Oakland County's Premier Pre-Professional Soccer Club

2018 Roster

Club and Roster Continue Path of Growth

27 Apr 2018
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Written by Robert Kerr, Staff Writer

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Oakland County Football Club’s roster has continued to swell, as the club itself grows ahead of the 2018 season. In a busy period, which saw the club announce partnerships with local community organizations and new broadcasters, OCFC announced the signings of some exciting players. As the season draws ever nearer, the squad grows bigger and the intensity to earn a starting spot for Oakland County FC’s season opener, on May 12, grows with each training session.

Belal Khoulani

Oakland County strengthened their midfield and team leadership with the announcement of Belal Khoulani. The captain of the outstanding Schoolcraft College soccer team is a 20-year-old native of Flint. The player had spent the past two years as a regular in the Ocelots midfield, after having played for the Vardar youth development academy.

“I have not played at Clawson Stadium before, but I am definitely excited to play there this year! Im looking forward to having a great season with the boys in Purple!”

Tariq Akeel

An Ivy League Alumni was introduced to their midfield with the announcement of Tariq Akeel. The Rochester Hills native comes to OCFC after graduating from Brown University. The 6”1’ Akeel had an esteemed four year collegiate playing career. While a Brown Bear, Akeel appeared in 68 games, scoring 12 goals and 6 assists. Akeel earned numerous awards for his efforts on and off the field before joining OCFC, including All-Ivy league honors and was a four-year letter winner for Detroit Country Day High School.

Demetri Pliakos

Next up: A Titan. University of Detroit’s Demetri Pliakos joins the growing number of Rochester Hills natives to join OCFC. Pliakos has just finished his freshman collegiate season, where he featured in 12 games, playing 293 minutes, and recording an assist.

“Im excited to be a part of OCFC this summer. The club is doing a lot of exciting things for Clawson and the surrounding communities. It would be great for us to represent OCFC, well, for our fans on the field, and in the community as well.”

Pliakos enjoyed a stellar four spell at Rochester High School, where he was a four-year letter winner and was voted All-State First-Team Honors as a senior.

Vincent Vultaggio

Vincent Vultaggio, an attacking midfielder, was the next exciting young player to be introduced to the squad. The 19-year-old comes to OCFC after playing Internationally for San Marino’s under-21 team, as well as with Hawkeye Community College in Iowa. Vultaggio has appeared three times for the San Marino’s under-21 team during their ongoing UEFA U-21 Championship qualifying campaign, racking up 238 minutes thus far.

Julian Birge

Oakland County’s defense gets a boost with the announcement of Julian Birge. The former Alma College team-captain returns to the club after playing several matches for both the first and reserve team last season. While at Alma College, the East Lansing native appeared 73 times and was on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll all four years.

“I played a couple games at Clawson City Stadium with the OCFC reserves team last summer. My personal goal for this season is to play as many games as I can, and help the team win as many games as we can. As a team, I want us to compete in our league and approach every game like we are capable of winning it.”

Mike Machila

Adding to OCFC’s strike force is 21-year-old forward Michael Machila. The West Bloomfield native recently completed two free-scoring seasons with Schoolcraft College. In 27 total appearances for the Ocelots, Machila netted an impressive 24 times and assisted on 11 more. The forward is definitely ready to continue his scoring form for the men in Purple.

“I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the [Clawson] area. The goal is to help the team win trophies this year. [OCFC] is a great club to be a part of. Winning something would be a great way of giving back to the club and fans.”

Vittorio Sbrocca

Rounding out Thursday came the announcement of tall defensive midfielder Vittorio Sbrocca to the 2018 roster. The Shelby Township native comes to OCFC after playing collegiately for Oakland University. Sbrocca is currently coaching for Michigan Revolution and couldn’t turn down the chance to play for Clawson’s new team.

“I am very honored to have the opportunity to play with OCFC in 2018. When the opportunity came about, I knew I would have to follow up on it because of how young and up-and-coming OCFC is. They have a great community presence and that was something I had to be a part of. After teaming up with Michigan Revolution, the club I coach for, it also will serve  as a great opportunity for the youth players to see the game played at a very high level. The UPSL attracts some of the top college and former college players from around the country. I am excited to see what the 2018 season has in store for me, my team, and the community of Clawson.”

The players who earn starting spots for the May 12, season opener at Clawson Stadium will be the first players to wear the Supporters’ Trust selected jersey. An experience only Oakland County FC offers to it’s fans and players. The 2018 kit will be unveiled at the Supporters’ Trust preseason party on May 10. The opportunity to join the Oakland County FC Supporters’ Trust is available until May 1. Join the Trust.
OCFC will play in it’s first season in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).
The nation-spanning UPSL expanded to the region after the 2017 season, and created the UPSL’s Midwest Conference – East region. The division consists of six teams; four teams from Michigan, and one each from Indiana and Ohio. Oakland County FC will kickoff their home opener on May 12, against the Indiana Old Bhoys at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

About Oakland County FC

Oakland County Football Club is a Semi-Professional soccer team dedicated to providing a remarkable on-field product as well as an unforgettable game day experience. OCFC will strive to bring high-level soccer and entertainment to Oakland County and surrounding communities. Additionally, we aim to cater to every audience, both youth and adult. OCFC’s long-term vision is to create a community backed club sponsored by both local and regional organizations, which will give back to the residents of the community in the form of pride and involvement.

 

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