KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today that the team has signed Jamaican midfielder Jermaine Hue to a multi-year contract. Per team and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are thrilled to be able to add Jermaine Hue to our roster," said Johnson. "His experience and strengths will further solidify our midfield as we look to make our way to Frisco and MLS Cup 2005."
Hue will fill a Senior International slot for the Wizards. He has received his international clearance as well as his P1 visa and will be available for the Wizards when they host the MetroStars on Saturday, September 10th at Arrowhead Stadium.
Hue, 27, joins the Wizards from Jamaican First Division club Harbour View FC where he has spent the last 12 years. He first joined the Harbour View U-14 side in 1993 and has since risen through their youth systems and had been with the first team since 1998. He was named the 1999-2000 Jamaican Premier League MVP and helped lead them to 2004-2005 National Premier League Championship.
The Jamaican International has also been a key member of the Reggae Boyz National Team. He made his International debut in 1999, but didn't become a regular contributor with the Jamaicans until 2003. He scored two goals for Jamaica during the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, including goals against Guatemala and South Africa, and guided them to the Quarterfinals where they were eventually knocked out by the U.S.
To make room on the 18-man roster, the Wizards waived midfielder Diego Walsh. Walsh joined the Wizards prior to the 2004 season in a trade with the Columbus Crew and appeared in 15 matches, including 11 starts last season. This season he appeared in one regular season match before suffering a sports hernia injury in May and underwent surgery. He appeared in three Reserve League matches, scoring a goal and adding two assists.
On Saturday, the Wizards will host the MetroStars in an important Eastern Conference matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT. The Wizards will also host the 3rd Annual "Jerseys Off Their Backs" Night to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday. All 27 players' game-worn jerseys will be given away via scratch-off raffle tickets or silent auction during the game. For more information on the "Jerseys Off Their Back" event, log on to www.kcwizards.com.
JERMAINE HUE
Number: 27
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Born: June 15, 1978
Place of Birth: Port Morant, St. Thomas
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Last Club: Harbour View FC (Jamaica)
Acquired: Signed as Discovery Player, 9/9/2005
