Designed and maintained by Palmer Tingley, LLC - Business & Management Solutions, Marketing Communications, Public Relations - www.palmer-tingley.com

Web-hosting by Interactive E-Solutions www.iesolutions.us

© 2010 Baton Rouge Capitals

www.deborahjameskitchens.com

In the face of ferocious competition, Baton Rouge CULT Capitals has signed scintillating striker Brandon Chagnard to further indicate the club’s attacking intent for the upcoming season.

Capitals capture stand-out striker Chagnard

Comfortable with both feet and with a keen eye for goal, Chagnard has been a prolific goal-scorer and is delighted to make his commitment Capitals. His choice of Baton Rouge was made in the face of ferocious competition from both professional and other PDL franchises, and he arrives at the club following four successful seasons with rival Louisiana franchise, New Orleans.

Chagnard hit the radar as a product of Coach Hubie Collins at Jesuit High School and went on to play for the New Orleans, where he was their leading scorer for two of his four seasons there. 

Since then, Chagnard has had extensive trials in Europe, his latest being a three-week trial with Preston North End of the English Championship.  Brandon was evaluated by the coaching staff over his first week and they were delighted with what they saw and kept him for an extra two games, including a match against Manchester United at the Carrington Training Complex in Manchester, England. His abilities also led him to participate in the USL Combine in January.

Capitals’ General Manager Ben Callon, who arranged Chagnard’s trial at Preston, said "Brandon is only 21 years old and has great potential. As well as his PDL experience he has also spent time with clubs in Mexico and has wisely decided that another year in the PDL is what he needs to progress his career to the next level.”

Chagnard is currently coaching for Lakeview Soccer Club in New Orleans while finishing his business degree at the University of New Orleans. He is one of the most popular player/coaches in the area and his signing will mean his large following fan base will be excited to see him in new colours this season.

Capitals’ coach Stuart Hayers and GM Ben Callon have both played with Brandon for a number of seasons.  Hayers said, "Chags (as he is known among his team-mates) is as talented a player as I have seen. His calibre way exceeds PDL level and having him sign is a huge bonus for our club.  I didn’t expect Brandon to be available this season and we are lucky to be able to work with him."

Ben Callon added "Brandon is a perfect example of the type of player we want at Baton Rouge. We want to be able to place players at professional clubs, or at least give them the opportunity. This is what I was able to do for Brandon with Preston North End and he knows that with more high-quality coaching we will look to advance him further."
 
Chagnard expressed his excitement at signing for the Baton Rouge, but he said he is also apprehensive of playing for a new club for the first time at PDL level; while he is expecting a lot of competition for places at Capitals. "With the squad members I have seen I will have to work hard to earn my spot! I haven’t seen talent like this on any squad I have played on before and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Olympia Stadium.  I have always enjoyed the atmosphere there and now hope they will be cheering for me instead of against me!”