MASL HIGHLIGHTED AT U.S. SOCCER FUTSAL TRAINING CAMP

by Lindsay Mogle

Ten Major Arena Soccer League players and one coach participated in the U.S. Men’s Futsal National Team training camp held in Downington, Penn. earlier this month.


Of the 18 players selected to attend, 10 represented the MASL along with Head Coach Hewerton Moreira. The training camp was the first step for the team as it prepares to continue its quest to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup.


“The camp was high quality, with players who were truly dedicated and focused and the addition of skilled MASL players brought a whole new level of professionalism,” said U.S. Men’s Futsal Head Coach Hewerton Moreira. “It's a winning combination that sets the stage for a bright and promising future.”


Roster included:

*Note: Some players are now free agents. Team listed represents last team where the player was rostered. 

GOALKEEPERS:

  • Boris Pardo, San Diego Sockers

FIXOS (Defenders):  

  • Marcio Leite, Milwaukee Wave

ALAS (Winger/Midfielder): 

  • Nate Bourdeau, Utica City FC
  • Nilton de Andrade, Utica City FC
  • Sebastian Mendez, Texas Outlaws
  • David Ortíz, Texas Outlaws
  • Alencar Ventura-Junior, MASL Free Agent

PIVOS (Target/Forward):  

  • Raphael Araujo, Baltimore Blast
  • Luiz Morales, Texas Outlaws
  • Zach Reget, Kansas City Comets


“The turnout of MASL players at the US Futsal Men’s National Team training camp is another great example of the skill level of the players in this league, who all can compete on the world stage,” commented MASL Commissioner Keith Tozer. “Combined with recent successes at the TST and Sand Soccer Championships, the MASL continues to prove it is the home of some of the finest soccer players in the country.”


“The camp overall was incredible. The pool of talent this team has and the overall organization that Hewerton brings to the table is one of the best team atmospheres I have ever been a part of,” added San Diego Sockers goalkeeper Boris Pardo. “It was an honor to share the same floor with all these guys. The MASL definitely represented well at camp with guys standing out with their play and movements on the court. Just goes to show the versatility the MASL player possesses and how strong this league really is.”


Futsal is another indoor version of the sport of soccer, with teams fielding five players each on court the measure 40 by 20 meters. It is sanctioned by FIFA and is a contraction of the Spanish words "futbol sala."


For more information on the sport or to inquire about athlete eligibility, please email U.S. Soccer's Extended National Teams Department at extendednt@ussoccer.org.


About The Major Arena Soccer League 


The Major Arena Soccer League is the highest level of professional indoor soccer, featuring teams stretching across North America, from coast to coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL’s players originate from over 30 nations, representing the best talent from across the globe.


For all the news on MASL visit MASLsoccer.com or follow-on social media, @maslsoccer on Facebook and Instagram and @maslarena on X. To catch the action live visit and follow the channel on Twitch.com/masl_soccer for all the season’s games.