New players for Rochester

[Bxl Boy]

Rochester Raging Rhinos Vice President/General Manager Chris Economides announced today that the club has come to terms with forwards Alex Blake and Corey Woolfolk and re-signed defender Carlos Mendes to one-year deals.

"All three players were very high on our list of priorities this off-season" said Economides. "Woolfolk and Blake are talented compliments to Doug (Miller) up front, while Mendes certainly showed that he will be an important cog in our lineup."

Woolfolk, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, spent the 2003 campaign in a Pittsburgh Riverhounds uniform. Overshadowed by A-League MVP Thiago Martins, Woolfolk finished second on the Riverhounds with eight goals in 26 matches. Orignially drafted in the fifth round by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2001 MLS Super Draft, Woolfolk led the 'Quakes in preseason scoring before being released following the signing of Landon Donovan. His A-League experience also includes 14 games with the Minnesota Thunder, where he scored six goals in 2001.

"Corey is a pesky, hard working forward" said Rhinos Head Coach Pat Ercoli. "His quickness allows him to aggressively close down defenses which will cause more scoring opportunities."
Rochester has also come to an agreement with their 2003 First Round draft pick Alex Blake. The 16th overall pick from Williams College, Blake spent 2003 on the Colorado Rapids Development Squad. The 6'1" 170 pound forward, was named a First Team All-American three years in a row at Williams College. He is currently the school's all-time leader in goals (81) and points (195) and tallied a school record 26 goals during his senior season. In addition, he earned First Team All-NESCAC and NSCAA/adidas All-New England honors.

"In addition to his quickness Alex brings a physical presence to our line-up. Spending last season with Colorado in the MLS was a valuable experience for him, which will add something to our squad" said Ercoli.

Mendes, spent his first A-League season with the Rhinos in 2003. After helping lead the Long Island Rough Riders to the D3 Championship, the 23-year old defender played in 20 matches, scoring one goal for Rochester. The Mineola, NY native was a First Team All-American three years in a row while attending Old Dominion University.

"Carlos showed us last season that he can be one of the best defenders in this league" said Ercoli. "We expect big things from Carlos and having a season of A-League play under his belt will add to his leadership on the field."