FC Edmonton has hired former Canadian international ‘keeper Lars Hirschfeld as its goalkeeping coach.
The 40-year-old Hirschfeld, who won 48 caps for Canada from 2000 to 2013, joins assistant coach Sean Fleming on head coach Jeff Paulus’ staff.
The Canadian Premier League club also announced the signing of goalkeepers Dylon Powley and Connor James, both Edmonton natives.
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“We have decided to go with two relatively young Edmonton ‘keepers and I believe that Lars’ history, professionalism, and coaching credentials are exactly what these two young ‘keepers need to reach their potential,” Paulus, who doubles as director of soccer operations, said in a statement.
At the club level, Hirschfeld won league titles in Norway and Romania.
“I’m looking forward it,” said Hirschfeld. “Throughout my career there were always murmurs and rumours of a Canadian league starting up again, and to be a part of that, especially in the town I grew up in, is very special.”
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Powley, 22, played for Edmonton Juventus and the Edmonton Drillers during his youth career, before joining the MacEwan University Griffins. Powley also spent time with Calgary Foothills FC and, most recently, FC Gute in Sweden.
James, 22, was drafted seventh overall in the inaugural CPL-U SportsDraft in November, following a five-year career at the University of Alberta.