Rhinos add international experience
oursportscentral.com
Rochester Rhinos President and General Manager Matthew Ford announced today that the club has signed Trinidad and Tobago Defender David Atiba Charles to the roster along with Ecuadorian defender/midfielder Juan Pablo Reyes and Canadian forward Evan Milward. All contracts are subject to USL and USSF approval. "We've had a busy week of signings and transfers and we're delighted to bring such talent on board," said Ford. "Atiba will be a great presence in the back with his pace and experience."
Atiba joins Rochester with 23 full international caps and was part of the 2006 Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Squad. The 30 year old 6'2 central defender played most recently with W-Connection in the T&T First Division and spent the 2006-7 season with Glenavon in the Irish Premier League. Atiba will add strength and depth to an already stable central defensive unit that includes Palguta, Bonseu and Loera.
Juan Pablo (JP) Reyes comes to Rochester having spent the MISL season with the Orlando Sharks. On a recommendation from former Rhino and Shark player Bill Sedgewick, JP Reyes was invited in to pre -season camp with the Rhinos and impressed the coaching staff. "JP has played very well and his overall skill, quick feet and agility make him a very versatile player and a good asset for us," said Head Coach Darren Tilley.
Evan Milward will wear the Rhinos uniform in 2008 after playing for Toronto FC reserves in 2007. Milward is a University of Toronto product who most recently played in the Canadian Soccer League for the Canadian Lions. The quick and agile forward has impressed Tilley in the pre season games to date. "Evan is very quick and can be a great danger to any offense. He works hard and makes things happen out there. He's an exciting talent and he may surprise people this year," noted Tilley on the third of the Rhinos signings this week.
Reyes and Milward are expected to be in action this week as the Rhinos continue their pre-season campaign. Atiba will join the Rhinos the week of April 21st once his international clearance and transfer are complete.
Neither Reyes (US/Green Card Resident) or Milward (Canada) will count towards the Foreign Quota' of six players allowed on the roster. David Atiba Charles, Alfonso Loera, Hamed Diallo, Ze Roberto, Maurico Salles and Steve Guppy make up the foreign spots for the Rhinos. The Rhinos begin their 13th season on Friday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. in Charleston, SC, as they take on the two-time USL-1 champion Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. Rochester opens its 2008 home slate at PAETEC Park on Saturday, May 17th against Charleston at 7:35 p.m.
