CB Ryan Felix and winger Christiano Francois provide additional USL experience for Rochester.
ROCHESTER, NY – The Rhinos made two key additions to the roster in adding center back Ryan Felix and winger Christiano Francois, pending league and USSF approval.
Ryan Felix comes to the Rhinos after spending the last 2 seasons with the Orange County Blues/Orange County SC. Over those 2 years, he featured in 26 matches and racking up over 1,100 minutes. He started 9 matches in 2015 when OCB finished 1st in the western conference. He played collegiately at Loyola Marymount, appearing in 61 matches and starting in 41 of those contests.
“We’ve been looking for center backs and showed during training camp he’s very good on the ball,” stated Rhinos Assistant Coach Mark Pulisic, “He’s a strong presence in the back and real good in the air.”
Felix was born in Los Angeles, CA. He lettered 4 years in soccer and football at Santiago High School. He made the longest field goals in school history at 50 and 51 yards.
Christiano Francois comes to the Rhinos after spending the last two seasons in Portugal. He played for 2nd-division sides Felgueiras 1932 and SC Vila Real, scoring 4 goals in 40 matches.
Francois has international experience for Haiti up to the U23 level, where he played in 3 matches during their Olympic Qualifying campaign in 2015.
“Christiano pressed us during training camp,” said Pulisic, “He’s a fast and dynamic winger. He’s quick and has an extremely good work rate. He’ll be useful in both attack and defense, and puts his heart into everything he does.”
Christiano played his collegiate soccer at the University of Maryland. Francois featured in all 24 games for the Terps in 2012. The dynamic attacking player finished his rookie season with 5 goals, 4 assists and a total of 805 minutes played. In 2013, Francois played for the PDL side the Baltimore Bohemians. He was claimed by D.C. United via a waiver draft on in 2014, before being loaned out to the Richmond Kickers, scoring a goal in 10 USL contests.
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 II visit Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. ET.
Advance single game tickets are always available at a discount. Order online using this link, visit the Capelli Sport Stadium Box Office or call 585-454-5425. For limited time, fans can use the promo code ‘SOCCER’ for $10 off opening day tickets. Those who use this promo code will automatically be entered in a drawing for a Rhinos Prize Pack, which includes an autographed jersey.