Troy Cole and FC New York To Honor Japan Disaster Victims

Troy Cole and FC New York are playing their home opener to honor Japan and raise money to relieve the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.


"The club announced today that it will wear a special kit for its opening USL PRO match at Orlando City this Saturday night in an effort to raise money for those victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The team will raise money for the Red Cross Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund."


Cole (2nd from the left) and the team will "wear a special kit with the Red Cross featured prominently on the chest. The club hopes to raise funds for the victims in three ways: first, by raising awareness of the plight of the people of Japan by having the Japanese Red Cross proudly displayed for all fans to see and to direct them to quick and easy ways to donate funds. Fans can text REDCROSS to #90999 to make a $10 donation. Secondly, for each F.C. New York goal scored against Orlando City, F.C. New York donates $100 to the relief effort. Finally, the club will auction off each player’s jersey after the match and the player whose jersey brings the highest price will add an additional $100 to the total."

Troy Singles Out For Leadership on FC New York

In previewing the expansion side, F.C. New York, the USLPRO took the time to highlight former A.C. St. Louis midfielder, Troy Cole.  Matt Weston, the head coach for F.C. New York singled Cole out, along with captain Paul Shaw, stating: "Cole, who played in 29 games for AC St. Louis a season ago and before that played in the USL Premier Development League for the Atlanta Blackhawks, will likely be an important figure for his new club this season."

We are all looking forward to big things from the new club and from Troy Cole in particular.  Good luck on the 2011 USLPRO season!

Troy Cole and Chris Salvaggione Find New Pro Contracts

Former AC St. Louis midfielder Troy Cole has signed with the new FC New York franchise of USL PRO. Also, it was announced recently that Cole’s former ACSTL teammate, midfielder Chris Salvaggione, has signed with USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles.


Cole, who will turn 25 in April, played in 28 of AC St. Louis’ 30 USSF D2 games in 2010. Cole played his college ball at Mars Hill College in North Carolina, where he was captain his senior year and worked in 2009 as an assistant. Cole played in 2009 for the PDL Atlanta Blackhawks.

One of the highlights of Cole’s rookie season was playing a U.S. Open Cup match against the LA Galaxy in his hometown. Having about fifty friends and family members cheering him on, and playing against the red-hot Galaxy, was a huge thrill. AC St. Louis held the Galaxy scoreless for seventy minutes before succumbing 2-0.

Troy stopped in St. Louis on his trek east to join FC New York. He told IMS, “I couldn’t be more excited and thrilled to be joining FC New York,” said the Californian. But the young midfielder didn’t forget the fans in St. Louis from ACSTL’s star-crossed 2010 season. “I want to give a shout out to the all the AC St.Louis fans from last year, and especially the St. Louligans supporters group, who stood behind the players all year long despite what was going on off the field.”

Chris Salvaggione

Cole’s 2010 teammate, Chris Salvaggione, has signed with the Charlotte Eagles. It will be a homecoming for the Colorado native, as he finished his college career at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Salvaggione, a 5’10″ midfielder/forward, is pumped about playing in Charlotte. “I am excited to play for the Eagles and return to Charlotte,” Salvaggione said. “The University and the city were incredibly supportive while I was in college, and I am ready to show that my game has progressed, and that I can be an impact player for the Eagles. The expanded schedule and the inclusion of so many great teams is going to make for a competitive season, and I am confident that between the coaching staff, the players’ dedication, and the incredible community support, that the Eagles can be one of the league’s top teams.”

Troy Cole Signs with S&E

Troy Cole of Laguna Hills, California has signed a representation contract with S&E Entertainment; S&E will serve as Cole’s agents to further his professional soccer career. 

Cole made his professional debut in 2010 for A.C. St. Louis of the NASL, which competed in the USSF Division 2 league. He showed significant promise for the club, logging significant minutes as a holding, defensive midfielder and defender for the club in its inaugral season. 

Collegiately, Cole starred for Mars Hill College, starting 36 of 37 games, and for Irvine Valley College, leading the team to a #3 junior college ranking in California.