Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com
Friday, August 28, 2009
ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Rhinos have announced that they have come to terms with a pair of players on the eve of the USL-1 roster freeze. Tim Velten, a defender from the Harrisburg City Islanders, and formerly Charleston Battery, and midfielder Amaury Nunes of the Charlotte Eagles have joined the club.
The two are expected to join the team in early September. The signings are pending USL and USSF approval.
Velten, 25, joined the Harrisburg City Islanders in the USL Second Division in 2007 where he helped lead the club to the USL-2 title. Following 2007, he signed a contract with the Charleston Battery (USL-1), appearing in 31 matches in 2008. In 2009 Velten has suited up for the Islanders 20 times, helping them to earn a USL-2 playoff berth.
Prior to turning professional, the St. Louis native began his collegiate career with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2002 where he also played baseball, before transferring to the University of Louisville where he played with the Cardinals during his final two seasons. While at Louisville he was named Co-MVP and Best Defender in 2004.
His pro career also includes his selection by the Baltimore Blast of Major Indoor Soccer League in the 8th round of the MISL Supplemental Draft in 2007. Velten elected not to sign with the team. Outside of playing soccer 6’0” 180 pounder coaches the U10 Webster Groves Soccer Club in his native St. Louis. He has also served as a substitute teacher for the Webster Groves School District.
Nunes, was named a USL-2 Second Team All-League selection this season, scoring nine goals and 20 points in just 12 matches. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Nunes joined the Eagles this season after spending 2008 with the Fresno Fuego of USL’s Premier Development League. While with the Fuego, the 26-year old notched eight goals and two assists in only eight matches before being sidelined with a knee injury. He also notched eight goals in his previous two seasons with the Fuego in 2007 and 2005, logging 31 regular season games and eight assists in his PDL career.
His college career was also a successful one. In 2005 at Fresno Pacific University he scored 17 goals in just 16 games played for the Sunbirds. There he earned an Honorable Mention nod on the NAIA All-American Team.
Nunes will lead the Eagles in the USL-2 title match against the Richmond Kickers Saturday night at the University of Richmond Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. and the match can be seen on the Fox Soccer Channel (Time Warner Cable Channel 212) on delay at 11:00 p.m.
