Michael Lahoud…Photo credit: nycosmos.com
Sierra Leonean born midfielder, Michael Lahoud says he is delighted with his loan move from U.S Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Philadelphia Union to the North American Soccer League (NASL) champions New York Cosmos.
The 29-year-old star’s transfer to the Cosmos was part of a deal that saw New York Cosmos winger Walter Restrepo sent to the Union for an undisclosed fee.
Sierra Leonean born midfielder, Michael Lahoud says he is delighted with his loan move from U.S Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Philadelphia Union to the North American Soccer League (NASL) champions New York Cosmos.
The 29-year-old star’s transfer to the Cosmos was part of a deal that saw New York Cosmos winger Walter Restrepo sent to the Union for an undisclosed fee.
Despite dropping a step below, the Sierra Leone midfielder said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Cosmos, they have a great style of play and I’m looking forward to being part of it and helping the team retain their championship.”
The midfielder also tweeted: “Excited for the next chapter of my career with @NYCosmos and looking to keep the Championship in the Empire State!”
Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese who was also satisfied with Lahoud move said on the club’s website: “We’re pleased to announce this player as we head into the 2016 NASL season. Michael is a very experienced player and his quality will be very important to us as we look to strengthen ourselves in the central midfield positions.”
Lahoud will be on a season-long loan to the NASL champions with limited recall to Philadelphia Union, according to a Cosmos spokesperson.
The 29 years began his soccer career at Wake Forest University where he helped win the NCAA Division I championship in 2007. During his college years he also played for the Carolina Dynamo in the USL. In 2009, Lahoud was drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA, where he made 64 appearances and scored two goals. Three years later he was traded to the Union, making 58 appearances.
In 2013 Lahoud received his first national call-up with Sierra Leone, featuring in their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Equatorial Guinea.
His role off the pitch is equally as impressive. He was the August recipient of MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month honour in 2010 for his efforts with HIV prevention through The Wall Las Memorias Project. More recently in December 2015, Lahoud and national teammate and fellow-MLS player Kei Kamara were the co-recipients of the 2015 FIFPro Merit Award for their efforts in creating a school for children displaced by civil war in their native Sierra Leone.
The midfielder also tweeted: “Excited for the next chapter of my career with @NYCosmos and looking to keep the Championship in the Empire State!”
Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese who was also satisfied with Lahoud move said on the club’s website: “We’re pleased to announce this player as we head into the 2016 NASL season. Michael is a very experienced player and his quality will be very important to us as we look to strengthen ourselves in the central midfield positions.”
Lahoud will be on a season-long loan to the NASL champions with limited recall to Philadelphia Union, according to a Cosmos spokesperson.
The 29 years began his soccer career at Wake Forest University where he helped win the NCAA Division I championship in 2007. During his college years he also played for the Carolina Dynamo in the USL. In 2009, Lahoud was drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA, where he made 64 appearances and scored two goals. Three years later he was traded to the Union, making 58 appearances.
In 2013 Lahoud received his first national call-up with Sierra Leone, featuring in their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Equatorial Guinea.
His role off the pitch is equally as impressive. He was the August recipient of MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month honour in 2010 for his efforts with HIV prevention through The Wall Las Memorias Project. More recently in December 2015, Lahoud and national teammate and fellow-MLS player Kei Kamara were the co-recipients of the 2015 FIFPro Merit Award for their efforts in creating a school for children displaced by civil war in their native Sierra Leone.
By: Sahr Morris Jr.
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