The Rochester Rhinos announced on Wednesday that they have acquired the services of forward Warren Ukah (pronounced U-cuh) and defender Ty Harden.Warren Ukah, a 24-year old native of Atlanta, Georgia, had been playing for Portland Timbers U23's in the USL Premier Development League.
Ukah began his professional career in 2003 with Village United in the Jamaican National Premier League. Following that season he returned to the United States to play the summer season with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Pro Soccer League. After another stint with Village United during the 2004-2005, Ukah then returned to U.S. soil to play for the Virginia Beach Mariners in the USL Second Division.
Ukah signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division in 2006, spending three seasons with the Silverbacks, missing much of the 2008 season with injuries. Ukah signed with the Milwaukee Wave of Major Indoor Soccer League in 2007 after the Silverbacks folded and was named to the 2007-2008 MISL All Rookie Team.
Ukah's one year deal with the Rhinos is pending USL and USSF approval.
Harden who joins the Rhinos on loan from the Colorado Rapids is 25 years old and a native of Oregon. Drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) in the second round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, he earned club honors for Rookie of the Year and set a then-rookie record for starts among first year players. Harden took off the following the season to pursue charitable endeavors.
After his rights were transferred to the Colorado Rapids in early 2009 Harden resumed his professional career joining former Rhino defender Scott Palguta and Assistant Coach Steve Guppy, with the Rapids.
Harden was a regular for four years at the University of Washington, playing every match his first two seasons before a minor injury in his junior year. He was named team captain as a junior and senior. Before that, he was Oregon's class 3A Player of the Year twice as a junior and senior. Harden is on loan until July 26.
"Warren's experience will give a little bit more depth in the forward department" said Tilley. "Harden will provide us some experience along the back for the time that he will be with us. I feel that they will both be an asset to our squad"
CLUB ANNOUNCES TICKET PROMOTIONS
The Rochester Rhinos have announced new ticket promotions in celebration of their U.S. Open Cup championship in 1999. The Champions Pack, starting at $12.00, includes one ticket to the Rhinos June 30th U.S. Open Cup match against the Columbus Crew at Marina Auto Stadium and one ticket to the Rhinos July 5th home match against the Austin Aztex at 3:00 p.m. The first one hundred orders will also receive a free Rhinos t-shirt. The deadline to purchase the package is 5:00 p.m. on June 30th.
The club also offers a Family Pack package which includes four reserved endzone tickets for $19.99 and for the same price a ticket in the Famous Dave's Corner Kick Lounge which includes three 16 ounce beers and all-you-can-eat wings.
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