Palace Baltimore Signs Two More Players

Official Press Release

TWO MORE ADDED TO PALACE BALTIMORE ROSTER
Yaikel Perez and Kenold Versailles Bring Further D2 Experience

March 9th 2010 - Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore have made a double signing as they prepare for the upcoming season. Forward Yaikel Perez joins from Sevilla Bayamon FC of the Puerto Rico 1st Division, while Haitian midfielder Kenold Versailles arrives in Baltimore after spending last season at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Palace Baltimore Founder and Co-Head Coach, Jim Cherneski, spoke about Perez: "We had Perez come to us during the fall at the very end of our training last year and he showed very well when he was with us. We are pleased to have him; he is a good physical presence and has got good pace. He finishes really well and we expect him to score some goals this year. He is very active, always chasing balls down and winning tackles in our attacking third. He’s very skillful as well; he can strike the ball well with both feet. We’re excited to have him."

Perez, 25, has spent the past two years playing in the Puerto Rico top flight and won the League Championship in 2008 with Sevilla Bayamon FC, who are the affiliate club of Spanish top flight club Sevilla FC. Perez was also part of the Cuban National team that participated in the 2005 Gold Cup and was one of several players who defected to the United States during the competition. In addition, the clinical goal scorer has Second Division experience after spending the 2006 season with fellow NASL and USSF D2 side Miami FC.

Baltimore assistant coach Todd Wawrousek commented on Versailles: "We were fortunate to have the experience of Kenny at Vancouver but unfortunately for him he was injured for the majority of the season. He is a very composed and versatile player and has the ability to play with confidence both in central midfield and centrally in defense. We feel fortunate to have him as part of our club and hopefully he will have a successful year and be a very productive player for us."

Versailles (pronounced vur-SIGH), 25, joins Palace after spending last season with another NASL and USSF D2 club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The central midfielder made a total of eight appearances and scored one goal for the Canadian outfit. Prior to arriving in the U.S., Versailles played six years, 2002-2007, in Haiti's top divison. He spent four years at Racing Club Haitien where he was part of the League-winning team in 2002, followed by two years starring for Roulado. Versailles, 6’2", has represented Haiti at international level, beginning at U-17 in 1999. He was also a member of the U-23 Olympic squad in 2004 before gaining five caps for the full Haitian national team.

Palace Baltimore continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly at Baltimore’s Loyola University tomorrow, Wednesday March 10 at 7:00pm. The match will be the first at the school’s new Ridley Stadium and will also serve as a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake relief charities.