FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnesota United FC Signs Former English Premier Leaguer and Australian International Richard Garcia
Washington, D.C. (Stone Sports Management, LLC) – May 5, 2014
Today, Stone Sports Management, LLC (“SSM”) is excited to announce Minnesota United FC’s signing of 2010 World Cup and former English Premier League player Richard Garcia just prior to the North American Primary Transfer window’s closing. The historical signing makes Garcia the first player to join the club with World Cup and English Premier League experience, having played for the Soceroos in the 2010 World Cup and with Hull City and West Ham United in the EPL.
Garcia joins the current Spring NASL Season leaders after spending the 2013-14 Australian A-League season with Sydney FC, where he scored 6 Goals and added 2 assists helping the team to the A-League Playoffs. He joins a Minnesota United FC squad that has won its first four matches in league play, including two clean sheets.
"This is a great opportunity for me to continue playing uninterrupted from the A-League season, and I am very excited to join Minnesota United FC with the goal to help the club securing a spot in the NASL Championship,” says Garcia. “I have been paying close attention to the team from Australia and pleased that the club has set a high standard securing the full twelve points so far in the NASL Spring season.”
Garcia becomes the second transfer from Sydney FC through SSM following Brazilian Defender Tiago Calvano’s signing in January 2014 and joints Nebraska native brothers Nate and Tyler Polak on the Loon squad.
"This is a fantastic signing for Minnesota United FC and the modern NASL. Richard is a versatile player who can line up anywhere in the attack having been effective in multiple positions in a variety of formations,” said SSM’s President and Agent Justin B. Stone. “I once again applaud Dr. Bill McGuire, Nick Rogers and Manny Lagos for recognizing Richard's value, having played in the World Cup and the top tiers of English football to bolster their already strong squad. I am pleased to welcome Richard to North American soccer."
At age 15, Garcia moved to England to join the famed West Ham Academy and would spend the first twelve seasons in England, including two seasons in the English Premier League with Hull City and one season with West Ham United. His remaining English career was played in the English Championship with West Ham United, Hull and Colchester. In 2012-13, Garcia returned to his homeland and signed a 1-year contract with Melbourne Heart in the Australian A-League, where he scored six goals and tallied four assists, earning the club’s MVP, Golden Boot and Supporter’s Player of the Year awards. In summer 2013, he signed a one season contract as a Free Agent with Sydney FC.
"I expect my transition to be much easier after playing with Tiago at Sydney this past season. Our wives became friendly and children are similar ages. Tiago has already been a great help providing a strong recommendation about the club and local community. I cannot wait to join my teammates and look forward to meeting everyone in Minnesota," says Garcia.
SSM would like to give special thanks to its Australian Partners Zeljko Susa and Richard Hinton from The Pitch Management for their collaboration and congratulate MNUFC and Richard Garcia on the signing.
Click HERE for Minnesota United FC's Schedule and enjoy Garcia's Melbourne Heart and Hull City Highlights below. Be sure to follow Richard Garcia (@RichGarcia19) who will wear #11 for the Loons.
You may contact Justin B. Stone by phone at +001 202 712 9104 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
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About Stone Sports Management, LLC
From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Washington, DC based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Stone Sports Management takes a cooperative approach to athlete representation in order to provide the most opportunity for its clients. Since its 2008 inception, Stone Sports Management has represented a versatile client portfolio having negotiated contracts for its clients based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Israel, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States. Follow Stone Sports Management on Twitter @StoneSportsMgmt