John returns to USL-1 in Miami
T&T international joins Blues after four years in MLS
Miami FC Blues News Release -
www.miamifc.comThursday, May 1, 2008
MIAMI, FL -- Miami FC officially welcomed today three new players to its roster for the remainder of the 2008 season. The signings included two defenders and a goalkeeper; likely to strengthen the team’s defense debilitated by recent injuries.
“I am still looking to have between 24 to 26 players signed however I will continue to exercise patience in holding out to make sure that we only accept the highest caliber of player to represent this organization,” Miami FC head coach Zinho said after the announcement.
John spent the last four years in New Enland (mlsnet.com)Perhaps the most significant signing of the trio is defender Avery John, the Trinidad and Tobago National who spent the last four years playing for the New England Revolution of MLS. He was also a central part of the 2006 Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Defense which earned international respect after holding Sweden to a 0-0 draw.
After a decorated college career at the American University in Washington D.C. the 32-year-old Point-Fortin native began his professional career in 1999 playing for the Boston Bulldogs, formerly of the American A-League (now known as USL-1) under head coach Steve Nicol, who coincidently later went on to be Avery’s head coach with the New England Revolution.
“I’ve played with a couple of teams in the USL-1 (formerly the American A-League) and I am aware of the level of talent that exists in the league,” Avery said during a recent phone call as he was packing for Miami. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in Miami and contribute as soon as possible. This is all about winning a championship for me.”
Making his debut at right-back this past weekend in Puerto Rico sporting the number 2 jersey was new signing Eddie “Moto” Gutierrez, who comes by way of the Fresno Fuego of the Premier Development League.
Gutierrez certainly appeared to earn the respect of the Miami FC coaching staff after playing a full 180 minutes in two games in his debut in Puerto Rico. “Eddie demonstrated an excellent strategic knowledge of the game, and knows how to play his position well,” remarked Zinho. “In my mind, his debut was definitely one of the highlights of this past series in Puerto Rico.”
Also, signed as a backup goalkeeper to Josh Saunders this season is Sam Reynolds, the son of MLS’s Chicago Fire assistant coach Craig Reynolds. LikeSaunders, Reynolds is also a California native.
Reynolds has played in matches for Toronto FC and Chivas USA of MLS, as well as a stint with the Portland Timbers of USL-1 back in 2005. He earned honorable mention All-Big West Conference honors during his college career at Cal State Fullerton, and posted outstanding numbers at Davis High under Coach Ashley Yudin by allowing only 7 goals in a combined 30 matches.
“It is a privilege to play under a guy like Zinho, and to be able to work with goalkeeper coach Ricardo Lopes,” said Reynolds. “I really owe a lot respect and appreciation to my high school coach Ashley Yudin, and U.S. National Team goalie coach Zach Abdel, and my parents because they have given me the tools that I feel are necessary to come in and make an impact here in Miami.”
Miami FC returns home to Tropical Park Stadium on Sunday, May 4th to take on the Carolina Railhawks (1-0-1) at 6:00pm. Festivities are set to begin at 5:00pm for the official “Cinco de Mayo” celebrations, with live music and giveaways. Tickets are available through
www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-57-MIAMI. Miami FC games can be watched live at
www.usllive.com.
Kingman
