FRESNO, Calif. – Central Valley Fuego FC announced today it has signed center back Michael Hornsby as the club continues to build its roster for its inaugural 2022 USL League One season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Originally from Biberach an der Riss, Germany, Hornsby has played at the collegiate level for Queens University of Charlotte and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. During his three seasons with QUC, the 23-year-old recorded 54 starts, 13 assists and six goals. He was also a three-time NCCSIA All-State honorees, including a pair of first-team commendations, and a two-time pick on United Soccer Coaches All-Region team. Hornsby later transferred to UNCW recording 23 starts and nine assists within two seasons. There he was a two-time All-Conference selection and holds the record for assists. 

“I am very excited to join Fuego FC. I have heard great things about the passionate fan base and soccer community that we have here and can’t wait to experience it,” said Hornsby. “I want to thank my parents for sacrificing a lot to help me get to this point. Also great thanks to coaches and teammates that I have played with that have developed me as a player. I’m looking to get started and hope to help the team have a successful season. Up the Fuego!” 

During Summer 2021, Hornsby competed for USL League Two side Tormenta FC 2. As a youth player he completed one season with Bundesliga Academy of SC Freiburg. He also played for Germany’s second highest youth division, FV Ravensburg U-19 recording six goals.