By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Sebastien Thuriere is the latest Bull to go pro.

The former USF midfielder has signed with VSI Tampa Bay FC of the United Soccer League's pro level. Thuriere, a St. Pete native, earned Big East tournament MVP honors in 2008 and scored 12 goals during his USF career that included trips to the NCAA tournament each season.

"We have known about Sabastien for a while with him being at USF, and as a club we are excited to bring a local high-level collegiate talent into the roster," VSI Tampa Bay FC coach Matt Weston said. "Sebastien is a player who can play multiple roles, and with his raw ability, I'm excited to get the most out of him as he moves into professional soccer."

Thuriere is the first Bull to sign with VSI Tampa Bay FC, a new team in the league, and USF head coach George Kiefer was excited to see USF's third player go pro this year. Defender Brenton Griffiths was picked by the Colorado Rapids in the second round of the MLS supplemental draft and midfielder Kevin Olali also got a call in the second round from Seattle Sounders FC.

"Sebastien was a three-year captain for me and was very instrumental in helping us cultivate a very competitive, winning locker room," Kiefer said.

Watch Thuriere and VSI Tampa Bay FC take on the Bulls in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. on March 23 at Corbett Stadium.