When Bob Lilley started looking at the type of roster he wanted to put together when he became the Riverhounds head coach last month, one of the first players he was hoping to bring with him from his most recent Rochester Rhinos teams was Kenardo Forbes.
Riverhounds have signed former USL All-League player to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2019 season, pending league and USSF approval.
Forbes, 29, played for three years in Rochester and he is the fifth Rhino from last year’s USL Eastern Conference semifinalist squad to sign with the Hounds since Lilley took over in November – joining Jordan Dover, Christiano François, Raymond Lee and Dan Lynd.
“Kenardo was the most influential player in Rochester over the past two seasons,” Lilley said. “His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his leadership qualities were critical to our success. He is a player that is consistently good and always seems to show up in the biggest moments.”
Serving as team captain this past season, Forbes has been a formidable presence in the midfield for the Lilley-led Rhinos squads since 2015. He’s made no less than 20 starts in each of his three seasons there, racking up 19 assists, including playoffs, to lead all Rhinos players in that span. His league accolades include helping the Rhinos to the USL Cup in 2015 – a year in which he led the club in assists with five – as well as earning All-League Second Team honors in 2016.
By adding Forbes to a midfield that already includes two proven play makers in Kerr and François, Lilley already has assembled a very promising Hounds midfield that is not short on creativity and leadership. This trio combined for 16 assists in league play last season.
Currently, Forbes is spending his off season competing for the Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). He is Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer and has earned multiple All-League honors.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Forbes began his professional career in 2006 with Naggo Head F.C., then in the Jamaican National Premier League. After one year in Portmore, he moved back to his hometown to play for one of the top Jamaican clubs in Waterhouse F.C. Forbes captained the team for a spell during his time there and notably appeared in three matches in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League Group Stages.
Additionally, Forbes has made three appearances for the Jamaican National Team. He debuted internationally with the Reggae Boyz in 2010.
Forbes’ signing brings the roster to an even 10 players currently under contract heading into the New Year.
Full details on the roster for 2018 can be found below.
Roster breakdown for 2018 season
Forwards (3): Kay Banjo, Romeo Parkes, Chevaughn Walsh
Midfielders (3): Kenardo Forbes, Christiano François, Kevin Kerr
Defenders (3): Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Raymond Lee
Goalkeepers (1): Dan Lynd
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Hounds sign 'influential' veteran Forbes to strengthen midfield
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