News from Rochester

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Rhinos re-sign two, add Bolanos
Steenkamp and Pilarski return for 2005
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Rochester Raging Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com

Thursday, February 24, 2005

ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Raging Rhinos General Manager Chris Economides announced that the team has signed midfielder Lenin Steenkamp and forward Ian Pilarski for the 2005 season. The Rhinos have also announced the signing of former Costa Rican National Team and Seattle Sounders midfielder Jonathan Bolanos.

Steenkamp, a native of Durban, South Africa, is synonymous with Rhinos soccer. Since coming over to Rochester via trade with Montreal in June 1996, Steenkamp has been a fixture to the franchise. Steenkamp holds most of the team’s all-time records including games played (204), minutes played (16,280), assists (29) and shots (375). Steenkamp is also second on the team’s all-time points list with 97 points. In his 11-year career, Steenkamp has played all but nine matches in a different uniform (Ft. Lauderdale-1gp, Atlanta-8gp).

Steenkamp also has the distinction of two milestone goals in Rhino’s history. Steenkamp scored the franchise’s first US Open Cup goal against the Ft. Myers Manatees on July 31st, 1996 and the team’s first playoff goal against Montreal (September 19, 1996). On July 30th, Steenkamp eclipsed a major milestone becoming the first player in franchise history to play in 200 regular season games with one team. Steenkamp is one of only four players in A-League history to accomplish the feat.

“I am very happy to have Lenin back in the fold for this season,” Rhinos Head Coach Laurie Calloway said. “He has been a significant part of this franchise for a long time and means so much to the organization. His leadership will be invaluable.”

Pilarski, the 5-9, 165-pound forward from Pittsford, NY will enter his second season with the Rhinos. Last season, Pilarski was acquired on loan from the Chicago Fire (MLS) in April. Pilarski was a two-time All-Ivy Selection at Cornell. During the 2001 and 2002 seasons, Pilarski played with the Cape Cod Crusaders of the Premiere Development League (PDL), where the squad won back-to-back PDL Championships. Pilarski is a graduate of Pittsford-Sutherland High School.

“Ian is a good, young talent that we have high expectations for,” Calloway said. “We see him as one of the future stars of the Rhinos.”

Bolanos, the 5-9, 170-pound native of San Jose, Costa Rica has developed quite a resume in his short career. Last season, Bolanos played 1242 minutes with the Seattle Sounders (First Division), where he collected nine points (2+5). Bolanos was a member of the 2000 Costa Rican Olympic team and the 2000 World Cup team. Bolanos helped Costa Rica to a 2-1 win over the United States in a World Cup qualifier in 2000. In 2003, Bolanos spent time with the Chicago Fire (MLS), where he appeared in two games. Bolanos has played for many well-known teams in Latin America, including Herdiano, CD Saprissa, LD Alajuelense (Costa Rica First Division) and LaPiedad (Mexico).

“Bolanos is a huge addition to our franchise,” Calloway added. “It is rare to have a current International in the First Division with his caliber of talent. The balance and creativity that Bolanos will bring is very exciting.

The Rhinos will open the 2005 regular season on Saturday, April 30th with a road game against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Rhinos will welcome the Puerto Rico Islanders to Rochester on Saturday, May 7th to open the home end of the schedule.