April 12, 2011
When senior Joe Marino was growing up in Rochester, he
would often watch the Rochester Rhinos professional soccer team
and dream of playing for the Rhinos one day down the road.
Brockport goalie signs with Rochester Rhinos
When senior Joe Marino was growing up in Rochester, he
would often watch the Rochester Rhinos professional soccer team
and dream of playing for the Rhinos one day down the road.That day has come for Marino, The College at Brockport's
record-setting goalie who posted the 11th longest consecutive
scoreless streak in Division III history during his senior
season.
The decorated Marino has signed a professional contract to
join the Rhinos as the team's third goalie.
Marino impressed coach Bob Lilley and the rest of the Rhinos
during several tryouts with the team, and following Rochester's
scrimmage on March 26, Lilley addressed the tryout
participants.
On the heels of a series of strong workouts, and recognizing
the potential possessed by the 6-foot, 195-pound Marino, Lilley
announced that Marino and two other prospective Rhinos would be
offered contracts to join the team.
Marino made the move official on Thursday, signing his first
professional soccer contract to play with the Rhinos, who are a
member of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) PRO National
Division.
"I was trying to hide my excitement and be professional about
it, but I was stoked. When I found out I'd been offered a spot, I
wanted to scream out and celebrate," said Marino, who will wear No.
31 with the Rhinos.
"There were so many emotions running through me. I still don't
think it's hit me yet. When it gets warm out and I find myself
going to work to play soccer, then it will hit me, especially when
I have that Rhinos' jersey on."
Marino set three Brockport records during the fall —
shutouts in a season (11), team shutouts (12) and most consecutive
minutes without allowing a goal (796 minutes, seven seconds). He
garnered the Huntley Parker Award as the State University of New
York Athletic Conference's (SUNYAC) Men's Soccer Player of the
Year, the first Golden Eagle to earn conference Player of the Year
honors.
Marino was selected by the National Soccer Coaches Association
of America (NSCAA) as a third-team All-American pick last fall, and
he is expected to be a backup to starter, Neal Kitson.
"Joe is a very athletic keeper that will continue to grow with
experience and refinement," Lilley said of Marino on the Rochester
Rhinos' official website.
Led by Marino's solid play in net, the Green and Gold (14-3-3)
climbed to as high as 13th in the national polls and earned the
program's third trip to the Division III NCAA Tournament in
the last five years. Marino's consistent play also earned him NCAA
All-East Region Second-Team honors as Brockport advanced into the
second round of the NCAA Division III tournament for the second
time in as many years.
Marino, a two-time first-team All-SUNYAC selection, was the
centerpiece of a defense that surrendered only 13 goals in 20
games. His 0.61 goals-against average both led the SUNYAC and was
in the top 40 nationally among Division III keepers.
"Joe set a goal for himself of playing professional soccer at
the next level, and this is great news for him," said Gary
LaPietra, Brockport's head coach.
"Soccer is a passion for Joe and he's become very confident in
his abilities. He understands what it takes to play at a high
level. Hopefully this is a stepping stone for Joe for the future.
He has his foot in the door and has to make the best of this
opportunity."
The Rhinos kick off the 2011 season with four straight road
games, beginning with a 7 p.m. contest April 15 against the
Richmond Kickers. The Rhinos' home opener is slated for 7 p.m. May
7 against the Charleston Battery. That game will take place at
Sahlen's Stadium in downtown Rochester.
Marino will be with the Rhinos when they play their next
preseason game at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh
Riverhounds at Sahlen's Stadium.
"This is a dream come true, it's been awesome," said Marino,
who was the 2010 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC)
Division III Metro/Upstate Defensive Player of the Year.
"It's a great opportunity and I'm extremely excited and
grateful for this chance. I told head coach Bob Lilley I'm going to
work hard and, hopefully with some polish, my skills will develop
into someone the Rhinos can count on. Right now I'm just enjoying
the moment."
