Men's Soccer | February 29, 2016

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Former La Salle soccer standout Joe Farrell has signed a professional contract with the Rochester Rhinos of the United Soccer League, it was announced this month. The Rhinos compete in the USL Professional Division.

"I'm thrilled to start my journey as a professional soccer player," Farrell said. 

The Blue Bell, Pa. native signed a one-year contract with an option for a second season. Farrell leaves La Salle tied for 8th in program history with 16 career assists, and scored 16 goals as a four-year starter for a total of 48 career points. The Wissahickon graduate was named to the A-10 and Soccer 6 All-Rookie teams in 2012, is a three-time Soccer Six All-Star and a four-time NSCAA All-Region selection. 

Teammate Andrew Connors is also pursuing a career in professional soccer and has been a trialist with the Harrisburg City Islanders over the last few weeks. The forward finished last season tied for fifth in the league with seven goals scored and second in goals scored in A-10 games with five. Connors tallied three game-winners this season, including two in league play.

John McCarthy ('14) is preparing for his second season with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union after appearing in 11 games last season. The Cinnaminson, N.J. native earned Rookie of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year in the USL Pro in 2014 as a Rochester Rhino after earning four Atlantic 10 All-Conference nods and three NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region selections during his time with the Explorers (2010-13).

Jason Plumhoff ('14) signed with FC Edmenton last week after leading the USL's Harrisburg City Islanders with 10 goals last season. The midfielder was A-10 Offensive Player of the Year and Soccer Six Player of the Year as a senior at La Salle. 

Ryan Richter ('11) was recently acquired by Bethlehem Steel FC after starting all 32 games last season in leading the Ottawa Fury to the NASL Championship game. Richter was drafted by the Philadelphia Union with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 Supplement Draft after earning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year as a senior at La Salle in 2010.

Jeremy Ortiz ('08) signed with the Baltimore Blast of the MASL in August after recording nine goals and nine assists for the Rochester Lancers last season. The Mount Laurel, N.J. native was drafted first overall in the territorial round of the 2008 Amateur Draft by the New Jersey Ironmen.  Ortiz was a regional All-American and three-time A-10 All-Conference selection at La Salle.