Long Island Rough Riders News Release - www.liroughriders.com

Monday, April 9, 2007

PLAINVIEW, NY -- The Long Island Rough Riders Men’s Team has made Jason Landers, Jose Batista, Jonathan Garcia-Torres and Diego Martinez their first signings of the 2007 season.

Jason Landers, a goalkeeper from Lower Gwynedd, PA, has made the most of his years at St. John’s University. In 2006, Landers posted a 0.72 goals against average and 0.826 save percentage, second in the Big East Conference. He also was ranked first in the Conference for shutouts, notching 14 shutouts in 22 matches for the Red Storm. In 2005, Landers became the first St. John’s keeper to be named Big East Goalkeeper of the Year.

Jose Batista, originally from Rego Park, NY, is a well-rounded midfielder. During his sophomore season with C.W. Post in 2006, Batista was named to the NSCAA All-Region First Team. He led the Pioneers with 23 points, scoring 6 goals and adding 11 assists. He was also named to the Daktronics Division II All-Northeast Region First Team.

Jonathan Garcia-Torres, a defender/midfielder from Brentwood, NY, began his collegiate soccer career at Oneonta State, where he was named to the Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) All-Conference Second Team. After transferring to Hartwick College for his sophomore year, Garcia-Torres has been a solid and consistent presence, playing in all 16 of his team’s games.

Diego Martinez has been a leader and mentor to his teammates at St. Francis College. Martinez, captain of the Terriers squad in 2005 and 2006, was named Team MVP for the 2005 season. He was also a member of the U18 United States National Team Pool in 2003.

“We are all excited by the new additions to the Rough Riders,” said Men’s Team Head Coach Dan Fisher. “These players have had successful collegiate careers thus far, and we hope that this will continue as they join the Rough Riders this season.”

The Rough Riders Men’s Team will compete in the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (USL PDL) this season at their new home, Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park, NY. The 2007 season will kick off on Friday, May 12th with the Rough Riders W-League team taking on the New York Magic at 6PM and the PDL team facing the Rhode Island Stingrays at 8PM.