Tropics Ink Second MAJOR Signing of MASL Free Agency Period With Superstar Gordy Gurson

LAKELAND, Fla – The Florida Tropics continue to improve their team during the Major Arena Soccer League’s (MASL) Free Agency Period with the signing of former Orlando SeaWolves forward and league superstar Gordy Gurson. Gurson is a former MASL Rookie of the Year and was fifth in goals and 4th in total points for the league this past season. Per team and league policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Over the past three seasons, Gurson has 87 goals and 53 assists in just 66 games played. His best season was his last in Orlando when he scored 34 goals and added 24 assists. He was fifth in the league in goals and fourth in overall points. In six games against Florida, the 27-year old dynamo had 13 goals, including a four-goal outburst Jan. 12 and three goals on Feb. 12, both played at the RP Funding Center.

“Ever since the Tropics have been in the league, it's been easy to admire Gordy and his skill and maybe most importantly his constant heart and hustle for 60 minutes every game,” Coach Clay Roberts said. “I know our fans will love him; we will be thrilled to have him on our side instead of having to play against him. His stats are incredible, they speak for themselves, but his intangibles on and off the field are what truly sets him apart.”

A native of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Gurson wasted little time in becoming one of the premier indoor players in the game. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2014-2015, his first season in the MASL, when he scored 46 goals and added 18 assists for the Tacoma Stars and St. Louis Ambush. The following season, with St. Louis and Cedar Rapids, he scored 33 goals in just 18 games. After two additional seasons in Cedar Rapids, he came to Orlando before the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

In sum, in his 107-game MASL career so far, Gurson has 166 goals and 75 assists. In 2015, he was a member of the U. S. team which won the World Minifootball Federation World Cup.

“I can't wait to get started. I got the chance to play three times in Lakeland, and it was a great experience with great crowds and a lot of fun,” Gurson said. “So, it's the same state and a new team, but the same goal, to get this team to the 2019-20 MASL playoffs.”

Earlier this week, the MASL announced the time-table for the annual Free Agency Period. Across the league, there are over 250 players eligible for free agency during this period.

Beginning May 15 at 9 a.m. EDT through May 30 at 6 p.m. EDT will be considered a “Live Period” for contract negotiations. Players with contracts expiring prior to November 1, 2019 will be able to sign with any team ONLY during this period. Players with expired contracts are free to sign at any time.

If a player is already under contract or signs a contract extension (pending league approval) through the 2019-2020 season, they will not be eligible during the Live Period.

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