Tropics hit road for pair -- in Orlando and Milwaukee -- in advance of Dec. 14 home opener

by Brian Ackley

The Florida Tropics will look to make it two straight over local Major Arena Soccer League rival Orlando SeaWolves when the two teams tangle for the second time this season on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Silver Spurs Arena. Kickoff is at 7:35 p.m.; the game will be broadcast live at www.masl.tv.

The two teams opened the 2019-20 season on Nov. 22, with the Tropics snagging a 3-2 win. Both teams were off for the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Matt Clare got the game winner in the fourth quarter, part of a two-point night. He assisted on the Tropics opening goal of the season off the foot of Rafael Alves, while Ricardo Carvalho got the other Florida goal. 

Hugo Silva earned the win in goal, tying a team record for fewest goals against in a game. The five combined goals also tied a team record for fewest total goals in a game.

Florida will be on the road again Saturday when they meet the MASL defending champion Milwaukee Wave in their home opener. Kickoff is 7:07 p.m. (CST). The Tropics are 0-5 lifetime against the Wave. Two players who suited up for Milwaukee last season signed in the off-season as free agents with Florida, including defender Drew Ruggles and midfielder Ricardinho Sobreira.

Milwaukee, 1-0, opened the season on the road with a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Ambush. Ian Bennett scored twice, and had three total points. Max Ferdinand added a goal and two assists. 

The Tropics home opener comes a week later, Saturday, Dec. 14 when they host Orlando. Kickoff for that game is 5:05 p.m.  It is the first of three straight Saturday home games, which also feature a visit by the Baltimore Blast on Dec. 21 and Milwaukee on Dec. 28. Those two teams have combined for the last four consecutive MASL championships. All home games this year will be broadcast live on Tampa's Great 38, WTTA-TV, as well as online at www.masl.tv.

For more information, including season tickets available for as little as $70 for all 12 home games, visit www.fltropics.com, or call 863-240-0101.