Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Los Angeles Blues are excited to announce they have added 23-year-old Republic of Korea native Park Cheunyong for the 2012 USL PRO season, pending league approval. The skilled attacker joins fellow countryman Cho Sunhyung on the Fullerton-based club’s roster, having already played with him at Bethesda Christian University following a stint in the Chinese second division with Beijing Ligong.
Park most recently attracted interest from the Seattle Sounders, who invited him into camp for a trial but opted against extending a contract offer in light of the limited number of international spots available to each MLS team. The Blues reacted quickly when the news broke and were able to secure the services of the athletic speedster, who scored a fantastic goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy during his first training stint with the Blues back in early February.
“Park is a very mobile, dynamic and powerful attacker,” Associate Head Coach Shayon Jalayer said. “He has great strength and can hold the ball up for us. One aspect of his game we particularly like is his direct play and urge to get to the goal. That adds an element that is different from the way we usually play, which makes us less predictable. If we can temper that with a bit of patience and that way bring it a little more in line with our possession-oriented style, I think he could be an outstanding player for us.”
The man himself has been impressed with his new club and is eager for the USL PRO season to start.
“The coaches are very good and I’m learning new things from them all the time,” Park said. “I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to prove myself, because I was very nervous up in Seattle and didn’t feel that I played my best soccer. Perhaps playing in USL PRO will get me another shot with an MLS team at some point. For now, I really want to help the Blues win the championship and become a better player in the process.”