Hewerton, Mattingly Added to MASL International Challenge
St. Charles, MO (May 19, 2017) – Two more players have been named to participate in the Major Arena Soccer League’s 2017 International Challenge. Cedar Rapids Rampage player/coach Hewerton Moreira has been named to the International team and St. Louis Ambush defender Chris Mattingly will join the USA squad.
The International Challenge match is slated for Friday, June 16 at 7:35 p.m. CT at the Family Arena and will feature players and All-Stars from across the league in a “USA versus The World” format.
Hewerton (pronounced Everton) hails from Santos, Brazil. He is a 13-season veteran who added Head Coach to his resume for the 2016-17 season with Cedar Rapids. In addition to the Rampage, Hewerton played for the Milwaukee Wave, San Diego Sockers, Detroit Ignition, Philadelphia KiXX and Chicago Mustangs. He excelled both on and off the pitch last season, leading the second-year team to a 12-8 record that was good for a third place finish in the MASL Central Division. On the field, Hewerton contributed 22 goals and 14 assists to the Rampage offensive attack.
Chris Mattingly is a St. Louis native. The 2016-17 season was his fourth with the Ambush. He has consistently ranked among the top defenders in the league and last season was no different as Mattingly ranked second in the MASL in blocks with 48. He earned Second Team All-MASL honors for his outstanding season.
More players will be announced next week. Each MASL team was invited to nominate their players for the International Challenge match and the International Challenge committee will select the rosters.
Leading up to this year’s International Challenge, the Ambush and Family Arena will host the 2017 MASL Player Combine on Friday, June 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 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 All-Star 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.