Quick Facts
Biography
Ashani Fairclough (born August 7, 1992) is a Jamaican footballer who currently plays for Seattle Sounders FC 2 in the USL. Ashani started off his career as a technically gifted central midfielder and a very good reader of the game. He later captained his country at the U17 level in 2007 when he was just fifteen years old. A year later he was recruited by various college scouts and chose to attend The University of South Florida. At USF he was converted into a center back by the head coach George Kiefer. He quickly adjusted and impressed under his new role while forming strong partnership with fellow countryman Brenton Griffiths. He is one of the youngest Jamaican athletes ever to go to college at just sixteen years old.
Career
College and amateur
Fairclough played four years of college soccer at the University of South Florida between 2009 and 2012. While at college, Fairclough also appeared for USL PDL club VSI Tampa Flames during their 2012 season.
Professional
Fairclough wasn't drafted in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, but signed with Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC on March 22, 2013 after a strong pre-season on trial. However, he was waived by Seattle on June 27, 2013 without having made a first-team appearance.
Fairclough signed with USL Pro club Wilmington Hammerheads on April 2, 2014. Fairclough was named to the USL Pro team of week on May 6, 2014. At the end of 2014 USL PRO season, Fairclough was named to the USL PRO first team of the year.
International
Fairclough was a member of the 2009 Jamaica national U20 team.
Honors
Individual
- USL Pro All-League First Team: 2014