Diegues and Sliwa Named to MASL Team of the Week. Teixeira and Moojen earn Honorable Mention.

Lakeland, FL - After two hard fought wins over the Syracuse Silver Knights this past weekend, four Florida Tropics SC players were included in the leagues "Player of the Week" press release. Ricardo Diegues and Piotr Sliwa both made the team of the week. Lucas Teixeira and Freddy Moojen both received an honorable mention for their performances. The Tropics are currently sitting in second place in the eastern division, and will face Harrisburg twice, and Syracuse once on a final road trip at the end of the month to determine who will face Baltimore in the final playoff position. Here is the leagues press release:

"KANSAS CITY (Feb. 14, 2017) – There was much to love about this weekend’s Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) action. These players stood out among their peers and earned their spot on the MASL Team of the Week.

The MASL Team of the Week is selected using the Stars awarded at each game and by soliciting nominations from each team. Players nominated by teams were each awarded three points and stars were awarded 3 points (1st Star), 2 points (2nd star) and 1 Point (3rd star) respectively.

Goalkeeper: 
Piotr Sliwa (Florida Tropics) – Piotr Sliwa recorded two wins over the Syracuse Silver Knights over the weekend. He notched 40 saves in those two wins and only gave up two goals in Saturday night’s match.

Defender: 
Cesar Cerda (San Diego Sockers) – The Sockers are one step closer to qualifying for the playoffs with a win against the El Paso Coyotes on Friday. Cesar Cerda was a vital part of that win with a hat trick and an assist.

Midfielders:
Ian Bennett (Milwaukee Wave) – Ian Bennett had his sixth game of the season with 3+ goals on Sunday. Against the Cedar Rapids Rampage, the veteran midfielder scored three goals on five shots.
Christian Gutierrez (Atletico Baja) – Christian Gutierrez joins this list for the second straight week. He continues to impress as this week he scored two more goals and added five defensive blocks against Atletico Baja’s rivals, Soles de Sonora.

Forwards:
Ricardo Diegues (Florida Tropics) – The Florida Tropics are keeping the Eastern Division playoff race interesting. Ricardo Diegues helped his team to second place in the division with 3 goals and 3 assists in two games against Syracuse this weekend.
Taylor Bond (Chicago Mustangs) – The Chicago Mustangs are still hanging onto their playoff hopes thanks to the efforts of Taylor Bond. The team’s leading scorer netted a hat trick and an assist each against both St. Louis and Dallas this weekend.

Honorable Mention:Josh Lemos (Milwaukee Wave), Christopher Welch (Turlock Express), Roberto Escalante (Soles de Sonora), Uzi Tayou (Soles de Sonora), Evan McNeley (Tacoma Stars), Lucas Teixeira (Florida Tropics), Martyn Arista (Turlock Express), Vahid Assadpour (Kansas City Comets), Ricardinho Cavalcante (Dallas Sidekicks), Freddy Moojen (Florida Tropics), Ramone Palmer (Kansas City Comets), Ivan Campos (Turlock Express)

ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE

The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer."

Congrats to Ricardo, Piotr, Lucas, and Freddy! 

About Florida Tropics SC: Florida Tropics SC is a professional indoor soccer team that will begin play in November of 2016 at the Lakeland Center. The team will play in the Major Arena Soccer League, which is the highest level of professional indoor soccer in North America. To stay up to date on team information, player signings and special offers, “Like” the teams Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/FLTropics). For more information visit www.FLTropics.com. To purchase tickets, call 863-333-5353, or visit Store.FLTropics.com

(Photo Credit: Chris Arnold)