Ocala Stampede News Release -- www.ocalastampede.com
Saturday, April 7, 2012
OCALA, Fla. -- The Ocala Stampede are pleased to announce the signings of three hugely talented players from New York for the club's inaugural season in the PDL. Italian born Goalkeeper Roberto Pellegrini, German midfield playmaker Chris Griebsch, and Ghanaian holding midfielder Richmond McCarthy.
McCarthy is a product of the New York Red Bull Academy where he has spent the last three seasons. After just recently turning 20, he was due to stay with the Red Bulls and sign for their U23 team but has opted for a summer with the Stampede after Ocala moved in to secure his signature.
"McCarthy is a signing we are extremely happy to have secured," said Stampede Technical Director Matt Weston. "He is exactly what this club is looking for, young, talented and hungry for success. After many conversations with some key connections in New York we are delighted to be bringing Richmond down to Florida this summer."
Griebsch is a German midfielder who is currently with Hofstra University. He grew up in the top German elite youth system playing against Werder Bremen, Hamburger SV and Bayern Munich before transferring to Hofstra in 2010. Griebsch has become an instant success in New York and last year earned a top 10 ranking in the NCAA for total assists and assists per game. He has a great left foot, is deadly from set-pieces and will certainly be a fan favourite for the Stampede this season.
Roberto Pellegrini is an Italian-born Goalkeeper who has dual citizenship with the Czech Republic. Growing up in the best academy youth system in Italy's Serie A, he spent six years with AS Roma. Between 2008 and 2010 he played for AC Sparta Prague, the Czech Republic's most successful club, where he won a U19 National title. The same season he went on to play for the Czech Republic U-19 National Team. Pellegrini transferred to Hofstra University in 2010 where he has settled into New York life and become an instant hit.
"Signing players of this age and calibre is great for the club," Stampede head coach Anderson DaSilva said. "We are looking to further develop young talent and give them the platform to perform at the highest level. All three players are the real deal and will bring an international flavour to the Stampede's 2012 roster."
Ocala Stampede will be finalising their Super-20 and Super Y-League U16 U14 rosters with their final tryout being held on April 21st at the Rotary Sports Complex. For further information about Ocala Stampede's High Performance Training Center please visit the Ocala Stampede website www.ocalastampede.com.