WINDSOR, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC announced today the club has signed forward Ryan Wittenbrink for the upcoming season, pending league and federation approval.
“Ryan can play anywhere along the front line. He can use both feet. He can score goals and create goals,” Zayed said. “He’ll definitely give us a lot more firepower and creativity from our front players.”
Wittenbrink joins the club on the heels of his redshirt senior season at Indiana University. It turned out to be the most successful season of his soccer career.
He paired 10 goals with nine assists, one of just two players in America to do so. Of those 10 goals, six of them were match-winners.
The 23-year-old led the Hoosiers in every offensive category, leading them to an NCAA College Cup runner-up finish in the process. He earned a spot on the College Cup’s All-Tournament team for his efforts, which included the semi final-winning goal.
After a career year, FC Dallas drafted Wittenbrink 53rd overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. But when that opportunity didn’t last, his new manager made sure Wittenbrink’s time without a club didn’t last long either.
“I got a call from his agent to let me know that he was available, and I jumped at the chance,” Zayed said. “As soon as I heard he was available, I signed him. Literally within a couple of days.”
It’s only been a couple of days since Wittenbrink joined the club. Even so, this striker is sold.
“From everything I’ve seen so far, it’s an awesome style of play. They like to get after it, which I love. Great makeup of talent and a group of guys,” Wittenbrink said. “And Eamon’s a great coach. They have a great staff. I saw a great opportunity for me to make the next step in my soccer journey, and I’m really excited to be here.”
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The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.