California Victory News Release - www.californiavictorysoccer.com

Monday, April 16, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- The California Victory has begun finalizing its 2007 USL First Division roster, and today officially announced the signings of goalkeeper Eric Reed and defender/midfielder Matt Fitzgerald, pending USSF registration. Both were selected at the 2007 USL First Division College Player Draft.

The Victory made good use of its 2nd overall pick by signing former-UCLA goalkeeper Eric Reed, 23. Last year Reed played for the Southern California Seahorses of the PDL and recorded a league-leading 10 shutouts, earning him Goalkeeper of the Year honors. He conceded only nine goals throughout the entire season.

"Eric has a good, strong presence at the back, and he's excellent coming off the line," said Victory head coach Glenn Van Straatum. "He's also a great character both on and off the field."

Reed, a first-team All-Pac-10 selection, was a regular starter at UCLA, recording 12 shutouts in his final year. In November of 2005 he was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after leading the Bruins to a shutout win at Stanford and a 1-1 tie at Cal that clinched the Pac-10 title. While attending Laguna Hills High School, Calif., Reed picked up a handful of United States U18 caps.

"I am honored and extremely excited to be part of the California Victory," said Reed. "As a team, we have the opportunity to establish the club immediately while also improving as individuals. The club ownership in Spain is something new for an American team, and I look forward to seeing this connection prove successful and urge similar partnerships in the future."

He added: "San Francisco is such an incredible city and I sincerely hope that we can make an immediate impact and establish ourselves as a force to be reckoned within the USL."

The Victory has also signed 22-year-old Matt Fitzgerald, a 2004 first-team All-West honoree of St. Mary's College of California and a native of Castro Valley, Calif.

"Matt always endures," said Van Straatum. "He gives so much in every game and every training session. He's a tough player."

Noted as a quick and aggressive player, Fitzgerald was honored as West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 2003. The following season he assisted on game-winning goals against UC Davis, San Diego State and San Diego. The midfielder finished his senior season with a team-high 11 points on four goals and three assists. Fitzgerald ranks third all-time at Saint Mary's in assists with 17 and seventh in goals with 12.

While at high school in Castro Valley, Calif., Fitzgerald tallied 47 goals and 39 assists.

"Signing with the Victory and playing professional is a dream come true," said Fitzgerald, who played for the San Francisco Seals of the PDL last year. "Having the opportunity to play in San Francisco where my family is from is a great honor. I hope that I can contribute to the Victory's success in being one of the top teams in the league, and I look forward to the season."

The California Victory kicks off its regular home season on Saturday, May 12, at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco against last year's championship game finalist Rochester Raging Rhinos. The Victory will also play an exhibition against Mexico's Necaxa 1A on May 5. For more information, go to www.californiavictorysoccer.com.