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Lee among Trio of Rhinos Signings

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 03/27/17, 7:12PM EDT

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Defender joined by Graf, Pratzner in Rochester for new season


Photo courtesy Darren Abate / San Antonio FC

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos announced on Monday the club had signed three new players ahead of the start of its 2017 USL regular season this Saturday, with veteran defender Raymond Lee being joined by forward Jochen Graf  and defender Todd Pratzner. The signings are pending league and USSF approval.

Lee was drafted in the fouth round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, and brings USL experience to the Rhinos. Lee competed for the Harrisburg City Islanders before making 19 appearances for Tulsa Roughnecks FC last season.

"Ray has very good pace for an outside back," said Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley. "He's a great 1v1 defender. He already has experience in the league, and should improve our strength on the left side with his size and athleticism."

The defender was a four-year starter at Saint Louis, where he scored 14 goals and had six assists, playing primarily as a midfielder. He was a second team All-Atlantic 10 performer in 2014 and helped carry the Billikens into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Graf returns to America after spending the last three seasons in Sweden playing for Lidkopings FK, Carlstad United & Oskarshamns AIK. He scored multiple game-winners in the various Swedish leagues, often late in matches.  

"He's a grinder," said Lilley "He's going to work defenders, fight for every ball, and he has the mentality to pop up in the right spots." 

The 27-year-old Texas native had an outstanding collegiate career with Bradley University, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists. He also featured for the Ventura County Fusion in the Premier Development League during his collegiate career, making 18 appearances for the club over two seasons.

Pratzner comes to the Rhinos after an extremely successful collegiate career at Xavier University, where he started 70 matches.

"He's a hard worker, very smart, and has adapted pretty quickly to what we want," said Lilley, "He's a strong kid who's good in the air who likes being a center back."

The Lancaster, Pa. native was a captain of both PA Classics Developmental Academy and Philadelphia Union Academy teams, and also trained with the Philadelphia Union reserves as a 17-year-old.

The Rhinos will kick off the 2017 USL regular season on Saturday, April 1 against Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. The club’s home opener is on Saturday, April 22 when the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls II visit Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. ET.   

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