Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com
Monday, October 8, 2007
ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Raging Rhinos announced that the team will return 10 members of its 2007 roster. Goalkeeper Scott Vallow; defenders Scott Palguta, Kenney Bertz, Tenywa Bonseu, Chris Aloisi, Jason Perry and Kevin Novak; midfielders Johnny Menyongar and John Ball; and forward Matthew Delicâte will all return to the Rhinos, who will begin their 13th season in Rochester next season.
Also returning to the Rhinos’ 2008 lineup will be the team’s leading scorer and MVP in 2007, Hamed Diallo. The Ivory Coast native and former French league top striker recorded nine goals and two assists for 21 points during the regular season. His point total ranked sixth in the United Soccer Leagues First Division, while his nine goals was third most in the league.
According to Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford, other pieces of the Rhinos’ 2008 puzzle should be falling into place soon.
“We are in discussion with many players whose contracts are about to expire regarding their return to the Rhinos,” Ford explained. “We remain confident that some of those additional pieces will be in place in the near future.”
The Rhinos also announced today that, pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval, forward/midfielder and fan favorite Rey “Boom-Boom” Martinez has inked a new two-year deal with the Rhinos. The contract ties Martinez to the club through the 2009 season.
Palguta and Bertz joined the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer for the team’s reserve match against Real Salt Lake on Sunday, September 30th. Palguta tried out for Real Salt Lake during the 2007 preseason.
“The opportunity to play another game and get some more MLS experience under my belt is always nice,” Palguta said. “I’ve been itching to play, so this is great.”
Palguta finished first on the team and fourth in the USL First Division in 2007 with 2,477 minutes played. He and Menyongar were just two of 13 players in the league to appear in all 28 of their team’s regular season games.
The Rhinos, who finished the 2007 season with a 12-10-6 record, were knocked out of the postseason in the first round by the Atlanta Silverbacks who will battle the Seattle Sounders on Sunday for the league championship.
