#TeamFPU

After a historic senior season, Fresno Pacific midfielderhas signed a professional contract with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the United Soccer League, as announced by the club on Monday . The Reedley, Calif. native earned his Bachelor's degree from FPU in December and is expected to join the club next month."Since I've been at FPU, our coaching staff and older players have taken me under their wing and helped me stay focused. Fresno Pacific has helped make me the player I am, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me," Velarde said. "Coming from a small town and going across the country is a crazy experience that many people don't get to have, and I'm grateful to the club for believing in my ability. I had hoped that this could be a possibility, but I can't even put into my words what it means that it's now a reality."Velarde led the country in assists and added 14 goals last fall while helping the Sunbirds to a 14-3-1 record and a berth in the NCAA Postseason for the first time in three years. Additionally, Velarde broke the PacWest Conference's career assist record in a late-season road victory over Biola, and his 48 points are the most of any Sunbird since FPU joined the NCAA in 2013."It could be argued that he turned in the best statistical season of any player in the nation, and he ranks among the top players at his position to ever wear a Sunbird uniform," head coachsaid. "It's been incredible to watch him represent our program as a player and as a person, and we wish him all the best as he begins his career at the next level."At season's end, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and United Soccer Coaches both announced Velarde as an All-American , making him FPU's first consensus selection since former teammate Renato Bustamante in 2015. Velarde now joins Bustamante as the second Sunbird in as many seasons to ink with a USL team, as the latter signed a deal with Fresno FC last spring."Anthony is a very gifted technical player who also brings creativity and sophistication in attacking areas," Pittsburgh head coach Bob Lilley said. "We feel he can bring goals and assists, and are excited to help him make the jump from college to the professional game."Following a 2018 season that saw the club win ten straight matches and host its' first-ever playoff game, Pittsburgh begins the 2019 campaign on March 16 with a road trip to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies.