FC Tampa Bay Continues to Build Strong Squad with Latest Additions
February 8, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
FC Tampa Bay announces the signing of American defender Frankie Sanfilippo, who was a regular starter last season for the Rochester Rhinos in the USSF Division II Professional League (USSF D-2), and 2010 team leading goal scorer Aaron King to a new contract. Sanfilippo's deal is a one-year contract followed by a one-year club option for 2012. King was already signed with FC Tampa Bay for the 2011 season, but the new deal gives FC Tampa Bay a one-year club option for 2012.
King finished the 2010 FC Tampa Bay season with 28 appearances, including 12 starts, and 24 points, which ranked him first on the team and fourth overall in USSF D-2. King scored the first goal in the team's history on April 16, 2010 in a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace Baltimore.
"Aaron's 2010 numbers speak for themselves," said Team President and Owner Andrew Nestor. "He's a good teammate in the club house and a good member of the Tampa community as well."
King was drafted in the fourth round (48th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy and later played for the Charleston Battery from 2007-2008. He played for the Battery in 62 games, scoring 10 goals in two seasons.
Prior to joining FC Tampa Bay in 2010, King played for Miami FC during the 2009 season, scoring three goals during his five appearances.
While with the Rhinos in 2010, Sanfilippo started in 28 of the 30 matches, helping Rochester win the 2010 USSF D-2 Regular Season Championship. He gathered 2,520 minutes on the field and scored one goal and one assist.
"With the addition of Frankie, we have strengthened our backline, as well as our locker room," said Executive Vice Presid
ent, Technical Director and Director of Player Development Perry Van Der Beck. "His experience and leadership will be a valuable asset to our already strong and talented roster for this upcoming season."
Sanfilippo was drafted in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft as the sixth round pick (56th overall) by the San Jose
Earthquakes. In 2005, Sanfilippo signed with the Rhinos. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, he led the team to the USL-1 Championship as their star defender and was named to the 2006 USL-1 All-Star Team. In 2007, Sanfilippo joined the Carolina RailHawks for two years, serving as team captain both seasons. Sanfilippo played the 2009 season with the Charleston Battery before re-joining the Rhinos in 2010.
Other FC Tampa Bay Player News:
Midfielder Jeremy Christie will undergo hip surgery this week and will be sidelined for three months, including the first month of the regular season
North American Soccer League Stories from February 8, 2011
- Strikers Re-Sign Three Players - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- FC Tampa Bay Continues to Build Strong Squad with Latest Additions - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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