Brazilian Striker Twins from Historic CalFC Run Latest to Sign with PSM, Generating Buzz

July 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Both brothers joined Cal’s roster in time for the 2nd round of the 2012 US Open Cup in Wilmington NC, where they defeated the Hammerheads 4-0. Pedro Mendes scored a late goal off a direct free-kick in the 79th minute to finish the score for CalFC. With that win, CalFC advanced to the 3th Round in Portland, defeating Portland Timbers of MLS 1-0 in stoppage time. They were eliminated from the Cup during the 4th round in Seattle v. SoundersFC.  

The brothers have lengthy resumes, which include invitations to train and play with Chicago Fire, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes of MLS. They have also trained with Miami FC and Fresno Fuego of PDL, and currently play for Rhode Island Reds of the National Premier Soccer League. Paulo has tallied 6 goals in 6 games played, while Pedro is close behind him with 5 goals in 6 games played.  

Both were scouted by nine Division 1 colleges from 2007 – 2009 before settling at Foothill College, where they were each named top scorer, both received the “Player of the Year” accolade in 2009-2010, and were nominated for All American honors. Paulo was named 2nd top scorer in the state of California. He started and played in 19 games, scoring 20 goals and nabbing 15 assists, while Pedro scored 16 with 10 assists in all 19 starts.

2007 – 2008 were spent in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) where they received invitations to the National Camp, and played for the Regional and State Teams. They also saw success with the United States Futsal Federation, nabbing the National Championship with their team.  Prior to 2006, Paulo played for Goias Academy in Brazil.  

The signing with Pangea Sports Management comes 3 weeks after Cal FC made history and gained substantial national attention under head coach Eric Wynalda, US Soccer Hall of Famer and FOX Soccer Analyst, who led the team to the 4th round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where they were ultimately defeated by 3 time consecutive Open Cup Champions, Seattle Sounders of MLS. Cal FC was trending worldwide on Twitter, and FOX Soccer had rearranged its schedule to broadcast the matchup between the amateur team that made history and the 3-time defending champions.

“Now that we’ve finished the Open Cup, I want to focus on playing professional soccer for my career more than ever,” says Paulo. “Coach Wynalda believed in us and gave us the opportunity to showcase to the nation everything we’ve worked so hard for.” Pedro chimes in and says “Signing with PSM is going to be good for us; they have a reputation for representing their players well and doing things in the best interest of everyone, and I like that. I’m excited for what’s to come.”  

News on the signing of Cal players is already buzzing, and several clubs have already begun talks to sign the players who made history across the U.S.