Silver Knights Add Three All-League Veterans & Two Rookies to Final Roster
November 7, 2014 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) have announced the signings of defenders Nelson Santana and Jason Gaylord and forwards Anthony Grant, Slavisa Ubiparipovic and Neto to the roster.
Silver Knights Defender, Jason Gaylord, Former Old Dominion star.
Gaylord is another new face for Coach Tommy Tanner to deploy, and the Kendall, New York native is a reliable one. The defender started in 61 of his 69 total games in his career at Old Dominion. In 2013, Gaylord was the Monarchs' defensive anchor and was selected to the 1st Team All-Conference USA squad.
"It's nice be playing for a team close to home, family, and friends. I'm very excited to have a breakout season in the new MASL"
He'll have experienced guys to lean on as Bo Jelovac and Nelson Santana are likely to take him under their wing. Expect Gaylord to contribute in his first season with a professional team.
Silver Knights Forward, Anthony Grant, First time professional.
Grant is on his first professional contact out of Bowling Green University. The forward was lethal whenever he was in front of the net. He totaled 12 goals and 7 assists in just two years with the Falcons. His efforts landed him a spot on the 1st Team All-MAC in 2012 and 2nd Team in 2013.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play with the Silver Knights and excited to sign my first professional contract. As a rookie you want to learn from your teammates and learn the indoor game. My expectations this season is to help the team win a championship, nothing less."
The Kingston, Jamaica native will fit in well with the Silver Knights. Although he still needs to adjust to the indoor game, expect Grant to cause havoc in front of opposing nets, looking to capitalize of any opportunity.
Silver Knights Defender, Nelson Santana, Silver Knights Captain.
Last season, Santana posted a double-double for the club with 14 total goals and 11 assists en route to a spot of the All-MISL First Team. The Captain did all of this while being on the team's top defensive pairing.
"I try to bring the ball down the field and do anything I can to score goals to help my team win," Santana explained.
The Salt City original, Nelson was a rock in the squad's inaugural season. He earned first team Defensive All-MISL honors while being elected the team MVP, playing in all 24 of the team's games with 46 points while totaling 34 blocks
Santana spent his summer playing with the US Futsal National team.
He'll be easy to spot on the field because the California native will be on the ball and ready put his teammates in game-changing positions.
Silver Knights Forward, Slavisa Ubiparipovic, Silver Knights Original.
Ubiparipovic returned for a third campaign with the Knights last season. Slavisa, or "Slav" as Coach Tanner knows him, completed his 2013-2014 journey ranked third on the team in total goals with 16 along with 10 assists. In his rookie campaign, the Bosnian tallied 22 total goals with 14 assists for a team-leading 61 points. As a result, Slav earned the 2011-2012 MISL Rookie of the Year Award.
Expect Ubiparipovic to increase his scoring production this year, as the forward looks to be the player that the Silver Knights are going to lean on.
Hungry as ever, Slav will be ready to lead the Salt City squad right out of the gate as one of the team's original players.
Silver Knights Forward, Neto, Indoor Soccer Veteran.
The 2011 Rookie of the Year with the Missouri Comets made some waves in his inaugural season with the Silver Knights. During the 2012-2013 campaign, Neto was tied for second in the league in goals with 34, two of which were three-pointers. The Brazilian also finished tied for third in points with 78.
His performance in 2012-2013 earned him a spot on the All-MISL First Team.
"My role is to make goals, make assists and help my teammates," Neto explained.
The Brazilian's efforts in the Orange, Silver and Black's 2013-2014 campaign saw him tally a double-double. Neto notched 13 total goals with 12 assists. Luckily for the Knights, the crafty playmaker returns for another season in the Salt City, eager to make the playoffs and bring the team some silverware.
The Silver Knights will kick off its fourth indoor soccer season in the MASL on November 8 on the road against the Baltimore Blast, followed by the home opener versus the Ontario Fury on November 21 at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena at 7:30 PM. Tickets to all Silver Knights home games will be available at the CNY Family Sports Centre, online at www.syracusesilverknights.com or over the phone at 315 - 303-7261.
How to Follow the Syracuse Silver Knights at Baltimore Blast
Kickoff: Saturday, November 8, 7:35 p.m. EST at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland
Broadcast: http://golivesportscast.com/baltimore-blast-2014-2015-masl-game-schedule/
Online: The @CuseKnights Twitter Feed will provide match updates v
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