ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2016 – Orlando City B has acquired versatile defender and midfielder Andrew Ribeiro from the Charlotte Independence and goalkeeper Mark Ridgers from Scottish side St. Mirren leading up to the 2016 United Soccer League (USL) season, the Club announced today. The acquisition of Ridgers is pending his ITC and Visa.
Per Club and league rules, additional details were not disclosed.
“Andrew and Mark will bring a great amount of national and international experience to our team,” said OCB head coach Anthony Pulis. “We’ve been monitoring them for some time and we are really excited to have them join to strengthen our squad. We look forward to working with them and benefiting from their contributions.”
A veteran of USL, Ribeiro joins OCB following a standout 2015 season with USL side Charlotte Independence, contributing to eight clean sheets in 28 appearances while leading the club in minutes played with 2,311.
Ribeiro’s USL experience dates back to 2013, where he commanded the Harrisburg City Islanders to the USL Playoffs, making 24 appearances in his first professional season and maintaining four clean sheets. Due to his success, the imposing six-foot tall defender was signed by former Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chivas USA in 2014, making several appearances for the U-23 side. Later that year, Ribeiro joined USL squad Pittsburgh Riverhounds, recording 462 minutes played.
The Green Bay, Wisconsin native, who was originally selected by the New York Red Bulls in the fourth round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, attended Creighton University (2009-2012), guiding the Bluejays to two consecutive NCAA College Cup appearances and earning the 2012 Missouri Conference Defensive Player of the Year, All-MVC First Team and MVC All-Tournament Team honors.
Scottish goalkeeper Ridgers, 25, brings plenty of international experience to the Lions’ backline at a young age – having played 10 years in the Scottish professional leagues after debuting at the young age of 15 with Ross County in 2006.
Following his first year with Ross County, Ridgers featured with Scottish sides Heart of Midlothian, East Fife, Airdrie United, St. Mirren and Kilmarnock, making 96 appearances. At the international level, the goalkeeper has represented Scotland’s U-19 and U-21 sides, making several appearances.
Transaction: Orlando City B Acquires Andrew Ribeiro and Mark Ridgers
Transaction: Orlando City B Acquires Andrew Ribeiro and Mark Ridgers
Name: Mark Ridgers
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 181 lbs.
Birth Date: August 9, 1990
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland
Citizenship: Scotland
Twitter:@MarkRidgers
Name: Andrew Ribeiro
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birth Date: October 22, 1990
Birthplace: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Citizenship: United States of America
Twitter:@Brazilribs
