Miami FC News Release - www.miamifc.com

 

Monday, March 13, 2006

 

MIAMI, FL -- Miami FC announced the signing of Jamaican international Onandi Lowe, former college star and MLS player, the Brazilian Diego Walsh, and midfielders Pedro Power and Artie Bartholomew.

Lowe has been one of the most emblematic players from the Jamaican National Team in the last decade.  The 6 foot 3 forward is well recognized for his strong right foot, and for being part of the “Reggae Boyz” that participated in the World Cup France 1998; the only Jamaican side in history to participate in a World Cup.

Lowe started in two of Jamaica’s three games at the World Cup; against Croatia in their debut, and against Japan.  He was also a key player during the entire qualifying process for the World Cup.

The 32-year-old forward has worn the Jamaican National Team jersey on more than 60 occasions, including the Gold Cup 1998 and the Gold Cup 2003.

Lowe has played for three different clubs in England: Coventry City, Rushden & Diamonds, and Port Vale FC.  He arrives to Miami FC from Jamaican and Caribbean  Champions, Portmore United.

In 2001, Lowe played for MLS side, Kansas City Wizards.  That year, he led the team in shots on goal (66), scored four goals and recorded three assists in 13 games.

Prior to joining MLS, Lowe had established himself as a USL veteran with five seasons in the league, playing for the Montreal Impact from 1996-98, the Richmond Kickers in 1999 and Rochester Raging Rhinos in 2000. He registered 32 regular season goals and 15 assists in that time. Lowe's highlight season was in 1999 with Richmond, when he had 15 goals and seven assists and was named to the All-League Second Team.

Lowe commented from Jamaica, "This is a great opportunity for me to continue my professional football career. I'm excited with the prospect of playing with Miami FC in its inaugural season in USL First Division. I must thank my sponsor in Jamaica, Captain Horace Burrell, for his belief in me as a person and a professional football player. He came to my assistance at a most crucial stage of my life.  Many thanks also to Portmore United for allowing me the opportunity to parade my talent for the club, thus facilitating this latest opportunity with Miami FC. I will certainly play my part in bringing the 2006 USL Division One championship and the US Open Cup to the City of Miami."

Portmore United FC Director, Horace Reid added, "Onandi is an exceptional talent, and I'm the least surprised that this opportunity has come his way. He still has what it takes to play at the highest level of international football. The Directors of Portmore United are indeed pleased with Onandi's progress in his short stint with the club, and also the fact that we could play our part in the continued development of his professional football career. We look forward to further collaboration with Miami FC in the very near future."

Walsh played in MLS from 2003 to 2005.  The 26-year-old midfielder was born in Brazil but grew up in Miami. Playing for Miami FC will be a homecoming for him.

Walsh had a superb college career with Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, regarded as one of the best soccer programs in the country.  Diego has the all time assists record at SMU, with 39, and also ranks fifth in goals with 39.

Walsh also played for the PDL Miami Strike Force in 2001, tallying three goals and two assists in 17 games.

In 2003, Walsh was drafted by the Columbus Crew from the MLS.  In his first season as a professional he played 14 games (six as a starter), and scored one goal.  In 2004 and 2005, Walsh played with the Kansas City Wizards.

Miami FC also signed defensive midfielder, Pedro Power.  Power is a product of Braddock Senior High School in Miami where he played an important role in taking the team to the regional semifinals.  The 23-year-old player with Bolivian roots played his college career at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania where he led the team in scoring in his junior year.

The 22-year-old midfielder attended the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.  On a collegiate level, he played for the University of Pennsylvania soccer team which he led in assists during his final year.  After graduation, Bartholomew was recruited by Belgian professional team, K. Rupel Boom FC where he trained for the first team, but was forced to play for the second team due to issues with his work permit.

Bartholomew has played four seasons in the PDL, three with the Bradenton Academics and the most recent in 2004 with the Reading Rage, where he played in 16 games, talling a goal and an assist.