EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton announced on Thursday the re-signing of Senegalese defender and last season’s NASL Young Player of the Year Papé Diakité for the upcoming 2017 campaign. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Diakité played a critical role at centre-back last season on an FC Edmonton back line that conceded just 21 goals against in 32 matches – an NASL record. The 24-year-old contributed offensively as well, with three goals in 30 appearances for the club in 2016, helping lead the young defender to a NASL Young Player of the Year Award and an NASL Best XI selection.

“We are delighted to bring Papé back again this season,” FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated. “Both him and Albert formed quite a formidable pairing together and complimented each other very well.”

Diakité’s re-signing solidifies a solid defensive presence for FC Edmonton that includes returning teammates such as Albert Watson and Shawn Nicklaw, as well as recent addition Netan Sansara.

“I think Papé has progressed as a player,” Miller added. “His match day performances were very consistent last season and are why he became the NASL’s Young Player of the Year. Hopefully he can get even stronger this year, he is an integral part of our squad.”

FC Edmonton kicks off their 2017 NASL campaign, April 2! Lock down your season tickets with just a $50 deposit. For tickets and more information, click HERE, call 780.700.2600 or visit www.fcedmonton.com/claimyourthrone.

Current FC Edmonton 2017 Roster:

Goalkeepers

Tyson Farago, Nathan Ingham, Chris Konopka

Defenders

Allan Zebie, Marko Aleksic, Shawn Nicklaw, Karsten Smith, Netan Sansara, Albert Watson, Papé Diakité

Midfielders

Pedro Galvao, Ben Fisk, Nik Ledgerwood, Nico Di Biase, Dustin Corea, Sainey Nyassi, Sabri Khattab, Mauro Eustaquio

Forwards

Tomi Ameobi, Jake Keegan

ABOUT FC EDMONTON

FC Edmonton is Edmonton’s professional soccer club. Founded by Edmonton entrepreneurs Tom and Dave Fath, 2017 marks the FC Edmonton's seventh season as a member of the North American Soccer League. The NASL operates within Canada and the United States. For more information, please visit www.fcedmonton.com.