The region’s newest pre-professional soccer club announced its inaugural men’s signing is Hightstown native and prospective Haitian youth international Christopher Coridon.
Real Central NJ Soccer’s men’s team will play USL League Two beginning in May. Real Central New Jersey Soccer is the trade name of Mercer U23 Soccer.
At the end of January, USL2 saw 16 former players chosen in the first round of the Major League Soccer draft out of 27 total, Ira Jersey of Lawrenceville, founder of the club, provided in a prepared statement on Jan. 30. The signing is pending league approval.
The 22-year-old Haitian American was named among the 50 eligible players for the Haitian U23 Men’s National Team for postponed Olympic qualifying last year, according to the statement.
Coridon will also have the opportunity to represent Haiti in the Futsal World Cup qualifying in Guatemala later this year.
“I’ve played soccer from a very young age and I love it,” Coridon said in the statement. “I’m from Haiti, and soccer is all over Haiti so my family got me into it very young. My ultimate goal is to have a great year with Real Central NJ and use it as a springboard to sign a professional contract. ”
“Christopher is going to provide us experience and composure in the back,” Coach Patrick Snyder said in the statement. “I’ve seen him and his brother playing locally since they were youngsters and it’s exciting to get to coach Christopher. ”
While in college, Coridon played in the summer for Hershey FC in the NPSL. Last summer Coridon intended to play for RCNJ’s rival West Chester United for the canceled USL League Two season. The formation of a new club close to his home and the ability to potentially play in front of a lot of friends and family made the move to Real Central NJ appealing, according to the statement.
“Topher’s experience, attitude and ability make him a standout signing for us,” said Jersey, who is the men’s general manager Ira Jersey, referring to Christopher’s nickname which distinguishes him from twin brother Christian, in the statement. “It’s exciting to have a local player continue to fight for his dream with us.”
“I’m looking forward to being with a club for its first year,” Coridon said in the statement. “We’ll be ready to fight and show people what we are about.”
Real Central NJ Soccer’s men’s season kicks off in May at TCNJ’s Lion’s Stadium in Ewing. Season tickets are on sale now and individual match tickets will be available in February.
Individuals, community organizations, and businesses interested in being involved are encouraged to contact the club with their interest.
Join the club’s mailing list at https://subscribe.realcentralnj.soccer/signup