Cassis, 23, started 14 games for FCB in 2014, posting consecutive clean sheets in wins over AFC Cleveland and Cincinnati Saints. He also represented FCB on the NPSL Combine Tournament winning Midwest side.
“FC Buffalo gave me the opportunity to play at a good level in the NPSL,” Cassis told fcbuffalo.org. “I learned a lot working with the coaching staff and playing with experienced players. I would like to thank the coaching staff and the owners for providing me with such an opportunity as I believe it has helped me evolve into the goalkeeper I am today.”
[ MORE: Read Ottawa’s press release ]
“It’s an honor for me to be joining Ottawa Fury FC. Growing up, there was no professional team in Ottawa. Today, local players can aspire to play at the professional level. I am thrilled to have the opportunity of representing my hometown as I sign my first contract, and I can only promise that I will push myself everyday to my fullest and chase after my dream.”
Cassis becomes a teammate of former Canadian national team member Julian de Guzman, who also played in the Bundesliga and La Liga, as well as longtime Niagara University forward Carl Haworth.
Cassis will also represent Canada at the FISU World University Games in Gwangju City, South Korea this July.
“We’re very happy to have another of Coach Murphy’s recruits find his footing in the pro game, and wish all the best to Waleed, his family and the Fury,” said FC Buffalo co-owner Nick Mendola. “It’s great to see the pipeline of Buffalo colleges to FC Buffalo to the pro ranks continue to develop.”
He also joins Sam DeMello (Delbrucker SC) and Asani Samuels (Rochester Rhinos) as 2015 Wolves who’ve signed pro deals this offseason
