Tropics SC look to get back to winning ways vs. St. Louis Friday night

LAKELAND, Fla. – Both the Florida Tropics SC and St. Louis Ambush will look to bounce back from disappointing losses last weekend when the two teams tangle Friday night on SYKES Field at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Florida built a 4-1 lead against Syracuse, then needed three sixth-attacker goals to force overtime before losing to the Silver Knights in overtime, 10-9. St. Louis built a 6-0 lead against Kansas City but fell 11-9 to fall to 1-11. The Tropics are 6-5, but only 3-3 on SYKES Field.

Florida is led by Ricardo Diegues who has 12 goals and 12 assists, and captain and assistant coach Freddy Moojen who has 11 goals and 12 assists. Mauricio Salles is also tied for the team lead in goals with 12.

Player/coach Hewerton Moriera paces the St. Louis office, largely as a playmaker, with four goals and 17 assists. Clayton Matteus is the team leader in goals with eight.

The two teams met New Year's Even in St. Louis, with Diegues netting three goals and an assist in an 8-5 Florida win.

This is the second game in a three game homestand which concludes Saturday, Jan. 20 when the Kansas City Comets visit. Tickets for both games are available at www.fltropics.com, or by calling 863-240-0101. All Tropics games home and away are also broadcast live at www.masl.tv  and on the free MASL app.