Make it five rostered players for New York City FC ahead of their 2015 MLS expansion season.
On Tuesday, FC Dallas announced they have sent veteran midfielder Andrew Jacobson to the Big Apple in exchange for NYCFC’s highest 2016 third-round SuperDraft pick. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 28-year-old will spend the rest of 2014 on loan in Norway at Stabæk, currently managed by former US national team manager Bob Bradley, before joining up with NYCFC for preseason preparations in January 2015.
“I’m delighted to sign a player of Andrew’s experience and quality as we continue to build our roster ahead of the 2015 season” NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis said in a statement. “He is a player my staff and I have liked for quite some time and we are thrilled to add such a versatile and competitive midfielder to our squad.
“Andrew has a wealth of experience in this league having previously played for three MLS clubs and I think that will be important to us. It is also fantastic to have brought in our second midfielder in the space of a week.”
Acquired by FC Dallas via trade with Philadelphia in Feb. 2011, Jacobson appeared in 98 matches for the club, started 85 times and scoring five goals to go with seven assists over the course of three-and-a-half seasons. He previously played for FC Lorient in France’s Ligue 1, D.C. United and the Union.
He becomes the second midfielder signed by NYCFC after Frank Lampard was introduced as the club's second Designated Player last Thursday. DP forward David Villa was the club's first-ever signing, and will spend the rest of 2014 on loan at Melbourne City in the Australian A-League.
NYCFC have also added defender Jeb Brovsky and goalkeeper Josh Saunders to their roster ahead of the 2015 season. Brovksy has been loaned to reigning Norwegian champs Strømsgodset, while Saunders will play for the San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL.
“I am incredibly excited to be part of New York City FC’s historic first squad and cannot wait to give my all for this team and its fans.” Jacobson said in a statement. “I have respected coach Kreis’ teams since I first came into the league and I am greatly looking forward to working with him. I know that he always builds teams that are competitive and play good soccer and I have no doubt he will be seeking to do the same with New York City FC from the very first season. The club has made some amazing signings so far and to be part of that list is a great feeling for me.
"In addition, the opportunity to go on loan to Stabæk and work under coach Bradley is an experience that I will relish and use to improve my game until preseason training with NYCFC begins.”
