Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ROCHESTER, NY -- Rochester Raging Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford announced today that the team has signed striker Mauricio Salles to a two-year deal. The Rhinos are taking Salles on loan from the New Jersey Ironmen of the Major Indoor Soccer League. The contract is pending U.S. Soccer Federation approval.

Salles, 29, has had an extremely impressive career that has taken him through leagues in his home country of Brazil, Ecuador, the USL First Division, the Major Indoor Soccer League and most recently the J-League of Japan.

"Mauricio is a player that has impressed since he came to the USL First Division four years ago," said Rhinos head coach Laurie Calloway. ""He’s a big, strong player that can be effective up top on attack or in the midfield. He has a tremendous left foot and can shoot from anywhere. He’s especially dangerous on set pieces."

After turning professional in 1997 with the Victoria Minerals in Brazil, Salles spent time with Atletico Pareanense (Brazil) and Botafogo (Brazil), before joining Omeldo soccer club in Ecuador.

In 2004, Salles began his USL-1 career, playing three seasons and leading his team in scoring each year. He spent 2004 with the then expansion Puerto Rico Islanders where he registered 11 goals and 24 points, good enough for sixth in the league’s goal-scoring standings. In 2005, Salles increased his goal total to 14 and his points to 29, good enough for third in the league’s goal-scoring standings. His strong play also earned him a spot on the USL All-League First Team. Salles joined the Montreal Impact for the 2006 season where he helped Montreal win the regular-season title, scoring nine goals, including five game-winning goals. His nine goals were good enough for sixth place in the league’s goal-scoring rankings. Salles played in 26 games for the Impact in 2006.

Salles was the only player in USL over that three-year period to finish in the top 10 in scoring each year. Matthew Delicate was the only player in that period to do it twice.

Salles joined Omiya Ardija of Japan’s J-League in 2007 after playing with the Detroit Ignition of the MISL. He has continued his indoor career this season with the New Jersey Ironmen. Salles has one three-point goal, eight two-point goals and six assists for 25 points in 12 games for the expansion Ironmen.

"Mauricio Salles is a tremendous addition to our squad," said Ford. "His ability to score goals and make things happen in dangerous areas will be a great asset for us."

"I am excited about playing for the Rochester Rhinos and I am happy to become part of a great club," said Salles. "I am also looking forward to playing for the great fans in Rochester. I’m looking forward to being part of this team and working hard to win games."

The Rochester Raging Rhinos also announced that the team has re-signed experienced Mexican defender Alfonso Loera to a two-year deal.
 
Loera, 29, rejoins the Rhinos for his second season after joining the team for its final two regular season games in 2007. Loera recorded an assist in the Rhinos’ 1-1 draw with the Atlanta Silverbacks in the first round of the United Soccer Leagues First Division playoffs.
 
“Alfonso brings tremendous experience to our team having spent a majority of his career in Mexico’s first division with Chivas,” said Rhinos Head Coach Laurie Calloway. “He’ll help us build out of the backfield.”
 
Prior to joining Rochester, Loera played six seasons with Chivas in Mexico's top division from 1998 to 2004. In 2004, he made the move north of the border and played 15 matches with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer. He went on to spend the 2005 season with Tapatio (Mexico) before joining Tabasco (Mexico) in 2006.
 
“Alfonso is one of the most composed and accomplished defenders to ever play in our league,” said Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford. “We saw great things in the short period that he was with us last year and we’re thrilled to have him back in Rochester again for two full seasons.”
 
Loera is the eighth defender signed to the Rhinos’ roster for 2008 as he bolsters the team’s already deep backfield.

The Rhinos also announced today that defender Kenney Bertz has signed with Elversberg in Germany’s Bundesliga Third Division. 
 
“We wish Kenney the best of luck on and off the field,” said Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford. “He was an important piece of our defense here in Rochester and his leadership was greatly valued.
  
Bertz made 46 appearances and started 45 matches for the Rhinos over the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He was named team Rookie of the Year in 2006 and tallied two goals and two assists during his tenure in the Rhinos black and white.

Next week, the Rhinos will start the search for additions to the team as they assess 55 players in the winter tryouts/combine held at Total Sports Experience in Rochester, NY. Players from 13 different nations will be represented as the Rhinos assess an abundance of talent from around the globe.

The Rhinos kick-off their 2008 campaign on Friday, May 2nd with a 7:30 p.m. match against the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. The Rhinos’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th at PAETEC Park. Rochester will open its home slate at 7:35 p.m. against the Battery. The 2007 Rhinos finished with a regular-season mark of 12-10-6 and fifth-place finish in the United Soccer Leagues First Division table.