Ocala Stampede News Release -- www.ocalastampede.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
OCALA, Fla. -- The Ocala Stampede are pleased to announce the signings of Joseph Jerome and Bitielo Jean-Jacques for their inaugural season in the USL PDL. Both players come with impressive soccer resumes and are looking forward to the challenge in the PDL with the Stampede.
Jerome signed to play professionally at 17 for Roulado F.C in Haiti, before moving on to play for another first division club, Aigle Noir. He also represented the Haitian National Team at the U17 level and has shown the pedigree to shine at the highest level with his composure on the ball, pace and distribution from central defence. He comes to Ocala after a recommendation from the BFUT academy program in Boca Raton and a very impressive tryout with the Stampede this past weekend.
Jean-Jacques is a former professional player with former USL PRO side River Plate Puerto Rico, for whom he played in 2011. Bitielo, a cultured left back with great pace and technical ability is also a product of the U17 Haitian National team and is an exciting addition to the Stampede's defence. Bitielo has played at a very high standard from a young age and is looking forward to showcasing his talent in the upcoming PDL season.
Ocala Stampede's Technical Director Matt Weston, and PDL Head Coach Anderson DaSilva are excited about the two new signings.
"Bringing these two highly technical players into the team is great for the way the Stampede are looking to play," DaSilva said. "They are composed, have good pace and will fit into the system we are looking to adopt. They have both shown the ability to play within their National Team's youth structure and are set for great career's should they continue to work hard at their game."
"Jerome and Jean-Jacques stood out very early at this weekends tryouts," Weston said. "They were comfortable on the ball, made great decisions and quickly showed the qualities required to play at this level and beyond."