VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to announce the signing of Karamba Janneh, Shawn Chin and Jamie McGuinness for the club’s 2013 inaugural season in USL PRO, pending USSF approval.
Fresh off the back of an outstanding season with Ocala Stampede of the PDL, Janneh was one of the standout players for the PDL Southeast Division Champions.
"Having played for me with the Stampede this past summer, Janneh is a lad that we immediately targeted to bring to Tampa,” said Head Coach Matt Weston. “Karamba caused havoc with his pace and movement upfront and is a player who has so much raw talent."
The Gambian-born Janneh was named to the PDL's All-Southern Conference team this past summer and ended the season with nine goals in 15 games. With lightening pace and an eye for goal, Janneh signs his first professional contract for VSI Tampa Bay FC after a collegiate career plundering goals in junior college at Monroe & Otero.
Miami native, Shawn Chin, joins VSI having played professionally for FC Edmonton and the Minnesota Stars. Chin developed a reputation as a crafty midfielder both in his professional career and his collegiate one spending time in both the Big East and the ACC. After earning All-ACC Freshman honors for Boston College in 2007, he transferred to the University of South Florida for his junior season. There, Chin had five goals and an assist in his senior year, while also playing in friendlies for the United States U20 National team, and he then easily transitioned into professional soccer.
"Shawn is an intelligent soccer player" Weston said. "He plays in off the line as a wide midfielder which I like and gets into dangerous positions with his game awareness and soccer IQ. He is technical, makes great decisions on and off the ball and shows the composure and confidence which are needed to play at this level and in my system."
The final player of the trio comes with the addition of Jamie McGuinness. McGuinness journeyed from Watford, England to join VSI Tampa Bay FC. After playing PDL for the VSI Flames in 2012, McGuinness effortlessly transitioned over to the VSI Tampa Bay FC pro side.
McGuinness scored the first goal in team history for the VSI Tampa Flames last year in the 2012 PDL season and looks to make an impact in the club's inaugural season in USL PRO as well. McGuinness’ strong background includes time as a captain of the NIKE Football Academy, and stints with Rushdon & Diamonds FC and Luton Town FC.
"Jamie is a player who has shown great commitment and dedication to his craft and deserves this opportunity to become a pro," said Weston. ‘’I am looking forward to his development as a player with the pro side here at VSI and hope it gives encouragement to all of the PDL lads that if your good enough you will get your chance.’’
The USL PRO schedule is out and tickets will be available soon for all VSI Tampa Bay FC home games at www.vsi-fc.com.