Tropics Sign Veteran Robbie Aristodemo

by Brian Ackley

Lakeland, FL (Dec. 14, 2016) – The Florida Tropics SC have signed veteran indoor midfielder, Robbie Aristodemo, who has 281 career points and won three titles with the defending MajorArena Soccer League champion Baltimore Blast.

The midfielder appeared in 273 games with the San Diego Sockers, Cleveland Force and Baltimore Blast, where he also served as captain. More than half his indoor experience – 143games – came with the Blast. His offensive totals include 87 goals (one, two and three pointgoals) and 111 assists. He has been to five finals in the indoor game, and also played in outdoor soccer for six seasons in the United Soccer League with the Toronto Lynx – where he was named team MVP and A-League Rookie of the year in his first season – and Seattle Sounders.

As a native of Etobicoke, Ontario, and graduate from the University of Tulsa, Aristodemo has played for all the Canadian National Teams, including the under-17, under-20, under-23 and full team sides. He also played for Canada's 2012 CONCACAF championship futsal team, making him the only Canadian to have played on all of the Canadian National Teams both outdoor and indoor.

“We are committed to winning, and we are extremely fortunate to be able to bring aboard someone of Robbie's skill level and experience,” Tropics SC owner Andrew Haines said. “He's a leader, and his experience in the indoor game will provide a steadying influence. He also is astrong offensive player, which will fit into our attacking and pressure style.” 

Twice for the Blast he had 28 point seasons, including 15 goals and 13 assists in 28 games during the 2005-06 campaign and 10 goals and 18 assists in 2007-08. For the past six seasons, he's served as the girl's soccer coach at Montverde Academy in Orlando.

“I'm very excited to get back to the indoor game. I know the Tropics are aiming high, even as an expansion team. I've seen them play and have been impressed with their level of skill,” Aristodemo said. He will join the team once his deal is finalized and approved by the league.“I think my experience and passion for the indoor game will be a great match, and I look forward to exciting things for the franchise and for me.”

The Tropics will be at home Saturday, Dec. 17 against the Kansas City Comets, and then be on the road Dec. 30 and 31 at Kansas City and against the Cedar Rapids Rampage, before opening a seven-game home stand at the Lakeland Center on Jan. 6 against the Dallas Sidekicks. Tickets for all home game are available at fltropics.com or by calling 863-333-5353.