FC Arizona hoping addition of Lee Lynch brings a little luck of the Irish

PHOENIX — FC Arizona soccer player Lee Lynch is a long way from home.

The midfielder joined FC Arizona from his hometown club Limerick, in Ireland, in hopes of one day playing in a top division in the United States.

FC Arizona currently plays in the National Premier Soccer League, which is a fourth-tier league. Owner Scott Taylor thinks Lynch and the team can improve their standing together.

“I think he’s a quality guy; we’re excited that he’s here,” Taylor said. “We’re looking to go to a higher league and that’s one of the reasons he came.”

Lynch almost didn’t join the team. Taylor had ambitions of moving up to the North American Soccer League, had that league been approved for second-division status.

NASL didn’t earn the status, but Lynch decided it didn’t matter.

“I wasn’t meant to come out until July 1st but unfortunately the NASL didn’t go ahead this season,” he said. “I decided to still come out after speaking with Scott and (head coach) Maxi (Viera) and just get used to the surroundings and stuff like that.”

Desert life has been good so far for Lynch.

“It’s lovely here; my girlfriend came out with me for the first two weeks,” Lynch said. “So I’ve just been traveling around to all the local spots. Just before she went home we went to Sedona, it was really nice, really beautiful.”

Arizona is unlike anything he’s used to.

Lynch started his youth career with West Bromwich Albion in England. Since, has played in Europa League and the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, an impressive resume for a fourth-division soccer player.

He has played on several Irish teams since 2010.

Viera is happy to have a player of Lynch’s caliber on the team. It’s not every day a team signs a player who has gone through a European country’s top flight.

“He’s bringing the experience of being a first-division player overseas,” Viera said. “He’s a natural leader, he doesn’t like to lose and also he brings to the organization and his teammates honesty in what he does, because this is his life and he puts 100 percent in that.”

Viera also praises the way Lynch handles himself off the field, when the cameras aren’t around.

“He’s a very humble guy for the accomplishments that he has,” Viera said.  “He’s welcomed anywhere because of his character. He’s always extending his hand to help, he’s very generous and always there for anybody who needs him.”

The team hopes his advice can help after last year’s disappointing finish. The team went undefeated during the regular season only to lose in the NPSL West Region Quarterfinals.

This season has started slow as well, but signings like Lynch show the team’s ambition.

We’re gelling together, it’s going to take time,” Lynch said. “We have a lot of new players, I think results will come for us fast.”