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Adauto Neto Named 2005-06 Major Indoor Soccer League MVP

May 25, 2006 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2) News Release


WESTPORT, Conn. (Thursday, May 25, 2006) - The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced Thursday that Baltimore Blast forward Adauto Neto has been voted the 2005-06 MISL Most Valuable Player, and the recipient of the Hector Marinaro Trophy. The 25-year-old native of Brazil recently completed his third season in the MISL, his first with Baltimore. Neto who was also named an MISL All-Star and All-MISL First Team this season, becomes only the second player to ascend from the All-Rookie Team to MISL MVP honors, joining current Philadelphia KiXX forward Dino Delevski.

"It is awesome," Neto said Thursday. "To be named MVP with all of the great players we have and that have won the award, it's a great honor. It is a bit of a surprise. I worked hard, my teammates worked hard, and this feels very good."

In 30 regular season games Neto totaled 58 points, 36 goals, and 22 assists - all figures that ranked among the top-five MISL leaders. Neto had at least one point in 25 of 30 games. When Neto did not score, the Blast (17-13) were just 1-4.

Neto becomes the second player in Baltimore's 26-year professional indoor soccer history win the MVP distinction, joining the late Stan Stamenkovic who was named MISL MVP following the 1983-84 season. Like Baltimore's 1983-84 team, the 2005-06 Baltimore Blast proceeded to win the MISL Championship - the club's third MISL title in the past four seasons.

"In my mind, all year, Neto was the guy," Baltimore coach Danny Kelly said. "He has speed, strength, skill. He can finish. He plays defense. He is very deserving of MVP. More than any one area of his game, Neto is the complete package."

To determine winners of the postseason awards, members of the media, MISL coaches and team personnel are asked to cast votes for first-place (worth five points), second-place (three points), and third-place (one point) for MISL MVP. Neto received the most first-place votes and the most voting points overall in polling for the MVP and Hector Marinaro Trophy.

Neto played his first two seasons in Cleveland, where as an All-MISL Rookie Team selection in 2003-04, he played alongside Marinaro, professional indoor soccer's all-time leading scorer and goal scorer. Marinaro won the MVP award six times. His name was permanently attached to the MISL's top individual honor in 2004-05. Neto recognizes Marinaro, former coach Omid Namazi, and his Baltimore teammates and coaches as individuals that have allowed him to elevate his game.

"To get a trophy with Hector Marinaro's name on it is awesome," Neto said. "When we played together in Cleveland I looked up to him. He helped me improve my vision on the field, my place on the field, and how to look for my teammates. Hector's experience, his skills, his leadership on the field, he always had something to offer. This award means a great deal."

"I'm excited for Neto and his family," Marinaro said Thursday. "The award is well deserved. He's a heck of a player. Neto can take over a game completely by himself. He's a special talent."

In three seasons in the MISL, Neto has totaled 80 games, 79 goals, and 41 assists, despite missing significant time in each of his first two seasons due to injury. In 11 career MISL Championship Series games Neto has 11 goals and six assists.

A complete listing of the Major Indoor Soccer League's postseason awards is available at www.misl.net.



Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from May 25, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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