Tropics add more Brazilian Flair

by Brian Ackley

LAKELAND, Florida (May 23, 2019) - The Florida Tropics have added their second player from the Major Arena Soccer League champion Milwaukee Wave, signing midfielder Ricardinho Sobreira. Per team and league policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The midfielder appeared in all but one of the Wave's games during a 21-3 regular season, scoring six goals and adding eight assists to go along with 11 blocked shots in the defensive end. The 2017-18 season was his best in Milwaukee, with 10 goals and 10 assists in 22 games. The Tropics also had previously announced the signing of Wave defender Drew Ruggles.

The 30 year-old Brazilian has averaged better than a point a game in his seven year career. He started his indoor career playing three seasons with the Las Vegas Legends and then spent a season with the MASL team in Detroit before landing with the Wave for the last three seasons. In 128 career regular-season indoor games, he has 74 goals and 90 assists. He has also appeared in 21 playoff games, banging in another 15 goals.

“Along with Drew, Ricardinho brings a championship mindset to our team, something that can't be underestimated,” Florida Tropics Coach Clay Roberts said. “He is an adept playmayker who can also finish when he's around the goal, and he provides us with both flexibility and skill to complement some of the offensive stars like Gordy Gurson and Ricardo Carvalho we have signed.”

The Tropics have now signed five free agents during the league's free agency period which runs through May 30, in addition to re-signing fan favorites Victor Parreiras, Anthony Arico and Antonio Manfut. Florida will start its fourth season in the MASL late this fall at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. For more information, visit www.fltropics.com