Force signs defender to contract

September 9, 2004 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Cleveland Force News Release


CLEVELAND, OHIO - Cleveland Force President and General Manager Paul Garofolo today announced the team has signed defender Rene Rivas (Rah-Nay Ree-Vas) to a two-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Rene is a very steady player that will bring a strong leadership quality to our back line and locker room. He also brings a level of tenacity to our defense which has been missing in recent seasons," stated Garofolo.

Rivas, a 35-year old defender and native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, last played indoor soccer in the 1996-97 season for the Buffalo Blizzard of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). Rene is currently playing for the Syracuse Salty Dogs in the A-League along with Force members Chris Dore, Ryan Hall and draft pick Tim O'Neill. This season for the Salty Dogs, Rivas appeared and started in 25 games and was second on the team in minutes played with 2,359. He recorded six goals and added one assist for a total of 13 points.

In his one season in the NPSL, Rene appeared in 33 games for the Blizzard and recorded 13 goals and added seven assists for a total of 34 points. In addition, he recorded 24 blocks.

Rivas has played professional in the Brazilian League with Botafogo FR and America FC and in Portugal with SC Campomaiorense, CD Santa Clara, Leca FC and Vial Real FC. In addition to the Salty Dogs, Rene spent one season with the Rochester Rhinos.



Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from September 9, 2004


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