Tropics Sign Goalkeeper Hugo Silva

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Tropics will have a new look in goal when they start their third year in the Major Arena Soccer League in December, signing former Harrisburg Heat netminder Hugo Silva for the 2018-19 season. Per league and team policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Silva has been the starting goalkeeper for the Eastern Division rival Harrisburg Heat for the past two seasons, posting a 5.55 goals against average in his rookie season and a 6.31 mark for the Heat last year.

The Tropics were on the lookout for help in goal since Piotr Sliwa, who has been the starter for the last two seasons for Florida, signed this offseason with the nearby Orlando SeaWolves.

“Hugo brings great skills and a great understanding of the indoor game to the Tropics,” Head Coach Clay Roberts said. “We've admired his athletic talents from the other side of the floor and know what kind of effort he puts in and intensity he plays with game in and game out. He has consistently been one of the top goaltenders we have faced in our first two years. We are excited to have him our side starting this fall.”

The 6'-2” native of Brazil isn't afraid to mix it up a bit on the offensive end of the floor as well. He scored a goal last year, and had four assists, including a two-assist game last December against St. Louis. His goal came last November at home on a shot from his own yellow line that went untouched through traffic in front of the Ontario Fury goal.

In his first year, he claimed two wins over the Baltimore Blast, who have won the last three consecutive MASL championships, including one on the playoffs. Silva backstopped a 7-4 regular season win over Baltimore in 2016-17, and was in goal when the Heat extended the Blast with a 5-4 post-season triumph. He was named that game's No. 1 star.

He was also the winning goaltender in all four games against the Tropics that season. Silva allowed just two goals in two of those wins.

The MASL will play a 24-game regular season this coming season. The Tropics will open their home schedule on SYKES Field at the RP Funding Center this December. For more information, go to www.tropicssoccer.com.