Hammerheads Add Four Players Out of California
March 2, 2011 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - The Wilmington Hammerheads have added four former Ventura County Fusion players to their 2011 team. Dylan Riley, Ivan Becerra, Manny Guzman, and Hakop "Jack" Avesyan have all signed with the Hammerheads, pending USL and USSF approval.
After recruiting four players from the Fusion squad, Hammerhead Head Coach David Irving is pleased with his relationship with the PDL team.
"We have a good working relationship with the Fusion, and I believe it will continue to grow. There is a lot of great talent on the West Coast, and the Fusion is helping to bring that talent to Wilmington," said Irving.
Originally from o "San Luis Potos, San Luis Potos" San Luis Potos, Mexico, Ivan Becerra brings both skill and experience to the Hammerhead squad. He has seen action in the MLS playing for the Columbus Crew in 2006 and 2007, and also with the Portland Timbers in 2010. Becerra was a part of the successful Ventura County Fusion PDL team in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and is currently a trainee with the LA Galaxy.
Out of Thousand Oaks, California, Dylan Riley has been a member of the Ventura County Fusion since their inaugural season in 2007. In 2009, Dylan helped the Fusion to win the PDL National Championship, and in 2010 was named Team Captain.
Riley attended California State Northridge where he was a four year starter and made at least one start at every position, excluding goalie. He was named part of the SoccerAmerica national team of the week twice, and was a two-time Big West Player of the Week.
A graduate of California State University, Manny Guzman was a 2 year starter for the Ventura County Fusion in 2009 and 2010. With the Fusion, Guzman has competed against teams including the L.A. Galaxy, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Chivas U.S.A., Portsmouth FC (EPL), the Mexico under 23 National Team, Real Salt Lake, and the Columbus Crew.
In 2007, Guzman was named Team Captain for the PDL's Bakersfield Brigade and was the player with the most minutes on the team.
Hakop "Jack" Avesyan, out of Hollywood, California, was also a standout player on the Ventura County Fusion. Avesyan was a part of the 2009 National Championship team, and also scored goals against Portsmouth FC and the San Jose Earthquakes. At the age of 18, Avesyan became a part of the Armenian National Soccer Team and competed in the Armenian Olympics.
The Hammerheads begin their season at home on April 16, 2011 against the Rochester Rhinos. Ticket prices for games are $10 of adults, $8 for seniors (65+), and $6 for children 12 & under. Special group ticket rates are available. Contact the Hammerhead office for more information.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 2, 2011
- Kickers and RoomStore World Team Up - Richmond Kickers
- Rattlers Announce 33 Players Signed for the 2011 Season - Rochester Rhinos
- Hammerheads Add Four Players Out of California - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Challenge Cup to Feature USSF Academy Tournament - Charleston Battery
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