Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) recently announced the addition of six new players to its inaugural USL Championship roster, signing Jake McGuire, Ahmad Al Qaq, Adam Luckhurst, Wahab Ackwei, Esteban Casas and Antonio Gomez pending league and federation approval.
The signings round out the initial Sporting JAX USL Championship roster ahead of its inaugural season, which will open with a preseason match against Charleston Battery at Hodges Stadium at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, followed by the team’s inaugural home opener against Hartford Athletic at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7.
McGuire, Al Qaq and Luckhurst have all played previously with North Carolina FC of the USL Championship. This experience extends through all segments of the pitch, all the way from the net to the attacking end.
“This is yet another exciting group of additions to a squad that I look forward to leading,” said Head Coach Liam Fox. “Some built-in chemistry is especially helpful for a new club, so I’m excited to see how they gel.”
McGuire was selected as the 30th overall pick by the Houston Dynamo in the 2017 MLS Super Draft and moved around the soccer world before landing with North Carolina FC. While in Cary, he acted as their starting keeper in 2021 where he made 74 saves over 21 games, while collecting seven clean sheets.
“Having played in the USL Championship for some time, it’s neat to see new clubs form and join the fray,” said McGuire. “Being part of one is an exciting journey and I believe that we can be competitive early on.”
“I think we are all very excited for what this is going to be,” said Ackwei.
Ackwei signed with Inter Allies in Ghana in 2014, and then went on to play for the New York Red Bulls II, Richmond Kickers, Loudoun United and Rio Grand Valley FC, before landing with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks where he became a USL Championship Final winner during the 2023-24 season.
“I’m looking forward to being able to play at the highest level for such a great city,” said Casas. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I’m happy to know that I get to experience it surrounded by such a good team and organization.”
“To be a part of something that is starting from the ground up is a chance that any professional player would take,” said Gomez. “You get to be a part of building a culture which is something not a lot of people get to say.”
Fans can find upcoming match details and ticket information at sportingjax.com, and can stay connected with the latest news, matchday updates and behind-the-scenes stories by following @Sporting_JAX across all social platforms.
