The Philadelphia Fury signed former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Thorne Holder to their team on Monday. The Trinidadian joins an already deep keeper corps, and will likely be fighting to get the starting position.
When interviewed last week at the Fury's first practice, Holder said he was eager to start a new season with the team. "(It's) difficult to have expectations but I will do my best," he said. "I will develop good relations w/ coaching staff and players on and off field"
Holder's time with the Union was very short. He started the 2011 season off as the Union's second string goalkeeper, behind Faryd Mondragon. But injury problems (including a concussion) saw him fall in the depth chart, where he became third string behind Zac MacMath. He would be released in July of that year.
Holder joins the Fury who, just like the Union, have a big decision to make with their goalkeepers. The team has already signed keepers Ryan Gill, Tetsuya Okuda, and Chase Clement to the team. So with four players fighting for one spot, positioning on the depth chart will be at a premium. But Fury General Manager Graham King-Charters is not worried about that yet. "Competition, it's the healthiest thing in sport," Charters said. "We'll make it work; you can never have too many goalkeepers."
The Fury open the season versus the AC Crusaders in on August 23. They will then have their home opener the next weekend on August 30 vs Icon FC at Washington Township High School.