Two weeks ago, former University of Evansville standout Alec Dufty thought he might be playing soccer in Puerto Rico. Today, the goalkeeper is assured of staying much closer to home. Dufty has signed a contract with AC St. Louis, a first-year franchise in the newly formed North American Soccer League.

Dufty was the Purple Aces' Most Valuable Player in 2008 and the Most Valuable Defensive Player in 2007 and 2008. He was an all-Missouri Valley Conference goalkeeper both years, posting a 1.43 goals-allowed average in 2007 and 1.45 average in 2008. Dufty led Coach Mike Jacobs' squad to winning seasons in all three of his years at Evansville. He was signed by Red Bull New York last March, and appeared in one game for the MLS team, earning Man of the Match honors in a shutout against Houston.

AC St. Louis will begin training on Tuesday at the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Complex in Creve Coeur. Claude Anelka is head coach of the club. Anelka recently served as head coach of FC Trappes in France, and has coached at a variety of levels over the past decade in Europe and the United States. Anelka is the older brother of current France international Nicolas Anelka, who plays for Chelsea FC.

Former Manchester United Academy director Francisco Filho will serve as director of player development for AC St. Louis. Filho previously instructed youth players for the French Football Federation at their prestigious academy located at Clairefontaine. Filho has overseen the development of such international stars as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Jean Pierre Papin, and Nicolas Anelka. Filho will now be responsible for the development of youth players for both AC St. Louis, and its sister franchise, Saint Louis Athletica of the WPS.

AC St. Louis is one of the charter members of the recently formed North American Soccer League. The NASL includes St. Louis, Miami, Tampa Bay, Carolina, Atlanta, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Baltimore, Rochester, and Minnesota.

AC St. Louis and Saint Louis Athletica will call The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park home. The schedule includes 30 matches, beginning with the regular season opener April 10 at Carolina. The first home match is April 17 against the Austin Aztex.

Click here for more on AC St. Louis signings.