American Duo Depart City
Brisbane City confirmed today the departure of American imports Eric Frazier and Thomas Shannon for defending Victorian Premier League champions Dandenong Thunder.
The club stated the pair had already departed for Melbourne in a bid to rescue Thunder’s final hopes and will play no further part in City’s NPL campaign.
Both players have been instrumental in City’s recent 13 match unbeaten run, which was halted on Saturday in Ipswich by an unexpected 4-2 defeat at the hands of Western Pride.
In addition to wearing the captain’s armband this season, Thomas Shannon led the City back four to five clean sheets during the league record unbeaten streak.
Frazier’s absence will be more telling at other end of the pitch – the classy winger scoring 12 goals this season to be City’s second leading goal scorer behind striker Antonio Murray.
The pair’s NPL Queensland form saw them hand-picked by new Dandenong coach Stuart Munro. The speed of the deal was necessitated by the Victorian league’s July 17 transfer deadline.
Dandenong Thunder is considered one of Victoria’s premier football clubs. In 2012 they claimed the Victorian treble – finishing first in the VPL regular season as well as winning the Grand Final and the state’s knock-out cup competition.
An announcement from City posted via social media said, “Brisbane City has always maintained it will not hold back players from looking to develop or chase their football dream and this is no exception.”
“The tight deadline is what made it a whirlwind couple of days with players discussing the pros and cons with the coaching staff,” the statement continued.
“In the end, it was an opportunity that couldn't be knocked back, and although the timing is not ideal- it rarely is when these situations occur.”
“Our fans have enjoyed the contribution both players have made to what has been a successful season and we wish them all the best.”
City currently sit third in the NPL Queensland title race on 35 competition points, level with second-placed Redlands United and 11 points adrift of league leaders and cross-town rivals Olympic FC.
They host Queensland Academy of Sport this Friday night at Spencer Park in Round 18, with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm.
Word: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Kieth Eigeland
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