Virginia Beach Mariners News Release - www.marinerssoccer.com

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- The new Mariners owners are moving forward in their commitment to put the Virginia Beach team on the map by hiring three new players this week.

ALAN WOODS joins the Mariners from the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division starting 10 games of the 2005 season.  In 2004, Alan played 27 games and scored 3 goals in the Atlanta Silverbacks 2004 USL campaign.  He was also selected to the USL Representative XI team that tied with the England National Game XI.  In his three seasons with Atlanta, Woods, at 6 ft. and 170 lbs,  played 74 games and was named to the All A League second Team in 2003.  His soccer career began at Notre Dame, but his transfer to Clemson in his last two years helped them reach the NCAA quarter finals.

“Alan’s defensive experience and speed and his extensive experience in the MLS and USL brings further stability to a very strong defensive unit,” said Michael McCann, Managing Team Director.

FELIX BRILLIANT comes to the Mariners from the MLS’ New England Revolution.  Felix was selected in the 6th round of the 2004 MLS Super draft and earned his NSCAA Division All American Honors in 2000 with 3 goals and a team record 10 assists.  In 2001, his freshman year, Felix earned All New England region and all North East 10 Conference and was named New England 10 Freshman of the Year.  2002 brought him NSCAA/Adidas All Region first team honors as he tied for second with 5 assists.

“Felix is a youthful, yet strong, aggressive attacker,” said McCann.  “Playing midfield or forward he holds a very strong record for goals and assists and will add to the current Mariners depth in either position,” he added.

BAYARD ELFVIN arrived on Sunday from the Cleveland Force of the MISL where he played 5 of 6 games as Goalkeeper this season.  This was after a season in 2004 at the Portland Timbers in the A-League.  Graduating from Ashland University, Bayard was 2 times Intercollegiate Conference-All Conference selection. 

“The reports on Bayard are very strong,” said McCann.  “In a good organization, an experienced young man such as Bayard should flourish with the correct environment”.  He promises to be long-term solution to a key position as goalkeeper.  As the Mariner’s schedule increases, 2 goalkeepers are a must,” he added.

The Mariners new owners made a commitment to the City of Virginia Beach and are restructuring the organization to bring the players closer to the community.  “We are beginning Phase I of this restructuring with our players,” said McCann.  The Club will begin its community involvement to include utilizing the professional players year round.  Also, the creation of “internships program” to attract new players will keep the team strong.  The Mariners personal involvement in these programs and a focus on the youth of our community are all keys to making this work,” said McCann. “The City of Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to live.  It is a win-win situation for all”, he added.

The players will be in training this week as they prepare to play at Puerto Rico on July 8th.  Their next game at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex will be against the Charleston Battery on July 16th.