UMBC's Pete Caringi III (Perry Hall, Md./Calvert Hall) signed a professional soccer contract with Oklahoma City Energy FC, general manager Jason Hawkins announced today.
"We're very happy to have Pete on board," said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. "We're looking forward to working with him. He's a well-schooled, intelligent soccer player who will play a big part on our offense. We can't wait to see his game develop."
In December, Caringi became the first Retriever student-athlete to earn NSCAA First Team All-America honors in program history.
The 2012 and 2013 America East Striker of the Year, Caringi scored 27 goals over his last two seasons. The local product was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 2013 America East Championships and finished his career with 37 goals (fourth on the all-time list) and 91 points (fifth all-time).
"It is a great day for UMBC soccer," said head coach Pete Caringi, Jr. "We are excited for Pete and look forward to watching him play at the next level. "
OKC Energy FC is one of the newest members of the USL Professional Division. USL PRO will feature 14 teams for the 2014 season with the addition of Oklahoma City and Sacramento. In 2013, USL PRO and Major League Soccer began a partnership to enhance the development of professional players in North America, strengthen the competition in both leagues and establish a solid foundation for future collaboration.
OKC Energy is one of two affiliates of Sporting Kansas City. The team's inaugural 28-game slate begins on the road against LA Blues on April 5 and the team's home opener is April 26 against defending USL PRO champion Orlando City SC, also a Sporting KC affiliate.