The Trois-Rivières Attak has signed its fourth and fifth players for the 2008 Canadian Soccer League season (CSL): midfielder Jean-Philippe Étienne and defender Michel Vitulano.

Due to a schedule conflict at the start of the 2007 season, Étienne joined the Attak in July, playing a total of 13 games. The defensive midfielder, 23, will play for the third straight year in the CSL, having also played for the Laval Dynamites in 2006.

Étienne has been a regular on the Quebec Select teams and following his performance with the U17, he has been called by the Canadian U20 team for two friendly games in 2001. In 2003-2004, he played for Evansville University (Indiana) in the first division of the NCAA, and in 2005-2006 he was back home and played for the Carabins of the University of Montreal.

"I had no doubt that I would sign with this team again this year," said Étienne. "Despite the adaptation period and the setbacks, the team still had a good season last year. We will do well again this year, the group will be good. The Attak is an excellent stepping stone for the players, as we see with Alex Surprenant this year. The future is positive, for both the team and myself."

Vitulano also has the experience of the CSL, having played for the Laval Dynamites in 2003. He then moved to New Hampshire where he played four years with Franklin Pierce University in the second division of the NCAA.

The 24 year-old defender has an impressive record: he was the captain of the team and has been selected on the All-Conference first-team three straight years (2005-2007); finalist in 2005, he won the national championship in 2007 and was selected on the Final four all tournament first team.

He also won the Canadian national championship with RDP in 1998 and was a member of the Quebec Select teams from 1999 to 2001.

"Last year, I followed the Attak on the Internet and now I am excited to be back home and be part of this team," said Vitulano. "I am comfortable with the players; the level of play is good. I am looking forward to the start of the season."