Pinellas County native, Thuriere, joins the VSI ranks after coming off a successful PDL and collegiate career here in the Tampa Bay area. After he was named Pinellas All-County player of the year in 2008 Thuriere joined the University of South Florida soccer team where he continued to receive accolades. As a former Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Sebastien saw his share of competition and winning and will now bring his skillset under Coach Matt Weston's leadership.

Head Coach Matt Weston is, "Excited to sign a local talent. We have known about Sebastien for a while with him being at USF and as a club are excited to bring a local high-level collegiate talent into the roster. Sebastien is a player who can play multiple roles and with his raw ability I am excited to get the most out of him as he moves into professional soccer".

USF Head Coach George Kiefer remarked on Thuriere's success, "I'm very excited for Sebastien to become the very first USF player to sign with VSI. Sebastien was a three-year captain for me and was very instrumental in helping us cultivate a very competitive winning locker room.

During his last summer at USF, Thuriere secured two goals for the VSI Tampa Flames PDL team while balancing workouts for the USF Men's Soccer program. Thuriere's dedication to the sport did not go unnoticed by the VSI Tampa Bay FC coaching staff.

"Sebastien is a tremendous young talent. It is wonderful to see a homegrown player go from a youth to pro, right here in Tampa Bay. VSI Tampa Bay FC are excited to bring Sebastien into the squad in this inaugural season. His athleticism, technical ability and passion to compete at the highest level are what attracted us to him. Sebastien was a standout for our PDL team in 2012 and we are thrilled to have one of our own sign professionally," said Director of Coaching Clay Roberts.

VSI Tampa Bay FC will face Thuriere's alma mater in a preseason match on March 23 at 7:00pm at the University of South Florida's Corbett Soccer Stadium. To purchase tickets visit gousfbulls.com or the stadium on game day.