VSI Tampa Bay FC Welcomes Established Veteran Tony Donatelli

March 19, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release


Tampa, Fla - VSI Tampa Bay FC are pleased to announce the signing of 2012 USL Pro Championship winner, veteran midfielder Tony Donatelli, of the Charleston Battery.

Donatelli joins VSI Tampa Bay FC for the clubs inaugural season and brings a wealth of experience and talent. Donatelli featured in 20 of the 24 Battery games in 2012 and was an integral part of the team's success in winning the Championship.

Head Coach Matt Weston commented, "To sign a player of Tony's pedigree in our first season is great news for the club and our supporters here in Tampa. We are assembling a roster brimming with talent and experience alongside some quality younger players we are bringing up from South America. We are going to play a very technical brand of attacking soccer and this is what persuaded Tony to sign on the dotted line with VSI for our debut season."

Tony Donatelli began his career with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2006 and was part of the 2006 USL1 Championship winning side. After three years in Vancouver, Donatelli was traded to Montreal Impact where he played two seasons and scored the opening goal of the 2009 USL1 Championship game helping the Impact win the championship versus his former club Vancouver.

A native of Glenside, PA, Donatelli was signed by Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes in January 2011 but was waived prior to the MLS season. He subsequently signed with USL Pro club Rochester Rhino's in 2011 before moving to the Battery to star in 2012 Championship season run.

Donatelli is thrilled to be joining up with VSI Tampa Bay FC. "I am really excited to be a part of the new VSI Tampa Bay FC team. After hearing about the clubs ambitions and Coach Matt Weston's style of play I knew it was going to be the right place for me to play in 2013. I am really looking forward to playing in front of our fans and competing for a championship this season."

Director of Soccer, Clay Roberts, comments, "VSI Tampa Bay FC is thrilled to have Tony joining us in our inaugural season. Tony is an established veteran, and proven champion. Donatelli will bring a dynamic element to our style of play, and will always be a scoring threat. I have played with Tony and he represents the meaning of a professional. We are looking for him to do big things as we establish our club in this league."

Tony joins VSI Tampa Bay FC after the conclusion of the 2013 MISL Season with the Baltimore Blast, in which the Blast won another championship. Tony scored 4 goals in the Championship series against the Missouri Comets on their way to the Championship.

Donatelli brings his goal scoring abilities to the outdoor pitch for VSI Tampa Bay's final two preseason matches against the University of Tampa Thursday March 21 at 7 PM, and the University of South Florida Saturday March 23 at 7 PM.



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