By Rochester Rhinos ,

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos are excited to announce the signing of forward Darius Madison, a former NCAA College Cup winner at the University of Virginia. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Madison competed in 2016 for the PDL’s Kitsap Pumas, where he scored one goal in 10 appearances. Madison had previously played in the PDL for Reading United AC, where he scored eight goals in 20 appearances between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, helping the side reach the PDL Playoffs in both years.

“Darius brings an outstanding pedigree to the Rhinos as an attacking threat,” said Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley. “We’ve seen what he’s accomplished in both the college ranks and in the PDL, and we believe we can get the best out of him to help our side succeed this season.”

A former member of the Philadelphia Union Academy, Madison spent three seasons at the University of Virginia, where he scored 12 goals and recorded four assists in 59 career games for the Cavaliers. In 2014 he helped the side claim the NCAA College Cup, and was named to the College Cup All-Tournament Team for a second consecutive season as Virginia won its seventh national championship.

“I’m very excited to get this opportunity with the Rhinos,” said Madison. “I’m already enjoying working with Coach Lilley, and with the squad that we have in camp I believe we’re set up to have a successful 2017 season.”

The Rhinos will kick off the 2017 USL regular season on Saturday, April 1 against Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. The club’s home opener is on Saturday, April 22 when the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls II visit Capelli Sports Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. ET.