Windsor, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC announced today the club has signed forward Lachlan McLean, making the Australian striker the second player to join the club ahead of its inaugural season in USL League One in 2022. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Formerly of fellow League One club Greenville Triumph SC, McLean joins initial signing Rob Cornwall to give Hailstorm FC a dominant presence at both ends of the pitch.
“It’s a privilege to be part of a new team from its inception,” said McLean. “I’m excited to be a part of the history of this club; the aim is to come here and win titles.
“I believe Éamon’s footballing philosophies and experience will create a team and environment that will allow us to compete for the title. As a striker, I can’t wait to work with Éamon and I look forward to getting started.”
McLean is known as a well-rounded lethal finisher with a knack for scoring crucial goals at big moments. While his 2021 campaign with Greenville was limited to just 16 appearances due to a knee injury that sidelined him for several months, McLean still scored the matchwinner against North Carolina FC on May 8 and the point-saving goal in a tie with Forward Madison on September 25. McLean was injured again during Greenville’s USL League One semifinal win over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, but made a second half appearance as a substitute in the final against Union Omaha.
In a 2020 season shortened to 16 matches due to COVID-19, McLean was USL League One’s third-leading scorer with seven goals, and led Greenville to its first league title. His seven strikes included the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Chattanooga, matchwinners against Forward Madison and Orlando City B, and both goals in a 2-2 tie with FC Tucson.
“Lachlan is someone I’ve admired since the first time I saw him play,” said Hailstorm FC head coach Éamon Zayed. “He’s a prime example of what we’re looking for in a Hailstorm player. He is championship quality, and we will provide him with the support and the platform to develop and showcase that talent. He’s unrelenting on the pitch, and is an absolute winner. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
A native Australian whose trademark goal celebration is a nod to Socceroo legend Tim Cahill’s boxing kangaroo takedown of a corner flag, McLean got his start playing for Sydney club Manly United before moving to the USA to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 2016–19.
McLean was the Cougars’ third-leading scorer as a freshman and lead the team to the NCAA Tournament, where they beat No. 13 Michigan State—thanks in part to a successful McLean penalty during the shootout—and No. 11 Butler before losing to No. 2 Wake Forest in the Sweet 16. As a junior, he earned All-MAC First Team honors after topping the conference with 23 points, and his 20 career goals place him in the top-25 all-time for the 15-time NCAA tournament participants. Six of his goals for the Cougars were matchwinners.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC will join USL League One in 2022. They will play their home matches in the 6,500-seat main stadium at the Future Legends Complex, the premier destination for sports and events in Northern Colorado. Opening in 2022, the 118-acre complex will feature a professional stadium, multiple baseball diamonds and multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host major sports tournaments, events, leagues, and more.
For further information, contact:
Damian Foley
Director of Marketing and Communications
Future Legends Complex | Hailstorm FC | Owlz
970-512-9687
dfoley@futurelegendscomplex.com