FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Football Club announced Thursday it has signed midfielder Suleiman Samura for the remainder of the 2019 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Samura, 22, becomes the fourth player from the 2018 Fresno FC U-23s side to joins the Foxes’ pro roster. Samura will wear the No. 16.

He recently played with Laredo Heat SC of the National Premier Soccer League, making seven starts. In 2018, Samura made three appearances with the Fresno FC U-23s and scored a goal in the club’s 3-1 win over Southern California Seahorses. He went on trial with the pro side at the end of the 2018 USL League Two season and was featured in the club’s exhibition against the Vancouver Whitecaps reserves. With Laredo, Samura made seven starts during the 2019 NPSL season.

“Sully is another player from our U-23s that I liked and kept my eye on. He’s very hardworking, physical and able to cove a lot of ground in that middle area and create some problems,” Smith said. “I’ve been very happy with him, seeing growth and maturity and confidence. The next test is if he can earn his stripes and get minutes.”

Fresno FC is in the second half of its USL Championship regular season. The Foxes are in third place in the Western Conference and play at Austin Bold FC this Saturday, July 27. Fresno FC returns to Chukchansi Park the following weekend, against Las Vegas Lights for Hometown Heroes Night on Saturday, August 3. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the match are available now at 559-320-2525, FresnoFC.com and the Chukchansi Park box office.