FC Tampa Bay signs former Countryside, USF star

Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 21, 2011

TAMPA — Former standout Countryside goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, most recently an All-American keeper at USF, has signed a professional contract with FC Tampa Bay, the team announced Monday

Attinella will be the team's second player from Pinellas County, joining Northeast grad Chad Burt. The team's NASL season begins April 9 at Al Lang Field against the Montreal Impact. Attinella signed a one-year deal with the team with a club option for 2012.

He was an NSCAA first-team All-American and Big East Goalkeeper of the Year during his junior season. In four seasons with the Bulls, Attinella tallied a 38-14-9 record and held a 0.79 goals against average.

"I've watched Jeff play during his college career at USF. He developed into one of the best collegiate goalkeepers in the country," club executive vice president Perry Van Der Beck said in a release. "We are very excited to have the opportunity to sign a player of his caliber and I believe he has the potential to be a top goalkeeper in our league."

The club also signed veteran defenseman Andres Arango, who most recently played for the NSC Minnesota Stars. The 27-year-old was a member of the Canadian U-20 national team that made it to the quarterfinals of the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Attinella also guided Countryside to the Class 6A state title in 2005-06 as well as a No. 1 national ranking. He played club soccer for the Clearwater Chargers. He will likely open the season as a backup to incumbent starter Daryl Sattler.

To make roster room for the signings, the team released midfielder Scott Buete and goalkeeper Phil Lamarre.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/fc-tampa-bay-signs-former-countryside-usf-star/1152958

Pakistan cricket team Self-catering Manchester City Florida Moscow US foreign policy