Empire Signs Alami to Multi-Year Contract Extension

Southern Californians secure key attacker through 2029-30 MASL campaign

Ontario, Calif. — The Empire Strykers today announced they have signed Mounir Alami to a new contract that will keep the 27-year-old with the Southern California-based side through the 2029-30 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) campaign. Securing the Moroccan's services long-term marks a key move for the Strykers as they look to build a roster capable of sustained success for years to come.

“I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity,” said Alami in a written statement. “This club has become like family, and I'm proud to continue representing it. The supporters, my teammates and the organization made it an easy decision. I can't wait to build on what we accomplished last season and to help bring even more success to the team. I'm ready to do whatever it takes for this group to compete for a championship, and I look forward to creating more great memories with the fans. Let's make this our best season yet!”

Mounir Alami joined the Strykers in the fall of 2024, opting to continue his career in Ontario despite interest from Spain and USL League One. Prior to his move stateside, Alami had come up through the academy of Morocco's EMC Oued-Zem before signing with topflight side RC Oued-Zem at the age of 17. A highly touted prospect at the time, the forward also represented his country as a youth international, including at the U-19 level.

After first arriving in the U.S., Alami played for several outdoor teams in Illinois, including Panathinaikos Chicago, Chicago FC United, Berber City FC and Chicago Nation FC. He also represented Berber City's indoor side.

In his maiden MASL campaign, the then 25-year-old made a notable impact, as he tallied 16 goals and 12 assists across 22 regular season matches and earned his place as one of three Rookie of the Year finalists. In 2025-26, he again ranked among his side's most dangerous offensive players, 15 goals and ten helpers in 21 regular season appearances bringing his career points-per-game average to 1.23. The forward has also recorded two netters and two assists in four career playoff games with Empire.

Head Coach Robert Palmer expressed his excitement about Alami's contract extension.

“Mounir is a massive asset on and off the field,” said the Jamaican. “His outstanding technical skill allows him to consistently impact the game in possession, but he's also one of the best players in the MASL on attacking transitions. With his speed and tight control, he's able to drive the ball forward and create quality chances for us. In addition, his character and leadership in the locker room are second to none. He sets an example every day through his professionalism, work ethic, and unselfish commitment to the group.”

With the new MASL campaign kicking off in late 2026, anyone looking to buy Empire Strykers single-game or season tickets should keep an eye out for the official schedule release in the fall. Strykers fan gear is available year-round at www.EmpireStrykersFanStore.com.

Established in 2013, the Empire Strykers are the Inland Empire's only professional soccer team and one of the flagship franchises of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Committed to excellence on and off the turf, the Strykers have set a benchmark via a range of community initiatives and youth soccer partnerships. The team plays its home games at Toyota Arena in Ontario. More information on the Empire Strykers may be found at www.TheEmpireStrykers.com.