammunition to confirm our relevance in this league. We are also confident that these players will receive the full backing from our fans," Derrick said.