Basso, Curiel Selected for MASL International Challenge

by Jim Fossell

St. Charles, MO (June 2, 2017) – Harrisburg Heat defender Stephen Basso and Milwaukee Wave midfielder Angel Curiel have been selected to play in the MASL International Challenge game, which is slated for Friday, June 16 at 7:35 p.m. CT at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. The special exhibition match will feature players and All-Stars from across the league in a “USA versus The World” format. Basso will play for the US team and Curiel will play for the World side.

Basso, a native of Columbia, Maryland, is the 2016-17 MASL Defender of the Year. His stellar season included six goals, five assists and a league-leading 53 blocks. Basso is a veteran of five indoor seasons, having played for the Rochester Lancers, Ontario Fury and the Heat. He has also played outdoor soccer with Real Maryland FC, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Harrisburg City Islanders and Richmond Kickers.

Curiel hails from Tulancingo, Mexico. The 2016-17 season was his fourth in the pro indoor ranks. His rookie season (2014-15) was spent with the Monterrey Flash. He joined the San Diego Sockers for the 2015-16 campaign, and played last season with the Cedar Rapids Rampage. Curiel was signed as a free agent by the Wave on May 19. He logged seven goals and five blocks in 15 games played last season.

More players will be announced Monday. Each MASL team was invited to nominate their players for the International Challenge match and the International Challenge committee has selected the rosters for the game.

Leading up to this year’s International Challenge, the Ambush will host the 2017 MASL Player Combine on Friday, June 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Family Arena. The Combine will give potential players from all over the chance to work out in front of coaches and team representatives from across the league, and have the chance to earn an invite to a preseason MASL camp. Four players from the combine will also be selected to participate in the International Challenge game that night. For more information and registration for the combine, visit stlambush.com or call the Ambush office at 636.477.6363.

Tickets for the MASL International Challenge are now on sale. Prices start at $12, with group prices starting at $10. To purchase visit the Family Arena box office, Metrotix.com or call the St. Louis Ambush at 636.477.6363.

For up-to-date information about the International Challenge and the players participating, visit the St. Louis Ambush website at stlambush.com and the Major Arena Soccer League’s website at maslsoccer.com.