Morris Dalla Costa -
The London Free Press -
 
London City has begun the process of rebuilding their Canadian Soccer League franchise by looking in their backyard.

City has announced three new signings and it has reached into the Western Ontario Soccer League for some young but experienced talent.

Joining City for the 2010 CSL season is 20-year-old London native Kuba Waszkowski.  The striker was tied for third in goals in the WOSL Premier Division, scoring nine for London Polish.

Joining Waszkowsi is teammate Jagger Hassan, a 24-year-old Londoner who was a key member of the midfield for London Polish.  He scored three goals last season.  Hassan is enrolled at the University of Windsor and player a major role for the Windsor Lancers in the past Ontario university soccer season.

The third new signing for City is a London Croatia product.  David Ortega is a 21-year-old University of Western Ontario student from Oakville.  Ortega is a midfielder who played under City veteran Genti Dervishi.

In previous years, London City would use WOSL players and would suffer the consequences when those players had a conflict in dates.  With the new CSL rule preventing affiliations, these players belong to London City and will not be torn between one team and the other.

"Local players have always been a priority for London City.  Our goal has always been to give the home-town boy a shot in the big-time league," London City general manager Ryan Gauss said.  "The local connection these players have is very important for a few reasons.  We want to make sure that London City truly represents London, and also that our fans can relate to and connect with players on the field.  Kuba, David and Jagger all have significant experience at a very young age, and they will make an immediate impact while also building a solid foundation for the future."

He's also signed two London City veterans.  City has resigned two defenders from last year to ensure stability on the back end.  Fan favourite Erik (The Hammer) Elmauer and Sergio Siguenza will be back in 2010.

Gauss said this is just the beginning of what will be a number of other new signings as part of what he promises will be a determined bid to make London City competitive in the CSL.

"In terms of these players have played in the WOSL, it has always been our belief if they are able, players should be competing at the highest level possible," Gauss said of the new signings.  "These players that will be announced shortly, are being given the opportunity to play against some of the best players in Canada.  

City is holding an open tryout Feb. 5, at the London Optimist Soccer Dome.  More information will eventually become available at www.londoncity.ca