American flavour added to competition
The IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 welcomed further international flavour with the debut of Sydney United 58’s American goalkeeper Jordan Jennings.
Jennings joined Sydney United 58 from Illawarra Premier League side Albion Park White Eagles.
The shotstopper most notably played for Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders in an international friendly in 2010 and also spent time at Tacoma Tide FC, Seattle University and the University of Washington.
After receiving a tip from a friend about Albion Park needing a goalkeeper Jennings made his way to Australia.
“I heard from a high school buddy who was down in the Illawarra League who has been playing and he said good things and got me hooked on,’’ Jennings said.
“My whole goal is to make it to a better level here in Australia.
“I’ve been here for a month and it’s been good so far.
“(The competition is) a great standard, it’s just as good as the top levels in the US.
“It is a step up above the Illawarra Premier League which is where I was at and it is good to be hooked up here.
“I can’t say enough about it, it’s been great, everybody’s been treating me really well at the club.
Jennings is the second American to have played in the IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 in recent years after Alex Smith led Sydney Olympic to their title in 2011.
A clean sheet in Sydney United’s win against Sydney Olympic last weekend has Jennings primed for success in Australia.
However Jennings is being realistic with his chances with Liam Reddy’s impending comeback for the Reds.
“(Reddy’s) getting his clearance and stuff sorted out right now,’’ Jennings said.
“What’s I’m looking for is training with such a seasoned veteran as himself.
“He has been around and there is just so much you can learn as a goalkeeper from someone else’s experience.
“I am just looking forward to training with him day in and day out as I know it is going to make me a better goalkeeper in the long run and hopefully eventually get some more starts like I did and get some more shut outs.’’
-By Chris Georges
