New York City FC announced on Monday the signing of Slovakian striker Adam Nemec. Nemec most recently played for Union Berlin in the second division of German soccer. Nemec scored 14 goals in 64 appearances for the Berlin club. The acquisition is pending approval of his Visa.
Nemec has represented his country on 14 different occasions, and is actively involved in Slovakia's qualification battle for the 2016 European Championships in France. Nemec is excited for the opportunity, and when speaking to the club's official website said: “Joining New York City FC is a fantastic opportunity for me,” Nemec said in the club statement. “I hope to make an immediate impact and help get the team off to a great start as we begin our inaugural season. I know that being part of an ambitious club like New York City FC will give me the chance to show what I am capable of and maintain my place on the Slovakian national team as we look to qualify for the Euro 2016 finals.”
Nemec is likely to battle for a starting spot with Patrick Mullins, and the coaching staff in addition to the front office seem thrilled by the signing. Again speaking to the club's official website, head coach Jason Kries said: “We’re pleased to be getting a European International player that immediately strengthens the squad and adds further goal scoring threat to our team.”
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna went on to add that Nemec will provide the blue half of New York with a different option at the tip of attack, saying:
“Adam is a different type of striker than we have on the roster so far which gives us a different dimension up front and options on how our forward line can play. It’s important to have players with a range of strengths and attributes, he’s a strong and powerful athlete and will add a real goal scoring threat to our team. We’re delighted to add Adam to an already strong group of strikers."
All quotes come from NYCFC.com. New York City Football Club will open the 2015 season on March 8th, when they travel to Orlando to do battle with Orlando City Soccer Club.