Chester, Pa. (April 09, 2010) - Philadelphia Union today announced the signing of Italian-American defender Cristian Arrieta. Arrieta, who has been training with the club for two weeks, comes from Puerto Rico Islanders FC in the USL-First Division and will be eligible to play in tomorrow’s match against D.C. United. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the signing were not disclosed.
“We're very excited to have Arrieta join our club,” said Team Manager Peter Nowak. “He was one of the best defenders in the USL and we expect him to continue his success in MLS. His wealth of international experience will also help to strengthen our defensive line."
Arrieta, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Islanders, where he was a two-time Defender of the Year and the 2009 USL MVP. Prior to his time in Puerto Rico, the defender spent 12 years playing for Italian Serie C2 and Serie B with US Lecce and A.S.D. Serbia among other Italian clubs.
Name: Cristian Arrieta
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170 lbs
Born: Sept. 18, 1979
Birthplace: Orlando, Fla.
Citizenship: USA/Italy
Last Club: Puerto Rico Islanders
How Acquired: Signed from Puerto Rico Islanders
Pronunciation: Cristian ar-EE-eta
Philadelphia Union’s home opener will be April 10, 2010 vs. D.C. United at Lincoln Financial Field.
ABOUT KEYSTONE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, is the Philadelphia Union ownership group. It is comprised of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iStar Financial Jay Sugarman, CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz, Christopher and Robert Buccini and David Pollin, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group, Swarthmore Group’s Jim Nevels (Chairman) and Paula Mandle (CEO), and Philadelphia attorney William Doran. For more information about Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
