Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Thursday, March 31, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City Soccer Club is proud to announce signing of former MLS Generation adidas defender Rob Valentino to a multi-year contract, pending U.S. Soccer Federation approval. Valentino is the second Generation adidas veteran on the squad, with Jamie Watson being the other.
The Lions also signed former Rollins College standout Dennis Chin to an amateur agreement. Chin is eligible to play for City, but still maintains his amateur status.
Valentino was drafted 13th overall by the New England Revolution in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. He made four appearances for the club in the U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League during the 2008 season. In 2009 he was traded to the Colorado Rapids, but did not see first team action. Valentino spent the 2010 season with FC Tampa Bay, making 27 appearances for the club.
“Rob is a very good, strong defender,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s a leader, very vocal. He’s obviously very big and strong, physically imposing. He’s experienced, and his personality will be a huge boost to our group.”
Valentino joins the club after the conclusion of the 2011 preseason. He will be available to play in the season opener on Saturday, April 2nd, against the Richmond Kickers. Valentino made his professional debut against the Kickers in 2008 in a U.S. Open Cup match.
Chin was a standout forward at Rollins College. During his time at Rollins, he also played for the Central Florida Kraze in the USL Premier Development League. In his final season at Rollins, Chin scored seven goals and registered three assists in 15 games.
“He’s got some goals in him,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. ”He’s got a ways to go in his development, but we think there’s something in him. He’s shown a great willingness in training to learn. This is the first step on the ladder or him. He’s got his foot in the door, and it is up to him to go through it.”
Chin appeared in six matches during the 2011 preseason, starting once. He scored a goal against UCF, and assisted Devorn Jorsling on a goal against Stetson.