News

FC Tampa Bay today announced that it has signed team captain and defender Frankie Sanfilippo to a new three-year contract through the 2014 season, with the final year a club option.

"Frankie has proven to be an excellent leader and an ideal example of what a player wearing our uniform should be," said FC Tampa Bay President/Owner Andrew Nestor. "I'm happy to have him here leading this team into the future."

Sanfilippo recently completed his first season with FC Tampa Bay and ranked second on the team with 2,250 minutes played in 25 starts. He scored one goal and added two assists for the season, and was part of a back line that helped the club post a team-record eight shutouts in 2011.

"I am really excited to sign this contract and I would love to finish my career here in Tampa Bay," said Sanfilippo. "I really enjoyed my first year with the club, especially the area, the fans and the entire organization. I am excited for next season and to get back for preseason training. The biggest thing is to do everything we can to bring a championship to Tampa Bay."

Sanfilippo, who began his soccer career at San Jose State, has played professionally with the Syracuse Salty Dogs, Rochester Rhinos, Carolina RailHawks and Charleston Battery. While with the Rhinos, Sanfilippo was named to the USL All-Star Team in 2006.