Ferrety Sousa joins Forward Madison

We were right

At Wednesday’s town hall, head coach Matt Glaeser old us there were two players who’d signed contracts but hadn’t yet been announced. One, he said, is a #10 from South America.

I still have no idea who that is.

The other, he said, was an outside back with USL Championship experience who’s also been a captain in League One.

That was enough clues to speculate, on our post-town-hall special episode, that it’s former Union Omaha fullback Ferrety Sousa, and we were right!

Sousa, 33, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but grew up in North Carolina. He joined the Railhawks U23 in 2011, helping them to a USASA national championship in 2011, and has since gained a ton of experience in the lower divisions. He got his first pro contract with Aubervilliers in France, and has since played for the Atlanta Silverbacks, Wilmington Hammerheads, Las Vegas Lights, Union Omaha and most recently Sacramento Republic. He started four matches and came on as a sub in four more before breaking his ankle in August of 2023.

“Ferrety is a player that I have worked with in the past and brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and versatility to our team,” Head Coach Matt Glaeser said in the announcement press release. “He is a proven winner in both USL League One and in the Championship who can play multiple positions across the backline and midfield. I'm excited to add his vibrant personality to our team and city as we push towards continued progression in 2024.” 

He’ll likely provide depth in the wingback positions and challenge Derek Gebhard and Stephen Payne for playing time. He’ll also no doubt provide leadership off the pitch. Matt was unequivocal at the town hall: Mitch Osmond is the captain. But the vice captain and more informal leadership role is still up for grabs.

In case you missed it …

Listen to the town hall here: