Charlie Reymann Signs with Bethlehem Steel FC
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Kentucky men’s soccer alumnus Charlie Reymann signed his first professional contract with Bethlehem Steel Football Club last week. The deal is pending league and federation approval.
“I’m really excited that Bethlehem Steel FC have given me this opportunity to realize my dream of becoming a professional soccer player and I can’t wait to hit the field and reassure the club they’ve given the right guy this opportunity,” Reymann said. “Being a trialist is a unique experience because your confidence can fluctuate and you don’t know if you are making an impact on the coaching staff. It’s an honor that the team has given me this contract.”
Reymann was a captain on Kentucky each of the past two seasons, winning the Conference USA title in 2015, and leading UK to its first top-16 national seed into the NCAA Tournament last year.
“We’re as proud of Charlie as ever,” Kentucky head coach Johan Cedergren said. “Charlie as a team leader and quality player was of course so instrumental in our success over his four years here, especially the last two. We’re happy to see him able to continue following his dreams in the game, and we wish him all the best.
“Charlie has ended up with a great organization in Bethlehem Steel. I’m well acquainted with the coaches there. Bethlehem Steel is a good place for him to continue developing.”
Reymann was named Second Team All-C-USA as he led the conference with 10 assists, the ninth most in the nation. He started every one of UK’s matches, making him a key player on one of the best defenses in the league. He was also a C-USA All-Academic selection.
“Charlie was quietly one of the assist leaders in Division-I soccer last year and that’s an impressive statistic for a left back,” Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. “I first got to see Charlie play last summer when he was with Reading United and when he didn’t get selected by anyone, we immediately called him and invited him to our preseason. Charlie is a steady influence and is determined to add to our level of training every session, every day.”
Reymann joined Steel FC on a trial when preseason camp opened on Feb. 1 at YSC Sports. The defender impressed the team staff during the first three weeks of training camp and his signing adds depth to the club’s roster.
A four-year letterman at the UK Reymann was the definition of consistency with 77 starts in 80 career games. During his final three seasons with the Wildcats, the left back started 60 straight games while he was also the primary striker of corner kicks for the squad. During his time in Kentucky, Reymann had 21 assists including 10 in his final senior season to lead the team.
A captain his final two seasons as a Wildcat, Reymann led his squad to the NCAA Tournament three times. In 2016, Reymann helped anchor a defensive line that boasted a shutout percentage of 0.47, (22nd in the NCAA) and a goals-against average of 0.80, which was 24th best in the country.
Reymann was also a member of the 2013 and 2015 Conference USA All-Tournament Team.
Prior to Reymann’s senior season at Kentucky, he played for Reading United in the Premier Development League. During his time in Reading, Reymann played over 1,000 minutes and earned 12 starts. He scored his only goal of the season against the Ocean City Nor’easters and added a pair of assists. Reymann’s efforts helped propel Reading United to the Mid-Atlantic Division Championship.
ABOUT BETHLEHEM STEEL FC
Bethlehem Steel FC is currently in its second season in the United Soccer League, officially joining the league on Oct. 27, 2015. Based in Bethlehem, Pa. in the Lehigh Valley, it is the official USL affiliate of Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. Also owned and operated by Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, the team started their inaugural season on March 25, 2016 at FC Montreal and played the home opener at Lehigh University’s Goodman Stadium on April 3, 2016. For more information about Bethlehem Steel FC, visit www.bethlehemsteelfc.com.
Bethlehem Steel FC contributed the majority of reporting
