For New York City FC manager Jason Kreis, it was a case of “go with what you know.” He did just that in building his expansion club’s defense, acquiring centerback and familiar face Kwame Watson-Siriboe from Real Salt Lake – his former team – for a 2016 fourth-round pick.
“I’m delighted to be reuniting with Jason Kreis and [assistant coach] Miles Joseph,” Watson-Siriboe said. “I had a great working relationship with coach Kreis. I’m looking forward to continuing this under his leadership.
“I already know what he expects from his defenders, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to contribute effectively from the moment I begin training in January. I feel strong, fit and am excited to start working hard for my new club and for the NYCFC supporters.”
The 27-year old UConn product played for the Chicago Fire and for Kreis at Real Salt Lake, where he made a combined 19 MLS appearances in 2012 and 2013 due to injuries. But it clearly didn’t hurt Kreis’ opinion of him.
“I’m really happy to be able to continue my work with Kwame from my time at Real Salt Lake,’’ Kreis said. “He’s a player that was great to coach, and I’m confident he’ll be able to contribute to the strength and shape of our back line as we continue to build towards our first game in March 2015. Kwame is the type of imposing central defender that’s difficult to play against: Adding him to the squad at this early point in our roster building process is fantastic.”
The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Watson-Siriboe is the second defender to join New York City FC, after they plucked Jeb Brovsky from the Montreal Impact in June.
He’s the sixth New York City FC player added to the roster, also joining Spanish World Cup striker David Villa, keeper Josh Saunders, midfielder Andrew Jacobson and Designated Player Frank Lampard – who was signed last month and will be loaned out to Premier League side Chelsea in the offseason.
“The management and head coach are building an exciting squad here,’’ Watson-Siriboe said. “It’s a great challenge and opportunity for me to be part of something very special happening at New York City FC.”