Pulido, Ricardinho Latest Additions to International Challenge

St. Charles, MO (May 25, 2017) – Two more players have been named to participate in the Major Arena Soccer League’s 2017International Challenge, a special exhibition contest slated for Friday, June16 at 7:35 p.m. CT at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. The match will feature players and all-stars from across the league in a “USA versus The World” format. Turlock Express midfielder Arturo Pulido will join the USA squad and Dallas Sidekicks midfielder Ricardinho Cavalcante will play for the World team in the International Challenge.

Arturo Pulido hails from Livingston, California andis a six-year veteran of the indoor game. He tallied nine goals and 16 assists in 20 games played for the Express last season. Besides his career in the MASL, Pulido also serves as Assistant Coach of the Men’s Soccer program at Modesto Junior College. 

Ricardinho is a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He made his Sidekicks debut in 2003, where he set a then-record for most points earned by a rookie with 30. He has also played with the Detroit Ignition, Baltimore Blast and Omaha Vipers. In 2014, Ricardinho was named to the US National Futsal Team. He appeared in 19 games for the Sidekicks duringthe 2016-17 season and contributed 10 goals and 17 assists. 

More players will be announced this 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 playersfrom 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.