Florida Tropics SC Lucas Teixeira named to All MASL rookie team

LAKELAND – Lucas Teixeira, who led the Florida Tropics in blocks and was fourth in scoring, has been named to the Major Arena Soccer League's  All Rookie Team

.The native of Brazil, who has spent time with that country's National Futsal Team, had 30 blocks this season, to go along with eight goals and six assists for 14 points as Coach Clay Roberts used him all over the field during the recently completed MASL regular season. He was only one of five Tropics players to appear in all 20 games for Florida this season.

“No matter what we asked of Lucas, he was always willing to step forward with his tenacious attitude and skills,” Coach Clay Roberts said. “He scored big goals for us, and prevented some big ones as well. He was truly invaluable to our success this year. It was a pleasure to watch him blossom as one of the MASL's most versatile players.”

Teixeira is joined on the all-rookie squad by Stephen Paterson (Kansas City Comets), Manuel Rojo (Atletico Baja), Elton de Oliveira (Baltimore Blast), Thiago Freitas (Harrisburg Heat), Guererro Pino (Kansas City Comets) and Robert Renaud (Milwaukee Wave).

The Tropics completed their inaugural season in the MASL 8-12, missing out on a playoff spot on the final weekend of their regular season. They will start their second season at the Lakeland Center in November.

In addition, the team's sister franchise, the Lakeland Tropics, will kick off their inaugural season in the USL's Premier Development League on May 11 in Miami, before starting the seven-game home portion of the schedule on Saturday, May 20 at 7:35 against the PDL's Southeastern division defending champion Villages SC. More information and tickets are available at www.lakelandtropics.com.