FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Zealand International James Musa Signs w/Saint Louis FC
Washington, D.C. (Stone Sports Management, LLC) – February 25, 2015
Today, Stone Sports Management, LLC (“SSM”) in cooperation with The Pitch Management (“TPM”), is pleased to announce that current New Zealand Senior National Team member James Musa has signed with USL expansion franchise Saint Louis FC on a 2-year contract. The 22 year-old ex-Fulham defender split 2014 between Southern Melbourne FC in the Victorian National Premier League and Team Wellington in New Zealand’s ASB Premiership, playing in 44 matches in total and helped the former club win the league title.
“I am excited to commit to Saint Louis FC and embark on a new challenge in the United States,” remarked James Musa. “After speaking with Head Coach Dale Schilly and performing my research on Saint Louis FC as a club and city, I am confident that it is the right environment for me at this stage of my career. I look forward to giving it my all for the club, fans and teammates and cannot wait to join the rest of the squad for pre-season training.”
Musa started his professional career in 2010/2011 signing with Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League as an injury replacement. As a 17 year-old, he started three games before being released at the end of the season. In Summer 2011, he featured in the U20 World Cup where his play caught the attention of Bradford City who offered a two-year contract, but unfortunate circumstances with the manager’s sacking prevented the deal from being finalized. Instead, Musa returned to New Zealand in search of regular playing time with Team Wellington and helped the club to the Grand Finals.
After competing in the 2012 London Olympics where New Zealand played against Brazil, Belarus and Egypt, Musa’s play and background caught the attention of Fulham FC. Musa, who holds duel United Kingdom citizenship having been born in England, convinced the Premiership side to offer him a one-year after impressing on trial. He would play one season at Craven Cottage Road and also went on loan to Hereford for three months and featured in 15 games in the Conference National. Fulham did not extend a first team contract so Musa returned to New Zealand to return to Team Wellington during the 2013/2014 season where the team once again made it to the Grand Finals and secured the club’s first Oceania Champions League birth. After that season, he signed with Southern Melbourne FC which started the season on a thirteen game winning streak.
(Photo Credit: Yuki Otsu; New Zealand vs. Japan July 11, 2012 at Kirin Cup, Tokyo Japan)
“I want to thank my coaches and the entire staff at Team Wellington and Southern Melbourne FC for helping me the past couple of seasons and prepare me to re-enter a professional environment with St. Louis FC,” said Musa.
Anthony Hudson, current New Zealand National Team Head Coach and an Ex-USL Pro Player and Head Coach, spoke with Musa and with the Saint Louis FC’s coaching staff before endorsing the move.
“I am really pleased for James Musa and believe it is a good move for him at this point in his career to seek a new challenge in the United States,” remarked Anthony Hudson. “I have been hugely impressed with James after seeing him play in person while he was with the full National Team in China during our recent training camp, and he is someone who will be a part of the All Whites if he continues his progression which I expect to happen in St. Louis.”
Hudson recently called Musa up to the All-Whites in November 2014 to take part of a training camp based in China with Exhibitions against Thailand and China. This was Musa’s second training camp with the Senior National Team after making his debut on May 30, 2014 against South Africa in a 0-0 tie coming in as a second half substitute. He first joined the New Zealand National Team program at the U20 level where he had 10 caps and would equal that amount at the U23 level. Musa is hopeful to be named to the All-White’s upcoming friendly against S. Korea Republic on March 31, 2015 in Seoul, Korea.
(Photo Credit: Adrian Luna; New Zealand vs. Uruguay August 2, 2011 at U20 World Cup, Cali, Colombia)
Saint Louis FC is “Soccer City USA’s” only professional outdoor club and is affiliated with well-renowned youth club St. Louis Scott Gallagher. With St. Louis’ rich soccer tradition and history as well as the strong foundation with the local community, the club is expected to compete immediately under Head Coach Dale Schilly’s guidance. Schilly, who has been with Scott Gallagher since 1994, has a reputation for developing young players including Real Salt Lake and United States National Team duo Chris Schuler and Luis Gil who played under him with AC St. Louis in 2010. He and General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh have signed Musa as one of the allotted seven international slots and to be a leader in defense playing primarily as a left footed central defender who can cover as a left back.
“Saint Louis FC is pleased to acquire someone with James' background,” announced General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “He has a proven track record as a player, but perhaps what is most exciting is his desire to improve and build his game. He fits into the mentality we are building with the club. Many thanks to Stone Sports Management and The Pitch Management for their tireless efforts to make this signing happen.”
“The future is bright for James Musa and Saint Louis FC,” says SSM’s President and Players’ Agent Justin Stone. “I am expecting Musa to be one of the top young defenders in USL. With Saint Louis FC’s affiliation with the Chicago Fire as well as the increase in USL clubs for the 2015 Season, Musa has a great opportunity to make his mark here in the United States.”
SSM would like to thank Ritchie Hinton of TPM for cooperating on Musa’s transfer to USL and St. Louis FC. In addition, SSM would like to thank Saint Louis FC General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh and Head Coach Dale Schilly for all their efforts securing Musa’s signature.
Click HERE for the Saint Louis FC’s 2015 Schedule and follow the club on Twitter @saintlouisfc and click HERE for James Musa’s Fulham Highlights or watch below.
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. or Ritchie Hinton by phone at +61 (0) 433 001 234 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
####
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