With opening day less than a week out, Memphis 901 FC’s squad received a boost with the addition of three new signings in midfield and goal over the past week.
Midfielder Dominic Oduro comes to town straight off a USL 2020 Eastern Conference title with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, having made 57 appearances for them in a three-season span. But the Manchester City academy graduate has spent plenty of time in Europe, turning out for sides in Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark, among others.
“Dom is a very tough and disciplined defensive midfielder,” said head coach Ben Pirmann. “He has experiences all over the world and has achieved a lot of success in his last three seasons in the USL Championship. We are delighted to add a top player like him to our growing roster, but beyond thrilled to add such a quality human being. Dom will serve this club and community with top class work rate and push us to our high-end potential.”
Joining Oduro in midfield is Trinidad & Tobago international Dre Fortune. The North Carolina native spent time training at FC Barcelona and Manchester City academies before returning stateside to join the then-USL team Rochester Rhinos. Since 2017, he’s played for North Carolina FC, making 84 appearances and scoring 18 goals. In his final season, he was named the club’s Offensive Player and Most Valuable Player of the Year, recording a 100 percent penalty conversion record and 94.1 percent passing accuracy.
“Dre is a player we have had our eye on for a few years now, so we are thrilled to be welcoming him to Memphis,” said assistant sporting director James Roeling. “He will bring another attacking element to our midfield as a capable goal-scorer who can also provide assists. We like his experience in this league and believe he will be a big part of our success this year.”
The club also signed Jake Gelnovatch to provide goalkeeping depth, giving the 24-year-old former Louisville Cardinal his first professional contract.
Memphis 901 FC’s opening match is away to Birmingham Legion this Saturday, May 15th, at 3:30 p.m.
