The Tulsa Revolution announced three key additions to their team as they get set to debut in the Professional Arena Soccer League next month.  Thomas Shannon, a native of Broken Arrow, David Parente Devignaud, Josh Danza and Franck Tayou.

Thomas Shannon is a 23-year old native of Broken Arrow who began playing recreational soccer in the Broken Arrow Soccer Club as a child.  Shannon quickly developed as a player and turned to competitive soccer, becoming the captain of the Tulsa Soccer Club 91 boys team. He help lead his TSC team to eight state championship titles, and two Region III championships.

Shannon played four years of varsity soccer at Broken Arrow High School where he was selected all-conference and all-district 2006, 2007, and 2008, and all-metro in 2007 and 2008. In 2008 he was selected as all-metro Player of the Year. Shannon was named the 2008 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and led his team his senior season with 42 points. He also was a member of the Oklahoma ODP squad and was a Wendy’s High School Heisman winner.

At the college level, Shannon played for the University of Memphis, starting all four years, receiving various player honors and was captain his senior year. During his four years at Memphis, Shannon started 56 of 59 games played, scored 10 goals and had 8 assists from the center-back position.

Besides being a talented soccer player, Shannon was also an excellent student graduating Cum Laude with a Biomedical Engineering Degree and math minor in 2012. During his college career he also played with Mississippi Brilla, a member of the Player Development League. There he was named the captain started at center-back all three seasons.

In December 2012, Shannon moved to Brisbane, Australia, and signed his first professional contract with Brisbane City FC in the National Premier League. There he was named captain and helped lead BCFC to a second place finish in the league. Shannon was then transferred to the Dandenong Thunder in the Victorian Premier league where he finished out the last 10 games of the season.

From the lesser known world of “futsal”, a form of soccer that is played five-a-side and on a court or hard surface (not turf), usually indoors, but also outdoors in some countries, comes midfielder David Parente Devignaud.  Devignaud has also played soccer for many clubs including Operario Clube Desportivo and F.C. GyPaetus in Greece.

The 26-year old 6’2” Portuguese native has particular expertise in assisting the goal scorers and promises to be a handful for the other PASL clubs this year.

“He is looking strong and fit, we are looking forward to seeing what he can produce in the matches.” Revolution Head Coach Michael Nsien said.

David Joshua Marrero “Josh” Danza  is a veteran of the PASL, who saw action last season with the Ohio Vortex.  Danza, a Baltimore native, played collegiate soccer at Towson University, and was a member of the Puerto Rico National Team.   Danza is a utility player who can function at almost any position.  His leadership qualities and skill are considered very positive assets that can help the relatively young Tulsa club.

On and off the field, Danza is nothing but business. When he is not playing professional soccer, he is the Director of Operations for True Student Athletes where he helps unnoticed youth athletes achieve their goals through his college resources and playing experience.  In addition to seeing playing time with the Vortex, Danza also served as an assistant to the general manager of the team.

“Danza has the potential to be the biggest locker room presence on the team,” said Revolution head coach Michael Nsien. “Not to take away from his knowledge and skill base, because he has that going for him as well. However, his intangibles are second to none. His approach to training and passion for the game has been contagious.”

Franck Tayou is the team’s first transfer player.  Tayou, a 6’ 2” forward, came from the Las Vegas Legends in the Pacific Division of the PASL. With 20 goals last season with the Legends, Tayou is looking to continue his goal-scoring streak here in Tulsa.

“I am excited to play soccer for Tulsa, the team is strong and we will be good this season.” Tayou said.

Tayou came to the United States when his parents, Jacques and Chantal Tayou, fled political persecution in the homeland; Cameroon.  In 2006, Tayou (16) and his brother Uzi (17) were looking for a place to play soccer, and they found a group of Hispanic teens who were playing near their home. The Tayou’s spoke little English and no Spanish, but they came to a quick agreement, and the youngsters told the brothers they could play for 10 minutes and show what they could do. Neither of the brothers had cleats and were accustomed to playing with their bare feet in Cameroon. After competing for 10 minutes, Franck and Uzi were invited to play on the team. The Hispanic group bought them their first pair of cleats.

Tayou learned English and graduated from Valley High School (Las Vegas). He played junior college soccer at Tacoma Community College and at Garden City Community College (Kansas). He then transferred to West Virginia University where he helped his team advance to the NCAA championships. Tayou graduated with a B.A. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.

From 4:30pm-6:30pm on October 18th, the Revolution will be holding a meet and greet with the fans at SoccerCity Tulsa, which is located at 5817 S 118th E Ave, in the industrial park northwest of the intersection of 61st and Garnett.  The event will feature all of the Revolution players, the Ladies Of Liberty Dance Team and free Pizza from Hideaway Pizza.   The team will scrimmage at the event and fans can get autographs and information about season and group ticket plans.

The Revolution will travel to open the 2013-14 PASL season at the Illinois Piasa on Nov. 1.

Tulsa’s first home game will be on Nov. 22 against Hidalgo LaFiera, at 7:00 pm at the Cox Business Center (formerly the Tulsa Convention Center).