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Former Skyhawk in the wilds of England
Chorley FC recently signed former Fort Lewis College All-American John Cunliffe to a professional contract.
Chorley in Lancashire, England, competes in the Division One North of the Northern Premier League.
“John came highly recommended,” said Chorley manager Garry Flitcroft. “He was at Manchester United as a kid before moving to America, where he played for several clubs, including MLS teams the San Jose Earthquakes and Chivas USA.
“He’s looked bright in training and he has a decent goals record, so he could be an exciting addition to the squad.”
Cunliffe was a three-time All-American at Fort Lewis College, where he played from 2003 through 2006. He guided the Skyhawks to the 2005 NCAA Division II national championship and a runnerup finish in 2006. He was voted as 2006 NCAA Division II Player of the Year and was a three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Player of the Year. The RMAC named Cunliffe as MVP of the it’s All-Century Team in 2008. He is Fort Lewis College’s all-time leader in goals (75), assists (62) and total points (202).
Cunliffe was drafted seventh overall in the 2007 MLS Super Draft by Chivas USA. He made his MLS debut on April 7, 2007, against Toronto FC and assisted on the clinching goal in a 2-0 win. He scored his first MLS goal against the Kansas City Wizards on July 29, 2007.
Cunliffe finished his rookie campaign with Chivas USA with three goals and an assist. He was traded to San Jose in 2008, his final season in the MLS. Just prior to the start of the 2009 MLS season, Cunliffe was placed on waivers by San Jose. He later played for the Carolina RailHawks in the NASL Division of the USSF D2 Pro League in 2009.
“Obviously, we’re excited to see John back playing,” said Fort Lewis College men’s coach Oige Kennedy. “He stayed and helped us out last year as an assistant coach and it was great to have his experience. I know he’s happy to be back home in England and playing, where soccer is the main sport.”
Cunliffe, 26, was born in Bolton and as a schoolboy trainee, competed for both Manchester United and the Blackburn Rovers.
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