VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com
Monday, March 25, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. - VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to announce the addition of forward Mauricio Salles to its squad for the 2013 USL PRO season. Salles is expected to deliver energy and experience to VSI’s growing roster for the club's inaugural season in USL PRO.
Ranked 25th in the USL First Division Top 25 of the Decade, Salles is immediately making an impact at VSI Tampa Bay FC as an experienced leader. Already leaving his mark on the pitch with goals in multiple preseason matches, Salles has shown the impact he will be able to have as part of the club's group of forwards.
“Salles is a great signing for VSI Tampa Bay FC," said Head Coach Matt Weston. "His experience and qualities on and off the field will be invaluable to the club in its debut season. Mauricio can play as a target man up top but also has the ability to rotate with the 10, which is why we brought him to the club. He is technical, has a great left foot and will provide us with another attacking threat.”
Born in Salvador, Brazil, Salles began his professional career in 1997 in his home country with Brazilian football team Vitoria. After time with Atletico Paranaense, Botafogo and Ecuadorian team Omeldo soccer club he began his professional career in the United States.
In the United States, Salles signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2004 where he received numerous accolades from Goal of the Week Honors to All-League honors. Salles was the leading scorer both years he played with the Islanders, recording 25 goals in 51 appearances in the USL First Division.
Salles later played for the Montreal Impact in 2006, scoring nine goals in 26 appearances. In 2007 Salles went to the Atlanta Silverbacks before travelling to Japan where he appeared in eight game,s scoring one goal for Omiya Ardija.
After his time in Japan he returned to the United States and played for the Rochester Rhinos of the USL First Division in 2008. In 34 appearances, Salles scored five goals and earned 12 points.
“Mauricio is an exciting player to bring to VSI Tampa Bay FC," said Director of Soccer Clay Roberts. "He is one of the most experience players on the roster and helps to solidify a very strong list of forwards. Between any of the pairings of Salles, [Andriy] Budnyy, [Sallieu] Bundu and [Karamba] Janneh, we have many options up top. Mauricio has already scored a few goals in preseason friendlies and I anticipate more to come. He is a top professional and will be one our leaders throughout the course of the year.”
Salles also played in the MISL for the Rochester Lancers, scoring 64 goals in 50 appearances in the past two seasons. This past winter, Salles finished second in the MISL with 97 points on 34 goals and 20 assists as he claimed All-League First Team honors.
Salles most recently played in USL PRO for the Charlotte Eagles, for whom he scored three goals in 22 appearances before making the decision to move to Tampa Bay and become a part of the VSI family for the 2013 USL PRO season.
To catch all the action with Salles and the rest of VSI Tampa Bay FC check out our website at www.vsi-fc.com. Tickets are available for the 2013 USL PRO inaugural season, including the contest against the Portland Timbers Reserves, on our website at www.vsi-fc.com.