VANCOUVER (Thursday, April 3, 2003) - The upcoming training camp for the Whitecaps FC Men's Team will feature plenty of Portuguese flair, with the arrival of midfielder Mario Jorge, a nine-year veteran of Portugal's First Division.
Jorge is a former teammate of Whitecaps Head Coach Tony Fonseca, as the pair played four seasons together at Estrela da Amadora in the mid-nineties. The 33-year-old Jorge has also played for such famous Portuguese clubs as Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. In total, he has played 209 games in the Portuguese First Division.
"Mario Jorge is a very talented player and it's very exciting having him here," said Tony Fonseca, "he plays on the right side of midfield and is an excellent crosser of the ball. He is an extremely creative player, and has always very been fit."
A decision on Jorge's contract status will be made during training camp.
Born in Angola and raised in Lisbon, Jorge rose to prominence playing for Estoril Praia, which gained promotion to Portugal's First Division in 1991. He signed with Benfica for the following season, and then later played alongside Fonseca at Estrela da Amadora for four seasons. He also spent time with Sporting Lisbon and Maritimo, before heading to Spain to play the 1998/99 season with Leganés of the Spanish Second Division. He returned to Portugal, and finished off his time in the top flight with Campomaiorense, playing two seasons there until 2001.
Jorge came to the USA to play for the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer in 2002, however the franchise was folded by the league prior to the season. An impromptu tryout with the New England Revolution failed to land a contract, and Jorge eventually returned to Portugal, but not before contacting Fonseca to enquire about the possibility of coming to Vancouver. He flies in from Portugal this afternoon.
The Portuguese connection at the Whitecaps 2003 training camp will include Mario Jorge, Head Coach Tony Fonseca, coaching assistant Tony Francisco, and goalkeeper Alex Marques, while the Craveiro cousins, forward Chris and midfielder Nico, are both of Portuguese decent.
Mario Jorge Aveleira Ramos (5' 7" 154 lb; 171cm 70kg) was born October 6, 1969 in Luanda, Angola.
Whitecaps Communications
For more information:
Colin Metcalfe (604) 809-8227
http://www.whitecapssoccer.com
