TROPICS ADD HAUSS

LAKELAND, Florida (May 28, 2019) - The Florida Tropics have signed free agent goaltender Rainer Hauss (pronounced HI-NEHR HOWS), who was a Major Arena Soccer League All Rookie Team selection in 2017-18.  Per league and team policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Hauss spent last season with the Orlando SeaWolves, splitting netminding chores with former Florida Tropics goalie Piotr Sliwa, posting strong numbers, including a goals-against-average of 5.78 and a save percentage of .726 (fifth best in the league) in his 16 games played.

Those numbers were similar to his first year in Cedar Rapids, where he posted a 5.71 GAA (sixth overall in the league) and save percentage of .728 (third best in the MASL) in earning his rookie team honor.

“More and more teams are looking to have two potential goalkeeping starters on their rosters. Rainer gives us great depth at the position. He's competitive, athletic and smart and will definitely push for his share of playing time,” Coach Clay Roberts said. “Regardless of who it is or where they may play, we want to be in position to put our best team out on the floor every single game.”

He also represented Brazil in the World Minifootball Federation World Cup in Tunisia and again at the Pan American Cup in Guatemala, where he won “best goaltender” honors.

The Tropics will start their fourth season in the Major Arena Soccer League late this fall at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. For more information, visit www.fltropics.com.