NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Announces Trade for Indy Eleven Forward Pedro Mendes

Published on August 14, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minneapolis, Minn. (Thursday, August 14th, 2014) -- Minnesota United today announced a trade with Indy Eleven. Minnesota will receive forward Pedro Mendes from Indy Eleven in exchange for cash considerations. Mendes is a veteran in the North American Soccer League, scoring 12 goals since 2012.

"The opportunity opened up where we could get another quality player on the roster and add some depth to forward position," said Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "He's done well in our league over the last couple years. We're excited to have him for our second half of the season. He works really hard and he's scored some outstanding goals over the last couple years in the league. I think he's got a lot of talent and a big upside for years to come."

The 6'0", 24-year-old Brazilian has risen through the ranks of the U.S. soccer pyramid to make it to the NASL. Mendes spent the early years of his career playing in the amateur ranks, playing for DV8 Defenders of the USASA and Rhode Island Reds of the NPSL. Pedro joined Cal FC, pulling off huge upsets against the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL PRO and Portland Timbers of MLS in the U.S. Open Cup in 2012.

Mendes signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks midway through the 2012 season and remained with the team through the 2013 season. He played against his twin brother, Paulo, in the Soccer Bowl when Atlanta was defeated by the New York Cosmos. Mendes scored 12 goals in 33 appearances for the Silverbacks.

The Brazilian joined Indy Eleven in December 2013 as the fourth player on the roster and the first with NASL experience. He has featured in the starting 11 four times, and subbed in eight times, playing a total of 456 minutes for Indy.

Mendes now joins fellow Brazilians Pablo Campos, Tiago Calvano, Cristiano Dias, Daniel Mendes, and Juliano Vicentini at Minnesota. He will add to the already potent offense United has become famous for, as it looks to secure home-field advantage in The Championship.

"I am very excited, Minnesota is a great team and has a great coach," said Mendes. "I can't wait to get to Minnesota and help out the team. I remember the United fans are great, they bring a lot of positive energy and that is a plus. I know the fans are great."

United also has loaned forward Nate Polak to Oklahoma City Energy FC of the USL PRO. Polak will remain with the team for the remainder of the USL PRO season, which ends in September.

With the signing of Mendes, Minnesota's current 2014 roster consists of the following 28 players:

Goalkeepers: Andrew Fontein, Mitch Hildebrandt, and Matt VanOekel

Defenders: Tiago Calvano, Justin Davis, Cristiano Dias, Brent Kallman, Brian Kallman, Aaron Pitchkolan, Tyler Polak, and Kevin Venegas

Midfielders: Omar Daley, Floyd Franks, Mozzi Gyorio, Miguel Ibarra, Greg Jordan, Michael Reed, Kentaro Takada, Juliano Vicentini, and Jamie Watson

Forward: Simone Bracalello, Rafael Burgos, Pablo Campos, Daniel Mendes, Pedro Mendes, Nate Polak, Mackenzie Pridham, and Christian Ramirez.

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