Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Thursday, February 2, 2012
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos have signed Graciano Brito to a contract for the 2012 USL PRO season. Brito most recently played in the USL PRO last season with FC New York.
“Graciano has shown that he has the potential to be a very productive player in this league.” Rochester Rhinos Head Coach Jesse Myers said. “It is important for Graciano to stay healthy. I expect him to fulfill the potential that he has always shown.”
Brito signed his first professional contract with Operario dos Acores in the Portuguese Second Division during the 2009-2010 season. After the conclusion of the Portuguese season he returned to the States and became the first player in franchise history to sign with FC New York. Brito scored the only goal in the franchise’s first ever win over the Charleston Battery on May 13th. He went on to score four goals in twelve appearances with FC New York.
Brito was a standout player with Quinnipiac University in the Northeastern Conference (NEC). As a senior he scored eighteen goals and added three assists in nineteen matches. He was recognized as the NEC Player of the Year and a first team All-NEC selection for the second consecutive season. He was also named an NSCAA All-American for the third time in his collegiate career. He concluded his four-year career with the Bobcats as their Division I all-time leader in goals (40) and points (92).
After his collegiate career with Quinnipiac University, Brito was a highly valued commodity in the 2009 MLS off-season. He was ranked as a top fifty prospect in the nation, and he was one of the top ten senior forwards in the country by ESPN. Brito was invited to the MLS combine in 2009, but he was not selected in the MLS Draft. Brito returned to Quinnipiac for his final semester of school and served as an assistant coach in 2009 before beginning his professional career overseas.