FCB STANDOUT PREPARES FOR THE NPSL COMBINE

FC Buffalo has become known as a pipeline to the pros thanks to their alumni’s success at the next level. Kendell McFayden, Josh Faga, Mike Reidy, Brian Knapp, Andy Tiedt, Krystian Witkowski, Asani Samuels, and Ngwese Ebangwese are just a few of the FCB players that have proven themselves in the pro ranks.

And midfielder Andrew Ferguson is likely to be the next one to make that jump.

The Stoney Creek, Ontario native, already regarded as one of the Midwest Region’s top players, will get his chance to play against the league’s best at the 2016 NPSL Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

“At the combine I’m looking to showcase some of my talents as well as prove my leadership in all situations. A major need of mine is to enjoy playing football again after a very tough school season. I believe playing with the talent that will be gathered there will make this happen.”

Being invited to the combine is a well-deserved honor for Ferguson, a standout at Niagara University over the past two seasons. He tallied two goals and four assists in 25 appearances for the Purple Eagles in 2014 and 2015. He spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with Marshall University, where he registered five goals and three assists in 26 appearances.

Ferguson has had similar success for the Blitzers, being named First Team All-Midwest Conference after scoring three goals and adding three assists in 13 appearances. He was also named FC Buffalo’s Most Valuable Player and voted by fans as the Supporters’ Choice Award winner. It’s been a busy year for Ferguson, who has a brother (Matthew) as a teammate at both FCB and Niagara. Matthew was also invited to the NPSL Combine in Fort Lauderdale.

FC Buffalo co-owner Nicholas Mendola was quick to speak about Andrew’s versatility and how he might fill a number of roles for a pro team.

“His prime position for us was central attacking midfielder, but Andrew can play as a target forward or winger, too. I think Andrew would play just about anywhere a team needed him, and do it well, too.”

Simply put, Ferguson is a player that can change a game in a number of ways. He’s seen as a very technical player that has great vision. He can set up his teammates or deliver a goal of his own. He is good at managing a game by maintaining possession and limiting mistakes.

The combine allows Ferguson to edge closer to his dream of turning pro. He is ready for the opportunity to play at the next level thanks to the preparation he received in the NPSL.

“Playing in the NPSL has given me a great outlook on many different types of football. I believe the different styles I have encountered and being able to adapt to these styles will help at the next level. The NPSL is an interesting mix of athleticism, strength, and technical talent. I believe the league was competitive and tested our team in different ways.”

Ferguson, who is always praised for his team-first mentality and positive attitude, gave plenty of credit to the FC Buffalo organization, citing them as a major source of his success.

“With many ups and downs in my collegiate career, FC Buffalo gave me a push in the right direction. I really have to hand it to FC Buffalo’s owners Nick Mendola and Scott Frauenhofer as well as the coaches, Brendan Murphy and Bob Roach.”

It seems likely that Andrew Ferguson will join other FCB alumni in the pros. Maybe he’ll win a USL Championship like Asani Samuels did with a game-winning goal for the Rochester Rhinos or be drafted into MLS like Mike Reidy and Krystian Witkowski. The sky’s literally the limit for a young man that has learned the beautiful game from the very best in the Queen City