Chattanooga Football Club signs defender Mike Bleeker
23-year-old was a 2024 NCAA Division I national champion with the Vermont Catamounts
23-year-old was a 2024 NCAA Division I national champion with the Vermont Catamounts
Chattanooga FC today announced the signing of defender Mike Bleeker. The 23-year-old joins CFC on a one-year contract from the University of Vermont.
Bleeker was part of the team that led the Catamounts to its first-ever Division 1 national title last year. He made 20 regular season appearances for Vermont and a further six in NCAA Tournament matches, paying 1,737 minutes. He registered one goal and two assists, attempted ten shots on goal with five on target.
Bleeker previously spent four seasons with the American University Eagles in the Patriot League before transferring to Vermont. He captained the Eagles in 2023 and was named to the All-Patriot League First Team in 2023, the United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Third Team in 2023, and the All-Patriot League Third Team in 2022. Bleeker also helped American earn a Patriot League Championship in 2021.
"Michael is tough and has a blue-collar mentality," said Chattanooga FC Sporting Director Sebastian Giraldo. "He has great vision on the field and is comfortable in tight spaces under high pressure. His deep experience in college and his historic run at Vermont make him a great addition to an already top team."
"We're excited for Michael to join the squad," said Chattanooga FC Head Coach Chris Nugent. "He’s coming from performing well in a competitive program, with a lot of experience on strong teams. He has shown good positional awareness, is difficult to beat in 1v1s and is comfortable playing forward. He will add even more competition to the team."
Bleeker will wear the #99 jersey previously worn by Markus Naglestad, who now wears #10. If league approval is forthcoming, he will have the chance to make his debut for Chattanooga FC when it plays Philadelphia Union II this Saturday, 3rd May at 7.00pm at Finley Stadium.