Tropics SC Add Three More International Players to Roster

Lakeland, FL  -  Florida Tropics SC CEO and Owner Andrew Haines has announced the signing of three new players this morning. Marco Rodriguez, Paulo Meneses and Lucas Pinto will be joining the Tropics for their upcoming inaugural season.

Marco Rodriguez, 24, was born in Canada but has deep parental ties to Argentina.  Rodriguez began playing professional soccer in 2009 for Atheltico Platense in the Argentina second division. He played there until 2013, which is when he made the move to play in Uruguay for Defensor Sporting Club. After a few years away from home, in 2014 he returned to Canada to play for Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC’s USL side. Since then, Rodriguez has been playing in the Chinese Professional League for Windsor Arch Ka I. He also has had the honor of winning the Canadian Futsal Championship in 2016. Rodriguez is a player who will bring both pace and athleticism to the Tropics midfield.

Paulo Roberto Raison de Meneses was born in 1995 in Itajaí, Santa Catarina Brazil. Meneses has experience in the Brazilian minor league, playing with Clube Náutico Marcilio Dias. After playing there for three consecutive years, he moved on to Camboriú Futebol Clube in 2013, which plays in the highest competition of soccer in the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Meneses’ ability to play in different positions at both midfield and defense will give Head Coach Clay Roberts even more depth to both lines.

Lucas Teixeira Andrade Pinto, 30, was also born in Brazil. Lucas began playing futsal at the age of 16 and was a member of Minas Tênis Clube. He then played for Ulbra, Malwee Copagril and most recently this past season, Keima Futsal. Lucas has also spent time with the Brazilian National Futsal team and played alongside the likes of Manoel Tobias, Falcão and Gadeia. Throughout his illustrious career, he has won all possible titles in Brazil, including the National League in 2010. He has won the Super League in 2008 and 2010, as well as winning the Brazilian Cup in 2012. He has won titles in international play across South America with the Brazilian National Futsal team. He also won five State Championships in 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Measuring in at 5’ 8” and weighing 155 pounds, we expect Lucas to bring his veteran presence and experience to help this young team stay focused and win.

The Tropics will be announcing more additions to the team’s roster in the near future. Come see Rodriguez, Meneses and Lucas take the field this upcoming November! Season Tickets and information are currently available by calling (863)-333-5353 or visiting http://store.fltropics.com.

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 at 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 or to purchase tickets, visit FLTropics.com.