OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com
Friday, February 28, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has announced the signing of Tarek Morad, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. The signing of Morad brings the total to 14 players signed.
Morad, a defender, started all 23 matches as a senior at UC Irvine. He led all field players with 2,136 minutes played and captained the backline to 10 shutouts en route to the Big West Championship. The Anteaters advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s third round as Morad earned honorable mention All-Big West and second team all-region honors.
“I'm very happy to have signed with Energy FC,” Morad said. “From the coaching staff, to the city and the fans, there is so much potential for success, and I'm just eager to get started with the team. I'm confident this will be a great place for my development as a player and as a person. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this organization.”
Morad previously played with Chivas USA’s U23 team, helping it win the Coast Soccer League state title.
He started all 15 matches as a junior, scoring two goals and played in 23 matches in his first season at UC Irvine after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College. He earned second team all-conference honors while at Mt. SAC.
Morad was a two-time Sierra League champion at Chino Hills (Calif.) High School and earned league most valuable player as a junior. He played six years of club ball for Arsenal FC.
“We had Tarek on our list very early in the team building process,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “He has a good understanding of the game, he’s very comfortable on the ball and brings a lot of versatility to our team. We’re very happy to have him.”
Energy FC is led by former Sporting Kansas City goaltender and 2013 MLS Cup champion, Jimmy Nielsen. Nielsen was a two-time MLS All Star, the 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and goalkeeper for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open championship club.