BRAZILIAN MIDFIELDER HAS SPARKED SAN DIEGO SOCKERS OFFENSE
The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) announced its first-ever All-Rookie Team, and San Diego Sockers midfielder Ney was among the seven players honored with inclusion.
Playing in just twelve games this year due to early visa issues and a midseason injury, Mardney Almeida “Ney” Felix nonetheless finished tied for third on the Sockers in goals (16) and sixth on the team in points (22), leading San Diego to a 10-2 record in his games played. Ney burst on the scene with a hat trick and two assists in his first professional indoor soccer game, a win over the Seattle Impact. He followed up that performance with two goals and an assist against the undefeated Missouri Comets, and scored a key goal in the Sockers’ 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Blast.
“Ney has been a great addition to our team, and he’s still learning the game,” said Sockers head coach Phil Salvagio, “We see the sky as the limit for what Ney can do in this game.”
Ney, 27, came to the Sockers from professional futsal in Brazil, where he was MVP of the Brazil Cup first division with Cajuina Futsal in 2013. He began his pro career in 2004 with Colorado of Sao Cristovao. With the Sockers, Ney scored a goal in ten of his twelve games, including a seven game goals streak.
Joining Ney on the All-Rookie team are St. Louis striker Gordy Gurson, Baltimore target Vini Dantas and defender Onua Obasi, Texas forward Lucas Totti, Missouri defender Alain Matingou and Monterrey goalkeeper Diego Reynoso.
Ney will be on the field on Saturday night as the Sockers (16-4) take on the Las Vegas Legends in a single-elimination playoff for the Major Arena Soccer League Pacific Division championship. Tickets are available at (866) 799-GOAL, online through sockers.com and at the Valley View Casino Center box office.
Photo Credit: Aaron Jaffe
