Former UConn Star Signs With Norwegian Club

Gbandi Won Hermann Trophy With Huskies

February 11, 2008

UConn product and FC Dallas defender Chris Gbandi’s transfer to Norwegian club FK Haugesund has been finalized after initial announcements that the former No. 1 pick had been moved for about $100,000 were first reported by Soccer America a little over a week ago.

Former UConn standout Chris Gbandi (left), shown here with FC Dallas, signed with a Norwegian club. (Photo source: liberiansoccer.com)

Haugesund is part of Norway’s second division, which doesn’t start its season until next month.

Gbandi was drafted by Dallas first overall in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft after a much-heralded career at UConn, where in 2000 he won the Hermann Trophy, given annually to the best player in college soccer. He was also a finalist for the prestigious award in 1999 and 2001 and a two-time All-American First Team member in ’00 and ’01.

Although Gbandi had been just on trial with Haugesund during this MLS offseason, the Dallas coaching continued to make moves as if he was already gone.

The Liberia native finished his MLS career with three goals and eight assists manning mostly the left side of the defense in 111 games played.

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