Orlando City would like to recognize the achievement of local product Christian Eissele.  Christian has signed his first professional contract, joining PS Kemi Kings of Finland’s second division on a two-year deal.

Christian came up in the Florida Soccer Alliance system, and was part of the FSA squad that reached the State Cup Final Four for three consecutive years.  He was also a member of Florida’s Olympic Development Program team. 

Eissele graduated from Lake Mary High School in 2010 following a stellar career with the Rams.  In just two seasons, he scored 26 goals and tallied 16 assists.  He graduated early to join the University of Central Florida in the 2010 Spring season.  Eissele left UCF in January of 2011 to join the Richmond International Academic Soccer Academy in Leeds, England.  RIASA is a program designed to help students pursue their professional career while still attending college at Richmond University of London.

“Christian is the model RIASA student,” said Dave Baldwin, CEO of RIASA Football Academy and COO of English pro club Bradford City.  “He understood the whole ethos of the program.  He was focused not only in the classroom but also on the soccer field.  We are extremely proud of him for his achievements and wish him well in his future career.”

Eissele will not be too homesick while in Finland.  PS Kemi Kings currently features two other Americans on their roster, Dan Stevens and Kyle Luetkehans.

Congratulations, Christian.  The entire FSA/Orlando City Youth Soccer family is proud of you!