In his first season with the Impact in the North American Soccer League (NASL), Camara, 27, was named the team’s most valuable player in 2011. He was also selected to the league’s Best XI Team. Camara finished tops on the team with 22 starts in 22 games (1949 minutes played). He also tallied two goals and one assist for a total of five points.
Camara belonged to French first division club l’Olympique de Marseille in 2006 and 2007, alongside Franck Ribéry, Samir Nasri, Mamadou Niang, Djibril Cissé, Habib Beye and Sabri Lamouchi.
He then played for SC Bastia, appearing in 43 games in Ligue 2 in France, as well as four games in the Coupe de France tournament, from 2008 to 2010.
“This deal represents a good opportunity for Hassoun to play at a higher level and to challenge himself,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. “For the club, it’s an opportunity to add a quality player to our roster. At the same time, it brings continuity from the 2011 season for our debut next year in MLS.”
“It is with great pride and joy that I am joining the Impact in MLS in 2012,” said Hassoun Camara. “I hope to continue improving as a player and to live some great experiences with the club. I am pleased that I have earned the confidence of the management and I hope to make them proud on the pitch.”
The player of Senegalese descent started his professional career in the CFA (4th division) with club Olympique Noisy-le-Sec Banlieue 93, from 2003 to 2006. He was recruited by the club in 1995, when he was just 11 years old.
He joined the Impact on February 7, 2011, after participating in the team’s invitational training camp in January.
On October 3, the Impact made Colombian defender Nelson Rivas its first MLS signing for next season.
HASSOUN CAMARA
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’2
Weight: 167 lbs
Date of Birth: February 3, 1984, Noisy-le-Sec (France)
Hometown: Noisy-le-Sec (France)
Former club: Montreal Impact (NASL 2011)
Acquired: October 10, 2011
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