F.C. New York News Release -- www.fcnewyorksoccer.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - F.C. New York is pleased to announce the signing of winger Owen Morrison and midfielder Stephen Roche, pending USL and USSF approval.
Morrison, 29, is an Irish national player who started as a youth with Derry City in the League of Ireland and began his senior career in England with Sheffield Wednesday during which he had a loan spell with Hull City. After 55 league appearances and eight goals in just under five seasons with the club, he joined their rivals Sheffield United.
Morrison moved to Dunfermline Athletic and scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with Rangers. After almost two years with the Pars, Morrison was returned to Derry City. In 2009, Morrison was signed by the Sligo Rovers, and at the end of the season, he signed a one year deal with Portadown. Morrison came in for trials with F.C. New York on the recommendation of FCNY’s “man in Ireland,” Declan Boyle.
“We were fortunate and are pleased to sign someone of Owen’s caliber,” FCNY President Doug Petersen said. “We look forward to the start of camp."
Roche, 24, played for University College Dublin (UCD) during the summer of 2009 after playing with Lenister Senior League side Greystones A.F.C. Roche was part of the Irish Colleges team for the World Student Games that traveled to Thailand in the summer of 2007. He also travelled to Belgrade in 2009 for the World Student Games, captaining the side in the process. Stephen received a scholarship to DIT and received the DIT All-Star award twice.
“Stephen is quick and determined and I suspect he will turn some heads here in America,” FCNY Technical Director Matt Weston said.