Barrera Signs With FK Spartak

Ventura County Fusion News Release – www.venturacountyfusion.com

Friday, September 16, 2011

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Fusion are pleased to announce the transfer of midfielder Danny Barrera to professional club FK Spartak Zlatibor Voda in Serbia. Barrera was named to the USL PDL All-League Team in 2011 after a standout season for the Fusion that saw him score seven goals and add nine assists.

Barrera has been a member of the Fusion since the club’s formation in 2007, and has also played for the U.S. U17 and U18 National Team programs. A member of the U.S. Pan-American Games side in 2007, the 21-year-old has represented his country on numerous occasions.

Barrera has also shined for the Fusion, scoring in their exhibition match against the English Premier League’s West Bromwich Albion this summer while also helping lead the side to a berth in the U.S. Open Cup second round and the PDL Playoffs. Barrera was also a member of the club’s 2009 PDL Championship side.

FK Spartak Zlatibor Voda was founded in 1945 and is currently in its third season in the Serbian Super League after gaining promotion for the 2009-10 season. The side qualified for the UEFA Europa League in 2010-11, and finished fifth in the league last season, just missing out on a second consecutive berth in European competition.

FK Spartak is currently undefeated in its new season, holding a record of 2-0-2 entering this weekend’s play.

Barrera’s signing came through a trial organized through the Fusion’s contact base and his representatives at First Wave Sports Marketing. After spending 10 days with Spartak, Barrera was offered a contract.

The Fusion has helped 30 players advance to the professional ranks since the club was founded in 2007, with its alumni playing both in the United States and overseas.

“It’s great for the club and fantastic for Danny to be given this wonderful opportunity to showcase his abilities in a very competitive European league,” Fusion coach Ole Mikkelsen said. “We will continue our mission of developing players and helping them get to the next level.”