Crusaders Sign Former Orlando City Defender Bitielo Jean Jacques

Orlando, FL – The Central Florida Crusaders have announced the signing of former Orlando City and Haitian National Team defender, Bitielo Jean Jacques. 

“Bitielo is a player that I have gotten to know quite well over the past few years,” GM and Head Coach Tom Traxler said, “He's a savvy player and a wealth of knowledge about the game. I'm excited for him to join us this year.”

As a youth player growing up in Haiti, Jean Jaques was a part of the first-ever Haitian youth team to make it to the U-17 World Cup, where he started in all three matches. Following his success as a youth player, he transitioned to the professional level, starting his career in Puerto Rico. 

Jean Jacques then joined the Ocala Stampede of the PDL before making the jump to USL Pro, signing with VSI Tampa Bay in 2013. He then signed with Orlando City in 2014, their last season in USL Pro, making 10 appearances. 

Since then, Jean Jaques has played in the NPSL for both Kraze United and the Central Florida Panthers, while also notching seven caps for the Haitian Men's National Team. 

He has also begun pursuing a coaching career, with jobs at Trinity Prep, with the Central Florida Panthers, and with the Orlando City Academy, where he currently coaches U-16s through U-19s.

"I'm excited to play professionally again in Orlando," Jean Jaques said. "I can't wait to get started!"

The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's & Women's Division, competing in double header game days over a 20-game regular season that takes place between the months of December and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury, Memphis Americans, Rome Gladiators (Georgia), and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, while providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while providing high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve.