Western's Gasecki Signs Pro Deal With St. Louis

The former men's soccer defender is among the first eight to sign with the USL PRO expansion club.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Former Western Illinois men's soccer player, Oskar Gasecki, becomes the latest Leatherneck to join the professional ranks; inking a deal with St. Louis FC of the United Soccer League's Pro Division (USL PRO), the expansion club announced Tuesday (Jan. 20).

Gasecki's signing makes the defender one of the first eight players to join the organization as it prepares for its inaugural season this spring.

Prior to signing with St. Louis FC, the Gurnee, Illinois native played internationally with Borussia Dortmund of Bundesliga and with the U-18 Polish National Team in addition to his two years at Western Illinois. The South African-born (Trichardt) footballer's pedigree comes, in part, from his father who played professionally in Poland.

"It's great to see Oskar back with the elite," said Western Illinois men's soccer head coach Dr. Eric Johnson. "Seeing him bounce back from his experience in Europe is good, and this is a perfect situation for him to continue playing professionally while also working on finishing his degree here at Western."

While playing at Western, under coach Johnson, Gasecki was named Second Team All-Summit League, All-Newcomer and Summit League All-Tournament team in 2009 while helping the Fighting Leathernecks win their fifth Summit League Tournament Title and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Following the 2010 season, Gasecki left WIU to play professionally in Europe. Now that he is back in the States, the 24 year old is taking online classes through Western to work towards finishing his degree.

This announcement comes right on the heels of former Leatherneck goalkeeper, Stephen Paterson, signing with the Missouri Comets of the MASL. Other notable Purple and Gold men's soccer alums who have, or are still playing professionally include Dave Dir ('81, NASL) and Kosuke Kimura ('06, MLS). Recent WIU graduate, Charlie Bales, and senior Yves Dietrich are also currently training as prospects for the professional ranks.

Some of the information and facts in this story were provided courtesy of Saint Louis FC. A full release from the club on Gasecki's signing can be found HERE.

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#1 Yves Dietrich: GK; 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater

#2 Charlie Bales: D; 5' 8"; Senior; Xavier

Players Mentioned

#1 Yves Dietrich
: 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater
: GK

#2 Charlie Bales
: 5' 8"; Senior; Xavier
: D

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Players Mentioned

#1 Yves Dietrich

#2 Charlie Bales

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#1 Yves Dietrich

#2 Charlie Bales