Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Neal Kitson has joined English club Northampton Town FC on a free transfer. Kitson has signed with the English club until the conclusion of the npower Football League Two season on May 5th, 2012. Kitson has been training with Northampton Town during the off-season in a player development initiative similar to the one that MLS gave its young players during the off-season. He will discuss his future with Cobblers’ manager Aidy Boothroyd after the season. 
“I think this is a great opportunity for Neal, who has strived to play in England most of his life.” Rochester Rhinos head coach Jesse Myers said. “When you have the opportunity to fulfill your goals, I think you need to take it. I’m happy for Neal and his accomplishments. We wish him the best of luck.”
Neal Kitson joined the Rochester Rhinos in 2010, and he became the Rhinos starting goalkeeper half-way through the 2010 regular season. In two years with the club Kitson had twenty-one wins, sixteen clean sheets, and a 0.875 goals-against average. He was named to the USL PRO Second Team and was a finalist for the USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year Award after the 2011 season. He ranks fourth in club history in wins and shutouts behind Rhinos legends Pat Onstad, Billy Andracki, and Scott Vallow
“As an organization we wish Neal the best of luck.” Rochester Rhinos President and Chief Operating Officer Pat Ercoli said. “Neal joins a number of notable Rhinos, including Pat Onstad, who have matured professionally here and gone on to pursue a career overseas. I think it speaks highly as to the quality of players that we have in our organization right now. “
The attention of the Rochester Rhinos management will now turn to replacing Kitson for the 2012 season. Brandon Miller, a rookie out of UNC-Wilmington who signed with the Rhinos in December, is already on the roster for the upcoming season. Coach Myers' upcoming schedule will give him the opportunity to round out his goalkeeping corps.
“In the next couple of weeks we’ll be conducting trials in Buffalo and Rochester.” Myers said. “Losing Neal is definitely a bump in the road this off-season. At the same time, it’s been my experience that quality goalkeeping is usually available due to the nature of the position.”