Elijah Burns G'20 has signed a pro deal with Bulgarian club Rilski Sportist.
Burns scored seven points in Siena's MAAC quarterfinal win over Manhattan on March 11. His next game was supposed to be two days later in Atlantic City. Instead, it will be seven months later in Samokov, Bulgaria. The COVID-19 pandemic suspended the winter sports season before Burns could play for a MAAC title (awarded to Siena as regular season champions) and potentially the NCAA tournament. But, Burns had already accomplished more than enough in his lone season with the Saints to catch the eye of pro scouts. The Second Team All-MAAC selection will begin his professional career with the 2016 and 2018 winners of the Bulgarian Cup.
"My time at Siena was a great experience for me. I had a strong season where I was able to improve my game, and I'm excited to showcase it overseas. I'm super thankful for all the love and support that my parents have given me, as well as all of the opportunities that I have received."
Andreas Rosnes '20 will begin his professional career in his home country.
Rosnes grew up in Stavanger, Norway - the fourth largest city in the westernmost Scandinavian country. He's starting his professional soccer (football) career 500 miles to the north in Trondheim, home of Nardo FK. Rosner made 40 starts in 52 appearances with the Siena men's soccer team (logging one goal and two assists out of the midfield). He begins his career in Norway's third division on a semi-professional contract, and will have a chance to earn a full-time deal. Siena teammate Conor McGlynn '20 inked a professional deal with the Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship in Hartford, Connecticut in April.
"I am thrilled to be able to continue my soccer career. It has been many months of individual work, so it is good to be able to finally join a team and start playing for the win again. Soccer is such a big part of my life, so it was an easy decision to continue playing, and I am very glad to have the opportunity to do so."