MLS Real Salt Lake

T&T National Team Midfielder Adds Power & Speed to RSL Lineup

April 15, 2005 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SALT LAKE CITY (Friday, April 15, 2005) – Real Salt Lake General Manager Steve Pastorino and Head Coach John Ellinger today announced the acquisition of Trinidad & Tobago National Team midfielder Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick from the United Soccer League First Division's Atlanta Silverbacks. Fitzpatrick arrived in Salt Lake City Wednesday night and joined his new teammates at training yesterday.

"Ever since college, it's been a dream of mine to play soccer at the highest level, either in the United States or Europe," said Fitzpatrick. "I love the opportunity that Real Salt Lake has given me and I know this will lead to a great relationship. I hope I can contribute, making RSL the best team in Major League Soccer."

Fitzpatrick first joined the Trinidad & Tobago National Team programs at the U-15 level. During his appearances with the various national team squads, the midfielder has faced numerous CONCACAF opponents from the Caribbean, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the United States and Canada.

The Port-of-Spain, Trinidad native made his T&T senior team debut against Puerto Rico on November 24, 2004, and demonstrated an outstanding workhorse performance in that game, where he showed a positive attitude with great energy and tackling ability. He scored his first international senior team goal in a Digicel Cup game against St. Vincent on January 9, 2004. Fitzpatrick played the 2004 season with the United Soccer League's Atlanta Silverbacks as a defensive midfielder, starting 26 of 28 games, scoring 2 goals and adding 1 assist.

"Tiger is somebody that we identified this spring, as did some other teams in MLS. Leslie brings the attributes of a quality player at the international level," said Ellinger. "He is a left-footed player that can play both centrally and out wide in the midfield. He adds good pace and technical skill and we are very happy to get a player like Tiger."

Fitzpatrick has been on RSL's radar for several months prior to the U.S. – Trinidad &Tobago World Cup Qualifier on Feb. 9 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. His performance against the U.S., hailed by U.S. Head Coach Bruce Arena intensified RSL's interest and desire to acquire the talented left-footed midfielder.

"Tiger will make an immediate impact in our midfield. His recent performances for the Trinidad & Tobago national team have been stellar," said Pastorino. "I would also like to thank David Vaudreuil and Stilian Shishkov at the Atlanta Silverbacks for their cooperation in this transaction – Tiger's play in Atlanta paved the way for his ascension to MLS."

Check out the Real Salt Lake Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from April 15, 2005


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