Saint Louis FC continued to bolster its roster for the 2015 USL PRO season by welcoming three more players to the club on Tuesday.
The newest signings include forward Bryan Gaul, defender Oskar Gasecki, and midfielder Charles Renken. With their arrivals, STL FC has now officially introduced eight players who will join the club for the upcoming campaign.
Bryan Gaul – F, Naperville, Ill.
Gaul, 25, arrives at STL FC with three years of professional experience. The 6 foot, 5 inch forward was selected in the first round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Los Angeles Galaxy, and spent three seasons with LA.
He also had a pair of loan spells in the North American Soccer League (NASL) with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Carolina RailHawks.
“Bryan is a tall player who moves on the field like someone who is six inches shorter,” STL FC Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “He has great feet and is a high quality passer. With his size, he is also a physical presence that will help us on set pieces on both sides of the ball.
“Bryan played as a forward in college and as a left back with the Galaxy. After spending significant time watching him play, it is easy to see why he is so versatile. Fans will see a really gifted big man who can pass, cover ground, and can play in the front half of the field.”
Gaul played collegiately at Bradley University from 2008-2011. During his time with the Braves, he was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and was also named an All-Midwest Region performer by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Oskar Gasecki – D / Gurnee, Ill.
Gasecki, 24, has extensive international experience that includes playing with the Borussia Dortmund reserves and the U-18 Polish National Team. He was originally born in Trichardt, South Africa and has a Polish background from his father who played professionally in Poland.
“Oskar is athletic, powerful, technically very solid, and has a knack for reading key moments in a match,” Schilly said. “He is a player who can help build the game and establish rhythm, but at the same time, is extremely powerful and loves to defend.
“Our supporters will get to watch a young man who, at 24 years old, has already amassed many incredible experiences within the game. His competitive nature and mature insight will make him an immediate contributor.”
Gasecki played two years at Western Illinois University, where he was named to the Summit League’s All-Conference, All-Newcomer, and All-Tournament teams.
“Oskar is a freak in the way he approaches fitness,” WIU Head Coach Eric Johnson said. “What he eats, how he works in the weight room, and his lifestyle make him a total professional and really gives him an edge on the field.”
Charles Renken – M / Edwardsville, Ill.
Renken, 21, is a native of Zambia who was a member of the Portland Timbers in 2012. He also trained with Gimo IF FK in Sweden in 2013, and spent 2014 in USL PRO with Arizona United.
“Charles is a very skillful and highly-technical player,” Schilly added. “He is a two-way midfielder who can maintain possession and put players in on the attack.
“For such a young player, Charles has already gained valuable experience at the youth, professional, national, and international levels. He has the chance to be a major contributor to this team.”
Renken played in 10 games with Hoffenheim’s U-19 team, his first as a professional. Before joining Hoffenheim, Renken was enrolled in the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program for the 2009-10 season and trained with English clubs Arsenal and Reading, as well as German side 1860 Munich.
Before going pro, Renken was an accomplished youth player at the international level. His youth international career began with the U.S. U-14 and U-15 Boys’ National Team before joining the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in 2007. He was also invited to a 10-day camp with the U.S. U-20 and U-23 National Teams in Duisburg, Germany.
