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USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Sign Three More for 2014

April 1, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - The Rochester Rhinos and Coach Bob Lilley are happy to announce three new additions to the roster. The Rhinos have acquired defender Tony Walls, midfielder Johnny Mendoza, and defender Babacar Diallo, pending league and federation approval.

Walls was selected in the third round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft after an impressive collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he scored 18 goals and added 11 assists over 75 appearances.

The former Fire PDL player was one of only four players to start all 10 of the Fire's 2012 MLS Reserve League matches and featured in both of the Fire's international friendlies in 2012 against the English Premier League's Aston Villa FC and Liga MX side Club Santos Laguna.

Walls is coming straight to the Rochester Rhinos after completing a season with the Milwaukee Wave, and J.C. Banks, of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Johnny Mendoza is coming to the Rhinos after appearing for the Orlando City Lions in nine matches last year. Prior to that, Johnny Mendoza was an anchor for the Orlando City Lions U23 program. He played in 70 games at the midfield position and notched 13 goals.

In 2011, Mendoza was recognized as the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year. During his time at Stetson, Mendoza appeared in 68 matches, making 57 starts. He was also able to notch 18 goals, 11 of which occurred in his senior season, and 22 assists.

The Senegal national Babacar Diallo, who was raised in the heart of football country in France, is coming to the Rhinos from the Finnish club FC Inter Turku. "Babacar is a big, strong defender with lots of pace and aerial ability. He will add quality as an option at centerback or outside back," Coach Lilley stated.

Babacar held tough in defense for the Finnish side that was consistently a top performer in the Veikkausliiga, the Finnish Premier League. In his 29 appearances, he notched two goals and kept the middle of the field safe from attackers.

Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are currently available, and they can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com .

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