Puerto Rico Retains Key Young Players

Photo credit: Todd Drexler/Jacksonville Armada FC

Three young midfielders and an imposing forward will once again suit up in orange for the 2017 season. Michael Kafari and Tyler Rudy each put their stamp on the starting lineup, while Brian Bement was a regular contributor off the bench in 2016; which also saw forward Sidney Rivera flourish towards the end of the season as a scoring threat.

Michael Kafari led Puerto Rico FC in passing accuracy, completing 81 percent of his passes. The 25-year-old made it hard for opposing offenses to start their attack, while helping build Puerto Rico's.

Rudy showed his versatility throughout the season playing at defensive midfield, right midfield, and right back. The 23-year-old developed into a true box-to-box midfielder scoring his first two goals as a professional which saw him starting 20 of the 22 games.  

Bement, 23, finished his rookie year with 526 minutes under his belt which went a long way in his development. His hard work during training earned him five starts and he went on to contribute two goals during the Luis Villarejo Cup while assisting in two others as well.

Rivera, 23, scored three times in the last eight games of the year. This included his first goal which rescued a point against Jacksonville Armada FC while his second gave Puerto Rico FC a big road win against Ottawa. Rivera scored a fourth goal during the Cup and more is expected from him in 2017.

Forward Bljedi Bardic has decided to remain in New York to pursue other opportunities. The club whishes him all the best in his future endeavors.