Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos have agreed to terms with center back Troy Roberts for the 2012 season. Roberts has been with the Rochester Rhinos for the past two seasons. In 2011 Roberts was the team captain when the Rhinos won the USL PRO National Division Title in the regular season. He helped anchor a defense that had the third-best goals against record in USL PRO, and the best goals against record in USL PRO at home. The Rhinos ended up keeping nine clean sheets in 24 matches. Roberts was named to the USL PRO All-League Second Team in recognition of his efforts.
In 2010, Roberts played in every minute of every match during his first year with the Rhinos. He helped to anchor a defense that posted the third best goals against record in the USSF Division 2-Pro League, and he was named to the USSF Division 2 Best XI. The Rhinos kept 10 clean sheets in thirty USSF D2 Pro League matches. Rochester won the 2010 USSF D2 Pro League Regular Season Title.
“The re-signing of Troy Roberts has been a priority for me since I was named the head coach. Roberts has been an important part of the team for the past two years. He is a leader in the back and a key piece of the puzzle that we can build around.” Rochester Rhinos Head Coach Jesse Myers said.
Roberts played more MLS matches before he joined the Rhinos than any other player in franchise history. He was the Los Angeles Galaxy’s first-round draft pick (eighth overall) in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Roberts played in 61 matches with the Galaxy from 2005 to 2008. He was a member of the Galaxy’s double-winning side in 2005. He played twenty-nine matches with the Cleveland City Stars (USL First Division) in 2009.
Troy Roberts will be rejoining six other members of the 2011 Rochester Rhinos who will also be returning for the 2012 season. The Rhinos exercised their contractual options on defender Tyler Bellamy, midfielder Michael Tanke, midfielder Drew Cost, midfielder JC Banks, and forward Andrew Hoxie. The Rhinos also have re-signed forward Isaac Kissi.