Rochester adds F Jochen Graf, LB Raymond Lee, and CB Todd Pratzner.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Rhinos made three key additions to the roster in adding forward Jochen Graf, left back Raymond Lee, and center back Todd Pratzner, pending league and USSF approval.
Graf returns to America after spending the last three seasons in Sweden playing for Lidkopings FK, Carlstad United & Oskarshamns AIK. He scored multiple game-winners in the various Swedish leagues, often late in matches.
“He’s a grinder,” said coach Bob Lilley of Graf, “He’s going to work defenders, fight for every ball, and he has the mentality to pop up in the right spots.”
The 27-year-old Texas native had an outstanding collegiate career with Bradley University, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists.
Lee was drafted in the 4th round of the 2015 MLS Superdraft by the Philadelphia Union. He brings USL experience to the Rhinos, having played a short stint in Harrisburg before playing the 2016 season for the Tulsa Roughnecks.
“Ray has very good pace for an outside back,” Lilley said, “He’s a great 1v1 defender. He already has experience in the league, and should improve our strength on the left side with his size and athleticism.”
The defender was a four-year starter at Saint Louis, where he scored 14 goals and had six assists, playing primarily as a midfielder. He was a second team All-Atlantic 10 performer in 2014 and helped carry the Billikens into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Pratzner comes to the Rhinos after an extremely successful collegiate career at Xavier University, where he started a whopping 70 matches.
“He’s a hard worker, very smart, and has adapted pretty quickly to what we want,” said Lilley, “He’s a strong kid who’s good in the air who likes being a center back.”
The Lancaster, PA., native was the captain of PA Classics Developmental Academy and Philadelphia Union Academy teams, and also trained with the Philadelphia Union reserves as a 17-year-old.
The Rhinos will kick off the 2017 USL regular season on Saturday, April 1 against Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. The club’s home opener is on Saturday, April 22 when the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls 2 visit Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm.