Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Thursday, March 13, 2014
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As part of their official affiliate partnership, the New England Revoultion have sent goalkeeper Luis Soffner and midfielder Alec Sundly to the Rochester Rhinos on season-long loans. The agreement is contingent on the approval of pending loan documentation by the league and Federation.
“I have had the opportunity to begin working with the New England Revolution this season, and it has been a very positive experience.” Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley said. “I have had frequent discussions with [Revolution Head Coach] Jay Heaps and his staff. Our affiliation is a great step forward for player development in this country, and the Revs have been great partners.”
Soffner is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound goalkeeper who starred collegiately with Indiana University. Soffner was a four-year starter with the Hoosiers from 2009 to 2012. He finished his career with a 47-26-11 record in 84 matches (83 starts). Soffner recorded a career goals against average of 0.93 and kept 32 clean sheets.
In 2012 Soffner was a part of Indiana University's National Championship team, and he earned Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors at the College Cup. He posted a 16-5-3 record with a 0.72 goals-against average and 12 clean sheets in 24 matches.
Soffner was selected by the New England Revolution in the Second Round (36th overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
Sundly was the New England Revolution's Second Round (31st overall) selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old had a standout senior season with the University of California – Berkeley. He finished the season as the Bears' second leading scorer with nine goals and two assists as a defensive midfielder. 20 points in 20 games started was good enough to earn Sundly Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. The 6'0”, 170 pound midfielder scored 14 collegiate goals and added three assists in 73 games played (55 games started).
“We're very fortunate to have access to some of New England's young and talented players.” Lilley said. “We expect both Alec and Louie to push for significant playing time this season."
The Rochester Rhinos and New England Revolution jointly announced that they had extended the groundbreaking player development partnership they had established in 2013 on February 18, 2014. The affiliation agreement calls for a minimum of four players to be sent from New England to Rochester on a season long loan. New England can recall the loan agreements at any time during the season.
The rest of the loan contingent is expected to arrive in Rochester closer to the start of the Rhinos 2014 campaign in Orlando against the defending USL PRO champions on Saturday, April 5th.
Training has been moved indoors on Thursday, March 14th due to inclement weather. It will be at Total Sports Experience on 880 Elmgrove Road from 11AM to 1PM.
The Rochester Rhinos next home preseason match is on Friday, March 14th at 6PM at a location to be determined against Niagara University. The match is open to the public, and admission is free of charge.
Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are currently available, and they can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com.