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Free Agent Watch: Chandler Hoffman

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 11/15/16, 3:01PM EST

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Standout forward has more than 30 goals in the USL in three seasons


Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

Chandler Hoffman finished tied for fourth in the USL this past season with 14 goals for Louisville City FC, but is now a free agent after the club announced last week he wouldn’t be returning for the 2017 USL season.

With more than 30 goals in his USL career over the past three seasons, including USL All-League First Team selection in 2014 for the LA Galaxy II, here are five places that could be ideal landing spots for the standout striker for next season.

Richmond Kickers

The Kickers had everything they needed to be a serious contender at the top of the Eastern Conference in 2016 except for a consistent threat in the penalty area. Midfielder Yudai Imura led the team with 10 goals, and no one else on the side notched more than four, as Richmond recorded its lowest goals output since 2012. With Hoffman getting service from the likes of Sunny Jane, Brian Ownby and Imura, that would almost certainly change.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Hoffman has experience here, having scored four goals in 10 appearances for the Switchbacks on loan from the Houston Dynamo in 2015. Colorado Springs also failed to break the 40-goal mark in the regular season, and with the side’s commitment to providing consistent service into the penalty area from out wide, Hoffman’s ability to find space to finish in the area could be a good fit.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

The Riverhounds scored the fewest goals of any side in the Eastern Conference in 2016 with just 31, but have the potential pieces that could turn things around quickly. Hoffman’s ability to combine at the top of the penalty area would fit in well with what Kevin Kerr brings to the table, and would also bring the much-needed excitement of a big-name signing to Highmark Stadium as the side looks to bounce back into the postseason.

OKC Energy FC

Energy FC’s attack went from boom in 2015 to bust in 2016, something that Hoffman could readily address. OKC plays the type of up-tempo game that would look to get him in behind the defense, and also has thrived on strong wide play that would provide the service Hoffman would be looking for from 12 yards and in. With the pieces OKC has in place, Hoffman could be the cherry up top that helps lead the club to its first silverware.

FC Cincinnati

There’s a major “if” included in this potential scenario, but if 2016 USL Golden Boot winner and Most Valuable Player Sean Okoli does move on from Cincinnati, FCC could have a ready-made replacement in Hoffman. With the likes of Jimmy McLaughlin, Corben Bone and Casey Townsend on hand to provide service, Hoffman’s finishing would allow FCC’s attack to continue on from where it left off last season, and would bring a fascinating undercurrent to the River Cities Cup meetings between the club and Louisville throughout the season. 

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