ERIE, Pa. - Former Gannon men's soccer standout Andrew Lorei has signed a three-year professional contract to play for the San Diego Sockers of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).
Lorei has a long 10-year professional resume since his collegiate career at Gannon. He most recently played for the Ingress Tigers in Malaysia. Lorei also had stints with the Rochester Rhinos, Real Maryland Monarchs, Minneapolis City SC and Tulsa Roughnecks of the United Soccer League (USL). In addition, Lorei represented the Minnesota Stars - NASL (now Minnesota United – MLS) from 2011-2012, which secured him a spot with Swedish based Boden BK where he scored 21 goals in 41 matches on the second division side.
The Erie, Pa., native signed with San Diego after a solid performance at the league's player combine in St. Louis. Per league policy, terms of the contract are not disclosed. Lorei initially signed his first professional contract to play for the USL's Rochester Rhinos following his Gannon career.
"I had heard lots of good things and wanted to give indoor soccer a shot," said Lorei via the San Diego Socker website. "San Diego seemed like the right fit and I'm excited to score a bunch of goals, and maybe even learn to surf.
"I think that I'm quite skillful, can pick out a pass and can bang in the goals. San Diego gives me the opportunity to win a championship and I'm happy to be given the opportunity by Coach Salvagio."
Lorei played one season for Gannon in 2007, helping lead the Golden Knights to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. It was Gannon's first NCAA appearance at the time since 1993. The Golden Knights were ranked nationally throughout the season, rising as high as 16th.
Currently listed as a six-foot-three forward, Lorei was a midfielder while being one of five Golden Knights to start all 20 games in 2007. He recorded one goal, 11 assists and 13 points. Lorei ranked second among GLIAC players in assists.
San Diego is the defending MASL Pacific Division champion, concluding last season with a 16-8 record. The league has not released its 2017-18 schedule yet. The season typically runs October through March.
