Loretto, PA -- Saint Francis men's soccer alumni Nick Kolarac (Pittsburgh, Pa./West Allegheny) signs with the Philadelphia Fury following his senior season with the Red Flash.  

"This has been an excellent summer for Nick and I am glad to see him sign a professional contract for the Philadelphia Fury," said head coach Michael Casper. "He has worked extremely hard over the last 4 years and I know it has always been a dream of his to play professional so I'm glad to see him earn that opportunity.  He is an excellent player who has made our program better.  I wish him all the best as he steps forward into this next phase of his soccer career. We are all extremely proud of him."

Kolarac, a 2013 first team Northeast Conference selection, led the 2013 squad in goals, (11) points, (26) and shots, (76). Kolarac is the SFU leader in career-shots in a season, (76) also ranking fifth in season total points, (26). Kolarac ranks second on the career shot list, (186) and fifth on the career point list, (50).

Attached below is the history of the Philadelphia Fury and a Q&A with Kolarac on his transition from college soccer to the professional level.

Philadelphia Fury History:

Originally founded in 1978, the Philadelphia Fury is an iconic American soccer brand. This original member of the North American Soccer League (NASL) will make its return to the American soccer scene in the 2012 season as a Premier-Level member of the United States Club Soccer's National Adult League (NAL). The rebirth of the Fury will allow Eastern Pennsylvania's premier soccer players to play at a highly competitive level with the long-term goal of becoming a professional franchise once again.  

Q&A with Kolarac:

Q: What was the experience like playing in the PDL League, and winning the championship?   
A: Playing in the PDL was a great experience for me. I had the pleasure of meeting new people from all over the states and the world making new friendships while also trying to get better as a soccer player. Winning a championship was an amazing feeling, something I have never felt before especially with the Michigan Bucks family. It really was special to win the PDL trophy for the fans, coaches and owner of the Bucks.
 
Q: What was it like having a teammate from Saint Francis on your team in Milwaukee? 
A: Having a teammate from Saint Francis up in Michigan was quality. It really helped knowing someone before going up and meeting a whole new group of guys. Plus there is nothing like the teammates at SFU everyone is a quality person and great friend to have a laugh with especially Francis de Vries (Christchurch, New Zealand/Cashmere High School ).
 
Q: What was living in a new area like after living in Loretto for four years? 
A: It was quite different just because we lived in a bigger city, but I am from Pittsburgh so it did not take me long to adjust at all. Especially with everyone helping you get used to the surrounding area.
 
Q: Which team will you be playing for in the fall, and what are you most looking forward to about the experience to play professionally? 
A: I am playing for a new professional team that just started up this year called the Philadelphia Fury in the American Soccer League. I am looking forward to getting to meet all the new teammates, playing at a very high level, and enjoying the game of soccer at a new level. The ownership group at the Fury seem like great guys who want to help you out as much as they can so it should be a good place for me to start my career and branch from here.  
 
Q: What were some adjustments you've had to make to your game since leaving SFU? 
A: Some adjustments I had to make to my game is becoming a little faster on the speed of play, and focusing more on agility and speed than the weight room. College ball is a little more grueling and a physical game than the PDL and ASL league where these leagues they rely more on technical ability. But, coach Casper does a wonderful job at SFU teaching all aspects of the game so the transition was not difficult one bit.