ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Saint Louis FC announced the signing of forward Russell Cicerone, pending league and federation approval, for the upcoming 2019 USL Championship season.

Cicerone was born in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he developed in the Vardar Freiburg Academy. He played collegiately at the University of Buffalo where he made 71 appearances and scored 42 goals from 2013-2016 while also playing for the Michigan Bucks in the USL PDL during the 2015-2016 seasons. Cicerone made 22 appearances and scored 20 goals for the PDL side, including an average of a goal-per-game with 16 goals and five assists during the club’s 2016 USL PDL championship-winning season. He would be selected by the Portland Timbers in the fourth round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and join Portland Timbers 2 where he made 29 appearances and scored one goal during the 2017 USL season. Cicerone was then signed by FC Cincinnati where he made 10 appearances and scored one goal as the club finished as regular season champions before falling to New York Red Bulls II in the second round of the USL Cup Playoffs.

“Russell is a young guy with a very high ceiling,” said STLFC Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “He has a fantastic work rate and covers an enormous amount of ground during a match. What I really like about Russell is he’s always looking to get into positions where he can score and be productive. He is equally comfortable on the right or left side and he will make our wide midfield positions extremely competitive which is what we want. Having players like Russell who are so driven to do well and improve is priceless for our culture.”

“I am excited to join a great organization like Saint Louis FC,” said Cicerone. “This club has great tradition, high expectations, and loyal supporters that make this a desirable place to play. I cannot wait to join my new teammates and start the next season!”