During the 2012 season, the Riverhounds allowed a staggering 39 goals, including a league high 21 at home.  To help alleviate the issue, head coach Justin Evans went out and signed defensive midfielder Alfonso Motagalvan.

Before playing for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL last season, Alfonso stared in 59 games for Rochestor where he anchored a midfield that included current Riverhound and Pittsburgh native, Richie Costanzo.

Alfonso grew up in Gilroy, California where he played high school and club soccer before earning a full scholarship to UC Santa Barbara.  He was an instrumental part of the Gaucho’s 2006 NCAA championship team and later led the Ventura County Fusion to the 2009 PDL Championship, netting the winning goal.  Motagalvan spent time with Chivas USA but could never break into the first team during his time as a reserve.

With two championships to his credit, we hope that Alfonso brings that winning attitude and defensive presence to The Highmark.

Here is Motagalvan posing with the infamous Chicarito last summer during Strikers training where the two of them filmed a Powerade commercial.

Oh, and happy birthday to Alfonso who turned 26 today!

# Unleash