Both players join Ottawa with two years of NASL experience

Puerto Rico Football Club announced Thursday that goalkeeper David Meves and forward Oliver Minatel will join the squad for the upcoming inaugural season.

“PRFC are delighted to add two proven players to our roster," Puerto Rico FC Technical Director Neil Sillet said. "David was most impressive in the semifinal in 2015 and was unlucky not to carry his team to the final. He is agile and commanding and we hope to improve upon his already stellar 33 percent shutout rate last season.

“Oliver was a major success at Ottawa, and is another recruit who has winning experience. He also brings several qualities, including being a great goalscorer as evidenced by his being the leading scorer for Ottawa in 2014. He is an exciting player with an incredible work ethic that we hope is contagious here at Puerto Rico Football Club."

Meves came to the attention of the Puerto Rico FC technical staff with an excellent display against the New York Cosmos in The Championship Semifinals last season. He had joined Fort Lauderdale last summer and kept a 33 percent shutout ratio in 12 starts. Meves is a graduate of soccer power Akron University who gained rave reviews for his agility and ability.

His displays resulted in him being selected as the third pick in the 2013 MLS supplemental draft and he signed for the Portland Timbers. It was there that he gained vital experience with the Timbers U-23 team.

Oliver is another player who brings NASL experience to Puerto Rico FC. Oliver was a big part of the Fury FC team that stormed to the Fall Season title in 2015.

After being spotted at one of Brazil’s largest youth tournaments by PSV, he spent a year in the Dutch team’s academy. Following a brief spell back in Brazil with Velo Cube,Oliver became an instant success in the NASL as he was Ottawa’s top scorer in 2014. A player with a great work ethic and a top goalscoring record, he adds real quality and competitiveness to Puerto Rico.

“We are pleased to announce the signing of two young players who already have great pro experience, and bring with them that winning attitude that we are looking for," Puerto Rico FC President Tom Payne said. "David is an athletic goalkeeper, and Oliver is an exciting attacking player, and we think our fans will really love watching both in action for PRFC beginning with our first game on July 2.”