USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Add Four International Players to Roster

Published on March 27, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - The busy week for the Rochester Rhinos continues with the announcement of four international players for the 2015 season. Joining the Rhinos for the club's 20th season are Jamaican midfielder Kenardo Forbes and striker Asani Samuels, Greek defender Vasileios Apostolopoulos, and Portuguese forward Duba.

Kenardo Forbes is a 26 year old Jamaican born midfielder who has made three appearances for the Jamaican National Team. Forbes played for Naggo Head FC of the Jamaican 2nd division from 2006-2007 and for Waterhouse FC of the Jamaican National Premier League from 2007-2011. Kenardo has played for the Syracuse Silver Knights since 2011 and lead the team in goals with 24 this past season.

"He is a creative midfielder with really good vision and awareness. He has fantastic foot skills with both feet and tends to do the unexpected. With his creativity, he has the ability to both score and set players up from the midfield position," Lilley stated.

Asani Samuels is a 6'5' Jamaican born striker that brings a lot of pace to the game. At Canisius College, Samuels appeared in 72 games, starting 59, and scored 16 goals and assisted on 6 others. Samuels was honored with National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region honors in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Asani won All-MAAC Second Team honors in 2013 and All-MAAC First Team honors in 2014. The striker had his most best collegiate season in 2014 as he scored 8 goals and recorded 3 assists. Samuels was also a member of the 2013 FC Buffalo (NPSL) team and joins the fellow FC Buffalo alums, Kendell McFayden, Josh Faga, and Mike Reidy in making the transition to the Rochester Rhinos.

"Asani has good size and speed. He has the ability to either play up top or our wide and can be a real handful for defenders. He will challenge defenders with his size as he is good in the air," Lilley said.

Vasileios Apostolopoulos is a 26 year old defender who grew up playing football in Cholargos, Greece. He played through the youth ranks of the Greek Superleague team, Atromitos, and signed his first professional contract in 2006 with the senior team. In 2011, Vasileios transferred to the perennial Hungarian first division powerhouse, Videoton FC. Apostolopoulos was a member of the Greek U-19 team and Greek U-21 national teams from 2008-2010.

"Vasileios will definitely add some experience in the back. He has a vast knowledge of the game and is a thinking centerback. He reads the game very well and will organize the back. He's a strong tackler and is a consistent performer," Lilley stated.

Steevan Humberto Fortes dos Santos, known as Duba, is a Portuguese striker joining the Rhinos after playing the 2014 season with Progresso do Sambizanga in Girabola, the top division of soccer in Angola. Duba played the 2012 & 2013 seasons with Ullensaker/Kisa Idrettslag in the Norway scoring 21 goals in 49 appearances.

"Duba is an experience striker with a good nose for goal. He has good size and will bring a nice presence in the box," Lilley stated.

Rochester Rhinos 2015 Rhinos season tickets, flex packs and group tickets are available by calling (585) 454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or online at rhinossoccer.com. Full season ticket packages start at $99.00 and the Rhinos Family Pass is $299.00 for a family of four!

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 27, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central