OLATHE, Kan. - Story | Former MNU defender Franztly Zephirin signed with the Tulsa Roughnecks of the United Soccer League (USL) on Wednesday. Zephirin played 2 seasons for the Pioneers (2015-2016) and was named NAIA 2nd-team All-American as a senior. MNU finished National Runner-Up in '15, and in '16 won the Heart Title while again reaching the National Tournament Final Site with Zephirin part of an elite defensive corps.
Zephirin reflected on his experience at MNU.
"My experience at MNU was one of the best experiences I have had in my soccer career," said Zephirin. "The soccer program is incredible. From the start, I felt like i was at home. I will always say that our coach put a lot on the line to bring me to MNU. Especially since he never saw me play. He always believed in me and always pushed me to my limits. The players on the team were incredible too. It helped having people that could speak French as well. On the scholar side, teachers and counselors were doing everything to help me especially with my English because it was not perfect. I just felt like I was part of a big family. I would say that a lot of players and coaches have inspired me to do better. Coach Wardlaw and Coach Gaspard were the most influential coaches I have ever had in my career. I think the player that had the biggest impact on my career was another player from MNU. Stephan Philippe was one of the best wing backs I had ever played with. Continuing to play, you pick up a lot of small things from each player to improve your game. For a player that wants to improve his game and have people to support you on the school side it is the best."
"I am super proud of Frantzly," said MNU head coach
Kevin Wardlaw. "He has always been a young man who won't take no for an answer. It is how he got to MNU, it is how he earned his degree, and it is now how he is living out his dream playing professional soccer. This is just the beginning for him, I have no doubt."
Tulsa Roughnecks F.C. was reborn in 2015 when the professional soccer club began play in the United Soccer League (USL). The Roughnecks play in the USL Championship, one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world. The 2017 season marked the Roughnecks most successful campaign, as the team earned its first-ever playoff appearance. For more information on Tulsa Roughnecks F.C. and ONEOK Field, please visit RoughnecksFC.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
