Texas Outlaws players called up to the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team
MESQUITE, TEXAS - (September 11, 2023) The Texas Outlaws performance on the field last season in the MASL showed the league that their organization is positioned to be a force on and off the field for years to come, and now they are setting an additional strong precedent by having multiple players called up again to the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team's training camps, tournaments, and international competitions.
This week, the U.S. Men’s National Futsal program announced three Texas Outlaw’s players (formerly known as the Mesquite Outlaws) have been called up to attend training camp in Downingtown, Pennsylvania from September 13-17 under new U.S. Futsal Head Coach Hewerton Moreira.
The three players called up from the Outlaws roster are David Ortiz, Sebastian Mendez, and Luiz Morales.
Tatu, head coach of the Texas Outlaws stated, "I am very happy for our players who are participating in the U.S. Futsal training camp. Having three of our players called up by the U.S. Futsal national team demonstrates the quality of talent we have in our organization.”
Of the players called up, David Ortiz racked up a total of 24 points during the season last year consisting of 14 goals and 10 assists. Ortiz has also previously represented the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team receiving his first call up in 2021, as well as being a member of the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup roster representing the United States.
Sebastian Mendez, a strong attacking presence on the pitch, finished last season with second highest ranking in league points with 41 points total consisting of 27 goals and 14 assists. Mendez has also been previously called up to the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team, receiving his first cap in 2022.
Luiz Morales, another player who has experience playing for the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team, has also been called into training camp, earning his first cap with the national team in 2022. Previously, Morales demonstrated his front-line talent in the MASL, as he was the 2021-2022 MASL Rookie of the Year where he had a total of 33 points consisting of 23 goals and 10 assists.
The Outlaws “Trio” of Ortiz, Mendez, and Morales were also part of U.S. Soccer History in 2022 when they competed in UMAG, Croatia at the Nations Cup last October. The Trio became the first U.S. Men’s National Team winning an international soccer-specific tournament hosted on European soil.
U.S. Futsal Head Coach, Hewerton Moreira, stated regarding the Outlaws players called up, "David Ortiz, Sebastian Mendez, and Luiz Morales bring a lot of talent to the U.S. Futsal National Team. I am thrilled to have them on board. The fact that they are teammates and have a strong connection with the Outlaws will enhance their chemistry on the National team,”
Brad Namdar, General Manager and Sporting Director of the Texas Outlaws, stated, “When I spoke to Coach Moriera on the phone, I knew our players were going to be in good hands,” said Namdar, “Having three Texas MASL players called up the U.S. Men’s National Futsal Team is something that our organization takes tremendous pride in, and we are confident they will make both the great State of Texas, and our Country proud.”
This National Team camp will be important as the United States look to qualify for their second-consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup.
ABOUT THE TEXAS OUTLAWS
Founded in 2019, the Texas Outlaws (formally known as the Mesquite Outlaws) are a proud member of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Owned by Mehrdad Moayedi, the Outlaws play in the legendary Mesquite Arena.
For more information, visit TexasOutlaws.com.