FC Tampa Bay announces the signing of American defender Frankie Sanfilippo, who was a regular starter last season for the Rochester Rhinos in the USSF Division II Professional League (USSF D-2). Sanfilippo’s deal is a one-year contract followed by a one-year club option for 2012.
While with the Rhinos in 2010, Sanfilippo started in 28 of the 30 matches, helping Rochester win the 2010 USSF D-2 Regular Season Championship. He gathered 2,520 minutes on the field and scored one goal and one assist.
“With the addition of Frankie, we have strengthened our backline, as well as our locker room,” said Executive Vice President, Technical Director and Director of Player Development Perry Van Der Beck. “His experience and leadership will be a valuable asset to our already strong and talented roster for this upcoming season.”
Sanfilippo played for four seasons at San Jose State University (SJSU) from 2000-2004. At SJSU, Sanfilippo was named to the NSCAA All-Far West First Team and All-MPSF First Team.
Sanfilippo was drafted in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft as the sixth round pick (56th overall) by the San Jose Earthquakes. He declined the offer from the Earthquakes to finish his degree in criminology at SJSU. In 2004, Sanfilippo signed with the Syracuse Salty Dogs in the USL First Division (USL-1).
In 2005, Sanfilippo signed with the Rhinos. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, he led the team to the USL-1 Championship as their star defender and was named to the 2006 USL-1 All-Star Team. In 2007, Sanfilippo joined the Carolina RailHawks for two years, serving as team captain both seasons.
Sanfilippo played the 2009 season with the Charleston Battery before re-joining the Rhinos in 2010.
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