Tropics Close in on Final Inaugural Season Roster with Two More Signings

by Andrew Ross

Lakeland, FL – The Tropics are finalizing their inaugural season roster with the announcement of two more players. Armando Tello and Kevin Rockwell-Ashton will join the additional 18 players currently signed to the Tropics leading up to the home opener on November 11th vs. San Diego. 

Armando Tello brings nearly 10 years of professional indoor soccer experience to the Tropics. While born in Chicago, Tello has direct routes from Puerto Rico, as well as heritage from Mexico, and Italy. Tello is the first Puerto Rican to play professional indoor soccer, and hopes to embrace the Puerto Rican community here in Central Florida.

Tello served a short tenure with the Puerto Rican national team, and has played with professional indoor soccer franchises throughout North America. Tello started his career as a professional with the Chicago Storm reserves, before transferring to the Chicago Mustangs. After spending a few years playing in Chicago, Tello moved on to play for the Detroit Waza Flo in the 2013/14 season, and then was traded to the Seattle Impact (known today as the Tacoma Stars). Prior to joining the Tropics, Tello played in Cedar Rapids for the Rampage.

“Tello is a very skillful player who can play any position. He has excellent technique and skill on the ball, and has proven he can adapt immediately to any tactical change. He brings years of experience playing at the highest level of professional arena soccer, and has a natural tendency to both score goals, and defend them. We are excited to see him take the field during pre-season, and then on November 11th”, said Tropics Owner Andrew Haines.

Kevin Rockwell-Ashton is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, but has recently moved to Orlando Florida. Kevin started getting noticed in Orlando when he began playing in the Central Florida Soccer League, where he has been the leagues top scorer over the past 3 seasons with over 30 goals. His play in the CFSL earned him the opportunity to play for Kraze United in the NPSL for the past two seasons.

Kevin has previously played in Mexico with Puebla F.C., and in Argentina for Newell’s Old Boys U-18 team. Kevin brings speed and size to the Tropics offense, and the opportunity to develop into one of the leagues leading goal scorers.

“I believe Kevin’s international experience will help him achieve his goals and become a feared offensive threat. He demonstrates great talent with the ability to find the back of the net. I believe that he will develop well with our veteran forwards and be a vital asset to the future of this organization”, said Haines.

The Tropics will take the field in their inaugural season home opener on November 11th at 7:35pm. To purchase tickets, call the teams front office at 863-333-5353. For more information, visit www.FLTropics.com.

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

Player contracts are pending league approval