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Award Winners Venter, Rozeboom Return to Fury FC

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 11/07/16, 11:08AM EST

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Veteran midfielder and defender had standout seasons in first year with club


Photo courtesy Ottawa Fury FC

OTTAWA – Ottawa Fury FC announced on Monday that midfielder Lance Rozeboom and defender Kyle Venter will return to the club for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. The moves continue to build a strong returning core for the side for its first season in the USL.

“Lance is a fantastic human being, a wonderful player and he epitomizes what I want in a player,” said Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “He’s a hard worker and a leader on and off the field, so getting him back is huge.”

Rozeboom had a remarkable 2016 season leading the team in minutes played (2711) and posted the highest pass completion percentage in the squad at 87.2%. This versatility served the club well as Rozeboom played in a few different positions when the team was struck with a rash of injuries.

The 27-year-old Walker, Iowa native also won the Newcomer of the year Award at the club’s End of the Year Awards Gala – given to the player that was new to the squad in 2016 and who had a significant impact in the club’s success.

“God has blessed and humbled me to have Paul and Ottawa Fury FC want my services for the 2017 season,” said Rozeboom. “With the move to the USL, I am excited to see what the future has in store for the team and our fans. I’d like to thank Paul, John, and OSEG for their commitment to build a successful club.”

Venter, 25, will also be back for a second season with Fury FC. The 6-foot-3 center back had a frustrating campaign on the pitch in 2016 as he was dealt a significant knee injury during pre-season that resulted in him missing the entire season.

“Kyle has exactly the same values as Lance. He’s a hardworking player, organized and disciplined. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see him this year due to his injury, but I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised with him in 2017,” said Dalglish.

Despite his absence from the playing field, Venter became the most visible member of Fury FC in the community and his dedication saw him win the club’s Community Award for his work off the field that saw Venter work with youth in schools, camps, soccer practice and other community outreach programs.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back for another season with Fury FC, “said Venter. “I'm so blessed and humbled to have another opportunity to continue to play the game I love, in a great city, and for a great organization. I'm looking forward to getting to work with this team again”

After signing four Canadians last week, Venter and Rozeboom are the first two Americans to sign with the club for the 2017 season, joining Carl Haworth, Eddie Edward, Jamar Dixon and Andrew MacRae.