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NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Signs Dynamic Brazilian Midfielder

February 11, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Minneapolis, Minn. (Tuesday, February 11, 2014) -- Minnesota United FC announced it has signed Brazilian midfielder Juliano Vicentini. Juliano joins the club as the fourth offseason signing and second Brazilian-born signing. Vicentini, a technically gifted midfielder will add offensive ingenuity and creativity to United's roster heading into the 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) season.

"We are incredibly excited as a club," said United head coach Manny Lagos. "He has had a very good career in Brazil and Italy and he is a very well respected player. We are excited for him join the roster and help our club win games."

The 32 year old Vicentini, a 5'10" dynamic midfielder, joins United from the Brazilian side São Paulo Audax Sports Club. Vicentini started his career at Palmeiras of São Paulo in 1998 and has since played for several teams in Italy and Brazil, including Novora Calcio and Union Sportiva Lecce in Italy and Brazilian club America São Paulo.

"I am very happy and motivated to sign with Minnesota United," said Vicentini. "It is a new challenge in my life and I hope I will excel and be very successful with Minnesota. I hope I can help the team conquer all its goals this upcoming season. I am anxious to meet my new teammates and to start to train."

The signing of Vicentini, the second veteran Brazilian addition, makes it clear that the club is looking to build a strong championship roster of experienced players from around the globe. Vicentini becomes the fourth Brazilian-born player on Minnesota's roster, joining Tiago Calvano, Pablo Campos and Cristiano Dias.

"We want to always be open to looking for good quality players," said Lagos. "In the past we have been limited in the resources and perspective to look outside of the United States for talent. Part of the new vision of the club and ownership is to build a great team. We want to try to open ourselves globally, and we are trying build a club where players want to come here."

United's back line has been reinforced with the signing of Calvano, while the midfield has been strengthened with the additions of Vicentini and Serbian-born Mozzi Gyorio. The already dynamic attack added more offensive firepower with Colombian-American forward Christian Ramirez.

Minnesota kicks off its 2014 campaign on the road April 12th against the San Antonio Scorpions and opens at home April 26th against FC Edmonton. Minnesota United will play all 2014 home games at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine, Minn. The club is now accepting 2014 Season Ticket Deposits. For more information, fans can visit www.MNUnitedFC.com/seasontickets or call 763.4SOCCER.

With the signing of Vicentini, Minnesota United FC's roster for 2014 consists of the following 19 players:

Goalkeeper: Matt VanOekel

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

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

Forwards: Simone Bracalello, Pablo Campos, Nate Polak and Christian Ramirez

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 11, 2014


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