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Rough Riders bring back local talent

April 6, 2006 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


Re-sign five local players

Plainview, NY (April 5, 2006) "" The Long Island Rough Riders, members of professional soccer's USL 2nd Division, have re-signed five young players from last year's team including Shaun Higgins (F), Joshua Allen (D), Anthony Barberio (F), Tal Sheynfeld (M) and Jose Sura (D/M). New Head Coach Flavio Ferri, who is looking at making some extensive changes from last year's roster, has said "these are a few young guys from last year's team who have shown me enough heart and talent to give them a chance. Everyone is starting new with me, but I hope each of these guy's show me they have something to prove."

Shaun Higgins (forward) began his pro career with the Rough Riders in 2003. In three seasons with the team, he has scored 10 goals in 51 appearances. "Shaun brings real league experience" said Ferri. "He is a great team-guy both on and off the field, always enthusiastic". Shaun graduated from Hofstra University in 2003, playing 4 years at the varsity level for the nationally ranked "Pride". He has additional experience in the USL, having also played for the Brooklyn Knights.

Joshua Allen (defender) goes into his second professional season after graduating from Stony Brook University. He was part of 16 games his first year with the team. Ferri has seen Allen as "hard-working with determination and heart. He's also pretty versatile in that he can cover a few positions in the back or outside midfield". Born in Manhasset, Allen's U17 team (West Babylon Panthers) won a National Championship before he went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University for one year.

Anthony Barberio (forward) is also a local product, having been born in Bellmore. A team-mate of Allen's on both the West Babylon Panthers Championship team and at Stony Brook University, Barberio appeared in 11 games and scored 1 goal for the Rough Riders in his first pro season. "Anthony is a skillful player and a good distributor of the ball", said Coach Ferri. "He is also a class person both on and off the field". He started his collegiate career at Hofstra University before transferring to local rival Stony Brook.

Tal Sheynfeld (midfielder) joined the Rough Riders late in the 2005 season to earn three appearances. He was the team captain and a "Verizon Academic All-District" selection while attending nearby Adelphi University in Garden City. He led the team in scoring (8 goals and 7 assists) his senior year, earning All-ASC honors. He is originally from Israel, where he won six straight Israel Championships with his club team. Ferri said that he is "excited at giving Tal a full season. He has shown some real creativity and vision "" he has a knack for good improvisation on the field."

Jose Sura (defender/midfielder) is returning for his second season with the Rough Riders. Sura saw extensive time in his rookie pro season, appearing in 17 games (1156 minutes) last year at both left back and in the midfield. Ferri said that "Jose is a skillful, dynamo of a player with a lot of grit. He's another guy who can be dangerous coming up the left flank". Originally from El Salvador, he came to the USA at only 6 years old, growing up in Brentwood and Central Islip, twice earning All-State and All-Region honors at Brentwood HS. He attended the University of Connecticut before transferring to Stony Brook University, helping the school earn its first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament bid in 2004.

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Nickelodeon Holds Special "Just for Kicks" Preview in Uniondale, New York

Special Event Leading Up to April 9th Premiere of New Soccer Themed Series

WHAT: On Saturday April 8th, kids and adults will have the opportunity to participate in a special sneak preview of Nickelodeon's new soccer themed series, "Just for Kicks." Young soccer fans will have a chance to meet and interact with professional soccer players from the Long Island Rough Riders, receive Nickelodeon and Rough Rider-themed giveaways and be the first to watch "Just for Kicks." The event is being held in celebration of the "Just for Kicks" television premiere on Sunday April 9th.

WHEN/ WHERE: Saturday, April 8th, 7:00pm "" 9:00pm Long Island Rough Riders Indoor Training Facility Mitchel Athletic Complex Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Uniondale, New York

Click Here for More Info

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ROUGH RIDERS UNVEIL NEW ROSTER AND COACHING STAFF

HOST "FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT" "" April 8th

Plainview, NY (March 30, 2006) "" The Long Island Rough Riders, members of professional soccer's USL 2nd Division, will host a special "Fan Appreciation Night" for families, kids, and fans of all ages April 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rough Riders Indoor Training Center at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York.

The Rough Riders welcome young soccer players and fans to take part in this special free event. To participate, the Rough Riders ask that all groups RSVP by emailing their group name and the number of people attending to info@liroughriders.com.

The festivities will include giveaways and opportunities for kids to meet, interact and take photos with the Rough Rider pro players. The Rough Riders will introduce their new coaching staff and the 2006 Rough Riders to the soccer community.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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