Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Monday, November 28, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Rochester Rhinos Head Coach Jesse Myers has signed Michael Zaher and Jack Traynor for the 2012 USL PRO season pending USL approval. Zaher played as a left back for the Charleston Battery for the past two seasons, and Traynor was a left back with the 2011 USL PRO Championship winning Orlando City.
“When I was looking at the Rhinos roster last season I thought that the left-hand side was an area that was in need of improvement.” Head Coach Jesse Myers said. “These two new signings will allow us to sure up the left-hand side with experienced veteran players.”
Zaher was a collegiate standout with the UCLA Bruins from 2004-2007. He played in 70 collegiate matches and scored two goals. He was also a member of the United States U18 Men’s National Team during his time at UCLA. Zaher played in 13 MLS matches in 2009 with D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes. He was a member of D.C. United’s 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winning side. In 2010 Zaher signed with Charleston where he won the USL-2 Championship. In 2011 Zaher logged 1,846 minutes in 22 USL PRO matches for the Battery. He scored two goals and added one assists for five points.
“Michael Zaher is a very talented player who has a lot of experience. He was the captain of the UCLA team, had a couple of years in MLS, and even played with the U18 Men’s National Team.” Myers said. “He’s a veteran presence who can set a great example for the young players in our locker room.”
Traynor was a member of Orlando City’s USL PRO Championship winning side in 2011. He logged 1,298 minutes in 17 appearances and had two assists. In 2010 Traynor played 27 matches with AC St. Louis in the USSF Division 2-Pro League. He made his professional debut with Miami FC on April 26, 2009 when he appeared as a second-half substitute in a match against the Rochester Rhinos. Traynor went on to appear in 20 matches during his rookie campaign. Jack Traynor was a three-time All-Big East player at Notre Dame where he scored two goals and added seven assists in sixty-five career matches.
“Jack Traynor is a veteran professional and he brings championship experience to our roster. Jack’s versatility is an asset that will be important to us throughout the season” Myers said “With two talented veteran players on the left side the problem now becomes getting them both on the pitch at the same time. That’s not necessarily a bad problem to have though.”