AMSTERDAM — Free agent American forward Vincenzo Bernardo has joined Austrian third-division club FC Höchst on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Some observers may wonder about the logic of such a move, but the 21-year-old former Napoli prospect has a clear idea of what he wants to accomplish by season's end.
"The goal is to save the club from relegation, scoring as many goals as possible," said Bernardo, who had a trial with Kansas City last winter. "I want to really cherish this opportunity and see where it can take my career in the future."
The erstwhile US U-20 international says he is receiving a crash course in adjusting to both the soccer style and the frigid climate in Austria.
"At first, [the cold] was a killer for me," he said. "But now, fortunately, I am getting used to it."
FC Höchst, who stand bottom and 11 points from a safety position in the Regionalliga West table at the extended midseason break, return to action by hosting TSV St. Johann on Mar. 19.
