The Los Angeles Blues are excited to announce the signing of Akeem Priestley for the 2011 USL PRO season, pending USSF and USL approval. The acquisition is considered a steal by many, as Priestley is a Jamaican national team member who once seemed MLS-bound and only recently missed out on signing with Irish powerhouse Shamrock Rovers due to work permit issues. The versatile attacker spent the majority of his college career playing for the University of Connecticut alongside current Blues forward Chukwudi Chijindu. He was drafted by MLS side Kansas City Wizards in 2009 but was subsequently released. "I'm guessing the main reason he couldn't latch on there was the restriction on the number of foreigners in MLS," said Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo. "That rule makes every team think twice before signing a player like Akeem." Priestley subsequently played for Harbour View in his native Jamaica before going on loan to Azerbaijan Premier League outfit FC Mughan for the 2009/10 season. From Eastern Europe, the Jamaican then moved on to Ireland, where he quickly impressed the Shamrock Rovers coaching staff. "Akeem is here because he couldn't get cleared to play in Ireland," Naimo explained. "We were very lucky to snatch him up. You don't often find a guy that talented still hanging around this close to the season." As a matter of fact, Priestley wouldn't be in Los Angeles if it weren't for his former U-Conn teammate Chijindu, who convinced him of the move just in time before the team's recent departure for their USL PRO season opener in Puerto Rico. The two had stayed in touch following their college days and Chijindu got the ball rolling while Priestely was training in Charlotte only weeks ago. "At the time I had a few options in the USL, but he really made me want to come here," Priestley explained on Tuesday after the Blues' final training session in Los Angeles. "Chuck told me a lot about the team and got me in touch with the coach, who seemed very nice. Most importantly, the way he wants to play really suits my style. He believes in moving the ball around and keeping possession, which I love. So I jumped at the opportunity." Since arriving in Los Angeles about a week ago, Priestley has experienced a baptism by fire. He traveled to Santa Barbara for a scrimmage last Saturday before quickly turning around to also play in the high-profile preseason match against Chivas USA the next day. "So far, I really haven't done much besides sleeping and playing," the Jamaican said with a grin. "But my first impression of LA is very good. It can get a little too warm sometimes, but I'll get used to that. Most importantly, the people I've met so far have been really nice. Chuck and some of the other players have told me quite a bit about LA and that it's a great place to live. I can't wait to get to know it better." On the field, Priestley's first impression has been equally positive. "I've only been here for a few days, so I'm still getting settled in," he said. "But the training sessions have been good so far. We work on keeping possession and do a lot of technical drills, both of which I enjoy. And it's great to see that the players seem to get along very well. That's important for a team to be successful." Of course, Priestley still shares an especially tight bond with former U-Conn teammate Chijindu, which the Blues hope will benefit them on the field. "Chuck and I complement each other well," Priestley said. "He is very strong and can hold the ball up, whereas I consider myself more of a tricky player. I like to be creative and take players on, whether it's to get in a position to score or to set up a teammate." The Blues roster certainly isn't short players who can convert a decent assist, as Head Coach Charlie Naimo has built a deep squad with plenty of MLS, USL and international experience. Priestley is excited about his new club's potential for 2011. "The caliber of players we have assembled promises good things for the season," he assessed. "I expect nothing less than to win the championship with the Blues, and I'm sure a lot of my teammates would tell you the same thing." By joining the club, Priestley may just have increased the chances of that happening, as he gives the team one more quality option for an already potent attack. It's no coincidence that the now 25-year-old made his national team debut as early as in 2004 and has since earned six caps for the Reggae Boyz. "When we first came across Akeem, we instantly saw what he could bring in terms of attacking skill and versatility," Naimo stated. "He can play pretty much anywhere in the attack for us, be it at forward or out wide on either flank. If needed, he could probably even slot in underneath the forwards. Akeem should be getting a lot of playing time in a lot of different positions in 2011."
