Hispanic Players to Watch in the MASL
October 15, 2022 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) News Release
We are a few weeks away from starting a new season, and as part of the Hispanic Heritage celebrations, here are the 10 Hispanic players to watch in the 2022-2023 season of the Major Arena Soccer League.
In my selection you will find the players that already have experience in our league. The Monterrey Flash return this season and features interesting names like Israel Jiménez, Walter Ayoví and Luis Ángel “Quick” Mendoza, who will undoubtedly grab the spotlight, but it remains to be seen how they adapt to indoor soccer.
It is worth mentioning that any person who comes from a country whose native language is Spanish is considered Hispanic, and contrary to what many think, it is not synonymous with Latino (born in Latin American countries).
Nick Perera (Tacoma)
The Spanish attacker was the best Hispanic scorer last season with 48 points (21g-27a) and is the offensive brain of the Stars. He is four points short of reaching 500 for life in indoor soccer in the regular season, a milestone that he will surely reach in the first games. He is also the captain of the US National Beach Soccer Team, and is the general manager of the OL Reign, an NWLS team.
Moises Gonzalez (Baltimore)
After shining brightly with Utica City, the Mexican national team player was transferred for this season to the Baltimore Blast, one of the most traditional teams in professional fast soccer in the United States.
“Moy” could only play 13 games last tournament and scored 14 points, his lowest number, since in the rest of his seven seasons at this level he had accumulated at least 24. For the first time he will be in a league top team, which It will surely boost your ability.
Jorge Ríos (Chihuahua)
“Pareja” since he joined the Savage shone offensively and was the eighth best scorer in the league with 44 points (33g-11a), so it is undoubtedly expected that this year he will be a high class player again, but to acquire the star status should weigh more in the playoffs, since he only added one point in 6 games.
Brandon Escoto (San Diego)
One of the badges of the Sockers who won the two-in a row championships last season. Elusive and intelligent, the native of Tijuana, Mexico will be a threat to enemy defenses.
He had 44 points (23g-21a) in 23 games last tournament and contributed 19 combined (11g-8a) in the 13 games of the two-time playoffs.
Charlie Gonzalez (San Diego)
Star element of the two-time champion who added 39 points and was the third best scorer among Hispanics with 23 goals. He is only in his second tournament with the Sockers after bright with the late Ontario Fury.
Erick Tovar (Monterrey)
He returns home after his stay in San Diego and recovering from a knee surgery. He will surely take the leading role in the blue team’s attack. In his career he has accumulated 122 points (88g-34a) in 88 games between the MASL and PASL.
Benji Monreal (Kansas City)
The image of his “rabona” shot to score went around the world earlier this year via ESPN’s Sportscenter and put the Kansas City Comets and the MASL on the map. Chihuahuan Benji Monreal will be in the MASL for the first time in a full season. He made that goal in the only regular-season game he played and added two in three playoff games. It depends on him not to be a “one hit wonder”.
Berna Valdovinos (Chihuahua)
He was the only hispano who appeared in the list for the Goalkeeper of the Year award last season. Vital for the Savage to advance to the Semifinal in their debut season. He had a record of 14-4 and a 5.79 average of goals conceded per game. He is distinguished among goalkeepers in the league thanks to his handling of the ball with his feet.
Guerrero Pino (San Diego)
He was one of three candidates for Defender of the Year and the only Hispanic on the list. He established himself as the leader of the best defense of the season, which barely conceded 89 goals, 11 fewer than his closest rival (Baltimore). San Diego blocks leader with 25.
Cesar Cerda (San Diego)
He was Pino’s squire in the Californian defense. He protected his goal 20 times that earned him blocks and also had time to collect 15 points, thanks to 5 goals and 10 assists. The auriazules finished with a 19-0 mark, largely due to their great defensive work.
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