Arizona United Arizona United Soccer Club announces two signings

PEORIA, Ariz. (Friday, April 18, 2014) – Arizona United Soccer Club is pleased to announce the signings of defender Kevin Cope and midfielder Jose Ramos, pending league and USSF approval.

Cope, 22, joins Arizona United SC after a successful college career at Michigan State, where he served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons. At MSU, Cope appeared in 83 matches and recorded three goals and five assists.

“Kevin is a very intelligent soccer player,” Arizona United SC head coach Michael Dellorusso said. “He’s youthful, and he brings calmness to our defense.”

During Cope’s college career, he played four seasons in the USL Premier Development League for the Michigan Bucks (2010, 2012-13) and Chicago Fire Premier (2011). He was named 2012 PDL Defender of the Year. In four combined years of USL PDL play, Cope scored six goals in 46 matches.

“I have family and friends here, so location is awesome for me personally,” said Cope, who is from Canton, Mich. “I love the team, I love the coach. It has been a journey to get here, but everything happens for a reason. The coach has faith in me and I have faith in the team.”

Cope was originally drafted by Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. He was released before the start of the MLS season.

Ramos, 26, enters his second professional season after playing for Phoenix FC Wolves in 2013. He had one assist in nine matches.

“Jose is a hard-working player,” Dellorusso said. “He is predictable, which is nice for a coach. You know what you’re going to get out of him every day. His effort is always there and he will help bring us some depth in the midfield.”

After graduating from Phoenix’s Trevor Browne High School in 2005, Ramos traveled to South America and played on reserve squads for Uruguayan club Centro Atletico Fenix (2006) and Argentine club Godoy Cruz (2007). For the next five years, Ramos had trials in Uruguay, Mexico and the United States. He played two seasons for the Professional Arena Soccer League’s Arizona Storm from 2011-12, and then signed with the Wolves in 2013.

“I’m really excited. I was working hard trying to get a spot on this team,” Ramos said. “I’m just trying to enjoy it, and take full advantage of every minute I play.”

For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets go online at www.arizonaunited.com. Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer or Twitter @AZUnitedSC