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Welcome Mitch North and Jean Antoine!

Published Feb 23, 2021

CAL UNITED STRIKERS FC ROUND OUT GOALKEEPING CORPS 

Club signs Mitch North and Jean Antoine to join Steven Barrera 

 

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – California United Strikers FC announced the signings of a pair of experienced goalkeepers on Wednesday. The additions bring a full complement of three legitimate number ones to the roster.
 

Cal United Strikers FC have always been known for their offensive prowess, but it was Wednesday's announcement that may have one of the more significant impacts this season. The club announced the signing of two new goalkeepers that will ensure head coach, Don Ebert and goalkeeper coach, Ludovic Antunes have a bit of a selection headache on their hands. 
 

Mitch North, 26 is a Jacksonville, Oregon native. He played with the Timbers Academy before embarking on his college career at Oregon State, later transferring to Sonoma State. “Mitch is a great communicator,” said Antunes. “He is very demanding. He is good technically with strong reflexes and feet.” Mitch will be added to the roster upon the receipt of his ITC.
 

Haitian born Jean Antoine, a third-year pro, joins Cal United Strikers FC from rivals 1904 FC. The towering shot stopper also spent time with fellow NISA club, Detroit City FC backstopping them in their NISA Cup Championship. Known for his quick reflexes and aerial prowess, he also had quick stints with Monterrey Flash and San Diego Sockers in the MASL. “Jean has a great presence due to his size. He has obvious athletic qualities and is strong in 1v1 situations,” complimented Antunes.  
 

The newly minted pair will join incumbent Steven “Bear” Barrera who famously led the club to lifting the 2019 NISA West Coast Championship trophy. A night where Barrera forever etched his name in the Cal United Strikers history books by standing tall in the penalty shootout. “Steven is a good goalkeeper with technical skills and explosive qualities. He’s a good goalie on the line,” added Antunes.  


 
 

As a proud Antunes described his goalkeepers, the common thread amongst all three was their commitment to training and teamwork. Over the first six weeks of preseason, the three keepers have been working tirelessly challenging and supporting one another. Ebert and Antunes may have a problem on their hands, but it is one a lot of coaches would envy, as these three have shown there really is no wrong answer. 
 

Fans can stay up-to-date on all club news through calunitedstrikers.com or by following the club on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
 

The following 19 players are currently under contract for the 2021 season:
 

GOALKEEPER (3): Steven Barrera, Jean Antoine, Mitch North

DEFENDERS (6): Chris Klute, Aydan Bowers, James McGhee, Gonzalo Salguero, Xavier Fuerte, Michael Bryant

MIDFIELDERS (5): Duncan Capriotti, Evan Waldrep, Shinya Kadono, Gustavo Villalobos, Minjae Kwak

FORWARDS (4): Christian Thierjung, Omar Nuño, Tony Lopez, Shane Kaemerle