Two veterans lift Tropics into 2-2 tie against Clearwater Chargers

AUBURNDALE, Fla. -- Two veterans who have been with the Tropics in all four of their United Premier Soccer League seasons held Florida secure a 2-2 tie with the Clearwater Chargers Saturday night.

Victor Parreiras scored in the first half, but the Tropics found themselves on the short end of a 2-1 score at intermission at Lake Myrtle Sports Park. It appeared that would be how the night might end until Melvin Boetang was able to get the equalizer late in the second half to secure the Tropics a much needed point.

That will set up a showdown with Lakeland United on Saturday (June 11) at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, with the winner of that game guaranteeing themselves a spot in the UPSL Florida West Premier playoffs. The loser isn't necessarily out, however, depending on the outcome of other games this coming weekend. 

The Tropics defeated the United 2-1 two weeks ago on a pair of goals from Parreiras, a Major Arena Soccer League first-team all star for Florida, who advanced to the league's championship series where they fell to the San Diego Sockers last month. 

Kickoff for Saturday's pivotal game will be scheduled for 6 a.m., with the game to be streamed live on Eleven Sports.