Rochester Rhinos News Release – www.rhinossoccer.com
Friday, March 6, 2009
ROCHESTER, NY — Rochester Rhinos President Matthew Ford announced today that the club has signed midfielder Chris Nurse to a one -year deal and also agreed to the transfer of forward Taiwo Atieno for the 2009 season. Both signings are subject to USL and USSF approval along with international clearance.
The Rhinos announced the transfer of forward Taiwo Atieno to the Rhinos roster from the Charleston Battery. Charleston had previously traded with Puerto Rico in the offseason to acquire the services of the much sought-after forward.
“Tai made a massive impact in Puerto Rico, particularly against the Rhinos,” said Ford. “He has performed well against us in the past and scored some big goals. Whenever you come across a player that can cause your team so many problems, you want to have them on your side.”
Atieno, a 6’2” attacker with dual British/Kenyan nationality, scored five league goals for Puerto Rico in 2008 including an equalizer in Rochester on August 10th and a series-tying playoff goal in Puerto Rico in October.
“Tai is a fantastic find for us,” said Tilley. “He’s strong, holds the ball up well and knows where the goal is.”
Nurse, a 6’2, 175 pound, Croydon, England native, has just finished a professional contract with Tamworth of the English Conference North. Nurse, is a current Guyana international, appeared twice for his country in 2008.
Nurse has played extensively in the English Conference since 2004 with many clubs, including time with Aldershot Town, Stevenage Borough and two stints with Tamworth.
“Chris is a strong box to box midfielder who will give us another weapon at both ends of the field,” said Rhinos President and General Manager Matthew Ford. “We’ve seen what Chris can do and he’s exactly the type of ball-winner we need.”
Rhinos Head Coach Darren Tilley is thrilled with the Nurse signing. “Chris adds bite to our midfield and he’s very athletic,” said Tilley. “With his ability to win balls and get forward to join the attack, he’ll add a lot more versatility to the team.”
The Rhinos now have 17 players under contract for the 2009 season and will see over 30 players on trial in the next two weeks.
“I’m very happy with the roster,” noted Tilley. “We have improved the team dramatically with our new signings, complementing a very solid returning nucleus from last year.”
The Rhinos officially open training camp on March 19th.
