FC Buffalo’s two most recent commits come courtesy of two rather different isles: Great Britain and Grand Island.
Record-setting Nazareth midfielder James Wheeler and University at Buffalo goalkeeper Jeremy Figler are the latest to commit to Brendan Murphy’s 2013 Blitzers side.
Wheeler hails from Macclesfield, England, and has set the record for career assists for Nazareth in just three seasons, providing 20 across his freshman through junior campaigns. The 22-year-old is no stranger to offense, as he’s scored 17 goals and 20 assists while taking 145 shots for Nazareth.
In 2012 alone, the junior struck for 10 goals and 7 assists while becoming the only Nazareth player named to the Empire 8 first team.
“James Wheeler is a proven goal scorer and goal creator as he has shown throughout his entire career at Nazareth,” Murphy said. “Coach Gilbertson has done an incredible job developing James into the player he is today. I want to thank Danny for recommending James to us and encouraging him to commit for the summer.”
A junior at UB, Figler tended the nets for the NPSL’s Greater Binghamton FC in 2012 after an All-WNY career between the sticks at Grand Island High School. Murphy coached Figler as an assistant with the Bulls.
“I’ve worked with Figs for the last three years at UB, so I know his work ethic is top notch and his attitude is phenomenal,” Murphy said. “He is always pushing to get better and do more training. Figler has the potential to be a dominant goalkeeper in this league. I look forward to continuing to work with him this summer.”
FC Buffalo kicks off its 2013 NPSL season with a home match versus Zanesville Athletic FC (Ohio) on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. EST. Get your season tickets today!
