Long Island Rough Riders News Release -- www.liroughriders.com
Monday, April 15, 2013
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. -- For the Long Island Rough Riders' 2013 season, a key to success will be a powerful defense. Thomas Wharf, Brendan Lafferty, and Tyler Botte will collectively stand in the way of any opposition attack. The combined talent and discipline of Wharf, Lafferty, and Botte make an excellent combination for a strong defense as the club continues to build its squad for the new season.
Wharf started every game in 2011 for the Premier Developmental League's Eastern Conference Champions, playing 1,320 minutes over the 16-game season and scoring once against Bermuda Hogges in July. The center back played a pivotal role in the Rough Riders' success.
Wharf, a University of Connecticut graduate and England native, is a solid presence in the back line. Wharf originally moved to the United States to pursue his studies as well as a professional career in soccer. Wharf, who transferred from the University of Mobile Alabama to UConn, joined the Rough Riders in 2009. The Everton fan has received a host of awards while playing in America. He was named in the All-Conference and All-Region teams in both 2007 and 2008, receiving All-America honors in 2007.
Goalkeeper Brendan Lafferty will also be a dominating presence for the Rough Riders. A George Washington University graduate and North Babylon native, Lafferty has proven his skill during his college career.
In 2010 Lafferty totaled 22 saves for the Colonials and played 422 minutes and was in goal for six games due to an injury that caused him to miss seven early- season matches. Lafferty made four starts and stopped four shots in 45 minutes to share shutout honors in a 2-0 victory over Rider on October 2, 2010 and also stopped a career-high six shots against St. Bonaventure on October 29, 2010. In 2009 he was on the College Soccer News Top 100 Freshmen to Watch and finished with a record of 4-1-0 with 16 saves and 1.20 goals against average in 449 minutes over seven matches started.
Another North Babylon native, Tyler Botte, is yet another key to a dominant defense for the Rough Riders. Botte became a full- time starter for Hofstra University in 2011 and appeared in 17 games with 15 starts. He emerged as one of the team's best two-way threats by not only preventing goals, but scoring them as well. Botte ended the season with a two-game scoring streak and finished tied for third on the team with eight points.
In high school Botte played all four years on the soccer team at St. Anthony's High school and led his team to four straight CHSAA championships and two undefeated seasons as well as a state championship and a No. 2 national ranking as a junior. Botte will return to his old stomping grounds yet again in a Rough Riders jersey, looking to repeat their championship run, just as his high school team did.